With the main taxes ruled out, attention is shifting to other revenue generators

As Chancellor John Healey delivers his first Autumn Budget on 28 October 2026, the government faces a difficult balancing act. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has committed to Labour’s manifesto pledge not to raise the main rates of Income Tax, National Insurance or VAT. However, the government also faces significant spending pressures and limited scope under its fiscal rules.

That does not necessarily mean taxpayers will avoid higher taxes. The Chancellor could consider wealth, investments, property, pensions and other sources of

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Are you and your partner ready for retirement?

Why couples should talk about pensions and retirement plans.

Many couples plan their holidays, household budgets and major purchases together, yet pensions and retirement can be overlooked. Research suggests that fewer than one in five non-retired people have discussed their pensions or retirement plans with their partner, potentially leaving one person unaware of important financial decisions[1].

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The 15 million workers heading for a retirement disaster

Future pensioners risk being poorer than today’s retirees unless action is taken.

Retirement may feel like a distant concern for many working people, but a stark new warning suggests millions of Britons could be heading towards a financial cliff edge in later life.

According to an interim report from the revived Pensions Commission, more than 15 million people are not saving enough for retirement, and a further 18 million are saving nothing at all[1]. The report warns that future pensioners

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Why more families are losing wealth to Inheritance Tax and how to avoid it

Data shows families are paying unnecessary tax without planning ahead.

Planning for your death is unlikely to be a cheery task to tick off your to-do list, but as the rules keep changing and tax thresholds remain frozen, tackling it is more important than ever. Families paid a record £8.5 billion in Inheritance Tax (IHT) in the 2025/26 tax year, 3.6% higher than the £8.2 billion paid the previous year, according to HM Revenue & Customs.

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When planning becomes an act of love

Preparing for tomorrow starts with a conversation today.

Most of us understand the importance of planning for the future. Yet some of the conversations that matter most, about ageing, loss of capacity, responsibility and ultimately death, are often the very discussions we avoid.

It is rarely because we do not care. More often, we fear saying the wrong thing, upsetting someone close to us, or starting a conversation that feels difficult to navigate. As a result, important decisions are postponed

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Protecting your income when life takes an unexpected turn

A solution that can play an important role in safeguarding your financial wellbeing.

Imagine waking up tomorrow unable to work because of an illness or injury. While many people focus on protecting their home, car or possessions, few consider what would happen if their income suddenly stopped. Yet for most households, regular earnings underpin everyday living costs, mortgage repayments, bills and future financial plans.

A prolonged absence from work can place significant pressure on personal finances. Although statutory benefits and

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Over £31.1 billion of pension assets held in lost pots

Why bringing your pensions together could simplify your retirement.

In today’s working world, it is increasingly common for people to change jobs multiple times throughout their careers. While each new role can bring fresh opportunities, it can also leave behind a collection of workplace pensions with different providers. Research shows that there are nearly 3.3 million lost pension pots in the UK, worth over £31.1 billion in assets[1].

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Offshore Bonds: A tax-efficient route to passing on wealth

The wealth transfer strategy more families are exploring.

As changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rules take effect, many investors may be seeking alternative ways to protect their wealth and pass more of it on to future generations. With tax allowances becoming less generous and estate-planning challenges mounting, offshore bonds are attracting renewed interest among individuals seeking greater flexibility and tax efficiency.

While offshore bonds are not suitable for everyone, they can play an important role

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Life events that trigger a financial review

Understanding your options to make informed decisions.

Life rarely stands still. Major milestones, unexpected changes and new opportunities can significantly affect your financial wellbeing. While many people review their finances only when a problem arises, a proactive approach can help ensure your plans remain aligned with your circumstances and long-term goals.

A financial review is not simply about checking investment performance or monitoring savings. It is an opportunity to assess whether your financial strategy still aligns with your current needs

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Earning returns on your returns

How compound growth can turn small savings into a significant amount.

Many people assume that building meaningful wealth requires large sums of money from the outset. In reality, one of the most powerful forces in personal finance is something far simpler: time. When paired with consistent saving and investing, compound growth can turn modest contributions into substantial long-term wealth.

This principle is often referred to as “earning returns on your returns”. Over time, it can significantly affect financial outcomes, particularly

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