July August 2026

Welcome to the latest issue of SmartMoney

In today’s working life, frequent job changes have left millions of UK workers with scattered workplace pensions, often forgotten or difficult to track. With an estimated 3.3 million lost pension pots worth over £31 billion, many people lack a clear view of their retirement savings. On page 08, we examine how consolidating pensions can improve visibility, simplify administration and help align investments with goals, while also reviewing charges and performance. However, valuable benefits may be lost, so careful review and professional advice are essential before transferring funds.

Life is constantly changing, and major milestones or unexpected events can have a significant impact on your financial wellbeing. A proactive financial review helps ensure your plans remain aligned with your goals, rather than reacting only when problems arise. Career changes, family milestones, property decisions and retirement all present key moments to reassess your finances. Regular reviews can help adjust savings, pensions and protection, keeping your strategy on track and supporting financial stability and confidence over the long term. Read the article on page 10.

Income is often a household’s most valuable asset, yet many people overlook protecting it. This article on page 11 explains how income protection insurance can provide financial support if illness or injury prevents you from working. By replacing a portion of lost earnings, it can help cover essential expenses, maintain financial stability and reduce stress during recovery. Understanding how income protection works, its benefits and key considerations can help ensure you and your family are better prepared for life’s unexpected challenges and financial uncertainties.

For many families, the most important conversations are often the ones left unsaid. Discussing issues such as loss of capacity, Powers of Attorney, end-of-life wishes and future responsibilities can feel uncomfortable, yet avoiding them can create uncertainty and stress when difficult decisions arise. This article on page 06 explains why planning ahead is an act of care, helping loved ones understand your values, preferences and priorities. Open conversations can provide clarity, reduce confusion and ensure that important decisions reflect what matters most to you.

A complete list of the articles featured in this issue appears on page 02.

Click the cover or download the PDF to read this issue in full.

SmartMoney archive:

2026

May June 2026

Quarterly Market Commentary June 2026

March April 2026

Quarterly Market Commentary March 2026

January February 2026

Spring Forecast 2026

2025

Quarterly Market Commentary December 2025

Guide to the Autumn Budget Statement 2025

November December 2025

September October 2025

Quarterly Market Commentary September 2025

July August 2025

Quarterly Market Commentary June 2025

May June 2025

March April 2025

Spring Forecast 2025

Quarterly Market Commentary March 2025

January February 2025

2024

Quarterly market commentary December 2024

November December 2024

Quarterly market commentary September 2024

Guide to the Autumn Budget Statement 2024

September October 2024

July August 2024

May June 2024

March April 2024

January February 2024

2023

November December 2023

September October 2023

July August 2023

January February 2023

March April 2023

Spring Budget Statement 2023

May June 2023

2022

Guide to the Autumn Budget Statement 2022​

November December 2022

September October 2022

July August 2022

May June 2022

March April 2022

January February 2022

2021

November-December 2021

September-October 2021

July-August 2021

May-June 2021

March-April 2021

January-February 2021

2020

November-December 2020

Spending Review 2020

September-October 2020

July-August 2020

May-June 2020

March-April 2020

January-February 2020

2019

November-December 2019

September-October 2019

July-August 2019

May-June 2019

March-April 2019

January-February 2019

2018

November-December 2018

September-October 2018