Latest News

• Planning your path to a fulfilling retirement

  3 days ago

  As we approach our 50s and 60s, retirement looms on the horizon, promising a well-deserved break from decades of hard work. Whether your future plans include travelling, indulging in hobbies, or spending quality time with family and friends, retirement should be the longest holiday of your life. Ensuring your finances are on the right track as you approach this new chapter is crucial. [...]

• Who pays for long-term care?

  4 days ago

  Many people prefer to avoid the subject of long-term care. Most find it hard to contemplate going into a care home when they are older, but many will do so eventually. However, planning for these potential expenses is important before they become urgent. The NHS, while a cornerstone of healthcare in the UK, only covers care costs in specific circumstances, primarily when related to medical health needs. [...]

• A safety net for uncertain times

  5 days ago

  In today’s unpredictable world, safeguarding financial stability is more crucial than ever. Many of us would struggle to keep up with our essential outgoings, such as mortgage and rent if we lost an income due to illness or an accident. [...]

• Understanding the rising impact of Inheritance Tax

  1 week ago

  The amount of Inheritance Tax (IHT) paid by families has dramatically increased over the past decade, increasing from £3.1 billion in the 2012/13 tax year[1] to £7.5 billion in the 2023/24 tax year[2]. This rise is attributed to growing asset values and stagnant IHT thresholds, coupled with many families delaying their planning. An additional IHT allowance was introduced in 2017, allowing some families to pass on more assets without incurring IHT, yet the criteria for qualification can be complex. [...]

• Have you had a retirement conversation?

  1 week ago

  As we approach one of life’s most significant transitions—retirement—many people do not engage in crucial conversations about the lifestyle they envision or assess whether they’re on track to achieve it. Recent research highlights that half of those aged 55 and over have not discussed their desired retirement lifestyle with a partner or loved one[1]. [...]

• Stay focused on your retirement goals

  1 week ago

  Retirement is a milestone we all look forward to—a time of relaxation, free from the daily grind of work and financial stress. Achieving a comfortable retirement requires thoughtful planning and foresight. While life may present unforeseen challenges, particularly concerning health, you can take proactive steps to bolster your financial resilience and manage the unexpected. [...]

• Maximising returns

  2 weeks ago

  Dividends represent the portion of a company’s profits distributed to its shareholders. When you own shares in a company that declares a dividend, you receive a share of those profits. Dividends are pivotal in enhancing long-term stock market returns, offering a reliable income stream that can help mitigate short-term stock price volatility. [...]

• How does pension consolidation work?

  2 weeks ago

  In today’s fast-paced world, many individuals have multiple pension plans collected over their working life. Whether through changes in employment or setting up personal pensions as a self-employed professional or contractor, managing these pensions can become challenging. Not only does this involve significant administrative effort, but the financial implications of juggling numerous plans are also considerable. Some pension schemes may suffer from uncompetitive pricing and underperforming investments, eroding retirement savings. [...]

• Retirement readiness in your 50s

  2 weeks ago

  As you enter your 50s, retirement looms larger on the horizon, making it crucial to ensure your finances are optimally positioned. This stage of life demands a coordinated and joined-up approach to financial planning to enjoy retirement on your terms. An essential step is to clarify your retirement goals. [...]

• Shaping a sustainable future

  3 weeks ago

  What we do collectively this decade – including how we invest – could mark the difference between starkly different futures. Our actions now will determine whether we face a future plagued by environmental degradation or one where we have successfully mitigated some of the most pressing ecological concerns. [...]

• New study uncovers financial vulnerability in five million UK households

  3 weeks ago

  New research has revealed that five million childless households in the UK currently lack life insurance, pensions or savings[1]. This alarming statistic underscores a broader shift in how families are structured and how financial priorities are set across the nation. [...]

• Have you secured your legacy?

  3 weeks ago

  Legacy planning holds different meanings for different individuals. For some, it is about ensuring their loved ones are financially secure; for others, it involves safeguarding cherished possessions or supporting charitable causes. Central to this process is drafting a Will, a pivotal legal document that allows you to dictate the distribution of your money, property and possessions after your death. [...]