News

At times we all feel stressed and anxious. Amid the current circumstances, you may feel more stressed than usual and not able to access your usual way of unwinding, whether it was hitting the gym or meeting up with friends. Mindfulness can help you feel calmer and...

When it comes to investing, it’s often best to create a tailored financial plan and leave investments for the long term without tinkering. However, it can be tempting to make adjustments. Whilst this may be the right decision in some cases, it’s important to weigh up...

Are you planning to retire this year? If so, congratulations! Retirement is a milestone you may have been looking forward to for years, but it’s not one you should just dive into. There are steps you should take to ensure your retirement lives up to expectations. 1....

If you’ve been putting off reviewing your finances, the lockdown is the perfect opportunity to complete some tasks that could help make sure your finances and plans remain on track. With potentially more time on your hands, here are seven things to do during the stay...

Restrictions on travel and concerns about the coronavirus pandemic may have affected your holiday plans for the summer months. There’s been a lot of contradictory information about what you’re entitled to and if you must cancel. So, we take a look at what your rights...

Hoping to come out of lockdown with new skills? Why not try your hand at mastering new cooking skills and recipes? Not only is it an opportunity to pass the time, but you’ll also get to dig into delicious plates of food now and in the future. If you’re looking for...

After a brief slump, the demand for rented homes has bounced back. After decades of rising property pieces and rental yields, it’s easy to see why people want to invest their savings in the property market. However, being a landlord comes with outgoings and...

If you’re a first-time buyer, you’ve probably been focussing on getting a deposit together that will allow you to secure a mortgage. Yet, numerous other costs need to be factored into stepping onto the property ladder too. It’s not surprising that the deposit is the...

With schools closing down several weeks ago and no firm plans of when children will be heading back to the classroom yet, parents across the UK are having to tackle homeschooling. It’s an experience that can be rewarding, but that doesn’t mean it’s not without its...

With more time indoors, Brits have been turning to DIY during the pandemic. It’s perfect for filling the time but, choose the right project, and it could add value to your home too, and it doesn’t have to be a huge renovation project. So, where should you be investing...

For students planning to head to university, it’s already been an emotional time. With college suspended due to Covid-19 and exams cancelled, there has been some uncertainty around how grades will be awarded, which could affect where they head to study for the next...

Millions of Brits haven’t named a Power of Attorney. It may seem like something you can put off for a while, but it’s something we should all have in place. A Power of Attorney is a legal document which gives someone you trust the ability to make decisions on your...

Global stock markets have suffered due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and you may have heard suggestions that now is the ‘perfect time to buy’. After all, in an ideal world, you want to buy when stock prices are low and sell at a high. However, it’s not as...

Being able to take a tax-free lump sum out of your pension when you reach pension age certainly sounds appealing. It can help you kick-start retirement plans and fully enjoy the milestone, but is it always the right decision to make? Currently, you’re able to take a...

Not so long ago, the stereotype of old age focused on the negative. Perhaps facing illness or struggling to leave the house. Today, that’s not the reality for many people. It’s common to see people in their 80s and beyond fully enjoying their life. So, what can you do...

Did you know that people are twice as likely to insure a pet than they are to take out protection for themselves? It’s a decision that could leave some people financially vulnerable. According to a study, over a third of UK employees said they have, or would take out,...

If you’re approaching retirement and still have some time left on your mortgage, it can be a concern and take up a significant portion of your income. Traditionally, retirees would strive to reach the milestone debt-free. However, there are many potential factors that...

Generation X is likely to be facing big life and financial decisions. Yet, only a small portion is working with a financial adviser to ensure their future is secure. A nationwide study found that just 8% of those aged between 39 and 54 has spoken with an independent...

Do you intend to pass on wealth to loved ones? If you want to help children and grandchildren become more financially secure, you need to consider more than just the sum you’ll be giving them. Tax rules may mean you need to think carefully about how you do so, as well...

Purpose in life gives you a sense of direction and provides meaning. Having a purpose can improve your wellbeing throughout life, and it’s no different when you’re in retirement. Understanding what your purpose is can make the next chapter of your life more...

When you start your career, saving for retirement isn’t likely to be a priority. But more young people are saving into a pension than ever and it pays to understand what it means for your future. Whilst you might have left your 20s behind, you may have children or...

For most people, their pension becomes accessible from the age of 55. If you’re nearing your 55th birthday, you might be tempted to make a withdrawal, whether as a one-off lump sum or regular income. However, using your pension as soon as you can, may have a greater...

Welcome to our latest update on the investment market. We take a quick look at some of the key factors that influenced the stock market in November and could continue to do so over the coming months. The hot topics that have affected the markets in 2019, Brexit, the...

You may think of financial protection products as something that’s removed from your overall financial plan. But they are an essential part of keeping you on track. Even the best-laid plans can go off course and many outside influences could affect your financial...

Buying a property can feel like a marathon. If you’re hoping to move in quickly it can seem as though everything moves incredibly slowly, from waiting for a mortgage to be approved to hearing back from solicitors. However, being prepared and knowing what can slow down...

If you’re preparing to take out a mortgage, there are plenty of things to consider. Among them is how long you’ll pay back the loan for. As property prices have increased, it should come as no surprise that mortgages are getting longer. More homebuyers are choosing to...

Millions of people in the UK are now self-employed. Whether you work for yourself or are part of an industry where contracting is commonplace, it can place pressure on your finances. You need to manage your financial situation and potentially plan for periods where...

Research suggests that pension savers could be disappointed in investment returns after uncovering differing expectations between individuals and institutional investors. Understanding how much your pension is expected to grow by between now and when you want to...

When we think about the value of financial advice, it can be hard to quantify it. After all, you often can’t be sure how your fortunes would have fared, or if your circumstances would be different if you hadn’t worked with a financial adviser. But research has shown...

We all like to think that we could spot a scam. But scammers are often sophisticated and it’s easier than you think to fall for their claims. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has recently highlighted some of the most common tactics fraudsters use to try and get...

Financial protection probably isn’t something you often think about, but it should be part of your financial plan. What would happen if your income were to unexpectedly stop for a period of six months for example? Many people dismiss financial protection as something...

Welcome to our August update for the investment markets. We take a quick look at some of the key factors that have been influencing the stock markets and could continue to do so over the coming months. Unfortunately, the latest news paints a gloomy picture for UK and...

Property is increasingly being seen as an asset that’s vital for funding retirement. It’s no surprise, after all, our homes are often one of the largest assets we have, but what are your options and the drawbacks of doing this? The value of property has grown...

Planning your retirement can be a challenge. There are multiple areas to think about and you may not have a clear idea of what you want it to look like. However, whilst putting off planning until the retirement date arrives might seem attractive, it can mean missing...

What’s on your bucket list? Whether incredibly exciting experiences, exotic travel destinations or something entirely different features on your list, it’s likely finances will play some role in how achievable they are. Could your savings be used to tick a few of your...

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is one of the most unpopular types of tax in the UK and often referred to as a ‘death tax’. With the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) reviewing it and recommending changes, it’s the perfect opportunity to look at why and what the current rules...

We spend much of our working lives contributing to a pension to create an income that affords a comfortable retirement with a few luxuries. But a survey suggests that many saving into a pension are worried about running out. A poll conducted by FT Adviser asked...

There are many reasons why your income could suddenly stop and it’s not a situation we want to think about. However, planning for potential scenarios means you’ll be in a better position financially and practically should they happen. Despite this, more than eight in...

Leasehold homes have been in the press a lot recently; and not in a good way. Some homeowners have found themselves trapped in leasehold properties with escalating costs and little opportunity to sell. If you’re considering moving home and a leasehold property has...

Retirement is a huge milestone and one that’s lasting longer for many people. You now have more choice around when you want to retire, how to take an income, and what you want to do after you’ve given up work. Whilst more flexibility has certainly been welcomed, it...

One in three middle-aged Brits is set to retire on the State Pension alone and many more face a shortfall in their pension. It could leave a significant gap between expectations and reality. If you’re not sure what income your pension could deliver in retirement,...

Once you’ve set out a financial plan, you might think all the hard work has been done. But keeping on top of the progress you’re making and ensuring it’s still suitable is essential for getting the most out of your assets. When was the last time you revisited your...

When estate planning, Inheritance Tax (IHT) can be a concern. Naturally, you want to leave as much as possible to your loved ones and ensure they’re not stressed about paying a bill at what is already a difficult time. Luckily, there are usually many ways you can...

It’s near impossible to escape news of the property market and the struggle aspiring homeowners face. With multiple challenges to taking the first step on the property ladder, the number of young homeowners is declining. According to the annual English Housing Survey,...

If your income were to suddenly stop, how long would you be able to continue your current lifestyle for? If you made cutbacks, how long would your savings last for? It’s not something anyone wants to think about, but the truth is, people lose their income every day....

Those approaching retirement age are shunning the traditional route when it comes to giving up work. For most people, the thought of handing in their notice and giving up their career in one fell swoop is no longer appealing. Today, retirees are choosing to retire...

You’ve set out a financial plan and followed the course of action you were advised on. Now, you can simply kick back and forget about it, right? Wrong. Effective financial planning is about much more than simply coming up with an initial strategy. Regularly going back...

With university fees, rising house prices and other financial pressures, young adults can struggle to achieve financial security and tick off milestones. If you’ve got children or grandchildren, you may be considering starting a nest egg to help them along the way....

From a young age, we're told to save for a rainy day. Hopefully, it's a message that's instilled some good money habits into adulthood, setting you on the right path for future goals, be it retiring early, buying a property or travelling. But, while we’re told to...

When you’re planning your financial future, you’ve probably considered how much you need and how much you can afford to put away. But when you’re planning your retirement, have you factored in longevity? At a time when retirees can access their retirement savings far...