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After a difficult year, many people have been looking forward to getting away somewhere new to relax. But with holiday destinations facing Covid-19 challenges and new restrictions, summer holidays could be at risk again. Despite the vaccination programme rolling out...

Britain has a long history of fantastic storytellers, and a new generation of authors have filled this year’s British Book Awards shortlist with excellent reads. If you’re looking for some new books to read as the weather warms up, there are some fantastic options to...

Going out for a daily walk has become an essential part of routines over the last year. It’s helped families keep active and improve mental health during challenging lockdowns. There are plenty of reasons to get out for a walk, but if it’s something you do every day,...

The last year has seen huge changes to the way we work, with remote working on the rise. Could the next change be a four-day working week? A four-day working week is something a handful of companies have been offering employees in recent years, providing workers with...

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or already a homeowner, choosing the right mortgage product for you is important. It could save you money as well as ensuring your mortgage fits your life plans. However, with hundreds of mortgage products to choose from and an array...

The pandemic has meant some families have been able to save more. Those that have continued to work during the last year are often finding their outgoings have been lower and they now have more cash put to one side. If you still have a mortgage, overpaying is one...

We’re a nation that loves to discuss property and property prices. With our homes often one of the largest assets we own, as well as the huge rise in property prices seen over the last few decades, it’s not surprising it’s a favourite topic of conversation. Yet, while...

Technology has made investing far more accessible. You can now invest and make changes to your portfolio with just a few taps on your smartphone. While more people investing for their future is a good thing, technology is instilling bad habits in some investors. Far...

Do you know who your current pension provider is? If so, do you know why you chose them? Even when you’re making regular pension contributions, these may not be things you think about that often. While, in many cases, your employer simply chooses your pension provider...

It really is never too soon to start investing through a pension. You may not be thinking about the retirement lifestyle that your children or grandchildren will enjoy quite yet, but opening a pension before they even start school can be worthwhile. If you’re looking...

The world of work is changing, and it means young workers today need to be more engaged with their pension than ever to build a secure retirement. A rising State Pension Age, frequent job switches and more options for individuals to manage their own pensions present...

When you’re making financial decisions, who do you speak to? One of these people is likely your partner. Yet, despite seeking financial advice from a partner, research shows it’s often not acted on, particularly when it comes to investing. Investing is a big decision...

Saving for retirement should be part of your financial plan and can help you secure the lifestyle you’re looking forward to. But watch out for these eight pension mistakes, which could ruin your plans. 1. Putting off paying into a pension The sooner you start paying...

The 2020/21 tax year hasn’t even finished yet, but it’s the perfect time to start thinking about the next 12 months. While this time of the year is often associated with using up allowances before the deadline, getting a head start on 2021/22 can be just as...

The Easter holidays are almost here and it’s the perfect time to plan fun activities with children. Covid-19 restrictions are easing but there are still measures in place. However, this doesn’t need to ruin your long weekend – with a bit of planning, there are still...

When you want to unwind, what do you do? Maybe you go for a run or put your feet up with a book? However, research suggests one of the best things you could do is turn up some music. But don’t just put on any tune – 80s pop could be the best at reducing anxiety....

We all know that Covid-19 has affected the high street. Lockdown and social distancing restrictions have made the last year an extremely difficult environment for retail and hospitality businesses to operate in. As we prepare to ease restrictions, will the high street...

It’s been a year since lockdown was first announced in the UK in order to slow the spread of Covid-19. While restrictions have varied over the last 12 months, they have significantly affected daily life. If you’ve been feeling stressed or anxious recently, you’re not...

Following a year where we’ve spent more time in our homes, Brits are choosing to renovate their properties so that it suits their tastes and lifestyle. If you’re looking to take on a significant cost to refresh your home, there are several ways you can fund it....

Taking out a mortgage is often associated with first-time buyers. But it’s something all homeowners should do when their current mortgage deal comes to an end. It can help ensure your mortgage continues to suit your plans, and it could even save you thousands of...

Should the Stamp Duty holiday be extended? Or should the tax be scrapped altogether? Chancellor Rishi Sunak is facing calls from campaigners but it’s unlikely the Stamp Duty would be scrapped without an alternative. Stamp Duty is a tax you may have to pay when...

Winter is behind us and it’s that time of the year when people give their homes a spring clean. But don’t just focus on tidying up your material possessions – take some time to clean up your finances too. It could help get you on track for the coming tax year, as well...

We know that financial advice can change lives and help people achieve their goals. Yet, research from network Openwork found that more than two in five people don’t know how to access advice. It could mean they’re missing out on opportunities, taking too much risk,...

We all know how important it is to have a will in place to ensure assets are passed on to loved ones in a way that aligns with your wishes. But, if you’re a business owner, have you included your business? When writing a will, there’s often a focus on your personal...

Following a year of uncertainty, you may be worried about your finances. Covid-19 has had an impact in many ways, from reducing income to affecting investments. Some financial firms have also been affected and this may mean you’re concerned about how secure your...

Saving into a pension and accessing it comes with a lot of challenges as you need to think about how much income you need throughout retirement. Research from the People’s Pension suggests that looking at the bigger picture is something many people are putting off,...

The current 2020/21 tax year will end on 5 April 2021. As a new year starts, many allowances reset. For some, it will be your last opportunity to use them. Using these six allowances before the deadline can help you get the most out of your money. 1. ISA allowance...

Saturday 20 March is the International Day of Happiness. After the challenges of 2020, we could all use something to make us feel a little more cheerful. Yet, despite doom and gloom dominating the headlines, there are reasons to be optimistic about this year and the...

As we continue to be in lockdown, you may find that you have far more time on your hands. It makes it the perfect time to look at how you can improve skills, whether you want to get ahead in your career or simply learn something new. While traditional classes are not...

Are you looking to improve your health in 2021? After a year where health was one of the most talked-about topics due to the pandemic, it’s set to be a movement this year. While you might have a set routine, mixing it up with some of the new trends emerging can help...

When the pandemic struck last year, thousands of workers began working from home for the first time. It’s changed the world of work and this situation could be here to stay. According to data from the Office for National Statistics, around a quarter of workers are...

Current conditions mean the property market remains uncertain. While some experts predict a small rise in the coming year, others believe prices will start to fall. If you’re hoping to put your home on the market in 2021, taking the time to prepare could make all the...

There are plenty of benefits to being self-employed, but it can come with financial challenges too. One of these challenges is when you’re trying to secure a mortgage. Mortgage providers often want to see a reliable income stream, proving you’ll be able to keep up...

Financial protection is often something you’re prompted to think about when buying your first home. It’s an important step to take as you make a large financial commitment. However, it’s just as important to regularly review the level of protection you have. When...

With a third lockdown and reports that social distancing restrictions could last for many more months, many business owners will be worried about the impact on their operations. Covid-19 has affected lives for longer than expected when the pandemic first became widely...

How many times have you heard or read about a particular stock that you should invest in? It can be tempting to follow exciting investment fads, but there are reasons why you shouldn’t. From speaking to a friend that’s made a ‘good’ investment to reading the headline...

When children are still in primary school it can seem a little too early to be thinking about their careers. But the skills, passions, and knowledge they pick up in their early years can be incredibly important. As the workplace changes, STEM (science, technology,...

Every year, an estimated 110 million people head to national parks across the UK. With social distancing restrictions likely to remain in place in the coming weeks, they could be the perfect place to explore and get outdoors. Planning a trip to the great outdoors may...

Are you hoping to buy your first home in 2021? Buying a property is an exciting milestone, but it’s one that can be stressful too. So, here’s our guide for first-time buyers. Rising house prices have meant it’s more challenging than ever for first-time buyers to step...

While interest-only mortgages have become less popular, millions of people have one and need a repayment strategy in place. If you do have an interest-only mortgage it’s important to review your plans as figures suggest almost half of borrowers will experience a...

What are your plans for 2021? Staying motivated when you’re working towards a goal can be challenging for everyone, but these ten books can provide a boost when you need it most. 1. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson You can learn a lot by delving into the history and...

Thousands of people have welcomed the shift in working from home. It’s helped us stay safe during the pandemic, as well as saving money and providing more free time. However, one of the negative effects is that the lines between work and personal life have become...

As a new year starts, it’s a great time to review your mortgage. It’s a step that could save you money now and over the full term of your mortgage. Even a relatively small saving each month can add up over the years you’ll be paying a mortgage. Here are seven tips...

As the NHS continues to battle the challenges of Covid-19, you may be considering taking out health insurance. The pandemic means many people are facing delays and unable to book appointments when they want to speak to a health professional due to backlogs and...

If you’re a business owner, there will be plenty on your mind. From the day-to-day tasks to a long-term strategy, you’ll need to make many decisions. But if you or another key worker were ill, how would your business fare? The loss of a keyworker can devastate a...

The pandemic and restrictions have meant many families are struggling financially or feel insecure. Research suggests that younger generations have been turning to parents and grandparents for a helping hand. However, some older family members haven’t fully considered...

How do you rate your financial security? When you think about your financial situation, what defines it as ‘healthy’? For 77% of Brits, financial success is having the financial freedom to do what they want without worrying, according to research from Schroders...

With interest rates low and investment markets experiencing volatility throughout 2020, you may be looking for an alternative place to put your money. Premium Bonds are an option you may be considering, but you could end up missing out on returns. What are Premium...

Have you started preparing for retirement yet? If you’re nearing this milestone you may have contemplated whether your pension will be enough and how you’ll create an income. It’s often the financial side of retirement that people focus on. It’s understandable why....

Naming a Lasting Power of Attorney is something that we should all do. It’s something that can provide us with security if we’re unable to make decisions. While it’s often something that’s associated with being elderly, it’s just as important for younger generations...

At some point in our lives, most of us will need to take out a mortgage if we aspire to own a home. Yet, mortgages and the process of securing one can still be filled with jargon and other complexities. Our guide aims to provide you with all the information you need...

‘New year, new me,’ goes the common saying. The start of a new year is often seen as a time to reinvent yourself and make plans towards goals. With 2020 causing so many setbacks and challenges, you may be thinking about setting a new year’s resolution to start 2021 on...

This year has meant cancellations and a need to rearrange travel plans thanks to Covid-19. Now, as vaccines have been unveiled, you may be thinking about where you can visit in 2021. Whether you hope to visit a destination you’ve visited before or somewhere new, the...

According to a survey published in the Independent, more than half of Brits took on DIY projects during lockdown. The research found that doing DIY had helped more than two-thirds of people to combat boredom, while another one in three said it meant they would have...

Are you planning to sell your home in the new year? Understanding what potential buyers are looking for can help you position your home to gain more attention and hopefully increase the price you receive for it. House prices predicted to fall 14% During the first...

Since its introduction in July 2020, the Stamp Duty holiday has helped homebuyers save thousands of pounds on property purchases. If you complete a purchase on your main home during the Stamp Duty holiday, you don’t have to pay tax on property values up to £500,000....

2020 has been an eventful year for investment markets. Impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and government responses to this, there have been many valuable investment lessons that will apply in 2021 and beyond. As the extent of the pandemic became known in March, stock...

Social distancing restrictions means UK households are saving more. But with interest rates low, they’re getting little in return for saving. If you have debts, using some of the money to pay these off quicker could make more sense. According to Moneyfacts, the UK...

Most workers are now paying into a pension. But research shows that there is a worrying lack of understanding about how pensions work and why they’re a good option for saving for retirement. According to Royal London, seven in ten people admit they have little or no...

The way people see retirement has changed over the years. It’s no longer the stereotypical comfortable slippers and a relaxed lifestyle. Indeed, for many, it’s very much a second life – the time to enjoy doing things they couldn’t because they were too busy working...

The start of a new year is the perfect time to get your finances in order. A few simple changes could improve your finances in 2021 and beyond, setting you up for a healthier financial future. So, whether your finances are in a muddle or you just want to ‘do better’,...

The nights are drawing in and it can affect our mood. If you’re suffering from the winter blues, there are some things you can do to improve your outlook. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), sometimes known as winter depression, is a type of depression that comes and...

Covid-19 has prompted many discussions about working environments and the future of employment, such as working from home, from a business perspective. But for millions of workers, the pandemic has led them to think carefully about their employment and the changes...

The days are getting darker and chillier and you may have plans to stay inside where it’s cosy. But getting out and about can boost your mood, plus frost and beautiful winter-flowering plants mean a walk can be magical this time of year. The National Trust boasts some...

When you think of your childhood home, what technology did it boast? While we don’t think too much about how homes change from year to year, tech and gadgets do influence our personal spaces and how we use them. It wasn’t too long ago that it was unheard of to have a...

A third of UK households are now multi-generational, according to Aviva. While it does present challenges, it could benefit all generations and improve financial security. It’s estimated that across the UK, nine million homes are occupied by multiple generations. It’s...

House prices have been climbing in recent weeks as pent up demand means there’s more competition for each property. Yet, forecasts suggest that property prices could fall in the New Year. The impact of Coivd-19 on the property market The property market temporarily...

When you’re moving home, it comes with a lot of expenses and you may be looking for ways to reduce costs. However, paying a mortgage broker to work on your behalf can add value and mean you save money over the term of your mortgage. The mortgage market can seem...

Financial education in childhood is crucial. Attitudes and habits formed in our tentative years can have an impact in adulthood. Passing on your financial knowledge and the lessons you’ve learnt to children and grandchildren can lead to them being more financially...

It should come as no surprise that we believe financial advice adds real value to the lives of our clients. While the financial benefits of advice are often discussed, the value it can add in terms of wellbeing is sometimes overlooked but is just as valuable. The...

We know that investments come with risk and the value of your investments can fall. With risk linked to potential rewards, it can be difficult to know how much risk is appropriate for you. When we make financial decisions, lots of factors can influence what you...

Each November, Talk Money Week takes place. It aims to get the nation talking about managing money, from discussing pocket money with children to chatting about pensions. Money can be a taboo subject, even among families. But talking openly about money, financial...

Brits planning for retirement are shunning a transitional ‘cliff-edge’ approach. Instead, as life expectancy increases, we’re more likely to view retirement as a transition. While it presents an opportunity to pay into a pension for longer, it comes with challenges...

Do you know how much you need to save into your pension for the retirement you want? Millions of pension savers are underestimating how much they’ll need once they give up work. It’s a miscalculation that could lead to a retirement that doesn’t meet expectations. Even...

Want to learn something new but can’t seem to find the time to dedicate to it? Using an app on your phone is the perfect way to pick up small chunks of knowledge when it suits you. From listening during a commute to watching a quick video during lunch, it’s an...

Earlier this month marked National Work Life Week, which aims to encourage both employers and employees to focus on wellbeing and striking the right balance between work and life. The pandemic has accelerated trends in working practices, more people are working from...

The current job market is extremely competitive. The impact of Covid-19 has meant some businesses have been forced to make cuts or suspend hiring plans. Whether you’re looking to progress in your career or are searching for a job after being made redundant, it’s...

Getting on the property ladder has always been a struggle. But a combination of soaring rents, rapidly rising house prices and stagnant wages means many millennials are worrying they’ll never be able to purchase their own home. For the millennial generation, the...

The property market might be affected by the impact of Covid-19 at the moment, but some things remain the same. If you’re hoping to buy a home, a lender will use your credit report when assessing your application. Before applying for a mortgage, checking your credit...

House prices have reached a record high following the introduction of the Stamp Duty holiday and viewings now being allowed after a temporary ban due to Covid-19. The Halifax House Price Index reports house prices have increased by 5.2% year-on-year; the strongest...

When you’re coming to terms with the loss of a loved one, financial planning will be one of the last things on your mind. Yet, in the months afterwards, it can provide security and help you plan for the rest of your life. Bereavement can mean you may no longer take...

Do you consider sustainability when making financial decisions? It’s a consideration that’s becoming more popular for a variety of reasons. While sustainability in finance is often associated with incorporating ethics and values, it can help improve your long-term...

The nights are drawing in and Halloween is around the corner. But while you might get spooked watching a horror film this season, pension mistakes can be just as scary (and cost you far more). With that in mind, here are seven pension mistakes to avoid to keep your...

More people are becoming self-employed and it’s a step that’s been linked to improved wellbeing. But it can mean your financial security falls, particularly when looking ahead to retirement. For self-employed workers, it’s important to take steps that can ensure your...

From 2028, you won’t be able to access your Personal Pension until the age of 57. The government’s decision could affect your retirement plans and it’s important to review what it means for your future. The government previously stated it intended to increase the age...

The traditional summer holiday may have been cancelled for millions this year due to Covid-19 travel restrictions. If your plans have been put on hold, now could be the perfect time to research some new European destinations for 2021. With social distancing measures...

Are you thinking about relocating in retirement? Every year, thousands of over-65s decide to move to a new location to enjoy their retirement. Data from the Office for National Statistics found that leaving urban areas in favour of rural locations, the coast and areas...

At times, we’re all guilty of being unproductive. Whether it’s because you’re struggling to focus on a task at hand or you have multiple deadlines competing for attention, it can be a challenge to get back in the right frame of mind. But there are small steps you can...

As lockdown eases and employers carry out Covid-19 risk assessments, you may soon be able to return to the office. After months of working remotely, there may be things you are looking forward to – and some aspects of remote working that you may miss. As life slowly...

While property prices may have stalled during the lockdown, early signs point to a recovery now restrictions have been lifted. If you’re looking for assets to invest in, a Buy to Let property can be attractive. Rental yields have climbed significantly in recent years,...

As lockdown measures were brought in, property viewings ground to a halt and the number of sales fell sharply. If you were hoping to purchase a property, the good news is that the sector is now open for business again and you could benefit from a Stamp Duty holiday....

If you’re in retirement and have mortgage debt, research indicates it can be far more challenging to secure a mortgage. You may be forced to pay higher interest rates without a new deal, placing further pressure on your finances. It’s not uncommon to still be paying...

Supporting worthy causes is often something people want to include in their financial plan, whether through regular donations or a charitable legacy in their will. The good news is that to encourage charitable giving, there are tax breaks you can benefit from too. If...

With the stock market experiencing volatility due to Covid-19 earlier this year and further uncertainty about the state of the economy, you may be wondering how to make the most of your savings. Should you save in a cash account or invest? Research from Aegon found...

As Covid-19 lockdown restrictions ease, there are still concerns about what it means for the economy. As the furlough scheme ends, you may be worried about what it means for your job role or you may have already been made redundant. While it’s the short-term...

When we discuss financial planning, ensuring long-term security for you and loved ones is often a priority. But for business owners, they also need to ensure they protect their firm in the event of something happening to them. If you haven’t already taken steps to...

Everyone has at some point daydreamed about what they’d do if they suddenly came into a large amount of money. But what would you do if it really happened? Whether it’s enough money to buy a new car or a gold-plated yacht, if you receive an unexpected windfall you...

Throughout your career, you’ve probably contributed to a few pensions. It can be easy to lose track of them, so you may have considered consolidating them into one larger pension instead. Indeed, research from the Pension Policy Institute shows that there are eight...