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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...

Every year as the summer holidays come to a close, ‘back to school’ slogans and tips for getting children ready to head back to full-time education spring up everywhere. This year though, some children will be going back after having nearly six months off school due...

When the lockdown started, going out once a day to exercise became one of the things we all looked forward to. Now, as things get back to normal and workplaces that shut down reopen, there are reasons why you should turn that daily walk into a lifelong habit. If it’s...

Our heritage sites and stately homes are starting to open up again and welcome guests. If you’re planning a summer day trip, why not stop by one of these homes steeped in history, stunning to look at and surrounded by beautiful gardens? Here are ten of our favourites...

Reading lets you expand your mind, explore new experiences and learn more about the world around us. If you’re looking for a new addition to add to your bookshelf this summer, here are ten exceptional options from BAME authors that offer different perspectives whether...

The Covid-19 pandemic is expected to be the catalyst for significant workplace changes, including more flexible working options. It’s a trend that could affect the housing market as aspiring buyers shift their priorities. When searching for a home, ease of getting to...

If you’ve been saving up to buy your first home, it may feel like the goalposts have been moved. First-time buyers are often told to save between 5-10% for a deposit on their home. But the impact of coronavirus means that lenders are likely to be demanding double this...

Every year older homeowners use Equity Release to help access millions of pounds to fund retirement. As property prices have risen significantly and time spent in retirement gets longer, it’s becoming an increasingly popular option. But is it one that’s right for you?...

Financial protection can provide you and your loved ones with security. However, there are myths that stop people from choosing a product that may be right for them. One of these is that financial protection policies don’t pay out and insurers will find any reason not...

A Power of Attorney is just as an important part of estate planning as writing a will. Yet, it’s something that many people overlook, potentially leading to challenges for their loved ones and placing themselves in a vulnerable position. Power of Attorney gives...

Young adults planning to head to university this year have faced more challenges than usual thanks to Covid-19. Yet, come September, thousands will still be heading to university and, for some, that will mean independence for the first time. Questions remain over how...

Have you reviewed your pension lately? Even though we make regular contributions to pensions, it’s not often something we think about until retirement is approaching. However, keeping track of progress during our working lives is important too. Figures show that...

Even with careful financial planning, shocks can happen. Often financial crises are unexpected and out of our control, so it’s important to have a safety net to fall back on. However, research suggests that most people don’t feel confident in their ability to overcome...

While the health concerns of the Covid-19 pandemic remain, some of the focus is now shifting to the economic impact. Measures taken to reduce the spread of infection and save jobs have cost the government a huge amount that will need to be recouped in some way. The...

Planning for retirement should be an exciting time in your life. You’re able to give up work and focus on the things you enjoy. But what if your aspirations and financial expectations don’t line up with your partner’s? Creating a balance can help both of you feel...