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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...