Thinking about life after you finish work usually involves planning for your retirement. This means considering how to enjoy your hard-earned wealth, perhaps by travelling, spending time with friends and family, or treating yourself to something you’ve always dreamt of having, such as a new car or the holiday of a lifetime. However, there is […]
There were highs and dips in the investment markets in May 2026. Discover some of the factors that may have affected your portfolio’s performance. Remember, short-term market movements are a normal part of investing. When you’re reviewing returns, it’s typically a good idea to look at the bigger picture and assess performance over several years. […]
Have you considered what would happen to your business if you or a key person became ill or passed away? It’s something that many business owners overlook. Yet, the potential consequences of not protecting your business could be huge. There are practical steps you can take to help ensure your business can continue operating should […]
Do you want to create a legacy by passing on assets to your loved ones? There’s more than one way to do it, and you might want to combine several different options. As part of your estate plan, you might want to consider who you’d like to benefit from your estate and how you will […]
From 6 April 2027, many unused pension pots will be included in Inheritance Tax (IHT) calculations. Since the government announced the change in the 2024 Autumn Budget, an increasing number of people have opted to withdraw their tax-free lump sum from their pension as soon as they can. Currently, you can access your pension from […]
Retirement is a significant life transition. Some of the financial habits that served you well during your working life might no longer suit your retirement lifestyle. Sticking to your current financial habits could mean you miss out on opportunities to enjoy your retirement, or even mean you risk using up your savings too soon. Read […]
Reaching your long-term goals often requires careful planning and consistent action. A financial plan could help you work towards these goals and, in some cases, investing may play an important role too. In previous blogs, you’ve read about how you might reach short- or medium-term goals. Now, read on to discover some key considerations for […]
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a growing concern for many people in the UK, with increasing numbers of estates facing a rising tax liability. Each year, the amount of IHT paid to HMRC is increasing. By 2030/31, the Office for Budget Responsibility (February 2026) forecasts that IHT receipts will reach £14.5 billion, up from £8.3 billion […]
During April 2026, markets have continued to experience volatility as the conflict in the Middle East has developed. Find out what external factors may have affected the performance of your investments. One effect of the conflict on global markets is the rising price of energy. Indeed, analysis from UBS suggests that March 2026 experienced the […]
The 2026/27 tax year started on 6 April 2026. While you have until 5 April 2027 to use tax-efficient allowances and exemptions, making a plan now could be valuable. Here are four powerful reasons to consider your tax strategy for the current tax year. Avoid last-minute stress as the end of the tax year approaches […]
