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 […]

Building wealth without a financial plan may be like searching for a destination without a map. You might miss the most efficient route, take an unnecessary detour, or miss your intended target altogether. A clear plan could be essential for helping you reach your goals. If you’re simply accumulating wealth, your assets don’t have a […]

Once you have made an investment strategy, often doing nothing is the best course of action. Yet, it’s an approach that might be more difficult to stick to than you expect. Investment markets often experience volatility, which could tempt investors to make decisions based on short-term emotions. These actions might not align with their strategy […]

This guest blog was written by Chris Budd, who wrote the original Financial Wellbeing Book as well as The Four Cornerstones of Financial Wellbeing. He founded the Institute for Financial Wellbeing and has written more than 100 episodes of the Financial Wellbeing Podcast. Ask small business owners when they plan to sell their business, and […]