Biases affect how you act, and the personal goals you’re working towards could distort how you perceive risk, rewards, and information. Indeed, the more important the goal is to you, the more likely it is that bias occurs. Being aware of when bias might occur – and what might trigger it – could help identify […]

While phasing into retirement can offer you greater flexibility, it may make your finances more complex. Read on to find out more about five key considerations. 1. Calculate if you’ll need to supplement your income While you might still earn a salary as you phase into retirement, if you’ve chosen to reduce your working hours […]

After months of speculation and rumour, chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered the Autumn Budget for 2025. In this update, we’ll explain the key changes and what they mean for you.  Last year, in her maiden Budget, the chancellor sought to balance the public finances with tax rises to cover a reported £22 billion black hole. […]

For some investors, particularly higher-rate taxpayers, Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) could offer an attractive and tax-efficient investment prospect. Read on to discover the basics you need to know if you’re thinking about making VCTs part of your financial plan. VCTs are listed companies that invest in UK businesses. These are typically smaller and younger firms […]

As property prices have risen at a faster pace than wages over the last few years, first-time buyers are finding it increasingly difficult to save the required deposit to get on the property ladder. If you own your home, you might be able to use your property wealth to give loved ones a helping hand […]

The importance of saving is drummed into us from a very early age. As a child, for example, you may have had a moneybox and been encouraged to save your spare coins. As you get older, this extends into saving for university, saving up for a house, saving for retirement, and so on. But what […]

Last month, you read about how retirement is changing, with almost half of workers aged over 50 exploring phasing into retirement. There are plenty of reasons why more people are considering a gradual retirement, including the emotional and financial benefits this option could offer. A gradual retirement could help you retain a sense of purpose […]

What’s the most important factor affecting the performance of your investments? Your mind might jump to the ups and downs of the market, and they do have an effect. When share prices rise, so too will the value of your portfolio. However, the markets aren’t the starting point of a successful investment: your mindset is. […]

October 2025 proved to be a positive month for many investors, with markets reaching record highs. Read on to find out more about what factors may have affected your portfolio’s performance. Remember to take a long-term view when assessing your investments and consider your risk profile when making decisions. Markets experienced record highs, but investor […]

In life, the finest wisdom often comes from the most unexpected places.  So, you may be surprised to learn that Jane Austen – one of the most revered romance authors of all time and a paragon of women’s literature – has anything to teach you about the modern world of finance. Born in Hampshire in […]