More than 24.5 million people are financially disengagedDo you often review your finances? Or are you one of those people who just hope for the best? Although managing finances may not be the most exciting activity, keeping track of your financial wellbeing can make a...

Making informed decisions about how to best allocate your resourcesFinancial planning is a crucial step towards achieving financial freedom and security. By taking the time to thoroughly evaluate your needs and personal goals, you’ll be able to make informed decisions...

What will your legacy look like?April brought a host of changes to the UK’s tax regime, with some thresholds for taxes such as additional rate Income Tax being lowered while others, such as Corporation Tax, are increased. However, the Inheritance Tax (IHT) nil-rate...

Welcome but unexpected changes to pension taxChancellor Jeremy Hunt’s first proper Budget 2023, on Wednesday 15 March, brought some welcome but unexpected changes to pension tax. The changes are designed to alleviate the impact of strict pension rules, which are...

Two in five over-55s plan to gradually phase out working life before State Pension ageSemi-retirement is an option to consider for individuals who may not be ready to fully retire, but still wish to reduce their work hours and gradually phase out working life. By...

Does the early bird get the ISA worm?If you’re an investor looking to maximise your Individual Savings Accounts (ISA) returns, it’s worth considering investing your ISA allowance as soon as possible each year, as soon as it becomes available on 6 April. Not only will...

How much has the 2023/24 State Pension increased by?If you are a UK resident planning for your retirement, it’s important to be aware of the State Pension changes that have taken effect in the new tax year. From April, the amount you can now receive as part of the UK...

Knowing how much you’ll receive is vital for planning your future financesThe State Pension age is set to rise to 67 by 2028, followed by a subsequent rise to 68 between 2044 and 2046. However, there is currently a review being conducted to determine the...

Your wealth. Your legacyIt goes without saying that there’s no time like the present to kick-start your retirement planning. The earlier you start, the better. You’ll then be able to set about realistic goal setting and, importantly, diversification of your...

Make sure your retirement strategy meets your needs and goalsIt’s important to make a well-informed decision when it comes to deciding what to do with your pension pot: drawdown, annuity or a combination of both. Making the right choice will affect your retirement for...

Ready to start investing for your grandchild’s future?Investing in the future of your grandchildren is a great way to help them prepare for their financial needs in life. By setting aside money now, you can provide them with added security and increased opportunities...

17% of self-employed workers would choose to carry on working through illness or injuryMany adults understand the need for financial resilience and taking out insurance to protect their incomes in case of sickness or accident. However, too many self-employed people do...

Almost half of UK consumers find pensions information dauntingIn an era where the cost of living is threatening to undermine consumer confidence, it’s no surprise that almost half of UK consumers find pensions information overwhelming. It can be difficult for...

Alleviate any fear and uncertainty you might have about your financial futureNo matter what stage of life you’re in, it’s never too early or late to start planning for your retirement. By taking a personalised approach, you can develop a retirement plan that will work...

2.5 million Britons lose at least £23,126 a year due to long-term illnessLosing your job due to an illness or injury could have serious financial consequences for you and your family. Rent, mortgage payments and other living costs may no longer be covered, leading to...

Reducing the risk of investing in volatile marketsCost averaging, or pound cost averaging, is an investment approach that involves dividing up the total amount to be invested into equal amounts and investing these at regular intervals over a period of time. This...

Protecting your assets and preparing you for going forward on your ownDivorce involves many loose ends, both emotional and financial. It can generate high levels of uncertainty and financial stress, as it impacts on all areas of your life, from living arrangements to...

Rising prices add almost 20% to ‘minimum’ cost of retirementDespite the slow economic recovery, many retirees trying to maintain a basic standard of living have seen the cost of their lifestyle increase by nearly 20% over the past year, according to a new report[1]....

Planning your finances to be sustainable for the long term is keyThere are signs and targets that can signal that you are prepared to retire, but it can be difficult to figure out when you are truly ready to retire. We may think of retirement as being centred around a...

Protecting against the financial impact that a serious illness can causePeople are increasingly becoming more concerned about the possibility of being affected by a critical illness such as cancer, stroke or heart attack, according to new research findings[1]. This is...

Britons not researching their investments because it’s ‘time consuming’ and ‘complicated’A new survey conducted by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) reveals that 44% of UK adults who hold investments of between...