Investment market update: January 2025

Concerns around potential trade wars following President Trump’s inauguration weighed on investment markets in January 2025, but there was positive news too. Read on to discover some of the factors that may have affected the performance of your investments. Keep in mind that short-term market movements are part of investing and taking a long-term view […]
5 interesting insights into the science of sleep

This year, World Sleep Day will take place on the 14 March. The event encourages you to prioritise your sleep and learn more about the incredible biological process that you spend around a third of our life taking part in. So, if you want to learn more about how and why we rest, read on […]
Delayed treatment affects a third of cancer patients and may harm their wellbeing

A study suggests that thousands of cancer patients in the UK are affected by delayed treatment. It could harm their overall wellbeing. Considering potential health risks as part of your financial plan might mean that if you’re diagnosed with an illness, you have more options and reduce other stresses at an already difficult time. While […]
Job hopping could be the key to boosting your retirement income

The secret to saving more for your retirement could be regularly switching jobs, figures suggest. In fact, according to FTAdviser in November 2024, those who frequently take new career opportunities have more saved for retirement. For many workers, gone are the days of a job for life. Instead, employees are switching jobs more frequently than […]
Is your estate worth more than £2 million? Your Inheritance Tax liability could be higher than you expect

Often dubbed the “most hated tax” in the media, Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a tax on your estate when you pass away, which could reduce how much you leave behind for family and friends. If your estate is worth more than £2 million, the potential IHT bill might be higher than you expect. Read on […]
State Pension: Everything you need to know in 2025/26

For many pensioners, the State Pension provides a foundation to build their retirement income. Whether you’re already claiming the State Pension or it’s still some years away, here’s what you need to know in 2025/26. In the 2025/26 tax year, you can claim the State Pension from the age of 66. However, the age will […]
Investment market update: December 2024

Political instability in Europe and further afield affected investment markets in December. Read on to find out what other factors may have influenced your investment returns at the end of 2024. Remember to focus on your long-term goals when assessing the performance of your investments. The value of your assets rising and falling is part […]
How you could take advantage of falling interest rates

Interest rates are expected to fall in 2025. If you’re a homeowner, it could present an opportunity to reduce your mortgage repayments and boost your finances overall. The Bank of England (BoE) increased the base interest rate when inflation was high as a way to slow down the rising cost of goods and services. Between […]
3 important variables that could affect your sustainable pension withdrawal rate

Retirement is an exciting milestone, with more free time to dedicate to the things you enjoy. Yet, it can also be a daunting time, especially when it comes to managing your finances. Flexi-access drawdown is a popular way to access your pension savings as it provides flexibility and means you’re in control of your income. […]
5 useful allowances and exemptions that will reset at the end of the tax year

Using allowances and exemptions could reduce your overall tax bill and help you get more out of your money. On 5 April 2025, the current tax year will end, and many tax-efficient allowances and exemptions will reset. So, here are five that you may want to consider using before the 2025/26 tax year starts. 1. […]