The Pension Protection Fund (PPF) will no longer charge a levy this year, freeing up £45 million across 5,000 Defined Benefit (DB) pension schemes. This annual charge on eligible defined benefit pension schemes funds the PPF, which is designed to compensate members if their employer’s business becomes insolvent. Under previous legislation, “use it or lose […]

For many business owners, the biggest threat to financial security isn’t always the market, the competition or even the broader economy. It’s the risk of losing the one person whose absence could destabilise everything. It is a scenario that many businesses owners dread, but it does happen all too often and many businesses aren’t protected. […]

When it comes to structuring your wealth, most people are familiar with pensions, ISAs and direct investments. Yet there’s another option that can play an important role in your financial planning, the investment bond. An investment bond is a type of life insurance policy used as an investment vehicle. Instead of providing a payout on […]

With interest rates softening and inflation eating into savings, many savers are asking whether a Stocks and Shares ISA could deliver better long-term returns. The wrapper still shields growth and income from Income Tax (IT) and Capital Gains Tax (CGT), and you can put up to £20,000 into ISAs each tax year. The key to […]

The triple lock, which guarantees the State Pension rises each year by the highest of inflation, average earnings growth of 2.5 per cent has kept retirement incomes rising in recent years. The full new State Pension now stands at £230.25 a week or £11,973 a year after a 4.1 per cent uprating in April 2025. […]

Life insurance is often taken out to provide financial security, but many policyholders in the UK may be overlooking a costly oversight: the way their policy is structured could expose their beneficiaries to unnecessary Inheritance Tax (IHT). In the 2022/23 tax year, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) data shows that nearly 7,500 estates included life […]

Debt is often viewed in a negative light, and for good reason. It can lead to stress, reduce savings and create long-term financial pressure. However, not all borrowing is harmful. When used with care and purpose, it can support financial growth. Building healthier finances means recognising the difference between the good, the bad and the […]

The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has announced major changes to mortgage lending rules as part of the Government’s wider reforms to boost homeownership. These changes could open the door for more first-time buyers, but only if you understand what is really on offer. More mortgage, lower income The key change is around income multiples. Banks and […]

A recent survey by Retirement Review found that only a small proportion of people in the UK “strongly trust” financial advisers. Sadly, within our profession, that trust has been eroded over the years by certain advisers. Too many people have been left feeling like they were just another sales target, given advice that was more […]

Pensions can be a powerful way to pass wealth on to your family in a tax-efficient manner. Under current rules, most defined contribution pensions are not counted as part of your estate for Inheritance Tax purposes. This means they can often be passed on without any IHT to pay, especially if you die before the […]