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 […]

If you are aged 55 or over, pension freedoms give you more control over your retirement savings. Since 2015, anyone with a Defined Contribution pension can take money out in several ways, as a lump sum, regular income or even the whole pot at once. Despite this, research by financial analytics company AKG shows that […]

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more common in the world of finance. From chatbots to investment tools, many services now use AI to offer guidance. However, recent research shows that it might not be as reliable as it seems. AI sounds clever, but it can still get it wrong A 2025 study by the University […]

Retiring before you reach State Pension age (SPA) is possible, but it takes careful planning. The earlier you stop working, the longer your money needs to last, and the more pressure it puts on your pension and savings. Here are the key points to think about before you hand in your notice. Know when your […]