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 […]

Research from Citizens Advice has revealed that than 13 million UK adults (around 26 per cent) have accidentally taken out a subscription in the past year. These range from fitness apps to food deliveries, repeat pet food orders to digital magazines. What are forgotten subscriptions really costing you? Between 2023 and 2024, the cost of […]

Emergency savings can be the financial buffer that stops short-term shocks from turning into long-term struggles. However, according to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), one in ten people in the UK have no cash savings at all. A further 21 per cent have less than £1,000 available for emergencies. Low savings, high risk The FCA’s […]

Green investing has soared in popularity. Sustainable investing continues to attract UK investors, with sustainable equities drawing £12.05 billion in 2024. Additionally, 64 per cent of British consumers are willing to pay up to 10 per cent more for sustainably packaged foods and drinks. This growing demand has led many listed companies to market themselves […]

While the Bank of England (BOE) has started cutting the base rate in recent times, mortgage pricing remains mixed. While the base rate dropped by 0.5 percentage points between October 2024 and March 2025, average fixed mortgage rates initially climbed. However, recent market changes have seen sub-four per cent deals return for some borrowers, driven […]

Half of UK adults are unclear on how the state pension works, according to Standard Life’s Retirement Voice report. Nearly one-third of those closest to retirement (aged 55 to 64) are still in the dark. If you do not know how much you will receive or when payments will start, it could cost you. Do […]

President Donald Trump’s second term has ushered in a wave of protectionist trade policies, including sweeping tariffs that have rattled global markets. Since January 2025, the average US tariff rate has surged from 2.5 per cent to 27 per cent – the highest in over a century. Tariffs on Chinese imports have reached 145 per […]