Latest News

• Positive impact on financial wellbeing

  4 days ago

  Improving your overall life satisfaction and happiness Financial stress is one of the most significant sources of anxiety and discomfort in the modern world. It's not just about having enough money to meet our needs; it's also about managing that money effectively and making informed decisions.  This is where the concept of financial fitness comes in. Like physical fitness, financial fitness is not a destination but a journey, a continuous process that requires discipline, knowledge and an understanding of your financial goals. [...]

• Navigating multiple pensions

  4 days ago

  Simplifying financial management, lowering charges and increasing future funds You may have worked with several employers throughout your career, accumulating multiple pension plans. This can also apply if you've been self-employed or a contractor, resulting in personal pensions.  While multiple pensions can be administratively challenging to manage, they could also be financially draining due to high fees or subpar investment performance. What is a potential solution? Pension consolidation.  This strategy can simplify financial management, lower charges and increase future funds. However, it has potential pitfalls, so seeking professional financial advice is crucial. Let's delve into pension consolidation and what needs to be considered. [...]

• Financial planning

  5 days ago

  A personal journey tailored to your unique financial situation and aspirations Financial planning isn't a one-size-fits-all process. It is a personal journey tailored to your unique financial situation and aspirations. Without considering your complete financial status and goals, the effectiveness of specific planning elements can be compromised. Here are some main areas to consider when developing a robust financial plan. [...]

• Main announcements from Chancellor Jeremy Hunts Autumn Statement 2023 at a glance

  1 week ago

  110 measures aimed at stimulating growth in the UK's economy Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, announced during the Autumn Statement 2023 what he said was 'a comprehensive package of 110 measures aimed at stimulating growth in the UK's economy’.  He acknowledged the announcement comes amid a challenging economic climate. Still, Mr Hunt said he remained optimistic, pointing out that the UK's economy has been more resilient than expected this year. Our Guide to Autumn Statement 2023 summarises the key points announced. [...]

• National Insurance Contributions (NICs) 

  1 week ago

  Rates to be cut for millions of workers In the Autumn Statement 2023, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced significant reforms to National Insurance. This is the third change to National Insurance since 2022. But despite these cuts, the tax burden is still expected to remain at a record high. Mr Hunt cut the main rate of Class 1 employee NICs from 12% to 10%. This will take effect from 6 January 2024. There will also be a cut in the main rate of Class 4 self-employed NICs from 9% to 8%. This will take effect from 6 April 2024. From 6 April 2024, Mr Hunt said no one will be required to pay Class 2 self-employed NICs. [...]

• State Pension

  1 week ago

  ‘Triple Lock’ to increase by 8.5% from 6 April 2024 The State Pension is set to increase commencing on 6 April 2024 due to a mechanism known as the 'Triple Lock’. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt confirmed in the Autumn Statement 2023, an increase of 8.5%, which pensioners will welcome. [...]

• Mind the retirement gap

  2 weeks ago

  Crisis looming over today's youth Today’s twenty-somethings are on the precipice of a retirement crisis. According to new research, if they don't adjust their savings habits, they could face an income shortfall of over £25k annually during their golden years [1]. This warning applies to young adults in the UK, aged 22 to 32, who are currently not saving enough for their retirement. The findings reveal that a significant proportion of this demographic could be staring down the barrel of a retirement savings gap. [...]

• The Family Bank

  2 weeks ago

  Planning to aid the next generation According to new research, close to one in five (18%) of parents and grandparents have dipped into their own property wealth to assist their family members in climbing onto the property ladder [1]. Often, they turn to the equity of their homes to gather the needed funds, either through equity release, downsizing or remortgaging. This group, affectionately known as the 'Bank of Family', is increasingly leveraging their property wealth to aid their children’s entry into the housing market. [...]

• A timely proposition

  2 weeks ago

  Considering gilts for your investment portfolio? High interest rates make gilts an attractive option for some investors, especially higher rate taxpayers who benefit from the tax exemption from capital gains. What exactly are gilts? These UK government bonds, or debt securities, are issued to finance public expenditure. Their appeal lies in their low-risk nature and guaranteed income. [...]

• High costs of private education

  1 month ago

  The significant decision of choosing a private school for children Choosing the right educational path for your children is one of the most significant decisions you will make as a parent. Among the many considerations, private schooling often emerges as an option due to its perceived benefits, such as smaller class sizes, specialised programmes and personalised attention. [...]

• Aspiring towards retirement

  1 month ago

  Why many people experience a mixed bag of emotions on the subject Retirement is often envisioned as a time to unwind and indulge in our passions after years of hard work. However, recent research indicates that many individuals feel apprehensive about retiring due to financial and emotional concerns[1]. [...]

• A timely proposition

  1 month ago

  Considering gilts for your investment portfolio? High interest rates make gilts an attractive option for some investors, especially higher rate taxpayers who benefit from the tax exemption from capital gains. What exactly are gilts? These UK government bonds, or debt securities, are issued to finance public expenditure. Their appeal lies in their low-risk nature and guaranteed income. [...]