Are you supporting adult children? Here’s why it should be part of your financial plan
A growing number of families are financially supporting their children or grandchildren as they navigate adulthood. A financial plan could help you understand the impact on your finances now and in the future. Stagnant wages, the rising cost of living, and difficulties getting on the property ladder mean younger generations are finding it difficult […]
Investment market update: August 2026
After months of volatility, markets were relatively calm in August, though economic data was mixed. Discover what factors may have affected your investment portfolio throughout August 2026. When markets opened on 3 August, it was a good start to the month. Falling oil prices led to the Stoxx Europe 600 index, which provides a broad […]
Why viewing your lifestyle goals as an experiment could lead to success
From abandoned new year resolutions to yet-to-be-visited bucket list travel destinations, failing to achieve the ambitious goals we set for ourselves is a universal experience. But what if we’re simply thinking about goal-setting the wrong way? A recent article (21 June 2026) in the Guardian suggests that approaching lifestyle goals with an “experimental mindset” may […]
The psychology behind favouring cash instead of investing
Psychology could be one reason why some people are reluctant to invest, even when it fits into their wider financial plan. Managing risk is an important part of life. You check the road before you cross the street, and you might be encouraged to take out home insurance just in case something happens. So, it’s […]
Why earning more than £100,000 doesn’t have to mean falling into a tax trap
A hidden marginal tax rate that affects workers earning between £100,000 and £125,140 is often dubbed a “tax trap”, and research suggests it’s shaping career decisions. However, there are ways you might mitigate the additional tax charge without putting the brakes on your career progression.
Why the State Pension triple lock matters for retirees
The triple lock increases the State Pension year-on-year to protect pensioners from the effects of inflation.
The factors that influence your investment style and how to take control
Your investment style will shape how you choose your investments and manage them over the long term. The good news is that your style isn’t set in stone, and you can make positive changes so your approach to investing aligns with your strategy.
Investment market update: February 2026
In February 2026, ongoing uncertainty around trade tariffs and concerns about the impact of AI adoption on business profits affected the markets. Read on to discover some of the factors that may have affected your investment portfolio. Markets reached record highs but were affected by AI concerns and trade tariffs The FTSE 100, an index […]
6 benefits of reading and how to make it a lifelong habit
The National Year of Reading is a new campaign underway for 2026, designed to help people discover, or rediscover, the joy of reading. Increasingly, digital pastimes and smartphone usage are taking over, with a survey by the campaign organiser, the National Literacy Trust, showing that daily reading and enjoyment of reading are declining. Just one […]
Explained: Why your pension could become liable for Inheritance Tax
Next year, a significant change to how pensions are treated when calculating Inheritance Tax (IHT) could mean more families become liable for the tax. Here’s what you need to know to understand if your estate could be affected and how you might mitigate a potential bill. Currently, pensions are usually outside your estate for IHT […]