Guide: Your financial safety net: How to protect what matters most to you
“Hope for the best, plan for the worst.” “Save for a rainy day.” “Dig the well before you are thirsty.” The English language is full of adages imploring us to use the good times in life to prepare for the more challenging ones. Life can be plain sailing with everything going according to plan one […]
4 surprising financial lessons you could learn from British wildlife
British wildlife is often overlooked, but the animals inhabiting the British Isles are remarkably resourceful, and they could teach you some unexpected lessons. The Bank of England (BoE) announced a new series of banknotes in 2025. As well as updated security features, the new notes showcase a nature theme, including four iconic animals that call […]
Financial independence v retirement: What’s the difference?
Financial independence is often associated with retirement, but the two aren’t the same. Understanding the difference could change the way you approach your finances and the outcome of your plans. Retirement is the milestone when you stop working Retirement is the stage when you stop working. It’s a milestone that’s often celebrated, and it represents […]
Early estate planning: 4 reasons why peace of mind could be the greatest gift to your family
It’s easy to push estate planning to the bottom of your financial to-do list while balancing the daily demands of family, career, and personal goals. However, putting a clear estate plan in place early is not an administrative task to leave for retirement. Moreover, early estate planning could help protect the wealth you have worked […]
Paying tax in retirement: What you need to know and strategies to manage your bill
Amid everything else you’re thinking about as you prepare for retirement, tax might not even cross your mind. You may even think it’s not something that will affect you once you stop working. Yet the income you receive in retirement could be taxed and a growing number of retirees are paying higher rates. According to […]
Investment market update: October 2026
Investors may have experienced volatility throughout October, with AI concerns and protests in Europe having an impact on markets. Read on to find out what other factors may have affected the markets last month. The month started with a global bond market sell-off, which led to markets falling. Worries about the amount of debt being […]
Your 2026 Autumn Budget update and what it means for you
The Autumn Budget 2026 contained a wide range of announcements affecting pensions, savings, tax, business owners and household finances. There were no increases to the headline rates of Income Tax, National Insurance or VAT. However, several targeted measures could have important financial planning consequences, including changes to the taxation of property and savings income, Business […]
5 frightful tax mistakes you should be mindful of this Halloween
Halloween: the season of ghouls, goblins, and gremlins; warlocks, witches, and wizards. Children everywhere are preparing to dress up in their most frightening finery and fill their pumpkin-shaped buckets with sweets and chocolates. While you may have outgrown Halloween treats, that doesn’t mean you’re safe from tricks, particularly when it comes to your personal finances. […]
The hidden emotional challenges of gifting assets during your lifetime
Passing assets to your loved ones during your lifetime could have many benefits. Yet, that doesn’t mean it’s simple, and you might experience emotional challenges even if you’re sure it’s the right thing to do in your circumstances. According to an FTAdviser article (29 July 2026), 7 in 10 people believe financial support should be […]
Why financial freedom matters for enjoying retirement on your terms
Becoming financially free as you enter retirement could make a huge difference to this chapter of your life. Financial freedom doesn’t necessarily mean becoming wealthy. Instead, it’s about having enough to live the life you want on your terms, without having to worry about money. As retirement represents a chance to reassess what’s important to […]