How much pension do you need to retire at 50?
Achieving an early, comfortable retirement requires careful planning For many people, retiring at 50 sounds like the ultimate financial goal. Instead of waiting until their 60s, they could have decades to travel, pursue hobbies or simply enjoy a slower pace of life. The catch is that your money may need to support you for several […]
How pensions could help parents avoid the £100k childcare cliff edge
Half of people are unaware that pension contributions can reduce adjusted net income Pensions are designed to help fund retirement, but they can also play a valuable role in wider financial planning. This could be particularly important for parents balancing the high cost of childcare, with holiday clubs alone costing families an average of £179 […]
Bringing your pensions together
A long-awaited way to view your pension savings in one place is finally taking shape For years, savers have been promised a simpler way to track their pension savings. The concept is straightforward: instead of searching through old paperwork, logging in to multiple providers or trying to remember where a former employer’s pension scheme is […]
Could looking after grandchildren add to your State Pension?
A little-known National Insurance credit could reward you and give you a financial boost Providing regular childcare for grandchildren could do more than help your family. It could also help protect your State Pension entitlement through National Insurance credits. Grandparents who spend their time caring for grandchildren may be able to claim Specified Adult Childcare […]
Upcoming changes raise concerns among savers
More than one in five adults report a decline in pension confidence The upcoming changes to how pensions are treated for Inheritance Tax (IHT) from 6 April 2027 appear to be having a wider impact on pension confidence, despite most adults being unaffected. New research finds that 49% of adults say their confidence is unchanged, […]
The true cost of raising a child in 2026
From childcare and essentials to education and everyday expenses Raising a child is a major financial commitment, with costs beginning long before school age. The latest figures from the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) estimate the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 at £250,000 for a couple and £290,000 for a lone […]
Giving money or valuable possessions to loved ones
54% of over-55s have no record of gifts given in the previous seven years Giving money or valuable possessions to loved ones can be a generous way to provide support, but failing to keep track of those gifts could leave families facing an Inheritance Tax (IHT) headache later. New research shows that 54% of over-55s […]
Britons face Inheritance Tax confusion
How the gifting rules are leaving some families in the dark Inheritance Tax (IHT) can feel like a financial maze, and new research suggests many families struggle to understand the rules. Almost three in five (59%) UK adults admit they find IHT confusing, while only 6% describe their understanding as very clear, according to research[1].
Ten years to go: is your retirement plan on track?
How to prepare your finances and make the most of the decade before retirement With retirement costs rising and people potentially spending several decades in later life, the decade before retirement is an important time to review your financial plans. Having around ten years to go gives you the opportunity to identify any gaps and […]
Reconsidering how to use pension savings and pass wealth to the next generation
It is increasingly important to consider pensions alongside other assets when planning For families with substantial pension savings, the rules are changing. From 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds and pension death benefits will form part of an estate’s value for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes. The change could prompt people to reconsider how they […]