Insights
Insights
Guide: 7 key allowances you might want to use before the end of the 2025/26 tax year
Investment market update: January 2026
Geopolitical tensions and threats of trade tariffs continued to impact global investment markets at the start of 2026. Read on to find out what factors may have affected your investments at the start of 2026. Markets experienced highs, but geopolitical tensions continue to cause volatility On 2 January, the first [...]
5 ways to embrace solo travelling later in life
With a rising number of people embracing solo travelling, it could well be something you’re considering. Even though it might seem like an experience for younger people, it’s never too late to try exploring a new destination by yourself. If it’s on your agenda but you’re a little nervous, read [...]
Employee Ownership Trusts: Why they could be a strategic exit option for business owners
If you’re a business owner thinking about your long-term plans, you might have already considered the ways you could exit your company. Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) have become a common way to transfer ownership of your business to your valued employees. However, if you’ve been following the news lately, you [...]
The money lessons you can teach children at every stage to boost their financial literacy
Financial literacy was first introduced into the national curriculum back in 2014, aimed at children aged between 11 and 16. However, the delivery was inconsistent, as the requirement wasn’t mandatory across all schools. Now, as part of a curriculum assessment, a stronger approach to financial literacy lessons is being adopted. [...]
What you can learn from Michael Sheen about spending with purpose
Spending money with purpose can improve your wellbeing. With International Day of Happiness taking place on 20 March 2026, now is the perfect time to think about how you want to use your wealth in a meaningful way, taking inspiration from renowned actor Michael Sheen. Often, people think about financial [...]
How to be a successful investor: Following a strategy that’s right for you
There’s more to being a successful investor than following the latest market trends and tips. Setting out a strategy that’s right for you could allow you to balance risk against your goals. Last month, you read about the importance of defining what success means for you. With your goals outlined, [...]
Investment market update: December 2025
After a year filled with uncertainty and rising trade tensions, markets were calmer in December 2025. Find out what may have affected the performance of your portfolio at the end of the year. Market volatility eased in December 2025 Markets were downbeat at the start of the month. Most European [...]
The salary sacrifice pension cap essentials business owners need to know
You might already know that salary sacrifice can be a practical way for your employees to bolster their retirement funds, while reducing their tax liability. However, in the 2025 Autumn Budget, the government announced changes to how salary sacrifice is treated for National Insurance (NI) purposes. From April 2029, a [...]
Gifting to reduce an Inheritance Tax bill? Here are 5 things to check first
In the Autumn Budget 2025, the chancellor announced that Inheritance Tax (IHT) thresholds would remain frozen for a further year, until 2031. Upcoming changes will also see unused pensions included in an estate for IHT purposes for the first time from April 2027. These measures could see estates facing a [...]
7 ways financial planning could help you set realistic goals
Why retirement has a language problem and how to change the narrative
Language is powerful. The words you use to describe different scenarios can change how you perceive events, and the language used for retirement could lead to a pessimistic outlook. Writing in an article for Saga (21 October 2025), lexicographer Susie Dent explains that in English, “retire” has its roots in [...]
