Insights
Insights
Investment market update: May 2025
Uncertainty continued to lead to market volatility in May 2025. However, there was some good news for investors as some markets recovered the losses they experienced in April 2025. Read on to find out more and what factors may have influenced your portfolio’s performance recently. While market movements may be [...]
How technology could be harming your investment decisions
Technology has made it easier than ever to invest and review the performance of your portfolio. Yet, it could also be harming your decision-making skills and the way you approach managing your finances. Understanding when and how technology has the potential to negatively affect your investments could mean you’re better [...]
4 steps that could recession-proof your retirement
If you’ve been keeping up with the news recently, you’ll likely know that global economic growth is under increasing pressure. In February 2025, the Bank of England halved its forecast for UK growth this year from 1.5% to just 0.75%, the BBC reports. Meanwhile, the Guardian reveals that US Gross [...]
How to use the “gifting from income” rule to reduce your estate’s Inheritance Tax bill
According to a Citywire report, forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) suggest the amount of Inheritance Tax (IHT) paid to HMRC will have increased by 11.6% in 2024/25 compared to 2023/24. This will mean that the total amount of IHT paid in the 2024/25 financial year will have [...]
Why defining “financial freedom” could help you achieve it
Achieving “financial freedom” is an aspiration many people have. Yet, it can mean different things to each person and is influenced by other lifestyle goals, so defining how to measure it for you could help you turn it into a reality. Securing financial freedom so you can retire with confidence [...]
The Thursday Murder Club’s guide to retiring well
Richard Osman’s books about the Thursday Murder Club, a team of detective octogenarians, have sold millions of copies, and the team are set to hit the small screen in August. But Elizabeth, Ron, Joyce, and Ibrahim aren’t just providing entertainment; they could offer valuable retirement lessons as well. But don’t [...]
Guide: The compounding effect: How it could boost or harm your finances
When a 1920s ad referred to compound interest as “the eighth wonder of the world”, the quote was left unattributed. But that didn’t stop it from becoming synonymous with the celebrated physicist, Albert Einstein. The link was likely intended to lend credibility to a statement that at first glance seems [...]
Guide: How financial planning could help you answer essential “what if?” questions
Your Spring Statement update – the key news from the chancellor’s speech
After Rachel Reeves’ impactful first Budget in autumn 2024, you might have been concerned about the announcements that would be included in her Spring Statement on 26 March 2025. Reassuringly, the major headline from this year’s springtime fiscal event is that Reeves made few announcements that are likely to affect [...]
Investment market update: February 2025
After reading headlines throughout February, you might be expecting a gloomy investment outlook. Yet, despite threats of trade wars and uncertainty around the world, there were market highs. Read on to find out more about some of the factors that influenced investment markets. As investment markets are experiencing volatility, it’s [...]
Thinking about investing in crypto? You need to be aware of these signs of a scam
As some cryptocurrencies have delivered large returns in the past, you may be more likely to overlook red flags when you’re assessing an investment opportunity. Yet falling victim to a scam could leave you out of pocket and affect your mental wellbeing, so being aware of the warning signs could [...]
Why ongoing financial advice could ease your mental load
Handling finances is a part of life and something that most people do, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t stressful. Indeed, many people don’t feel confident making financial decisions, and financial advice could ease their mental load. Even when you’re relatively comfortable, managing your finances can be a cause of [...]