Thinking about life after you finish work usually involves planning for your retirement. This means considering how to enjoy your hard-earned wealth, perhaps by travelling, spending time with friends and family, or treating yourself to something you’ve always dreamt of having, such as a new car or the holiday of [...]

There were highs and dips in the investment markets in May 2026. Discover some of the factors that may have affected your portfolio’s performance. Remember, short-term market movements are a normal part of investing. When you’re reviewing returns, it’s typically a good idea to look at the bigger picture and [...]

Have you considered what would happen to your business if you or a key person became ill or passed away? It’s something that many business owners overlook. Yet, the potential consequences of not protecting your business could be huge. There are practical steps you can take to help ensure your [...]

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. The Personal Allowance is £12,570 [...]

Financial worries are common, but engaging with your finances and creating a long-term plan could ease stress. According to research from Virgin Money (1 October 2025), 89% of people in the UK experience money worries, and a third said they experience this regularly. Financial concerns can spill into other areas [...]

Reaching your long-term goals often requires careful planning and consistent action. A financial plan could help you work towards these goals and, in some cases, investing may play an important role too. In previous blogs, you’ve read about how you might reach short- or medium-term goals. Now, read on to [...]

On 8 May 2026, Sir David Attenborough celebrated his 100th birthday. A longtime protector of and advocate for our planet’s wildlife, even in older age, he maintains a profound passion for nature and a drive to change the world for the better. Over the years, he has imparted his wisdom, [...]

The number of people celebrating their 100th birthday in the UK is on the rise. As life expectancy continues to increase, it is more important than ever to plan financially for a 100-year life. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were 16,600 centenarians in 2024 – double [...]

During April 2026, markets have continued to experience volatility as the conflict in the Middle East has developed. Find out what external factors may have affected the performance of your investments. One effect of the conflict on global markets is the rising price of energy. Indeed, analysis from UBS suggests [...]

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a growing concern for many people in the UK, with increasing numbers of estates facing a rising tax liability. Each year, the amount of IHT paid to HMRC is increasing. By 2030/31, the Office for Budget Responsibility (February 2026) forecasts that IHT receipts will reach £14.5 [...]

This guest blog was written by Chris Budd, who wrote the original Financial Wellbeing Book as well as The Four Cornerstones of Financial Wellbeing. He founded the Institute for Financial Wellbeing and has written more than 100 episodes of the Financial Wellbeing Podcast. Ask small business owners when they plan [...]

With the youngest of the baby boomers now in their early 60s, business owners in this generation could benefit from considering exit strategies if they haven’t already. An article in the Guardian (29 March 2026) notes that as small business owners prepare to retire, their companies could disappear. After you’ve [...]