Insights

Insights

  • Don’t have a will? Here’s how your estate would be distributed under intestacy rules

    A June 2025 article by Today’s Wills & Probate revealed a 25% rise in people dying without a valid will between 2020/21 and 2023/24. If writing your will is something you haven’t tackled yet, it could mean your assets are distributed in a way that doesn’t align with your wishes. [...]

    Published On: September 10, 2025
  • How pension and Inheritance Tax policy changes could affect your legacy

    From April 2027, pensions are expected to fall within your estate and could be liable for Inheritance Tax (IHT). That date might seem far away, but the policy change has the potential to significantly affect your estate plan, so thinking about it now could be useful. While the policy change [...]

    Published On: September 10, 2025
  • Guide: Revealed: The value of financial planning

    Financial planning can add real value to your life, helping you achieve your goals and enjoy the lifestyle you want. When you think about financial planning, you might initially focus on the financial element. Perhaps you’re interested in how planning can help you reduce your tax bill, invest to get [...]

    Published On: August 28, 2025
  • Guide: Planning for a longer life: Wellbeing tips and financial management strategies

    Average life expectancies have increased significantly in recent years, both in the UK and the rest of the world. While people living longer is always good news, it also brings new challenges for your health and, crucially, your finances. Maintaining your physical and mental wellbeing over a longer life requires [...]

    Published On: July 25, 2025
  • Guide: What the Back to the Future ripple effect could teach you about financial planning

    It’s been 40 years since Back to the Future delighted cinema-goers with its time-travelling adventure. Teenager Marty McFly discovers the power of the “ripple effect”, and it’s something that could be valuable when you’re creating a financial plan as well.  One of the plot devices in Back to the Future [...]

    Published On: June 30, 2025
  • 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 [...]

    Published On: June 4, 2025
  • 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 [...]

    Published On: June 4, 2025
  • 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 [...]

    Published On: June 4, 2025
  • 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 [...]

    Published On: June 4, 2025
  • 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 [...]

    Published On: June 4, 2025
  • 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 [...]

    Published On: June 4, 2025
  • 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 [...]

    Published On: May 22, 2025