Insights
Insights
7 ways financial planning could help you reduce stress
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 [...]
Balancing your goals: Why investing could be suitable for long-term goals
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 [...]
5 life lessons from Sir David Attenborough
Guide: How to plan for a 100-year life
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 [...]
Investment market update: April 2026
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 [...]
How the value of your estate affects a key Inheritance Tax allowance
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 [...]
How to really sell a business
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 [...]
4 exit options baby boomer business owners might want to consider
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 [...]
How to manage lifestyle inflation to keep your long-term goals on track
Like inflation, lifestyle inflation could affect your finances, and you might not be aware of the effects straightaway. Find out how it might impede your ability to reach your goals and some ways to manage it. Lifestyle inflation refers to the tendency for spending to increase as your income rises. [...]
Balancing your goals: How to manage your medium-term goals
It can be easy to overlook medium-term goals when reviewing your long-term plans. Yet, they’re often important for your wellbeing. Find out how you might manage your medium-term goals. Last month, you read about how you might manage your wealth when working towards short-term goals. Now, read on to discover [...]
Guide: 5 essential steps to plan for a pension shortfall if you want to retire early
Investment market update: March 2026
Conflict in the Middle East caused market volatility throughout March 2026. Find out what other factors may have affected your investments. While the ongoing uncertainty may feel unsettling for investors, remember that your strategy reflects your long-term goals and considers periods of volatility. Oil prices rising and ongoing uncertainty led [...]
