A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) could provide you with protection when you’re most vulnerable by giving someone you trust the ability to make decisions on your behalf. Yet, a survey in the Independent, found that less than half of married couples have an LPA.   If it’s something you don’t [...]

While the State Pension may not be your main source of income in retirement, it’s often an important one. If you’re not on track to receive the full amount, there might be things you could do to boost it. For 2023/24, the full new State Pension is £203.85 a week, [...]

When you access your pension, you can often take a tax-free lump sum. While this may seem an attractive way to fund your early retirement plans, there are some essential things you need to consider first. You can usually access your pension from the age of 55, rising to 57 [...]

Ensuring your family is financially secure for the long term is a common goal. If it’s one of your priorities, intergenerational wealth planning could help you create a plan that suits you and your loved ones. There’s more than one way to pass on wealth to your family. Each option [...]

If your mortgage deal is coming to an end or it’s already expired, you should consider remortgaging. This guide reveals the essential things you need to know. The government previously estimated 57% of fixed-rate mortgages ending in 2023 had an interest rate below 2%. When these mortgage deals end, it’s [...]

It’s that time of the year when you may be dreaming about booking a summer holiday. The warmer weather is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and explore nature. You don’t have to go on a long-haul flight to experience incredible landscapes – these seven destinations are all in Europe.  [...]

Everyone has heard the saying “money can’t buy happiness”, but research suggests it’s not accurate.  According to a study from The Greater Good Science Center in the US, spending money can boost your wellbeing. However, simply heading to the shop and splurging on the latest technology or new clothes doesn’t [...]

When you think about investing, it’s probably the actions you take that come to mind. That could be researching a fund or actively investing in a company by purchasing shares. However, the steps you don’t take are just as important for your portfolio to be successful. That may sound strange, [...]

If you’re part of a blended family, it can make some decisions more complex, especially when you start to consider how to pass on wealth and provide for the people that are important to you. Don’t ignore the potential challenges, as being proactive could improve the financial security of you [...]

Over the last 18 months, interest rates have increased and the rate your savings could earn has slowly been rising. However, with some experts predicting they will begin to fall towards the end of the year, should you lock in an interest rate now? Double-digit inflation figures have led to [...]

Retiring early is an aspiration for many workers looking forward to greater freedom. If early retirement is something you’re dreaming about, a survey suggests financial planning could help you turn it into a reality and enjoy the next chapter of your life more.  A Standard Life study found, on average, [...]

For the last year, inflation has been high. If you’re worried about the effects of the rising cost of living, this guide could help you. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show, in the 12 months to April 2023, the rate of inflation was 8.7%. This is far above [...]