It has been a tumultuous year in British politics, with three prime ministers and four chancellors holding office.  After the calamitous “mini-Budget” ushered in the demise of Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng, new chancellor Jeremy Hunt has delivered his first autumn statement.  Hunt’s speech came at a tricky time [...]

From stalls filled with seasonal treats to entertainment like carol singers, they can really put you in the mood for the holidays. Whether you want to visit an event locally or combine it with a weekend away in Europe, there are hundreds of Christmas markets to choose from. 

Humans are hard-wired to make poor financial decisions. It’s just in our DNA. Financial wellbeing is a broad topic, covering all aspects of the relationship between money and our long-term happiness. It covers a wide variety of subjects, including how to manage money better, and how to use money [...]

It would be fair to say that the recent “mini-Budget” ended up being anything but. A series of tax cuts, the reversal of both the National Insurance increase and a planned Corporation Tax rise, and an eye-wateringly large intervention in energy markets prompted unprecedented market movements and even a rebuke [...]

With a new prime minister having taken office earlier this month, the government has begun to announce its plans for stimulating the UK economy during the cost of living crisis. Kwasi Kwarteng delivered what has been called a “mini-Budget” in an aim to drive economic growth, against the backdrop of [...]

High levels of inflation and concerns economies will experience recessions later this year continue to affect investment markets. While the stock market is experiencing volatility, remember to focus on your long-term goals. Guarantees cannot be made, but, historically, markets have bounced back from downturns and delivered returns when you look [...]

If you think that insurers don’t pay out when people make claims, you’re far from alone.  According to Scottish Widows, just 7% of people think that life cover claims pay out between 91% and 100% of the time.  For critical illness claims, this figure falls dramatically to just 2%. Together, [...]

Many people solely focus on their money and assets when laying out details for their estate in their will. This is somewhat understandable: your will is a great vehicle for securing your wealth for the next generation of your family. But as a result, other elements that aren’t directly related [...]

The last couple of years have been challenging for investors. Factors outside of your control are likely to have led to your portfolio experiencing volatility.  However, while market performance often grabs news headlines and your attention, the short-term movements of your portfolio shouldn’t be your main focus.  Market volatility characterised [...]

The cost of living is rising. Reviewing your finances now is crucial for understanding what effect inflation could have on your lifestyle and long-term plans. Inflation was at an almost 40-year high. In the 12 months to August 2022, it was 9.9%.  There are several factors contributing to rising inflation, [...]

When you start thinking about how you’ll create an income in retirement, it’s probably your pension that comes to mind. Yet, if your estate could be liable for Inheritance Tax (IHT), it could make sense to use other assets first.  IHT is paid after you pass away if the value [...]

If your child will be going to university this year or is planning to further their education in the future, you undoubtedly feel proud. However, you may also worry about what it means for your child financially. As a parent, it is important to understand what expenses students face, [...]