As 2026 begins, thoughtful financial planning remains essential for navigating change and securing long-term goals. Reviewing investments, tax strategies and pensions ensures your financial plans stay aligned with changing circumstances. Now is the perfect time to take stock and start the year with a clear financial plan. We’d like to take a moment to thank you for your […]
Author archives: matthew
Planning with purpose in 2026
Providing for family is the strongest motivator for UK adults when it comes to financial planning. Find a balance between what you value, what you need and what gives you a sense of purpose. Mental wellbeing plays a vital role in financial confidence – we’re here to help you define your financial purpose. As we welcome 2026, it’s the […]
It’s that time of year again – consider your end of tax year planning
Consider using ISA and pension allowances before they reset to maximise long-term, tax-efficient growth Reviewing CGT, dividend and gifting allowances now could reduce unnecessary tax liabilities Early planning helps protect wealth, improve cash flow and avoid rushed decisions before the tax year ends As the end of the 2025/26 tax year approaches, it’s the ideal time to ensure you’re making the most of tax-efficient […]
Economic Review December 2025
“We still think rates are on a gradual path downward… how much further we go becomes a closer call” The BoE Governor recently warned about the impact AI could exert on employment ONS statistics show retail sales volumes fell 0.1% in November, below analysts’ expectations Pace of rate cuts could slow further While the latest set of consumer price statistics did […]
FTBs looking to buy in cities
First-time buyers increasingly prefer city living, reversing the pandemic’s ‘race for space’ Dundee, Edinburgh and Doncaster show the largest rises in FTB city enquiries London demand has dipped, highlighting the impact of high house prices on affordability More FTBs are setting their sights on city living, new data reveals1. The analysis compared FTB enquiries between January and […]
Personal pension age change delays access to savings
From April 2028, pension access rises to 57, impacting those born after April 1973 Early pension access will be limited to those with ill health or protected pension ages Many are worried about the upcoming change, so seek advice and review your plans A two-year increase in the normal minimum pension age could impact retirement planning for […]
Owning a home offers significant savings opportunities
Owning a home can create significant long-term savings when compared with renting Renters in London and Bristol are missing out the most on savings opportunities Despite challenges, many younger renters are optimistic about owning their first home Research1 has compared the average cost of buying versus renting, highlighting the investment opportunities that homeowning can offer. By […]
When gifts backfire
Gifting can reduce IHT, but poor record-keeping could cause the exemption to be rejected Gifts with reservation (e.g. continuing to benefit from gifted assets) often trigger unexpected IHT bills With frozen thresholds and pensions joining IHT, careful planning is more important than ever With pensions set to join the list of assets liable for IHT, for many families, […]
Life insurance – time to redress the gender gap
Women are less likely than men to hold life insurance or understand its benefits Many women have not been educated about life insurance and believe they can’t afford it Life insurance provides financial support to loved ones if the policyholder dies during its term Women are falling through the cracks when it comes to life insurance. According to a […]
Clients are tuning in to intergenerational planning
More families now prioritise intergenerational planning, driven by record IHT receipts and policy changes Only half of advised clients have IHT solutions in place, showing a clear advice-action gap Women are set to control 60% of UK private wealth by 2025 but remain under-advised The Great Wealth Transfer is happening, with the UK expected to […]