The Monetary Policy Committee voted 7–2 to leave Bank Rate unchanged at 3.75% at its June meeting Official figures suggest consumers returned to the high street during May, with warmer weather helping lift retail activity UK Consumer Price Index inflation held steady at 2.8% in May, defying analyst forecasts of 3.0% rise Bank of England […]
Author archives: matthew
Protection policies – just 42% hold one
Only 42% of UK consumers hold life, income or critical illness protection Affordability and lack of awareness are key reasons for underinsurance Major life events often trigger protection decisions, sometimes too late Have you got protection in place? A survey of over 14,000 UK consumers1, has discovered that just 42% have protection policies arranged, including […]
Sea view or swimming pool? The top property searches
Garages and annexes were the most searched property features in 2025 Rural homes and large gardens gained popularity Swimming pools ranked above sea views in buyer demand What features do you think of first when you imagine your new property? If your mind went straight to a garage or annexe, you are not alone: new […]
In the news
Almost one in five first-time buyers are searching for mortgages below 60% loan-to-value The Lifetime ISA will be replaced with a new savings product focused on first-time buyers Average mortgage payments are projected to fall to around 40-41% of gross salaries, lowest since 2021 Growing divide in first-time buyer deposits Almost one in five first-time […]
Small steps to securing your financial future – it is attainable!
Average pension savings lag significantly behind comfortable retirement targets Changing pension rules and longevity trends demand proactive planning Reviewing contributions and investment strategy can reduce future shortfalls It can be easy to disengage when you see the statistics about how much you’ll need for a comfortable retirement, especially when you’re working hard and the demands […]
Salary sacrifice – things to consider
Current salary sacrifice rules allow full Income Tax and National Insurance efficiency National Insurance relief will be restricted above £2,000 annually from April 2029 Forward planning could maximise pension contributions under existing rules Salary sacrifice is one of the most effective pension planning tools available, particularly for higher earners. It allows you to exchange part […]
You’ve got a mortgage! Now protect it
Over one-third of mortgage holders have no protection in place Nearly half would struggle within six months of losing income Income protection and life cover safeguard long-term home security Securing a mortgage can feel like the pivotal step in achieving financial independence. Yet, too many mortgage holders are taking on this major commitment without protecting […]
Economic Review – May 2026
The annual rate of UK inflation fell more sharply than expected, down to 2.8% in the year to April Britain’s economy grew by 0.3% in March, defying expectations of a slight contraction linked to global conflict According to ONS, the unemployment rate increased slightly to 5.0% in the three months to March Inflation eases, but […]
The power of participation – markets move – participation matters
Market volatility is normal and often creates long-term opportunity Holding excess cash may hinder growth for long-term objectives Diversification and discipline help manage emotional investment decisions Investors are constantly navigating changing narratives. Last year markets rebounded to reach new highs following President Trump’s spring trade announcements, despite ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty. More recently, the […]
BTL lending leaps–where are the hotspots?
New BTL lending rose 22.7% year-on-year in Q3 2025 Average UK rental yields increased to 7.15% Northern cities and Wales are emerging as strong yield locations The number of new buy-to-let (BTL) loans advanced in the UK during Q3 2025 leapt by 22.7% year-on-year, new figures1 show. Which locations are driving this resurgence? Hint: it’s […]