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 […]
Author archives: matthew
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 […]
Building wealth today, planning for tomorrow
Rising property values and frozen thresholds are drawing more families into IHT scope Pension rule changes from 2027 may alter estate planning strategies significantly Early awareness enables better family conversations and long-term legacy planning Inheritance Tax (IHT) is often viewed as something to think about later on in life. It can feel distant, complicated and […]
In the news
A third of UK workers feel confident about achieving a comfortable lifestyle when they retire There are some significant disparities across income groups, age and gender 60% of cash Individual Savings Account (ISA) savers would consider moving to a stocks and shares ISA Confidence in a comfortable retirement on the up A positive trend is […]
Equity Release continues to grow in popularity
Equity release lending rose 11% year-on-year to £2.57bn Many borrowers use funds for home improvements or gifting family Housing wealth is increasingly integrated into retirement planning Recent lending figures1 for last year show equity release lending totalled £2.57bn, a significant 11% increase on £2.3bn recorded the previous year. Drilling down into the data, it seems […]