76% of UK gig workers face mortgage and loan application rejections despite good credit Traditional credit systems don’t reflect gig workers’ multiple income sources Expert guidance helps gig workers improve mortgage approval odds by validating diverse income Variable income streams. Multiple employers. Seasonal side hustles. This is business as usual for gig economy workers, freelancers […]
Author archives: matthew
Is ‘financial independence’ a better option than retirement?
Financial independence means working becomes optional, not essential Diversifying income beyond pensions offers lasting security and freedom A clear plan helps you align your later life with your long-term goals Retirement used to mean the end of working life, but that’s definitely no longer the case. People are living longer, staying healthier and keen to […]
Economic Review – September 2025
UK inflation remained at an 18-month high of 3.8% in August, driven by food prices. Above the BoE 2% target UK GDP growth fell to 0.2% in the three months to July and output failed to grow at all in July In the UK jobs market payrolls fell for the seventh consecutive month and wage […]
Gen X stash the cash
Gen X savers are cautious, with over £34k on average held in cash savings Less than a third also invest, risking long-term value erosion from inflation Balancing cash investments can offer better growth without excessive risk Nearly two in three Brits born between 1965 and 1980 hold ‘significant’ savings in cash, new research1 shows, while […]
Demand for second homes falls: what does it mean for local buyers and sellers?
Council Tax hikes on second homes are triggering a surge in holiday property sales In popular holiday destinations the number of properties being listed for sale has increased over 40% This shift in property ownership has the potential to impact entire communities From country cottages to seaside retreats, the second home market is facing challenges. […]
A closer look at the ‘nearshoring’ trend
Nearshoring is rising as firms prioritise bringing supply chains closer to home Trump Tariffs’ have only underlined the need for companies to explore their options As the global economy evolves, identifying long-term trends is important The pandemic, raised geopolitical tensions and supply chain shocks, have all forced companies to rethink how they operate. Many, although […]
Who will inherit your pension?
1 in 6 people don’t know who their pension would go to if they passed away Cohabiting partners are especially at risk of missing out if not formally nominated Some still have ex-partners listed – regular reviews are essential One in six people with a partner admitted in a recent study1 that they ‘do not […]
Mortgage overpayments: small sums add up
A third of homeowners are currently making overpayments on their mortgage 40% of homeowners don’t have the confidence to overpay their mortgage Most lenders allow you to make overpayments of up to 10% of your mortgage balance each year without incurring any penalties UK homeowners could collectively save £2.3bn on mortgage interest each year by […]
‘Squeezed middle’ falling into ‘protection gap’
Only 30% of those aged 30 to 34 and 34% of those aged 35 to 39 have enough life cover to protect their family Households often insure mortgages but neglect cover for children and dependents The ‘squeezed middle’ must prioritise protection to avoid future shortfalls People in their 30s and 40s are falling into the […]
Financial empowerment for retirement control
Nearly 4 in 10 people in the UK are not on track for even a basic retirement lifestyle Understanding retirement income targets is key to building financial resilience Personal pensions offer flexibility, tax relief and control – ideal for employed and self-employed people. Building financial empowerment is all about the confidence that comes from knowing […]