Investment market update: April 2026
During April 2026, markets have continued to experience volatility as the conflict in the Middle East has developed. Find out what external factors may have affected the performance of your investments. One effect of the conflict on global markets is the rising price of energy. Indeed, analysis from UBS suggests that March 2026 experienced the […]
How the value of your estate affects a key Inheritance Tax allowance
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a growing concern for many people in the UK, with increasing numbers of estates facing a rising tax liability. Each year, the amount of IHT paid to HMRC is increasing. By 2030/31, the Office for Budget Responsibility (February 2026) forecasts that IHT receipts will reach £14.5 billion, up from £8.3 billion […]
Powerful reasons to plan how to use your 2026/27 allowances and exemptions now
The 2026/27 tax year started on 6 April 2026. While you have until 5 April 2027 to use tax-efficient allowances and exemptions, making a plan now could be valuable. Here are four powerful reasons to consider your tax strategy for the current tax year. Avoid last-minute stress as the end of the tax year approaches […]
Wealth v strategy: Why a financial plan is essential
Building wealth without a financial plan may be like searching for a destination without a map. You might miss the most efficient route, take an unnecessary detour, or miss your intended target altogether. A clear plan could be essential for helping you reach your goals. If you’re simply accumulating wealth, your assets don’t have a […]
Why doing nothing might be the hardest investment strategy to follow
Once you have made an investment strategy, often doing nothing is the best course of action. Yet, it’s an approach that might be more difficult to stick to than you expect. Investment markets often experience volatility, which could tempt investors to make decisions based on short-term emotions. These actions might not align with their strategy […]
Guide: 5 essential steps to plan for a pension shortfall if you want to retire early
Getting the most out of your retirement and reaching your goals requires careful planning. But as we all know, life doesn’t always go to plan. If you decide you want to retire sooner than originally planned – whether due to circumstances beyond your control, a health crisis, or a simple change of heart – a […]
The importance of managing your pension withdrawals to protect your retirement lifestyle
Managing your pension doesn’t stop once you retire and start to draw an income from it. In fact, your pension still needs careful attention in retirement – just as much as when you were contributing – to ensure you don’t deplete it too quickly. Research suggests that many retirees aren’t taking professional advice and are […]
4 ways you could pass on wealth and protect your chosen family
Estate planning isn’t always as straightforward as leaving everything to a spouse or direct descendant. In fact, many people in the UK are opting to leave some or all of their wealth to their “chosen family”. Research cited by Today’s Wills and Probate (29 January 2026) found that, of those surveyed, 1 in 8 have […]
Should you delay your State Pension? The pros and cons explained
Thousands of people delay claiming their State Pension every year. There are some potential benefits, including managing their tax liability, but there are also drawbacks that are important to consider. The State Pension is a regular government payment you may receive from when you reach State Pension Age until you die. The current State Pension […]
Why conflict in the Middle East could affect your mortgage repayments
The war in Iran could lead to higher interest rates and affect the cost of your mortgage. Find out why and whether you could be affected. At the end of 2025, there was an expectation that the Bank of England (BoE) would make several cuts to the base interest rate in 2026 as the rate […]