News

Unspent pensions will be subject to IHT from 2027, changing inheritance rules significantly  Double taxation risks arise, as pensions inherited post-75 may face both income tax and IHT  Planning tools such as gifting, trusts, and insurance can help mitigate future IHT liabilities  The government has confirmed it will move ahead with plans to include unspent […]

For every £1 in a man’s pension pot, a woman has just 42p  Career breaks, part-time work and lower wages widen the gender pensions gap  Purposeful contributions and proactive planning can help women build stronger retirement security  Nearly 40% of women in the UK risk not having enough funds for a comfortable retirement, according to […]

Average home insurance costs vary depending on property type and size The most common reasons for claiming are water damage and accidents Renewing policies early, ideally 25 days before expiry, can help reduce costs The latest home insurance statistics compiled by one industry source1 have revealed the trends and patterns of 2025.  The average buildings […]

Hybrid working helps employees phase gradually into retirement while supporting wellbeing  Working part-time after 66 can smooth the retirement transition and boost pension savings  Seek advice as pensions, investments and tax payments could all be impacted  Higher productivity. Better quality of life. Greater satisfaction. These are just some of the potential benefits of hybrid working; […]

Relying on inheritance to fund retirement is risky as it can’t be guaranteed  Starting early with small, regular pension contributions can help you benefit long-term compounding  Take advantage of employer contributions, combine pension pots and maximise tax relief  Retirement can seem an age away when you’re in your twenties and thirties, but it’s never too […]

Buyers can be swayed by seasonal features depending on when they’re buying  Winter buyers prioritise warmth, so would pay more for a fireplace and insulation  Summer buyers are drawn to gardens, pools and air conditioning when purchasing  Thinking of putting your home on the market? The time of year you do it could affect how well your […]

Many UK investors use social media to help make their financial decisions   To protect investors from misleading advice, the FCA is taking decisive action  Professional guidance helps investors make safe, informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes  Social media finfluencers. Internet searches. AI chatbots. A growing number of people in the UK are turning to unregulated – […]

Investors face rapid change due to inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, AI and the energy transition  IMF forecasts global growth of 3% in 2025, but warns of persistent downside risks  Agility, diversification and long-term structural alignment are vital to manage risk and capture growth  Adapting to transformation – investing through global change  As we enter the final […]

A third of people expecting £300k+ inheritance don’t fully understand IHT, risking lost family wealth   Only 20% plan lifetime transfers, 22% avoid inheritance discussions and 28% don’t understand planning options  UK dividends hit £35.1bn in Q2, with banks and Rolls-Royce contributing to underlying growth  People don’t understand IHT  Research1 shows there’s a significant knowledge gap […]

The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme is now permanently available across the UK  Lenders are insured against losses, supporting availability of high LTV mortgages  When borrowing at higher loan-to-value levels, it’s important to tread carefully  The government’s new Mortgage Guarantee Scheme became permanently available in July 2025.  The scheme, which was part of Labour’s election manifesto, aims […]