Investors warned as cloning scams surge
Nearly a quarter of brand cloning scams succeed, costing investors £2.7m in H2 2024 AI is fueling more convincing scam tactics that mimic real firms Verifying legitimacy before investing is more important than ever Cloning scams are now the top fraud threat to people wanting to invest, a new study shows1. The Investment Association (IA) […]
Engaging with your pension – knowledge gaps revealed
Most UK adults lack essential knowledge about their pensions and how they’re invested A significant number don’t know their State Pension entitlement or how it’s calculated Many want to consolidate pensions but don’t know how to start New research1 has shone a light on the extent of pension knowledge gaps among UK adults. While 53% […]
Summer pension round-up – managing your wealth
Nearly half of over-50s are worried about running out of money in retirement Many retirees withdraw pension lump sums impulsively, without understanding tax or long-term consequences Career progression, early retirement and smart planning shape your future pension outcome. With life moving fast, demands on our time and finances never-ending, it’s easy to push pensions down […]
Summer housing market update – records, challenges and changing trends
Average asking prices hit record highs, but growth is slowing, as analysts suggest we’re in a buyers market Moving costs have risen sharply across the UK due to changes in tax and associated fees First-time buyers see improved affordability supported by flexible mortgage products As summer begins, the housing and mortgage markets are experiencing a […]
Get Budget-ready this summer
Summer is the ideal time to review financial goals and investment strategies Utilising tax allowances now can protect your wealth from future policy changes Long-term investing remains key, even amid short-term market volatility Summer should bring a welcome shift in pace: longer days, warmer evenings, time off and the chance for some well-earned rest and […]
UK cities see strong property market growth
The UK property market experienced a boost in 2024, with nearly 50% of homes listed receiving offers or selling Cities like Sunderland, Leicester, and Liverpool saw notable increases in buyer activity, while London’s growth was subdued Rising buyer confidence, stabilising mortgage rates and positive market conditions are expected to keep demand strong The UK property […]
Bridging the generational wealth gap: securing financial stability
The disparities in wealth accumulation between the generations are striking Today, younger generations hold just 4% of total UK wealth Almost half of UK adults worry they won’t have enough saved for retirement Throughout our lives, we both give and receive support across generations, whether within our families or as part of society. This concept, […]
Four in five clients see financial advice as ‘value for money’
82% of advised investors believe they get good value from financial advice, up 10% from last year 96% of advised clients value their adviser’s accessibility, especially during market volatility Long-term market confidence is higher among advised investors, showing the benefits of expert financial guidance People with a financial adviser are more optimistic about their financial […]
Home Finance – In the news
Older borrowers are increasingly taking out ultra-long mortgages, with a 156% rise in the last five years Half of UK homes saw price increases in 2024, there’s a clear north-south divide in property values Rent costs for tenants under 45 hit a record £56.2bn due to rising mortgage rates Retiring with a mortgage With a […]
Why life insurance matters
50% of salaried employees and 33% of non-salaried workers lack life insurance Life insurance covers expenses like mortgages, bills and education costs should the worse happen Policies can start as low as a few pounds a month, offering affordable protection and peace of mind Taking out life insurance is a crucial step in protecting what […]