Planning to make sure your retirement savings last
Many of us look forward to retirement as a time to relax and enjoy the fruits of our labour. However, an increasing number of retirees are facing an unexpected challenge: their lifespans are extending well beyond their initial expectations, and their financial plans may not be sufficient to keep up. This growing gap between life expectancy and financial preparedness is a critical issue for today’s retirees.
Have you fully utilised this wrapper that shields your savings and investments from tax?
An Individual Savings Account (ISA) is highly effective for anyone looking to save or invest money in a tax-efficient way. An ISA functions as a wrapper that shields your savings and investments from tax. Any interest, capital gains or dividends earned within an ISA are completely tax-free, enabling your money to grow more efficiently than it would in a standard savings account.
Maximise your pension planning before the end of the 2025/26 tax year
As the 2025/26 tax year ends on 5 April, now is the right time to review your pension arrangements and ensure you’re maximising all available allowances. Taking proactive steps in pension planning now can help you secure valuable tax relief, boost your retirement fund and prepare for the future. Acting quickly allows you to fully utilise the rules before the new tax year begins, ensuring you don’t miss out on potential benefits.
Without a sufficient financial buffer, an unforeseen health issue could be catastrophic
In the current economic climate, financial stability seems more out of reach than ever for many households across the UK. Recent research reveals a significant gap between our desire for security and the actions we actually take to attain it. Half of the UK’s workforce admits they would feel much more financially resilient if they had cover in place to protect their income should they be unable to work due to illness or injury[1].
Why keeping your financial plan relevant is more important than ever
Have you set your New Year’s financial resolutions? The key is to make them specific and measurable. To help you get started, we have suggested some financial resolutions for 2026 to consider, all of which are realistic, achievable and easy to track.
How financial awareness can protect your hard-earned retirement savings
In an era when job changes are common, millions of people in the UK risk losing touch with their hard-earned retirement savings. New research highlights a concerning gap in financial awareness, with many individuals potentially missing out on a significant part of their future income because pension pots from previous jobs have been forgotten.
Planning your inheritance to transfer wealth to the next generation
Passing wealth to the next generation is a goal for many. Recent research shows that nearly half of us (47%) intend to leave a financial legacy, with a significant number planning to transfer assets directly to their children[1]. However, navigating the complexities of Inheritance Tax (IHT) can be daunting, leaving many uncertain about how to pass on their wealth in the most tax-efficient manner.
Frozen thresholds and new caps reshape the financial landscape for savers and investors
Last year’s Autumn Budget outlined several fiscal changes that will significantly influence personal and family wealth planning in the coming years. Understanding these reforms is the first step towards protecting your financial future and keeping your strategy effective in a changing economic environment.
Making sound financial decisions this decade is crucial to securing a comfortable future.
For those in their 50s and beyond, investing can seem particularly intimidating. As retirement approaches, the timeframe for growing your money narrows, and priorities shift towards protecting capital. However, this does not mean investment opportunities are limited. Making sound financial decisions this decade is crucial to ensuring a comfortable future.
Navigating this requires careful planning to ensure you maximise your earnings
Recent figures from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) reveal a startling trend: an increasing number of pensioners are caught in a punitive 60% tax trap[1]. In the 2024/25 tax year, 77,000 individuals aged 66 and over had earnings between £100,000 and £125,140, subject to this alarmingly high effective tax rate. This figure has more than doubled in just three years, demonstrating the significant impact of frozen tax thresholds on older, higher-earning workers.
