One of the biggest social changes over the last 50 years has been the rise in the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach to jobs around the house. This has resulted in the... read more →

The cost of living is rising quicker than has been normal in the last few decades. Indeed, the last time inflation was this high was in the 1980s. So, what... read more →

Money and financial decisions are often seen as a personal matter. However, making your family part of the financial planning process and discussing your goals with them can be valuable.... read more →

Sadly, vulnerable people are more likely to be a victim of financial abuse. However, if you think a family member may be at risk, keeping an eye out for signs... read more →

The State Pension is often an important part of your retirement income, so should you top up your National Insurance contributions (NICs) to increase it? Even if you have other... read more →

As the rate of inflation continues to rise, it’s more important than ever that those approaching retirement consider how the rising cost of living could affect them. For some people,... read more →

A trend among modern retirees to increase their spending as they get older could mean that some run out of money during their lifetime. The new research is an important... read more →

More than a quarter of people feel anxious about money, according to research from the Money and Pension Service (MAPS). People that have recently experienced poor mental health are more... read more →

Scams can have a devastating effect on your financial wellbeing and confidence. While investment scams may be rarer than some other types, they are often associated with losing more money... read more →

Being a trustee comes with many responsibilities, and, in some cases, you will need to register a trust with the Trust Registration Service (TRS) by 1 September 2022 or you... read more →

Next year, Boris Johnson’s social care cap will be introduced. So, what is it and what does it mean for you? The social care cap limits how much an individual... read more →

More retirees are planning to work in some way after they retire. While this flexibility can boost your income and help you strike a work-life balance that suits you, it... read more →

When planning for your retirement, have you considered if you’ll be providing financial support to loved ones? A survey conducted by Key suggests that a third of new retirees are... read more →

Financial protection is an important part of creating long-term security. Yet, it’s something that many people overlook. Appropriate financial protection can provide you or your family with an income or... read more →

Richard Fyfe explains why sticking with the plan remains the best course of action and illustrates how we plan ahead and stress test our financial plans to ensure they can... read more →

It’s fair to say that the UK is addicted to sport. After two years of events being affected by the Covid pandemic to some extent or another, there’s more of... read more →

Direct debits arrived in the UK in 1964 as a paper-based system. They’ve become essential for managing household outgoings and almost 9 in 10 British adults have at least one... read more →

Gaps in financial education are leaving many teenagers unprepared for managing their money and becoming independent. The good news is that they’re keen to learn and recognise how important getting... read more →

Over the last few months, you’ve probably heard a lot about inflation and the effect it can have on your cost of living. While you may be familiar with the... read more →

Do you have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place? If you don’t, it could leave you in a vulnerable position if you’re unable to make decisions for yourself,... read more →

When you’re nearing retirement there are a lot of big decisions you need to make. From when to retire to how much income to take from your pension, how long... read more →

Those nearing retirement have plenty of lessons to teach younger generations. A survey asking over-50s how they feel about their pension and retirement plans has highlighted some regrets workers could... read more →

Getting the most out of retirement and reaching your goals requires planning. Not thinking about your post-work years until you reach that milestone can mean that a retirement that promised... read more →

When you go to the doctor feeling under the weather, what do you expect? A prescription to take to the pharmacy or some additional tests perhaps? Doctors in Canada are... read more →

How often do you talk about money with your partner? The way money is handled in a relationship can sometimes make or break a couple, and research suggests it’s something... read more →

Individuals aged between 40 and 60 – dubbed “midlifers” – are facing time and financial pressures as they try to support their families. Many are feeling the strain and don’t... read more →

A will is the only way for your wishes to be legally enforceable when you pass away. However, it’s becoming more common for families to dispute wills. So, what can... read more →

When you retire, your income may be coming from multiple sources, and it may not be regular. This can lead to some retirees being overtaxed. While you can claim back... read more →

If you’re nearing retirement, you may be starting to think about planning the next stage of your life. What steps spring to mind? You may prioritise organising your pension, claiming... read more →

Against the backdrop of the continuing war in Ukraine, the chancellor has delivered his spring statement. The war has contributed to uncertainty in the global economy, with the Office for... read more →

Over time, you can pick up things that clutter your life and mean you aren’t living the lifestyle you want. It might be material items taking up space in your... read more →

At the end of 2021, the Bank of England (BoE) raised its base interest rate from 0.1% to 0.25%. Then, the Bank increased the rate further in February to 0.5%,... read more →

When you think of falling for a scam, you may think of being duped to hand over personal information or make payments. But some fraudsters are targeting one of your... read more →

Reports suggest that the top rate Income Tax band could be scrapped in the next few years. It could cut your tax bill and, somewhat counterintuitively, could increase how much... read more →

Official figures show that the amount paid in Inheritance Tax (IHT) has increased again. As the IHT thresholds are set to remain the same despite rising inflation, more people will... read more →

A significant proportion of retirees are relying on inheritances to fund their later years, but research suggests that it could place their future at risk. According to research from abrdn,... read more →

As you may know, inflation (or the “cost of living”) has been rising at a faster pace than usual. If you’re retired, the effect of inflation can be more pronounced... read more →

Since the start of 2022, you’ve probably noticed that global markets – and perhaps the value of your pension or investments – have been a little uncertain. Over the last... read more →

After more than a decade of low interest rates, the Bank of England (BoE) has suggested that it will continue to gradually increase its base rate. With savers suffering from... read more →

As you start to put winter behind you, you may be thinking of giving your home a spring clean or the projects you want to take on over the next... read more →

While investment decisions should be based on facts, many investors find their decisions are sometimes influenced by emotions. Whether you’re excited about an investment opportunity, or worried about market volatility,... read more →

When thinking about how parents will split their assets between children, it’s often assumed wealth will be evenly distributed. However, a survey suggests that, for a variety of reasons, a... read more →

A million-pound pension can provide you with financial freedom in retirement, but it may not deliver the millionaire lifestyle you think. Having access to a £1 million can conjure images... read more →

Flexi-access drawdown can provide retirees with more freedom to create an income that suits their lifestyle. However, Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) figures suggest that many retirees are taking unsustainable amounts... read more →

It’s been a busy start to 2022. On top of taking down the trimmings and planning for the year ahead, we have spent much of 2022 at the Children’s Hospital... read more →

The start of a new year is a great time to make some positive changes that could improve your wellbeing and help you reach your goals. Have you made a... read more →

This year, add some finance books to your reading list to broaden your knowledge and give you more confidence when dealing with financial matters. There are hundreds of books to... read more →

For almost two years, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on lives around the world. From health concerns to restricting social gatherings, the pandemic may have led you... read more →

The pension Lifetime Allowance limits how much you can have in pension benefits tax-efficiently. While you may think exceeding the allowance is a long way off, you could be closer... read more →

If you’ll be retiring this year, you may be looking forward to more free time to focus on what you enjoy. As you start making plans, you need to set... read more →

If you’re creating a financial plan as a couple, you should consider the effect one of you passing away could have. If one person’s income or assets are vital for... read more →

With the festive period approaching, it’s a great time to delve into a new TV show, whether it’s a thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat... read more →

Retirement is often associated with a slower pace of life, but that doesn’t mean you should cut back on how much you’re exercising or even that you shouldn’t increase how... read more →

4 in 10 people are worrying about the impact Inheritance Tax (IHT) could have on the legacy they leave behind, according to Canada Life research. Yet, despite these concerns, just... read more →

You may have seen inflation in the headlines recently. While the cost of living rising is normal, the rate of inflation has increased over the last few months. The Bank... read more →

Whether retirement is over a decade away or just around the corner, you could face significant challenges that may affect the lifestyle you want. Learning more about these potential obstacles... read more →

The start of a new year is the perfect time to review your finances. It can help you move towards your goals and feel more secure financially. Taking action to... read more →

Inflation in 2021 is expected to hit 4%. Inflation means the cost of living will rise and, for mortgage holders, knock-on effects could mean the cost of a mortgage becomes... read more →

If Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a concern for you, taking out a life insurance policy could mean your estate passes to loved ones intact. With some careful planning, a life... read more →

Dividend Tax rates are set to rise, and it could affect the amount of tax you pay. The chancellor announced a hike in Dividend Tax rates, along with the introduction... read more →

Your State Pension may only make up a relatively small portion of your retirement income, but it’s an important part of it, and so it’s crucial you understand your entitlement.... read more →

Hopefully, you head into retirement confident in your finances and your retirement income. While your financial commitments and dependents may be fewer in retirement, it’s still important to have a... read more →

Figures suggest that an increasing number of people plan to work past the traditional retirement age. There are a variety of reasons for doing so and it also could help... read more →

Investment decisions should be based on logic and fact. But it’s easy for emotions and biases to affect your decisions, and this can lead to investment mistakes. Behavioural bias can... read more →

It’s that time of the year when the nights are getting darker and spooky films start to appear on the TV. While the sight of ghosts, vampires, and more could... read more →

Receiving an inheritance can be life-changing. It could provide you with the financial security to pursue your dreams or make significant changes to your lifestyle. However, it can be overwhelming,... read more →

How often do you discuss your finances? In the UK, talking about money and our long-term financial plans are often still seen as a taboo subject. Breaking down this barrier... read more →

Half of the adults in the UK don’t have a will. While you may have a reason for putting the task off, there are many compelling reasons to make time... read more →

You may have thought about who you’d like to benefit from your assets when you pass away and written a will to ensure your wishes are carried out. However, you... read more →

When you think about what your most precious resource is, you might say money or even time. Yet an author recently proposed a different resource that you may be overlooking:... read more →

While protection for scam victims is improving, the startling truth is that most scammers are not caught, and victims lose their money. It can have a devastating impact on your... read more →

Over your child’s life, you may have built up a nest egg to give them a helping hand as they become independent. If they’re planning to go to university, you... read more →

The Independent reports that 76% of parents and guardians in the UK are saving money for their children under the age of 18. Helping your child step into adult life... read more →

Are you thinking about relocating when you retire? If you are, you’re not alone. Millions of over-50s are planning to move away from their current home as a direct result... read more →

The age you can access defined contribution (DC) pensions is rising. Research suggests that many people are unaware of this, but it could affect your retirement plans. At the moment,... read more →

Back in May, I felt happy and content. Now I feel anxious and frustrated. A lot has changed in three months. It was inevitable, to be honest, and I should... read more →

When you’re making financial decisions, one of the challenges is understanding the impact that it could have on your long-term finances. Not understanding the impact means you’re unsure what you... read more →

Financial planning is about much more than simply growing your wealth. Not only can it reduce financial worry, but it can help you achieve long-term goals, reduce stress levels, and... read more →

House prices have reached record highs this year. While you may be pleased the value of your home is increasing, it may also mean you now need to consider Inheritance... read more →

There are many excellent reasons to save into a pension. One of them is the tax relief you benefit from, but many pension savers are overlooking this valuable boost to... read more →

What are your plans for your first few years of retirement? Being able to take a tax-free lump sum from your pension can open up a whole host of possibilities.... read more →

Pension Awareness Day is just around the corner and is the perfect time to review your pension to make sure you’re getting the most out of it. So, ahead of... read more →

While some lockdown restrictions are still in place, things are slowly returning to “normal”. Since Covid-19 measures were first introduced in March 2020, you may have missed some things you... read more →

It’s that time of the year when thousands of teenagers across the country are waiting to find out if they’ve been accepted to university. As your child or grandchild starts... read more →

Most people in the UK do not have any type of financial protection. While there may be a good reason for some, in others it’s a decision that’s sparked by... read more →

Millions of people are missing out on financial advice that could help them reach their goals because of misconceptions, research finds. Speaking to a financial planner can help you organise... read more →

How much do you need to live the retirement lifestyle you want? It’s a question that’s on the mind of many people as they near their retirement date. Now research... read more →

When saving into a pension, reaching £1 million can seem like an impossible challenge. But the magic of compounding can mean it’s easier to reach than you might think, especially... read more →

After over a year of uncertainty and homeschooling, you may be worried about the impact the pandemic has had on your child’s education. With the summer holidays just weeks away,... read more →

Inheritances are growing and becoming more important to household wealth, research finds. As the Inheritance Tax (IHT) thresholds are now frozen for five years, it’s essential those planning to leave... read more →

While the mantra might be “life begins at 40”, over 55s are planning to live their life to the fullest as Covid-19 restrictions lift. Retirement might be associated with taking... read more →

You may have seen the recent news that thousands of people have been underpaid by the State Pension. If it’s affected you, it could mean you’ll receive a lump sum... read more →

When you review your pension, it’s likely to be the forecast that you focus on. This figure is designed to give you an idea of how much your pension will... read more →

If you’re planning to retire this year, do you know how long your pension will last? Your pension savings will have an impact on the lifestyle you can afford and... read more →

As many of you will know, I have recently been running around the streets (and hills!) of Sheffield raising money for the Children’s Hospital Charity. My challenge is to run... read more →