Investment market update: March 2025

Trade wars and fears that tariffs could spark recessions meant investment market volatility continued in March 2025 and the start of April 2025. Read on to find out more about some of the factors that may have affected the value of your investments recently. Tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump affected markets negatively and,…

4 reasons to remain calm amid market volatility and uncertainty

Geopolitical tensions have led to a bumpy start to 2025 for investors. If you’re worried about volatility and what it might mean for your long-term finances, there are reasons to remain calm despite the uncertainty. The ongoing war in Ukraine has resulted in some anxiety in Europe, with the UK and other countries committing to…

Half of adults reconsidering their retirement plans ahead of 2027 Inheritance Tax changes

An incoming change to the way pensions will be taxed when they’re inherited might mean you’re rethinking how you use your pension. Before you dive into updating your retirement plan, it’s important to understand what the changes could mean for you and how to balance passing on wealth with your retirement aspirations. During the Autumn…

5 strategies that could help you avoid running out of money in retirement

Worrying about your finances in retirement could dampen your excitement as you start the next chapter of your life. As you’ll often be responsible for generating your own income once you give up work, it’s not surprising that a February 2025 report from Which? revealed half of over-55s are worried about running out of money….

4 tricks that could help you curb potentially harmful impulses

Everyone has made an impulsive financial decision that they end up regretting later. While these hasty decisions might feel right when you initially make them, they have the potential to harm your long-term finances. Some impulsive decisions might have little effect on your overall financial wellbeing. For example, picking up a treat when you’re grocery…

Financial protection: How it could help you bridge an income gap

You don’t know what’s around the corner, but that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare for it. A financial shock could derail your short- and long-term plans and might mean you face additional stress at an already difficult time. So, creating a financial safety net that you can rely on should the unexpected happen could offer…

Your Spring Statement update – the key news from the chancellor’s speech

After Rachel Reeves’ impactful first Budget in autumn 2024, you might have been concerned about the announcements that would be included in her Spring Statement on 26 March 2025. Reassuringly, the major headline from this year’s springtime fiscal event is that Reeves made few announcements that are likely to affect you and your personal finances…

Investment market update: February 2025

After reading headlines throughout February, you might be expecting a gloomy investment outlook. Yet, despite threats of trade wars and uncertainty around the world, there were market highs. Read on to find out more about some of the factors that influenced investment markets. As investment markets are experiencing volatility, it’s perhaps unsurprising that some investors…

Thinking about investing in crypto? You need to be aware of these signs of a scam

As some cryptocurrencies have delivered large returns in the past, you may be more likely to overlook red flags when you’re assessing an investment opportunity. Yet falling victim to a scam could leave you out of pocket and affect your mental wellbeing, so being aware of the warning signs could be essential. According to the…

How to reduce your Capital Gains Tax bill in 2025

A combination of rising rates and panic ahead of the current government’s first Autumn Budget has led to HRMC collecting a record amount in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) towards the end of 2024. According to a report in the Telegraph, between July and November 2024, CGT generated more than £1 billion for the government –…

The potential perils of accessing your pension at 55

Reaching the minimum pension age and being able to access your retirement savings might mean new possibilities opening up. You may start thinking about giving up work, withdrawing a lump sum to pursue a goal, or using your pension to boost your regular income. It’s an exciting time, but it’s also important to evaluate your…

Why ongoing financial advice could ease your mental load

Handling finances is a part of life and something that most people do, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t stressful. Indeed, many people don’t feel confident making financial decisions, and financial advice could ease their mental load. Even when you’re relatively comfortable, managing your finances can be a cause of concern. Indeed, you might find…