Investment market update: September 2025

There were ups and downs for investors during September 2025, with disappointing economic data dampening the market at times. However, some positive outcomes also emerged. Read on to find out what might have influenced your investment portfolio’s recent performance. Investors turn to gold as market uncertainty continues in September 2025 The price of gold reached…

3 reasons why pension consolidation could boost your retirement income

Increasingly, UK savers are losing track of their pensions. In October 2024, research by Pensions UK found that the total value of lost pension pots had risen by 60% since 2018. Losing track of your pensions can be costly. Across the 3.3 million pension pots considered lost, the average fund value is £9,470 – rising…

Trick or treat: The “tricks” a financial plan could help you avoid

Taking control of your finances can be frightful. Complex rules that are easy to overlook could mean you fall for a “trick” when making financial decisions this Halloween, but a tailored financial plan could help you avoid falling for them. Here are five financial “tricks” that you might overlook when managing your money, and what…

How a cashflow model can turn retirement anxiety into excitement

Retiring should be a milestone you look forward to. It’s a chance to spend your time how you want and do the things you’ve been putting off because work has been in the way. Yet, sadly, research shows UK adults associate spending their retirement savings with negative words, and it could prevent them from enjoying…

Why stock market volatility can trigger financial bias

When markets experience volatility, even the most level-headed investor can let their emotions or other influences affect their decisions. Read on to find out why volatility can trigger financial biases and how these might affect you. For the average investor, it’s important to take a long-term approach. While returns cannot be guaranteed, investing over a…

Phasing into retirement: The flexible options you might consider

Traditionally, you’d go from full-time employment to retirement on a set date. Now, more workers are embracing retirement flexibility and choosing to phase gradually into the next stage of their lives. Indeed, a survey published in September 2024 by WTW found that 49% of UK workers aged over 50 are already phasing into retirement or…

Investment market update: August 2025

While global government policy – particularly US trade tariffs – continued to influence the value of investments in August 2025, many markets experienced less volatility compared to the start of the year. Read on to discover what factors may have affected the performance of your investments in August 2025. Hopes of a peace deal between…

How pension and Inheritance Tax policy changes could affect your legacy

From April 2027, pensions are expected to fall within your estate and could be liable for Inheritance Tax (IHT). That date might seem far away, but the policy change has the potential to significantly affect your estate plan, so thinking about it now could be useful. While the policy change is still in the initial…

5 challenges a financial midlife MOT could help you overcome

Your midlife can be an exciting time; you may have ticked off some goals or bucket list items and are looking forward to what the future holds. Yet, it might also present some new challenges. Arranging a financial midlife MOT could help you overcome obstacles and feel confident as you prepare for the next chapter….

3 ways behavioural bias could affect your approach to estate planning

Financial biases are often linked to investing. However, subconscious tendencies can affect many aspects of your finances, including your estate plan. An estate plan sets out how your assets will be managed during your lifetime and distributed after your death. It might include writing a will or creating a trust to provide for young children….

Taken out a new mortgage? Don’t forget to review your financial protection

Taking out a new mortgage deal could represent a shift in your financial commitments. So, reviewing whether your financial protection is still appropriate could ensure you have a vital safety net should you face a shock. Read on to learn how financial protection can provide security in unexpected situations, and what to consider when taking…

Explained: How remortgaging works and why it’s important

Remortgaging is a task most homeowners will do at some point. Yet, it can seem complex or something that isn’t that important. Read on to learn how remortgaging works and why it could save you money. When taking out a mortgage, you’ll choose the term length, the length over which you repay the loan. First-time…