Is there an “AI bubble” and what could it mean for investors?
AI technology stocks have experienced volatility in recent months, raising concerns among investors that the market could be in a bubble. But what does a bubble mean and how could one bursting affect investors? Cognitive bias drives stock market bubbles A market bubble occurs when stock prices have increased beyond their value and could “burst”…
The hidden investment risk of overlooking the bigger picture
Investors often focus on what’s happening now, rather than looking at the bigger picture. While that might seem harmless, it could foster a short-term mindset, leading to financial decisions that don’t align with your goals. After all, when you’re investing, you’re usually doing so with a long-term goal in mind. You might invest with the…
The worst piece of retirement advice you will receive
This guest blog was written by Chris Budd, who wrote the original Financial Wellbeing Book as well as The Four Cornerstones of Financial Wellbeing. He founded the Institute for Financial Wellbeing and has written more than 130 episodes of the Financial Wellbeing Podcast. Conversations with friends in my 20s tended to revolve around the price…
The Budget 2026: The key announcements for business owners
On 28 October 2026, John Healey stood up to deliver his first Budget as chancellor. While the announcements were relatively subdued compared with previous Budgets, there are some important changes to be aware of as a business owner. Here are the key points you need to know. Key tax break for business owners exiting is…
Early estate planning: 4 reasons why peace of mind could be the greatest gift to your family
It’s easy to push estate planning to the bottom of your financial to-do list while balancing the daily demands of family, career, and personal goals. However, putting a clear estate plan in place early is not an administrative task to leave for retirement. Moreover, early estate planning could help protect the wealth you have worked…
Investment market update: October 2026
Investors may have experienced volatility throughout October, with AI concerns and protests in Europe having an impact on markets. Read on to find out what other factors may have affected the markets last month. The month started with a global bond market sell-off, which led to markets falling. Worries about the amount of debt being…
Your 2026 Autumn Budget update and what it means for you
The chancellor, John Healey, has delivered the 2026 Autumn Budget. It included wide-ranging changes that will affect people of every age and from all walks of life. Healey upheld many of Rachel Reeves’ commitments, including a pledge not to increase taxes on “working people” and a commitment to meeting the Labour Party’s self-imposed fiscal rules….
5 tips for managing your personal tax as a business owner
Running a successful business can be incredibly rewarding, but ensuring your hard-earned profits translate into personal wealth can be challenging. Indeed, this exercise requires careful, ongoing planning, and some entrepreneurs spend so much time managing their firm’s operational cash flow that they overlook their personal tax position. This could leave money on the table and…
Do ultra-long mortgages provide a solution for struggling first-time buyers?
Rising property prices have left many aspiring homeowners struggling to get on the property ladder. If you’re in this situation, you might consider taking out a so-called “ultra-long mortgage” that you repay over 30 to 40 years. Traditionally, first-time buyers have taken out a mortgage with a 25-year term. A combination of factors, including property…
Why gifting your home during your lifetime could be a mistake
With property prices rising across the UK, the home represents the single largest asset in the estate for many families. Indeed, research reported by Zoopla (17 July 2025) shows that the average UK home increased in value by 20% between 2020 and 2025. That being the case, it’s easy to understand why many homeowners consider…
How to balance your goals when you’re flexibly accessing your pension
Flexible pension withdrawals have reached record levels since Pension Freedoms were introduced in 2015. While total control over your retirement fund can be liberating, it places the onus on you to ensure you’re managing your finances responsibly. UK retirees rely heavily on flexible access to their pensions, and the data supports this. According to figures…
The hidden emotional challenges of gifting assets during your lifetime
Passing assets to your loved ones during your lifetime could have many benefits. Yet, that doesn’t mean it’s simple, and you might experience emotional challenges even if you’re sure it’s the right thing to do in your circumstances. According to an FTAdviser article (29 July 2026), 7 in 10 people believe financial support should be…