Tax-efficient ways for business owners to pay themselves
As a business owner, how you pay yourself matters. Doing so without considering the tax implications could mean you miss opportunities to make your income more efficient. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution that will be suitable for every business owner. It will depend on your needs, long-term goals, and the structure of your business, which...
How the value of your estate affects a key Inheritance Tax allowance
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a growing concern for many people in the UK, with increasing numbers of estates facing a rising tax liability. Each year, the amount of IHT paid to HMRC is increasing. By 2030/31, the Office for Budget Responsibility (February 2026) forecasts that IHT receipts will reach £14.5 billion, up from £8.3 billion...
Powerful reasons to plan how to use your 2026/27 allowances and exemptions now
The 2026/27 tax year started on 6 April 2026. While you have until 5 April 2027 to use tax-efficient allowances and exemptions, making a plan now could be valuable. Here are four powerful reasons to consider your tax strategy for the current tax year. Avoid last-minute stress as the end of the tax year approaches...
Why doing nothing might be the hardest investment strategy to follow
Once you have made an investment strategy, often doing nothing is the best course of action. Yet, it’s an approach that might be more difficult to stick to than you expect. Investment markets often experience volatility, which could tempt investors to make decisions based on short-term emotions. These actions might not align with their strategy...
Wealth v strategy: Why a financial plan is essential
Building wealth without a financial plan may be like searching for a destination without a map. You might miss the most efficient route, take an unnecessary detour, or miss your intended target altogether. A clear plan could be essential for helping you reach your goals. If you’re simply accumulating wealth, your assets don’t have a...
Investment market update: April 2026
During April 2026, markets have continued to experience volatility as the conflict in the Middle East has developed. Find out what external factors may have affected the performance of your investments. One effect of the conflict on global markets is the rising price of energy. Indeed, analysis from UBS suggests that March 2026 experienced the...
Investment market update: March 2026
Conflict in the Middle East caused market volatility throughout March 2026. Find out what other factors may have affected your investments. While the ongoing uncertainty may feel unsettling for investors, remember that your strategy reflects your long-term goals and considers periods of volatility. Oil prices rising and ongoing uncertainty led to stock markets falling On…
4 ways you could pass on wealth and protect your chosen family
Estate planning isn’t always as straightforward as leaving everything to a spouse or direct descendant. In fact, many people in the UK are opting to leave some or all of their wealth to their “chosen family”. Research cited by Today’s Wills and Probate (29 January 2026) found that, of those surveyed, 1 in 8 have…
The importance of managing your pension withdrawals to protect your retirement lifestyle
Managing your pension doesn’t stop once you retire and start to draw an income from it. In fact, your pension still needs careful attention in retirement – just as much as when you were contributing – to ensure you don’t deplete it too quickly. Research suggests that many retirees aren’t taking professional advice and are…
5 ways a cashflow model could support your estate plan
Deciding how you’d like your assets to be managed later in life and after you pass away may be intimidating. However, a cashflow model could help you answer both financial and emotional questions, so you’re in a better position to tackle your estate plan. According to a survey conducted by Aegon (5 March 2026), 1…
What past market volatility has taught us about investor behaviour
The current situation in the Middle East has led to market volatility. While it might seem new, similar movements have happened before, and looking at how these events have affected investor behaviour could be useful. At the end of February 2026, the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, which have further escalated. The uncertainty…
How psychology might affect your view of cash and safety
How your brain works can affect how you view wealth and different assets. For many, this can mean cash feels like a safer option than alternatives, but it’s not always the right one. Indeed, sometimes choosing to hold cash could mean you miss growth opportunities. 3 reasons why cash might feel like the “safe” option…











