5 tips for overcoming the fear of investment uncertainty

Investing money can feel daunting because you can’t be sure what your returns will be or whether you’ll suffer a loss. While you can’t eliminate uncertainty from investing, there may be things you can do to overcome the fear of the unknown if it’s affecting your financial decisions. According to an article from Financial Planning...

Explained: Why your pension could become liable for Inheritance Tax

Next year, a significant change to how pensions are treated when calculating Inheritance Tax (IHT) could mean more families become liable for the tax. Here’s what you need to know to understand if your estate could be affected and how you might mitigate a potential bill. Currently, pensions are usually outside your estate for IHT...

How cashflow modelling can act as an early warning system for financial shocks

Financial shocks can have a devastating effect on your short- and long-term finances. While you can’t remove the unexpected from your life, it is possible to be prepared, and a cashflow model could help you identify how. A cashflow model could help you visualise changes to your wealth A cashflow model is a powerful tool...

The positive psychology of clear financial goals

A survey has identified an “ambition gap” in the UK, with millions of adults admitting they have no financial aspirations for the coming year. Not only can a clear goal mean you’re more likely to achieve your aspirations, but it can also have a positive effect on your wellbeing. The article in IFA Magazine (13...

How to be a successful investor: The importance of patience

Once you’ve set out your investment goal and strategy, what comes next? Often, it’s time to test an important investment skill – your patience. The average investor might benefit from a long-term approach When you think about the most important skills in investing, you might consider the ability to choose the “right” investments or understanding...

Investment market update: February 2026

In February 2026, ongoing uncertainty around trade tariffs and concerns about the impact of AI adoption on business profits affected the markets. Read on to discover some of the factors that may have affected your investment portfolio. Markets reached record highs but were affected by AI concerns and trade tariffs The FTSE 100, an index...

5 ways to emotionally recover from past financial mistakes

Mistakes, financial or otherwise, are a part of life, and it’s normal to make them from time to time. While mistakes can be frustrating, moving past them is important. Holding onto mistakes and letting them dictate the decisions you make now could cause problems. For example, feeling embarrassed about a financial mistake could lead you...

How a financial plan could help you feel in control following a divorce

Going through a divorce is difficult, and it’s normal to experience a loss of control. It can be tempting to turn away from difficult topics, such as those relating to your finances, because they feel overwhelming. However, tackling them head-on could help you regain your confidence and offer clarity about your future. If you’re recently...

3 insights from the FTSE 100’s performance that could help you curb impulsive decisions

Despite ups and downs throughout the year, 2025 proved to be a great year for the FTSE 100 – an index of the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. According to the Guardian (31 December 2025), the FTSE 100 increased in value by a fifth in 2025, marking the strongest annual gain...

The power of pension tax relief and how it could boost your retirement income

If you’re saving for retirement, you will want to get the most out of what you’re putting into your workplace or private pension. Fortunately, there are plenty of tax efficiencies when you save your wealth into a pension. Indeed, any investment returns generated within your fund are typically free from Income Tax and Capital Gains...

How to be a successful investor: Following a strategy that’s right for you

There’s more to being a successful investor than following the latest market trends and tips. Setting out a strategy that’s right for you could allow you to balance risk against your goals. Last month, you read about the importance of defining what success means for you. With your goals outlined, you can start to think...

Investment market update: January 2026

Geopolitical tensions and threats of trade tariffs continued to impact global investment markets at the start of 2026. Read on to find out what factors may have affected your investments at the start of 2026. Markets experienced highs, but geopolitical tensions continue to cause volatility On 2 January, the first day of trading in 2026,...