Investment market update: December 2025
After a year filled with uncertainty and rising trade tensions, markets were calmer in December 2025. Find out what may have affected the performance of your portfolio at the end of the year. Market volatility eased in December 2025 Markets were downbeat at the start of the month. Most European markets were in the red…
The salary sacrifice pension cap essentials business owners need to know
You might already know that salary sacrifice can be a practical way for your employees to bolster their retirement funds, while reducing their tax liability. However, in the 2025 Autumn Budget, the government announced changes to how salary sacrifice is treated for National Insurance (NI) purposes. From April 2029, a new cap will be introduced,…
2 reasons to combine your financial plan with your partner’s
Love is in the air with Valentine’s Day just around the corner. Amid planning romantic gestures, thinking about combining your financial plan with your partner’s could be valuable. Talking about finances might seem too practical for a day that’s about celebrating love. Yet, it could support your relationship. Here are two reasons why you might…
7 ways financial planning could help you set realistic goals
As 2026 begins, it’s a good time to think about what you want to achieve in the coming months. A tailored financial plan can help you set realistic goals. Creating goals on your own can be challenging, especially if they bring together several different parts of your financial plan or have a long-term time frame….
5 useful tips that could help you identify financial blind spots
There are times when you may make mistakes without realising it. These mistakes could be due to blind spots, such as habits, assumptions, or risks that go unnoticed, and could affect your financial decisions. Making mistakes is a part of life. However, because hidden mistakes often go unidentified, they may be repeated. Over time, the…
How to be a successful investor: Defining what “success” means
Every investor wants to be successful. Over the next few months, you can read about ways to improve your investment strategy. Defining success against the performance of others can encourage a short-term mindset What “success” means when investing is different for everyone, and defining what it means for you is crucial. You might be tempted…
6 origins of financial bias that could affect you
Bias can affect the decisions you make, including financial ones. But how are biases formed? Research suggests numerous factors influence biases, including the following six. 1. Evolutionary psychology Some forms of bias go back millennia and allowed early humans to prioritise safety. The ability to make quick decisions could have been the difference between survival…
Investment market update: November 2025
One of the biggest factors affecting investment markets in November 2025 was concern about an AI bubble. Despite this, there were still market highs recorded during the month. Remember to consider your risk profile when you invest and review your portfolio’s performance with a long-term outlook. AI concerns led to volatility throughout November 2025 With…
Is the default pension fund right for you?
How your pension is invested will affect its value and the income it will provide you later in life. If you’ve put off reviewing your pension fund, find out why it could be a worthwhile task. While most pension providers offer savers plenty of fund options to choose from, many leave their money in the…
Explained: The new Cash ISA rules and what they mean for your savings
In the November 2025 Budget, the chancellor revealed new Cash ISA rules that will affect under-65s. The change could affect your savings and wider financial plan. ISAs provide a tax-efficient way to save and invest, making them an essential part of many financial plans. In 2025/26, you can add up to £20,000 to ISAs and…
How cashflow planning turns numbers into possibilities
When you’re making financial decisions, it can feel like you’re faced with indecipherable numbers. You might know how much you have in your bank account or pension, but what does the figure mean for your future? Cashflow planning can turn the numbers into possibilities. If you feel uncertain about your future after looking at numbers…
Phasing into retirement: 5 essential financial considerations
While phasing into retirement can offer you greater flexibility, it may make your finances more complex. Read on to find out more about five key considerations. 1. Calculate if you’ll need to supplement your income While you might still earn a salary as you phase into retirement, if you’ve chosen to reduce your working hours...











