Investment market update: November 2024

On 5 November 2024, US citizens voted for their next president, and the election had a knock-on effect on investment markets and business prospects around the world. Republican Party nominee Donald Trump will serve a second term as president of the US. Trump has previously spoken about imposing harsh import tariffs, including a tariff of…

How creating a care fund could provide you with essential protection later in life

Rising life expectancy is good news but it could present some challenges, including making provisions for potentially needing additional help later in life. An Age UK report has highlighted how many people have unmet care needs and the lack of financial support from local authorities. So, if you haven’t already, creating a care fund as…

Research: The perils of chasing stock market “winners”

Following the stocks and shares that have experienced impressive returns can seem like fun and a way to make the most out of your investments. Yet, a study indicates that following the crowd and investing in companies that are being hyped in the press or among investors could mean you miss out on growth opportunities…

5 practical ways you could keep your child’s retirement on track

Longer lives and financial pressure mean many people believe that retiring in their 60s will become a thing of the past. So, if you want to ensure your child or grandchild can enjoy financial security later in life, how could you help them? Read on to find out. Two-thirds of Brits believe retiring in your…

Financial fears could be holding back millions of retirement dreams

Research suggests the fear of running out of money later in life could be holding back millions of retirees. While spending too much too soon is a risk for some retirees, it could also mean you miss out on the lifestyle or experiences you’ve been looking forward to. According to a report in MoneyAge, 30%…

3 insightful reasons why setting goals may reduce financial bias

Subconscious bias can affect your financial decisions. They might mean you make decisions that aren’t right for you. Setting a goal could help reduce the effect bias has. Read on to discover three reasons why. Cognitive bias is an error in cognition that can happen if your personal beliefs or experiences affect a decision you’re…

Investment market update: October 2024

While inflation is stabilising in many major economies, markets continue to experience some volatility, which may have affected your investment portfolio. According to the latest International Monetary Fund’s Global Financial Stability Report, markets could be underestimating the risks of conflicts and upcoming elections. Indeed, the rising price of gold suggests some investors are seeking a...

Interest rates are predicted to fall to 3% next year and could slash mortgage repayments

There could be good news on the horizon for mortgage holders. Experts are predicting that the Bank of England (BoE) will gradually reduce the base interest rate over the next 12 months, which could slash your mortgage repayments. The BoE’s base rate has a direct effect on the cost of borrowing, including through a mortgage....

The pensions basics you need to know as a self-employed worker

As a self-employed worker, managing your finances can be more complex. One area you might have overlooked or be unsure where to start with is saving for your retirement. According to the House of Commons Library, there are 4.24 million self-employed workers in the UK as of July 2024, and research indicates many don’t understand...

4 valuable ways lifetime cashflow forecasting could give you financial confidence

Lifetime cashflow forecasting is a core part of financial planning that could help you understand how your future may look. It could provide essential information that means you’re able to feel confident about what’s to come and the decisions you make. Read on to find out how it works and why it might be valuable…

Why your financial plan could benefit more than you by creating a legacy

You might think of your financial plan as being a way to help you reach your life goals. But it could benefit more than just you. As a financial plan focuses on your goals, you might choose to include ways to create a legacy for your loved ones. It could mean your wealth provides long-term...

10 financial tasks to complete this year to head into 2025 feeling confident

The end of the year is fast approaching, and while your mind might be on celebrating the festive period, it’s the perfect opportunity to tick off some financial tasks you might be putting off. Spending some time going through your finances and thinking about what you want to achieve next year could help you step...