Give your investments a head start and future-proof your finances
The new tax year brings a fresh £20,000 Individual Savings Account (ISA) allowance for each individual, giving couples the potential to invest up to £40,000 between them, offering a valuable opportunity to shield your investments from capital gains and dividend taxes. With recent cuts to these tax allowances and increases to tax rates, the protection ISAs offer is more generous than ever.
Pensions and Inheritance Tax: Big changes coming in 2027
Understanding how removing the pensions exemption
could affect your legacy
For decades, UK savers have relied on pensions not only for retirement income but also as a highly tax-efficient way to pass on wealth. Under current rules, pension pots generally fall outside your estate for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes. However, a significant shift is on the horizon. From 6 April 2027, the government will remove this long-standing exemption, bringing unspent pension wealth within the scope of IHT.
Taking charge of your retirement
Empowering your future with greater pension freedom
Planning for retirement is a crucial step in securing your financial stability for the years ahead. For those seeking greater involvement in how their pension savings are invested, a Self‑Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) can offer a flexible and innovative option.
Protect your life insurance payout from Inheritance Tax
An increasing number of estates are falling within the tax net every year
An increasing number of estates are falling within the Inheritance Tax net each year, largely due to rising property prices and frozen tax thresholds. The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will collect £8.7 billion in Inheritance Tax for the 2025/26 tax year[1].
‘Unretiring’ is reshaping our understanding of later life
Has the financial reality of retirement fallen short of expectations?
Amid rising living costs and market uncertainty, ‘unretiring’ is a growing trend. Research shows that one in six retirees (16%) have either returned to work (8%) or are strongly considering doing so (8%)[1]. While some return for personal fulfilment, 24% cite loneliness or social disconnection as key reasons.
Long-term investing
Geopolitical concerns and the importance of staying the course
Geopolitical events, such as those in the Middle East, often introduce uncertainty into global markets, affecting energy prices, trade routes and investor sentiment. While these events can be unsettling, reacting impulsively may lead to missed opportunities and unnecessary losses.
How to approach risk as an investor
Understanding risk tolerance and the capacity to make smarter investment decisions
From stocks to bonds and everything in between, every investment carries some degree of uncertainty. When we talk about risk, we generally refer to the possibility that your investments might not perform exactly as you expect. For some, this means watching an investment’s value fall. For others, it is the silent threat of their hard-earned money losing purchasing power due to inflation.
Missing Wills and pensions
Lack of organisation can cause delays and financial stress for families
Research has revealed a concerning trend among UK families: a significant number are unaware of where critical documents, such as Wills and pension policies, are stored. This lack of organisation could cause unnecessary delays, stress, and even financial penalties during bereavement.
What is the right mix of investments for you?
Asset allocation and how it can help you balance risk and return
One of the core principles of investing is to spread your savings across different types of investments, known as asset classes. If you have ever heard the saying, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” you have already grasped the fundamental principle behind successful long-term investing.
Investing demystified
Timeless timeless truths for financial success
Investing is often seen as a complex and intimidating endeavour, riddled with jargon, market volatility, and constant pressure to make the “right” decisions. For many, the fear of losing money or making mistakes can overshadow the potential rewards of building wealth over time.