Blog

Our take on the latest financial planning news…

IHT receipts to become an increasing issue for families

Inheritance Tax (IHT) will become an increasing issue for families over the next five years, as record receipts show no signs of slowing. The latest HM Revenue & Customs data* revealed continued year-on-year growth. Between April and September 2025, IHT receipts totalled £4.4bn, around £100m more than during the same

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Breaking the retirement mould – flexi is the future

More than four in 10 Brits expect to pursue multiple careers if life expectancies continue to rise, research* shows. As the traditional work trajectory dies out, what will the financial impacts be and how should you prepare? Multiple careers Amid longer lives and more opportunities to retrain, workers are abandoning

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Would your family be financially resilient without you?

Only one in five people in the UK feel very confident their family would be financially secure if the unexpected were to occur, according to new research* that warns of a lack of financial resilience. Some 35% believe their family could ‘manage for a while’, the research revealed, but almost

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Small pension boost can make a big difference

Everyone knows that a healthy pension pot is crucial for a comfortable retirement. For some workers, however, saving for retirement can seem like a low priority compared to making mortgage payments, saving for a house deposit or keeping up with monthly bills. Small gains New research* shows how even a

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Download our FREE Economic Review of January

In our Economic Review of January – UK growth surprises, inflation pressures ease, markets advance and consumers show resilience. UK growth outperformed expectations in late 2025, inflation is expected to cool again and markets started 2026 on a strong footing. Our January Economic Review explores the latest data on growth,

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Retirement ready in 2026?

A new year is an ideal time to assess how ready you are for retirement, and recent research into the UK’s Baby Boomer generation (born 1946–1964) offers a timely reminder of the value of planning ahead. The study* found that only 40–50% of Baby Boomers are on track to maintain

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Future ready: tune into Budget changes now

Now the dust has settled on the Budget, and everyone has had a chance to process the key announcements – you can step back and think about what it all means for you and your finances. A series of tax and spending measures were unveiled, estimated to raise an extra

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Kick off 2026 on top of your tax numbers

As the end of the 2025/26 tax year approaches, it’s the ideal time to ensure you’re making the most of tax-efficient opportunities before the new financial year begins on 6 April 2026. Here’s a reminder of three of the main tax planning opportunities… Your Individual Savings Account (ISA) The ISA

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Make life insurance a New Year priority

As 2026 kicks into full swing, sorting out your life insurance policy may be less glamorous than other New Year’s resolutions you’ve made. But getting the right cover for your needs can bring peace of mind to you and your loved ones – and might help reduce your Inheritance Tax

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Planning with purpose in 2026

As we welcome 2026, it’s the perfect time for a financial reset. A new year brings renewed focus and the chance to take stock – where are you on your financial journey and how confident do you feel about the year ahead? A clear plan can help you face the

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Investing in 2026: opportunity ahead in a changing world?

After a year of uncertainty, with many macroeconomic and geopolitical tensions affecting the landscape, investors may well be looking toward 2026 with cautious optimism. Despite the shocks of ‘Liberation Day’ trade announcements and the resulting sell-off, markets rebounded strongly last year to reach highs amidst persistent inflation, trade trauma and

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Your latest Economic Review newsletter

In our Economic Review of December – the Bank of England warns further interest rate reductions are likely to become a ‘closer call,’ analysts suggest uncertainty ahead of the Budget affected growth – negatively impacting both consumer and business spending levels – and retail conditions remain challenging. Download your FREE

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Owning a home offers significant savings opportunities

Research has compared the average cost of buying versus renting, highlighting the investment opportunities that homeowning can offer. By the second year of homeownership, buyers are likely to be saving about £99 when compared with renters. The gap in wealth creation only widens over time, with homeowners potentially saving around

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Personal pension age change delays access to savings

A two-year increase in the normal minimum pension age could impact retirement planning for thousands of people. Under current rules, personal and workplace pension funds can be accessed from the age of 55. From 6 April 2028, the age limit will rise to 57 years. This means if you were

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Unspent pensions to be included in Inheritance Tax from 2027

From April 2027, unspent defined contribution pensions will be included in Inheritance Tax (IHT) calculations – a major shift from current rules where pensions typically fall outside the estate. The government estimates 8% of estates will be affected annually, with average IHT bills rising by £34,000. In reality, costs could

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The retirement landscape – hybrid working changes the scene

Higher productivity. Better quality of life. Greater satisfaction. These are just some of the potential benefits of hybrid working; but that’s not all. It could also support your retirement journey. Hybrid working has become increasingly popular since the pandemic, with 28% of British adults opting to clock up their hours

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Economic Review – November

In our Economic Review of November – the OBR sets out UK growth prospects, the Bank of England maintains interest rates at their current level following a tight vote and the labour market continues to weaken. And recent survey data suggests the retail environment remains tough, as consumer confidence declines.

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Clients are tuning in to intergenerational planning

The Great Wealth Transfer is happening, with the UK expected to see a significant shift in assets passed down to younger generations over the next 30 years. This is perhaps why more people are showing an interest in intergenerational financial planning. A survey* of financial advisers found that 80% of

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Download your FREE Autumn Budget newsletter

Yesterday’s 2025 Autumn Budget delivers wide-ranging tax, spending and investment measures across the economy – including personal taxation, wages, savings, pensions, NHS, education and more.  Explore what it means for you in our FREE Autumn Budget 2025 newsletter. It includes all the key points from the Autumn Budget 2025, including:

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Autumn Budget – forward thinking

With the Autumn Budget just one week away and speculation heating up about potential announcements, it’s hard to know what to do with your finances – if anything – in advance of the key fiscal event. What we do know is that National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR),

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