How to spot the con
Recognising sophisticated investment scams targeting your savings Investment scams are becoming more sophisticated as many fraudsters ruthlessly exploit the current cost of living crisis. An estimated nine million people in the UK have fallen victim to financial scams[1]. As households face increasing pressure, the appeal of high returns on savings becomes very tempting, making it […]
Time to boost your retirement fund
Maximise your pension planning before the end of the 2025/26 tax year As the 2025/26 tax year ends on 5 April, now is the right time to review your pension arrangements and ensure you’re maximising all available allowances. Taking proactive steps in pension planning now can help you secure valuable tax relief, boost your retirement […]
Landlord insurance: Do I need it?
Why protection matters when managing rental property risks Owning a rental property involves more than just collecting rent. Landlords face a wide range of potential risks, from property damage to tenant disputes, and standard home insurance often does not provide full cover. That is where landlord insurance comes in. While not legally required, this type […]
A new era for pension inheritance
The inevitable shift in the approach to intergenerational wealth transfer Pension savers intending to pass on their retirement funds to loved ones received unwelcome news following announcements in the 2024 Budget. The Chancellor revealed that pensions will soon be subject to Inheritance Tax (IHT), marking a significant change from previous rules that usually protected pension […]
Common bank statement mistakes
What you need to consider when applying for a mortgage When applying for a mortgage, one of the most important checks a lender performs is on the applicant’s bank statements. Beyond income and credit history, these documents offer a direct insight into how money is managed day-to-day.
Buying a home through shared ownership
How the scheme works and what to consider before applying Buying a home through shared ownership can serve as a stepping stone onto the property ladder. For many first-time buyers, it provides one of the few accessible routes to homeownership when rising prices make buying outright difficult.
Safeguarding your future
Without a sufficient financial buffer, an unforeseen health issue could be catastrophic In the current economic climate, financial stability seems more out of reach than ever for many households across the UK. Recent research reveals a significant gap between our desire for security and the actions we actually take to attain it. Half of the […]
Don’t miss the deadline for Individual Savings Accounts
Have you fully utilised this wrapper that shields your savings and investments from tax? An Individual Savings Account (ISA) is highly effective for anyone looking to save or invest money in a tax-efficient way. An ISA functions as a wrapper that shields your savings and investments from tax. Any interest, capital gains or dividends earned […]
Evolution of bonds
Increasing awareness of intergenerational wealth transfer A significant proportion of people (47%) plan to pass on their wealth to future generations, with over a third (38%) intending to transfer assets directly to their children, according to a new report[1]. However, many are unaware of how to do this in a tax-efficient way.
Are you a pension planner or a procrastinator?
Why preparing for retirement has never been more crucial A new study reveals how people in the UK manage their pensions, highlighting notable differences based on gender, income, and relationship status. Almost half (44%) of those surveyed consider themselves the main organiser of pensions in their household, while 22% of people in relationships believe their […]