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 […]
‘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 […]
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 […]
Financial wellbeing
Your pathway to a healthier, happier life When anxiety hits, our instinct is often to withdraw rather than face it. However, if the root of your worry is your bank balance, seeking professional financial advice might be the most valuable discussion you have this year. The link between money and mental health is undeniable, emphasising […]
£100k annual retirement dream
Are young people’s expectations realistic? Recent research highlights a notable generational gap in retirement expectations, with over one in five young people believing they will need an annual income of more than £100,000 for a comfortable retirement[1]. This figure, reported by 22% of those aged 18 to 34, sharply contrasts with the industry body Pensions […]
The unseen gap
Why do some women experience poverty in their retirement? A comfortable retirement is a goal many of us strive for throughout our lives. However, for many women, this goal remains out of reach. New analysis reveals a stark truth: more than a third (36%) of women are projected to face poverty in their retirement years[1]. […]
Chasing the sun over security
Some Britons prioritise immediate pleasures over long-term financial security Recent research indicates that many UK adults prioritise immediate pleasures over long-term financial security, with holidays and daily expenses often taking precedence over pension contributions. As the cost of living continues to tighten household budgets, nearly a third of Britons (28%) admit they prefer to enjoy […]
Decoding recent pension changes
Staying informed and maximising available tax benefits for a comfortable retirement Last November’s Autumn Budget 2025 Statement outlined a series of updates for pensioners and those saving for retirement. While a welcome increase to the State Pension was confirmed for April, the Chancellor also announced a future cap on salary-sacrifice pension contributions, which will impact […]