From April 2027, pensions are expected to fall within your estate and could be liable for Inheritance Tax (IHT). That date might seem far away, but the policy change has the potential to significantly affect your estate plan, so thinking about it now could be useful. While the policy change is still in the initial […]

Almost half of Brits doubt the State Pension will exist by the time they retire, according to a PensionsAge report published in July 2025. While scrapping the State Pension may not be on the cards yet, there are suggestions that significant changes, which may affect your retirement, could be introduced. In 2025/26, the full new […]

There are times when a gripping mystery that keeps you guessing is exactly what you need, but retirement planning isn’t one of them. Instead, channelling your inner detective to solve pension riddles could put you on the right path for a comfortable retirement without needing to guess what’s around the corner. Agatha Christie’s famous detectives, […]

Uncertainty continued to lead to market volatility in May 2025. However, there was some good news for investors as some markets recovered the losses they experienced in April 2025. Read on to find out more and what factors may have influenced your portfolio’s performance recently. While market movements may be worrisome, remember, it’s a normal […]

A recent article published by an influential think tank, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), has suggested that the Labour government should consider increasing the basic rate of Income Tax in order to boost revenue and curb the amount of money it has to borrow. Doing this would break a so-called “taboo” as no chancellor […]

According to a Citywire report, forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) suggest the amount of Inheritance Tax (IHT) paid to HMRC will have increased by 11.6% in 2024/25 compared to 2023/24. This will mean that the total amount of IHT paid in the 2024/25 financial year will have reached a record high of […]

Richard Osman’s books about the Thursday Murder Club, a team of detective octogenarians, have sold millions of copies, and the team are set to hit the small screen in August. But Elizabeth, Ron, Joyce, and Ibrahim aren’t just providing entertainment; they could offer valuable retirement lessons as well. But don’t panic – solving murders in […]

You’ve likely spent years preparing for retirement and envisioning the lifestyle you’d like to enjoy once work is officially behind you. You might have even accumulated a significant pension pot through careful planning to help support this dream lifestyle. As you explore some of the different ways to draw an income from your retirement fund, […]

Achieving “financial freedom” is an aspiration many people have. Yet, it can mean different things to each person and is influenced by other lifestyle goals, so defining how to measure it for you could help you turn it into a reality. Securing financial freedom so you can retire with confidence is a common goal. A […]

After Rachel Reeves’ impactful first Budget in autumn 2024, you might have been concerned about the announcements that would be included in her Spring Statement on 26 March 2025. Reassuringly, the major headline from this year’s springtime fiscal event is that Reeves made few announcements that are likely to affect you and your personal finances […]