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3 insights from the FTSE 100’s performance that could help you curb impulsive decisions

Despite ups and downs throughout the year, 2025 proved to be a great year for the FTSE 100 – an index of the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. According to the Guardian (31 December 2025), the FTSE 100 increased in value by a fifth in 2025, marking the strongest annual gain […]

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How to be a successful investor: Following a strategy that’s right for you

There’s more to being a successful investor than following the latest market trends and tips. Setting out a strategy that’s right for you could allow you to balance risk against your goals. Last month, you read about the importance of defining what success means for you. With your goals outlined, you can start to think […]

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A woman at her computer, thinking carefully.

Fraudsters use crypto hype to scam investors out of more than £500,000 a day

Cryptoassets are not regulated financial products so please be aware that trading them carries a considerable amount of risk for your capital. Cryptocurrencies are also not covered by existing consumer protection laws and are not suitable for the majority of investors. Cryptocurrency has become a common investment for people in recent years. Indeed, more people […]

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The power of pension tax relief and how it could boost your retirement income

If you’re saving for retirement, you will want to get the most out of what you’re putting into your workplace or private pension. Fortunately, there are plenty of tax efficiencies when you save your wealth into a pension. Indeed, any investment returns generated within your fund are typically free from Income Tax and Capital Gains […]

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Investment market update: January 2026

Geopolitical tensions and threats of trade tariffs continued to impact global investment markets at the start of 2026. Read on to find out what factors may have affected your investments at the start of 2026. Markets experienced highs, but geopolitical tensions continue to cause volatility On 2 January, the first day of trading in 2026, […]

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A woman making notes in a diary.

2 reasons to mark the new tax year in your calendar

On 5 April 2026, the current tax year will end, and the new one will start the following day. Making a note of the deadline in your calendar could help you make the most of tax breaks as part of your financial plan. Here’s why the start of a new tax year might matter to […]

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Why business owners may want to consider a pension alongside their exit strategy

When you’re building a business, you might have little time to think about other aspects of your long-term finances. However, overlooking your pension in favour of your business could leave you in a difficult situation when you want to retire. According to a survey carried out by think tank the Social Market Foundation (12 August […]

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A person using a calculator.

How fiscal drag could harm your finances as the government extends tax freezes

When chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered the Budget in November 2025, you might have breathed a sigh of relief that Income Tax rates weren’t increasing. However, fiscal drag could still harm your finances over the long term. Fiscal drag occurs when tax thresholds aren’t increased in line with wages or inflation, and is sometimes dubbed a […]

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How much should you contribute to your pension?

A third of people don’t know how much they need to contribute to their pensions every year to create a comfortable retirement, according to a MoneyAge article (11 November 2025). Striking the right balance with pension contributions is important. Contribute too little, and you could leave yourself short in retirement. If you contribute as much […]

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City of London skyline.

Investment market update: December 2025

After a year filled with uncertainty and rising trade tensions, markets were calmer in December 2025. Find out what may have affected the performance of your portfolio at the end of the year. Market volatility eased in December 2025 Markets were downbeat at the start of the month. Most European markets were in the red […]

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