A couple laughing in a café.

3 simple questions that may help you update your life goals for 2025

As 2025 draws nearer, now is the perfect time to think about your aspirations for the year ahead and beyond. Read on to discover some simple questions that may help you assess if your life goals have changed. Last month, you read about 10 financial tasks to complete to get your finances on track for […]

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Multi-generational family playing football in a park.

2 key Budget announcements that may affect your financial plan

Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered the new Labour government’s first Budget on 30 October 2024. Amid the announcements were key changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Inheritance Tax (IHT) that could affect your financial plan. Ahead of the Budget, prime minister Keir Starmer said it would be “painful” as there was a £22 billion black […]

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A bricklayer working on a construction site.

Investment market update: October 2024

While inflation is stabilising in many major economies, markets continue to experience some volatility, which may have affected your investment portfolio. According to the latest International Monetary Fund’s Global Financial Stability Report, markets could be underestimating the risks of conflicts and upcoming elections. Indeed, the rising price of gold suggests some investors are seeking a […]

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A group of children ready to play a sports game.

Proposed tax changes could lead to your private school bill jumping 20%

If your child or grandchild attends private school, you might need to adjust your short- and long-term finances as costs could jump by around 20% if Labour moves ahead with plans to end VAT exemption. According to the House of Lords Library, around 6–7% of children in the UK are educated in independent schools – […]

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A father and adult son talking together.

Are your loved ones relying on an inheritance to reach life goals?

Research suggests that a worrying number of families are putting off major life decisions until they receive an expected inheritance. It could place their long-term finances at risk, but talking to your loved ones may identify ways you could offer support. According to a Canada Life survey, more than 1 in 5 UK adults who […]

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A young couple meeting with a financial planner.

5 smart reasons why retirement planning should start in your 30s and 40s

If you’re working and contributing to your pension, you might think you don’t need to do any more retirement planning just yet. However, seeking retirement advice in your 30s and 40s could mean you’re in a better position when you’re ready to give up work. According to a survey published in IFA Magazine, putting off […]

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Grandparents doing a jigsaw with their two grandchildren.

Why your financial plan could benefit more than you by creating a legacy

You might think of your financial plan as being a way to help you reach your life goals. But it could benefit more than just you. As a financial plan focuses on your goals, you might choose to include ways to create a legacy for your loved ones. It could mean your wealth provides long-term […]

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A worker in an automotive factory.

Investment market update: September 2024

Economic data suggesting some developed countries, including the US, could fall into a recession continued to affect investment markets in September 2024. Read on to discover other factors that may have affected the performance of your investments. UK Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows inflation remained stable at 2.2% in the 12 […]

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A woman meditating.

3 insightful pieces of data that could help you remain calm during market volatility

When you read that investment markets have fallen you might feel nervous or scared about the effect it could have on your future. Emotions like these sometimes lead to impulsive decisions that aren’t always in your best interest when you consider the long term. So, read on to discover some insightful pieces of data that […]

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A woman looking at a receipt in a supermarket.

Why inflation solutions should remain part of your long-term financial plan

High inflation has been a hot topic over the last couple of years, and as its pace stabilises, you might think it no longer needs to be part of your financial plan. Yet, skipping inflation when calculating your long-term finances could leave you with a shortfall. The government sets the Bank of England (BoE) a […]

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