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The financial wellbeing equation

This guest blog was written by Chris Budd who wrote the original Financial Wellbeing Book, and also the Four Cornerstones of Financial Wellbeing. He founded the Institute for Financial Wellbeing, and has written more than 100 episodes of the Financial Wellbeing Podcast. Financial wellbeing is a subject that looks at all aspects of the relationship […]

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How to reduce your Capital Gains Tax bill in 2025

A combination of rising rates and panic ahead of the current government’s first Autumn Budget has led to HRMC collecting a record amount in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) towards the end of 2024. According to a report in the Telegraph, between July and November 2024, CGT generated more than £1 billion for the government – […]

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The potential perils of accessing your pension at 55

Reaching the minimum pension age and being able to access your retirement savings might mean new possibilities opening up. You may start thinking about giving up work, withdrawing a lump sum to pursue a goal, or using your pension to boost your regular income. It’s an exciting time, but it’s also important to evaluate your […]

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Investment market update: January 2025

Concerns around potential trade wars following President Trump’s inauguration weighed on investment markets in January 2025, but there was positive news too. Read on to discover some of the factors that may have affected the performance of your investments. Keep in mind that short-term market movements are part of investing and taking a long-term view […]

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Business owners: 5 reasons you could benefit from saving into a pension

Building a business can be exciting and rewarding, and it might play a key role in ensuring you’re financially secure now and in the future. Yet, focusing all your attention on your business could mean you miss alternative ways to provide security later in life, including overlooking a pension. Indeed, according to a January 2024 […]

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5 ways financial planning could help you emotionally prepare for retirement

While financial challenges often come up when those nearing retirement are asked about their concerns, emotional obstacles could be just as important. A financial plan might include looking at areas like your pensions and investments, but it could help you emotionally prepare for retirement as well. Here are five ways a financial plan could improve […]

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A woman in her 60s checking something on her mobile phone.

State Pension: Everything you need to know in 2025/26

For many pensioners, the State Pension provides a foundation to build their retirement income. Whether you’re already claiming the State Pension or it’s still some years away, here’s what you need to know in 2025/26. In the 2025/26 tax year, you can claim the State Pension from the age of 66. However, the age will […]

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How to stop following the investment crowd and stick to your strategy

We’re only weeks into 2025, and it’s already been one filled with market volatility and uncertainty. At times like this, being part of a crowd might feel comforting, but following the investment decisions of others could lead to choices that aren’t right for you. Political and economic uncertainty means investors may already have experienced the […]

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Behavioural finance: The effect emotions could have on your financial decisions

While you might intend to make your financial decisions based on facts, emotions creeping in from time to time is normal. Recognising when emotions might be influencing your judgement could mean you’re better able to evaluate what’s right for you. Last month, you read about how past experiences could affect your decisions. Now, read on […]

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Investment market update: December 2024

Political instability in Europe and further afield affected investment markets in December. Read on to find out what other factors may have influenced your investment returns at the end of 2024. Remember to focus on your long-term goals when assessing the performance of your investments. The value of your assets rising and falling is part […]

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