A boy using a magnifying glass in the woods.

How to join the pension treasure hunt and discover “lost” savings

You could uncover “lost” pension savings and boost your retirement by tracking down old pots you might have forgotten about. Read on to find out why you might have lost pensions and how to rediscover them. 29 October 2024 marks National Pension Tracing Day and the campaign urges you to join the pension treasure hunt. […]

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A person looking at a stock market graph on a tablet.

Investment market update: August 2024

August was a rollercoaster month for investors, with the global stock market experiencing significant volatility. Read on to find out what may have affected your investments. Many market indices saw sharp falls early in August sparked by fears that the US is on track for a recession. However, investors are likely to have experienced some […]

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A couple meeting with a financial planner.

How “lifestyle financial planning” could help you reach your goals

Effectively managing your finances to get the most out of your assets often means going beyond paying into a pension regularly or selecting a fund to invest through. That’s why lifestyle financial planning could help you better align your finances with the life you want to lead now and in the future. Financial advice alone […]

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A grandfather playing with his granddaughter.

Inheritance Tax: 5 shrewd strategies for reducing a potential bill

If you take a proactive approach to managing your wealth, you could reduce how much Inheritance Tax (IHT) your estate may be liable for when you pass away. Last month, you read about what IHT is and when estates become liable to pay it. Now, read on to discover some of the shrewd strategies you […]

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A person putting a ballot paper into a box.

Investment market update: July 2024

In July, the markets were affected by general elections taking place in the UK and France, and the ongoing presidential campaign in the US. Read on to find out what else affected investment markets in July 2024. Uncertainty and numerous other factors may affect the value of your investment portfolio. However, for most investors, long-term […]

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An older couple resting after a hike.

4 pragmatic ways your pension could create long-term security for you and your partner

Deciding how to sustainably access your pension is often a big decision. If you’re planning with a partner, you might have an added layer of complexity – how can you make sure they’d be financially secure if you pass away first? It may be a question that’s difficult to consider. Yet, if your finances are […]

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A mother and son building a tower from wooden blocks.

3 fundamental questions to answer if you’re investing for children

Building a nest egg for your child or grandchild could give them a head start when they reach adulthood. It might allow them to pursue further education, get on the property ladder, or even enjoy a gap year. While saving is one option you might want to consider, investing for children could yield higher returns. […]

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Grandparents playing with their grandchildren.

Two-thirds of UK adults don’t have a will. Here’s how it could affect your legacy

Failing to set out your wishes in a will could mean your assets aren’t passed on to the loved ones you’d like to benefit from your estate. As a result, this could have a significant effect on your legacy. A will is one of the main ways to ensure your assets are passed on to […]

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A couple reviewing paperwork together.

Why taking your pension as a lump sum could leave you with a huge tax bill

Taking a lump sum out of your pension could provide you with more financial freedom. Yet, it could also land you with a large and unexpected tax bill. Read on to find out what you need to know about tax and withdrawing lump sums from your pension. Your pension withdrawals may be liable for Income […]

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Parent and child holding hands.

Inheritance Tax: The basics you need to know about the “death tax”

Often dubbed “death tax” or “Britain’s most-hated tax” in the media, Inheritance Tax (IHT) may seem complex, and you might be unsure if it’s something you should consider as part of your estate plan. Over the next few months, you can read about the essentials you need to know, how to reduce a potential tax […]

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