Category Archivenews
Independent Financial Advisers
Don’t have a will? Here’s how your estate would be distributed under intestacy rules
A June 2025 article by Today’s Wills & Probate revealed a 25% rise in people dying without a valid will between 2020/21 and 2023/24. If writing your will is something you haven’t tackled yet, it could mean your assets are distributed in a way that doesn’t align with your wishes. If you die without a […]
How pension and Inheritance Tax policy changes could affect your legacy
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 […]
Investment market update: July 2025
The US struck trade deals with several countries in July 2025, leading to markets rising and putting an end to some of the uncertainty that had plagued investors for months. Read on to find out what else may have affected your investments recently. While it might seem like 2025 has been a poor year for […]
4 times you might want to review your financial plan
When you create your financial plan, you might envision everything following the path you’ve set out. However, life is often unexpected, and your plan should be updated to reflect changes to your circumstances. So, as well as your regular meetings, you might want to book additional reviews with your financial planner to ensure your plan […]
How to remain calm amid Autumn Budget speculation
The importance of remaining calm is often something that’s talked about when discussing investment market volatility. But there are other factors outside of your control that might lead to emotional decision-making, including uncertainty about the upcoming Autumn Budget. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to deliver an Autumn Budget at the end of October. Despite being […]
Think cash is king? It might be time to review your mantra
Cash can be comforting. It’s familiar, it’s accessible, and it’s tangible. But while cash savings can be part of a well-balanced financial plan, they’re not always the best-performing asset. Data shows that many UK adults are reluctant to depart from cash. In an update reported by MoneyWeek, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) reported that 61% […]
The decumulation dilemmas you might need to overcome when you retire
One of the retirement challenges many people face is how to handle wealth decumulation. During your working life, you’re typically working to increase your wealth, and this usually shifts as you enter retirement. So, if you’re retired or are nearing the milestone, read on to find out more about decumulation dilemmas and how you might […]
Unsure how to access your pension at retirement? Here’s what you need to know
It’s been a decade since Pension Freedoms legislation gave retirees more choice. Yet rather than relishing the freedom the changes have provided, research suggests workers are approaching retirement unsure about the decisions they need to make. Data published by PensionsAge in June 2025 suggests that only 47% of UK savers are aware of their options […]
Investment market update: June 2025
Trade tariffs continued to affect investment markets in June 2025, though uncertainty did start to ease. However, rising tensions in the Middle East may have affected the performance of your investments. Read on to find out more. Remember, it’s often wise to take a long-term view of your investments when reviewing returns, rather than focusing […]
The early signs of dementia that may be important to know
We all become more forgetful as we get older. But can you differentiate what is a normal part of the ageing process and what are the early signs of dementia? Although there is no current cure for dementia, recognising the early symptoms so you can get a diagnosis as soon as possible is still very […]