One in five UK adults have been scammed in the past year, causing debt and financial strain. 38% of Brits in their 30s and early 40s are relying on their parents’ assets for financial security. There are an estimated 2.8 million missing pension pots in the UK, fuelling demand for the Pension Tracing Service. One […]
Category archives: General Financial News
Why financial procrastination can harm your health (and your finances)
Financial procrastination – delaying financial tasks – can negatively impact both your finances and health. Signs of financial procrastination include fear of mistakes, lack of confidence, and unclear financial goals. Combat procrastination by setting clear financial goals, seeking expert advice, and taking proactive action. We all know that putting things off is all too easy. […]
Family tensions over money talks – time to break the taboo
Many wealthy individuals hesitate to discuss financial planning due to fears of family disagreements, with 10% avoiding the topic altogether and 27% finding it uncomfortable1. However, this reluctance to have a discussion could lead to future misunderstandings, as family members may have unrealistic expectations about their inheritance. Only 12% of wealthy individuals said they regularly […]
Don’t invest under the ‘finfluence’
People are increasingly seeking financial guidance on social media. While financial influencers – or ‘finfluencers’ – can be useful in raising awareness around financial matters, there is also a darker side to the growth of unregulated advisers. Social media age In the UK, more than one in four people use some combination of social media, […]
In the news
17 out of 21 sectors raised dividend payments in Q3 On a headline basis, total UK dividends in Q3 2024 fell to £25.6bn, an 8.1% decline, led by cuts in the mining sector (£2.6bn reduction in payouts)1. Stronger sterling, the impact of share buybacks and lower one-off special dividends also contributed to the reduction. Mining […]
Dive into ’25 on top of key tax changes
A couple of months have passed since the Autumn Budget, a significant milestone for the Labour government. A comprehensive set of measures impacting individuals and businesses were announced, featuring £40bn in tax increases. Key announcements involved Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax, domicile status, VAT on private school fees, Stamp Duty and Income Tax thresholds. Inheritance […]
A few months left to maximise your State Pension
The government is encouraging individuals to take advantage of the opportunity to maximise their State Pension by filling gaps in their National Insurance (NI) records for the period between 6 April 2006 and 5 April 2018. By making voluntary contributions, people can potentially increase their future State Pension payments. This option is available until the […]
On your agenda – end of tax year planning
As we head into a new year with hope and optimism – it’s a good time to reflect on your personal financial circumstances. With the 2024/25 tax year drawing to a close, don’t leave it to the last minute to get your finances in order – that includes using your tax-efficient allowances. You might want […]
Nurture your financial wellbeing in 2025 – get your life plans in place with smart planning
As we step into 2025, now is the perfect time to set your financial plans in order. With changes on the horizon – like many pension pots becoming subject to inclusion in Inheritance Tax (IHT) calculations from April 2027 – it’s wise to prepare early. Financial wellbeing involves having a positive relationship with your money, […]
Preparing for the longevity megatrend in an uncertain world
As a new year dawns and we ponder what the next 12 months may hold for us as individuals and investors, one thing is for certain – some familiar challenges lie ahead. The International Monetary Fund (IMF)1 unveiled its latest economic assessment the week prior to the US election, proclaiming a period of ‘stable but […]
