Giving money or valuable possessions to loved ones
54% of over-55s have no record of gifts given in the previous seven yearsGiving money or valuable possessions to loved ones can be a generous way to provide support, but failing to keep track of those gifts could leave families facing an Inheritance Tax (IHT) headache later. New research shows that 54% of over-55s who […]
Protecting your loved ones with a Will
Providing greater control over your assets and protection for those who matterA Will can help you put your financial affairs in order, plan your inheritance and ensure your wishes are known. Despite this, many people delay making one, often assuming it can be dealt with later.Without a Will, the law determines how your estate is […]
Safeguarding your retirement wealth
From cold calls to fake investments, recognise the warning signs of pension scamsImagine losing your entire pension pot in the blink of an eye. Years of hard-earned savings could vanish after a seemingly convincing investment opportunity turns out to be a scam. Pension fraudsters can be persuasive, using professional-looking websites, testimonials and promises of high […]
Understanding pension drawdown
Taking control of your pension income means considering the tax consequencesPension drawdown enables you to take money from a defined contribution pension while keeping the rest invested. Rather than receiving a fixed income, you decide how much to withdraw and when, giving you flexibility to adjust your income as your circumstances change. There are several […]
Five questions to ask yourself before retirement
Are you doing enough today to give yourself the freedom and choices you want tomorrow?Retirement should be something to look forward to, not a source of financial anxiety. For many people, retirement can seem comfortably distant until, suddenly, it is not. Years of working, saving and paying into pensions can create the sense that everything […]
Upcoming changes raise concerns among savers
More than one in five adults report a decline in pension confidenceThe upcoming changes to how pensions are treated for Inheritance Tax (IHT) from 6 April 2027 appear to be having a wider impact on pension confidence, despite most adults being unaffected. New research finds that 49% of adults say their confidence is unchanged, while […]
What will retirement look like for you?
Practical ideas for creating a purposeful and enjoyable next chapterRetirement is one of life’s major milestones, bringing greater freedom but also a significant change in routine. After decades of working, it can take time to adjust to having fewer commitments and more choice over how you spend each day. For some, leaving a career can […]
Autumn Budget 2026 tax watch
With the main taxes ruled out, attention is shifting to other revenue generatorsAs Chancellor John Healey delivers his first Autumn Budget on 28 October 2026, the government faces a difficult balancing act. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has committed to Labour’s manifesto pledge not to raise the main rates of Income Tax, National Insurance or VAT. […]