15th December 2022

Retire early – repent at leisure?

It is the dream of many to retire early. Indeed, 270,000 people in their 50s and 60s left the UK workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Concerns about retirement poverty However, two thirds of people aged 50–70 who quit work or lost their job during the pandemic left the […]

24th November 2022

Pensions round-up

Recently released research1 suggests UK consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about pensions and prepared to take a greater role in preparing for retirement. Other research2, however, shows significant sums are still sat in ‘lost’ pensions, while experts have warned about potential pension-related problems as the cost-of-living crisis bites.  Pensions knowledge improving  A survey conducted by […]

9th November 2022

A move towards ‘living legacies’

Over-55s are increasingly looking to help their families out financially while they are still alive, rather than leaving everything in the form of an inheritance. Research1 has revealed a trend towards ‘living legacies’, due to increased life expectancy pushing up the average age at which younger generations inherit from their parents. People born in the […]

27th October 2022

Keeping investment emotions in check

While Rudyard Kipling may not have been thinking about investments when he penned his famous poem ‘If’, his words will certainly resonate with investors at the moment. The current investment landscape undoubtedly presents a challenge, even for experienced investors, but those who can keep their head when all about are losing theirs definitely have the […]

19th October 2022

In the news – Money/Wealth

Healthy dividends  UK listed companies paid out £37bn in shareholder dividends between April and June, up 38.6% from the same period last year, making Q2 the second largest UK dividend payout on record1.  Large one-off special payments were a key driver, but underlying dividends, which exclude these volatile specials, jumped by 27.0% to £32.0bn, boosted […]

18th October 2022

Your financial wellbeing hub

The past couple of years have undoubtedly been a challenge for us all but, by pulling together, we have managed to get though an extraordinarily difficult period of time. Now, as we emerge into the post-COVID economy, we face a different set of challenges which, in their own way, appear no less daunting. One thing […]

1st September 2022

Sandwich generation: how are you?

The sandwich generation are certainly used to challenges and putting other people’s needs before their own. However, cost-of-living challenges look set to heap further pressure on this group which makes it vitally important they seek advice before taking any rash decisions which could sacrifice their financial futures. Stiff upper lip Research1 suggests that, although many […]

17th August 2022

Know your pension numbers

With so many financial priorities to juggle, it can be hard to put your pension first, especially with spiralling household costs. Starting or maintaining your pension contributions is important. Whatever type of pension plan you have, you get tax relief at the highest rate of Income Tax you pay on all contributions you make, subject […]

25th July 2022

Money – In the news

‘Side hustling’ becomes the norm Nearly half (46%) of people are supplementing their income with a ‘side hustle’, according to recent research1. The phrase, which originated in the United States, means taking on a part-time job in addition to one’s regular job in order to make more money. Of those who have a side hustle, […]

19th July 2022

When in (financial) doubt – talk it out!

According to a recent survey1, 90% of households are worried about rising prices. Financial worries can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety; nearly one in five people say they have lost sleep over soaring prices in recent months2. Money and wealth often feel like a bit of a taboo topic for families. Research3 […]