30th September 2025

Gen X stash the cash

Gen X savers are cautious, with over £34k on average held in cash savings  Less than a third also invest, risking long-term value erosion from inflation  Balancing cash investments can offer better growth without excessive risk  Nearly two in three Brits born between 1965 and 1980 hold ‘significant’ savings in cash, new research1 shows, while […]

Demand for second homes falls: what does it mean for local buyers and sellers? 

Council Tax hikes on second homes are triggering a surge in holiday property sales  In popular holiday destinations the number of properties being listed for sale has increased over 40%  This shift in property ownership has the potential to impact entire communities   From country cottages to seaside retreats, the second home market is facing challenges. […]

16th September 2025

Mortgage overpayments: small sums add up

A third of homeowners are currently making overpayments on their mortgage  40% of homeowners don’t have the confidence to overpay their mortgage  Most lenders allow you to make overpayments of up to 10% of your mortgage balance each year without incurring any penalties  UK homeowners could collectively save £2.3bn on mortgage interest each year by […]

‘Squeezed middle’ falling into ‘protection gap’

Only 30% of those aged 30 to 34 and 34% of those aged 35 to 39 have enough life cover to protect their family  Households often insure mortgages but neglect cover for children and dependents  The ‘squeezed middle’ must prioritise protection to avoid future shortfalls  People in their 30s and 40s are falling into the […]

9th September 2025

Financial empowerment for retirement control

Nearly 4 in 10 people in the UK are not on track for even a basic retirement lifestyle  Understanding retirement income targets is key to building financial resilience  Personal pensions offer flexibility, tax relief and control – ideal for employed and self-employed people.  Building financial empowerment is all about the confidence that comes from knowing […]

Joint, dual, individual: understanding your life insurance options

40% of life insurance policies in the UK are joint rather than individual  Joint life insurance policies can prove problematic when a relationship breaks down  Dual life cover offers separate, flexible protection for both partners  You’ve opened a joint bank account. You’ve signed up for a joint mortgage. So, a joint life insurance policy might […]

3rd September 2025

In the News – Home Finance 

A dressing room can boost your home’s value by up to £40,000  Over 65’s hold £2.9trn in mortgage-free property wealth in the UK  House purchases now take 124 days on average – 41% longer than expected  Dressing rooms – the new must-have  Once seen as a luxury, dressing rooms are gaining popularity among everyday homeowners […]

18th August 2025

Why ‘keep calm and carry on’ pays off for investors

Trying to time the market often leads to missed opportunities  A well-diversified portfolio helps wealthier short-term volatility  Staying invested long term is key to building lasting wealth  April’s surprise tariffs announced by Donald Trump on ‘Liberation Day’ unsettled global markets and caused a sharp sell off from panicked investors. Trump announced a 90-day pause of […]

Home insurance premiums and claims increase

UK combined home insurance premiums rose 8.5% to an average of £231 according to recent data  Material shortages, labour expenses and inflation rates have driving up repair and rebuild costs  Make sure you don’t invalidate your insurance by leaving a spare key where it can be easily found  Extreme weather conditions. Rising construction costs. Higher […]

11th August 2025

In the News – Money

UK Q1 dividends fell 4.6% but beat expectations  The headline total paid out to shareholders in Q1 was £14bn  UK holidaymakers are spending significantly more this year  Holiday spending soars  Planning to jet away on a summer holiday? If so, you’re in good company – 83% of UK adults1 are planning holidays this year. Interestingly, […]