A worker in a car factory.

Investment market update: February 2025

After reading headlines throughout February, you might be expecting a gloomy investment outlook. Yet, despite threats of trade wars and uncertainty around the world, there were market highs. Read on to find out more about some of the factors that influenced investment markets. As investment markets are experiencing volatility, it’s perhaps unsurprising that some investors sought the “safe haven” of …

A photo of Buttermere in the Lake District.

5 ways to make nature part of your routine

As spring starts to bring us nicer weather, you might be thinking about ways you can spend more time in nature. But did you know that enjoying time outside is vital to your health? A recent Aviva study found that almost 9 out of 10 UK adults say access to nature is important to their physical and mental wellbeing. Not …

A couple cycling together on a road.

Why ongoing financial advice could ease your mental load

Handling finances is a part of life and something that most people do, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t stressful. Indeed, many people don’t feel confident making financial decisions, and financial advice could ease their mental load. Even when you’re relatively comfortable, managing your finances can be a cause of concern. Indeed, you might find it even more stressful as …

A father and son having a serious conversation

6 estate planning lessons you could learn from the Murdoch family dispute

The Murdoch family’s messy dispute over who will retain control of Rupert Murdoch’s media empire when he passes away has been grabbing headlines. While your affairs might not be in the spotlight, the case offers some useful insight into how to avoid family disputes. Following his second divorce in 1999, Rupert Murdoch established a trust foundation to hold the family’s …

A close-up of a person walking in the woods.

How financial planning could help you overcome decision paralysis

How long do you leave essential tasks on your to-do list? If you’ve put off tasks because they feel overwhelming, you’re not alone, but delays could be harmful. Read on to find out how financial planning may help you overcome decision paralysis. According to a January 2025 study from the Post Office, half of adults in the UK have delayed …

A group of people attending a painting workshop.

How to practice mindfulness when managing your money

How you approach managing your finances could affect your ability to reach long-term goals. The Japanese spending philosophy “kakeibo” could help you practice financial mindfulness and get more out of your assets. Spending money without thinking about how it’ll affect your long-term finances could mean you miss opportunities to secure the lifestyle you want. On the other hand, focusing only …

Guide: 7 allowances you might want to use before the end of the 2024/25 tax year

When a new tax year starts, many allowances reset. So, checking if you could use these valuable allowances before 5 April 2025, when the 2024/25 tax year ends, might help your money go further. It’s important to understand which allowances fit into your financial plan and suit your goals. So, this guide could help you assess which allowances you might …

A foreman organising containers from a cargo ship.

Investment market update: January 2025

Concerns around potential trade wars following President Trump’s inauguration weighed on investment markets in January 2025, but there was positive news too. Read on to discover some of the factors that may have affected the performance of your investments. Keep in mind that short-term market movements are part of investing and taking a long-term view is an important investment strategy …

An older couple kayaking.

5 practical tips for staying healthy in your 50s and beyond

Getting older unfortunately might mean getting used to new limitations. However, making healthy lifestyle changes can improve your quality of life no matter what age you start at. So, instead of staying stuck in your ways, read on to discover five easy steps you can take to improve your health later in life. 1. Improve your sleep hygiene Adults should …