On 22 November 2023, chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivered the Autumn Statement against a backdrop of a cost of living crisis and a looming general election. It’s been a challenging year with inflation dominating headlines. While inflation has fallen, it’s still higher than the Bank of England’s 2% target at 4.6% in the 12 months to October 2023. Ahead of his …
The guide to using equity release to unlock property wealth later in life
Your home may be one of the largest assets you have. With property wealth often inaccessible, you may be considering using equity release to unlock some of the money tied up in your home. According to the Equity Release Council, the average new customer unlocking property wealth releases almost £60,000. So, using equity release could provide a significant financial boost …
Investment market update: October 2023
As inflation remains stubborn, and interest rates may have to remain higher for longer, recessionary concerns have grown around the world. Read on to discover some of the factors that may have affected your investment portfolio in October 2023. When reviewing short-term market movements, remember to focus on your long-term investment goals. UK After a slump in July, official data …
10 festive markets to visit in Europe this year
It’s not too late to book a last-minute Christmas getaway. These fantastic destinations all boast traditional festive markets that are perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit, enjoying a mulled wine, or picking up some gifts. 1. Tallinn, Estonia Dates: 1 December 2023 to 7 January 2024 If you’ve yet to visit Estonia, adding Tallinn at Christmas time to your …
7 practical ways to beat the winter blues
As the nights draw in, it’s normal to want to spend more time indoors where it’s warm. However, if it affects your mood and motivation, you could be suffering from the winter blues. Luckily, there are often steps you can take to overcome it. The NHS estimates that around 2 million people in the UK are affected by the winter …
Social impact investment market grew to a record £9.4 billion in 2022
Concerns about social issues and an increase in opportunities have led to more people choosing social impact investments. They could present a way to tackle issues that you care about while still delivering returns. Read on to find out more. Social impact investing aims to use capital to support businesses that are providing solutions to some of the world’s biggest …
More people than ever celebrate their 100th birthday. Here’s why it affects financial plans
More people in England and Wales are celebrating their 100th birthday. It could have implications for your financial plan and creating an income in retirement. According to a release from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), on Census Day in 2021, there were 13,924 centenarians living in England and Wales. The oldest person to complete the census was 112. While …
Investment market update: September 2023
Economies around the world continue to struggle with high inflation and weakening demand affecting GDP. Read on to discover some of the factors that may have affected your investment portfolio in September 2023. When reviewing short-term market movements, remember to focus on your long-term investment goals. UK Official data shows the UK economy contracted by 0.5% in July. The Office …
5 simple tips that could help you make better decisions
When you’re facing big life decisions, it can be difficult to know which choice to take. Read on to learn some simple tips that could improve your decision-making. According to Eva Krockow, a lecturer at the University of Leicester, the average person makes a staggering 35,000 decisions every day. Of course, many of these decisions will be unconscious. You probably …
Autumn reading: Discover this year’s Booker Prize shortlist
As the nights start drawing in, it’s the perfect time to refresh your bookshelf with some of the biggest publications of the year. The 2023 Booker Prize shortlist has been unveiled and includes six fantastic novels. The Booker Prize launched in 1969 and many of the books that have won the award have gone on to become popular and receive …