Workers in a data centre.

Investment market update: February 2024

While many economies are still struggling with high inflation there are signs that the pace is starting to slow, which could pave the way for interest rate cuts later this year. To reflect this, the OECD has lifted its 2024 global growth forecast by 0.3%, when compared to the end of 2023, to 2.9%. However, the international organisation warned that …

Breaking news: I’m in VouchedFor’s 2024 Guide to Top Rated Advisers

I’m proud to announce that, once again, I have been included in VouchedFor’s Guide to Top Rated Advisers, distributed today in The Times. The guide identifies and celebrates the UK’s best financial advisers, all based on feedback from their clients. To be awarded as a Top Rated Adviser and to be included again is a tremendous honour. What is VouchedFor? If you’re …

Guide: 10 things you can learn about your financial plan from these ABBA hits

In April 1974, a Swedish foursome took to the stage at the Eurovision Song Contest. Performing eighth on the night, ABBA introduced themselves to a global audience, romping to victory with their hit ‘Waterloo’. In the intervening five decades ABBA – made up of Agnetha Fältskog, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Björn Ulvaeus, and Benny Andersson – has become one of the world’s …

Shoppers walking down a high street.

Investment market update: January 2024

While a new year started, many of the key factors affecting economies and markets in January were the same as those in 2023, namely high levels of inflation and recession fears. The World Bank warned the global economy is set to slow for a third successive year in 2024 and is on course for the weakest half-decade of growth since …

A man pinching the bridge of his nose at work.

Working habits from around the world that could transform your work-life balance

Does your job cause you stress? A recent survey found that 3 in 5 UK employees say their mental health declined in 2023 because of workplace stress. Long work hours, tight deadlines, and job insecurity all contributed to this burden, and nearly half of respondents said senior management was to blame. Instead of continuing to burn yourself out, you could …

View of Tartu, Estonia.

Meet the 2024 European Capitals of Culture

Are you looking for travel destinations to add to your bucket list? Every year, the European Union (EU) names its European Capitals of Culture to bolster tourism in lesser-known cities and allow them to showcase their heritage. If you’re thinking about experiencing the year’s programme of events lined up in a city you might not have heard of, here’s more …

Travelers boarding a plane.

Switching your pension could be the secret to reducing your carbon footprint

Do you want to reduce your environmental impact? Your pension could provide a way to substantially reduce your carbon footprint in just a few clicks. A study by Scottish Widows suggests changing how your pension is invested could have a much greater environmental impact than other lifestyle adaptations. Shipra Gupta, responsible investment lead at Scottish Widows, said: “Understanding of the …

A woman removing her wedding ring.

How to protect financial gifts to your children from relationship breakdowns

As younger generations face challenges reaching milestones as the cost of living soars, you might be thinking about gifting assets to improve their finances. If your beneficiary is in a relationship, you may want to consider what would happen if they split up with their partner. A well-timed gift could have a hugely positive effect on the long-term financial security …

A couple laughing together while drinking coffee.

5 handy tips that could help couples create an effective financial plan

Managing your finances effectively as a couple could provide you with peace of mind and mean you’re more likely to reach your goals. Yet, it can be difficult as you could have very different financial priorities to your partner. Read on to discover five handy tips that could help you build a financial plan that suits both of you. 1. …