A woman receiving a digital gift on a smartphone

10 digital gifts if you need a last-minute Christmas present

As Christmas approaches, so does the inevitable stress of gift buying. On top of finding presents for your loved ones, there’s always one person you forget. Whether they’re an unexpected addition to the family party or you simply want an extra treat for your friends, you may need to quickly source an additional gift. You don’t have to sacrifice quality …

Someone recycling plastic bottles.

7 in 10 UK residents feel “urgent action” is required to address climate change

Climate change and related issues have become key topics in politics, business and more. And research from Aviva found that 7 in 10 UK residents believe “urgent action” is required. If you’ve been making climate-conscious decisions, one area you may have overlooked is your finances. Interestingly, the survey found that over-65s are leading the way in climate-conscious behaviours despite younger …

Someone passing a £1 coin to another person.

Cost vs value: What’s the difference when you’re making a financial plan?

When you’re making decisions, cost might be an important factor, but value could be just as crucial. Balancing cost and value in your financial plan could help you get more out of your money. When talking about the investment market, Warren Buffett, known as one of the world’s most successful investors, once said: “Price is what you pay; value is …

A mum talking to her adult daughter.

How a contribution to your child’s pension could boost their financial security

As a parent, you might worry about your child’s long-term financial wellbeing. While you might consider supporting them through university, helping out with day-to-day costs, or handing over a home deposit, have you thought about contributing to their pension? It could go further than you think. Younger generations face some key challenges when saving for their retirement. As people are …

Everything you need to know about the 2023 Autumn Statement

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 …

Business man looking at charts on a tablet.

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 …

Two women looking at a Christmas market stall.

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 …

A grandfather and granddaughter on an autumn walk.

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 …

An elderly person and a young person holding hands.

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 …