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 …

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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 …

Two people in their 60s using weights in a gym.

5 ways financial planning could help you emotionally prepare for retirement

While financial challenges often come up when those nearing retirement are asked about their concerns, emotional obstacles could be just as important. A financial plan might include looking at areas like your pensions and investments, but it could help you emotionally prepare for retirement as well. Here are five ways a financial plan could improve your wellbeing and confidence when …

Somebody holding a magnifying glass to paperwork covered in numbers.

Looking beyond the numbers when using a cashflow model

A cashflow model is a valuable tool that lets you understand how the value of your estate and individual assets might change in the future. But, to get the most out of it, you need to look beyond the numbers. A cashflow model provides a graphical representation of all your assets, such as investments, property and pension, as well as …

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How to stop following the investment crowd and stick to your strategy

We’re only weeks into 2025, and it’s already been one filled with market volatility and uncertainty. At times like this, being part of a crowd might feel comforting, but following the investment decisions of others could lead to choices that aren’t right for you. Political and economic uncertainty means investors may already have experienced the value of their investments falling …

Guide: 5 key financial planning steps to consider during a divorce

Going through a divorce can be incredibly emotionally challenging, but it may also represent the beginning of a new phase of your life. When starting a new chapter, it’s important to consider your financial plan, review your goals, and prepare for any challenges you might face in the future. This could be especially true during a divorce as the process …

Workers in a warehouse.

Investment market update: December 2024

Political instability in Europe and further afield affected investment markets in December. Read on to find out what other factors may have influenced your investment returns at the end of 2024. Remember to focus on your long-term goals when assessing the performance of your investments. The value of your assets rising and falling is part of investing. What’s important is …

A couple going through paperwork together.

5 useful allowances and exemptions that will reset at the end of the tax year

Using allowances and exemptions could reduce your overall tax bill and help you get more out of your money. On 5 April 2025, the current tax year will end, and many tax-efficient allowances and exemptions will reset. So, here are five that you may want to consider using before the 2025/26 tax year starts. 1. ISA allowance ISAs provide a …