A mother and two children holding up carved pumpkins to their faces.

5 reassuring ways a financial plan could help you deal with life’s scares

Halloween is just around the corner, but there’s more than ghouls and ghosts to be scared of. Sometimes, daily life can be just as frightful as the latest horror film. Here are five reassuring ways a financial plan could help you next time you encounter one of life’s scares. 1. A financial plan could help you build financial resilience to …

Grandparents blowing bubbles with their grandchildren.

Inheritance Tax: How does the UK compare internationally?

More than 70% of Brits think Inheritance Tax (IHT) is unfair, according to a poll carried out by Tax Policy Associates in 2023. You might consider how other countries handle taxing assets when you pass away to be “fairer”, read on to find out more. Over the last few months, you’ve read about how IHT works in the UK and …

Guide: Your retirement choices: How to generate an income in later life

Retirement on your terms is likely to be one of the key elements of your financial plan. So, as you approach or reach retirement, now is the time for you to start thinking about enjoying a comfortable life when you stop working. Many people see retirement as the start of their “second life” – the time when you have the …

A person looking at a stock market graph on a tablet.

Investment market update: August 2024

August was a rollercoaster month for investors, with the global stock market experiencing significant volatility. Read on to find out what may have affected your investments. Many market indices saw sharp falls early in August sparked by fears that the US is on track for a recession. However, investors are likely to have experienced some recovery in the weeks that …

A young couple talking to their older neighbours.

Why your social life could be just as important as your health

If you were trying to improve your health and wellbeing, what would you think about changing? Your first instinct may be to eat healthier foods or exercise more frequently. However, new research suggests that your social life might play a more important role in your overall health than you may think. Read on to discover how loneliness could impact your …

A couple sitting outside in a café with a dog.

The pension basics you need to know if you’re dreaming of retiring abroad

Retiring abroad is a dream for many people nearing the milestone. Whether you’re picturing a sunnier climate or want to move closer to family, there are some implications you might need to consider when managing your pension. According to a report in Moneyweek, more than three-quarters of pension savers would like the opportunity to leave the UK behind when they …

A couple meeting with a financial planner.

How “lifestyle financial planning” could help you reach your goals

Effectively managing your finances to get the most out of your assets often means going beyond paying into a pension regularly or selecting a fund to invest through. That’s why lifestyle financial planning could help you better align your finances with the life you want to lead now and in the future. Financial advice alone might help you understand the …

money can buy happiness

Study: Greater freedom means money can buy happiness

A new study has disputed the saying “money can’t buy happiness”. In fact, the research suggests the opposite is true, money can buy happiness, but it isn’t as simple as accumulating as much wealth as possible. According to the Guardian, a study from the University of Pennsylvania found a strong association between money and happiness. The researchers tracked the happiness …

A person putting a ballot paper into a box.

Investment market update: July 2024

In July, the markets were affected by general elections taking place in the UK and France, and the ongoing presidential campaign in the US. Read on to find out what else affected investment markets in July 2024. Uncertainty and numerous other factors may affect the value of your investment portfolio. However, for most investors, long-term trends are a better indicator …