Financial independence means working becomes optional, not essential Diversifying income beyond pensions offers lasting security and freedom A clear plan helps you align your later life with your long-term goals Retirement used to mean the end of working life, but that’s definitely no longer the case. People are living longer, staying healthier and keen to […]
Author Archives: matthew
Economic Review – September 2025
UK inflation remained at an 18-month high of 3.8% in August, driven by food prices. Above the BoE 2% target UK GDP growth fell to 0.2% in the three months to July and output failed to grow at all in July In the UK jobs market payrolls fell for the seventh consecutive month and wage […]
Gen X stash the cash
Gen X savers are cautious, with over £34k on average held in cash savings Less than a third also invest, risking long-term value erosion from inflation Balancing cash investments can offer better growth without excessive risk Nearly two in three Brits born between 1965 and 1980 hold ‘significant’ savings in cash, new research1 shows, while […]
A closer look at the ‘nearshoring’ trend
Nearshoring is rising as firms prioritise bringing supply chains closer to home Trump Tariffs’ have only underlined the need for companies to explore their options As the global economy evolves, identifying long-term trends is important The pandemic, raised geopolitical tensions and supply chain shocks, have all forced companies to rethink how they operate. Many, although […]
Residential Property Review – September 2025
Any Autumn Budget changes to Stamp Duty and CGT could heavily influence housing activity in late 2025 Mortgage rates dipped below 5% but gilt yields raise concern of further increases 15% of property sales fell through in 2025, with converted homes most affected Housing market outlook According to Savills, housing market performance for the rest […]
Commercial Property Market Review – September 2025
City investment volumes reached £2bn by July, 33% below average, but deal sizes are notably larger The outlook for H2 2025 is brighter due to improved credit and stabilising investor confidence in offices and industrials London construction faces pipeline contractions, though government-backed infrastructure projects show some momentum City investment market update The latest statistics from […]
Who will inherit your pension?
1 in 6 people don’t know who their pension would go to if they passed away Cohabiting partners are especially at risk of missing out if not formally nominated Some still have ex-partners listed – regular reviews are essential One in six people with a partner admitted in a recent study1 that they ‘do not […]
‘Squeezed middle’ falling into ‘protection gap’
Only 30% of those aged 30 to 34 and 34% of those aged 35 to 39 have enough life cover to protect their family Households often insure mortgages but neglect cover for children and dependents The ‘squeezed middle’ must prioritise protection to avoid future shortfalls People in their 30s and 40s are falling into the […]
Financial empowerment for retirement control
Nearly 4 in 10 people in the UK are not on track for even a basic retirement lifestyle Understanding retirement income targets is key to building financial resilience Personal pensions offer flexibility, tax relief and control – ideal for employed and self-employed people. Building financial empowerment is all about the confidence that comes from knowing […]
Joint, dual, individual: understanding your life insurance options
40% of life insurance policies in the UK are joint rather than individual Joint life insurance policies can prove problematic when a relationship breaks down Dual life cover offers separate, flexible protection for both partners You’ve opened a joint bank account. You’ve signed up for a joint mortgage. So, a joint life insurance policy might […]
