By Q3, the government is expected to provide implementation guidance on how pensions and death benefits will be treated Any changes are likely to have the greatest impact on people with established estate plans As proposals are not finalised, it’s wise to consider potential implications but await the final guidance before overhauling plans Chancellor Rachel […]
Author Archives: matthew
Kickstart the new tax year with confidence
With the new tax year allowances in place, now is the time to make smart financial decisions Taking time to review and refine your financial plan can help you stay on track for the future Ensure you’re making the most of the opportunities available – your future self will thank you! The beginning of the […]
Start the new tax year strong
The new tax year is a great opportunity to take charge of your finances and set yourself up for financial peace of mind by knowing you have a plan in place. By planning ahead and making the most of available allowances, you can optimise your wealth, reduce tax liabilities and work towards long-term financial security. […]
Time for a spring clean? How about ‘death cleaning’ your finances?
Could your finances benefit from a spring clean? You could take your cue from the Swedes. They believe in ‘döstädning,’ or ‘death cleaning.’ It sounds pessimistic, but it involves decluttering your belongings to reduce the burden you leave behind to loved ones. The philosophy gained international prominence through a 2018 book called The Gentle Art […]
Economic Review March 2025
The Chancellor cut welfare and departmental spending to restore a fiscal buffer, but risks to forecasts remain high Inflation dipped unexpectedly but is expected to rise again due to higher energy, taxes and wage costs Business and retail activity showed resilience, but weak manufacturing and trade tensions cloud economic prospects Chancellor trims spending plans Rachel […]
Protection insurers pay out record sum
In 2023, protection insurers paid out a record £7.34bn in claims in, supporting those facing bereavement, illness and injury. The total value of critical illness claims rose to £1.2bn, with cancer the most common reason for claiming. Over 1,660 income protection claims have been paid out for more than 10 years, highlighting the value of […]
Spring Statement 2025
“A serious plan for growth” On 26 March, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivered her Spring Statement unveiling updated economic forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), announced further reductions to welfare spending and confirmation of a rise in defence spending. The Chancellor reiterated her commitment to “just one major fiscal event a […]
Residential Property Review – March 2025
Housebuilding falls to seven-year low as planning delays persist Housebuilding in England has dropped to its lowest level since 2017, excluding the pandemic period, with just 217,911 new homes completed in 2024. This marks a 6% decline from 2023’s total of 231,000 and continues a four-quarter trend of falling completions, according to Energy Performance Certificate […]
Commercial Property Market Review – March 2025
Regional office investment rebounds as confidence grows Investor sentiment in the regional office market has improved, with total investment reaching £2.9bn in 2024, up 10% from 2023, according to Savills. The Big Six regional cities saw office take-up of 4.6 million sq. ft, 15% above the five-year average and the highest since 2019. Opportunistic investors […]
Advised investors are ‘less vulnerable’
Investors who receive financial advice are four times less likely to be vulnerable than the general population, according to analysis1. The study looked at a cohort of more than 5,000 advised investors, assessing them using a psychometric financial wellbeing questionnaire. Designed by an in-house behavioural psychologist, the questionnaire was designed to find and evaluate indicators […]
