Blog

This week, the government has made two major policy announcements that are likely to directly affect your finances. A much-anticipated National Insurance rise will result in an increased burden on workers including, for the first time, those above State Pension Age. In addition, the government has suspended the State Pension triple lock, meaning that pensioners … Continued

Have you thought about how you’ll pass wealth on to those who are important to you? Traditionally, this has been done through inheritance, but it’s becoming more common to gift during your lifetime. Our latest guide explains why more families are choosing to gift during their lifetime and the pros and cons of each option. … Continued

When you think about your future, how far ahead do you plan? Perhaps you’ve thought about what your life will look like in 10 years, but have you considered your later years? While retirement planning is common, it’s often the early years of retirement that people focus on. However, your needs and lifestyle wishes can … Continued

If you’ve ever felt short-changed, spare a thought for the 15.9 million people who have held Premium Bonds for 14 years without winning a penny. Sold by National Savings and Investments (NS&I), Premium Bonds offer cash prizes of between £25 and £1 million every month. NS&I announce the winners at the beginning of each month. … Continued

Thanks to the introduction of Pension Freedoms in 2015, if you contribute to a defined contribution pension scheme you now have far more flexibility when it comes to accessing your money.  However, while it is now possible to cash in your whole pension pot, this might cost you in the long run. New research from … Continued

A steady rise in job mobility, particularly over the last couple of decades, has meant that as people have left jobs, they have also left behind previous workplace pensions. According to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), an estimated £400 million is languishing in unclaimed retirement savings. And thousands of workers are losing out … Continued

One of the great joys of dog ownership has to be taking them for long country walks. Not only is it an opportunity to enjoy the company of man’s best friend, it’s also a chance to escape and enjoy nature. For this reason, a staycation with your dog has become an increasingly popular way to … Continued

According to private bank Coutts, in 1980 being a “millionaire” would have bought you what many consider to be a millionaire’s lifestyle. Today, it probably won’t. Increased property prices and rises in the cost of living mean reaching the much-revered £1 million mark probably won’t buy the life Del Boy from Only Fools and Horses … Continued

When one of the greatest minds ever to have lived is said to have called something the “eighth wonder of the world”, it certainly demands our attention. But what was Albert Einstein referring to? While you might automatically assume it was the science of light or the black holes that are dotted around our universe, … Continued

Search the internet and you’ll find a myriad of self-help sites aimed at helping you to improve your life and get the most out of it. Our latest guide explores some practical steps you can take to improve your overall wellbeing now and in the future. Among the steps that can help create a better … Continued