Posts by Sam
Burnham’s first economic test: fix Britain fast — or markets will do it for him
By Samuel Mather-Holgate- BOOK A CALL BACK Andy Burnham is widely expected to become prime minister later this month, and his first major economic speech was closely watched by markets because the UK is already facing high borrowing costs and fragile confidence. The immediate market reaction to Burnham’s speech was relatively calm: sterling edged up…
Read MoreJoin us in Bristol for Wealth & Wine: Sip, Connect & Learn
Key takeaways: Mather & Murray Financial is co-hosting Wealth & Wine: Sip, Connect & Learn in Bristol on Thursday 9 July 2026 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. The event is being hosted alongside Rathbones and Clarke Willmott and is designed to combine wine tasting, conversation, networking and financial insight in a more relaxed setting. Guests can…
Read MoreWhy Swindon is one of the most exciting places to buy property in the South West right now
Swindon’s average house price was £257,000 in March 2026, well below Bristol (£348,000) and Cotswold (£406,000), giving buyers a much lower entry point in a broadly similar regional market. Swindon is pushing hard on growth, with the council backing major town centre regeneration and describing the borough as a £12.7 billion GVA economy. Defence Secretary…
Read MoreThe pension inheritance tax trap: why families could lose 67% — or even more
By Samuel Mather-Holgate From 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds and pension death benefits will be included in the value of a deceased person’s estate for inheritance tax purposes. This creates the risk of a “double tax” effect, where the pension may first suffer 40% inheritance tax, and then the beneficiary may also pay…
Read More🏡 Can You Get a Mortgage at 65 to Buy Your Council House?
By Samuel Mather-Holgate 🔑 Key Takeaways Getting a mortgage at 65 is possible — but depends on income and term length The biggest barriers are affordability and age limits, not the property itself The Right to Buy discount can often act as the deposit Equity release may be an option, but only with careful advice…
Read More🌍 How the Middle East Conflict Is Impacting UK Mortgage Rates
By Samuel Mather-Holgate Key Takeaways: Middle East Conflict & Mortgage Rates Explained Global events like Middle East tensions can directly impact UK mortgage rates Rising oil prices increase inflation expectations Mortgage rates are driven by swap rates, not just the Bank of England base rate We are already seeing some lenders increase rates and withdraw…
Read MoreBuilding a Buy-to-Let Portfolio in 2026: Where to Start
By Samuel Mather-Holgate Key Buy-to-Let Takeaways (2026) Expect to need 15–20% deposit for most buy-to-let mortgages Stamp duty now includes a 5% surcharge on additional properties Higher deposits generally produce stronger monthly cashflow Lower deposits can help you scale a portfolio faster SPV limited companies are often more efficient for multi-property portfolios Always factor in…
Read More10 Ways to Generate Tax-Free Income in the UK (Before the Tax Year Ends)
Key Takeaways: Tax-Free Income in the UK • Use your £12,570 personal allowance• Maximise ISA income and withdrawals• Use the personal savings allowance• Consider the rent-a-room scheme• Use dividend allowances and spousal planning• Review retirement income structures As tax thresholds remain frozen until at least 2031, more people than ever are paying income tax. This…
Read MoreTax Year End 2026: The Definitive Financial Planning Checklist
By Samuel Mather-Holgate As 5 April approaches, the end of the tax year is one of the most important planning moments in the calendar. Every year, valuable tax allowances are lost.>Every year, investment portfolios drift.>Every year, families miss opportunities to reduce inheritance tax exposure. But 2026 is different. With pensions due to fall inside inheritance…
Read MoreRejected for a Mortgage? What to Do Next in Swindon, Cirencester or Bristol
By Samuel Mather-Holgate Few things feel worse than being told “your mortgage application has been declined.” You’ve found the house.You’ve run the numbers.You thought you were fine. Then the lender says no. If this has happened to you in Swindon, Cirencester or Bristol, you are not alone — and it doesn’t mean you can’t get…
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