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Cirencester town centre and church near St James’s Place headquarters

St James’s Place vs Independent Financial Adviser | Mather & Murray

Advice, General info | August 20, 2026

Written by Sam Mather-Holgate, Independent Financial Adviser Key Takeaways St James’s Place advisers are not independent financial advisers; they advise within the St James’s Place proposition. An independent financial adviser can consider suitable products and providers from across the wider market. Restricted advice is not automatically poor advice, and independent advice is not automatically better. The key differences are usually investment choice, provider choice, charging structure and how widely alternatives can be considered. If you already have SJP pensions or investments, you can seek an independent…

Independent financial adviser reviewing pensions and investments for clients near Cirencester

Thinking of Leaving St. James’s Place? What to Check Before Transferring Your SJP Pension or Investments

Advice, Economic Update, General info | August 6, 2026

Key takeaways You are not obliged to remain with St. James’s Place (SJP) indefinitely, and pensions and investments can often be transferred to another provider or adviser. Before…

Andy Burnham speaking to a crowd during a political speech on the UK economy and Labour policy

Burnham’s first economic test: fix Britain fast — or markets will do it for him

Economic Update, General info, Tips | July 1, 2026

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…

Professionals enjoying wine tasting at a business networking event in Bristol

Join us in Bristol for Wealth & Wine: Sip, Connect & Learn

General info | June 5, 2026

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…

Industrial agricultural drone flying over a field, representing Swindon’s growing drone industry, innovation economy and investment potential

Why Swindon is one of the most exciting places to buy property in the South West right now

Advice, Economic Update, General info, Tips | June 5, 2026

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…

Multigenerational family doing yoga together, representing family wealth planning and inheritance tax planning across generations

The pension inheritance tax trap: why families could lose 67% — or even more

Advice, General info, Tips | May 11, 2026

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…

Set of house keys in front of a block of flats representing property purchase and mortgage advice in Swindon, Cirencester and Bristol.

🏡 Can You Get a Mortgage at 65 to Buy Your Council House?

Advice, General info, Tips | April 3, 2026

🔑 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…

Night-time missile launches in Iran representing geopolitical tensions affecting UK mortgage rates and financial markets.

🌍 How the Middle East Conflict Is Impacting UK Mortgage Rates

Advice, Economic Update, General info, Tips | March 28, 2026

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…

Property with a To Let sign outside, representing buy-to-let investment and landlord mortgage advice in Swindon, Cirencester and Bristol.

Building a Buy-to-Let Portfolio in 2026: Where to Start

Advice, General info, Tips | March 21, 2026

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…

Graphic showing the words “tax-free income” representing financial planning strategies and tax-efficient income advice from financial advisers in Swindon, Cirencester and Bristol.

10 Ways to Generate Tax-Free Income in the UK (Before the Tax Year Ends)

General info, Tips | March 7, 2026

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…

Piggy bank with cartoon couple planning finances together before tax year end, representing financial advice and tax planning in Swindon and Cirencester.

Tax Year End 2026: The Definitive Financial Planning Checklist

Economic Update, General info, Tips | February 17, 2026

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…

Leafy residential street in Old Town Swindon, representing the local property market and mortgage advice for homebuyers in Swindon.

Rejected for a Mortgage? What to Do Next in Swindon, Cirencester or Bristol

General info, Tips | February 11, 2026

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…

Row of colourful terraced houses in Bristol, representing the local housing market and first-time buyer mortgage opportunities in Bristol.

First-Time Buyers and Low-Deposit Mortgages in 2026: What’s Changed and How a Local Adviser Helps

General info, Tips | February 4, 2026

For many aspiring homeowners in Swindon, Bristol and Cirencester, the challenge hasn’t just been saving for a deposit — it’s understanding whether today’s mortgage market actually works for…

Farming couple with their young child in a field with cattle, representing succession planning and inheritance tax considerations for farming families.

Inheritance Tax and Farming: Making Sense of the Changes and What You Can Do Now

Advice, General info, Tips | January 26, 2026

Over the past year, few groups have faced as much uncertainty around inheritance tax (IHT) as farmers and landowners. Since Labour announced restrictions and reforms affecting Agricultural Property…

Office employees taking part in a workplace yoga session, representing staff wellbeing and the importance of reviewing company pension schemes for SMEs.

Is It Time to Review Your Company Pension? Why Many SMEs Are Moving Away from NEST

General info, Tips | January 18, 2026

If you’re an SME director, part of an HR team, or responsible for payroll, chances are your company pension scheme hasn’t had much attention since auto-enrolment first arrived….

Funny image of a confused dog surrounded by financial paperwork, representing the complexity of mortgages and financial advice in Swindon and Cirencester.

Why 2026 Is Becoming a Defining Year for Mortgages and Financial Planning in Swindon and Cirencester

Advice, General info, Tips | January 10, 2026

By Samuel Mather-Holgate If you live in or around Swindon or Cirencester, chances are you’ve felt it already — the financial landscape is shifting again. Mortgage rates are…

Pop art illustration of Chancellor Rachel Reeves following the Autumn Budget 2025 announcement, used for financial advice analysis.

Autumn Budget 2025: Underwhelming — and Exactly What Britain Needed

Economic Update, General info, Tips | November 26, 2025

By Samuel Mather-Holgate What today’s announcements mean for your taxes, pensions, savings, and household finances. After months of noisy rumours, political kite-flying and leaks that sent markets on…

Three children counting coins on a table, representing the cost of raising children and family financial planning in the UK.

How Expensive Is It to Have Children? A Financial Adviser’s Take on Raising Kids in the UK

General info, Tips | October 22, 2025

By Samuel Mather-Holgate They say children don’t come with a manual — but maybe they should come with a financial statement.From the moment you buy that first babygrow…

Young couple exercising together symbolising teamwork and balance, representing how couples can strengthen their finances through joint planning and professional financial advice in Swindon, Cirencester and Bristol.

How Couples Can Build Wealth Together (and Avoid Financial Tension)

General info, Tips | October 12, 2025

By Samuel Mather-Holgate Money can be a powerful tool — but it can also be one of the biggest sources of stress in a relationship.According to the Money…

Why Your Mortgage and Financial Planning Should Work Together

General info, Tips | September 26, 2025

By Samuel Mather-Holgate For most people in Swindon, Cirencester and Bristol, their mortgage is the single biggest financial commitment they’ll ever make. At the same time, many families…

Cartoon illustration of a house toppling off a stack of coins, representing mortgage affordability challenges in Swindon, Cirencester and Bristol.

High LTV and High LTI Mortgages: What Borrowers in Swindon, Cirencester and Bristol Need to Know

General info, Tips | September 20, 2025

By Samuel Mather-Holgate For many people, buying a home feels just out of reach. Rising house prices, especially in Swindon, Cirencester and Bristol, mean larger deposits and bigger…

Cartoon illustration of a person stressed about paying their mortgage, symbolising difficult mortgage cases solved by advisers in Swindon and Cirencester.

Mortgage Advice in Swindon and Cirencester: Why Using a Broker Makes All the Difference

General info, Tips | September 12, 2025

By Samuel Mather-Holgate For many homeowners and buyers, finding the right mortgage is straightforward. But for others, it can feel like an uphill battle. If you’ve ever been…

Business team in warehouse discussing workplace pensions and auto-enrolment responsibilities for employers in Swindon and Cirencester

Employer Responsibilities for Workplace Pensions & Auto-Enrolment – A Guide for Businesses

General info, Tips | August 29, 2025

By Samuel Mather-Holgate Running a business is about more than sales, profits, and growth — it’s also about looking after your employees. One of the most important responsibilities…

Teacher with small children in a nursery setting, representing the expansion of free childcare funding in September 2025

Big Changes Ahead for Childcare Funding — What’s Coming in September 2025?

Economic Update, Tips | August 21, 2025

Back on 8th August 2024, we explained how childcare funding was expected to expand — including the move to offer 30 hours of free childcare for eligible 2-year-olds…

Why St James’s Place (SJP) Is Facing Criticism — and What It Means for Cirencester Clients

General info, Tips | August 19, 2025

If you’re searching for an alternative SJP adviser or financial adviser in Cirencester, now is the perfect time for a review. Especially given recent scrutiny of Stn  James’s Place…

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What we do

Trusted by clients across the UK

A positive experience Rachel was extremely professional & Knowledgeable. She explained everything clearly & I never felt pressured throughout the whole process. She was always available to answer any questions & she took time to understand my circumstances & what I wanted to achieve. I have complete confidence in thire advice & would have no hesitation recommending them to anyone considering equity release. Elizabeth Firth

Elizabeth Firth

2 days ago

I would definitely recommend this company. I was treated with respect and patience and kept informed at all times.

Pam Lewis

2 days ago

Sarah, was a fantastic, knowledgable advisor throughout the process. I feel she went above and beyond to help my partner and i understand everything fully and kept consistent communication throughout! I will advise family and friends to use MMF and Sarah in particular going forward. 10/10 Service!

Josh Camper King

4 days ago

Rachel is nothing short of fantastic. Gave us so much time and was amazing at explaining things to us clearly as we had never had a mortgage or even applied before. From start to finish nothing was ever too much. Our experience as a whole with Mather and Murray has been amazing and we would highly recommend.

Matthew Lewis

7 days ago

Attentive and professional service. I felt looked after across the process. Thank you for the great assistance provided

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you felt well taken care of throughout the process. Providing attentive and professional service is our top priority, and your feedback reinforces our commitment to excellence. We look forward to assisting you again in the future.

Rosi

2 weeks ago

Understood my position and gave considered professional advice which can be adapted to changing circumstances, very patient with my questions.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review. We’re delighted to hear you felt listened to and supported, and that our advice was helpful and adaptable to your circumstances. We really appreciate your feedback and were happy to answer your questions along the way.

Richard Saunders

3 weeks ago

I cannot speak highly enough of Sherril Moore who expertly, with great kindness and humour, guided us through a very long and what became complicated financial matter. Thank you so very much Sherril, I literally don’t know where we would be without you and latterly Anne Hevingham.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Derek, for your wonderful review. We’re delighted to hear that Sherril’s expertise, kindness and humour made such a difference throughout a long and challenging process, and we’re pleased Anne was able to support you as well. Your kind words and recommendation mean a great deal to us.

Derek Loring

4 weeks ago

Sean was really helpful and worked really hard to find me a remortgage that worked for me always on the end of the line to answer any questions i had i would recommend mather and Murray

Response from the owner:Thank you, Michael, for your kind review. We’re delighted Sean was able to help you find a remortgage that suited your needs and was there to answer your questions throughout. We really appreciate your recommendation and your support.

Michael Bennett

4 weeks ago

Lovely people, both Kate and Sue were very reassuring on a subject I find stressful. Kate produced a plan for my pension that fulfilled all I required. During the transfer process, Kate constantly sent updates and we had further conversations so she could provide an outstanding service for me. Everything went smoothly, and I am truly grateful to her knowledge and professionalism during a difficult time.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Jonathan, for your thoughtful review. We’re so pleased Kate and Sue were able to put you at ease and support you throughout the process. It’s wonderful to hear that Kate’s professionalism, regular updates and guidance made everything run smoothly. We really appreciate your kind words and your trust in Mather & Murray Financial.

jonathan crowe

1 month ago

Mike Rice has been professional and extremely personable throughout the whole process of choosing the most appropriate pension and investment options to suit my attitude to risk. His support and guidance throughout the whole process has been faultless. I look forward to continuing with his support and cannot recommend him highly enough.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Mike. We’re delighted to hear that Mike Rice’s professional, personable support and guidance made the process of considering your pension and investment options so positive. Your kind words and recommendation mean a great deal, and we look forward to continuing to support you.

Mike Bretnall

1 month ago

Outstanding service. I highly recommend Sean Davis for anyone in need of a knowledgeable and reliable mortgage adviser. he took all the stress away from remortgaging our house and worked brilliantly with our solicitors to get it done.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your lovely review. We’re so pleased to hear Sean was able to take the stress out of your remortgage and work smoothly with your solicitors to get everything completed. Your recommendation means a great deal to us, and we really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

Agostinho Picardo

2 months ago

Worked very closely with these guys over the last 5 years, recommended to me by the NHS. I finally feel like our finances are in control and we have a long term plan. We’ve had some excellent advice from two very knowledgeable advisors. Very non biased and really good at explaining in layman’s terms - highly recommend

Response from the owner:Thank you, Jane, for such a thoughtful review and for your trust over the past five years — it really means a lot to us. We’re delighted to hear you now feel in control of your finances and have a clear long-term plan in place. It’s great to know the advice has been clear, balanced and easy to understand — that’s exactly what we aim to deliver for every client. Our support continues from here. We’ll be in touch for your regular reviews to keep everything on track, and of course you can contact us any time if your circumstances or goals change. On behalf of the whole team at Mather & Murray Financial, thank you for your recommendation — we really appreciate it.

Jane Brodie

2 months ago

Steven Archer at Mather and Murray has been an absolute godsend. I have four pensions and other investments that I hadn’t a clue what to do with or how to get a regular tax efficient income from. Steve has managed to explain everything clearly and concisely and has come up with a plan tailored to my situation. I now feel much more secure and confident in the future. He is knowledgeable, professional, and personable. If you need to sort out your retirement finances, I highly recommend Steve at Mather and Murray.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words, Mark. We’re delighted to hear that Steve was able to explain everything clearly and help you feel more confident about your retirement planning. It’s wonderful to know his knowledgeable, professional and personable approach made such a positive difference. We really appreciate your recommendation.

Mark Allen

2 months ago

I found your company via the find an IFA website. The whole process from booking an initial appointment to discussing with Mike was excellent throughout and he explained all the options and my attitude to risk and helped me choose an appropriate option for my pension now I have reached the age of 55. Mike has been in touch regularly throughout the process and will continue to provide support including advice on my new work pension and where to invest. I can't recommend Mike highly enough. Many Thanks. :-)

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your lovely review, Andrew. We’re really pleased to hear that the whole process felt clear and supportive from start to finish, and that Mike was able to explain your options in a way that helped you feel confident about your pension planning. It’s great to know his regular communication and ongoing support have been appreciated. Thank you again for your kind recommendation.

Andrew Bridges

2 months ago

Sean was a breath of fresh air. Very knowledgeable, friendly with a swift response turnaround with correspondence. Highly recommend this company.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind review, Lisa. We’re delighted to hear that Sean’s knowledgeable, friendly approach and prompt communication made such a positive impression. We really appreciate your recommendation.

Lisa Connor

2 months ago

Sherrill was so helpful and pleasant, polite, friendly and human! Everything was explained in plain terms and not rushed. The whole process was seamless and Sherrill supported me throughout. I am extremely pleased that I chose Mather and Murray to help me and would not hesitate to reccomend them and Sherrill to others who needed pensions advice.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your lovely review. We’re so pleased to hear that Sherrill made the process feel clear, supportive and unrushed. Explaining things in plain terms and making people feel comfortable is exactly what we aim for, especially when it comes to pensions advice. We really appreciate your kind words and your recommendation of Sherrill and Mather & Murray Financial.

Maryann Hindmarch

2 months ago

Sherril along with Mather & Murray have provided me with excellent advice regarding my personal pension and retirement planning. I found Sherril very professional & I appreciated her friendly approach in managing my finances. I would highly recommend Sherril to anyone looking for a reliable retirement advice.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Stephen, for your kind review and recommendation. We’re delighted to hear that Sherril’s professional yet friendly approach made such a positive difference. It’s great to know you felt well supported with your pension and retirement planning, and we really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with Mather & Murray Financial.

Stephen Driscoll

2 months ago

Rachel Hutton was amazing, she was very knowledgable, always happy to advise and easy to contact whenever we had questions. We were very lucky to find her and would strongly recommend her particularly as a mortgage advisor which was what she helped us with, thankyou Rachel!

Response from the owner:Thank you, Chris, for your wonderful review. We’re so pleased to hear Rachel was knowledgeable, approachable and easy to contact throughout. It’s great to know her mortgage advice made such a positive difference, and your recommendation means a lot to us.

Chris Balshaw

2 months ago

Excellent service from Sean and the team. Very professional, friendly and helpful. Sean ensured the transactions went through smoothly to its conclusion. We would highly recommend them to others and will use them again if the need arises. Thank you to all

Response from the owner:Thank you, Barrie, for such a lovely review. We’re delighted to hear Sean and the team provided a professional, friendly and helpful service, and that everything went smoothly through to completion. Your recommendation means a great deal to us, and we’d be very happy to help again whenever needed.

Barrie Hamilton

2 months ago

I am very happy with the service of Mather and Murray for obtaining my pension and specially with the help from Kate Ricks. Very professional, done everything on time and cooperated.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Blair, for your kind review. We’re so pleased to hear you were happy with the service and that Kate’s support made the process a positive one. We really appreciate your feedback and are glad everything was handled professionally and on time.

Blair Marriott

2 months ago

Sean Davis guided us through our process in a measured and very professional manner. There was no hard sell, very transparent and honest throughout and he communicated with us regularly throughout the process. I would not only recommend Mather and Murray but we will be using them again in the future.

Response from the owner:Thank you, David. We’re really pleased to hear Sean guided you through the process in such a professional, transparent and supportive way. It means a great deal to know you felt there was no hard sell and that the communication was clear throughout. We truly appreciate your recommendation of Mather & Murray Financial and look forward to helping you again in the future.

David Connor

3 months ago

We used Sean to assist us in selling our 1st property and ending that mortgage and then buying our new home, finding the best mortgage to suit us and then setting everything up. Along with improving our life insurance, critical illness and income cover. From start to finish Sean was brilliant and a great help with everything and anything. When the process got delayed or obstacles came up he was always on hand to help, check in or make recommendations. We would highly recommend Mather and Murray and Sean and his expertise

Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Mollie. We’re delighted to hear Sean was able to support you from start to finish with your mortgage and protection needs, especially through the delays and obstacles along the way. It’s wonderful to know you felt well looked after and that Sean’s help and recommendations made a difference. We really appreciate your kind words and recommendation of Mather & Murray Financial.

Mollie Potts

3 months ago

I was put in touch with Mather & Murray from unbiased.co.uk as I felt in need of advice in selecting an annuity - I thought I knew what I was looking for, but since the decision is final and irreversible, it seemed like a good idea to get professional advice if only for a second opinion. Mather & Murray contacted me the same day - and assigned Kate Ricks as my advisor - from day one the service provided was excellent, answered all my questions, and guided me to the right decision - explanations were always available even on the trivia, - no question too daft!. Genuinely professional, reassuring and brilliant service 10/10 - Thanks Kate

Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review. We're delighted to hear that Kate was able to provide the reassurance and guidance you were looking for when making such an important decision. It's great to know that she took the time to answer all of your questions and explain everything clearly throughout the process. We believe there’s no such thing as a daft question, so we're pleased you felt comfortable seeking clarification whenever you needed it. Your kind words about Kate's professionalism and support mean a great deal, and we'll be sure to pass on your feedback to her. Thank you for choosing Mather & Murray Financial, and for placing your trust in us.

Dave Wallis

3 months ago

Fantastic experience from start to finish! Rachel H was exceptionally efficient, highly professional and always one step ahead. She answered all our questions instantly and kept us updated at every single stage of the application. If you want a smooth, fast, and hassle-free mortgage process, look no further!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you had such a positive experience working with our team. It's great to know that Rachel's efficiency and professionalism made the mortgage process smooth and hassle-free for you. We look forward to assisting you with any future financial needs.

Caroline M

3 months ago

Arranged a new mortgage for use, a relatively painless experience. Thanks

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for choosing us for your mortgage needs. We're delighted to hear that you found the process relatively painless. If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us.

Paul Cooper

3 months ago

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Market updates & expert insight

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St James’s Place vs Independent Financial Adviser | Mather & Murray
August 20, 2026 | Advice, General info
Written by Sam Mather-Holgate, Independent Financial Adviser Key Takeaways St James’s Place advisers are not independent financial advisers; they advise within the St James’s Place proposition. An independent financial adviser can consider suitable products and providers from across the wider market. Restricted advice is not automatically poor advice, and independent advice is not automatically better….
READ ARTICLE
Thinking of Leaving St. James’s Place? What to Check Before Transferring Your SJP Pension or Investments
August 6, 2026 | Advice, Economic Update, General info
Key takeaways You are not obliged to remain with St. James’s Place (SJP) indefinitely, and pensions and investments can often be transferred to another provider or adviser. Before moving, it is important to understand exactly what you hold, what you are paying and whether any exit or early withdrawal charges still apply to your particular…
READ ARTICLE
Burnham’s first economic test: fix Britain fast — or markets will do it for him
July 1, 2026 | Economic Update, General info, Tips
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 and gilt yields fell after he said…
READ ARTICLE

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