Blog

Ten Reasons to Boost Your Pension Before April 2025

February 10, 2025

By Samuel Mather-Holgate As the tax year draws to a close, there’s no better time to review your pension contributions and ensure you’re taking full advantage of the tax breaks and allowances available. Even with upcoming changes to inheritance tax (IHT) on pension death benefits, pensions remain one of the most tax-efficient ways to save…

The Hidden Risks of Co-Habiting: What You Need to Know About Property Ownership

January 27, 2025

By Samuel Mather-Holgate For many couples, co-habiting feels like a natural step in their relationship. You share a home, expenses, and perhaps even dreams for the future. However, when it comes to property ownership, co-habiting couples face a significantly different legal landscape compared to those who are married or in a civil partnership. Without proper…

A Guide to UK Pension Advice for Overseas Residents

January 15, 2025

By Samuel Mather-Holgate Living overseas doesn’t mean leaving your UK pension behind. You could be in Malta, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Canada, France Denmark, or anywhere else for that matter, understanding your pension options is essential to secure your retirement. From transfers to benefits, annuities to drawdown, and even inheritance planning, navigating the complexities of UK…

Start the New Year Right: Review Your Finances and Set Goals for 2025

January 7, 2025

By Samuel Mather-Holgate The beginning of a new year is a perfect time to hit refresh on your financial plans. Whether you’re aiming to save more, reduce debt, set long-term investment goals, or planning to retire, reviewing your finances at the start of the year gives you a solid foundation to work from. This guide…

How the 2024 U.S. Election Results Could Impact Your Investments

November 12, 2024

By Samuel Mather-Holgate It’s already been a week since the US general election and with Donald Trump elected to a second term as President of the United States, it’s natural to wonder how this change in leadership might affect financial markets and, in turn, your investments. While political developments can sometimes spark uncertainty, successful investing…

Key Highlights from the 2024 Autumn Budget

October 31, 2024

The Chancellor’s first Autumn Budget under the new Labour government introduced significant updates that could impact your financial plans. From adjustments to stamp duty land tax and pensions to changes in inheritance tax and capital gains, these new measures reflect the government’s goals to stabilise finances while funding essential public services. You can read the…

Understanding Stroke: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Financial Protection

October 29, 2024

By Samuel Mather-Holgate Every year, millions of people around the world experience a stroke. I know, personally, several people who have (and are) going through the ordeal who each have individual symptoms varying in severity. World Stroke Day, observed on October 29th, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about stroke prevention, symptoms, treatment, and…

Lending Options for Older Clients: Finding the Right Solution for Your Financial Needs

October 23, 2024

By Samuel Mather-Holgate As people are living longer and healthier lives, many older clients are exploring financial options that allow them to maintain their lifestyle, supplement their pension income, or help family members. For older homeowners, there are a variety of lending solutions available, including traditional mortgages, retirement interest-only mortgages (RIO), and lifetime mortgages. Each…

How Money Affects Mental Health: Financial Wellbeing on World Mental Health Day

October 10, 2024

As we recognise World Mental Health Day, it’s important to remember that mental health doesn’t exist in isolation. One of the most significant and often overlooked factors affecting our mental wellbeing is money. Whether it’s the stress of debt, the anxiety of managing expenses, or the emotional toll of financial instability, the relationship between money…

UK Autumn Statement: How Labour Might Tackle the Fiscal Deficit Without Raising Income Tax, National Insurance, or VAT

September 12, 2024

Introduction With Labour’s recent election win, attention is now focused on their upcoming Autumn Statement, which will reveal their plans to address the so-called “fiscal black hole.” Labour has already ruled out increasing income tax rates, National Insurance, or VAT, narrowing the options available to raise the necessary revenue. This blog explores the potential tax…

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Money News

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Community cafe in Boston says numbers rose from about 60 to more than 90 at the start of the year.

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The head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, who pushed for criminal charges against Trump's foes, will step in as acting Director of National Intelligence.