Advice
Why 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
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 income tax when…
Read More🏡 Can You Get a Mortgage at 65 to Buy Your Council House?
🔑 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 Family support can…
Read More🌍 How the Middle East Conflict Is Impacting UK Mortgage Rates
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 deals The outlook…
Read MoreBuilding a Buy-to-Let Portfolio in 2026: Where to Start
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 fees, maintenance and…
Read MoreInheritance Tax and Farming: Making Sense of the Changes and What You Can Do Now
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 Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) in the Budget — followed by consultation, clarification, and back-and-forth — many farming families are left asking the same question:…
Read MoreWhy 2026 Is Becoming a Defining Year for Mortgages and Financial Planning in Swindon and Cirencester
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 no longer rising, lenders are quietly becoming more flexible, tax rules are tightening in the background, and households are asking the same question: “Should we be doing…
Read MoreSwindon House Prices Rising: What This Means for Your Mortgage in 2025
By Samuel Mather-Holgate Swindon’s property market is making headlines: average prices now sit at £259,000 — up 3.6% year-on-year — while first-time buyers are paying around £222,000, a 3.8% increase. Rents have surged too, averaging £1,053 a month — a nearly 10% hike, say ONS. But why are prices rising in Swindon more sharply than…
Read MoreIs the Cash ISA Limit Being Cut? What Savers and Homeowners Need to Know in 2025
By Samuel Mather-Holgate As rumours swirl about the UK Government potentially cutting the annual Cash ISA allowance from £20,000 to just £10,000, savers across the country are rightly concerned. With interest rates still elevated and the cost of living squeezing household budgets, tax-free savings remain a vital tool — not just for investors, but for…
Read MoreCash ISA vs Stocks & Shares ISA in 2025: Where Should Your Money Be?
By Samuel Mather-Holgate With higher interest rates and market volatility dominating the financial headlines, many people are asking a familiar question with new urgency:Should I put my money in a Cash ISA or a Stocks & Shares ISA in 2025? Both types of ISAs allow you to grow your money free from income tax, capital…
Read MoreAnnuities Are Back: Why More Retirees Are Locking In Guaranteed Income for Life
By Samuel Mather-Holgate Annuities — once considered unfashionable in the post-pension-freedom era — are firmly back in favour. According to the BBC’s Money Box programme, annuity sales have surged by 83% since 2020, a remarkable turnaround for a retirement product many had written off. So, what’s driving the revival? And more importantly, should you be…
Read MoreFinancial Lessons We Learn from Mum – And How to Pass Them On
By Samuel Mather-Holgate For many of us, our first experience of money came from Mum. Whether it was being handed a few coins for sweets, learning how to budget pocket money, or hearing the phrase “money doesn’t grow on trees” (more times than we can count), mums have been quietly shaping our financial habits for…
Read MoreThe Biggest Retirement Planning Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
By Samuel Mather-Holgate Are You Making These Common Retirement Planning Mistakes? Retirement should be a time to enjoy life without money worries—but for many people, that’s not the reality. The earlier you start planning for retirement, the better your outcomes will be. But even if you’ve already started saving, it’s easy to fall into common…
Read MoreSwindon Property Market Update 2025: A Resilient Market with Strong Growth Potential
A personal opinion piece by Samuel Mather-Holgate Swindon’s property market has made an impressive start to 2025, with house prices rising by 2.2% over the past year, surpassing the national average of 1.9%. This consistent growth has placed Swindon among the top five best-performing areas in the South West, reinforcing its reputation as one of…
Read MoreWhat Happens to Your Money When You Die? The Essentials of Wills and Estate Planning
By Samuel Mather-Holgate Why Do So Many People Avoid Making a Will? Let’s be honest—no one likes thinking about death. It feels far off, complicated, and maybe even expensive to sort out. But the reality is that not having a will can cause serious problems for your loved ones. A shocking 54% of UK adults…
Read MoreMarket Volatility & Trump’s Tariffs: What Investors Need to Know
By Samuel Mather-Holgate Understanding the Recent Market Turbulence Global financial markets have faced increased volatility following the announcement of new U.S. tariffs. The United States has imposed: A 20% tariff on goods from China A 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada These measures have caused immediate market reactions, including: Weaker equities and currency…
Read MoreInternational Women’s Day 2025: #AccelerateAction for Women in Financial Services
By Helen Quayle, Independent Financial Adviser for Mather & Murray Financial- International Women’s Day is on 8th March 2025: It gives me a real buzz when people reach out to me for my thoughts about women in financial services in the lead-up to International Women’s Day (IWD). It makes me realise that I must be…
Read MoreTax Year-End Planning: What You Need to Consider Before 6th April
By Samuel Mather-Holgate As we approach the end of the 2024/25 tax year on 5th April, time is running out to make the most of your tax allowances and reliefs. This is a critical period for both individuals and business owners to ensure they have maximised tax-efficient savings, used their allowances effectively, and prepared for…
Read MoreTen Reasons to Boost Your Pension Before April 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…
Read MoreThe Hidden Risks of Co-Habiting: What You Need to Know About Property Ownership
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…
Read MoreA Guide to UK Pension Advice for Overseas Residents
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…
Read MoreHow the 2024 U.S. Election Results Could Impact Your Investments
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…
Read MoreKey Highlights from the 2024 Autumn Budget
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…
Read MoreUnderstanding Stroke: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Financial Protection
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…
Read MoreLending Options for Older Clients: Finding the Right Solution for Your Financial Needs
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…
Read MoreAccessing Personal Insurance for People with HIV
Accessing Life Insurance and Income Protection for People with HIV: Myths Dispelled and the Importance of Expert Advice Living with HIV has seen significant advancements in recent years, particularly in terms of medical care and access to insurance. At Mather & Murray Financial, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that these changes present. Recent…
Read MoreExperience the World at Cricklade Festival 2024: Music, Dance, and Classic Cars Await!
Nestled in the heart of Wiltshire, just a few miles north of Swindon, the historic town of Cricklade invites you to the 2024 edition of its much-loved annual festival. This year, we celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures with our theme, “It’s a Small World: Celebrating World Music and Dance.” Mark your calendars for 9th…
Read MorePower of Attorney: Your Questions Answered
Introduction Navigating the realms of Power of Attorney (POA) can often feel daunting, but it’s a vital component of managing your affairs, both now and in the future. Whether you’re considering setting one up, curious about how it works alongside a will, or looking to understand your rights and responsibilities. This article aims to demystify…
Read MoreWill I have to sell my house to pay for care home fees?
Will the Local Council Pay for My Care Home Fees? Understanding the Landscape There is currently no cap on care home fees in the UK. The UK government has announced that from October 2025 (this was originally due to come into effect in 2023 but has been delayed), no one in England will have to…
Read MoreMather & Murray Financial on BBC Radio Business Matters
Samuel Mather-Holgate, director at Mather & Murray Financial, interviewed on BBC Radio’s Business Matters on the recent interest rate decision by the Bank of England. Listen BBC Radio Interview short.
Read MoreHow to Reduce My Income Tax Liability with Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs)
Navigating Tax Efficiency for High Earners In the complex world of income tax planning, various schemes can help individuals reduce their tax liability. In this guide, we’ll dive into one potent strategy: Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs). Designed to encourage investment in small, high-risk trading companies, VCTs offer not only the prospect of returns but also…
Read MoreTax Planning for Brighton’s Small Business Owners
Brighton’s vibrant business scene is a melting pot of creativity and entrepreneurship. If you’re a small business owner in this coastal city, you’re part of a dynamic community that thrives on innovation. However, along with the opportunities come responsibilities, and one significant aspect is managing your tax liabilities effectively. In this article, we’ll explore tax…
Read MoreMonday Market Update – 14th August
Summer markets lukewarm on good news On the face of it, last week contained many of the positive headlines market optimists had been waiting for, but the response to those headlines received was tepid at best. On Thursday, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics released its consumer price index (CPI) inflation data for July, and…
Read MoreUnlocking Opportunities: Mortgages, Insurance, and Tax Strategies for Portfolio Landlords
Introduction Welcome to our comprehensive guide for portfolio landlords, who face unique challenges in obtaining mortgages and navigating the ever-changing landscape of tax legislation. In this article, we will explore tailored solutions for financing, insurance coverage, and discuss the important decision of whether to incorporate. Our expertise and understanding of portfolio landlords ensure you can…
Read MoreTax year deadline- ISA essential features and benefits
10 key ISA (Individual Savings Account) facts 1. What is an ISA? An ISA is a tax-free savings account. Money saved within the ISA wrapper isn’t charged any income, capital gains, or dividend tax. 2. How much can I save in my ISA each year All eligible ISA participants receive a £20,000 annual allowance. This…
Read MoreWhat are your options at retirement?
Drawing Your Pension: Understanding Your Options and Making an Informed Decision Retirement is a major milestone in everyone’s life and choosing the right option for drawing your pension is an important decision. There are several options available for drawing your pension, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will discuss the…
Read MoreHow To Reduce Inheritance Tax
Reduce Inheritance Tax You could Reduce Inheritance Tax by leaving everything in your will to your spouse or civil partner. You might also lower your inheritance tax payment by making gifts while you’re still alive or donating a portion of your wealth to charity. Give Gifts While You Are Alive Giving presents while you’re still…
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