Tips
What 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 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 MoreStart the New Year Right: Review Your Finances and Set Goals for 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…
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…
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