Understanding pension drawdown
Taking control of your pension income means considering the tax consequencesPension drawdown enables you to take money from a defined contribution pension while keeping the rest invested. Rather than receiving a fixed income, you decide how much to withdraw and when, giving you flexibility to adjust your income as your circumstances change. There are several […]
Five questions to ask yourself before retirement
Are you doing enough today to give yourself the freedom and choices you want tomorrow?Retirement should be something to look forward to, not a source of financial anxiety. For many people, retirement can seem comfortably distant until, suddenly, it is not. Years of working, saving and paying into pensions can create the sense that everything […]
Upcoming changes raise concerns among savers
More than one in five adults report a decline in pension confidenceThe upcoming changes to how pensions are treated for Inheritance Tax (IHT) from 6 April 2027 appear to be having a wider impact on pension confidence, despite most adults being unaffected. New research finds that 49% of adults say their confidence is unchanged, while […]
What will retirement look like for you?
Practical ideas for creating a purposeful and enjoyable next chapterRetirement is one of life’s major milestones, bringing greater freedom but also a significant change in routine. After decades of working, it can take time to adjust to having fewer commitments and more choice over how you spend each day. For some, leaving a career can […]
Autumn Budget 2026 tax watch
With the main taxes ruled out, attention is shifting to other revenue generatorsAs Chancellor John Healey delivers his first Autumn Budget on 28 October 2026, the government faces a difficult balancing act. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has committed to Labour’s manifesto pledge not to raise the main rates of Income Tax, National Insurance or VAT. […]
Life events that trigger a financial review
Understanding your options to make informed decisionsLife rarely stands still. Major milestones, unexpected changes and new opportunities can significantly affect your financial wellbeing. While many people review their finances only when a problem arises, a proactive approach can help ensure your plans remain aligned with your circumstances and long-term goals. A financial review is not […]
Financial planning after divorce
Five practical steps to regain controlGoing through a divorce can be one of life’s most emotionally challenging experiences. However, while the end of a relationship often brings uncertainty, it can also mark the start of a new chapter and an opportunity to take control of your future. As you navigate life after separation, it is […]
When planning becomes an act of love
Preparing for tomorrow starts with a conversation todayMost of us understand the importance of planning for the future. Yet some of the conversations that matter most, about ageing, loss of capacity, responsibility and ultimately death, are often the very discussions we avoid. It is rarely because we do not care. More often, we fear saying […]
Active vs passive investing – what’s the difference?
Make more informed decisions about where to invest and how your investments are managedFor anyone beginning their investment journey, one of the first decisions they are likely to face is whether to invest actively or passively. While both approaches aim to grow wealth over time, they take very different routes to achieve that goal. With […]
Creating a successful investment portfolio
Helping put your money to work while managing riskBuilding an investment portfolio can seem daunting at first, particularly for those taking their first steps into the world of investing. With countless funds, markets and strategies to choose from, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. However, creating a successful portfolio does not need to be complicated. […]