Investment market update: April 2026
Investment market update: April 2026 During April 2026, markets have continued to experience volatility as the conflict in the Middle East has developed. Find out what external factors may have affected the performance of your investments. One effect of the conflict on global markets is the rising price of energy. Indeed, analysis from UBS suggests […]
Tax-efficient ways for business owners to pay themselves
Tax-efficient ways for business owners to pay themselves As a business owner, how you pay yourself matters. Doing so without considering the tax implications could mean you miss opportunities to make your income more efficient. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution that will be suitable for every business owner. It will depend on your needs, long-term […]
Are you supporting a loved one? You might need a Lasting Power of Attorney to act
Are you supporting a loved one? You might need a Lasting Power of Attorney to act Millions of well-intentioned people in the UK are helping their loved ones manage their online financial accounts, but could risk having these accounts frozen because they don’t have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place. Lloyds’s 2024 Consumer […]
How the value of your estate affects a key Inheritance Tax allowance
How the value of your estate affects a key Inheritance Tax allowance Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a growing concern for many people in the UK, with increasing numbers of estates facing a rising tax liability. Each year, the amount of IHT paid to HMRC is increasing. By 2030/31, the Office for Budget Responsibility (February 2026) […]
Powerful reasons to plan how to use your 2026/27 allowances and exemptions now
Powerful reasons to plan how to use your 2026/27 allowances and exemptions now The 2026/27 tax year started on 6 April 2026. While you have until 5 April 2027 to use tax-efficient allowances and exemptions, making a plan now could be valuable. Here are four powerful reasons to consider your tax strategy for the current […]
Wealth v strategy: Why a financial plan is essential
Wealth v strategy: Why a financial plan is essential Building wealth without a financial plan may be like searching for a destination without a map. You might miss the most efficient route, take an unnecessary detour, or miss your intended target altogether. A clear plan could be essential for helping you reach your goals. If […]
Your Spring Statement update – the key news from the chancellor’s speech
Just over three months after her lengthy Autumn Budget, chancellor Rachel Reeves has addressed the House of Commons and delivered the government’s 2026 Spring Statement. Ahead of the Statement, Reeves reinforced the government’s commitment to “one fiscal event, one Budget, a year”. So, it will come as a relief to many, including business owners, that […]
Investment market update: January 2026
Investment market update: January 2026 Geopolitical tensions and threats of trade tariffs continued to impact global investment markets at the start of 2026. Read on to find out what factors may have affected your investments at the start of 2026. Markets experienced highs, but geopolitical tensions continue to cause volatility On 2 January, the first […]
Smart tips that could help first-time buyers pay off their mortgage quicker
Smart tips that could help first-time buyers pay off their mortgage quicker The amount borrowed by the average first-time buyer has reached a record high as loosened affordability tests mean some can borrow more. According to a Guardian article (15 December 2025), the average first-time buyer borrowed £210,800 in the year to September 2025. While […]
The money lessons you can teach children at every stage to boost their financial literacy
The money lessons you can teach children at every stage to boost their financial literacy Financial literacy was first introduced into the national curriculum back in 2014, aimed at children aged between 11 and 16. However, the delivery was inconsistent, as the requirement wasn’t mandatory across all schools. Now, as part of a curriculum assessment, […]