Investment market update: July 2026
Investment market update: July 2026 Ongoing conflict in the Middle East and investor concerns that technology companies are overvalued continued to affect market performance. Read on to find out how these factors and others may have impacted your investment portfolio in July 2026. Markets started the month with a sell-off of chip stocks as investors […]
Do you need to find the next big investment winner to succeed?
Do you need to find the next big investment winner to succeed? Some shares deliver huge returns in a relatively short period. Yet, finding the next big investment winner isn’t the most reliable way to succeed. Instead, spreading your investments could work in your favour. When an investment soars, it can make for great headlines. […]
Explained: When Inheritance Tax could apply to gifts
Explained: When Inheritance Tax could apply to gifts Gifting assets during your lifetime has become a common strategy for reducing a potential Inheritance Tax (IHT) bill. Indeed, according to Paragon Bank (31 July 2025), 1 in 5 savers aged over 65 are passing on cash for this reason. Yet, gifting doesn’t always mean that assets […]
2 upcoming ISA changes you should be aware of
2 upcoming ISA changes you should be aware of Key changes are being made to ISAs in April 2027, and they could affect how you use the tax-efficient wrapper. You might have read in the news or heard that the ISA allowance is being cut or that tax will now apply to cash savings. While […]
6 reasons why planning for your future is easy to delay
6 reasons why planning for your future is easy to delay Organising your finances and planning your future are important tasks. Yet, it’s something that many people put off. Procrastination isn’t simply a lack of discipline. It’s often linked to stress, fear of failure, and other psychological factors, and working with a financial planner could […]
4 destinations that are perfect for exploring this autumn
4 destinations that are perfect for exploring this autumn As the main summer holiday season usually ends in early September, this can be a great time to make your own travel plans. The “shoulder season” in September and October sits between the peak holiday time of summer and the off-peak time of winter. Choosing this […]
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) […]