Month: September 2026

How the gifting rules are leaving some families in the dark
Inheritance Tax (IHT) can feel like a financial maze, and new research suggests many families struggle to understand the rules. Almost three in five (59%) UK adults admit they find IHT confusing, while only 6% describe their understanding as very clear, according to research[1].

How to prepare your finances and make the most of the decade before retirement
With retirement costs rising and people potentially spending several decades in later life, the decade before retirement is an important time to review your financial plans. Having around ten years to go gives you the opportunity to identify any gaps and make adjustments while there is still time to act.

It is increasingly important to consider pensions alongside other assets when planning
For families with substantial pension savings, the rules are changing. From 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds and pension death benefits will form part of an estate’s value for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes. The change could prompt people to reconsider how they use their pension savings and pass wealth to the next generation.

Why couples should talk about pensions and retirement plans
Many couples plan their holidays, household budgets and major purchases together, yet pensions and retirement can be overlooked. Research suggests that fewer than one in five non-retired people have discussed their pensions or retirement plans with their partner, potentially leaving one person unaware of important financial decisions[1].

Nearly a third of retirees say their standard of living is worse than before retirement
Retirement is often imagined as a chance to relax, travel and spend more time with family and on hobbies. However, new research suggests the reality can be more financially demanding than expected. Nearly a third (31%) of retirees say their standard of living is now worse than before they retired, compared with 20% who say it has improved[1].

Geopolitical tensions, trade disputes and energy shocks can quickly affect markets
Diversification enables investors to avoid putting too much of their financial future at risk. Investing always involves uncertainty, but the geopolitical backdrop has become increasingly difficult to predict. Conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, tensions between major economies and changing trade policies can affect energy prices, inflation, currencies, company profits and financial markets around the world.

With the main taxes ruled out, attention is shifting to other revenue generators
As 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. However, the government also faces significant spending pressures and limited scope under its fiscal rules.

From cold calls to fake investments, recognise the warning signs of pension scams
Imagine losing your entire pension pot in the blink of an eye. Years of hard-earned savings could vanish after a seemingly convincing investment opportunity turns out to be a scam. Pension fraudsters can be persuasive, using professional-looking websites, testimonials and promises of high or guaranteed returns to win your trust.

Providing greater control over your assets and protection for those who matter
A Will can help you put your financial affairs in order, plan your inheritance and ensure your wishes are known. Despite this, many people delay making one, often assuming it can be dealt with later. Without a Will, the law determines how your estate is distributed.

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 will somehow fall into place.