ESG investing: What does a “net zero commitment” mean?
“Net zero” has become a buzzword in sustainability and you might hear it used when you’re reviewing investment opportunities. Read on to find out what net zero means and why it could affect your portfolio. Net zero is part of wider initiatives to reduce the impact economies and businesses have on the environment and the […]
Here’s what you need to know about the “Magnificent Seven” stocks that are driving the market
The Magnificent Seven might conjure up images of the 1960s Western film or its 2016 remake, but there’s a new group in town – seven technology companies that outgained the market in 2023. Read on to find out more about these companies and the effect they’re having. The S&P 500 is an index that tracks […]
More than 1 million investors are expected to pay Dividend Tax for the first time in 2024/25
More than 1 million investors will be hit with a Dividend Tax bill for the first time in the 2024/25 tax year, according to an AJ Bell report. Read on to find out if you could be affected and discover some of the steps you could take to mitigate a tax charge. A dividend is […]
Are you risking a pension shortfall by overlooking longevity?
A survey suggests that some retirees could risk running out of money during their lifetime because they haven’t considered how long their assets need to last. Failing to factor longevity into your retirement plan could mean your later years don’t live up to expectations or you may face financial insecurity. The report published in IFA […]
Retirement planning: The 3 main ways you could access your pension
When you give up work, your pension is likely to play a key role in creating an income. So, an essential part of retirement planning is often deciding how you’ll access your retirement savings. Last month, you read about the importance of setting out your retirement lifestyle goals and how financial planning could help. Your […]
Guide: 7 allowances you might want to use before the end of the 2023/24 tax year
When a new tax year starts, many allowances reset. So, checking if you could make use of allowances before Friday 5 April 2024, when the 2023/24 tax year ends, might be valuable. This guide explores some of the allowances that could help your money go further. You might discover you could reduce your Income Tax […]
Guide: 10 incredible destinations to add to your bucket list
Seeing more of the world makes up many people’s bucket lists. Whether you want to be left in awe of natural sights, immerse yourself in a different culture, or see a historic monument, there are plenty of destinations to choose from. Read our guide to discover 10 bucket list-worthy destinations that might tempt you to […]
3 helpful ways effective financial planning could ease health fears
NHS waiting lists have reached a record high and a survey suggests people are worried about the effect it could have on the care they would receive if they faced an illness. It’s a concern financial planning could help ease. The BBC reports that 7.75 million people are waiting for NHS treatment in England. It […]
7 in 10 UK residents feel “urgent action” is required to address climate change
Climate change and related issues have become key topics in politics, business and more. And research from Aviva found that 7 in 10 UK residents believe “urgent action” is required. If you’ve been making climate-conscious decisions, one area you may have overlooked is your finances. Interestingly, the survey found that over-65s are leading the way […]
Cost vs value: What’s the difference when you’re making a financial plan?
When you’re making decisions, cost might be an important factor, but value could be just as crucial. Balancing cost and value in your financial plan could help you get more out of your money. When talking about the investment market, Warren Buffett, known as one of the world’s most successful investors, once said: “Price is […]
The families of 6 in 10 over-75s could face challenges if they lose mental capacity
A survey suggests more than half of people aged over 75 haven’t arranged a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). It’s an oversight that could mean their families may not be able to make decisions on their behalf if they lost mental capacity. MoneyAge report that research from Just Group revealed that around 3.4 million over-75s […]
2 Autumn Statement announcements you may have missed that could simplify your finances
Jeremy Hunt delivered his second Autumn Statement as chancellor on 22 November 2023. While the headline news was cuts to National Insurance rates for employees and self-employed workers, there may have been less attention-grabbing changes that could make your finances easier to manage. Read on to discover how ISA and pension changes might be useful […]
How a contribution to your child’s pension could boost their financial security
As a parent, you might worry about your child’s long-term financial wellbeing. While you might consider supporting them through university, helping out with day-to-day costs, or handing over a home deposit, have you thought about contributing to their pension? It could go further than you think. Younger generations face some key challenges when saving for […]
Everything you need to know about the 2023 Autumn Statement
On 22 November 2023, chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivered the Autumn Statement against a backdrop of a cost of living crisis and a looming general election. It’s been a challenging year with inflation dominating headlines. While inflation has fallen, it’s still higher than the Bank of England’s 2% target at 4.6% in the 12 months to […]
The 2023 parents’ essential guide to student loans
Heading to university is an exciting time for new students. As a parent, you may feel proud of your child’s achievements, but it’s normal to feel apprehensive as they potentially move out and embrace independence for the first time. You might also worry about the financial burden of student loans. Read on to discover what […]
Inheritance Tax could be scrapped to secure election votes
Reports suggest that the Conservative party will make scrapping Inheritance Tax (IHT) part of its manifesto pledge in a bid to secure the general election. Frozen tax thresholds meant HMRC raked in a record amount of IHT in the last tax year. Read on to find out more about the reports. While there have been […]
Pensions could be fuelling climate change with huge £88 billion investment
Climate change is a huge global issue. Yet, research indicates that pension funds are investing billions of pounds in businesses that are contributing to the challenge. Does your pension invest in fossil fuel companies? The Make My Money Matter campaign claims UK pension funds are investing £88 billion in fossil fuel companies. On average, this […]
2 excellent ways you could boost your State Pension
While the State Pension may not be your main source of income in retirement, it’s often an important one. If you’re not on track to receive the full amount, there might be things you could do to boost it. For 2023/24, the full new State Pension is £203.85 a week, adding up to around £10,600 […]