Are you a glass-half-full person? While some people dismiss optimism as naivety or a tendency to overlook the challenges of life, research suggests that those who seek out the positives could benefit from improved wellbeing.

Research gathered by CNN in September 2025 found that people who have a positive, happy outlook live longer. Indeed, a 2011 study found that Brits who felt content, happy or excited on a typical day were up to 25% less likely to die prematurely. 

Separate research linked optimism to a stronger immune system, better l...

There were ups and downs for investors during September 2025, with disappointing economic data dampening the market at times. However, some positive outcomes also emerged. Read on to find out what might have influenced your investment portfolio’s recent performance. 

Investors turn to gold as market uncertainty continues in September 2025

The price of gold reached a record high of $3,508.50 (£2,600) an ounce on 2 September. Gold is often viewed as a “safe” asset, so the rising value could signal that investors are feeling nervous about t...

Retiring should be a milestone you look forward to. It’s a chance to spend your time how you want and do the things you’ve been putting off because work has been in the way. Yet, sadly, research shows UK adults associate spending their retirement savings with negative words, and it could prevent them from enjoying the next chapter of their life.

According to an August 2025 article from Money Marketing, UK adults associate anxiety (26%), fear (18%), and guilt (15%) with spending their pension and other assets they’ve built up for retiremen...

When markets experience volatility, even the most level-headed investor can let their emotions or other influences affect their decisions. Read on to find out why volatility can trigger financial biases and how these might affect you. 

For the average investor, it’s important to take a long-term approach. While returns cannot be guaranteed, investing over a longer time frame gives markets more time to smooth out their natural peaks and troughs.

Headlines about market crashes or sudden rallies can set you on edge even if you’re usually ca...

Traditionally, you’d go from full-time employment to retirement on a set date. Now, more workers are embracing retirement flexibility and choosing to phase gradually into the next stage of their lives. Indeed, a survey published in September 2024 by WTW found that 49% of UK workers aged over 50 are already phasing into retirement or want to do so in the future.

Alongside calculating the income your pension could provide and planning a retirement bucket list, you might want to dedicate some time to thinking about how you want to retire.

O...

This guest blog was written by Chris Budd, who wrote the original Financial Wellbeing Book as well as The Four Cornerstones of Financial Wellbeing. He founded the Institute for Financial Wellbeing and has written more than 100 episodes of the Financial Wellbeing Podcast. 

For most people, retiring is a goal. Pick an age, create a financial plan to make sure that age is achievable, and then start dreaming of the day that you don’t have to work.

The trouble with this approach is that it focuses on achieving the goal of not working. As a co...

Trade tariffs continued to affect investment markets in June 2025, though uncertainty did start to ease. However, rising tensions in the Middle East may have affected the performance of your investments. Read on to find out more.

Remember, it’s often wise to take a long-term view of your investments when reviewing returns, rather than focusing on short-term market movements.

In June, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) cut its global growth forecast to 2.9% in 2025 and 2026, down from 3.1% and 3% respectivel...

After more than five decades at the helm of Berkshire Hathaway, legendary investor Warren Buffett has announced he’s retiring at the age of 94. He’s credited with turning the failing textile maker into a successful holding company. In May 2025, the BBC estimated Berkshire Hathaway was worth $1.16 trillion (£870 billion).

Considered by many to be the most successful investor of the 20th century, Buffett has regularly featured on lists of the world’s wealthiest people, despite giving away vast sums.

While Buffett has a huge number of resou...

Managing your tax liability could help reduce your overall tax bill and get more out of your money. If you’re unsure how and when you might pay Dividend Tax, read on to find out.

A dividend is one way a company can distribute profits to shareholders. You might receive dividends if you hold shares in dividend-paying companies or if you’re a business owner.

Changes over the last few years mean more people are paying Dividend Tax.

For example, the amount you can receive in dividends before tax is due, known as the “Dividend Allowance”, gra...