Research suggests that many small business owners and self-employed workers aren’t prioritising their retirement and could face uncertainty later in life as a result. However, opening a pension could benefit both you and your business. 

According to an article from Which? (1 March 2026), people who have spent most of their working life as self-employed are three times more likely not to have a private pension. 

Fluctuating earnings and a reliance on your business could mean you overlook a pension 

There are many reasons why small busine...

Student loans have recently featured in headlines. Find out what’s causing the debate, how your family might be affected, and some ways you could support students or graduates. 

Amid growing backlash about student loans from graduates, the government has launched an inquiry. According to the BBC (12 March 2026), the Treasury Committee will look at whether the terms of student loans are “reasonable”. 

The debate largely focuses on Plan 2 student loans 

Plan 2 student loans were offered between 2012 and 2023. Under the terms of the plan, ...

Thousands of people delay claiming their State Pension every year. There are some potential benefits, including managing their tax liability, but there are also drawbacks that are important to consider. 

The State Pension is a regular government payment you may receive from when you reach State Pension Age until you die. The current State Pension Age is 66, though it is gradually rising and is expected to reach 68 in 2046. 

The full rate of the new State Pension is £241.30 a week in 2026/27. However, your personal circumstances and Natio...

The current situation in the Middle East has led to market volatility. While it might seem new, similar movements have happened before, and looking at how these events have affected investor behaviour could be useful.

At the end of February 2026, the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, which have further escalated. The uncertainty caused by the war has affected market confidence, leading to falling prices.

The Middle East is a large exporter of oil, and the war has resulted in prices rising, which is likely to affect businesses and c...

It’s common to be juggling different goals with various time frames, which can be difficult to balance. 

Over the next few months, you can read tips on managing short-, medium-, and long-term financial goals, and how a financial plan could help you bring them together on our blog. This month, read on to find out why short-term goals are just as important as your long-term ones, and how you might make the most of your money. 

Short-term goals are an important part of your financial plan 

Typically, short-term goals are defined as those o...

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 the Spring Statement included no additional tax-raising measures. Furthermore, no changes to pensions or Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) were announced.

Reeves also said that household di...

After a year filled with uncertainty and rising trade tensions, markets were calmer in December 2025. Find out what may have affected the performance of your portfolio at the end of the year. 

Market volatility eased in December 2025

Markets were downbeat at the start of the month. Most European markets were in the red on 1 December, including Germany’s DAX (-1.2%), France’s CAC 40 (-0.55%), and the UK’s FTSE 100 (-0.13%). 

The Bank of England (BoE) carried out stress tests on 2 December, which all major banks involved passed. This led ...

In the Autumn Budget 2025, the chancellor announced that Inheritance Tax (IHT) thresholds would remain frozen for a further year, until 2031. 

Upcoming changes will also see unused pensions included in an estate for IHT purposes for the first time from April 2027. 

These measures could see estates facing a larger IHT liability, or coming into the scope of IHT when they may previously have been exempt.

Research has suggested that families concerned about being caught in the IHT net are taking steps to mitigate their bills. According to M...

Love is in the air with Valentine’s Day just around the corner. Amid planning romantic gestures, thinking about combining your financial plan with your partner’s could be valuable.

Talking about finances might seem too practical for a day that’s about celebrating love. Yet, it could support your relationship. Here are two reasons why you might want to create a single financial plan with your partner.

1. Work towards shared goals

If you’re planning to spend the future with someone, you want to ensure you’re both on the same page about yo...