Investment market update: June 2026

Posted by siteadmin on Tuesday 21st of July 2026

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a global recession could occur if the conflict in Iran continued into 2027. The organisation warned that delays in agreeing a peace deal would affect global growth and cause energy shortages.

Indeed, the OECD said in a scenario where the conflict continues into 2027, global GDP could fall to 2.1% in 2026, compared to 3.4% in 2025.

Remember, the value of investments can fall as well as rise, and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performan...


5 fantastic reasons to make volunteering part of your retirement plan

Posted by siteadmin on Tuesday 21st of July 2026

You might have spent years working, saving, and investing to build the wealth you and your family need for a comfortable and enjoyable future.

Of course, having your finances in order is crucial if you want to ensure you don’t run out of money in later life and can maintain your independence throughout retirement.

However, it’s also important to think about how you want to spend your time when you leave work behind, especially as you approach your desired retirement age.

Indeed, a fulfilling retirement isn’t just about financial securit...


The £12.3 billion cost of delaying estate planning

Posted by siteadmin on Tuesday 21st of July 2026

Affluent families who delay estate planning could miss out on chances to reduce a potential Inheritance Tax (IHT) bill and pass more on to their families. Find out if you could benefit from considering IHT and how you might pass on assets tax-efficiently.

According to a report covered by Today’s Wills and Probate (5 June 2026), delays in estate planning could cost UK families £12.3 billion when changes mean pensions will form part of your estate next year.

Under the current rules, most pension wealth sits outside your estate for IHT purp...


What does a change in prime minister mean for your finances?

Posted by siteadmin on Monday 20th of July 2026

On 22 June, Keir Starmer announced he would quit as Labour Party leader. The decision had been anticipated in the media, but the changes still pose some uncertainty over the coming weeks. Read on to find out what it could mean for your finances.

The Labour Party will need to decide on a new leader, which could cause market volatility. Once a new leader is in place, they will have control over fiscal policy that could affect business and personal finances. 

While a change in political leadership can feel worrisome when you consider your f...


4 practical reasons to regularly contribute to your child’s pension

Posted by siteadmin on Monday 20th of July 2026

In a bid to pass more wealth to their loved ones, a growing number of families are opening pensions for their children. Whether your child is still in nursery or already working their way up the career ladder, there could be benefits to making pension contributions on their behalf. 

According to an article in the Telegraph (13 June 2026), pension providers have noticed an uptick in the number of pensions opened for a child, with one provider registering a jump of 158%.

This trend is partly being driven by changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT)...


How a cashflow model could provide clarity about your retirement income

Posted by siteadmin on Monday 20th of July 2026

Having a reliable income in retirement could give you the freedom to create a lifestyle you enjoy and achieve those bucket-list goals you’ve dreamed about for years. 

In a 2023 survey by Legal & General, 94% of UK adults said their most important retirement dream is to feel financially secure for the rest of their lives.

However, working out what your income might look like many years from now can be complex. As such, you may feel in the dark about how your pensions, savings, and investments might support you in later life.

Indeed, rese...


Should landlords set up a limited company to manage their property portfolio?

Posted by siteadmin on Thursday 16th of April 2026

As the tax burden increases, more landlords are choosing limited company structures. Discover the advantages and drawbacks of setting up a company to manage your property portfolio.

According to a report from Paragon Bank (16 March 2026), 43% of mortgaged buy-to-let property purchases in 2025 were through a limited company. This compares to 35% in 2024 and just 7.5% in 2018. 

So, as a landlord, is a limited company something you should consider? As always, it will depend on your situation. Weighing up the advantages and drawbacks could h...


How to plan for retirement as a small business owner

Posted by siteadmin on Thursday 16th of April 2026

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...


What you need to know about student loans and supporting your family

Posted by siteadmin on Thursday 16th of April 2026

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, ...


Should you delay your State Pension? The pros and cons explained

Posted by siteadmin on Thursday 16th of April 2026

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...


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