Protecting your income and planning for retirement Unlike employees, self-employed workers don’t have employer benefits such as sick pay, workplace pensions, or death-in-service cover. That’s why financial planning is not just important, it’s essential. The growing self-employed workforce Self-employment plays a major role in the UK economy. Recent data (2025) shows: Around 4.38 million people …
Introduction President Trump has once again hijacked the headlines with a strike on Iran at the very end of February. The implications are yet to be understood. It took some attention away from the UK government’s latest headache, a by-election loss to the Green Party, and a mixed bag of economic results. Meanwhile, the FTSE …
When you first set up a pension, whether through your employer or personally, it can feel like a huge tick in the box. But unlike setting up a dishwasher or booking a holiday, pensions aren’t something you can just “set up and forget.” They’re more like a long-term relationship: they need care, attention and regular …
There is a feverish interest in whether the ‘AI bubble’ really exists and a lot of scrutiny on financial results as they are published. The attention is not just on the ‘Magnificent Seven’, but a range of technology stocks which are heavily committed to artificial intelligence. With this in mind, we will start our round …
Money is one of the most common sources of stress in relationships and one of the least talked about. In fact, many couples find it easier to discuss almost anything except their finances. Yet open, honest conversations about money don’t weaken relationships. Done well, they can strengthen trust, reduce anxiety, and create a shared sense …
Recent IHT changes affect not only farms but also many family-owned trading businesses. Reviewing your estate now can help protect your assets and ensure relief is claimed where available. New thresholds for relief The Government has adapted plans to impose inheritance tax (IHT) on farms worth more than £1 million. When the new rules come …
In 2024 the talk was all about monetary normalisation, as central bank’s sought to bring inflation under control and interest rates back down. In 2025 we could barely get through a month without talking about President Trump and his trade tariffs. The noise now is about the AI bubble and the dominance of US technology …
Changes announced in the 2025 Autumn Budget mean the way many people use ISAs will need to evolve, particularly for those under the age of 65. With limits on Cash ISAs being reduced, investing is likely to play a bigger role in making the most of your tax-efficient savings in the years ahead. A fresh …
Here are five simple but important ways to begin 2026 feeling financially organised, confident and well prepared for what lies ahead. And, of course, your Insight financial adviser is always happy to support you with your plans. 1. Revisit your long-term goals Life rarely stands still. Career changes, family milestones, health considerations and shifting priorities …
The political background The chancellor Rachel Reeves has been under enormous pressure all year. In addition to some major economic headwinds, she has faced political battles on several fronts. Even her own MPs rebelled when she tried to save money through benefits cuts. The media reduced her choices down to two simple options. Break the …
