New research shows that many people worry about dementia, but almost half haven’t planned for possible care costs. We look at the practical steps you can take now to give you and your family more choice later. Have you thought about how a dementia diagnosis could affect you, your parents or your wider family? Dementia …
Supporting family is one of the most natural things in the world. And when you’re able to help, it can be a wonderful thing to do. The key is making sure your generosity works for everyone, without compromising your own financial future and without affecting your retirement, pension or inheritance tax planning. Whether it’s a …
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 …
The Government has announced a major change to the cash ISA allowance and other reforms to the ISA system alongside a hike in savings income tax rates. The changes bring major changes for UK savers contributing cash into the tax-free accounts, with potentially far-reaching consequences. Under the plans announced by the Chancellor, the annual tax-free …
Retirement planning is critical to financial security in later life. There are many considerations over years of preparation that go into ensuring a plan, once made, can work effectively for the long term. This guide is here to help you consider the essential steps and aspects of retirement, whether you’re 10 years, five years, or …
Savers are missing out on millions of pounds in interest after leaving £54 billion in low-interest savings accounts. Analysis from savings provider Paragon Bank has found £52.4 billion is languishing in instant access accounts that pay less than 2% interest, while £1.7 billion is held in fixed-rate ISAs earning 2% or less. Further to that, …
Annuity sales hit their highest level in a decade in 2024, with higher rates tempting retirement savers to swap their pension pots for a guaranteed income for life. Insurers sold 89,600 annuities last year, up 24% on the year before – and the highest level since 2013, according to trade body the Association of British …
Cuts to interest rates are a key financial news theme in 2024 and we don’t expect that to change in 2025. Many central banks across the world are looking to reduce interest rates as inflation figures slowly return to normal. It is often heralded as great news for mortgage borrowers, but what about investors? Financial …
Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt recently got himself in a bit of a pickle when he said £100,000 is “not a huge salary” for people in his Surrey constituency. Writing on X, Mr Hunt was recalling a chat with a constituent in Godalming who was concerned about the government’s childcare offer, as it isn’t …
Jeremy Hunt’s Spring Budget was a rather unflashy affair, with no big headline-grabbing, rabbit-out-of-the-hat moment. This was a surprise when you consider that we’re in a general election year, but it does explain why the reaction to the entire fiscal event was rather muted and why the Budget hasn’t moved the dial politically. But there …
