Secure income and protect your wealth
Balance dividends and bonds for steady growth and stability For many investors, securing a steady stream of income from their portfolios is a common goal, whether to supplement their salary or to fund a comfortable retirement. The challenge is finding the right balance between generating cash now and protecting the future purchasing power of their […]
Plan today, protect tomorrow
Secure your legacy so your loved ones can thrive for generations to come Wealth succession planning should be at the heart of your financial strategy. Discussing money matters with loved ones can feel awkward, but attitudes are shifting as more people recognise the value of open communication. Leaving your legacy to chance can cause unnecessary […]
Protecting your pension from rising prices
How to safeguard your future against rising costs When you’re working, an increase in your weekly shop or energy bill is frustrating but manageable, typically offset by salary increases over time. In retirement, with income fixed at pensions or savings, rising prices can threaten your financial security.
Navigating the dividend tax rises in 2026
How to safeguard your investment income from higher tax rates From 6 April 2026, the government increased dividend tax rates by 2 percentage points. The ordinary rate rose to 10.75%, and the upper rate to 35.75%, while the additional rate remains at 39.35%. However, you don’t pay tax on dividend income within your personal allowance […]
Making the most of the new tax year
Give your investments a head start and future-proof your finances The new tax year brings a fresh £20,000 Individual Savings Account (ISA) allowance for each individual, giving couples the potential to invest up to £40,000 between them, offering a valuable opportunity to shield your investments from capital gains and dividend taxes. With recent cuts to […]
Pensions and Inheritance Tax: Big changes coming in 2027
Understanding how removing the pensions exemption could affect your legacy For decades, UK savers have relied on pensions not only for retirement income but also as a highly tax-efficient way to pass on wealth. Under current rules, pension pots generally fall outside your estate for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes. However, a significant shift is on […]
Taking charge of your retirement
Empowering your future with greater pension freedom Planning for retirement is a crucial step in securing your financial stability for the years ahead. For those seeking greater involvement in how their pension savings are invested, a Self‑Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) can offer a flexible and innovative option.
Protect your life insurance payout from Inheritance Tax
An increasing number of estates are falling within the tax net every year An increasing number of estates are falling within the Inheritance Tax net each year, largely due to rising property prices and frozen tax thresholds. The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will collect £8.7 billion in Inheritance […]
‘Unretiring’ is reshaping our understanding of later life
Has the financial reality of retirement fallen short of expectations? Amid rising living costs and market uncertainty, ‘unretiring’ is a growing trend. Research shows that one in six retirees (16%) have either returned to work (8%) or are strongly considering doing so (8%)[1]. While some return for personal fulfilment, 24% cite loneliness or social disconnection […]
Long-term investing
Geopolitical concerns and the importance of staying the course Geopolitical events, such as those in the Middle East, often introduce uncertainty into global markets, affecting energy prices, trade routes and investor sentiment. While these events can be unsettling, reacting impulsively may lead to missed opportunities and unnecessary losses.