In a bold move, President Donald Trump has recently announced new tariffs on major U.S. trading partners, triggering widespread economic concerns. These tariffs are set to impact several countries, including Canada, Mexico, and China, with significant implications for global trade and economic stability.

In Cash Part I – The Magic Formula – we looked at how much cash you should hold by introducing three simple, tried, and tested rules designed to help protect you in an emergency, to ensure you can meet short term commitments and for those who are withdrawing from their investments, protect you from extreme market volatility.

Now, in Part II we will consider what options are available for savers for keeping their money on deposit, which is fast becoming a hot topic with uncertainty around interest rates expected to continue as the Bank of England continues to to try and push inflation back down to its 2% target.

I often get asked by clients, friends, and family, how much cash the right amount is to hold on deposit.  Too little and you run the risk of not being able to meet short term or emergency needs and be forced to borrow, use unsecured debt, or sell investments.  Too much and, over time, there is a risk of its real value being ravaged by inflation or missing opportunities such as improved tax efficiency or achieving a real return.

As we approach the three-year mark since the onset of the Ukraine War, it is crucial to reflect on its far-reaching impacts on global markets. What began as a geopolitical crisis has rippled across energy supplies, agricultural production, financial systems, and trade dynamics, reshaping the global economic landscape in profound ways.

It all started with a conversation in the pub. I was on my third pint of "Jeremy Clarkson" (Hawkstone Lager)) when my friends and I, in classic British fashion, wandered into a debate that skirted Nigel Farage territory but hadn’t quite escalated to plotting the invasion of France. Somewhere in this spirited discussion, pensions came up. Unbeknownst to me, my ten-year-old son had been listening in on the sidelines. Later, he declared, with the wisdom only children can muster, that pensions are simply "money reserved for later."

The US-China trade war has been a defining feature of global economics over the last few years, with tariffs, trade restrictions, and shifting alliances shaking up markets worldwide. While the situation remains fluid, the economic consequences have been significant, with effects rippling through supply chains, consumer prices, and international relations. Here are the top 5 economic impacts of this ongoing conflict:

Investing is one of the most powerful ways to build wealth, but it’s not without its complexities. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your strategy, following a set of guiding principles can make a world of difference. Here are the seven golden rules of investing to help you make smarter, more informed decisions and set yourself up for long-term success.

When it comes to financial planning, most of us are focused on saving for the future, managing investments, and ensuring we have enough money to live comfortably in retirement. However, one key aspect often gets overlooked: ensuring that someone has the legal authority to manage your finances if you become unable to do so yourself. This is where a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) comes in.

Retirement in the UK has undergone significant transformations over the past quarter-century. From financial planning to lifestyle choices, the way people approach and experience retirement today is markedly different from how it was 25 years ago. Let's explore some of the key changes that have shaped modern retirement in the UK.

Donald Trump's second term as the 47th President of the United States has begun to great fanfare and a flurry of action.  In this short note we attempt to unwrap the three key layers of his presidency: the policy promises he has made to the American people, the people he has surrounded himself with and his process for managing the process of government.

As the cost of higher education continues to rise, understanding student finance options is more important than ever. This blog will explore the current position of student loans in the UK, including tuition and maintenance loans, means testing, interest rates, and repayment options.

Planning for retirement is a crucial aspect of financial well-being, yet many people make common mistakes that can jeopardize their future comfort and security. Here are the top five mistakes people often make when planning their retirement and how to avoid them.

Your credit score is a crucial aspect of your financial health, influencing your ability to secure loans, credit cards, and even rental agreements. A good credit score can open doors to better interest rates, enhanced borrowing power, and financial peace of mind. Here’s how you can improve your credit score in the UK.

As the self-assessment tax deadline looms, it's crucial to understand the importance of self-assessment, the consequences of not filing on time, and the associated deadlines, fines, and penalties. This blog will delve into why self-assessment is essential and what happens if you miss the deadline (as well as some beneficial reasons for you to ensure you file in time!)

As Donald Trump prepares to take office today, the world is watching closely to see how his administration will shape the future of the United States. Trump's first 100 days in office are expected to be a whirlwind of activity, with significant changes and initiatives that will set the tone for his presidency. Here’s the top 6 things we can anticipate during this critical period.

Believe me, I would be happy never to speak of inflation again after its domination of conversations in 2024. Globally, inflation has been hard to shake of late; yet 2025 looks somewhat more promising than previous years. What are analysts predicting moving forward?

We start 2025 with Trump once again being elected as the next President of the United States, and with that comes a sense of great trepidation around the globe. His decisive victory in November left many political pundits and exit polls in shock, as he won both the election and the popular vote—something he failed to do in 2016. Republicans achieved a clean sweep across the board, with Congress also swaying red. As the election result became clear, it left some disheartened, but the markets breathed a collective sigh of relief.

2024 managed to keep the world on its toes when it came to politics. Elections and political turmoil were rife, with the election Supercycle rippling across the world. In the UK, we welcomed Mr Starmer into Number 10 with an overwhelming majority. Yet, his premiership has been fraught with challenges—from demanding the return of "sausages" rather than hostages to his recent expenses scandal.

How is 2025 here already? Perhaps the best place to begin this review is by looking at how the Wall Street expectations for 2024 held up to reality. As always, Bloomberg did the hard work, collating the predictions of the major players in the finance world for the year ahead back in 2023. The likes of Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, and UBS all forecasted that the S&P 500 would sit between the range of 3,500 and 5,000.