Having “retired” hundreds of people over the last 25 years – in the strictly non-mafia sense of the term of course – I thought I’d share some the most significant risks individuals often overlook as they embark on this next, next and exciting phase of life.

Inflation has been a persistent issue in the UK in recent times, despite 14 consecutive interest rate hikes since 2022 – the traditional response to rising prices. Recently, it was announced that inflation has risen to 3%, defying some. In this blog post, we will explore the main causes of the current UK inflation (CPI), the options available to the UK Government and HM Treasury to combat it, and the impact of rising inflation on household finances, the value of money, and investment portfolios.

In the quest for tax efficiency, it's easy to make mistakes that can cost you dearly. Here are the top 5 mistakes people often make when trying to optimise their tax situation:

Over the past 50 years, social care in the UK has undergone significant changes. From the establishment of the National Health Service (NHS) in 1948 to the introduction of the Care Act 2014, the focus has shifted towards providing comprehensive support for the elderly. Today, there are approximately 400,000 people living in residential care homes in the UK, with numbers projected to rise due to an ageing population. The average stay in a care home is around 30 months, with the average age at entry being 85 years. Care home fees have been increasing annually, with typical rises of around 4-5%.

Cryptocurrency has taken the financial world by storm, becoming a hot topic of discussion among investors, tech enthusiasts, and everyday individuals alike. But what exactly is cryptocurrency, and why is it generating so much buzz? In this blog, we'll delve into the world of cryptocurrency, exploring its origins, how it's created, valued, and traded, the top three most popular cryptocurrencies, the technology behind it, and its regulatory landscape. We'll also discuss its suitability for individual investors.

In recent weeks, there has been a flurry of media speculation regarding the potential introduction of Inheritance Tax (IHT) on pensions after April 2027. This has understandably caused concern among many of our clients, who are worried about the possibility of double taxation—being subject to both IHT and income tax in the hands of a non-spouse beneficiary. However, it's important to note that, as of now, there has been no official confirmation from HMRC or HM Treasury on this matter.

In today's high taxation environment in the UK, individuals and businesses are facing significant changes and challenges. With recent adjustments to National Insurance, stamp duty thresholds, and capital gains tax, it's more important than ever to manage personal finances in a tax-efficient manner. Here are the top 7 tax efficiency tips to help you navigate this complex landscape:

In a surprising move last Thursday, the Bank of England cut interest rates despite forecasts of rising inflation and downgraded UK growth. This decision has left many wondering about the key factors that influence the Monetary Policy Committee's (MPC) decisions on whether to hold, increase, or lower interest rates. In this blog, we'll delve into the primary considerations that guide the MPC's actions and how these factors impact the broader economy.

With Halifax recently reporting that UK house prices are at an all-time high, the idea of using property as a pension investment has gained renewed interest. A friend of mine recently mentioned that "property is his pension," which got me thinking about the pros and cons of this approach. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits and drawbacks of relying on property as a pension investment, especially in the current market.

Recently, there have been reports that Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, is considering scrapping cash ISAs. This potential move has sparked a lot of discussions and concerns among savers and investors. In this blog, we'll explore the possible reasons behind this decision, the pros and cons, and what it could mean for your savings strategy.

The recent changes to the Inheritance Tax (IHT) treatment of pensions, announced in the November Autumn Statement, have sparked a surge of interest among clients considering taking tax-free cash from their pensions to gift to their children. While this strategy can offer significant benefits, it also comes with potential drawbacks. In this blog, we'll explore the pros and cons of this approach to help you make an informed decision.

As a stay-at-home parent, it's easy to overlook the importance of National Insurance (NI) contributions and how they impact your state pension. Many parents, especially those who have opted out of Child Benefit, may find themselves short of the required contributions to receive the maximum state pension. In this blog, we'll explore the significance of understanding and maximising state pension benefits and provide practical advice on how to ensure you get the most out of your contributions.

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.