Spring Statement
Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, delivered on her promise that the Spring Statement would be a fiscal non-event. It contained no policy changes and very little in the way of good news. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) downgraded the growth forecast for 2026 to 1.1%, down from 1.4% forecast in November 2025. The growth projections now stand at 1.1% in 2026; 1.6% in both 2027 and 2028; and 1.5% in…
Investing Myths Holding You Back
Too many people still believe outdated myths about investing that prevent them from growing their wealth. Have you fallen for any? Myth 1: “Investing is too risky for me.” Truth: But is avoiding investing actually riskier in the long run? Inflation quietly erodes savings — smart investing balances risk and reward. Myth 2: “I need a lot of money to start.” Truth: What if you could start with…
Government Reversal
The Government has reversed plans to impose inheritance tax (IHT) on farms worth in excess of £1 million. The level of the Agricultural and Business Property Relief threshold will now be set at £2.5 million for individuals or up £5 million for married couples when it becomes law in April this year. Above this threshold, 50% relief (effective IHT rate of 20%) will still apply to qualifying assets. The Government asserts…
Potential Fraud
The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO), which is an independent pensions complaints arbitration service, has spoken out over potential fraudulent letters. The service has warned that it is aware people have received fake letters purporting to be from the TPO about a “failed investment”. The TPO’s site states: “These letters are not genuine, and the telephone number is not TPO’s. TPO is a free service and would never ask for your bank details or…
Unexpected Inflation
UK inflation increased to 3.4% in the 12 months to December 2025, based on the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) measure from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The increase in price changes was unexpected, and the first rise in five months, as price rises slowed in the second half of 2025. Among the chief drivers of the surprise uptick were alcohol and tobacco duty increases, rising airfares and food cost increases.…
Preparing for Retirement
Retirement planning is the cornerstone of financial security in your later years. It’s a process that requires careful thought, consistent effort and adjustments over time to ensure your savings can support the lifestyle you envision. In the UK, the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) estimates that a “moderate” retirement lifestyle requires approximately £31,700 per year. This figure provides a useful benchmark for planning, helping you calculate how much you need…
Organising your Finances for 2026 – Part 3 – Outgoings
As well as understanding your personal income and outgoings, and setting up pots for your financial security and future plans, you should also look to reduce your bills where possible. This could mean your monthly essential outgoings reduce, allowing you to have extra money each month which you could add to your savings, or use as discretionary spending. Firstly, check through your bank statement to see if there are…
Organising your Finances for 2026 – Part 2 – Savings
Having savings gives you financial security, acting as safety net for unexpected emergencies. Whether these crop up in the form of a broken boiler, a mechanical issue with your car, or emergency new trainers for your child that lost theirs, having a pot of money you have saved up to meet these costs means you can breathe more easily. Alternatively, savings can be used to achieve long-term goals such…
Organising your Finances for 2026 – Part 1 – Budgeting
The start of a new year is a great time to take a look at your finances and create a plan for you to have a strong financial year. We recommend starting this process by setting yourself a budget. Then you can truly see where your money goes and what changes you could make that will put yourself in the best position. The first step to doing this is…
Christmas Gifting
Christmas is the season of giving and for many people also a moment to think about financial generosity. There are clear rules around inheritance tax (IHT) and gifting that shape how much you can give away during your lifetime without creating an unexpected tax bill for the beneficiaries of your estate. Understanding these rules can help ensure that festive financial generosity is a joy not a burden. You can make certain gifts…
