News / page 2

26th January 2026 - Hannah Bibby

FCA Firm Checker: A Simple Way to Stay Safe From Financial Scams

At Herbert Scott, we speak to many clients who are rightly cautious about unsolicited calls, online adverts, or messages encouraging them to “act quickly” on an investment opportunity. Unfortunately, scams are becoming more sophisticated, and even financially confident individuals can be targeted. To help protect consumers, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has launched a new Firm Checker tool designed to…

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15th January 2026 - Kevin Scott

Why Choose an Independent Financial Planner?

Your Financial Future Deserves More Than Guesswork Managing your money is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’re planning for retirement, supporting your family, or building wealth for future generations, the choices you make today will shape your tomorrow. But how do you decide who to trust with your financial future?  You have three main options:…

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12th January 2026 - Kevin Scott

Introducing Our New Year Financial Health Check

An Annual Review Your Finances One of the key benefits of working with a financial planner is having someone alongside you to help you understand your finances, stay organised, and keep moving toward your goals. Our role is to provide clarity, structure, and accountability so your financial decisions feel intentional rather than overwhelming. To support this, we invite our clients…

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27th November 2025 - Kevin Scott

Budget 2025: A Shift in Focus

This year’s Budget feels notable as much for what didn’t happen as for what did.  Pre-Budget speculation hinted at radical changes, such as capping or removing pension tax-free cash, but I am happy to report that this, and many other rumours didn’t materialise. Instead, the Chancellor signalled a different direction of travel, and some would say a more…

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28th October 2025 - Kevin Scott

2027 Changes to Pensions & Tax Liabilities

Are Pensions Forming Part of IHT in 2027? A major shift is coming. From 6 April 2027, unused pension funds and death benefits will, in most cases, fall within the scope of Inheritance Tax (IHT). This change ends a decades-long tax advantage where pension pots largely escaped the IHT net, transforming pensions from a discreet estate-planning tool into a core…

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20th October 2025 - Stacey Chamberlain

Talk Money Week in the UK: Why It’s Important to Talk About Money

As a valued client of Herbert Scott, you already understand the importance of proactive, long-term financial planning. But even with a robust plan in place, it’s valuable to pause and reflect on how you talk about money – not just with your adviser, but within your family and wider circle. That’s the thinking behind Talk Money Week, an annual UK…

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9th October 2025 - Kevin Scott

Strengthening Our Management Team for the Future

At Herbert Scott, we are proud of how our firm has evolved – not only in size, but in the strength, expertise and dedication of our people. To ensure we continue to deliver the clarity, independence, and trust our clients value, I have refined our management structure to reflect both our current position and our future direction.At his…

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18th September 2025 - Stacey Chamberlain

The Gender Pension Gap: Why Women Must Prioritise Their Pensions

A 19-Year Shortfall Recent data from the Pensions Policy Institute reveals a sobering truth: UK women need to work an extra 19 years on average to retire with the same pension savings as men. This disparity, often referred to as the gender pension gap, is even more severe than the gender pay gap and its impact lasts far beyond a working…

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19th August 2025 - Kevin Scott

How to remain calm amid Autumn Budget speculation

The importance of remaining calm is often something that’s talked about when discussing investment market volatility. But there are other factors outside of your control that might lead to emotional decision-making, including uncertainty about the upcoming Autumn Budget. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to deliver an Autumn Budget at the end of October. Despite being weeks away, there’s already speculation…

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19th August 2025 - Alicia Buckingham

Unsure how to access your pension at retirement? Here’s what you need to know

It’s been a decade since Pension Freedoms legislation gave retirees more choice. Yet rather than relishing the freedom the changes have provided, research suggests workers are approaching retirement unsure about the decisions they need to make. Data published by PensionsAge in June 2025 suggests that only 47% of UK savers are aware of their options in retirement.

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