A combination of rising rates and panic ahead of the current government’s first Autumn Budget has led to HRMC collecting a record amount in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) towards the end of 2024. According to a report in the Telegraph, between July and November 2024, CGT generated more than £1 billion for…
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This guest blog was written by Chris Budd who wrote the original Financial Wellbeing Book, and also the Four Cornerstones of Financial Wellbeing. He founded the Institute for Financial Wellbeing, and has written more than 100 episodes of the Financial Wellbeing Podcast. Financial wellbeing is a subject that looks at all aspects of the relationship between…
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As spring starts to bring us nicer weather, you might be thinking about ways you can spend more time in nature. But did you know that enjoying time outside is vital to your health? A recent Aviva study found that almost 9 out of 10 UK adults say access…
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With so many headlines about tourists taking over popular holiday spots and governments introducing restrictions, such as tourist taxes and bans on new hotels or souvenir shops, you might find it harder than ever to decide where to travel next. Luckily, Europe is filled with amazing places you can visit to get the authentic experience of…
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While you might intend to make your financial decisions based on facts, emotions creeping in from time to time is normal. Recognising when emotions might be influencing your judgement could mean you’re better able to evaluate what’s right for you. Last month, you read about how past experiences could affect your decisions. Now, read on to…
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We’re only weeks into 2025, and it’s already been one filled with market volatility and uncertainty. At times like this, being part of a crowd might feel comforting, but following the investment decisions of others could lead to choices that aren’t right for you. Political and economic uncertainty means investors may already have experienced the value…
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While financial challenges often come up when those nearing retirement are asked about their concerns, emotional obstacles could be just as important. A financial plan might include looking at areas like your pensions and investments, but it could help you emotionally prepare for retirement as well. Here are five ways a financial plan could improve your…
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For many pensioners, the State Pension provides a foundation to build their retirement income. Whether you’re already claiming the State Pension or it’s still some years away, here’s what you need to know in 2025/26. In the 2025/26 tax year, you can claim the State Pension from the age of 66. However, the age will gradually…
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Being an investor can be emotionally challenging. If we have a bad year (like 2022), we feel uncomfortable, and even after a couple of good years (2023 and 2024), we may still worry that some of the gains made might be lost going forward. This emotional asymmetry, where the pain of losses is felt twice as deeply as the pleasure…
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We are overjoyed to share the wonderful news that Alicia Buckingham and her husband, Dan, welcomed their beautiful baby boy, Percy James, into the world on Christmas Day! Weighing a healthy 7lb 4oz, Alicia and Percy are doing well. Big brother Charlie is thrilled to have a little sibling to dote on and is already stepping into his new role…
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