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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When you’re making financial decisions, it can be difficult to look at your options objectively. Indeed, factors like your past experiences and emotions may influence the conclusions you draw. Behavioural finance seeks to understand how people make financial decisions and what factors influence them. Understanding some aspects of this area of study could help you identify…
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Using allowances and exemptions could reduce your overall tax bill and help you get more out of your money. On 5 April 2025, the current tax year will end, and many tax-efficient allowances and exemptions will reset. So, here are five that you may want to consider using before the 2025/26 tax year starts. 1. ISA…
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If it’s been some time since you reviewed your pension, going through these practical tasks could help you get more out of your retirement savings in 2025. As retirement could be years away, it’s easy for your pension to slip off your list of priorities. In fact, a survey from The…
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When creating an estate plan, there might be people you want to pass wealth to but they’re not in a position to manage their finances. Using a trust could provide a way to leave a vulnerable loved one assets and feel confident they’ll be effectively managed. Trusts aren’t used as commonly as other ways to pass…
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Retirement is an exciting milestone, with more free time to dedicate to the things you enjoy. Yet, it can also be a daunting time, especially when it comes to managing your finances. Flexi-access drawdown is a popular way to access your pension savings as it provides flexibility and means you’re in control of your income. However,…
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Going through a divorce can be incredibly emotionally challenging, but it may also represent the beginning of a new phase of your life. When starting a new chapter, it’s important to consider your financial plan, review your goals, and prepare for any challenges you might face in the future. This could be especially true during a divorce as the process…
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