Current Financial Environment
The current financial environment is being shaped by three key forces: Interest rates remaining higher for longer Ongoing inflationary pressures Increased geopolitical and economic uncertainty Interest rates are expected to remain higher as the US – Iran war and subsequent closing of the Strait of Hormuz means that energy prices are increasing. Additionally, so is the cost of fertiliser, which will have a knock-on effect on the increased…
Pension Tax Relief
You’ll often pay Income Tax on money you receive. But if you put that money into a pension, the tax you would normally pay is usually added to your pension instead. This is called tax relief and means your savings are usually boosted by 20% or more, depending on your rate of Income Tax. It’s one of the best things about saving into a pension, as the government is effectively…
Inflation Held Steady
Inflation, as measured on the consumer price index (CPI) measure of inflation, was reported unchanged at 3% in February 2026 according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The biggest contributor to inflation in February was clothing and footwear (0.6), while falls in alcohol and tobacco (-0.1) was the biggest detractor. Grant Fitzner, chief economist at the ONS explains the context: “After last month’s slowdown, annual inflation was unchanged. This…
Dividend Tax Rate Increase
New tax rules and rates after changes made in the 2025 Autumn Budget are set to take effect from the new tax year (2026/27). From 6th April 2026, dividend tax rates for basic and higher-rate taxpayers will increase by two percentage points, rising to 10.75% and 35.75% respectively. The additional rate will remain unchanged at 39.35%. At the same time, the government has announced further changes affecting savings and property…
Investing Beats Cash
Investing has outperformed cash savings for a third consecutive year according to data from Moneyfacts, despite elevated cash ISA interest rates. The data underpins important considerations about the risk of holding too much cash ahead of the cut to the cash ISA allowance for under-65s – due to be implemented from April 2027. Moneyfacts found the average investment ISA fund saw growth of 11.22% between February 2025 and February 2026.…
Intergenerational Financial Planning
Intergenerational financial planning is about creating a structured approach to managing and transferring wealth across generations. For British families, this process is increasingly vital as economic pressures, complex family dynamics and evolving tax rules shape the financial landscape. By starting early and building a clear roadmap, families can secure their financial future, support loved ones, and navigate challenges like inheritance tax (IHT). This piece explores why intergenerational planning matters, how…
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…
