Pensioners set for income boost, but watch out for the tax trap

Could you lose out on tax-free allowances for other income?

Many pensioners will enjoy another uplift in their State Pension income next financial year. From 6 April 2025, the State Pension is due to rise by 4.1%, on the back of an 8.5% increase in April 2023. This growth adheres to the government’s ‘triple lock’ policy, which ensures that the State Pension increases annually by the highest of wage growth, inflation or 2.5%. However, this rise also brings potential complications for some retirees.

Financial planning in your 70s

Striking the balance between living comfortably and preparing for unpredictable eventualities

Entering your 70s is a significant milestone, a time to fully enjoy the fruits of your hard work and careful financial planning. However, even if you’ve retired or reduced your workload, financial planning remains just as essential as it was in earlier stages of life. Striking the balance between living comfortably and preparing for unpredictable eventualities, such as health issues or care needs, is key to your long-term security.

From crisis to resilience

Building a solid financial plan

The financial crisis of over a decade ago shaped global markets. They faltered and stumbled but then bounced back with surprising speed. This resilience was bolstered by factors such as artificially low interest rates and buoyant market sentiment. However, the world today faces an altogether different type of economic challenge.

Understanding state pension rights and inheritance

The topic goes beyond the basics—there are numerous layers to uncover

For many, the intricacies of the State Pension remain very confusing, particularly regarding what happens after someone passes away. While many know that the State Pension does not automatically cease when someone dies, understanding your rights or the rights of a widowed spouse or civil partner can be a complex process.

How to plan for your special wedding day

Alleviate financial stress and ensure you start of married life financially secure

Weddings celebrate love, commitment and the union of two lives, shared with family and friends. However, making this day memorable often comes at a significant financial cost. According to data, the average wedding in the UK costs £20,700 [1].

Building a resilient investment portfolio

Smoothing returns and providing greater stability

Building a secure financial future requires more than simply saving money; it demands a strategic approach to managing and growing wealth. A well-diversified investment portfolio safeguards against the inevitable fluctuations of financial markets. This approach doesn’t eliminate risk entirely, but it cushions your portfolio, allowing stronger-performing areas to offset potential losses in weaker ones.

Estate planning amid changing IHT rules

Ensuring your loved ones are cared for takes proper planning

Planning your estate is challenging at the best of times. Knowing how to mitigate your liabilities while ensuring your loved ones are cared for takes proper planning and the right tools. The 2024 Autumn Budget Statement announcements could create significant and lasting challenges for rural businesses of all sizes. Under the Chancellor’s proposed changes, from April 2026, IHT reliefs available to farms and family businesses will be restricted.

Transform your financial future for 2025

The perfect moment to take stock of your financial ambitions

With 2025 underway, it’s the perfect time to assess your financial ambitions. Many of us enthusiastically set New Year’s resolutions, but how often do they translate into tangible outcomes? Financial aspirations – buying a home, taking a dream holiday or retiring early – sometimes seem beyond reach. This is where financial planning becomes essential.

Navigating your financial journey

Actionable steps to ensure you’re progressing steadily toward financial stability and independence

We make countless choices on our unique journeys through life that shape our future financial security and independence. Some of our most significant decisions revolve around finances – whether it’s planning for an early retirement, purchasing property or saving for a child’s education. These financial goals represent our personal priorities and direct the way we spend, save and invest our money.

Confronting the rising cost of living

A situation that presents a real need for strategic planning to safeguard financial health

The escalating cost of living over the previous few years is one of the most pressing concerns for many families across the UK today. The sharp increase in the price of essentials such as food, energy, fuel and everyday items has left some households struggling to make ends meet. For numerous families, balancing the household budget has become a daily challenge, with financial pressures rising in tandem with inflation.