The true cost of raising a child in 2026
From childcare and essentials to education and everyday expenses Raising a child is a major financial commitment, with costs beginning long before school age. The latest figures from the Child …
Giving money or valuable possessions to loved ones
54% of over-55s have no record of gifts given in the previous seven years Giving money or valuable possessions to loved ones can be a generous way to provide support, …
Britons face Inheritance Tax confusion
How the gifting rules are leaving some families in the dark Inheritance Tax (IHT) can feel like a financial maze, and new research suggests many families struggle to understand the …
Ten years to go: is your retirement plan on track?
How to prepare your finances and make the most of the decade before retirement With retirement costs rising and people potentially spending several decades in later life, the decade before …
Reconsidering how to use pension savings and pass wealth to the next generation
It is increasingly important to consider pensions alongside other assets when planning For families with substantial pension savings, the rules are changing. From 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds …
Are you and your partner ready for retirement?
Why couples should talk about pensions and retirement plans Many couples plan their holidays, household budgets and major purchases together, yet pensions and retirement can be overlooked. Research suggests that …
What I wish I’d known before I retired
Nearly a third of retirees say their standard of living is worse than before retirement Retirement is often imagined as a chance to relax, travel and spend more time with …
Why investment diversification matters in an uncertain world
Geopolitical tensions, trade disputes and energy shocks can quickly affect markets Diversification enables investors to avoid putting too much of their financial future at risk. Investing always involves uncertainty, but …
Autumn Budget 2026 tax watch
With the main taxes ruled out, attention is shifting to other revenue generators As Chancellor John Healey delivers his first Autumn Budget on 28 October 2026, the government faces a …
Safeguarding your retirement wealth
From cold calls to fake investments, recognise the warning signs of pension scams Imagine losing your entire pension pot in the blink of an eye. Years of hard-earned savings could …