Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivered her second Budget on 26 November, declaring “We are rebuilding our economy.” The fiscal update includes a series of new tax and spending measures – some of which had been announced or trailed prior to Budget day – described as “the right choices for a fairer, a stronger and a more secure Britain.” In total, the Budget will raise £26bn in taxes by 2029/30.

Establishing robust financial foundations is essential in times of economic uncertainty and elevated living costs. Don't let current financial challenges derail your long-term planning. By taking time this autumn to review your pensions, savings and investments, you can feel more confident that your financial future is on track.   We can provide the support you need to move beyond short-term survival and build lasting financial resilience – helping you thrive with confidenc

As the Autumn Budget fast approaches and speculation heats up about potential announcements, it's hard to know what to do with your finances (if anything) in advance of the key fiscal event. Useful things to think about could be the simple ones like maximising ISA contributions, assessing your current pension contributions and realising capital gains (if relevant to your individual circumstances).

The UK economy grew slightly in August, while survey data points to a more recent improvement in business conditions.

As a business owner, your personal and business finances are often intertwined, but neglecting your personal financial planning can put your future at risk. From tax-efficiency to retirement planning, the right strategy ensures your wealth works for you, not just your business.

At the end of September, global markets delivered largely positive performances, with equities across major regions advancing and safe-haven assets strengthening. Gains were seen in UK, US, European and Japanese indices, while gold surged and oil prices stalled amid geopolitical tensions.

When planning for your financial future, choosing between an ISA (Individual Savings Account) and a SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pension) can be a pivotal decision. Both offer tax advantages, but they serve different goals.

Retirement may feel like a distant milestone, but the earlier you start planning, the more confident and secure your future will be.

Introduction Using your pension to buy commercial property is one of the most tax-efficient strategies available to UK business owners...

Second quarter data released last month by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed that UK economic growth did slow between April and June after an unusually strong expansion during the first three months of the year.

Cloning scams are now the top fraud threat to people wanting to invest. There were 478 cases of firms being impersonated by fraudsters in the second half of 2024 alone. Nearly a quarter of these scams succeeded, costing investors £2.7m.

Financial independence means having enough income from your assets or investments to cover your desired lifestyle. It removes reliance on a pension. It gives you the flexibility to keep working if you want to, or to pursue hobbies, travel, or even launch a second career. Essentially, it’s about choice, not just having enough to get by.

Figures published last month by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the UK economy unexpectedly shrank in May, while more recent survey evidence suggests output remained lacklustre at the start of the third quarter.

It’s natural to feel more cautious during periods of uncertainty, but waiting for the ‘right’ time can often mean missing out completely. Markets tend to recover, and investors who resist the urge to sell, often find that patience is rewarded. In fact, history shows some of the best investment days followed the worst days, although trying to predict when is notoriously difficult.

Only holding savings in cash means missing out on the potential upsides of investing. Fewer than one in three Gen X cash savers also invest in stocks, shares or mutual funds, which means their hard-earned cash continues to fall ever further behind the pace of inflation.

As cost-of-living pressures weigh on many households, building a retirement fund has understandably taken a back seat for many savers. The first step to taking control of your pension goals is to understand how much you will need in your retirement.

The UK's 'great wealth transfer' will see an estimated £5.5trn to £7trn passed down the generations in the next 30 years. As money, property, and assets are passed on through inheritance, gifts, and estate transfers, it is important to understand what this will mean for you.

By making average gifts of £7,500 per year, many kind-hearted family members are helping parents or children who might otherwise struggle with rising costs. However, this generosity can come at the expense of their own financial goals.

A concerning proportion of respondents did not know who would be their beneficiary ... even more worrying was the finding that a further 3% of respondents believed that the person nominated as their beneficiary might still be their ex-partner. ... Don't risk your pension falling into the wrong hands -- review your beneficiary regularly to ensure it reflects your current wishes and circumstances.

People in their 30s and 40s are falling into the 'protection gap', new research from HL suggests. Getting the right cover, though, is...