Future proof your finances
- Alex Shairp
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
As the days shorten and the evenings draw in, autumn is a natural time to pause and take stock. It can also be a good time to hunker down and reflect on your financial resilience:
Are your plans in good shape for whatever lies ahead?
Are there steps you could take now to feel more confident about the future?
Build financial resilience in autumn 2025
Establishing robust financial foundations is essential in times of economic uncertainty and elevated living costs.
A recent study published in Royal London's Financial Resilience Report 2025 found that essential bills (such as energy and food) have continued to increase for most people in 2025, although around a quarter of respondents reported that their housing costs have now eased slightly.
Positive signs – but knowledge gaps revealed
Despite ongoing cost of living challenges, retirement planning is back on track for at least half the population. In this year’s survey, only 43% of UK adults said their retirement plans and savings had been impacted by higher living expenses compared with 75% in 2024. That's a positive shift.
Although it bodes well for long-term financial resilience, the report revealed a worrying disconnect. Seven in 10 people don’t know the value of their pension pot and 52% have not considered how much money they need to fund their retirement.
Check in on your pension
Reviewing your contributions, underlying investments and whether your strategy still reflects your goals can help strengthen long-term security. Small adjustments today can compound into meaningful differences tomorrow.
Cash savings – need a boost?
The report paints a mixed picture when it comes to savings – the number of people going overdrawn after covering their living expenses has fallen, but at the same time there’s a worrying lack of short-term savings. Building short-term resilience, in the form of a savings buffer, is important as this can help you withstand unexpected financial shocks.
Sow the seeds for security and success
Resilience is about balance. 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 confidence from autumn 2025 and in the years ahead.
The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate Will writing, tax and trust advice and certain forms of estate planning.
It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this blog is based on our understanding of taxation and can be subject to change in future. It does not provide individual tailored investment advice and is for guidance only. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK; please ask for details. We cannot assume legal liability for any errors or omissions this blog might contain. Levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation are those currently applying or proposed and are subject to change; their value depends on the individual circumstances of the investor.
The information contained in this blog is for information only purposes and does not constitute financial advice. The purpose of this blog is to provide technical and general guidance and it should not be interpreted as a personal recommendation or advice.
Details correct at time of writing.
