The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO), 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 …
Graduate unhappiness with retrospective changes to the Plan 2 student loans has erupted after the Government made changes to repayment thresholds in the November budget. Student loans come in a range of different plans, from the early Plan 1 loans to Plan 5 loans for those starting education after 1 August 2023 in England. The …
When it comes to building long-term financial security, investing is one of the most powerful tools available. Yet for many people, getting started can feel overwhelming. With unfamiliar terminology, market ups and downs, and the fear of making mistakes, it’s easy to put investing off altogether. Investing continues to outperform cash ISAs New data from …
Protecting your income and planning for retirement Unlike employees, self-employed workers don’t have employer benefits such as sick pay, workplace pensions, or death-in-service cover. That’s why financial planning is not just important, it’s essential. The growing self-employed workforce Self-employment plays a major role in the UK economy. Recent data (2025) shows: Around 4.38 million people …
Introduction President Trump has once again hijacked the headlines with a strike on Iran at the very end of the month. The implications are yet to be understood. It took some attention away from the UK government’s latest headache, a by-election loss to the Green Party, and a mixed bag of economic results. Meanwhile, the …
When you first set up a pension, whether through your employer or personally, it can feel like a huge tick in the box. But unlike setting up a dishwasher or booking a holiday, pensions aren’t something you can just “set up and forget.” They’re more like a long-term relationship: they need care, attention and regular …
There is a feverish interest in whether the ‘AI bubble’ really exists and a lot of scrutiny on financial results as they are published. The attention is not just on the ‘Magnificent Seven’, but a range of technology stocks which are heavily committed to artificial intelligence. With this in mind, we will start our round …
Money is one of the most common sources of stress in relationships and one of the least talked about. In fact, many couples find it easier to discuss almost anything except their finances. Yet open, honest conversations about money don’t weaken relationships. Done well, they can strengthen trust, reduce anxiety, and create a shared sense …
Recent IHT changes affect not only farms but also many family-owned trading businesses. Reviewing your estate now can help protect your assets and ensure relief is claimed where available. New thresholds for relief The Government has reversed plans to impose inheritance tax (IHT) on farms worth more than £1 million. When the new rules come …
Many homeowners and prospective buyers are starting the year with a bit more optimism around borrowing costs. After a period of rising interest rates, lenders have begun to trim mortgage pricing in response to Bank of England base rate cuts and growing competition in the market. In December 2025, the Bank of England lowered its …
