26
Mar
2025

Your Spring Statement update – the key news from the chancellor’s speech

After Rachel Reeves’ impactful first Budget in autumn 2024, you might have been concerned about the announcements that would be included in her Spring Statement on 26 March 2025. Reassuringly, the major headline from this year’s springtime fiscal event is that Reeves made few announcements that are likely to affect you and your personal finances directly. Although, it did reveal that none of the changes made in the Autumn Budget would be overturned. However, one significant change has been made to the High Income Child Benefit Charge, which could affect you or your family. The chancellor did announce that, due to global uncertainty and after the economy declined in January, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has downgraded its 2025...
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21
Mar
2025

Reality or expectation? The cost of retirement care and how to bridge the gap

You might see your future retirement as a period of relaxation, where you have more opportunities to travel and fulfil lifelong dreams. In fact, this is likely something you’re actively planning and saving for. However, if you need additional care in your later years, some of your plans might not come to fruition due to financial restrictions. The costs associated with aging, particularly long-term care, can be unexpectedly high. If you’re not prepared for them, you might find that your retirement reality doesn’t quite match up to your expectations. In fact, according to a report from Corporate Adviser, only 1 in 5 employees surveyed have considered the rising cost of care in their retirement plan. What’s more, retirement is becoming...
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21
Mar
2025

Not sure what to do with your bonus? Here are 5 actionable tips

Receiving a bonus is a significant achievement and a tangible acknowledgement of your dedication and hard work. While it may be tempting to splash out and treat yourself, taking a more strategic approach to managing this windfall could yield more fulfilling long-term benefits. So, prioritising how you’ll use your bonus before it reaches your bank account could make it easier to make your money work for you rather than have it simply disappear. The choice of what to do with the money is up to you, but I’m here to help you make informed decisions that align with your financial goals. So, let’s get started with these five tips for putting your bonus to work. 1. Funnel your bonus money...
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17
Feb
2025

Guide: 7 allowances you might want to use before the end of the 2024/25 tax year

When a new tax year starts, many allowances reset. So, checking if you could use these valuable allowances before 5 April 2025, when the 2024/25 tax year ends, might help your money go further. It’s important to understand which allowances fit into your financial plan and suit your goals. So, this guide could help you assess which allowances you might want to use before the current tax year ends. The guide explains the: ISA allowance Junior ISA allowance Dividend Allowance Capital Gains Tax Annual Exempt Amount Marriage Allowance Pension Annual Allowance Inheritance Tax annual exemption Download your copy here: ‘7 allowances you might want to use before the end of the 2024/25 tax year’ to find out more now. If...
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17
Feb
2025

5 empowering ways to build a financial plan your future self will love

Valentine’s Day has just passed and it’s a time we traditionally associate with love and connection. But, this year, I wanted to shift the focus. Let’s talk about showing some love to the most important person in your life: your future self. More than chocolates and flowers, a truly powerful act of self-love could be taking the time to build a financial plan that is designed to set you up for success and happiness down the road. This isn’t about creating numbers and spreadsheets. It’s about helping empower yourself to achieve your dreams and create a life you truly love. I’m going to share with you five actionable steps you can take to help build a strong financial foundation, which...
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17
Feb
2025

Are you making the most of your pension options? 5 common mistakes and how to avoid them

Dreaming of a comfortable retirement? It’s a goal shared by many, but navigating the complexities of pension planning can feel overwhelming. Unfortunately, many people make easily avoidable mistakes that can significantly affect their retirement income. These mistakes usually come from a lack of understanding or proactive planning and could jeopardise your financial security during what should be a time of relaxation and enjoyment. I wanted to share with you some of the most common mistakes I see when it comes to pensions. More importantly, I’m going to provide several practical solutions to help you avoid them, aiming for a more secure and fulfilling retirement. Here are my five top tips for avoiding mistakes and making the most of your pension...
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Marnel Stafford
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