With Christmas just around the corner, you may already be spending your evenings cuddled up under a blanket as you enjoy your favourite Christmas films – and perhaps a mince pie or two. Home Alone might well feature on your watchlist each year. In fact, the Independent reports that a new poll saw the 1990 American comedy voted as the UK’s favourite Christmas film. 35 years after it was released, you may know the story inside out by now. But have you ever considered what this Christmas classic could teach you about investing in the stock market? Keep reading to learn four insightful lessons you can take from Home Alone – from staying calm to not believing everything you’re told.... Read More

Whether it’s your child, grandchild, or any other loved one, as young adults fly the nest you may be hoping to help them buy their first home. Over recent years, financial support has become increasingly common (and often necessary) for young adults to get onto the property ladder. In fact, a TSB survey of 1,000 first-time buyers found that 96% received financial help to pay their deposit, with 68% receiving support from family. But it isn’t always possible to gift a large sum towards a deposit. For instance, your assets might be tied up in property or other investments, you may need to prioritise retirement saving, or you may not be able to offer equal support to all your children.... Read More

After months of speculation and rumour, chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered the Autumn Budget for 2025. In this update, we’ll explain the key changes and what they mean for you. Last year, in her maiden Budget, the chancellor sought to balance the public finances with tax rises to cover a reported £22 billion black hole. This year, Reeves arguably faced an even more difficult landscape. In turn, she has announced an estimated £26 billion of tax rises by 2029/30. The chancellor had to start her speech, however, by acknowledging the “deeply disappointing” and “serious error” of the Budget announcements being released early by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). It’s also notable how many predictions ultimately proved to be wide... Read More

There are plenty of reasons why more people are considering a gradual retirement, including the emotional and financial benefits this option could offer. A gradual retirement could help you retain a sense of purpose and social life When thinking about retirement challenges, most people focus on having enough to live on for the rest of their lives. The emotional challenges may be overlooked. Retirement is a significant milestone and can change your lifestyle completely. If you retire on a set date, you may go from a fixed routine to the freedom to spend your time however you wish within a single day. While that might sound like bliss and something you’ve been looking forward to, it’s not uncommon to struggle... Read More

When did you start learning about money? Perhaps it was in school, at home, or – seemingly more likely – in adulthood. According to UK parliament data, just 33% of children and young people recall learning about money in school and finding it useful, while only 24% received financial education at home. Therefore, you may not be surprised to discover that a survey of 4,000 young adults found just 41% are considered financially literate. Teaching children about finances can be invaluable, with strong financial literacy often fostering good money management skills and positive attitudes towards money. Read on to explore how you can start helping your child develop their financial literacy and prepare for a financially stable future. Lesson 1:... Read More