14
Nov
2024

The small decision that had “life-changing” effects for Formula 1 presenter Jennie Gow after she suffered a stroke

When life is on track and you’re meeting your milestones, it’s easy to feel secure and in control. Though, the reality is that unexpected challenges could arise when you least expect them. In August 2022, Jennie Gow, a Formula 1 presenter for the BBC, was living an active and healthy life. Just in case the worst should happen, Gow was advised to take out income protection. This decision proved to be invaluable when, just a few months later, she had a stroke that left her unable to work. Thanks to her proactive choice to shield herself from the unexpected, Gow’s income protection provided essential financial support, helping to cover expenses during her recovery. It even included rehab support services and...
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30
Oct
2024

Your Autumn Budget update – the key news from the chancellor’s statement

Almost four months after Labour won the general election, chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered her 2024 Autumn Budget, outlining the government’s plans for this tax year and beyond. Arguing that the July general election had given Labour a “mandate to restore stability and start a decade of renewal”, Reeves described it as “a Budget to fix the foundations and deliver change”. Against a backdrop of a manifesto pledge not to increase Income Tax, employee National Insurance, or VAT, Reeves also announced that her Budget would raise taxes by £40 billion, stating that any other chancellor would “face the same reality”. Read on for a summary of some of the key measures and announcements from this year’s Autumn Budget – the...
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14
Oct
2024

2 important reasons not to delay your major life milestones until you receive an inheritance and what to do instead

Early retirement, pursuing new hobbies, and travelling the world are just some of the ambitions you may be hoping to fulfil in the coming years. But as costs rise, this might seem more challenging to achieve. Indeed, Canada Life has revealed that 27% of 18 – 34-year-olds are delaying their long-term goals until they receive an inheritance. Additionally, 19% of people in this age range have used or plan to use an inheritance to buy their first property. While an inheritance can be a helpful way to progress towards your financial goals, it’s not sensible to rely solely on this type of windfall. Read on to learn two important reasons not to delay your life plans until you’ve received an...
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14
Oct
2024

3 ways I could help you to mitigate the impact of menopause on your financial wellbeing

World Menopause Day falls on 18 October each year. The event seeks to raise awareness of the support available for women who are going through menopause as well as to break the stigma associated with talking about menopause. The menopause may affect you in a variety of different ways, including your physical and mental health. It could also have an impact on your financial health if symptoms are severe enough to cause you to reduce your hours at work or take early retirement. Read on to find out more about how menopause symptoms might affect your finances and how a planner could help you continue working towards your long-term goals. Many women reduce their hours or leave the workforce as...
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10
Sep
2024

How much could later-life care cost you and how could you avoid this affecting the inheritance you leave for loved ones?

Scientific advances have meant that more people are living to the age of 100 and beyond than ever before. But while life expectancy has increased in recent decades, the number of years that you are likely to spend in good health haven’t quite kept up with the progress. So, there’s a chance that you may need later-life care as you grow older. Depending on the level of care that you need and your personal circumstances, this can come with a hefty price tag. So it may be sensible to factor this potential cost into your financial plan. Read on to find out how you could manage the potential cost of later-life care while still achieving your goals, such as leaving...
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10
Sep
2024

Why being optimistic about the future could pay off when managing your investments

Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Though you may like to think of yourself as being a “glass-half-full” sort of person, the truth is that many of us tend to take a pessimistic approach to life. That’s because, as humans, we’re wired to look out for bad news or threats so that we can keep ourselves safe. While this is often helpful when it comes to personal safety, a pessimistic outlook might actually be detrimental when it comes to managing your investments. Read on to find out why optimism may be a key factor in navigating market volatility and growing your wealth. When markets become volatile, it’s natural to feel nervous about your investments Volatility on the stock market...
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