Your workplace pension is an important part of your long-term financial security, yet many employees don’t fully understand the ins and outs of their schemes. By asking your employer a few key questions, you could ensure you’re taking full advantage of everything they have to offer and can make informed decisions that align with your retirement goals. From maximising employer contributions to understanding ethical investment options, clarity and knowledge will be your strongest allies. With that in mind, here are six questions you may want to ask your employer, whether you’ve been working for them for two years or 10. 1. How much am I contributing? A key part of understanding your pension begins with knowing the percentage of your... Read More

The age-old question of whether to save or invest might have you confused. The truth is, both saving and investing can play important roles in building your financial security, so understanding their unique purposes could be key to making informed decisions. In essence, saving prioritises stability and accessibility while investing focuses on potential growth and capital appreciation. Knowing what to choose, how much to save or invest, and when to do it can be daunting. I’m here to help you find a balance that works for you. Saving money may be a good idea if you need it within 5 years Short-term goals may look different for everyone. For some, a short-term goal could be: Putting a deposit down on... Read More

Financial planning is all about helping you to reach your life goals. Ultimately, the objective is for your wealth to allow you to achieve all the things you want to do now and in the future. That might be as simple as being able to relax and enjoy a comfortable retirement or helping your children through education or onto the property ladder. Alternatively, you may want to start a business, retire abroad, or leave a legacy to causes you care about. When making a financial plan, you could be looking several decades ahead. During that time, a variety of unknowns could crop up, altering your ability to meet your goals. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a crystal ball. However,... Read More

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... Read More

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... Read More