What’s the most important factor affecting the performance of your investments? Your mind might jump to the ups and downs of the market. However, the markets aren’t the starting point of a successful investment: your mindset is.

How information is framed can alter your view and influence your decisions. Thinking about how you approach financial choices could help you reframe them to improve your mindset, and lead to better outcomes.

The US struck trade deals with several countries in July 2025, leading to markets rising and putting an end to some of the uncertainty that had plagued investors for months. Read on to find out what else may have affected your investments recently. While it might seem like 2025 has been a poor year for investors, due to geopolitical tensions and trade wars, the figures paint a different picture. In the first half of 2025, the FTSE 100 , an index of the 100 largest companies l

Supporting a charity could give you that feel-good factor and provide a sense of purpose. When you’re looking at the benefits from a tax perspective, it might make financial sense in some circumstances too. Indeed, according to a June 2025 article published by Professional Adviser , more people are leaving a charitable legacy in their will as a way to reduce a potential Inheritance Tax (IHT) bill. The first step to making your charitable efforts tax-efficient is to make them

Cash can be comforting. It’s familiar, it’s accessible, and it’s tangible. But while cash savings can be part of a well-balanced financial plan, they’re not always the best-performing asset. Data shows that many UK adults are reluctant to depart from cash. In an update reported by MoneyWeek , the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) reported that 61% of adults with £10,000 or more in investible assets are holding at least three-quarters in cash. 1 in 5 adults have cash savings o

High earners striving to build wealth, dubbed “Henrys” (high earner, not rich yet), may find their tax position changes drastically as their income grows. Being aware of your tax liability now and in the future could allow you to create a financial plan that helps you get more out of your money by potentially reducing your tax bill. There isn’t a clear definition of how much you need to earn to be a Henry or what constitutes being “wealthy”. A huge range of factors could affe

One of the retirement challenges many people face is how to handle wealth decumulation. During your working life, you’re typically working to increase your wealth, and this usually shifts as you enter retirement. So, if you’re retired or are nearing the milestone, read on to find out more about decumulation dilemmas and how you might manage them. Changing your mindset may be the first decumulation dilemma You might expect retirement challenges to focus on your money. Yet, one

The importance of remaining calm is often something that’s talked about when discussing investment market volatility. But there are other factors outside of your control that might lead to emotional decision-making, including uncertainty about the upcoming Autumn Budget. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to deliver an Autumn Budget at the end of October. Despite being weeks away, there’s already speculation about higher taxes and allowances being slashed. With rumours feat

24% of people think all their savings are tax-free, according to a Lloyds Bank survey carried out in February 2025. However, they could be in for an unexpected shock, as the interest earned on savings might be liable for Income Tax. The good news is, there are often ways to reduce a potential tax bill on your savings. Read on to find out when your savings might be taxed and how to avoid an unexpected bill. 3 allowances that may affect whether you’re liable for tax on your sa

If you want to help younger generations, passing on this pearl of wisdom could be key – start saving for your future as soon as possible. Many people think about their legacy when setting out their long-term goals. You may have considered gifting during your lifetime or how you’d like assets to be distributed after you pass away. One area you might have overlooked is the positive effect your financial insights could have. Your knowledge could have a huge effect on the long-te