While financial challenges often come up when those nearing retirement are asked about their concerns, emotional obstacles could be just as important. A financial plan might include looking at areas like your pensions and investments, but it could help you emotionally prepare for retirement as well. Here are five ways a financial plan could improve your wellbeing and confidence when you retire. 1. Financial confidence could ease concerns when you retire One of the key concern

For many pensioners, the State Pension provides a foundation to build their retirement income. Whether you’re already claiming the State Pension or it’s still some years away, here’s what you need to know in 2025/26. In the 2025/26 tax year, you can claim the State Pension from the age of 66. However, the age will gradually start to increase from 6 May 2026 to 67, and it’s expected to rise further in the future. You won’t automatically receive the State Pension when you reach

Getting older unfortunately might mean getting used to new limitations. However, making healthy lifestyle changes can improve your quality of life no matter what age you start at. So, instead of staying stuck in your ways, read on to discover five easy steps you can take to improve your health later in life. 1. Improve your sleep hygiene Adults should have between seven and nine hours of sleep every night. If you’re lacking in this department – whether you are sleeping too mu

Concerns around potential trade wars following President Trump’s inauguration weighed on investment markets in January 2025, but there was positive news too. Read on to discover some of the factors that may have affected the performance of your investments. Keep in mind that short-term market movements are part of investing and taking a long-term view is an important investment strategy for many people. UK Headline figures were positive for the UK. UK inflation fell to 2.5% i

While inflation is stabilising in many major economies, markets continue to experience some volatility, which may have affected your investment portfolio. According to the latest International Monetary Fund’s Global Financial Stability Report , markets could be underestimating the risks of conflicts and upcoming elections. Indeed, the rising price of gold suggests some investors are seeking a safe haven amid news of interest rate cuts, the upcoming US election, and escalating

If you’ve ever struggled to find motivation, you’ll know how draining it can feel to push through and finish your work. Getting out of a rut can be difficult, but is far from impossible. Finding a way to boost your creativity and approach your work with fresh eyes can help you leap back into your projects with renewed energy. Indeed, recent research from Stanford University has found that changing your location could help you escape a creative rut. Read on to discover why it’

As a self-employed worker, managing your finances can be more complex. One area you might have overlooked or be unsure where to start with is saving for your retirement. According to the House of Commons Library, there are 4.24 million self-employed work ers in the UK as of July 2024, and research indicates many don’t understand pensions. Indeed, an interactive investor survey asked self-employed workers three basic pension questions and found that just 9% could answer all th

If you’re working and contributing to your pension, you might think you don’t need to do any more retirement planning just yet. However, seeking retirement advice in your 30s and 40s could mean you’re in a better position when you’re ready to give up work. According to a survey published in IFA Magazine, putting off retirement planning is something many workers are guilty of. Indeed, it found that just 5% of Brits aged between 35 and 44 had taken financial advice to help them

The end of the year is fast approaching, and while your mind might be on celebrating the festive period, it’s the perfect opportunity to tick off some financial tasks you might be putting off. Spending some time going through your finances and thinking about what you want to achieve next year could help you step into 2025 feeling confident about your future. So, here are 10 jobs you could complete before the end of the year. 1. Check the interest rate your savings are earning

Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered the new Labour government’s first Budget on 30 October 2024. Amid the announcements were key changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Inheritance Tax (IHT) that could affect your financial plan. Ahead of the Budget, prime minister Keir Starmer said it would be “painful” as there was a £22 billion black hole in the public finances. Indeed, Reeves went on to announce measures that would raise annual tax revenues by £40 billion by 2030. Some of t