Like inflation, lifestyle inflation could affect your finances, and you might not be aware of the effects straightaway. Find out how it might impede your ability to reach your goals and some ways to manage it.

Spending money with purpose can improve your wellbeing. With International Day of Happiness taking place on 20 March 2026, now is the perfect time to think about how you want to use your wealth in a meaningful way, taking inspiration from renowned actor Michael Sheen.

Creating a financial plan can seem complicated, especially if you need to take into account your partner’s views, assets, and goals. At times, you might have conflicting ideas about what is “right” and it can be a difficult situation to navigate. Working with a financial planner as a couple could help you overcome some of the key challenges you might encounter when building a financial plan with a partner. Challenge 1: Starting money conversations Talking about money is somet

Whether you analysed the text in school or have watched the film, you’ll no doubt be familiar with the tantalising story of Jay Gatsby. Indeed, 100 years after The Great Gatsby was first published, it’s still synonymous with the hedonism of the Jazz Age in New York City in the 1920s, from lavish parties to opulent mansions. And a century later, there is an important money lesson you can learn from its pages. On the surface, the obvious money lesson might seem like it’s how t

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

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

Managing your finances effectively as a couple could provide you with peace of mind and mean you’re more likely to reach your goals. Yet, it can be difficult as you could have very different financial priorities to your partner. Read on to discover five handy tips that could help you build a financial plan that suits both of you. 1. Set shared goals you can work towards Having shared goals you’re working towards as a couple can help ensure you’re both on the same page and und

More people in England and Wales are celebrating their 100th birthday. It could have implications for your financial plan and creating an income in retirement. According to a release from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), on Census Day in 2021, there were 13,924 centenarians living in England and Wales. The oldest person to complete the census was 112. While centenarians represent just 0.02% of the total population, the number of people celebrating the milestone is gr

Regular financial reviews may help keep you on track to meet your goals and give you confidence in the steps you’re taking. As well as reviewing your assets, you might also want to make changes to your plan. Last month, you read about why you shouldn’t skip your financial reviews and how they could help you reach your goals. Now, read on to discover two reasons why you might want to make changes to your financial plan during a review. Updating your plan in response to short-t

Estate planning is an important part of your financial plan. Not only does it ensure your assets are passed on to who you wish and considers areas like Inheritance Tax (IHT), but it could provide you with peace of mind about your future too. Over the last few months, you’ve read about why estate planning matters, how to decide who to pass on assets to, and when you need to create a plan for IHT. Now, read on to find out what steps you could take to improve your own financial