Resources

There are many ways that you can invest, and while we all want our money to grow, it’s important to think about the level of risk you might be willing to take with your hard-earned money.

Read our Autumn Budget breakdown here.

You can now access your pension in more ways than ever before, after the Government introduced wide-ranging changes in April 2015. These changes give you more options, so it’s important that you take time to think carefully before you decide what to do with your money.

When someone dies, Inheritance Tax needs to be considered. Without the right professional advice and careful financial planning, HM Revenue & Customs can become the single largest beneficiary of your estate following your death. To evaluate whether or not Inheritance Tax could become payable, all of your assets you hold at the date of death need to be valued, and reliefs and exemptions determined.

Reviewing your retirement date regularly as you get older makes real sense, and most modern pension plans enable you to change and update this date whenever you choose.

There are many things to consider when looking to protect your family and assets. Whatever your priorities are, the sooner you start thinking about IHT planning, the more you can do.

There’s a fundamental lack of awareness and understanding around Inheritance Tax, especially when it comes to how Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) are treated after death. Given that some people have been able to amass over a million pounds in their ISAs, it’s an area where lack of knowledge could prove costly.

Even if retirement isn’t far away, there are steps you could take to increase your eventual retirement income. This applies both to your State Pension entitlement as well as to any personal or workplace pension pots. We’ve provided some areas to consider that you may wish to discuss with us to help you to meet your retirement goals.

Our life is an endless series of daily choices, and how we manage those choices determines the outcome of our life.
We all want financial freedom, but how will we achieve it? Financial goal-setting is the key to building wealth.

By the time we have been working for a decade or two, it is not uncommon to have accumulated multiple pension plans. There’s no wrong time to start thinking about pension consolidation, but you might find yourself thinking about it if you’re starting a new job or nearing retirement.

The world of investing can seem daunting. Whatever stage of life you’re at, we’ll guide you through the appropriate investment opportunities available to you. Every investor needs to ask themselves the same basic questions before getting started.

If you have accumulated a number of Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) over the years, keeping them all in one place could give you better control and help you save money. There’s a common misconception that you can’t move your existing ISAs from one provider to another. Transferring your ISAs doesn’t affect its tax-efficient status, but you should make sure that you don’t have to pay penalties or give up valuable benefits.

Retirement is a time for you to do the things you’ve always wanted. When considering your retirement income needs, you need to consider the types of events you would like to happen after you retire that may impact your budget. Thinking about these early could help you when you’re deciding the best way to take your pension savings.

An increasing number of middle-aged Britons are getting healthier as they exercise more and eat better than they did when they were younger. Over-40s are turning to healthier lifestyles, with more than half rating themselves as more health-conscious than they were in their mid-20s, according to new research. Read our factsheet for more.

A recent study by Citizen’s Advice found nine out of ten people would fail to spot common warning signs of a pension scam, such as unusually high investment returns, cold calling and offers of free financial advice. Read our factsheet for more information.

Read our brochure 'Discretionary Managed Services' to find out how we would deal with the day-to-day management of your investment portfolio, our approach to choosing funds, and our Investment Committee

Read our summary of the Spring Statement here

Being more aware of the great things health allows us to do means we’re more likely to take care of the little things.

Half (49%) of retirees now say they view their post-work years as an exciting phase of life, with many using their free time to learn, see and experience new things.

Writing a Will may seem daunting – and with everything else we should be thinking about, it becomes just another chore on the to-do list. However, getting your affairs in order and planning what you want to pass on to loved ones – whether it’s while you’re alive or after you’ve passed away – is really important.

Unforeseen life events and circumstances can potentially impact your finances in a number of ways. Hundreds of thousands of people are diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK, and it is becoming more common among those of working age.

An ISA is a tax-efficient investment wrapper in which you can hold a range of investments, including bonds, equities, property, multi-asset funds and even cash, giving you control over where your money is invested.

Read our factsheet for more information regarding the changes to the market conditions.

Retirement can mean different things to different people. Understanding how much it will take to provide an income for yourself and potentially a spouse, while also ensuring you are able to leave something behind for your loved ones after your death, is essential.

Older workers are finding themselves caught in a position of retirement roulette, as many are relying on external factors such as a downsizing, an inheritance or even a lottery win to be able to afford a comfortable retirement, according to Aviva’s latest Real Retirement Report.

Obtaining the right legal and financial guidance and support is vital when dealing with pensions (and indeed the other assets and financial issues) in the event of a divorce.

We have to decide whether we are prepared to watch our money erode away in saving accounts or try and grow our savings through investing.

The 2017/18 tax year ends on 5 April 2018, with the new tax year beginning the following day, on 6 April. These are important dates for financial planning, so it’s important you don’t miss the chance to make the most of valuable tax-efficiencies and allowances. Read our factsheet for more information.

The importance of taking financial advice when it comes to tax planning it becoming more essential and can never be overestimated – and the sooner you start planning, the better for you.

Whatever you’re putting money aside for, there’s likely to be a role for Individual Saving Accounts (or ‘ISAs’). Low interest rates on cash savings since the financial crisis have meant that many savers have turned to the markets in the hope of achieving a better return.

It’s important to set aside money for the future and protect it from inflation, whether it’s a rainy day fund to cover unexpected events or for longer-term goals.

Choosing an independent school is a serious investment. Recent figures show that average boarding school fees stand at over £30,000 a year, with day-only attendance costing more than £17,000. These fees continue to rise, last year increasing by 3.5% compared to 2015

The Government said the introduction of a new Lifetime Individual Savings Account (LISA) will help young people save flexibly for the long term throughout their lives. The aim is to help them simultaneously save for a first home and for their retirement, without having to choose one over the other.

It is impossible to consider retirement, and our experience of it, without also considering how we’ll pay for it. But almost 30% of people over the age of 55 are unsure if they will be able to retire on their current savings, according to new research.

Does it feel like your savings aren’t earning as much as you’d like? You’ve worked hard for your money – now investing can get your money working harder for you.

What is cryptocurrency? There has been a lot of excitement and news surrounding cryptocurrencies. This factsheet will explain what bitcoin is, why it is so prevalent in todays news, and our views on cryptocurrency.

Have you made your New Year’s resolutions? Considering that the most common topics are health and finances, there’s a pretty good chance that at least one of them involves a financial goal

Our first time buyer guide provides more information on the different types of mortgage, how much you could borrow, what the typical costs associated with buying a new home are likely to be and some key advice when it actually comes to applying for a mortgage.

Read our November 2017 Budget update to find out more about what the implications of the November budget mean for you

The average cost of living in a nursing home in the UK is £866 a week. With an ageing population it is vital that you know the facts surrounding care homes. Read our factsheet for more information regarding care costs.

The stock market can be very volatile at times. Fluctuations in prices can mean holding out on selling your investments can be very difficult. However, in these circumstances patience is key. Read our factsheet regarding Long-term investments for more information.

A Self-Invested Personal Pension is a type of pension called a ‘defined contribution pension’ that allows you access to a wider choice of investments when it comes to saving for your retirement. Please read our factsheet for more information on a SIPP.

It can be very hard to discuss money or death with family members. owever, it is always best to have a plan in place so that you know everything is in place. ead our factsheet for more on Inheritance Tax.

Pensions should play an important part in everyone's long-term financial planning, so ensure that you make the most of any employer's contriburions. Read our factsheet to ensure you have enough saved to keep doing the things you love. 

Research has found that 73% of cohabiting families do not have a life insurance policy, compared to 56% of married couples. This is leaving thousands at risk as cohabiting couples do not enjoy the same rights as married couples. Read our factsheet to learn more about life insurance and protecting your family.

Handing a family business to the next generation is a major process, from selecting and developing the successors to protecting the brand reputation and retaining knowledge. Read this factsheet to help develop a personal financial plan so that you can meet your long-term goals.

Transforming your retirement dreams into reality requires planning. Read our factsheet to find out about things to consider if you really do want retirement to be the time of your life.

The financial ramifications of a divorce can be devastating. Read our factsheet to find out about key issues related to later-life divorce.

The choices you make for your pension fund can determine the level of income you receive for the rest of your life. Read this factsheet to find out what best suits your pension needs.

Making sure you have enough money in retirement is likely to be at the heart of planning for your retirement. Read this factsheet to find out more about setting a plan to help you achieve your retirement goals.

No matter what your personal circumstances, it is vital to ensure you have an appropriate plan in place to protect your finances. Read this factsheet to find out more about how to protect yourself and your family.

Handing your family business to the next generation is a major process. Read this factsheet to find out more about developing a succession plan for your business.

Research shows that fraudsters are targeting the growing over-55 population. Read this factsheet to review what steps to consider before going ahead with any financial or investment decisions.

There are a number of different factors that may create inflationary pressure in an economy. Read this factsheet to find out more about considerations for your portfolio.

Within an ISA, you can reallocate your portfolio according to your outlook and needs at any time without losing any of the tax benefits. Read this factsheet to find out more about ISAs.

The rules around Inheritance Tax changed from 6 April 2017 with new introductions to rules on passing down wealth. Read our Inheritance Tax Change factsheet to place control over what happens to your assets after your death.

Protection is essential for partnerships or directors of private companies. Read this factsheet to check whether your key staff need protecting

Volatility in financial markets is normal but investors should be prepared upfront. Read this factsheet to see key questions to consider when nurturing your wealth.

Retirement planning is all about working out how much to save now, so you can live how you want to. Read this factsheet to find out more about the findings of recent retirement research

Many people are failing to take action to ensure they have a financial safety net in place. Read this factsheet to see key considerations when providing security for yourself and your dependants.

Employers need to understand your automatic enrolment duties, the impact on your business and the changes you’ll have to make. Read our Auto-enrolment and Workplace Pensions factsheet for key workplace pension considerations.

If you have not retired but have a specific retirement date in mind, make sure you have sufficient savings in your pension pot. Read our factsheet to find out what you need to plan to prevent the financial equivalent of climate change.

Planning and timing are the upmost importance when it comes to funding for long-term care. Read this factsheet to review things to think about when it comes to funding long-term care.

Saving for retirement is essential if you want the financial freedom to enjoy your later years. Read our latest retirement factsheet for more information.

Read our Election factsheet to review the considerations immediately post-Election

Small steps taken early on can make a huge difference. Read our factsheet to find out more about how you could make your pension goals achievable.

We all know that markets can go up and down and can sometimes be quite extreme. Read our factsheet to find out more about managing investing risk during turbulent markets.

Whatever phase of investment you are in, there is always a valuable role for effective diversification. Read our factsheet to review considerations for managing investment risk

Investing for income can play an important role in helping you to achieve your goals at any stage of your life. Read our factsheet to review sources of income to consider to sustain a proper living.

By investing in sustainable businesses, investors may increase their chances of success.

Read our factsheet to identify strategies to meet some of the most pressing global challenges ahead

Thousands of people have at least one pension that they have forgotten about. Read our factsheet about forgotten pensions to consider what to do if you think you have a fogotten pension

With a Lifetime Individual Savings Account, you can use some or all of the money to buy your first home or keep it until you're 60. Read our factsheet to find our more about the Lifetime Individual Savings Account.

2017 investment outlook - Taking advantage of the right opportunities after a game-changing 2016. Read our factsheet to find out more about the investment outlook for 2017

An LPA is used to delegate power to someone to manage an individual’s personal and/or welfare affairs in the event that they become mentally incapacitated. Read our factsheet to find out more about a Lasting Power of Attorney

Getting the right life insurance policy means working out how much money you need to protect your dependants. Read our factsheet to review some considerations for the most effective ways to manage investment risk

Taxpayers (employees and self-employed) who have withdrawn amounts from their pension fund and
then want to top the fund up again are affected by Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA)Read our factsheet to find out more about Money purchase annual allowance

Designing a custom investment portfolio needs to be reviewed periodically. Read our factsheet which highlights considerations for the best options to suit your particular objectives

Equity Release provides home-owners over the age of 55 with the facility to release money from their home. Read our Equity Release Guide for a detailed overview of steps involved in making a decision about releasing equity from your property.

Brexit came as a shock to financial markets, and many investors are now facing new challenges at every turn. Read our factsheet to find out more about managing investments in current markets

When putting together an investment portfolio, there are a number of asset classes, or types of investments, that can be combined in different ways. Read our factsheet to find out more about putting together an investment portfolio.

Equity release is a way of releasing the wealth tied up in your property without having to sell it and move to another home. Read our factsheet to find out more about Equity Release

The new stamp duty rules could affect the ability for many newly married couples and registered civil partners to purchase their first home together. Read our factsheet to find out more about stamp duty changes

Help to Buy ISAs will be available to individuals who are 16 and over and will be limited to one per person. Read our factsheet to find out more about the Help to Buy ISA.

Buy-to-let landlords now receive a lower rate of tax relief on mortgage payments. Read our factsheet about changes to Buy to Let Mortgages