Author: Richard Fearn
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Guide: The pros and cons of investing in buy-to-let
Investing in buy-to-let property can provide a steady rental income, helping supplement your retirement fund or form part of the legacy you leave for loved ones. Statistics published by the government (29 August 2025) confirm that there were around 2.86 million private landlords in the UK in…
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Life insurance v family income benefit: Which is right for your family?
You no doubt want to protect your loved ones against life’s twists and turns. For many families, that includes shielding their finances from the worst-case scenario – the loss of a family member. While suitable financial protection could provide a reassuring safety net, the options can…
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How business owners could help employees build pension confidence
The workplace pension employers provide is a valuable employee benefit. Yet, research suggests many workers lack confidence when dealing with their pension. This can provide an opportunity for business owners to offer support and boost staff morale. According to Employee Benefits…
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The psychology of fear in investing: Why mastering it could support long-term success
Investing is often as much about emotions as it is about numbers. One emotion that might affect how you invest at times is fear. Learning how fear influences investment decisions and how to master it could support your long-term success. Fear could strike investors in multiple ways …
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How a cashflow model could provide clarity about your retirement income
Having a reliable income in retirement could give you the freedom to create a lifestyle you enjoy and achieve those bucket-list goals you’ve dreamed about for years. In a 2023 survey by Legal & General, 94% of UK adults…
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What does a change in prime minister mean for your finances?
On 22 June, Keir Starmer announced he would quit as Labour Party leader. The decision had been anticipated in the media, but the changes still pose some uncertainty over the coming weeks. Read on to find out what it could mean for your finances. The Labour…
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How to engage with your finances
This guest blog was written by Chris Budd, who wrote the original Financial Wellbeing Book as well as The Four Cornerstones of Financial Wellbeing. He founded the Institute for Financial Wellbeing and has written more than 130 episodes of the…
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5 questions to answer before you withdraw a pension lump sum to reduce Inheritance Tax
From 6 April 2027, many unused pension pots will be included in Inheritance Tax (IHT) calculations. Since the government announced the change in the 2024 Autumn Budget, an increasing number of people have opted to withdraw their tax-free lump sum from their pension as soon as they can. Currently, you…
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Revealed: The hidden benefits of long-term financial planning
When you think about the benefits of long-term financial planning, the opportunity to work with a professional to increase your assets might be the first thing that comes to mind. While that might form part of some financial plans, the hidden benefits may be even more valuable to you. A…
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Why you could benefit from reviewing your financial habits as you transition into retirement
Retirement is a significant life transition. Some of the financial habits that served you well during your working life might no longer suit your retirement lifestyle. Sticking to your current financial habits could mean you miss out on opportunities to enjoy your retirement, or even mean you risk using up…
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Balancing your goals: Why investing could be suitable for long-term goals
Reaching your long-term goals often requires careful planning and consistent action. A financial plan could help you work towards these goals and, in some cases, investing may play an important role too. In previous blogs, you’ve read about how you might reach short- or medium-term goals. Now, read on to…
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Why earning more than £100,000 doesn’t have to mean falling into a tax trap
A hidden marginal tax rate that affects workers earning between £100,000 and £125,140 is often dubbed a “tax trap”, and research suggests it’s shaping career decisions. However, there are ways you might mitigate the additional tax charge without putting the brakes on your career progression. The Personal Allowance is £12,570…