Author: Richard Fearn
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Guide: 6 top tips for reducing stress for World Mental Health Day
Many of us will experience periods of stress in our lifetime. Whether it’s short-lived or more prolonged, some level of stress is perhaps an inevitable part of life. In fact, a study cited by Priory Group (16 September 2026) found that 74% of UK adults became so stressed within…
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5 potential red flags that could signal a scam that you shouldn’t ignore
Unfortunately, when you’re being targeted by a scam, it doesn’t come with a huge warning sign that’s impossible to miss, and it could mean you unwittingly fall for a fraudster’s tactics. Indeed, according to a Nationwide (25 September 2026) survey, the average Brit is targeted by scammers…
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How to balance your goals when you’re flexibly accessing your pension
Flexible pension withdrawals have reached record levels since Pension Freedoms were introduced in 2015. While total control over your retirement fund can be liberating, it places the onus on you to ensure you’re managing your finances responsibly. UK retirees rely heavily on flexible access to their pensions, and the data…
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Why gifting your home during your lifetime could be a mistake
With property prices rising across the UK, the home represents the single largest asset in the estate for many families. Indeed, research reported by Zoopla (17 July 2025) shows that the average UK home increased in value by 20% between 2020 and 2025. That being the case,…
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The hidden emotional challenges of gifting assets during your lifetime
Passing assets to your loved ones during your lifetime could have many benefits. Yet, that doesn’t mean it’s simple, and you might experience emotional challenges even if you’re sure it’s the right thing to do in your circumstances. According to an FTAdviser article (29 July 2026), 7…
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Why financial freedom matters for enjoying retirement on your terms
Becoming financially free as you enter retirement could make a huge difference to this chapter of your life. Financial freedom doesn’t necessarily mean becoming wealthy. Instead, it’s about having enough to live the life you want on your terms, without having to worry about money. As retirement represents a chance…
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5 frightful tax mistakes you should be mindful of this Halloween
Halloween: the season of ghouls, goblins, and gremlins; warlocks, witches, and wizards. Children everywhere are preparing to dress up in their most frightening finery and fill their pumpkin-shaped buckets with sweets and chocolates. While you may have outgrown Halloween treats, that doesn’t mean you’re safe from tricks, particularly when it…
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4 steps to take before your child can access their JISA
After years of diligently saving into a Junior ISA (JISA) for your child, handing them control of the account might feel daunting. Will they appreciate your efforts and continue growing this fund to pay for something meaningful, such as university or their first home? Or might they splurge it all…
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Why more homeowners are using equity release
Your home is likely to be one of the largest assets you hold. Yet, as you can’t usually access the wealth tied to property, you might overlook it when making financial decisions. According to Lloyds Bank (7 August 2026), in July 2026, the price of the average…
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Deciphering ESG investment labels: What do they mean?
When you’re investing using ESG (environmental, social, and governance) criteria, fund labels can be confusing. They might leave you unsure about which ESG factors are considered or what impact your investments will have. ESG investing is an approach to investing that considers more than just a company’s financial performance. It…
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The psychology behind favouring cash instead of investing
Psychology could be one reason why some people are reluctant to invest, even when it fits into their wider financial plan. Managing risk is an important part of life. You check the road before you cross the street, and you might be encouraged to take out home insurance just in…
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How to approach retirement conversations with your partner
Retirement is a major life event that most people spend years planning and looking forward to. And yet, research by Moneybox (3 July 2026) reveals that 43% of over-55s have never discussed their retirement finances with anyone, and just 44% have spoken about them to their partner…