Author: Richard Fearn
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Why you don’t need to experience a financial shock to benefit from a safety net
You might think of a financial safety net as something only useful when you face a shock, like an unexpected bill or being unable to earn an income. However, when you look at the wellbeing benefits, you might be surprised by how valuable it is even when your plans are…
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5 powerful Warren Buffett lessons that could benefit ordinary investors
After more than five decades at the helm of Berkshire Hathaway, legendary investor Warren Buffett has announced he’s retiring at the age of 94. He’s credited with turning the failing textile maker into a successful holding company. In May 2025, the BBC estimated Berkshire Hathaway was worth…
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How to prepare your loved ones for the “great wealth transfer”
Passing on your wealth to loved ones could transform their lives and mean they have more opportunities in the future. However, to get the most out of the “great wealth transfer”, younger generations need to be prepared to manage their inheritance. According to September 2024 data from…
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10 adrenaline-fueled adventures you can have in the UK
Your favourite summer activity might be relaxing in the gorgeous sunshine, but it is also the perfect time of year to embark on an adventure. From zip lines to abseiling into caves, the UK boasts an endless number of extreme sports and thrilling activities. If you’re looking for a fun…
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The autopilot mortgage mistakes that could cost you money
With hundreds of decisions to make every day, you can end up acting on autopilot. While this is useful when you’re making small decisions, you could waste resources if you’re not thinking through larger ones. A recent comment about the cost of people automatically saying “please” and “thank you” to…
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Guide: What the Back to the Future ripple effect could teach you about financial planning
It’s been 40 years since Back to the Future delighted cinema-goers with its time-travelling adventure. Teenager Marty McFly discovers the power of the “ripple effect”, and it’s something that could be valuable when you’re creating a financial plan as well. One of…
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How to use the “gifting from income” rule to reduce your estate’s Inheritance Tax bill
According to a Citywire report, forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) suggest the amount of Inheritance Tax (IHT) paid to HMRC will have increased by 11.6% in 2024/25 compared to 2023/24. This will mean that the total amount of IHT paid in the 2024/25 financial…
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How technology could be harming your investment decisions
Technology has made it easier than ever to invest and review the performance of your portfolio. Yet, it could also be harming your decision-making skills and the way you approach managing your finances. Understanding when and how technology has the potential to negatively affect your investments could mean you’re better…
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Financial protection: 3 useful questions to help you calculate appropriate cover
Financial protection may provide you or your loved ones with a financial injection when you need it most. Calculating what level of cover is appropriate for you is an essential step to take when comparing options. Over the last couple of months, you’ve read about why financial protection is important…
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How to improve your financial resilience
This guest blog was written by Chris Budd, who wrote the original Financial Wellbeing Book, and also the Four Cornerstones of Financial Wellbeing. He founded the Institute for Financial Wellbeing and has written more than 100 episodes of the Financial Wellbeing Podcast. Financial wellbeing is a broad term that…
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Why defining “financial freedom” could help you achieve it
Achieving “financial freedom” is an aspiration many people have. Yet, it can mean different things to each person and is influenced by other lifestyle goals, so defining how to measure it for you could help you turn it into a reality. Securing financial freedom so you can retire with confidence…
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Guide: The compounding effect: How it could boost or harm your finances
When a 1920s ad referred to compound interest as “the eighth wonder of the world”, the quote was left unattributed. But that didn’t stop it from becoming synonymous with the celebrated physicist, Albert Einstein. The link was likely intended to lend credibility to a statement that at first glance seems…