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 100 episodes of the Financial Wellbeing Podcast. According to research published by Gallup1 in 2010, there are five areas…
Next year, a significant change to how pensions are treated when calculating Inheritance Tax (IHT) could mean more families become liable for the tax. Here’s what you need to know to understand if your estate could be affected and how you might mitigate a potential bill. Currently, pensions are usually outside your estate for IHT…
In February 2026, ongoing uncertainty around trade tariffs and concerns about the impact of AI adoption on business profits affected the markets. Read on to discover some of the factors that may have affected your investment portfolio. Markets reached record highs but were affected by AI concerns and trade tariffs The FTSE 100, an index…
In the November 2025 Budget, the chancellor revealed new Cash ISA rules that will affect under-65s. The change could affect your savings and wider financial plan. ISAs provide a tax-efficient way to save and invest, making them an essential part of many financial plans. In 2025/26, you can add up to £20,000 to ISAs and…
The last 12 months have been interesting for investors, with the market experiencing volatility. Read on to discover valuable insights from 2025. 1. Many markets have performed well despite volatility If you simply read the headlines from 2025, you might think the markets performed poorly. Worries about high inflation, trade tariffs, and sluggish economic growth…
Amid mingling with friends and celebrating with family during the festive period, you might have quieter days to tackle some financial tasks as you enjoy a mince pie. Ticking off these jobs now could help ensure you have everything ready for 2026. 1. Go through your bank statements and Direct Debits Go through your bank…
When you’re making financial decisions, it can feel like you’re faced with indecipherable numbers. You might know how much you have in your bank account or pension, but what does the figure mean for your future? Cashflow planning can turn the numbers into possibilities. If you feel uncertain about your future after looking at numbers…
While phasing into retirement can offer you greater flexibility, it may make your finances more complex. Read on to find out more about five key considerations. 1. Calculate if you’ll need to supplement your income While you might still earn a salary as you phase into retirement, if you’ve chosen to reduce your working hours…
One of the biggest factors affecting investment markets in November 2025 was concern about an AI bubble. Despite this, there were still market highs recorded during the month. Remember to consider your risk profile when you invest and review your portfolio’s performance with a long-term outlook. AI concerns led to volatility throughout November 2025 With…
Are you a glass-half-full person? While some people dismiss optimism as naivety or a tendency to overlook the challenges of life, research suggests that those who seek out the positives could benefit from improved wellbeing. Research gathered by CNN in September 2025 found that people who have a positive, happy outlook live longer. Indeed, a…
