Is ‘financial independence’ a better option than retirement?

Is ‘financial independence’ a better option than retirement?

Financial independence means working becomes optional, not essential  Diversifying income beyond pensions offers lasting security and freedom  A clear plan helps you align your later life with your long-term goals  Retirement used to mean the end of working life, but that’s definitely no longer the case. People are living longer, staying healthier and keen to […]

Gen X stash the cash

Gen X stash the cash

Gen X savers are cautious, with over £34k on average held in cash savings  Less than a third also invest, risking long-term value erosion from inflation  Balancing cash investments can offer better growth without excessive risk  Nearly two in three Brits born between 1965 and 1980 hold ‘significant’ savings in cash, new research1 shows, while […]

A closer look at the ‘nearshoring’ trend

A-closer-look-nearshoring

Nearshoring is rising as firms prioritise bringing supply chains closer to home  Trump Tariffs’ have only underlined the need for companies to explore their options   As the global economy evolves, identifying long-term trends is important  The pandemic, raised geopolitical tensions and supply chain shocks, have all forced companies to rethink how they operate. Many, although […]

Who will inherit your pension?

Who will inherit your pension?

1 in 6 people don’t know who their pension would go to if they passed away  Cohabiting partners are especially at risk of missing out if not formally nominated  Some still have ex-partners listed – regular reviews are essential  One in six people with a partner admitted in a recent study1 that they ‘do not […]

‘Squeezed middle’ falling into ‘protection gap’

'Squeezed middle’ falling into ‘protection gap’

Only 30% of those aged 30 to 34 and 34% of those aged 35 to 39 have enough life cover to protect their family  Households often insure mortgages but neglect cover for children and dependents  The ‘squeezed middle’ must prioritise protection to avoid future shortfalls  People in their 30s and 40s are falling into the […]

Financial empowerment for retirement control

Senior man, happy and phone call on sofa with thinking, talking and contact in home living room. Elderly person, smartphone and smile for communication, conversation or relax on lounge couch in house

Nearly 4 in 10 people in the UK are not on track for even a basic retirement lifestyle  Understanding retirement income targets is key to building financial resilience  Personal pensions offer flexibility, tax relief and control – ideal for employed and self-employed people.  Building financial empowerment is all about the confidence that comes from knowing […]

Joint, dual, individual: understanding your life insurance options

Joint-dual-individual-life

40% of life insurance policies in the UK are joint rather than individual  Joint life insurance policies can prove problematic when a relationship breaks down  Dual life cover offers separate, flexible protection for both partners  You’ve opened a joint bank account. You’ve signed up for a joint mortgage. So, a joint life insurance policy might […]

Balancing family needs and your own financial freedom

12% of HNWI’s are financially supporting both children and ageing parents  Many dip into pensions or restructure finances to fund family gifts  Balancing generosity with personal financial security is essential for long-term freedom  The ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ (BOMAD) is well known to many aspiring or recent house buyers – but have you heard […]

In the news – Wealth

IHT revenues are expected to hit £9.1bn in 2025/26, rising to over £14bn by 2030  Higher-rate taxpayers could miss out on £97,000 in extra pension wealth by not claiming full tax relief through self-assessment  Scrapping non-dom tax status may risk public revenues rather than boost them  IHT receipts continue to rise  HMRC figures1 show the […]

Why ‘keep calm and carry on’ pays off for investors

Trying to time the market often leads to missed opportunities  A well-diversified portfolio helps wealthier short-term volatility  Staying invested long term is key to building lasting wealth  April’s surprise tariffs announced by Donald Trump on ‘Liberation Day’ unsettled global markets and caused a sharp sell off from panicked investors. Trump announced a 90-day pause of […]