The run-up to Christmas has always been associated with spending money. Presents, food, and entertainment can all put a strain on your monthly budget at this time of year. Indeed, the Bank of England estimates that people spend 29% more in December than in other months. Overspending can clearly be injurious to your financial health. Because of this, it’s important to budget, and to have a plan in place to restore your financial equilibrium in the new year. However, there are occasions when the reverse can be an issue and you do not actually spend as much money as you could do. For example, while spending too much money in your retirement is a common fear, it’s easy to struggle... Read More

As the nights grow shorter and you wake up to frosty mornings, it’s a clear sign that the year is entering its final act. At this time, thoughtful investors turn their attention to a different kind of preparation. While others are distracted by holiday planning and the sales, the financially literate consider whether there’s anything that needs tidying up in their financial life. Most of the heavy lifting in financial planning happens in the big decisions you’ve likely already made. These small year-end actions separate good investors from great ones. They’re the compound interest of good habits, the quiet discipline that results in peace of mind and financial security. The best investors know that great planning isn’t built in dramatic... Read More

After months of speculation and rumour, chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered the Autumn Budget for 2025. In this update, we’ll explain the key changes and what they mean for you. Last year, in her maiden Budget, the chancellor sought to balance the public finances with tax rises to cover a reported £22 billion black hole. This year, Reeves arguably faced an even more difficult landscape. In turn, she has announced an estimated £26 billion of tax rises by 2029/30. The chancellor had to start her speech, however, by acknowledging the “deeply disappointing” and “serious error” of the Budget announcements being released early by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). It’s also notable how many predictions ultimately proved to be wide... Read More

Working in the financial services sector, I come across the idea of networking a lot. Indeed, it’s almost impossible to attend or get invited to an industry event that does not tout itself as a great “networking opportunity”. Often, the agenda for the day will include time given over for just that, usually over coffee or drinks. I can see the benefits of this. I’ve met some incredibly interesting and supportive people in this industry who I’m always keen to learn from and exchange ideas with. A recent invite to such an event set me thinking about networking more generally, beyond just financial planning. Building and nurturing your own network – or “surface space” as it is sometimes referred to... Read More

When building your wealth for retirement, it’s tempting to focus solely on the price tag of investments. However, in doing so, you may overlook a crucial insight: the true cost of owning assets extends far beyond the initial purchase price. To my mind, sound financial planning involves accumulating assets that provide sustainable, growing retirement income. While the monetary cost is obvious, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Hidden expenses can significantly impact your wellbeing and financial success, yet they’re frequently overlooked in investment decisions. In this article, I’ll explore these often-neglected aspects of asset ownership. My goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of what it truly means to own an asset, equipping you to make informed decisions about... Read More