Last year, I read a book by Morgan Housel called The Art of Spending Money, in which he explores the relationship between wealth, happiness, and money. You may have read my previous article I published about his best-known work – The Psychology of Money –which has sold a remarkable 3 million copies. In The Art of Spending Money, Housel’s underlying theme is that while money gives you the means to be comfortable, it can’t always buy personal happiness. Because of that, he suggests that it becomes crucial to understand the psychological triggers that decide how you spend your money. By doing so, you can ensure that your financial decisions are driven by your personal values and what matters to you,... Read More

Something deep in human nature makes us lean in when we hear whispers of danger on the horizon. Throughout history, prophets of doom have commanded our attention, warning of catastrophes only they could foresee. In our age, these prophets have traded robes for business suits, swapping predictions of divine wrath for forecasts of market collapse. Their stages are now financial networks, and their scrolls have been replaced by charts, but their message remains unchanged: devastation approaches, and only they saw it coming. After three years of solid market returns, they’re back with familiar predictions. The same faces, the same warnings, year after year. Market history is filled with predictions that didn’t materialise as forecast, yet somehow, we still find ourselves... Read More

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