Quick reads
Have a break and try our five minute reads.
Autumn Statement
November 2022
In his first Autumn budget last week, the new chancellor, Jeremy Hunt announced a plan to tackle the impact of increases to the cost of living. This included tax rises as well as spending cuts. The income tax personal allowance threshold will be frozen until 2028 instead of 2026.
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Have you checked your State Pension forecast recently?
November 2022
The State Pension is an important part of planning and budgeting for your retirement, but have you checked your forecast recently? On 6 April 2016 the new State Pension was introduced for those reaching State Pension age on or after this date. It’s a flat-rate amount subject to annual increases. When you’ll be eligible to receive it will depend on when you were born and the amount you receive will depend on National Insurance (NI) contributions.
Menopause and wellbeing
October 2022
Planning for menopause and its financial impacts has not traditionally been part of the public conversation. Then again, mentioning the menopause in any context has long been taboo - but thanks to the annual World Menopause Day, awareness and openness are increasing on a global level.
Understanding investing
June 2022
When you put money into your pension, we invest your money in a fund. A fund is a type of collective investment in which lots of people put their money, with the aim of helping their savings grow. A fund manager decides on the objectives of the fund, and then chooses where your money goes to achieve this. This could mean investing in things like company shares, property, bonds, and cash.
What does inflation mean for you and your savings?
June 2022
After a long period of remaining relatively steady, there’s been lots of information in the news about inflation rapidly rising. It exceeded the Bank of England’s (BoE) target of 2% in December 2021 and was reported at 6.2% by February. It is expected to remain high for the rest of the year.
Spring Statement: What it means for you and your pocket
June 2022
To help combat the escalating cost of living, Chancellor Rishi Sunak introduced measures in his Spring Statement, designed to ease the pressure on the squeezed finances of UK households.
Pension Wise, advice and taking your pension benefits
June 2022
If you’ve recently started to speak to us about taking money from your pension, you’ve probably noticed several references to Pension Wise and taking advice in the documents you’ve received or information you’ve read online.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2022: Tackling loneliness
May 2022
This year’s theme is 'Loneliness'. Loneliness is affecting more and more of us and had a huge impact on our physical and mental health throughout the pandemic.
Looking after your mental health: Cost of living overload
May 2022
Recently we’ve been bombarded by multi-media reports about the effect on British households’ finances from the impact of inflation, the invasion of Ukraine, the knock-on effects of the pandemic and logistical hurdles created by Brexit.
Introducing your Midlife MOT
February 2022
Your midlife can be an exciting time. As someone in your 40s or 50s, you've hopefully been around for long enough to work out exactly who you are and what you want to get out of life. And you're still young and energetic enough to head out and make it happen.