8 October 2026
How AJ Bell keeps your information secureAs technology advancements continue, many people have become increasingly concerned about their accounts being breached and their data being shared with unintended sources. We take this extremely seriously at AJ Bell and do everything in our power to keep this from happening. Here, we’ll explain the steps we take to protect you, and how you can...
1 October 2026
The hidden financial cost of caring for a loved oneAndy Burnham has laid out his intentions to fight the next election on a platform of free social care at the point of use. It’s a difficult move politically, because it has immediately sparked speculation as to how it would be funded and whether there could be new taxes or some sort of change to the state pension triple lock.
However, such a move...
1 October 2026
FCA secures £1.5m crypto scam payout: seven tips to avoid investment fraudVictims of a £1.5 million fraudulent crypto investment scheme should finally get some of their money back. It’s a real victory for the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), but some of the victims have had to wait almost 10 years for this news, and even once the money eventually arrives, they won’t get a full refund. It’s why it’s so important to be...
28 September 2026
Budget 2026: the tax rises people are most againstThe past couple of Budgets have marched noisily towards us for months, accompanied by a cacophony of leaks, rumours and alarm bells. This one is sneaking up on us more stealthily. It’s one reason why the level of anxiety is slightly lower – with 63% of people concerned that possible tax rises in the Budget could affect them, down from 67% ahead of...
25 September 2026
The big trends as ISA market approaches £1 trillion markThe most recent data shows rampant enthusiasm for ISAs. The figures for the 2024/25 tax year show money paid into Cash ISAs had soared by an impressive 37.5%, particularly notable given the previous year had seen such a bumper season for tax-free savings. Meanwhile, the amount poured into stocks and shares was also up an eyewatering 19.6%. The ISA...
18 September 2026
Unclaimed Child Trust Funds hit £1.9 billion as Junior ISAs growIt was another incredibly strong year for the Junior ISA, with more parents opening accounts and more money being paid in. What’s even more positive is that a growing number of them are coming round to the idea of investing this money, rather than saving it.
The average new subscription in the 2024/25 tax year was £1,570, which was a 17% increase...
9 September 2026
Are you saving enough to pay for your kids' university costs?As the latest intake of students head off to university, parents with younger children may be reminded that the clock is ticking before their own children reach the same milestone.
Higher education doesn't come cheap, and new research from AJ Bell* has found that over half (54%) of parents with a child under 18 have saved or invested to help fund...
6 September 2026
How (and why) to speak to your loved ones about moneyOne of the things that makes us love our friends, family and partners is our intimate knowledge of them. I know my boyfriend has to start his mornings with a bowl of Chocolate Mini Weetabix. I know that I can phone my mum at one in the morning, because she’ll always be awake and “just about to go to sleep”. Over the years, we share our little...
5 September 2026
£306 billion earns no interest: you need a savings planSaving is hard work. With prices rising on all sides, we’re going all-out to squirrel cash away to protect us from the unexpected and build towards the things we really want in life. So, when we’re putting a shift in, it’s disappointing if our savings aren’t working as hard on our behalf.
The ONS’ household saving ratio – the percentage of total...
4 September 2026
Thinking of acting before the Autumn Budget? Read this firstBudget speculation season is easing into its stride, with Andy Burnham coming under increasing pressure to discuss possible tax hikes. Anything other than flat-out denial is being seen as a potential sign of higher taxes.
As the weeks wear on, we can expect more of this, and there’s an increasing danger that people feel they need to take steps...
31 August 2026
Couples regret skipping this money conversationRomance involves a surprising amount of paperwork these days. When you and your partner decide to tie the knot, you’ll be signing the dotted line on a marriage license, certificate, and a possible name change. While you’ll likely want to get past that bit and focus on the plans for the hen and stag, there’s one more piece of paper that an...
27 August 2026
Strategies parents are using to pay for private schoolMore than half a million families will be hit with a huge bill before school term starts in September. The first term’s fees for private school are due, and they can be eye-watering. If your children or grandchildren are among them, it’s worth considering the best ways to cover the cost.
Often parents will try to pay out of their income, which can...
24 August 2026
The tax perks parents in single-income households should knowWhen children come into the picture, many couples decide to transition to one parent remaining at their job and one staying at home to raise their child. This is a very personal decision. There is no right or wrong answer to managing the demands of a family. But going down this route does mean a big shift in your lifestyle and finances.
Single...
20 August 2026
Self-employed? How to avoid a retirement savings shockSelf-employed people are so busy running their own businesses that they could be sleepwalking into a pension nightmare. Only around a fifth of them pay into a pension and even when they do, they pay in less than their employed counterparts.
On top of that, there’s no employer contribution to make up the difference. It’s no wonder that so many self...
20 August 2026
Where should you be keeping your emergency fund?Investing is a smart way to build your wealth, and having an emergency fund is essential to not lose what you already have. Before you start your investment journey, it’s smart to build up an emergency fund that you can use when life comes at you with an unexpected twist.
An emergency fund is usually a pot of cash that amounts to between three and...
19 August 2026
What to know before giving a gift with strings attachedAs inheritance tax (IHT) changes loom large, more people will be considering giving gifts during their lifetime to cut their tax bill. However, different gifting methods offer varying degrees of flexibility.
If the individual making the gift is not really ready to let it go, or they’re worried about what their family might do with the money, they...
14 August 2026
What high earners might be wary of in Healey's first BudgetHigher earners already pay a massive chunk of tax here in the UK as the top 50% of earners pay 90% of all income tax, and the top 1% pay 27%. If they make over £100,000, they also fall off the cliff edge and lose incredibly valuable government support.
If you have a significant portfolio outside ISAs and pensions, you’re also highly likely to be...
14 August 2026
The £0 to £100,000 investment journeyGetting to your first £100,000 is no measly investment goal, but it’s absolutely achievable. Here, we’ll look at the steps you need to take and the traps to watch out for when building up your £100,000, and how long it might take.
The first £100,000 is the hardestEver heard the business saying that making the first million is always the hardest...
13 August 2026
The risk of opting for cash over investingNew analysis from AJ Bell shows the dramatic difference between keeping money in cash and investing it over the long term. Since 1999, when ISAs were launched, stock market investments have significantly outpaced both inflation and cash savings – with investors building far greater wealth despite short-term market ups and downs.
The analysis shows...
13 August 2026
Investing for university: why the Bank of Mum and Dad is so importantAs students find out their A-Level results, many parents of younger children will be giving thought to how they will pay for university in the future. It’s even more pertinent this year given growing scrutiny of the student loans system, which has been described as ‘broken’ and ‘unfair’ by government officials.
Certain parents might wonder if they...
13 August 2026
Seven fund ideas for your portfolioBefore you decide which fund to buy, you need to establish two key things: what is your risk appetite and how long is it before you need to access the money.
Those happy to ride out the ups and down of the market, and have time to do so, might be comfortable owning funds that invest in shares. Those with a more cautious mindset and/or a shorter...
7 August 2026
Average inheritance tax bill hits £231,000 as pension changes loom: what can you do?New government data found that the average tax bill for an inheritance tax paying estate has increased to £231,000, up 9% year-on-year. This comes ahead of the changes which will see pensions included within inheritance tax (IHT) from April 2027 onwards.
Although only around 5% of estates pay the tax, the amount being collected continues to hit new...
6 August 2026
Seven ways to get your finances Budget-ready without making panic movesLike Christmas, Budget speculation season has kicked off even earlier this year, with everything from wealth taxes to frozen tax thresholds being thrown into the mix.
When faced with the threat of higher taxes, people will always want to take steps to protect themselves. But if you do, it’s essential to focus on those you’ll be grateful for...
31 July 2026
Could your pension last to your 100th birthday? Here's howThe number of people aged 100 or more has doubled over the past 20 years, raising the point that as life expectancy continues to grow so to must our pension calculations.
According to the latest government figures, there were 15,172 people who were at least 100 years old, two thirds of which were women.
When you’re planning for retirement, it’s...
28 July 2026
UK's gender tax gap narrows but pension and ISA disparity lingersThe UK has massively narrowed one of its financial gender gaps this year, which would usually be cause for celebration. However, this one is a slightly mixed blessing.
For the tax year 2026 to 2027, an estimated 18.9 million income taxpayers are women and 21.9 million are men – that’s a split of 46.3% women and 53.7% men, the latest government data...
