About the expert

Hannah joined AJ Bell in 2025 as an investment writer. She was previously a journalist at Portfolio Adviser Magazine, reporting on multi-asset, fixed income and equity funds, as well as macroeconomic impacts and regulatory changes within the industry.

Hannah earned a degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin before beginning her career in London. Before joining the finance industry, she covered state politics in Texas and worked as a sports reporter.

Latest articles from Hannah Williford

  • 15 October 2025

    What to do when you’re laid off – right as you’re nearing retirement

    The last years of your career aren’t something that’s usually associated with uncertainty. In many cases, you’ll have been at the company for years and bring a wealth of knowledge that has earned you status as a senior member of staff.

    But often, a senior status comes with a fatter pay cheque. And in the event of a round of layoffs, this might push...

    4 min read
    Man nearing retirement
  • 2 October 2025

    Do you need to file for self-assessment? Put these deadlines in your diary

    The first in a string of deadlines for self-assessment tax returns falls on 5 October and this and the key dates which follow it are important. Knowing which ones apply to you can help you avoid a big fine in the future.

    Some filing self-assessments may have completed the process much earlier this year, but it can be an easy thing to put off until...

    5 min read
    woman using laptop in modern home
  • 2 October 2025

    Do I pay tax on the state pension?

    Even though you receive the state pension from the government, it still is classified as taxable income. The full state pension is currently £230.25 a week, equivalent to £11,973 a year. This is based on 35 full qualifying years of National Insurance contributions. What you'll get will depend on your own record, and the number of qualifying years...

    4 min read
    senior man calculating finances
  • 18 September 2025

    Should you invest or pay off debt first?

    Debts can be a significant burden both financially and emotionally. It may leave individuals unsure if they should tackle outstanding amounts before investing or use some of their current investments to pay off debt.

    In short, this will depend on the interest they are being charged on the debt, and how much they expect to make from your...

    7 min read
    two people sat on sofa using laptop
  • 15 September 2025

    What is liquidity? 

    Liquidity is a financial term used to measure how easy it is to turn your assets into cash. Learn more about what liquidity is and what it means for investors.

    4 min read
    business meeting with woman talking to two people
  • 12 September 2025

    What is a stakeholder pension?

    Stakeholder pensions are a form of personal pension with low fees. Learn more about stakeholder pensions, who they are aimed at and how they differ from SIPPs.

    3 min read
    senior man using laptop and reading documents at home
  • 11 September 2025

    How to invest in your pension during your 30s

    Life tends to take shape in your 30s, with career progression, the start of a family, and perhaps your first home. And while there’s a lot going on in the here and now, it’s also a vital time to start investing in your future self.

    One of the easiest ways you can do this is through a pension. For many, a pension will be their main source of income...

    8 min read
    young woman using laptop in office environment
  • 10 September 2025

    What to do with your pension in your 60s

    While lots of people in their 60s will either have retired or plan to retire imminently, this is by no means a given. Brits are living longer, healthier lives than ever before and many choose to keep working – either full or part-time – well into their 60s, 70s and even 80s.

    Whatever your intentions, it’s important to keep up with pension policy...

    8 min read
    senior man on a tennis court