15 October 2026

Waiting for the Budget to drop can be a nerve-wracking experience, as people worry it might land them with a bigger tax bill in the years to come. But rather than just bracing for impact, it’s worth using this opportunity to take some positive steps to save tax, so you’ll be better off regardless and in a stronger position to face whatever the...

8 October 2026

The tax-free lump sum is everyone’s favourite part of the pension. People with little or no interest in pensions overall hit the age of 55 and realise they can get their hands on tens of thousands of pounds overnight. They can suddenly buy things they have always wanted, from cars to holidays and home improvements. However, there’s a risk some of...

5 October 2026

This October people will be encouraged to give up smoking for good and drinking for at least a month. The health benefits are clearly the most important thing, yet it could make a meaningful difference to your finances too. Research shows health is the biggest reason for quitting smoking, but the financial motive was also significant for a lot of...

1 October 2026

Andy 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

Victims 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

The 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 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...

23 September 2026

Throughout the vast majority of their lives, women are less likely to be ISA investors than men. They pay into far fewer Stocks and shares ISAs, so fewer of them have got to grips with investment and developed hands-on experience by gradually building a portfolio. Then, suddenly, later in life there’s a decent chance they’ll become investors...