What’s the most important factor affecting the performance of your investments? Your mind might jump to the ups and downs of the market. However, the markets aren’t the starting point of a successful investment: your mindset is.

Once you’ve created an estate plan, you might want to talk to your family about the decisions you’ve made. While these conversations can be difficult, they’re important and could ensure everyone is on the same page.

A financial plan is rarely only focused on the person making it. In fact, for many people, a successful financial plan will have a positive ripple effect, so the benefits are felt by their family too. Find out how your financial plan could support your loved ones.

Venture Capital Trusts were launched 30 years ago and offer a way to invest in smaller companies that have the potential to deliver high growth. Find out why they could be attractive to higher-rate taxpayers and the risks you should consider.

Phasing into retirement could offer emotional benefits by helping you retain your sense of purpose and social connections. In addition, it could support your long-term finances. Find out more about the benefits of retiring gradually.

Markets reached record highs in October 2025 despite ongoing uncertainty and disappointing economic data in some regions. Find out what may have affected the performance of your investments.

Almost half of workers aged over 50 are already phasing into retirement or would like to do so in the future. Find out why a gradual approach to retirement could be attractive, along with some of the options that could allow you to do so.

This Halloween, read about some of the financial “tricks” you might fall for if you’re not careful. Fortunately, working with a financial planner could help you navigate complicated allowances and rules to turn them into “treats”.

Leaving a gift to charity in your will is a lovely legacy, supporting causes close to your heart. It could even help to lower your Inheritance Tax liability, too. Find out more.

When markets experience volatility, even level-headed investors can let their emotions or other influences affect their decisions. Discover some of the ways financial bias might affect your decisions when the value of your portfolio rises or falls.

Have you accumulated multiple pensions over the years? Discover three reasons why consolidating your pension funds could boost your retirement income, and key downsides to consider.

Despite disappointing economic data in the UK and further afield, there was positive news for investors during September 2025, including a rise in markets. Find out what factors might have influenced the performance of your investment portfolio.

Taking out a new mortgage deal could represent a shift in your financial commitments. So, reviewing whether your financial protection is still appropriate could ensure you have a vital safety net should you face a shock.

It was just 50 years ago that the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 allowed women to open their own bank account or take out a mortgage alone. Progress has been made since then, yet the gender wealth gap remains. Discover how working with a financial planner could help women close it.

Financial biases are often linked to investing. However, subconscious tendencies can affect many aspects of your finances, including your estate plan. Read about three ways biases could influence how you approach estate planning.

Planning for the possibility of needing care can be daunting, but it also provides you with a sense of control and a chance to set out what your wishes would be. Read about five steps you could take to ensure you receive your preferred form of care if you need support in the future. 

While global government policy – particularly US trade tariffs – continued to influence the value of investments in August 2025, many markets experienced less volatility compared to the start of the year. Find out what factors may have affected the performance of your investments recently.

Financial planning can add real value to your life, helping you achieve your goals and enjoy the lifestyle you want. Read this insightful guide to discover the key benefits of working with a financial planner, from helping you define your priorities to growing your wealth.

Older workers could find they’re more exposed to financial shocks because many financial protection providers have a maximum age. As more people work later in life with large financial commitments, some could face challenges if they’re unable to work due to an accident or illness.

There’s a certain comfort in holding cash savings. However, looking at a wider range of options and investments could help you see higher returns. Find out why.

Retirement is an exciting milestone but decumulation could present some challenges, such as changing your mindset and ensuring you don’t run out of money during your lifetime. Find out more about decumulation dilemmas and how a financial plan could help you manage them.

More than half of pension holders don’t know how they can access their savings when they retire. Find out more about annuities, flexi-access drawdown, and withdrawing lump sums to understand which option could be right for you. 

The Autumn Budget is still weeks away, but there’s plenty of speculation about what will be included in the news. While it can feel tempting to respond to attention-grabbing headlines, it might lead to decisions that aren’t right for you or don’t align with your long-term financial plan.

The US struck trade deals with several countries in July 2025, leading to markets rising and putting an end to some of the uncertainty that had plagued investors for months. Find out what else may have affected your investments recently.

Retirement is a milestone that’s associated with a lot of emotions. From excitement to fear, these emotions may affect your financial decisions, which could have long-term implications. Read about three ways emotions might influence you, and how to reduce their effect.

Using AI or taking a DIY approach to writing your will could mean your assets aren’t distributed in a way that aligns with your wishes. Discover some of the key reasons why working with a solicitor could be valuable, from minimising mistakes to reflecting your financial plan. 

While investing may seem exciting in the media, a “boring” approach could deliver higher returns over a long-term time frame. Find out why and how it could create opportunities for exciting lifestyle decisions in the future.

It’s estimated that globally more than £13 trillion will be transferred between generations by 2030. The “great wealth transfer” could provide your family with opportunities and financial security. However, with research suggesting 70% of affluent families lose their wealth within a generation, you may want to look beyond assets when creating a plan.

While the effect of trade uncertainty on investment markets eased in June, tensions in the Middle East worsened and led to volatility. Find out what else may have affected your investment portfolio recently.