2024 has been called “the year of elections” with an estimated 2 billion people around the world heading to the polls. Voters in the UK will have their say on 4 July. Now that each of the main parties has published their manifestos, here’s what the 2024 general election could…
When you think about what you want the future to look like, it’s probably not the value of your assets that comes to mind first. Instead, you might think about the experiences you want or your loved ones Yet, to build the life you want, money is usually an important…
According to research from Scottish Widows, more than three-quarters of retirees could be missing out on potential investment returns by accessing their pension before their retirement date. Understanding the implications of withdrawing money from your pension could help you to make a decision that’s right for you. Read on to…
When you’re accessing your pension, it’s important to consider the sustainability of your withdrawals. You might have heard of the “4% rule”, which provides a seemingly simple way to calculate how much you can access each year. However, for modern retirees, applying this rule to your pension could be risky.…
With summer finally here, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the warmer weather by exploring the great outdoors. Yet, although the 2021 census found that 87% of UK households have a garden, many people overlook the simple joy of spending more time looking after it. As well as allowing you…
Your relationship with money may play a huge role in how you handle financial decisions and your long-term security. Many factors affect your financial decisions, but you might be surprised by how much your childhood experiences still influence you today. The majority of parents recognise how important financial education is.…
70 years ago, the BBC broadcast its first daily television news programme. Since then, round-the-clock news has become available, and you can get the latest headlines with a few taps on your smartphone. While being connected can be positive, for investors, it can make periods of volatility and choosing an…
As financial planners, we often talk about the importance of working towards long-term goals and security. As part of your financial plan, you might be putting money into a pension for retirement or building an emergency fund to safeguard your finances if you experience a shock. Considering your long-term ambitions…
2 in 5 UK retirees have retirement regrets, according to a Canada Life survey. If you’re saving towards your future, you could learn some valuable pension lessons and avoid repeating the same mistakes. Securing the retirement you want often means thinking about this milestone many years before you celebrate it.…
The number of retirees who could face an Income Tax bill is expected to rise. If your total income could exceed tax thresholds, there might be some steps you can take to reduce your tax bill. The Personal Allowance is the amount of income you can receive before you usually…
Research suggests that retirees could boost their income by downsizing. While selling your home and moving to a smaller property could be a valuable way to fund your later years, there are some important considerations you might want to weigh up first. Read on to find out more. Over the…
How many times have you told yourself that you need to do more exercise, started a new routine, and then stopped it altogether after a few weeks as you just don’t have the time? This cycle of wanting to get healthy, trying your hardest, and then being put off by…
The Covid-19 pandemic saw many of us confined to our homes for an extended period. While it was a challenging experience, lots of people looked for the silver lining and took the opportunity to work on their homes and gardens. Unfortunately, there was an unintended consequence to this increased interest…
On 1 January 1909, around half a million elderly people queued up at post offices around the UK, waiting to receive the very first State Pension payments. Only those older than 70 with an income of less than 12 shillings a week were eligible. Those who qualified received a payment…
In his spring Budget on 6 March 2024, chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced that the government would consult on the possibility of creating a new “British ISA”. This new type of ISA would give investors an additional £5,000 allowance on top of their normal ISA allowance of £20,000 in the 2024/25…
A will is an important way of outlining what you’d like to happen to your assets when you pass away. Yet, figures suggest will disputes are on the rise. If you’re worried about potential conflicts when you pass away, read on to discover some useful steps you might want to…
It’s been more than a decade since auto-enrolment was introduced, and now most workers automatically become members of their employer’s pension scheme. While more people saving for retirement is excellent news, it could mean you end up juggling multiple pots. One option is to transfer one pension to another, known…
The State Pension is often a useful foundation when you’re creating an income in retirement. Yet, a survey from Just Group found that a third of people didn’t check their State Pension forecast before stopping work. While the State Pension might not be your primary income in retirement, it’s often…
Affordability challenges mean more people could near retirement with outstanding mortgage debt. It could affect your retirement plans or mean your income once you give up work doesn’t stretch as far as you expect. If you’re approaching retirement with a mortgage, read on to find out what your options may…
Did you know that the National Gallery turns 200 this year? Originally founded in 1824, the museum in Trafalgar Square, London houses an impressive collection of over 2,300 paintings. Displaying art from the mid-13th century to 1900, it’s home to many famous paintings that people travel across the world to…
Britain’s housing stock has been dubbed the “worst value for money” in a Resolution Foundation report. With the media reporting that the UK is in the midst of a housing crisis, you might not be surprised by the news, but how the UK compared to other countries could still shock…
It’s an unquestionable fact that stress is bad for your health. Did you know, though, that research from University College London has found that financial stress is the most detrimental to biological health – more than divorce or even a bereavement? In a recent study, Moneybox found that: Nearly half…
Star Wars Day on 4 May is a celebration of the legendary sci-fi saga that has been capturing audience imaginations since the release of Star Wars (later called A New Hope) in 1977. The film launched one of the biggest franchises in history, spanning 12 films and nine TV series,…
After millennia of struggling to survive against the brutal reality of nature, the human brain is hardwired to avoid risk. But though the fears of being eaten by a predator or getting lost in the wilderness are no longer a worry for most of us, humans are generally still risk-averse…
If you’re concerned about running out of money during retirement, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s one of the top financial concerns in the UK. Being proactive and working with a financial planner to create a retirement plan could offer you peace of mind. Read on to find out why.…
A lender rejecting your mortgage application can be stressful and time-consuming, and it might even mean you miss out on buying your dream home. A survey has found that most high net worth individuals aren’t securing their preferred mortgage. Read on to find out why and how a mortgage adviser…
It’s often said that Brits are obsessed with buying their own homes. But it doesn’t end with our property. The popularity of TV shows like Grand Designs and Location, Location, Location proves we can’t get enough of the property market. As well as showing off the latest interior design trends…
While inflation continues to be a challenge for many economies, there are positive signs in the UK and around the world. Read on to find out what may have affected stock markets and your investment portfolio in March 2024. Remember, volatility is part of investing and most people should invest…
In recent years, the focus on personal wellness has been a growing trend. Indeed, data reported by Statista reveals that the forecasted size of the wellness market could reach as much as $8.47 trillion by 2027. While it may seem as though embracing mindfulness and striving to live a healthy…
The gains you can make before potentially paying Capital Gains Tax (CGT) have halved for the 2024/25 tax year. If you plan to dispose of assets, the change could affect you. Read on to find out when you could be liable for CGT and some steps you might take to…
The start of the new tax year on 6 April 2024 is an important date for your financial calendar. Several allowances and exemptions reset, including your ISA allowance, Dividend Allowance, and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Annual Exempt Amount. Now may be a good time to start utilising these allowances and…
We’re proud to announce that VouchedFor has included five of our advisers in their 2024 guide, distributed today in The Times. The guide identifies and celebrates the UK’s best financial advisers, all based on feedback from their clients. Inclusion in the guide is a tremendous honour. What is VouchedFor? If…
Nobody likes to think about their own death, but it may be important to consider some of the challenges your family could face when you’re gone. The “cost of dying” is on the rise and if you don’t put plans in place now, you could leave your loved ones in…
Recently, you read about how five Black Swan advisers had been included in this year’s VouchedFor Top Rated guide. Our talented advisers achieved this accreditation thanks to all the brilliant feedback we receive from clients. Now, we’ve won another prestigious award based on the verdict of the Black Swan team…
More than 1 million investors will be hit with a Dividend Tax bill for the first time in the 2024/25 tax year, according to an AJ Bell report. Read on to find out if you could be affected and discover some of the steps you could take to mitigate a…
As property prices and rental yields have steadily increased in recent years, buy-to-let property has often been seen as a useful way to invest your money. However, figures suggest the pace of growth is slowing and landlords face increasing regulation that might mean it’s not as attractive as it once…
Humanity is becoming increasingly aware of how we treat our planet. With more people experiencing the effects of climate change and global warming than ever before, the campaigns to protect the Earth are becoming more urgent. Earth Day has advocated for permanent, global change to save our planet for over…
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend time with your loved ones over Easter, why not explore one of Britain’s many impressive country houses? Discover the beautiful landscapes and incredible stories while enjoying brilliant Easter activities at these seven historical homes. 1. Dunham Massey, Cheshire Step into the…
While many economies are still struggling with high inflation there are signs that the pace is starting to slow, which could pave the way for interest rate cuts later this year. To reflect this, the OECD has lifted its 2024 global growth forecast by 0.3%, when compared to the end…
A recent survey reported by Professional Adviser revealed that 2 in 5 wealthy individuals have been the victim of financial crime. Of the 2,000 people with assets worth more than £250,000 who were surveyed, 41% of them reported they had been scammed, with more than a third saying they had…