Black Swan Financial Planning – UK

The Canadian educator Laurence J. Peter once quipped, “An economist is an expert who will know tomorrow why the things he predicted yesterday didn’t happen today.” While Peter’s pithy indictment may perhaps be a bit unfair to an entire class of economists, historical study and contemporary research suggest that following the “experts” or trends based on the current “noise” isn’t always advisable. With social media, 24-hour news, and a seemingly…

When you pass on, it should hopefully be a time for your family to come together, mourn, and commemorate your life. However, there has unfortunately been a recent increase in the number of inheritance disputes, and cases are at a record high. From rising property prices to a surge in dementia diagnoses, there are several factors behind this trend. One of the best things you can do to limit the…

If you receive a bonus or a windfall, the temptation can be to spend a substantial chunk of it right away on something you’ve been eyeing for a while. However, unless the payment is truly life-changing, it can be wise to resist the urge to spend it on expensive non-essentials. Avoiding the lifestyle creep of gradually increasing your spending on non-essentials, and instead opting for more prudent financial choices, could…

With one eye on a forthcoming general election, the chancellor has announced a Budget aimed at generating long-term growth, with “more investment, more jobs, better public services and lower taxes”. While the headlines will inevitably focus on Jeremy Hunt’s cut in National Insurance contributions (NICs), many less headline-grabbing messages will affect millions of families and businesses. Read on to find out who were the winners and losers from the 2024…

The 2024/25 tax year is just a month away, and chancellor Jeremy Hunt has delivered his 2024 Spring Budget, outlining the government’s plans for the next fiscal year and beyond. With a general election looming – prime minister Rishi Sunak has said he will call it before the end of the year – the chancellor claimed that the government had met the prime minister’s three economic priorities laid out at…

Loneliness is something that many people will experience during their lifetime. Recognising the signs and knowing how to offer support could make all the difference to someone who is struggling. Feeling lonely can affect all generations, and it might be more common than you think. A survey suggests that almost half of UK adults feel lonely at least occasionally. Around 7% said they often or always feel lonely – that’s…

A new study from Aviva has found that almost half of motorists had botched a car repair, leading to an average cost of £803. 97% of people now attempt to fix their own car, compared with only 75% of people 10 years ago. While this is most likely an attempt to save money, in many cases, motorists achieve the opposite because poor repairs end up costing them dearly in the…

Did you know the UK generates more than 220 million tonnes of waste a year? Of that waste, around 44% is recycled, but a large proportion goes to landfill. Read on to discover how embracing the circular economy could reduce waste. Not only is a huge amount of waste going to landfills, but the production of items could be costing precious resources too. The circular economy aims to provide a…

According to a study from Vanquis, people in the UK make an average of seven large impulse purchases each year. This adds up to at least £1,050 a year in spending that people later come to regret. Vanquis tasked mathematician and University Challenge star Bobby Seagull with finding ways to avoid “buyer’s regret” – the feeling that many people experience after spending on items they later decide are not worth…

Nigel Farage made headlines recently after a public dispute with high net worth banking and investment establishment, Coutts, when they closed his account. Their official reason was that he had fallen below the £1 million minimum investment and borrowing threshold after paying off a mortgage. Farage, on the other hand, claimed it was for political reasons. While Coutts initially denied this, the former UKIP leader released a document containing evidence…

The summer holidays are here and you may be wondering how you are going to keep your children or grandchildren entertained until they go back to school. You will likely be spending a lot more time with them taking trips together, going on family days out, or just relaxing at home. While you have this quality time with them, you have a great opportunity to teach them some of the…

Cash savings are a simple way to hold your wealth and you can easily access the funds whenever you need them. You may also generate interest over time, and you typically don’t assume the same level of risk that you do when investing. As such, you may think that cash savings are a “safe” and low-risk option. However, that is not necessarily the case, particularly during a period of high…

Every summer, the focus of world sport turns to a 42-acre site in the south-west of London. Since 1877, the All England Club has hosted the Wimbledon championships – one of the most prestigious tournaments in the tennis calendar. The only Grand Slam event to take place on grass courts, the tournament offers a cool £2.35 million to the winner of the gentleman’s and ladies’ singles – a far cry…

As your parents and grandparents get older, it’s likely that they will need more support from you and other members of your family. But, when it comes to their finances, a new study has found that middle-aged people are “overwhelmed” and underprepared for having to help their elderly relatives deal with money. A survey reported by This is Money found that almost half of 35- to 59-year-olds feel worried about…