Sooner or later, there will come a time when you need to think about what will happen to your money when you die. It’s not easy but knowing what to expect can help you pass on your assets to the people, charities and causes that matter most. Planning how to manage your money after you die is a big decision. That’s why we’re here to help. We’ll explain the basics and take you through where your money goes in common scenarios and tips for making a plan. What is an estate? Before we take you through the different scenarios, you should understand what’s considered as part of your estate. Estates m ..read more

Budgeting for your golden years may feel like a daunting task but only living for today puts you at risk of not making ends meet in retirement. The majority of retirement advice is also geared toward couples. It can be difficult to get yourself in the planning mindset without feeling alienated if you’re not married. If you’re a single person that’s thinking ahead to retirement, we’ve got you covered. Whether retirement is around the corner or years away, we’ll take you through the key questions you need to answer, savings benchmarks and considerations. Deciding when you want to retire Before y ..read more

Despite our best efforts, no one can predict when a rainy day will come along. Downpours have a habit of catching you out when you least expect it. But that doesn’t mean you’re totally powerless. What you can control is how much money you set aside to lessen the impact of that inevitable storm. How much is enough and what’s best for you? If you’re wondering how much you should save for a rainy day, you’re in the right place. We’ll explain what emergency funds are, common expenses and offer practical guidance to help you get started. What is an emergency fund? An emergency fund is a safety net ..read more

Gifting money shows that we care. It can help us make a positive difference when we donate to a beloved charity. Or it can help a loved one get back on their feet after a rough patch. If you’re thinking about making a large gift, there are important considerations you need to think about. Knowing what options are available means your hard-earned cash will benefit the people and causes you care about, rather than the taxman. We’ll help you understand how the process works for common scenarios. But first, let’s go over some basics to help you make your money go further. What is inheritance tax a ..read more

No one can predict the future, but what we can be certain of is change. Any change to your circumstances and lifestyle can leave a mark on your finances. And there are times when those changes are so sudden that a Google search for answers won’t cut it. In this article, we’ll explain the benefits of financial advice and how an expert advisor can help with common life stages and scenarios. The benefits of taking professional financial advice When you’re feeling out of your depth with money matters, speaking to an advisor can seem intimidating. Remember, their job is to support you through tough ..read more

Your finances are a mess and you’ve realised you need expert help to get back on course. Maybe a sudden change in your circumstances has left you in a tailspin. Whatever your reasons for needing financial advice, you’re likely asking yourself: how do I find a good financial advisor? If you’re like most people, you’ve done a quick Google search to see the available options in your area. With so much choice out there, it can seem impossible to tell advisors apart. Finding a good financial advisor is a big decision, but we’re here to help. We’ll explain why making the right choice matters and wha ..read more

If you’re wondering how often you should meet with your financial advisor, you’re not alone. Everyone’s circumstances and needs will be different. There will be times when you need help on a one-off basis and there will be times when you need more guidance and support. Getting financial advice can mark a huge step in your life. Perhaps you need help comparing mortgages when buying your dream home. Or you may want to understand what your options are at retirement. Curious to know what’s right for you? We’ll explain how frequently you should meet your financial advisor, when it’s best to meet th ..read more

Monthly phone payments. The weekly food shop. Managing your finances can seem simple until it isn’t. Your circumstances can suddenly change or you may want to achieve a big goal such as planning for a comfortable retirement. Whatever your situation, it can be tricky to understand what type of help you need. We’ll explain what constitutes financial advice and how it differs from ‘guidance’, along with the situations each are best suited for. What is financial advice? In 2015, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) examined the definition of financial advice in its Financial Advice Market Review ..read more

There will come a time in each of our adult lives where we need a helping hand with our finances. You’ve worked hard for the money you’ve earned. Therefore, it’s understandable if you feel uneasy about trusting a financial advisor with your money. If you’re wondering whether financial advisors have fiduciary duty, it means you’re savvy enough to do your homework. But don’t worry – we’ll explain what it is and take you through the safeguards in place to protect you when you take financial advice. What is fiduciary duty? Fiduciary duty relates to the responsibilities of any person who acts as a ..read more

It can be difficult to know where to turn when you’re trying to get a handle on your finances. You may be wondering whether you’d be better off turning to an accountant or a financial advisor. But if something is keeping you up at night, rest assured that there’s a professional out there that can help. We’ll shed some light on what accountants and financial advisors do and offer helpful tips on how to decide which one is better suited for you. The similarities Like solicitors or doctors, advisors and accountants are experts in their field. Their extensive financial education gives them the qua ..read more