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Making the most of a lump sum windfall

Much will depend significantly on your goals, needs and long-term aspirations

Receiving a substantial lump sum of money – whether from the sale of a property, a business, an inheritance or a bonus – can open the door to exciting opportunities. It can potentially set you and your loved ones on a path to long-term financial wellbeing and security. However, navigating the options for effectively using or investing such a windfall can feel overwhelming, especially in uncertain economic climates.
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Pension funds and the path to net zero

Survey pinpoints several barriers threatening pension funds’ progress

Sixty-five per cent of pension funds recently surveyed by the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) have established a commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions. Progress appears on the horizon for the third of funds without a current commitment, as one in five (22%) anticipate adopting a net zero target within the next five years.
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Planning for your dream retirement

Whether that’s adventure, relaxation or simply a slower pace of life

Many of us eagerly await the day we can step away from work for good, envisioning a time filled with freedom and the opportunity to focus on what truly brings us joy. The dream of retirement offers a deeply personal vision – whether that’s adventure, relaxation or simply a slower pace of life. However, while it’s natural to focus on the excitement of retirement, the reality is that your ability to achieve these aspirations relies heavily on financial preparation.
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Investing isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach

Why timing the market could be holding you back

Are you considering delaying your next investment until the market drops? It’s a common notion, particularly among new or even experienced investors. The strategy of ‘timing the market’ – buying stocks when their value is low and selling them when high – may sound like the perfect plan. But even the most successful fund managers in history have struggled to do this consistently. Predicting the market is notoriously difficult; even experts can’t always call it right.
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Practical financial planning for busy mums

The road to robust financial health, even when you’re juggling the demands of family life

Motherhood comes with countless responsibilities, so it’s no surprise that long-term financial planning often gets pushed to the bottom of the list. Managing your finances is essential for everyone, but as a mum, there are unique challenges that might mean your money needs extra attention.
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Pensioners set for income boost, but watch out for the tax trap

Could you lose out on tax-free allowances for other income?

Many pensioners will enjoy another uplift in their State Pension income next financial year. From 6 April 2025, the State Pension is due to rise by 4.1%, on the back of an 8.5% increase in April 2023. This growth adheres to the government’s ‘triple lock’ policy, which ensures that the State Pension increases annually by the highest of wage growth, inflation or 2.5%. However, this rise also brings potential complications for some retirees.
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Financial planning in your 70s

Striking the balance between living comfortably and preparing for unpredictable eventualities

Entering your 70s is a significant milestone, a time to fully enjoy the fruits of your hard work and careful financial planning. However, even if you’ve retired or reduced your workload, financial planning remains just as essential as it was in earlier stages of life. Striking the balance between living comfortably and preparing for unpredictable eventualities, such as health issues or care needs, is key to your long-term security.
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From crisis to resilience

Building a solid financial plan

The financial crisis of over a decade ago shaped global markets. They faltered and stumbled but then bounced back with surprising speed. This resilience was bolstered by factors such as artificially low interest rates and buoyant market sentiment. However, the world today faces an altogether different type of economic challenge.
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Understanding state pension rights and inheritance

The topic goes beyond the basics—there are numerous layers to uncover

For many, the intricacies of the State Pension remain very confusing, particularly regarding what happens after someone passes away. While many know that the State Pension does not automatically cease when someone dies, understanding your rights or the rights of a widowed spouse or civil partner can be a complex process.
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