Phones are incredibly practical tools, letting you stay in touch with your loved ones, watch videos, and even track your fitness, all from a device that fits in your pocket. Your phone might be integrated into every aspect of your daily life, helping you manage your days. However, while they are useful, phone use can slip into addiction. You might notice you constantly scroll through social media or check apps more than you realise, even when it’s getting in the way of other goals. The Guardian reports that UK adults spend an average of 7.5 hours a day looking at screens, with 3.5 hours on mobiles. Phones have overtaken TVs as the main way we consume media. Understanding how this... Read More

Cryptoassets are not regulated financial products so please be aware that trading them carries a considerable amount of risk for your capital. Cryptocurrencies are also not covered by existing consumer protection laws and are not suitable for the majority of investors. Cryptocurrency has become a common investment for people in recent years. Indeed, more people are choosing to invest in digital currencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Financial Conduct Authority (16 December 2025) reports that roughly 8% of the UK’s population were cryptoasset owners in 2025. However, with this rise in crypto interest comes more risk. Scammers have been developing increasingly sophisticated ways to exploit a lack of familiarity with how cryptocurrencies work. According to the Guardian (24 October... Read More

If you’re saving for retirement, you will want to get the most out of what you’re putting into your workplace or private pension. Fortunately, there are plenty of tax efficiencies when you save your wealth into a pension. Indeed, any investment returns generated within your fund are typically free from Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax. Better yet, you can also receive tax relief on your contributions, significantly bolstering the value of your pot over time. Despite these advantages, many people overlook one of the most valuable benefits pensions offer. Research from PensionsAge (8 December 2025) found that 44% of UK adults don’t know what pension tax relief is, while just 31% could identify its purpose. Over time, missing out... Read More

A third of people don’t know how much they need to contribute to their pensions every year to create a comfortable retirement, according to a MoneyAge article (11 November 2025). Striking the right balance with pension contributions is important. Contribute too little, and you could leave yourself short in retirement. If you contribute as much as possible to your pension now, you might miss other goals or place pressure on your day-to-day budget. So, asking “how much should I be paying into my pension each year?” is sensible. You might have read answers to this question that apply a general rule to everybody, such as a certain percentage of your income or a target amount you should have at a... Read More

In the Autumn Budget 2025, the chancellor announced that Inheritance Tax (IHT) thresholds would remain frozen for a further year, until 2031. Upcoming changes will also see unused pensions included in an estate for IHT purposes for the first time from April 2027. These measures could see estates facing a larger IHT liability, or coming into the scope of IHT when they may previously have been exempt. Research has suggested that families concerned about being caught in the IHT net are taking steps to mitigate their bills. According to MoneyAge (6 October 2025), 23% of people are planning to give away money to reduce their IHT bill, with 8% saying they would even give away their home. While gifting can... Read More