A new study has disputed the saying “money can’t buy happiness”. In fact, the research suggests the opposite is true, money can buy happiness, but it isn’t as simple as accumulating as much wealth as possible. According to the Guardian, a study from the University of Pennsylvania found a strong association between money and happiness. The researchers tracked the happiness of more than 33,000 adults in the US with a household income of at least $10,000 (£7,677) a year, including those with a net worth of more than $3 million (£2.3 million). If you believe the old saying, you might expect happiness to be fairly consistent across all participants, regardless of their wealth. Yet, the data showed there was a... Read More

Effectively managing your finances to get the most out of your assets often means going beyond paying into a pension regularly or selecting a fund to invest through. That’s why lifestyle financial planning could help you better align your finances with the life you want to lead now and in the future. Financial advice alone might help you understand the benefits of investing money and which opportunities may suit your financial risk profile. While this is useful, it doesn’t consider how investing could support your lifestyle goals. Lifestyle financial planning could help you bridge the gap between your finances and aspirations. Read on to find out more. A lifestyle financial planning conversation starts with your goals While you might expect... Read More

If you take a proactive approach to managing your wealth, you could reduce how much Inheritance Tax (IHT) your estate may be liable for when you pass away. Last month, you read about what IHT is and when estates become liable to pay it. Now, read on to discover some of the shrewd strategies you could use to reduce a potential IHT bill. Around 1 in 22 estates are liable for Inheritance Tax The latest HMRC figures show that around 1 in 22 estates are liable for IHT. In fact, in 2021/22, 4.39% of deaths resulted in an IHT charge. However, frozen IHT thresholds mean the portion of estates liable for IHT is slowly rising. While only a small proportion... Read More

If you’re looking to make the most of the warm weather with a staycation, you might be overwhelmed by the many wonderful places to visit in the UK. Especially as, during the holiday season, popular destinations can be overcrowded with tourists. Read on to discover eight hidden gems that offer spectacular views while beating the crowds this summer. 1. Bannau Brycheiniog, South Wales The Bannau Brycheiniog mountain range boasts the highest ground in Britain south of Snowdonia and forms the centrepiece of the incredible 519-square-mile national park formerly known as the Brecon Beacons. This beautiful park has been an escape for generations of miners and their families in the former coalmining valleys of south Wales, and the majority of the... Read More

In a historic victory, the Labour Party won a majority in the 4 July 2024 general election. After 14 years of Conservative government, you might be wondering what the change means for you and your financial plan. Since Keir Starmer took office, a day has barely passed without headlines speculating about the changes Labour will enact. The news can affect your emotions and spur you to make decisions that don’t align with your financial plan. For example, after reading that some investors are already acting to “protect their pension” from Labour, you might think you need to do the same. Or suggestions that Starmer could raise revenue by increasing the standard rate of Inheritance Tax may mean you start thinking... Read More