After months of speculation and rumour, chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered the Autumn Budget for 2025. In this update, we’ll explain the key changes and what they mean for you. Last year, in her maiden Budget, the chancellor sought to balance the public finances with tax rises to cover a reported £22 billion black hole. This year, Reeves arguably faced an even more difficult landscape. In turn, she has announced an estimated £26 billion of tax rises by 2029/30. The chancellor had to start her speech, however, by acknowledging the “deeply disappointing” and “serious error” of the Budget announcements being released early by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). It’s also notable how many predictions ultimately proved to be wide... Read More

Pubs have been at the heart of British life for centuries, offering a warm place to have a meal and a drink after a busy day at work. Data reported by Statista reveals that there were 45,000 pubs across the country in 2024. However, among those thousands, only a few can boast histories stretching back centuries. In fact, some have seen royal intrigue, rebellions, and other momentous events of British history, all while serving their patrons. So, continue reading to discover 10 pubs in the UK with a fascinating history you can still visit today. 1. Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham If you want to step back in time to medieval England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham... Read More

An estate plan sets out how you’d like your assets to be managed and distributed during your life and when you pass away. It often involves thinking about difficult topics, such as your funeral preferences or who you’d like to receive heirloom possessions. Once you’ve created an estate plan, it can be tempting to put it to the back of your mind. However, both you and your loved ones could benefit from discussing the contents of your estate plan. While these topics can be challenging and emotional to bring up, they could be a valuable way for you and your family to align on your understanding and expectations. Here are three conversations you might want to have with your loved... Read More

What’s the most important factor affecting the performance of your investments? Your mind might jump to the ups and downs of the market, and they do have an effect. When share prices rise, so too will the value of your portfolio. However, the markets aren’t the starting point of a successful investment: your mindset is. Your approach to investing could influence your success. Short-term market movements don’t always reflect long-term trends Tracking the markets can be enticing. They are constantly moving, with numerous factors influencing them. Headlines can make even slight adjustments seem dramatic. It can seem logical to focus on these movements, but doing so overlooks the long-term perspective that benefits most investors. When you look at the market... Read More

Are you a glass-half-full person? While some people dismiss optimism as naivety or a tendency to overlook the challenges of life, research suggests that those who seek out the positives could benefit from improved wellbeing. Research gathered by CNN in September 2025 found that people who have a positive, happy outlook live longer. Indeed, a 2011 study found that Brits who felt content, happy or excited on a typical day were up to 25% less likely to die prematurely. Separate research linked optimism to a stronger immune system, better lung function, less pain, and better cardiac health. One of the reasons behind the connection between optimism and health could be how people handle stress. Everyone experiences stress at some point... Read More