So, here we are again. Just when you thought you could finally kick back and enjoy your golden years, sipping cocktails on a beach somewhere, your kids drop the bombshell: "Hey, Mum and Dad, any chance you could help with the grandkids' school fees? You know, just to give them a leg up?" And not … Continue reading Would You Work Longer to Put the Grandkids Through Private School? Why Not—It’s Not Like You Ever Wanted to Retire Anyway! →

When it comes to improving your finances, the conventional options often boil down to either seeing a financial adviser or taking the DIY route, particularly when it comes to buying regulated investments. However, while purchasing regulated investments is a piece of the puzzle, it's just that—a small piece. The real impact on your financial well-being … Continue reading Empowering Yourself to Improve Your Finances: Beyond Traditional Financial Advice →

We all know some habits can wreak havoc on our health, but are you aware of the sneaky things that might be accelerating your aging process? The latest insights from Dr. Lucy Pollock, an NHS Consultant Geriatrician, shed light on the everyday behaviours that could be making you old before your time. Here’s what you … Continue reading Aging Before Your Time: How to Avoid the Pitfalls →

As parents, we often grapple with the question: would you add 5 to 10 years to your working life to help your children get onto the property ladder? For many, the immediate response is to consider the financial burden this might impose. However, what if the solution isn't about extending your working life in the … Continue reading Would You Extend Your Working Life to Help Your Kids Onto the Property Ladder? Here’s How! →

In a world where every pound we invest holds the potential to shape the future, it's crucial to recognise the impact of our financial decisions. The way we bank is more than just a personal choice—it's a powerful vote for the kind of world we want to see. If every person on the planet consumed … Continue reading Investing for Change: The Power of Conscious Banking →

Ah, summer—a time for sun, fun, and watching your hard-earned cash vanish faster than your kids’ ice creams on a hot day. For working parents, the joy of summer comes with a side order of financial pain, as childcare costs soar to dizzying heights. Imagine handing over half your annual childcare budget just to get … Continue reading The Real Cost of Summer: How Lack of Flexible Work Turns Parents into Cash Cows for Pension Companies →

Ah, Abraham Okusanya. A man of many talents and, it seems, a lover of complex financial dance routines. The latest shuffle in the financial advice market has left many of us wondering whether to give him a hearty pat on the back or just raise a sceptical eyebrow. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has reported … Continue reading The Timeline Tango: A Game of Musical Chairs in the Financial Advice Market →

Ah, Hargreaves Lansdown—once the knight in shining armor for DIY investors, now more like the old jalopy sputtering along in the slow lane, struggling to keep up with the shiny new models zooming by. If you’ve been paying attention, it’s no secret that HL has been running on some pretty creaky tech for a while … Continue reading Hargreaves Lansdown: Running on Fumes and About to Get a Robo-Overlord? A Cautionary Tale for DIY Investors →

In light of recent news about firms being fined for offering unauthorised investment advice, it’s essential to clarify the distinction between regulated investment advice and generic guidance. Many professionals who provide generic advice may worry that they, too, could be at risk, but this concern is often based on misunderstandings fueled by misreported stories. Understanding … Continue reading Reassurance for Generic Advisers: No Need to Fear Providing Valuable Guidance →

In 2011, when I was head of investments at HSBC—the world’s largest Western bank—my career was at its peak. I was an award-winning proposition architect, a recognised leader with a string of market-first achievements, and chaired the bancassurance steering group of the British Bankers’ Association. By all accounts, I was at the top of my … Continue reading The Trusted Adviser Project: The Revolution in Financial Planning You Can No Longer Ignore →