How confident do you feel as an investor? There are so many factors that can impact confidence, from level of knowledge and experience to market movements and professional support. Psychologically, your approach to investing is inextricably linked to your emotional state and cognitive biases – are you overconfident, are you risk averse, perhaps you tend to follow the herd or can sometimes be irrational with decision making? Success in financial markets can hinge on so many factors. 

A new ‘Investor Confidence Barometer, Scottish Widows 2026 (survey conducted prior to the Middle East conflict)’ which has surveyed 1,000 adult investors holding a pension and investable assets of at least £100,000, has provided some interesting insight.

Some of the key findings suggest that investors are generally confident about their finances this year and plan to boost their contributions. However, many have an emotional reaction to market movements, which may impact their long-term plans and discipline. 

Some investors admit to having made mistakes in the last year, with main issues including taking too little risk (24%) and taking too much risk (18%). Non-advised investors have a tendency to over-allocate to cash, they exhibit lower levels of confidence and are more likely to react emotionally to headlines. Meanwhile, some 22% of non-advised investors have reacted emotionally to markets, compared to just 13% of advised investors.

There is an interesting division between advised and non-advised investors, with almost three quarters (74%) of those taking advice planning to increase their contributions over the year ahead, versus half of non-advised investors. Those who take advice seem to have a ‘deeper investable capacity and long-term strategy’ adding higher amounts (£38,983 versus £25,908 on average for non-advised).

• Almost two-thirds of investors (62%) are looking to increase their investments over the next year

• Long-term planning is the main driver for those intending to increase contributions (67%), followed by  expectations of strong returns (47%)

• Adviser guidance influences 43% of those increasing investments and is the single biggest driver (60%) among advised investors

• Over three quarters of investors (77%) are confident about achieving portfolio growth – falling to 61% without adviser support, ‘highlighting the critical role of advice in converting confidence into outcomes’

• Confidence in retirement funding rises from 68% for non-advised investors to 82% for those receiving advice.

The constancy of advice

The report findings highlight that investors are clearly still seeking ‘the human connection that in-person advice brings to the table,’ reinforcing the vital role of advice in changing behaviours to improve people’s long-term outcomes. The findings suggest, ‘As economic

uncertainty, technological transformation and regulatory change collide, the role of advisers as a trusted partner to clients holds true.’

We can help you maintain discipline and focus to help you work towards effectively achieving your long-term financial ambitions.

*The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated.

The world is on the brink of an unprecedented transfer of wealth. A notable World Wealth

Report (Capgemini 2025), which gauges the opinions of over 6,000 global high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), highlights a ‘staggering $83.5tn in wealth’ will pass to younger generations by 2048. Other research suggests the figure could be even higher. In the UK alone, around £7tn is forecast to transfer between generations by 2050.

The report, entitled ‘Sail the great wealth transfer,’ explores the transformation of the wealth management topography as Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z are set to take control of this growing pool of assets. Strong equity market performance has driven sustained growth in HNWI wealth, further increasing the value of assets likely to be passed on.

The scale of this transfer brings challenges. Research shows that up to 70% of wealthy families lose their wealth by the next generation and as many as 90% by the third. Without careful planning, wealth can quickly erode through poor decision-making, tax inefficiency and lack of financial education.

This is where proactive advice and structured planning play a vital role in preserving wealth.

Transferring wealth is about far more than handing over a lump sum. It’s about securing your family’s long-term financial wellbeing, aligning wealth with your values, and preparing future generations to manage it responsibly. Open communication is essential, even if conversations about money feel uncomfortable at first. Being transparent about your intentions, goals and expectations can help prevent misunderstandings and conflict later on.

Breaking the process into manageable steps can make it far less daunting. We can support you at every stage, including:

• Identifying your beneficiaries and clarifying who you want to benefit

• Selecting the most appropriate wealth transfer structures, such as trusts and lifetime gifting

• Developing a tax-efficient strategy to minimise Inheritance Tax (IHT) and other liabilities

• Facilitating family discussions to ensure everyone understands the plan

• Helping educate future beneficiaries so they are prepared to manage their inheritance

• Reviewing and updating your plan regularly to reflect changing circumstances.

Proposed changes to the IHT treatment of pensions from April 2027 may accelerate the pace of wealth transfer. This makes now an ideal time to review your plans and consider whether lifetime gifting or other strategies could help reduce future liabilities. With the right guidance, the great wealth transfer can be more opportunity than risk, for your family.

*The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate Will writing, tax and trust advice and certain forms of estate planning. 

If you’re hoping to make a move in 2026, here are some top tips to help you plan ahead and beat the stress. 

Before you start looking at properties, it’s worth getting your finances in good shape. Speak to us about finding a suitable mortgage and checking what you can comfortably afford – this will give you a clear picture of your budget before you start house-hunting. Remember to factor in moving costs, such as solicitor fees, surveys, removals and Stamp Duty, as these can quickly add up. The more financially prepared you are, the smoother and less stressful your move will be when the time comes.

And when the time comes…

• Streamline your stuff – moving home is the perfect time to take stock of your possessions. Before you pack, identify any unused items that could be sold or donated

• Keep track of boxes and contents – make sure every box is labelled with a specific room and a brief description of its contents, this will help simplify the unpacking process and support any insurance claims

• Create a room plan – make sure you know where furniture is going in advance. Measure the space as well as entrances and doors to prevent any problems on the big day

• Stay connected – as soon as your moving date is confirmed, it’s a good idea to start the broadband ball rolling

• Pack an essentials box – make sure you have easy access to key items on move day, such as mugs, mobile chargers, cleaning supplies and linen. Keep your essentials box separate from everything else, so it doesn’t end up buried at the back of the removal van. Add the kettle, tea, coffee and milk to the box last – moving is thirsty work!

*As a mortgage is secured against your home or property, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up mortgage repayments. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. Equity released from your home will be secured against it.

Almost 3,000 entrepreneurs across 15 markets took part in HSBC’s Global Entrepreneurial Wealth Report 2025 (HSBC, 2025), providing a fascinating snapshot of how some of the world’s most successful wealth creators are feeling in an unpredictable economic landscape. Despite last year being shaped by policy shifts, market volatility and trade disruption, one message stands out: optimism remains remarkably high.

Willem Sels, Global Chief Investment Officer at HSBC Private Banking, explains, “Entrepreneurs are very aware of the elevated volatility in financial markets, geopolitical tensions and uncertainty about future trade patterns. Yet they remain optimistic – and that’s because of their entrepreneurial spirit. Whatever way the global economy or trade patterns change, they are ready to adapt and take advantage of new opportunities.”

Key findings from the report include:

• 94% of entrepreneurs say they are positive about their business prospects

• Among UK respondents, 71% forecast a significant improvement in personal wealth over the next year – well above the global average (~50%)

• The UK remains attractive due to its robust legal / regulatory framework, language and world-class education system

• Spending priorities: entrepreneurs cited luxury goods (53%), property (53%), cars (58%), health and wellness (50%) as top personal wealth uses

• Even in markets with political or economic uncertainty (including the UK), entrepreneurs maintain strong optimism – underlining resilience even when broader sentiment is muted.

Why it matters

Entrepreneurs have always been the engine of economic progress, and their confidence levels often provide an early signal of wider business sentiment. Gauging their outlook matters because entrepreneurial optimism tends to translate into investment, innovation and job creation across the broader economy.

This report highlights that entrepreneurs are not only adapting to change but embracing it. Their appetite to harness long-term trends, from AI to global wealth flows, underpins continued growth and resilience. Understanding how entrepreneurs think and where they see potential, provides valuable insight into where the next phase of global economic momentum may come from.

*The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) does not regulate Will writing, tax and trust advice and certain forms of estate planning.

As 2026 begins, many homeowners and would-be movers are reassessing their plans. The latest five-year outlook from real estate services company Savills offers a clear view of where the property market may be heading, suggesting a slow start, followed by a steady and sustained recovery through to 2030.

Savills expects subdued price growth in the short term, with average UK house prices estimated to have risen by just 1.0% in 2025 and believed likely to pick up to 2.0% in 2026. This muted pace reflects ongoing economic uncertainty and softer buyer demand still working its way through the market.

Momentum is expected to build from 2027 as, on current economic predictions, interest rates continue to ease. The forecast points to price growth of 4% in of 5.5% in 2029, followed by 4% in 2030. Over the five-year period, Savills predicts a total increase of over 22% in UK house prices. 

Regional outlook

Price growth will not be evenly distributed. The strongest increases are forecast in more affordable regions such as the North East, and Yorkshire and the Humber, where values could rise by around 28.8% by 2030.

By contrast, growth in London and the South of England is expected to lag, limited by affordability pressures. In London, house prices are forecast to rise by a more modest 13.6% over the same five-year period. 

What this means for different buyers

• First-time buyers – early years of low growth may offer an opportunity to buy before prices are expected to accelerate from 2027 onwards

• Growing families and upsizers – those planning a move over the next three to five years may benefit from rising equity as the market strengthens

• Buyers in high-value regions – expect steadier, slower growth. Long-term planning becomes even more important

• Buyers in more affordable regions – stronger forecast gains could make early purchases particularly advantageous 

• Buy-to-let investors – because of moderating prices, falling mortgage rates and rising rents, activity is expected to pick up gradually. However, any increase is likely to be limited by tighter rental regulation and higher taxation.

Whatever your circumstances, if you need support navigating the changing property market in the coming years, please contact us for advice.

*As a mortgage is secured against your home or property, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up mortgage repayments. Financial protection policies typically have no cash in value at any time and cover will cease at the end of the term. If premiums stop, then cover will lapse.

Now the dust has settled on the Budget, and everyone has had a chance to process the key announcements – you can step back and think about what it all means for you and your finances.

A series of tax and spending measures were unveiled, estimated to raise an extra £26bn a year in taxes by 2029/30. While immediate changes were limited, as Helen Miller, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said, “the Chancellor is relying heavily on tax rises towards the back end of the parliament. More borrowing for the next few years, then a sharp adjustment.”

Significant changes

Some of the changes on the horizon, worth tuning into now, include:

• Income Tax thresholds will remain unchanged until at least 2031, meaning more earners will be in higher tax bands, and National Insurance contributions (secondary threshold) are also frozen to 2031

• Properties in England valued at £2m or more in 2026 will face a new High Value Council Tax Surcharge (HVCTS) of £2,500, with an annual levy of £7,500 owed for homes worth £5m plus, from April 2028

• From April 2029, only the first £2,000 of pension salary sacrifice will be exempt from National Insurance, affecting the tax efficiency of many salary sacrifice arrangements

• A new mileage-based road tax for electric (3p per mile) and plug-in hybrid (1.5p per mile) vehicles will be introduced from 2028

• The annual Cash ISA allowance will be cut to £12,000 for those under 65 from April 2027, with the remaining £8,000 only permitted to be invested in Stocks and Shares ISAs

• Tax on savings and property income will rise by 2 percentage points from April 2027

• Extended the freeze on Inheritance Tax thresholds (IHT) thresholds from 2030 to April 2031.

More imminent

From April 2026, the Dividend Tax rate will increase by 2 percentage points. The basic Dividend Tax rate will rise from 8.75% to 10.75%, while the higher rate will increase from 33.75% to 35.75%. Following repeated cuts to the tax-free annual Dividend Allowance, which now stands at just £500, people who hold investments outside of a Stocks and Shares ISA or SIPP, or who own their own business and pay themselves in dividends, are expected to pay more tax.

With the government pressing ahead with changes to the Inheritance Tax rules regarding unused pensions, which take effect from April 2027, there’s plenty to think about. We’re here to help you navigate the changes.

*The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate Will writing, tax and trust advice and certain forms of estate planning.

As the end of the 2025/26 tax year approaches, it’s the ideal time to ensure you’re making the most of tax-efficient opportunities before the new financial year begins on 6 April 2026. Here’s a reminder of three of the main tax planning opportunities:

Your Individual Savings Account (ISA)
The ISA allowance is £20,000 for the 2025/26 tax year. You can put all the £20,000 into a Cash ISA (until the allowance is cut in 2027), or invest the whole amount into a Stocks and Shares ISA. You can also mix and match as long as the combined amount doesn’t exceed your annual ISA allowance. Junior ISAs work in the same way but the maximum annual investment is £9,000 per child.

Your pension
You can contribute as much as you like into your pension, but there is a limit on the amount of tax relief you will receive each year. The Annual Allowance is currently £60,000. An individual can’t use the full £60,000 Annual Allowance where ‘relevant UK earnings’ are less than £60,000, although your employer still could. You may be able to carry forward unused allowances from the past three years, provided you were a pension scheme member during those years. For every £2 of adjusted income (total taxable income including all pension contributions) over £260,000, an individual’s Annual Allowance is reduced by £1 until the minimum Annual Allowance of £10,000 is reached.

Gifting for IHT purposes
You can make gifts worth up to £3,000 in each tax year. These gifts will be exempt from IHT on your death, even if you die within seven years. You can carry forward any unused part of the £3,000 exemption to the following year but if you don’t use it in that year, the exemption will expire. Certain Kick off 2026 on top of your tax numbers gifts don’t use up this annual exemption, however, there is still no IHT due on them e.g. wedding gifts of up to £5,000 for a child, £2,500 for a grandchild (or great grandchild) and £1,000 to anyone else. Individual gifts worth up to £250 per recipient per tax year are also IHT free. Under current HMRC rules, gifts outside the above categories normally cease to count for IHT purposes upon the donor’s survival for seven years, with reductions in the event of death after at least three years.

And don’t forget about Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and your Divided Allowance! Time for an end of tax year review?

*The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate Will writing, tax and trust advice and certain forms of estate planning.

After a year of uncertainty, with many macroeconomic and geopolitical tensions affecting the landscape, investors may well be looking toward 2026 with cautious optimism. Despite the shocks of ‘Liberation Day’ trade announcements and the resulting sell-off, markets rebounded strongly last year to reach highs amidst persistent inflation, trade trauma and an AI-fuelled rally.

In an era where headlines can move markets within minutes – what’s the lesson for investors? Staying nimble, pragmatic and avoiding knee-jerk reactions remains key. So, what’s coming for investors in the year ahead? As 2026 gets underway, some themes are taking shape.

Balancing risks and rewards

The coming year, as ever, promises a mix of challenges and opportunities. Inflation in some key advanced economies remains above target, leaving monetary policy finely balanced. Persistent inflation could weigh on consumer sectors, demanding selective positioning, lower borrowing costs could support equities and despite notions of an AI bubble, continued investment in data centres and innovation may sustain growth opportunities; time will tell. Markets may well be expecting rate cuts in 2026, but central banks may act more conservatively.

Global growth and strategic positioning

According to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF’s) latest outlook, the global economy is projected to grow by 3.1% this year, down from 3.2% in 2025. IMF notes that while growth remains positive, it is fragile, reflecting ongoing risks from tariffs, trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainties, while other drivers including technological investment, fiscal support and favourable financial conditions are offsetting potential upsets. IMF highlights that with an uneven recovery likely, some regions and sectors may outperform, while others remain more vulnerable.

A smarter way to invest

Diversification will therefore remain a guiding principle for 2026 – balancing exposure to sectors, regions and asset classes, in line with your risk tolerance, objectives and timescale. Identifying sectors benefitting from long-term trends, mitigating risks, optimising asset allocation and adapting strategies to market dynamics – that’s on our agenda in 2026.

*The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated.

Higher productivity. Better quality of life. Greater satisfaction. 

These are just some of the potential benefits of hybrid working; but that’s not all. It could also support your retirement journey.

Hybrid working has become increasingly popular since the pandemic, with 28% of British adults opting to clock up their hours both in the office and at home during the first quarter of 2025. Employees aged between 30 and 49 are the most likely to take advantage of hybrid working, followed by those aged between 50 and 60 (ONS, 2025).

Take a phased approach

Hybrid working is not only good for your wellbeing; it can also help you adjust to spending less time in the office as you head towards retirement. 

One global survey (WTW, 2024) found that 49% of workers aged 50 or older had either already started phasing into retirement or wanted to do so. Seventy-five percent of the workers who have started their retirement journey have reduced their work hours.

Gradually easing into retirement by working between one and three days a week for a few years after the age of 66 can boost a pension pot by tens of thousands of pounds, according to recent data (Standard Life, 2024).

The ability to reduce your hours and/or responsibilities or to continue working beyond retirement age will depend on your job, industry and personal circumstances.

Spoilt for choice

If you don’t want to stay in your current role, there are other ways to transition towards retirement. You could apply for a part-time job, turn a hobby into a business or volunteer your time to support others. The choices are endless – and the choice is all yours!

Regardless of what retirement means for you, it’s a good idea to seek financial advice before making any big decisions. Pensions, investments and tax payments could all be impacted; there might also be a need to bridge income gaps as your earnings reduce.

We can help you make an informed choice, with the aim to achieve your retirement dreams.

*The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated. Financial protection policies typically have no cash-in value at any time and cover will cease at the end of the term. If premiums stop, then cover will lapse.

The government has confirmed it will move ahead with plans to include unspent defined contribution pensions in IHT calculations from April 2027. This marks a major change: until now, pensions have usually fallen outside the estate for IHT, often making them an efficient way to pass on wealth.

What’s changing?

Following consultation, some elements of the original proposal have changed. Death in service benefits paid from registered pension schemes will remain exempt, as will scheme pensions paid to a dependant from defined benefit arrangements and death benefits from collective money purchase schemes. The government has also confirmed that a deceased person’s legal personal representatives will be responsible for declaring pension benefits within the IHT return to HMRC.

Impact on estates

Around 8% of estates are expected to be affected annually, with average IHT bills rising by an estimated £34,000. The impact could be greater if individuals do not review their arrangements in light of the changes. From 2027, all estates that include pensions will need to assess whether IHT is due, creating potential delays as pension providers and executors share information.

Another concern is the risk of double taxation. Pensions inherited after age 75 are already taxed as income; from 2027, they could also face IHT. This could leave beneficiaries losing more than half the pension value to tax, even at basic rates.

Planning considerations

There are ways to reduce future IHT exposure, such as:

• Gifting – Up to £3,000 annually tax-free, with the IHT impact on larger gifts reducing in stages to zero after seven years
• Trusts – Though complex, these can remove assets from the estate
• Charitable giving – Leaving 10% of the estate to charity reduces IHT rate to 36%
• Whole of life insurance – Written in trust to cover IHT liabilities

Looking ahead

The change highlights the need for careful estate planning. With rules shifting, pensions can no longer be assumed to fall outside IHT. Reviewing your position now – including pensions, property, and other assets – will help ensure your wealth is passed on as intended. With the rules not applying until April 2027, there is still time to plan effectively.

*The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated. Financial protection policies typically have no cash in value at any time and cover will cease at the end of the term. If premiums stop, then cover will lapse. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) does not regulate. Will writing, tax and trust advice and certain forms of estate planning.