It can be easy to disengage when you see the statistics about how much you’ll need for a comfortable retirement, especially when you’re working hard and the demands of life, both financial and family, take precedence. It can make saving enough into your pension feel completely unattainable.

The pandemic shifted priorities for a lot of families – making memories, enjoying life and spending time together now feels more important than ever. In some cases, this is reinforced by expectations of an inheritance from Baby Boomer parents, but this is not something you can rely on. With changing tax rules around pensions and Inheritance Tax, you may inherit less than you expect, or later than you expect, making it even more important to stand on your own two feet financially.

At the same time, the pensions landscape itself is constantly evolving. Government changes to salary sacrifice, rising life expectancy, the likelihood of working for longer and an increasing State Pension age all mean retirement planning is very much a moving target. While retirement may still be some way off, you really can’t afford to switch off from your future needs. Making provision now will make a meaningful difference.

Heard it all before?

Perhaps a closer look at the numbers will help put things into perspective. For a comfortable retirement, you would typically need an annual income of around £60,600 as a couple and £43,900 as an individual (PLSA 2025). When you consider the average UK pension pot currently stands at just £32,700 and that 14.6 million Brits are under-saving for retirement (DWP 2025), it becomes clear that there may be a significant gap to fill. 

These figures are general guidelines; your personal retirement needs may differ significantly.

Break it down

The key starting point is understanding exactly where you are now. Only by getting a clear picture of your current pension position can you begin to address any shortfall and put a plan in place to close it. 

The good news is that this doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Breaking it down into simple, achievable steps can make everything feel far more manageable. Start by gathering all your pension information in one place – current workplace schemes, old employer pensions and any personal plans. We can review whether you’re contributing enough, check how your money is invested, what it’s invested in and think about what you actually want your retirement to look like.

This is where expert support can really help. We can join the dots between your

contributions, investments, tax position and long-term goals, and build a plan that fits around your life and affordability. You don’t need to do everything at once. Start with a review, make one small change and build from there.

One shot

This is about you – your life, your priorities and your future. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to pensions or retirement, because everyone’s circumstances are different. You only get one opportunity to build the retirement you want, and after working hard for decades, you deserve to enjoy that time to the fullest.

*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. Tax legislation and rates can change, and their application depends on individual circumstances.

Investors are constantly navigating changing narratives. Last year markets rebounded to reach new highs following President Trump’s spring trade announcements, despite ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty. More recently, the conflict in the Middle East has prompted more market moves.

Periods of volatility can be uncomfortable and emotions can run high, but history consistently shows that markets rise and fall over time. The key is not avoiding these movements but participating through them.

Time in the market beats timing the market

When markets are hitting highs, it’s natural to feel conflicted – you don’t want to miss out, but you also fear investing just before a downturn. These concerns often prevent people from taking the most important step – getting invested. Trying to time the perfect entry point is extremely difficult, even for professionals. Instead, time in the market has proven to be far more important than timing the market.

Investing strategically, not emotionally

Holding cash can feel reassuring and plays an important role in meeting short-term needs or emergencies. For long-term goals, holding too much cash may mean missing opportunities for growth. One way to invest during uncertain or high markets is pound-cost averaging, where regular investments are made over time to smooth out market fluctuations. Market pullbacks can also present opportunities, rather than reasons to sell or step away entirely.

Balance, diversification and advice

Successful investing isn’t about chasing headlines or reacting to fear of missing out. A well-diversified strategy helps manage risk and keeps emotions in check, while targeted exposure to growth areas can help enhance returns. It’s all about asset allocation, picking the right investments. We can help you stay disciplined, avoid impulsive decisions and ensure your investments align with your long-term objectives like retirement or building family wealth. With the right strategy and guidance, market participation can help your money work harder over time.

Participating responsibly

Market movements reinforce the importance of staying invested, even when instincts suggest otherwise. Investing isn’t about ignoring volatility or hoping for the best, it’s built on a well-diversified portfolio that provides stability while allowing flexibility to manage risk and take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

*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.

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.