Income Tax freeze means 1 in 5 could pay the higher rate by 2024/25. Here’s how you could reduce your liability

A woman looking through some paperwork with a laptop in front of her.

Last year, former chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that he would freeze Income Tax thresholds until 2026, and it means far more people will be paying the higher- or additional-rate tax in the future. Coupled with the freeze, it’s anticipated that wages will rise at a faster pace than expected thanks to high levels of inflation […]

Should you voluntarily pay National Insurance contributions to boost your State Pension?

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The State Pension is often an important part of your retirement income, so should you top up your National Insurance contributions (NICs) to increase it? Even if you have other pensions or income in retirement, your State Pension can be valuable. As it’ll be paid from when you reach State Pension Age for the rest […]

Modern retirees are increasing their spending in later years, and it could affect your financial security

An older couple eating at a restaurant while on holiday.

A trend among modern retirees to increase their spending as they get older could mean that some run out of money during their lifetime. The new research is an important reminder to consider how your spending needs will change during your retirement. Traditionally, spending has been higher during the initial few years of retirement as […]

26% of people say thinking about finances makes them anxious, as research highlights a link to mental health

More than a quarter of people feel anxious about money, according to research from the Money and Pension Service (MAPS). People that have recently experienced poor mental health are more likely to worry about finances, which in turn can further harm their wellbeing. The research highlights the link between mental health and feeling in control […]

8 key tax allowances have shrunk by 6% in the last decade

A person using a calculator while looking at a graph on a tablet.

Key tax allowances like the Personal Allowance and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) annual exempt amount can help your money go further. As research shows that overall tax allowances have been cut, it’s more important than ever to understand what allowances make sense for you, and how they can complement your financial plan. According to calculations […]

52% of savers don’t understand the effects of inflation, and millions think they’ll be better off. Here’s why it can harm your savings

Inflation has been in the news for months now, as the rate increases. While you may notice the effects inflation has on the price of goods when you visit the supermarket, it can be more difficult to understand how and why it’ll affect things like your savings. More than half of cash savers don’t know […]

The minimum pension contribution may not be enough. Here are 3 reasons to increase your contributions  

Pension auto-enrolment means that if you’re employed you’ve likely been automatically enrolled into a pension and contributions are deducted from your pay. However, the minimum contributions may not be enough to secure the retirement you want, and the sooner you identify a gap, the more options you have. The current minimum contribution is 8% of […]

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