At times in the past two years, it seemed to some that inflation would never come down. Double-digit inflation became routine. Now, with price rises back near normal levels, optimism is returning to financial markets.

Disinflation diaries

Inflation has fallen well below the multi-decade highs witnessed in many countries since 2022. In response, central banks around the

If you thought your pension was just your retirement savings then think again.

As well as ensuring your financial certainty when you want to stop working, a pension is a great way to support future generations. This is because defined contribution pensions are one of the most tax-efficient ways of passing on your wealth.

No tax troubles

Unlike Individual Savings

There was a record surge of interest in equity funds in the weeks leading up to the end of the tax year. According to a recent fund flow index, 2024’s ISA season was the best in the 10 years the index has produced its data. The index* recorded inflows from the middle of February to the end of the tax year, revealing that equity funds absorbed £5.17bn, representing more

Almost one in ten (9%) adults are. These so-called magpie investors buy luxury items hoping for an increase in value and an attractive return, according to new research*. The assets invested in include jewellery, watches, collectibles, classic cars, art, wine, whisky, and accessories such as clothes and handbags. Magpie investors favour jewellery most, with almost half

Receiving a bonus at work as a reward for a job well done is highly satisfying, but with bonuses subject to Income Tax and National Insurance Contributions, you face losing a significant portion of your hard-earned money. A bonus may even push you into a higher tax band, meaning that you receive an even smaller sum than expected. With 44%* of workers who received a bonus

According to research*, 81% of the UK’s wealthiest individuals are ‘stressed’ about their finances, suggesting financial wellbeing is about more than just the totality of your wealth. So, virtually everyone has concerns about what their financial future will look like.

Planning for the future

The prime concerns for individuals centred around future planning and

Each charity we work with helps us understand the many and varied challenges our community faces. We have supported so many over the years we couldn't list them, but in more recent times we have developed links with South Lakes Carers, South Lakeland Hydrotherapy Trust and this last year our focus was Springfield.

A Year of Fundraising for Springfield Domestic Abuse