How the gifting rules are leaving some families in the dark
Inheritance Tax (IHT) can feel like a financial maze, and new research suggests many families struggle to understand the rules. Almost three in five (59%) UK adults admit they find IHT confusing, while only 6% describe their understanding as very clear, according to research[1].
Month: September 2026
Ten years to go: is your retirement plan on track?
How to prepare your finances and make the most of the decade before retirement
With retirement costs rising and people potentially spending several decades in later life, the decade before retirement is an important time to review your financial plans. Having around ten years to go gives you the opportunity to identify any gaps and make adjustments while there is still time to act.
Reconsidering how to use pension savings and pass wealth to the next generation
It is increasingly important to consider pensions alongside other assets when planning
For families with substantial pension savings, the rules are changing. From 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds and pension death benefits will form part of an estate’s value for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes. The change could prompt people to reconsider how they use their pension savings and pass wealth to the next generation.
Are you and your partner ready for retirement?
Why couples should talk about pensions and retirement plans
Many couples plan their holidays, household budgets and major purchases together, yet pensions and retirement can be overlooked. Research suggests that fewer than one in five non-retired people have discussed their pensions or retirement plans with their partner, potentially leaving one person unaware of important financial decisions[1].
What I wish I’d known before I retired
Nearly a third of retirees say their standard of living is worse than before retirement
Retirement is often imagined as a chance to relax, travel and spend more time with family and on hobbies. However, new research suggests the reality can be more financially demanding than expected. Nearly a third (31%) of retirees say their standard of living is now worse than before they retired, compared with 20% who say it has improved[1].