Complex financial products: when confusion is the point
The financial industry has learned that complexity sells. Complex financial products are loaded with features and presented as something better, so people pay more, when…
Insights from our team
Plain-English writing on pensions, investing, tax and retirement. The questions clients actually ask, answered without the jargon.
Latest articles
Active funds fail most investors. What's the alternative?
The financial industry employs some of the smartest people on the planet. So why do the vast majority of their funds fail to beat a simple index tracker? Our Head of…
Joyspan: the missing metric in retirement planning
Financial advisers can tell you whether your money will last. But nobody asks whether your life will feel worth living. Dr Kerry Burnight's concept of "joyspan" exposes…
The hidden risk of backing a star fund manager
Terry Smith was meant to be our Warren Buffett. His Fundsmith Equity fund, launched in 2010, became the poster child for British investing: concentrated,…
Which ISA, if any, is right for you?
The deadline to invest in Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) for the 2024/2025 tax year is almost upon us. You only have until midnight on Saturday 5th April 2025 to use…
Who can you help to become wealthy?
Let’s face it, we all love tales of self-made men and women, ordinary people who, through a combination of talent and sheer hard work, have overcome challenge after…
Lessons for investors from Roger Federer
Roger Federer has attributed much of his success in tennis to his ability to stay calm amid chaos. It's a very useful attribute for investors as well. As any sports fan…
Should I invest with Vanguard?
The US-based investment giant Vanguard has only been operating in this country since 2009, but it has already established itself as one of the major players in UK…
Doing nothing really does pay off in investing
There are many reasons why we’re extremely fortunate to live in a wealthy country like the UK in the 21st century. One of the biggest is the quality of the healthcare we…
The disadvantages of active investing
There are, broadly speaking, two different types of investing, active investing and passive investing. Active investing involves trying to pick the right assets to buy…
Why trading apps are best avoided
If you’re not yet familiar with the growing interest in online trading apps, you soon will be. Firms like Freetrade, eToro and Trading212 have been busy winning new…
Seven ways to improve your investment returns without a crystal ball
At this time of year, newspapers are full of suggestions about how to improve your investment returns over the next 12 months. Although some of them are sensible, most…
What is a balanced portfolio?
It's important for investors to have a balanced portfolio. But what does a balanced portfolio look like? And what sort of assets should it include? One of the things…
Six considerations for those with ageing parents
Dealing with ageing parents is one of life’s biggest challenges. The dynamic between adult children and their parents shifts as parents become more dependent. This role…
Why does the tax year end on April 5th
The question, 'Why does the tax year end on April 5th?' has always intrigued many, creating a sense of curiosity and even confusion. How did the 5th April come to be the…
Eight Essential Steps for Proactive Retirement Planning in Warwick
Are you looking for expert guidance on retirement planning in Warwick? In this comprehensive article, we will take you through eight crucial steps that will empower you…
Approaching retirement as a business owner
It can be tempting for a business owner to keep putting off thinking about retirement. But there are good reasons to have a transition plan in place, regardless of your…
Is Kim Kardashian’s opinion on cryptocurrencies worth anything?
Social media is full of influencers promoting various cryptocurrencies, but is there any value to investors in following their advice? Last year the Securities and…
It was a good Budget for high earners. How will it affect you?
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has made significant changes to pensions in the Budget, and high earners are the biggest beneficiaries. But how will those changes affect you? And…
Men versus women: who are the better investors?
The investing industry is one of the most male-dominated sectors of the economy. Only around 10% of mutual funds and hedge funds have female managers, and women account…
Three key financial considerations for women going through divorce
There are many stress factors around a divorce, but having a handle on some crucial financial issues should always be a priority. In a divorce from a heterosexual…
The Cost of Living Crisis and How It's Driving Early Inheritance Gifting
Whatever their generation or income, many people are being forced to reevaluate their financial priorities as a result of the rising cost of living, which is eroding…
Auto Enrolment: Pension Saving Revolution
Auto-enrolment: celebrating ten years of promoting a saving culture Auto-enrolment has transformed pension saving for millions of UK citizens since it was implemented…
Pension allowances
The most tax-efficient way to save for your retirement is to put money into a pension. There are various pension allowances in place that you need to be aware of and…
When is the right time to retire?
When is the right time to retire? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question – it depends on your personal circumstances. However, there are a few things to…
How to reduce Inheritance Tax by leaving a gift
Planning for your wealth preservation and the eventual transfer of that wealth When you’ve worked hard and invested carefully to build your wealth, you want to look…
10 practical steps to ensure your money is working hard for you
Recession-proof your finances In these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever to make sure your finances are in order. The Bank of England believes that a…
Planning for early retirement
For many people, early retirement is the only option due to recent world events, even though it may be the ultimate goal for some. According to data from the Office for…
Rising cost of living: 3 tips to maintain your financial wellbeing
3 tips to maintain your financial wellbeing The rising cost of living is one of the most pressing issues facing many families today. The price of food, energy, fuel and…
How much do I need to save to retire?
How much do I need to save to retire in the UK? Planning for retirement is a significant financial decision that affects the quality of life in your golden years. One of…
Inheritance Gifts: An Insight into Tax Gifts and Inheritance Planning in the UK
As you navigate through your financial journey, you may find yourself contemplating the best ways to distribute your wealth to your loved ones. One of the most effective…
5 Tips to Finding Old Pension Pots
How to find old pension pots Keeping track of a pension is not always simple, especially if you have participated in many pension plans or have changed employment…
Inheritance Tax
Inheritance Tax: Minimising the impact of on your estate in Leamington Spa The latest Inheritance Tax (IHT) statistics show an additional 4% was added to HM Revenue &…
In the Spotlight: Chris Wallsgrove, Director of RockWealth Leamington
Chris Wallsgrove joined us in April and heads up RockWealth Leamington, alongside Owen Williams. He has worked in financial planning since graduating from the University…
Cheaper and better - the future of financial advice has arrived
OWEN WILLIAMS is the founder of RockWealth Leamington, a new financial planning firm that’s part of a growing network of client-focused advice businesses across the UK.…
How much does financial advice cost?
Wondering how much does financial advice cost? Some of us drive miles out of our way to save a few pennies on petrol. Others collect vouchers to save on groceries. But…
Investing principles
Focus on what you can control The deep global economic shock and uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has made everyone rethink their finances and…
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