DIY investing can be suitable for people who are comfortable researching investments, understanding risk and managing their own portfolio. However, professional financial advice may be worth considering when your finances become more complex or when decisions involve pensions, retirement, tax, inheritance planning or multiple investment goals. A local financial adviser can look at your finances […]
If you are an NHS Pension Scheme member and have not yet received your Pension Savings Statement (PSS), it is important not to assume that this means you have not exceeded the Annual Allowance. A Pension Savings Statement can be an important part of understanding your pension tax position. It can also provide figures that […]
NHS sick pay does not normally reset on a fixed date such as 1 January, 1 April or your employment anniversary. For staff covered by the NHS Agenda for Change terms and conditions, sick pay is calculated by looking at paid sickness absence during the 12 months immediately before the first day of a new […]
If you have pensions, investments, property or other assets that could form part of your estate, the upcoming Inheritance Tax (IHT) changes to pensions from 6 April 2027 may be a reason to review your financial plans. From 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds and pension death benefits are due to be brought into […]
How Much NHS Sick Pay Can You Get? For staff covered by the NHS Agenda for Change (AfC) terms and conditions in England, occupational sick pay increases with reckonable NHS service. NHS reckonable service Full pay Half pay During the first year 1 month 2 months During the second year 2 months 2 months During […]
The NHS Pension Scheme is one of the most valuable benefits available to doctors and GPs, but many professionals unintentionally make decisions that can affect their retirement plans later. Common mistakes include not reviewing pension statements, overlooking tax implications, delaying retirement planning and not understanding how career changes can impact pension benefits. Regular NHS Pension […]
Rising living costs in the UK are affecting how much many people can comfortably borrow for a mortgage. Higher household expenses, energy bills and general inflation are influencing affordability assessments and monthly budgeting for both homebuyers and existing homeowners. Why Mortgage Affordability Is Changing Mortgage affordability is no longer based only on income. Lenders now […]
The UK mortgage market in 2026 continues to be influenced by interest rates, affordability rules, lender competition and changing property demand. Homebuyers and homeowners are reviewing borrowing decisions more carefully as mortgage costs and living expenses continue to affect affordability. What Is Happening in the UK Mortgage Market? The UK mortgage market continues to evolve […]
Applying for your Teachers’ Pension is an important step in retirement planning. Before submitting your application, it’s important to understand your pension benefits, retirement options, timelines and how retirement income may affect your wider financial position. Planning ahead can help avoid delays and support a smoother transition into retirement. Why Retirement Planning Matters for Teachers […]
Mortgage rates in the UK continue to change as inflation, Bank of England decisions and market conditions evolve. For many borrowers, the key question in 2026 is whether to choose a fixed-rate mortgage for stability or consider a variable or tracker mortgage for flexibility. Understanding how each option works can help homeowners and buyers make […]
