Getting a mortgage when you are self-employed is entirely achievable, but it does require more preparation than a standard employed application. Lenders need to be confident that your income is real, consistent, and sustainable, and demonstrating that takes a bit more legwork. Here is a practical guide to giving yourself the best possible chance. Start preparing early Ideally, you should Read More
10 Tips for a Happy Retirement
Retirement is one of life’s biggest transitions. After decades of working, the shift to a completely different daily rhythm can feel both exciting and a little daunting. Planning your finances is crucial, but a happy retirement involves much more than money. Here are ten things worth thinking about as you prepare for or settle into this new chapter. 1. Get Read More
Do You Need Life Insurance for a Mortgage?
Taking out a mortgage is one of the biggest financial commitments most people make, and it raises an important question: what happens to that debt if the worst occurs? Life insurance is not a legal requirement for a mortgage in the UK, but for most people with a family or financial dependants, it is a very sensible thing to have Read More
Can a Financial Adviser Help with Investing?
Investing can feel complicated, and for good reason. There are hundreds of different products to choose from, markets that move unpredictably, tax rules that change, and a constant stream of financial news that is not always easy to interpret. A financial adviser can make a real difference by cutting through that noise and helping you invest in a way that Read More
How a Financial Adviser Can Help When Applying for a Mortgage
Applying for a mortgage is one of the most significant financial decisions most people ever make. It involves substantial sums of money, long-term commitments, and a market that changes constantly. Having a financial adviser alongside you throughout the process can make a genuine difference, not just to the outcome but to the experience itself. Understanding your financial position Before you Read More
10 Common Financial Planning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Most people want to be in a better financial position than they are today, but good intentions do not always translate into good outcomes. Often it is not a lack of effort that holds people back, but a handful of avoidable mistakes that quietly undermine progress over time. Here are ten of the most common one’s worth knowing about. 1. Read More
Economic Review – June 2026
In June’s Economic Review – The Monetary Policy Committee voted 7–2 to leave Bank Rate unchanged at 3.75% at its June meeting Official figures suggest consumers returned to the high street during May, with warmer weather helping lift retail activity UK Consumer Price Index inflation held steady at 2.8% in May, defying analyst forecasts of 3.0% rise The Bank of Read More
Economic Review – May 2026
In May’s Economic Review – The annual rate of UK inflation fell more sharply than expected, down to 2.8% in the year to April. Britain’s economy grew by 0.3% in March, defying expectations of a slight contraction linked to global conflict. According to ONS, the unemployment rate increased slightly to 5.0% in the three months to March. The annual rate Read More
