Financial abuse is a pervasive and often hidden form of domestic abuse that can have serious and lasting effects on victims. It involves the misuse or control of finances to exert power and control over another person. This can occur within intimate partner relationships, families, or even among caregivers and vulnerable adults. In this article, we will explore what financial abuse entails, how to recognise its signs, and where to seek support for those affected. What is Financial Abuse? Financial abuse encompasses a range of behaviours aimed at controlling or exploiting someone’s financial re ..read more

With the latest report from Scottish Widows on Women & Retirement stating that there is still a significant gap when it comes to pensions and women, it has never been more important to think about your future lifestyle and retirement plans. As an independent financial advisor committed to supporting women in the UK on their journey towards a secure retirement, I know how essential it is to address the specific challenges and opportunities that arise in pension and retirement planning. Let’s look at some of the key issues that surround the topic of women and retirement, and look at what you ..read more

Starting a family is a significant life milestone that requires careful consideration, especially in terms of finances. The costs associated with having children can be substantial, and it’s essential to plan ahead to ensure your family’s financial well-being. With rising costs due to the cost of living crisis and economic uncertainty, in 2024 this can be even more impactful. In this article, we will explore various aspects of financial planning for starting a family in the UK, considering not only the immediate expenses but also the long-term financial needs as your child grows. 1. Budgeting ..read more

Starting and running a business can be an exciting and rewarding endeavour, but it also comes with a set of financial responsibilities that every business owner should be well-versed in. Understanding these key financial considerations is crucial for making informed decisions, ensuring the financial health of your business, and ultimately feeling more confident in your entrepreneurial journey. If you’re a business owner in the UK, here are some key financial considerations for business owners in the UK for 2024 that cover the essential for your radar, including personal financial consideration ..read more

A recent report by the Financial Reporter revealed that career breaks, often taken for personal and family reasons, result in an average annual loss of nearly £2,500 in retirement savings for women – making it difficult when considering how to financially plan for 2024 as a woman. Financial planning can be challenging for many women, but you don’t have to let these challenges stop you from realising the future lifestyle that you have been dreaming of. The new year is not that far around the corner, and there’s no better time to review and optimise your plan for your finances than now. Have you ..read more

With people remaining single is becoming more and more popular, and divorce rates are on the rise (the current divorce rate in the United Kingdom is currently estimated at 42%, but it could very well be higher) there has never been a more important time to be thinking about security and financial independence as professional females or business owners. In this article we will explore how to become financially secure as a woman, so that you can feel confident that you have a plan that is not dependent on a spouse or partner. How to Become Financially Secure as a Woman – It’s Not About Being Alo ..read more

National insurance is a mandatory tax on your income that helps to pay for state benefits for people in need of them. National insurance goes towards helping people who are unemployed due to illness, bereavement or retirement, as well as state pension. In the UK you have to start paying national insurance when you turn 16 and your income reaches a certain level. You have to start paying it if you are earning over the threshold of £242 a week (salary of over £12,570) or if you are self-employed and turn a profit, (after expenses), of £6,725 or more a year. If you work you are most likely at lea ..read more

Are you worried about the ever-rising cost of childcare? If so, I don’t blame you. The UK has the third most expensive childcare system in the entire world and in a recent survey, 97% of people expressed concerns that childcare is too expensive. The result is that many parents across the UK are in a difficult situation, they need to work to pay the bills, but they also need to pay for childcare so they can work. As if raising a child wasn’t already expensive enough in this climate, childcare is an extra expense that some people are struggling to pay for. If you’re panicking right now about the ..read more

The individual Savings Account ( ISA ) is a popular tax-efficient savings and investment vehicle in the United Kingdom. It is important to start planning how you intend to use your ISA allowance before the tax year ends on the 5th of April because if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it forever. Make sure you take advantage of the ISA Allowance each year as it offers a range of benefits for you as a  saver and investor. By saving and investing up to a certain amount each year, without having to pay any tax on the interest, dividends, or capital gains you earn it means that you can keep more o ..read more

Only a third (33%) of women see themselves as investors, much lower than their male counterparts (41%). This sentiment of investment being a man’s world is true in every market Fidelity looked at, bar China. Fifty-five per cent of women told Fidelity they look after the daily and monthly income and outgoings for their households. How the pandemic effected women’s finances Three in ten (29%) women told Fidelity that their personal income has reduced as a result of the pandemic. However, this was a similar percentage to the number of men, where we see the difference is in women’s ability to save ..read more