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

A survey carried out by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) found that women say they do not understand some financial products enough to put their hard-earned cash towards them. As a result, they feel less confident about making financial decisions than men do. Women have so far tended to place their money into products such as current accounts or cash ISAs (individual savings account) instead of the more complex investment plans usually chosen by men. Women and money are making shifts and things are changing. Why do women have this lack of understanding when it comes to money? History te ..read more

What does financial independence actually look like for women? This is where a woman can walk out of her job without having to worry about paying the bills – of course, this applies to men as well. Naturally, women worry if they will be employed elsewhere at the same level of income. This is where a self-employed woman or business owner finds themselves able to take some time out without worrying over being able to afford to continue to pay themselves. Often, women with young children find themselves working late just to keep their business going, let alone taking time off. This is where you c ..read more

Is wealth for women where it could be? Knowing that there are a million things on the to-do list but not knowing where to start is really overwhelming. That feeling is normal for everyone from all walks of life, from women in high management, running businesses, working part time or a full-time mother. We all have the same worries: What happens to my kids if anything happens to me? What is the impact if I stop having an income? How can I cut back on spending without reducing the rewards? How can I ensure I can have more security and worry less about the future? What would women’s wealth look l ..read more