Cybercriminals use a wide range of tactics to con people out of their money. Stay one step ahead with these five crucial tips to avoid financial scams.

1. Stay informed

Knowing how to spot a financial scam is your first line of defence. Fraudsters are constantly changing their tactics so regularly educating yourself about common approaches like phishing, identity fraud and romance scams are crucial to staying one step ahead.

Action Fraud and other consumer protection organisations offer a wealth of valuable resources and updates on eme...

In an ever-changing world, navigating your financial options can be challenging. Whether you’re thinking about ways to save, planning for retirement, considering how best to use your tax allowances, or thinking about how your estate might be passed on, it’s often hard to know where to begin. That’s where advice can make a real difference – helping you plan with clarity and purpose.

Making sense of pensions

Pensions remain one of the most effective ways to save for later life, yet, with evolving rules, changing allowances, and a wide ran...

Any first-time buyer trying to save up for a deposit to purchase their first home may feel daunted by how expensive the housing market is.

There is no doubt that it is much more difficult to get your foot onto the property ladder than ever before. In 2023, House Buyer Bureau reported that house prices today are 8.8 times people’s average earnings, which - it says - has more than doubled since the 1970s.

And in its Home Affordability report, Skipton Building Society found that of the top 25% of earners, just 44% of first-time buyer ...

Applying for your first mortgage is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. Lenders assess numerous factors to determine your eligibility, and some seemingly minor financial decisions can significantly impact your application. To help you secure approval, here are six key areas to focus on before applying for your first mortgage.

1. Changes to outgoings
Lenders consider your affordability based on your income and regular outgoings. Making significant financial commitments or increasing expenses before your application ca...

Life can be full of surprises. You can’t be prepared for everything. You may have some insurance to support you financially if the unexpected happens, but have you considered how private medical insurance might offer you and your family the peace of mind you need if your health takes a turn for the worst?

A growing trend
According to data published by The Telegraph, patients are opting for private healthcare in record numbers as the NHS is blighted by long wait times and strike action. According to government statistics almost 7.64 millio...

Buying a house can certainly be a daunting experience, especially when it’s your first time doing so. What doesn’t help is the wealth of jargon and terminology used during the mortgage process and throughout the entire journey to buy your new home.

If you’re looking to join the property ladder and want to gain the inside scoop on some of the phrases, terminology and jargon you will expect to see, here is a handy guide.

Agreement in Principle (AIP)

Also known as a Decision in Principle (DIP), this is a statement from a lender to say they w...

If you’re looking for a buy to let mortgage in the current economic climate, the prospect may feel a little daunting. There’s no denying that as a landlord, due to remortgage, you may be facing higher mortgage rates and monthly payments which could put a squeeze on your profits.

But an adviser can help you navigate the difficulties, with the tools and expertise to source a buy to let mortgage that works for you.

To help set you up before you speak to an adviser, we’ve put together a useful breakdown of the key information you’ll need to ...

If you want to stay on top of your mortgage repayments and ensure you’re getting the right deal for your circumstances then remortgaging is one of the most important financial decisions you can make.

But is it best to change to a new mortgage product with your current lender via a product transfer or look to remortgage with another provider?

The reality is that there are advantages, disadvantages and differences to whichever route you choose to go down, which is why it’s essential to speak an experienced advisor who can guide you through t...

Every six weeks or so, all eyes are on the Bank of England and its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) – the group that decides whether interest rates will be increased, held or cut. How they choose to act has an impact on how much it costs banks to borrow money and what rates they can offer to savers and borrowers.

With all this in mind, what does an interest rate cut actually mean for mortgage holders and for those weighing up their options as they come to buy or move?

Will my mortgage now be cheaper?

For those borrowers that currently ha...