Latest News The latest news and views covering the Teachers Pensions, the Teachers AVC and general Financial Planning news. Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Market Update – May 2026 03/06/2026 Gemma Trantum Global markets entered May amid considerable uncertainty. The war premium from oil prices eased in the latter weeks as optimism grew over a US-Iran ceasefire. Brent crude fell sharply as diplomatic pr[...] Tagged in Financial Planning, Market Updates Read more How to Navigate the New 2026/27 Tax Year: Essential Financial Planning... 27/05/2026 Gemma Trantum With 6 April now gone, the 2026/27 tax year has arrived. That means new rules, new allowances and for many people, a fresh opportunity to review their finances. But with so many changes to keep t[...] Tagged in Capital Gains Tax, ISAs, Tax Allowance Read more Pensions Under Pressure: Preparing for Retirement Amid Changing Legisl... 26/05/2026 Gemma Trantum Pension planning has never been simple. But over the past year or so, the pace of change has accelerated. For those approaching retirement, or simply trying to build a solid foundation for the future,[...] Tagged in IHT, Pension, Retirement Read more Estate Planning: Why Now is the Time to Update Your Will 26/05/2026 Gemma Trantum Writing or updating a Will is one of those things that feels pressing for a moment, then often gets quietly pushed aside as the demands of everyday life take over. But in 2026, there are stronger r[...] Tagged in Financial Advice, Inheritance Tax, Wills Read more Market Update – April 2026 08/05/2026 Gemma Trantum Global markets remained on edge throughout April, despite a decline in oil prices as diplomatic backchannels opened between regional powers. The Bank of England held rates at 3.75% for a second consec[...] Tagged in Financial Planning, Market Updates Read more How & Why to Hold Cash During a Crisis 24/04/2026 Gemma Trantum With the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, many are not only concerned about travel (“Is it safe to fly past Iran?”), but also about their money. The Bank of England has warned [...] Tagged in Cash Savings, Inflation, Retirement Planning Read more 10 Areas Where Financial Planning Can Benefit You 24/04/2026 Gemma Trantum Whether you are just getting started in your career or already have significant wealth, you should have a financial plan. This can be as simple or as complex as you wish, and you can either create it [...] Tagged in Financial Advice, Financial Planning, Savings Read more 5 Common IHT Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 24/04/2026 Gemma Trantum In the past, IHT planning was a niche area, only required for high-net-worth families. Given the rise in property values and the static nil rate band, IHT is now affecting more families with modest we[...] Tagged in Estate Planning, IHT, Wills Read more 7 Tips to Build Good Money Habits in 2026 24/04/2026 Gemma Trantum In sport, we train to get fitter and achieve better results. If we have a hobby, we practise to get more proficient. Our relationship with money should be no different. If we are to achieve our goa[...] Tagged in Savings, Teachers Financial Planning Read more Market Update – March 2026 08/04/2026 Gemma Trantum The US-Israeli strikes on Iran that began on 28 February triggered the biggest geopolitical shock to global markets since the 2022 energy crisis, sending oil prices above $100 per barrel and forcing c[...] Tagged in Financial Planning, Market Updates Read more Market Caps and Your Portfolio: What You Need to Know 23/03/2026 Gemma Trantum Most investors understand the difference between equities and bonds, and the concept of globally diversifying your investments is well-known. But the size of the companies you invest in is also rel[...] Tagged in Market Capitalisation, UK Stock Market Read more The Ongoing Middle Eastern Crisis – An Investment Perspective 17/03/2026 Gemma Trantum The events unfolding in Iran have shocked the world, and tensions are continuing to escalate. Since the Ukraine war started in 2022 (in addition to the other crises of the last few years), global head[...] Tagged in Market Insights, Middle East crisis Read more Market Update – February 2026 05/03/2026 Gemma Trantum The Bank of England held interest rates at 3.75% in February, pausing its cutting cycle as it assessed a more balanced inflation picture. CPI fell to 3.0% in January, the lowest since March 2025, rais[...] Tagged in Financial Planning, Market Updates Read more How Stealth Taxes Can Affect Your Financial Plan 20/02/2026 Gemma Trantum A stealth tax is not an explicit increase in the rate of tax that you pay. However, it means you will likely pay more tax over time and that HMRC will collect more revenue. Stealth taxes are usuall[...] Tagged in IHT, Pension Read more Is Equity Release a Good Idea? 17/02/2026 Gemma Trantum Life doesn’t always go as planned. Some people may be approaching retirement and are worried that their pension has not performed as well as expected. Perhaps the need to retire early due to ill [...] Tagged in Equity Release, Financial Planning, Mortgages Read more The FSCS Protection Increase – Why it Matters 16/02/2026 Gemma Trantum From 1 December 2025, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) deposit protection limit rose from £85,000 to £120,000 per eligible person, per authorised institution. This is the first i[...] Tagged in FCA, Financial Planning, FSCS Read more Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30