True lifelong financial planning for the serious business of life.

True lifelong financial planning
for the serious business of life.

Category: Financial Planning

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An older woman looking out of a window.

How a financial planner can help you stay secure after a dementia diagnosis

Dealing with dementia, whether it’s affecting you or someone close to you, can be incredibly emotionally challenging, as it has the power to take someone away even while they’re still physically present. With life expectancy increasing, dementia is becoming increasingly common, and the Alzheimer’s Society estimates that 1 in 3 people born in the UK today […]

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Category: Financial Planning

A concerned man holding a card and looking at a computer screen.

Why protection from financial scams is more important than ever

In April, Marks & Spencer experienced a significant data breach that caused some customers’ details to be hacked and the stores’ online services to be suspended for several weeks. Then, just a few days later, the Co-op also experienced a similar breach. Thankfully, Marks & Spencer and Co-op have high-level firewalls and security systems that […]

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Category: Financial Planning

Clarion Investment Diary – May 2025

The Clarion Investment Committee met on 20 May 2025.  The following notes summarise the main points of consideration in the Investment Committee discussions and provide information about our current investment strategy and fund performance. Please click here to access our May Stock Market & Economic Commentary written by Clarion Group Chairman, Keith Thompson. Economic Commentary […]

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Category: Financial Planning

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Stock Market & Economic Commentary – May 2025

Economic Update  The rise and rise of China In January, Chinese company DeepSeek stunned financial markets with the release of its generative artificial intelligence model R1. It matched the efficacy of market-leading US firm OpenAI’s most advanced models but was produced at a fraction of the cost. The DeepSeek announcement is one in a series […]

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Category: Financial Planning

An older couple talking to a younger man.

Over half of adults haven’t discussed their estate plans with anyone. Here are 5 reasons to start the conversation

Having conversations about what will happen after you’re gone can feel uncomfortable, but they can have considerable value. Discussing your intentions early and honestly can help minimise confusion, avoid future disputes, and ensure your wishes are properly understood. Despite these benefits, research shows many people still avoid the discussion. According to data from The National […]

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Category: Financial Planning

A dad with his arm around his son as they look at a business plan.

5 essential succession planning steps to secure the future of your family business

Running a family business is more than just a job. It demands time, energy, money, and unwavering commitment. With endless tasks from bookkeeping to administration, and many people depending on the business, it’s easy to let future planning slide. But if such conversations and plans remain at the bottom of your to-do list, the continuity […]

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Category: Financial Planning

A US dollar with a market index chart.

Stock Market & Economic Commentary – April 2025

Economic Update The end of dollar hegemony? Recent weakness in financial markets has been accompanied by a sell-off in the US dollar. Along with falls in equities and bonds, the dollar has fallen to its lowest level since 2022. At one point in April, it was down over 9% against a basket of currencies since […]

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Category: Financial Planning

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How to avoid falling into the 60% Income Tax trap when you earn over £100,000

As you progress through your career and continue earning more money, you may have already taken the time to understand how the UK’s tax system works. Much of it is relatively straightforward. However, for higher earners, a particular quirk can mean you face a larger-than-expected bill: the “60% tax trap”. This feature of the Income […]

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Category: Financial Planning, Investment management

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How the recent changes to Inheritance Tax rules could affect you

If you’ve been paying attention to news in the past year, you’ll likely know that Inheritance Tax (IHT) has been a significant topic of debate, especially following the 2024 Autumn Budget. Delivered on 30 October 2024, this was the Labour Party’s first Budget in 14 years. The new chancellor, Rachel Reeves, announced £40 billion in […]

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Category: Financial Planning

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