Navigating the dividend tax rises in 2026

How to safeguard your investment income from higher tax rates From 6 April 2026, the government increased dividend tax rates by 2 percentage points. The ordinary rate rose to 10.75%, and the upper rate to 35.75%, while the additional rate remains at 39.35%. However, you don’t pay tax on dividend income within your personal allowance…

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Protect your life insurance pay-out from Inheritance Tax

An increasing number of estates are falling within the tax net every year An increasing number of estates are falling within the Inheritance Tax net each year, largely due to rising property prices and frozen tax thresholds. The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will collect £8.7 billion in Inheritance…

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‘Unretiring’ is reshaping our understanding of later life

Has the financial reality of retirement fallen short of expectations? Amid rising living costs and market uncertainty, ‘unretiring’ is a growing trend. Research shows that one in six retirees (16%) have either returned to work (8%) or are strongly considering doing so (8%). While some return for personal fulfilment, 24% cite loneliness or social disconnection…

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Making the most of the new tax year

Give your investments a head start and future-proof your finances The new tax year brings a fresh £20,000 Individual Savings Account (ISA) allowance for each individual, giving couples the potential to invest up to £40,000 between them, offering a valuable opportunity to shield your investments from capital gains and dividend taxes. With recent cuts to…

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TIPS Financial Magazine May/June 2026 Edition

The latest edition of TIPS Magazine is now live, featuring a range of articles designed to help you stay informed on key financial topics including pensions, investing, inheritance tax and retirement planning. In this edition, we explore some of the biggest financial planning conversations currently affecting individuals and families, from upcoming pension and inheritance tax…

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Living with uncertainty

How to navigate financial unpredictability The world feels more uncertain than ever, with 83% of UK adults agreeing that life has become less predictable, according to research. This growing unease is reshaping how people view their finances, with six in ten (59%) feeling less confident about their financial future because of recent changes in the…

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Securing your family’s financial future

Start the conversation: Why financial planning with older relatives matters Discussing finances with older relatives can feel daunting, yet it’s a vital conversation for everyone involved. Many families avoid these talks out of discomfort, yet addressing financial matters early can prevent misunderstandings and reduce future stress. Understanding their financial situation and identifying potential gaps build…

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Building a resilient income portfolio

A fundamental aspect of prudent financial planning Whether you’re nearing retirement or seeking to boost your current income, building a portfolio that generates steady returns is a fundamental aspect of prudent financial planning. For most investors, the aim is to create an income stream that is not only dependable but also flexible to changing financial…

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Shaping your investment timeline

Why waiting for the ‘perfect’ moment in the market might cause you to miss valuable opportunities Deciding when to start investing can feel daunting. Many believe they must be an expert or have a large sum of money saved in advance. The truth is, the right moment to invest is often sooner than you realise.…

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The self-employed pension gap

Are you sleepwalking into a crisis? Some freelancers are neglecting their financial future, according to new research: nearly two-thirds of self-employed and freelancers are failing to save enough for retirement. The findings reveal that a significant proportion of this workforce are not prioritising their financial future, leaving them vulnerable in later life. While the freedom…

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Investing an inheritance

Making informed decisions to secure your financial future Receiving an inheritance can be a life-changing moment, often accompanied by a mix of emotions. While it may provide financial security or the means to realise long-held dreams, it can also bring uncertainty about how best to manage this newfound wealth. For many, the responsibility of making…

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Key steps to take before the tax year ends

Why you should act now: Have you used your allowances before 6 April 2026? With the 2025/26 tax year-end fast approaching, now is the time to act. Waiting until the last minute could mean missing out on valuable allowances that can boost your finances and save you money. We’ve all been there, scrambling to meet…

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