News

Heather Kiriakakis Heather Kiriakakis

Why it’s important to celebrate financial milestones

In the journey towards financial stability, it's easy to get caught up in the daily grind of budgeting, saving, and investing without taking a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the milestones achieved along the way.

Whether big or small, financial milestones represent achievements that signify progress towards your goals.

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Heather Kiriakakis Heather Kiriakakis

A guide to sudden wealth syndrome

If a million pounds hit your bank account tomorrow, what would you do?

Unexpected windfallls like this are fairly rare, but they do happen. For example through inheritance, receiving a settlement in a divorce, selling a company – or even winning the Lottery.

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Heather Kiriakakis Heather Kiriakakis

The importance of writing a will

A survey conducted by Canada Life has revealed that half of UK adults do not have a will.

A will plays a fundamental role in ensuring your wishes are honoured and your loved ones are taken care of when you're no longer around. Without one, the distribution of your assets and estate can become a complex and potentially contentious process.

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Heather Kiriakakis Heather Kiriakakis

How to cultivate a healthy money mindset

Money plays a significant role in our lives, influencing our choices, goals, and overall wellbeing. How we perceive, manage, and interact with money is a reflection of our ‘money mindset’.

A healthy money mindset is the foundation of financial success and wellbeing, which is why it’s essential to understand the impact of your money mindset on your financial journey.

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Heather Kiriakakis Heather Kiriakakis

How ‘lifestyle creep’ can erode savings and investments

Lifestyle creep can leave even extremely high earners struggling with debt, saving for retirement, or meeting other financial goals and obligations.

Also known as ‘lifestyle inflation’, this is a phenomenon defined as an ‘increase in spending when a person’s income goes up’. This subtle but insidious trend can be detrimental to one's long-term financial health, and its effects are far reaching.

In this article, we'll delve into the intricacies of lifestyle creep, exploring its root causes, consequences, and how to combat it to secure a more stable financial future.

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Heather Kiriakakis Heather Kiriakakis

How to make good financial decisions in your 40s

Reaching your 40s is a significant milestone, both personally and financially.

It's a time when you've no doubt accumulated valuable life experiences and responsibilities; it’s also when your financial decisions play a crucial role in securing your future.

Whether you're looking to prepare for retirement, support your children's education, or ensure a stable financial foundation, making informed choices becomes essential.

So here's a guide on how to make good financial decisions in your 40s.

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Heather Kiriakakis Heather Kiriakakis

The link between financial planning and wellbeing

The current cost of living crisis, against a backdrop of high inflation and continuous interest rate rises, is a significant cause for concern for millions of people.

According to the Office for National Statistics, 59% of UK adults reported an increase in their cost of living in July compared to June. As a result, 67% said they were spending less on non-essentials.

It’s easy to see why people feel powerless and frustrated. A shocking 86% of people say that their mental health issues are made worse by thinking about money.

So, what can be done?

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Heather Kiriakakis Heather Kiriakakis

Why automating your savings makes it easier to build wealth

In his book Atomic Habits, author James Clear discusses the potential that building small habits can have on our lives. He says that change doesn’t occur overnight, but instead happens through the gradual accumulation of small, consistent actions that we do without thinking.

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Heather Kiriakakis Heather Kiriakakis

What happens to your pension if you die?

Life is unpredictable, and sometimes, people pass away earlier than expected. In such unfortunate circumstances, it's essential to understand what happens to your pension and how your loved ones can benefit from it.

When you die, your spouse, civil partner or beneficiaries may be able to access your pension, but the rules will vary depending on the type of pension you have and your age when you pass away.

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Heather Kiriakakis Heather Kiriakakis

What is an investment platform?

In recent times, financial advisers have been embracing new and innovative methods to manage their clients' investment portfolios and financial products.

One such trend gaining popularity is the use of investment platforms. But what exactly are these platforms, and how can they benefit you?

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Heather Kiriakakis Heather Kiriakakis

7 steps for smart estate planning

What do Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, Amy Winehouse, and Prince all have in common? They all died intestate - which means they died without having a will.

Aretha Franklin is the latest musician to pass away without a trust or a will, with her four sons recently filing a document to the local court listing themselves as interested parties in her estate.

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Heather Kiriakakis Heather Kiriakakis

Is a ‘hybrid’ approach the answer to modern retirement?

The traditional concept of retirement, where we work tirelessly for decades and then abruptly stop to collect our carriage clock, hang up our briefcase and enjoy a leisurely life on the golf course, is undergoing a profound transformation.

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Heather Kiriakakis Heather Kiriakakis

6 financial lessons for children

You want to give your children or grandchildren the best possible start in life. Teaching them about finances and how to manage money from an early age is one of the most important things you can do to set them up for success in the future.

But where do you start?

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Heather Kiriakakis Heather Kiriakakis

Exploring the concept of ‘enough’

‘How much is enough?’ This is a question I often hear, and it doesn’t seem to matter how wealthy the person is for them to ask it.

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Heather Kiriakakis Heather Kiriakakis

The great property vs pension debate

We often hear people say “My home is my pension” and in many ways this is understandable: the idea of owning property as a form of retirement investment has become ingrained in our collective consciousness.

But while investing in property can be a good way to build wealth, it shouldn’t necessarily be considered a foolproof retirement strategy.

In this article, we’ll explore why.

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Heather Kiriakakis Heather Kiriakakis

How giving to charity can reduce your tax bill

Charitable donations have been dropping across the UK since 2016, with the cost-of-living crisis bringing an even sharper decline.

It’s not surprising, after all, people have less to give. The Office of National Statistics (ONS) reports that 92% of adults are feeling the pinch as prices continue to rise.

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Heather Kiriakakis Heather Kiriakakis

How do I make sure my protection insurance will pay out?

Having protection insurance can provide assurance that we’re financially secure in the face of life’s uncertainties.

But having bought insurance, you may be wondering whether your policy will pay out when you need it.

This article will provide an overview of the steps you can take to make sure your policy covers your needs and enables a successful pay out in your time of need.

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Heather Kiriakakis Heather Kiriakakis

Can investing make people happier?

Investing can be a scary concept for many people — it conjures up visions of Wall Street whizz kids with turbo-charged laptops and a lot of jargon.

But it doesn’t need to be this way.

In fact, research is showing that investing can make people happier.

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Heather Kiriakakis Heather Kiriakakis

How to spring clean your finances

Spring is a time for renewal, rejuvenation, and fresh starts. It's also the perfect time to take a closer look at your finances and make some positive changes.

Whether you want to save more money, reduce debt, or just get your financial house in order, here are some tips on how to spring clean your finances.

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