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Under the terms of the agreement, Iran had insisted that Israel also refrain from launching attacks on Lebanon. However, strikes reportedly continued, which Iranian officials argue breaches the deal. In response, there are reports that Tehran has again restricted access to the vital shipping route, through which around one-fifth of global oil supply flows. ","2026-04-09T10:28:38.480Z",{"_type":9,"current":116},"market-update-9th-april-2026","Market update - 9th April 2026",[119,125,136,144,152,160,168],{"_key":120,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":123,"width":124},"d84d3d56c090","iframe",450,"https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1181529926?",800,{"_key":126,"_type":127,"children":128,"markDefs":134,"style":135},"c0b97361c02f","block",[129],{"_key":130,"_type":131,"marks":132,"text":133},"af80dd3cb6a7","span",[],"Shortly after a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran was agreed, tensions have resurfaced, with Iran once again refusing to open the Strait of Hormuz. Under the terms of the agreement, Iran had insisted that Israel also refrain from launching attacks on Lebanon. However, strikes reportedly continued, which Iranian officials argue breaches the deal. In response, there are reports that Tehran has again restricted access to the vital shipping route, through which around one-fifth of global oil supply flows.",[],"normal",{"_key":137,"_type":127,"children":138,"markDefs":143,"style":135},"8b6ad6192f3a",[139],{"_key":140,"_type":131,"marks":141,"text":142},"873f3268b3ea",[],"As for President Trump’s reaction, he has offered little direct comment on the increasingly fragile ceasefire or the pressures it is facing. Instead, he has stated that the US will maintain a presence near the strait to help ensure it is open and secure. In response to the latest developments, oil prices rose back above $97 a barrel on Thursday, as investors grew sceptical that the US-Iran ceasefire will hold, with disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz doing little to reassure markets. Asian equities declined, while both the FTSE and Euro Stoxx opened lower. Meanwhile, fresh peace talks between the US and Iran are scheduled to begin in Pakistan on Friday providing investors with cautious optimism that the latest hiccup will be fleeting. While markets continue to monitor the fragile truce and the elevated geopolitical risks surrounding Middle Eastern supply, our Investment Management team is closely tracking developments and remains fully prepared to act in order to deliver the best possible risk‑adjusted returns for clients.",[],{"_key":145,"_type":127,"children":146,"markDefs":151,"style":135},"6a436ca87294",[147],{"_key":148,"_type":131,"marks":149,"text":150},"b9204561cbd8",[],"As the situation surrounding the conflict in Iran continues, traders are beginning to shift their focus back to broader macroeconomic developments. Attention is now turning to President Trump’s expected meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which is upcoming after delays due to the war. The meeting is widely seen as an effort to maintain diplomatic ties on trade, despite China’s recent reluctance to provide the United States with military support in the middle east. The agenda is expected to centre on trade, including discussions on non‑sensitive goods and critical minerals access, following recent comments from U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who emphasised that relations with Beijing remain stable and that the U.S. continues to access Chinese rare earth materials despite persistent tariffs.",[],{"_key":153,"_type":127,"children":154,"markDefs":159,"style":135},"4a19c7102e53",[155],{"_key":156,"_type":131,"marks":157,"text":158},"0b326c0041ae",[],"Meanwhile, in Germany, industrial orders rose in February but still fell short of expectations. On a seasonally adjusted basis, orders increased by 0.9%, following a sharp decline of 11.1% in January. It is worth noting that this data predates the Iran conflict, meaning the full impact of rising oil prices on the industrial sector is yet to be seen. However, a substantial infrastructure fund is expected to support consumer spending over the course of the year.",[],{"_key":161,"_type":127,"children":162,"markDefs":167,"style":135},"28a82c2c9533",[163],{"_key":164,"_type":131,"marks":165,"text":166},"4f2c71a14ae9",[],"Still to come this week we have China’s interest rate decision as well as US PCE and CPI.",[],{"_key":169,"_type":127,"children":170,"markDefs":176,"style":135},"b0fb46146b1a",[171],{"_key":172,"_type":131,"marks":173,"text":175},"bebd067efd67",[174],"strong","Nicola Tune, Portfolio Specialist",[],[178],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":184,"title":186},"2025-03-12T16:06:00Z","tag-1","oSVHDoBnKOJkaa3EKQ5bYZ","tag","2025-06-16T11:39:53Z",{"_type":9,"current":185},"market-updates","Market Updates",{"_id":188,"blogPostMeta":189,"content":236,"tag":290,"title":235},"67e2ce0d-59a4-4edc-8b04-a2764a82c3b0",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":190,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":231,"publishedAt":232,"slug":233,"title":235},{"_type":58,"asset":191},{"_createdAt":192,"_id":193,"_rev":194,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":192,"assetId":195,"extension":196,"metadata":197,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":226,"path":227,"sha1hash":195,"size":228,"uploadId":229,"url":230},"2026-04-08T10:39:00Z","image-56a4291d19559bee3726c5211f094c73c419b2f7-4610x2432-jpg","dw3LbTp56HRIQbF9qB6mC0","56a4291d19559bee3726c5211f094c73c419b2f7","jpg",{"_type":69,"blurHash":198,"dimensions":199,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":203,"palette":204,"thumbHash":224},"ME8XS2$*DgtTNDp3ngnfkYWA00NE%NRkoh",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":200,"height":201,"width":202},1.8955592105263157,2432,4610,"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAALABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUHAwT\u002FxAAkEAACAQQBAgcAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMABAUREgYhFTJBUXGBsf\u002FEABcBAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADBAX\u002FxAAbEQACAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDBBMxIf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8Al+G6exFxjHniv4pDx3wfswPtTjwLD2uBluJrpTIx0ir66\u002FKkizSLx4uw+DWj3lwQdzOfutmGRKvhNKuFnTqyTwpeSLH5Qe1FJ3ZixJJopTub9DUj\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":205,"darkVibrant":208,"dominant":211,"lightMuted":212,"lightVibrant":215,"muted":218,"vibrant":221},{"_type":81,"background":206,"foreground":83,"population":207,"title":83},"#603557",5.61,{"_type":81,"background":209,"foreground":83,"population":210,"title":83},"#062c6c",5.19,{"_type":81,"background":206,"foreground":83,"population":207,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":213,"foreground":91,"population":214,"title":83},"#abb0d5",5.5,{"_type":81,"background":216,"foreground":91,"population":217,"title":83},"#7b9ad0",1.1,{"_type":81,"background":219,"foreground":83,"population":220,"title":83},"#ab7757",0.38,{"_type":81,"background":222,"foreground":83,"population":223,"title":83},"#1c54b8",0.66,"UeYNHIQ4aYZ6h3dgeXepkLgJSg==","image\u002Fjpeg","shutterstock_2757801303.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F56a4291d19559bee3726c5211f094c73c419b2f7-4610x2432.jpg",3970314,"oHnevwCvCQDGuTr6vFvEGmv0SoOq2M1Z","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F56a4291d19559bee3726c5211f094c73c419b2f7-4610x2432.jpg","A conditional ceasefire between the United States and Iran has provided markets with a welcome - if tentative - reprieve following a period of heightened geopolitical tension. The agreement, set to last for two weeks, is contingent on a critical requirement: the continued free flow of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy supply.","2026-04-08T10:36:08.704Z",{"_type":9,"current":234},"market-reaction-to-ceasefire","Market Reaction to Ceasefire",[237,244,252,260,268,276,284],{"_key":238,"_type":127,"children":239,"markDefs":243,"style":135},"89ce304cde31",[240],{"_key":241,"_type":131,"marks":242,"text":231},"43bcb515dab5",[],[],{"_key":245,"_type":127,"children":246,"markDefs":251,"style":135},"e1463a5f53bc",[247],{"_key":248,"_type":131,"marks":249,"text":250},"85bd7ca1c9c3",[],"The Strait of Hormuz remains the central factor shaping market sentiment. As the only sea passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, it facilitates the transit of approximately 20% of global oil supply. The reopening of the Strait, however conditional, has therefore been the single most important development for financial markets, significantly reducing immediate disruption risk and stabilising investor sentiment.",[],{"_key":253,"_type":127,"children":254,"markDefs":259,"style":135},"3384bfa4a522",[255],{"_key":256,"_type":131,"marks":257,"text":258},"71df24377a06",[],"Financial markets have responded decisively to the easing of worst-case scenarios. Oil prices, which had surged above $100 per barrel earlier in the week, have fallen sharply overnight, with Brent crude declining approximately 13.6% to $94.50 per barrel and U.S. crude dropping around 14.3% to $96.80. Equity markets rebounded strongly, with Japan’s Nikkei closing up over 5%, the Europe’s Stoxx 600 gaining 3.6% and a 2.6% advance occurring in the FTSE 100, with U.S. futures up more than 2.5% (at time of writing). Despite this relief, oil prices are unlikely to return to pre-conflict levels of around $70 per barrel in the near term, reflecting the physical and geopolitical damage sustained in the region.",[],{"_key":261,"_type":127,"children":262,"markDefs":267,"style":135},"9757d6c88dd9",[263],{"_key":264,"_type":131,"marks":265,"text":266},"02ccf5de47f3",[],"While the ceasefire represents a welcome easing of tensions, it remains a developing and closely monitored situation. Reports of missile and drone activity across the Gulf continue, prompting several countries in the region to maintain heightened air‑defence readiness. Meanwhile, negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme are likely to be complex and drawn out, suggesting that geopolitical uncertainty may linger, but within a more stable near‑term backdrop.",[],{"_key":269,"_type":127,"children":270,"markDefs":275,"style":135},"91d843e11897",[271],{"_key":272,"_type":131,"marks":273,"text":274},"29a1e0153dd4",[],"For investors, recent developments reinforce an important principle: geopolitical shocks tend to drive short-term volatility rather than long-term structural change. The sharp sell-off and subsequent rebound highlight how quickly sentiment can shift once worst-case scenarios begin to recede. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz has alleviated the most immediate systemic risk, enabling markets to stabilise, although underlying tensions suggest volatility may remain elevated in the near term.",[],{"_key":277,"_type":127,"children":278,"markDefs":283,"style":135},"6905027f5d66",[279],{"_key":280,"_type":131,"marks":281,"text":282},"72c1c26f928a",[],"For long-term investors, periods of dislocation such as this can present compelling opportunities. Market movements driven by uncertainty and sentiment, rather than fundamentals, often create attractive entry points for those able to look beyond short-term noise. Maintaining a disciplined, long-term perspective remains essential in navigating periods of geopolitical uncertainty.",[],{"_key":169,"_type":127,"children":285,"markDefs":289,"style":135},[286],{"_key":172,"_type":131,"marks":287,"text":288},[174],"Kate Mimnagh, Portfolio Economist",[],[291],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":292,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":294,"blogPostMeta":295,"content":340,"tag":473,"title":339},"1bc04fb7-a7a0-4f1a-8a50-5da54820214c",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":296,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":335,"publishedAt":336,"slug":337,"title":339},{"_type":58,"asset":297},{"_createdAt":298,"_id":299,"_rev":300,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":298,"assetId":301,"extension":196,"metadata":302,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":330,"path":331,"sha1hash":301,"size":332,"uploadId":333,"url":334},"2026-04-07T15:23:14Z","image-6fe020b79d766c9bc45853ce8a43f864872fea63-4096x2160-jpg","zopp6qyKUiGJfwM8dBLpsX","6fe020b79d766c9bc45853ce8a43f864872fea63",{"_type":69,"blurHash":303,"dimensions":304,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":308,"palette":309,"thumbHash":329},"MKLh3f02o[ROIV_MoMD%ITt8~WniM{kWog",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":305,"height":306,"width":307},1.8962962962962964,2160,4096,"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAALABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQFBv\u002FEACMQAAICAQMDBQAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQABQYREiFBEzFxgZH\u002FxAAWAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAwT\u002FxAAYEQADAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARECMf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8A1e3NwxaZJDNfsSygo3W3v1EecvU92tqmqRrRhJq+mWZ+PPziVehVtacYrEEbxqvYcccfmUdr0a1OtEtaFY1JIIGZnmqIYU6WZdUZSvQycEc98MaigiZBzGp+sMg8bojP\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":310,"darkVibrant":313,"dominant":316,"lightMuted":319,"lightVibrant":320,"muted":323,"vibrant":326},{"_type":81,"background":311,"foreground":83,"population":312,"title":83},"#384a28",0.76,{"_type":81,"background":314,"foreground":83,"population":315,"title":83},"#313c17",0.54,{"_type":81,"background":317,"foreground":91,"population":318,"title":83},"#c5cba8",5.31,{"_type":81,"background":317,"foreground":91,"population":318,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":321,"foreground":91,"population":322,"title":91},"#afd3e4",0.04,{"_type":81,"background":324,"foreground":83,"population":325,"title":83},"#58929c",0.02,{"_type":81,"background":327,"foreground":91,"population":328,"title":83},"#b8ce75",0.18,"q\u002FgJDIKAVXiMVJmOhmSgiQZByQ==","shutterstock_2643582507.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F6fe020b79d766c9bc45853ce8a43f864872fea63-4096x2160.jpg",2786045,"HxABIWjfeZ1m3AskO4VWZBdszbCrpAvX","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F6fe020b79d766c9bc45853ce8a43f864872fea63-4096x2160.jpg","Many people want to feel more secure about their financial future, yet investing is often seen as complicated, intimidating, or something best left to experts. ","2026-04-07T15:19:02.954Z",{"_type":9,"current":338},"tips-to-help-people-feel-more-confident-about-saving-and-investing","Tips to help people feel more confident about saving and investing before ISA changes hit",[341,349,357,365,373,381,389,397,405,413,421,429,437,445,453,461],{"_key":342,"_type":127,"children":343,"markDefs":348,"style":135},"d3198c1e08e6",[344],{"_key":345,"_type":131,"marks":346,"text":347},"a9d0fcc35379",[],"Many people want to feel more secure about their financial future, yet investing is often seen as complicated, intimidating, or something best left to experts. With tax allowances shrinking and tax rates rising, building financial confidence has never been more important.",[],{"_key":350,"_type":127,"children":351,"markDefs":356,"style":135},"3375c09b8bae",[352],{"_key":353,"_type":131,"marks":354,"text":355},"95f60d633a71",[],"ISAs remain one of the most effective and accessible ways for individuals to save and invest due to the tax advantages they provide. The current £20,000 annual ISA allowance shelters savings income from interest, dividends and capital gains. However, from April 2027, Cash ISA limits for those under 65 will reduce to £12,000, while individuals aged 65 and over will retain the full £20,000 limit. Although the overall ISA allowance will remain frozen at £20,000 until at least 2031, individuals will need to allocate more of this allowance to investment‑based ISAs rather than cash in order to make full use of it. Understanding these changes now can help people plan more effectively for the future.",[],{"_key":358,"_type":127,"children":359,"markDefs":364,"style":135},"d52fa4c2355a",[360],{"_key":361,"_type":131,"marks":362,"text":363},"badcbaf646f4",[],"To help people feel more confident about saving and investing, WEALTH at work has outlined several practical, easy‑to‑follow tips:",[],{"_key":366,"_type":127,"children":367,"markDefs":372,"style":135},"fd1c1c35b261",[368],{"_key":369,"_type":131,"marks":370,"text":371},"61ce53f15e96",[174],"1) Start with personal goals",[],{"_key":374,"_type":127,"children":375,"markDefs":380,"style":135},"9aa9904d945e",[376],{"_key":377,"_type":131,"marks":378,"text":379},"ee02c75c3f17",[],"Connecting investing to meaningful goals such as buying a home, building an emergency fund or planning for retirement helps make saving feel more purposeful and achievable.",[],{"_key":382,"_type":127,"children":383,"markDefs":388,"style":135},"994e14e9f834",[384],{"_key":385,"_type":131,"marks":386,"text":387},"85f3f62e74e2",[174],"2) Learn in manageable steps",[],{"_key":390,"_type":127,"children":391,"markDefs":396,"style":135},"36173b25c531",[392],{"_key":393,"_type":131,"marks":394,"text":395},"6bd9f2ea4960",[],"You don’t need to understand everything at once. Learning the basics in simple, everyday language can make investing feel far easier to approach. By understanding key ideas such as what you’re investing for, how long your money can stay invested and the level of risk you’re comfortable with, first‑time investors can build confidence gradually.",[],{"_key":398,"_type":127,"children":399,"markDefs":404,"style":135},"7c9e48a6b737",[400],{"_key":401,"_type":131,"marks":402,"text":403},"4433c1bcdaed",[174],"3) Start early if possible",[],{"_key":406,"_type":127,"children":407,"markDefs":412,"style":135},"5e826ce55a3d",[408],{"_key":409,"_type":131,"marks":410,"text":411},"86cf668db5c3",[],"Starting early gives your money more time to benefit from compound growth. This is where your returns build on both your original savings and previous gains. Importantly, it’s never too late to begin. Saving consistently at any age can still make a meaningful difference.",[],{"_key":414,"_type":127,"children":415,"markDefs":420,"style":135},"59377fb45459",[416],{"_key":417,"_type":131,"marks":418,"text":419},"35c7049a6e9f",[174],"4) Adopt a long‑term mindset",[],{"_key":422,"_type":127,"children":423,"markDefs":428,"style":135},"7aa07acdbb8a",[424],{"_key":425,"_type":131,"marks":426,"text":427},"a4cce5e6e24f",[],"Markets naturally move up and down, but long‑term investing typically rewards patient savers. It’s about time in the market, not trying to time the market.",[],{"_key":430,"_type":127,"children":431,"markDefs":436,"style":135},"5603946594ae",[432],{"_key":433,"_type":131,"marks":434,"text":435},"95ee7b1e7797",[174],"5) Make the most of workplace benefits",[],{"_key":438,"_type":127,"children":439,"markDefs":444,"style":135},"7e1330b5ca8d",[440],{"_key":441,"_type":131,"marks":442,"text":443},"d7c69b089c64",[],"Some employers now make it easy to save and invest straight from your pay – for example, by offering a Workplace ISA. It’s a simple, tax‑efficient way to build good savings habits and boost your long‑term financial resilience. Many workplaces also offer financial education and guidance, as well as access to investment advice to help you understand your options and make confident decisions about your money - so it’s always worth asking what support is available.",[],{"_key":446,"_type":127,"children":447,"markDefs":452,"style":135},"9468d7f7720a",[448],{"_key":449,"_type":131,"marks":450,"text":451},"ece04a318550",[174],"6) Ask for support when needed",[],{"_key":454,"_type":127,"children":455,"markDefs":460,"style":135},"6bc7fba2581f",[456],{"_key":457,"_type":131,"marks":458,"text":459},"5b63c7d0ded1",[],"Financial decisions can feel overwhelming. Speaking to your employer about what help they provide - such as education financial education sessions - can give you the confidence to make informed choices.",[],{"_key":462,"_type":127,"children":463,"markDefs":472,"style":135},"1fcd7347bffe",[464,468],{"_key":465,"_type":131,"marks":466,"text":467},"2b620fb8ee4e",[174],"Jonathan Watts‑Lay, Director at WEALTH at work, comments;",{"_key":469,"_type":131,"marks":470,"text":471},"a42cd52f998b",[]," “Investing doesn’t have to be confusing. With the right support, individuals can build the confidence they need to make informed decisions about their financial future. As tax allowances continue to shrink and ISA rules change, it’s more important than ever for people to understand their options. Many workplaces provide access to financial education, guidance, investment advice and tax‑efficient savings like ISAs, so it’s always worth speaking to your employer to see what support is available.”",[],[474],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":479,"title":481},"2025-03-12T16:05:59Z","tag-0","kWKmE0DIBLF7V11g2qZz3e","2025-05-21T11:23:13Z",{"_type":9,"current":480},"news","News",{"_id":483,"blogPostMeta":484,"content":535,"tag":630,"title":534},"265d998d-af36-46da-921f-207184feed14",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":485,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":530,"publishedAt":531,"slug":532,"title":534},{"_type":58,"asset":486},{"_createdAt":487,"_id":488,"_rev":489,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":490,"altText":65,"assetId":491,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":492,"mimeType":225,"opt":521,"originalFilename":525,"path":526,"sha1hash":491,"size":527,"title":65,"uploadId":528,"url":529},"2026-01-21T10:10:01Z","image-b1c13b1f817d0cd4c8ce48f1d0a72994446e2cc7-6000x4000-jpg","C0xn8JneB04YbABbe4YM5M","2026-01-21T10:11:04Z","b1c13b1f817d0cd4c8ce48f1d0a72994446e2cc7",{"_type":69,"blurHash":493,"dimensions":494,"exif":498,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":500,"palette":501},"VCCi]f0J~AEc%4SuNFbcbIrrDm=|E1$+Nsxwr@rrn*ae",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":495,"height":496,"width":497},1.5,4000,6000,{"PixelXDimension":497,"PixelYDimension":496,"_type":499},"sanity.imageExifMetadata","data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgAH\u002F8QAHxAAAgICAwEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAQIDBAASBhEhBWFx\u002F8QAFgEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgQF\u002F8QAIBEAAQIFBQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQADAhEhMUESEzJxsf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AxF1MVicCcltj37+Yw44xYU4xqUZV7wtbvxx2ZpFqReufD\u002FMR\u002FOvtXWnJFEiroragYIm9MPJFtlwEUNcmWOprY\u002Fk8boWagkkhTYk5YQqc0vww6pHGF77yybchF\u002FFqACVl\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":502,"darkVibrant":505,"dominant":508,"lightMuted":511,"lightVibrant":512,"muted":515,"vibrant":518},{"_type":81,"background":503,"foreground":83,"population":504,"title":83},"#4f3f32",6.27,{"_type":81,"background":506,"foreground":83,"population":507,"title":83},"#850b2b",1.6,{"_type":81,"background":509,"foreground":91,"population":510,"title":83},"#bcada7",6.76,{"_type":81,"background":509,"foreground":91,"population":510,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":513,"foreground":91,"population":514,"title":91},"#e8bdbb",0.89,{"_type":81,"background":516,"foreground":83,"population":517,"title":83},"#af886a",0.93,{"_type":81,"background":519,"foreground":83,"population":520,"title":83},"#cf194b",4.44,{"media":522},{"tags":523},[524],{"_ref":106,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"shutterstock_1596746905.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fb1c13b1f817d0cd4c8ce48f1d0a72994446e2cc7-6000x4000.jpg",11714161,"AZ2B0XqJGnEWwPbQRoiWt6bor1TI0YDv","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fb1c13b1f817d0cd4c8ce48f1d0a72994446e2cc7-6000x4000.jpg","As you can see from the accompanying table it was a more positive albeit short week for global financial markets with markets across the U.S., UK and Europe closed on Friday in observance of the Good Friday holiday.\n","2026-04-07T10:14:02.542Z",{"_type":9,"current":533},"week-ending-3rd-april-2026","Week ending 3rd April 2026",[536,539,543,551,559,567,575,583,591,599,607,615,623],{"_key":537,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":538,"width":124},"1fc0417ad1a4","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1180778147",{"_key":540,"_type":58,"asset":541},"778b1619450e",{"_ref":542,"_type":107},"image-d7d4def7892028f9ac57402d7f8a6b244317a7fa-1600x2884-png",{"_key":544,"_type":127,"children":545,"markDefs":550,"style":135},"4ddfab7021f4",[546],{"_key":547,"_type":131,"marks":548,"text":549},"fbf851327e7f",[],"As you can see from the accompanying table it was a more positive albeit short week for global financial markets with markets across the U.S., UK and Europe closed on Friday in observance of the Good Friday holiday.",[],{"_key":552,"_type":127,"children":553,"markDefs":558,"style":135},"0854f8fb3736",[554],{"_key":555,"_type":131,"marks":556,"text":557},"8a8d51e22f22",[],"Major U.S. indices closed the week 3%-4% higher. Whilst over in the UK and Europe the FTSE 100 rose 4.70% and Eurostoxx 3.92%.",[],{"_key":560,"_type":127,"children":561,"markDefs":566,"style":135},"d01c9ea39f20",[562],{"_key":563,"_type":131,"marks":564,"text":565},"6c46c7b789b8",[],"Market sentiment remained under pressure amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Mixed signals from President Donald Trump and conflicting statements from Iranian officials, including little indication of a willingness to pursue a ceasefire, kept uncertainty elevated. Sentiment weakened again following a Wednesday evening address that warned the U.S. would hit Iran “extremely hard over the next two to three weeks.” This reinforced expectations of further escalation, pushing oil prices sharply higher and weighing on equities into Thursday. Despite this volatility, markets ultimately looked through the renewed uncertainty and recovered into the end of the week.",[],{"_key":568,"_type":127,"children":569,"markDefs":574,"style":135},"376cb8972589",[570],{"_key":571,"_type":131,"marks":572,"text":573},"87dab2ac0a80",[],"Energy remained the dominant macro driver. Price movements reflected ongoing uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit route through which roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows typically pass. Brent crude was trading around $112 per barrel on Friday.",[],{"_key":576,"_type":127,"children":577,"markDefs":582,"style":135},"06e44d79467f",[578],{"_key":579,"_type":131,"marks":580,"text":581},"c073747e53fa",[],"The impact of the disruption is most acute in Asia, where economies remain heavily reliant on energy flows through the Strait and are therefore more exposed to price shocks. By contrast, developed market equities proved more resilient. The UK’s FTSE 100 was supported by strength in energy and defensive sectors and, despite March volatility, remains up around 5% year‑to‑date, indicating that recent gains have offset earlier weakness.",[],{"_key":584,"_type":127,"children":585,"markDefs":590,"style":135},"f8c13b106df4",[586],{"_key":587,"_type":131,"marks":588,"text":589},"16f2395e7714",[],"For the UK, the implications of Hormuz‑related disruption are largely price‑driven rather than supply‑driven. The energy system is highly diversified, supported by North Sea production, pipeline imports from Norway, interconnectors with continental Europe and three LNG terminals. Reliance on any single supplier is limited, with only around 1% of gas supply in 2025 sourced from Qatar.",[],{"_key":592,"_type":127,"children":593,"markDefs":598,"style":135},"85275bb158d7",[594],{"_key":595,"_type":131,"marks":596,"text":597},"173677a8b7c0",[],"With regards to oil, demand is met through a mix of domestic production and imports, with United States the largest crude supplier, followed by Norway. While much UK‑produced crude is exported for refining necessitating imports of refined products mainly from the Netherlands and elsewhere, this structure limits exposure to direct supply disruption from Middle Eastern transit routes.",[],{"_key":600,"_type":127,"children":601,"markDefs":606,"style":135},"4dff8e0224e3",[602],{"_key":603,"_type":131,"marks":604,"text":605},"ac81a32c3176",[],"Nonetheless, global energy markets are highly integrated, meaning any broader supply disruption, can still drive price pressures that feed through to domestic energy costs. Policy support offers a partial offset: measures announced in the Autumn Budget are expected to reduce average household bills by around £150 from this month, helping to cushion the impact of higher wholesale prices.",[],{"_key":608,"_type":127,"children":609,"markDefs":614,"style":135},"e6b0beca027d",[610],{"_key":611,"_type":131,"marks":612,"text":613},"8591d1cbe45e",[],"Over the long weekend, OPEC+ agreed to raise crude output by 206,000 barrels per day from May, even as Middle East tensions continue to disrupt oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. The increase, agreed by producers including Saudi Arabia and Russia, is modest and largely symbolic, representing less than 2% of the supply affected by the Hormuz disruption and offering little immediate relief while the strait remains closed.",[],{"_key":616,"_type":127,"children":617,"markDefs":622,"style":135},"c2a81d02faa9",[618],{"_key":619,"_type":131,"marks":620,"text":621},"4b05a678e12a",[],"Markets enter the week still focused on inflation and energy. With U.S. core PCE on Thursday and CPI on Friday, alongside Fed minutes and speeches from policymakers, as investors assess implications for the Federal Reserve’s policy path.",[],{"_key":624,"_type":127,"children":625,"markDefs":629,"style":135},"7bc9bb510dd2",[626],{"_key":627,"_type":131,"marks":628,"text":288},"6906bd4a6331",[174],[],[631],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":636,"title":638},"2025-03-12T16:06:01Z","tag-2","FOz6Yv8y4a0NQIJ2tfLj4Y","2025-06-16T11:39:49Z",{"_type":9,"current":637},"weekly-market-summaries","Weekly Market Summaries",{"_id":640,"blogPostMeta":641,"content":664,"tag":756,"title":663},"e5a66676-a16c-4ed7-b703-2ce9e2502147",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":642,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":659,"publishedAt":660,"slug":661,"title":663},{"_type":58,"asset":643},{"_createdAt":487,"_id":488,"_rev":489,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":490,"altText":65,"assetId":491,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":644,"mimeType":225,"opt":655,"originalFilename":525,"path":526,"sha1hash":491,"size":527,"title":65,"uploadId":528,"url":529},{"_type":69,"blurHash":493,"dimensions":645,"exif":646,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":500,"palette":647},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":495,"height":496,"width":497},{"PixelXDimension":497,"PixelYDimension":496,"_type":499},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":648,"darkVibrant":649,"dominant":650,"lightMuted":651,"lightVibrant":652,"muted":653,"vibrant":654},{"_type":81,"background":503,"foreground":83,"population":504,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":506,"foreground":83,"population":507,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":509,"foreground":91,"population":510,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":509,"foreground":91,"population":510,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":513,"foreground":91,"population":514,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":516,"foreground":83,"population":517,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":519,"foreground":83,"population":520,"title":83},{"media":656},{"tags":657},[658],{"_ref":106,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As you can see from the accompanying table it was more of a mixed week performance wise for global financial markets. Geopolitics and energy markets remained the primary drivers of financial markets over the past week, with the ongoing conflict involving Iran continuing to shape investor sentiment.\n","2026-03-30T10:40:56.755Z",{"_type":9,"current":662},"week-ending-27th-march-2026","Week ending 27th March 2026",[665,667,671,679,687,695,703,711,719,727,735,743,751],{"_key":537,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":666,"width":124},"https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1178409592?",{"_key":668,"_type":58,"asset":669},"61f56f755487",{"_ref":670,"_type":107},"image-f024b21ed010d7356265008df553d5d8c0a63fb8-1600x2884-png",{"_key":672,"_type":127,"children":673,"markDefs":678,"style":135},"682f807b9217",[674],{"_key":675,"_type":131,"marks":676,"text":677},"3e0e22c42d20",[],"As you can see from the accompanying table it was more of a mixed week performance wise for global financial markets. Geopolitics and energy markets remained the primary drivers of financial markets over the past week, with the ongoing conflict involving Iran continuing to shape investor sentiment. Elevated oil and gas prices, alongside persistent uncertainty around supply disruptions, have increased concerns that the current situation could evolve into a more sustained inflationary shock, with implications for both economic growth and monetary policy.",[],{"_key":680,"_type":127,"children":681,"markDefs":686,"style":135},"3fb6f7a43cc9",[682],{"_key":683,"_type":131,"marks":684,"text":685},"23540151b2bc",[],"Markets began the week on a more positive footing, supported by reports of a potential U.S.-led ceasefire on Iranian energy infrastructure and indications of renewed diplomatic engagement. This led to a temporary easing in oil prices and a rebound in both equities and bonds. However, optimism faded as the week progressed, with subsequent headlines suggesting that the U.S., Israel, and Iran remain far apart on the terms of any agreement. At the end of the week, Brent crude continued its climb over $110 per barrel. This came despite President Donald Trump’s announcement that he would extend his deadline for Iran to reach a deal by 10 days—pausing his threatened attacks on Iranian energy facilities until 6 April. Even with this temporary de-escalation, markets remained cautious.",[],{"_key":688,"_type":127,"children":689,"markDefs":694,"style":135},"bc873c981613",[690],{"_key":691,"_type":131,"marks":692,"text":693},"5e18acfc81af",[],"In the US, equity markets ended a headline-driven week mixed. With a relatively light economic calendar, investor focus remained firmly on geopolitical developments and energy price movements.",[],{"_key":696,"_type":127,"children":697,"markDefs":702,"style":135},"acaeaf68b168",[698],{"_key":699,"_type":131,"marks":700,"text":701},"721c916be65b",[],"European markets were somewhat more resilient, although gains were modest. The STOXX Europe 600 Index rose 0.35% in local currency terms, while the UK’s FTSE 100 Index outperformed slightly, advancing 0.49%, as negative drivers were offset by stronger‑than‑expected consumer data and energy‑sector support.",[],{"_key":704,"_type":127,"children":705,"markDefs":710,"style":135},"00fbd6df6d54",[706],{"_key":707,"_type":131,"marks":708,"text":709},"ca92fa465bd4",[],"Economic data was thin on the ground. Reports demonstrated a softening in US consumer sentiment, reflecting growing caution among households. The University of Michigan’s Index of Consumer Sentiment declined to 53.3 in March from 56.6 in February, with notable weakness in short-term expectations and personal financial outlooks.",[],{"_key":712,"_type":127,"children":713,"markDefs":718,"style":135},"b7d125de5251",[714],{"_key":715,"_type":131,"marks":716,"text":717},"6c9813bec5c8",[],"A similar trend was evident in Ireland, where consumer confidence fell to a three-year low. Retail sales data in both Ireland and the UK also indicated more subdued consumer activity, suggesting that higher living costs and uncertainty are beginning to weigh on spending behaviour.UK retail sales declined by 0.4% month-on-month in February, following a strong 2.0% increase in January, although the fall was less pronounced than expected.",[],{"_key":720,"_type":127,"children":721,"markDefs":726,"style":135},"f905439f285e",[722],{"_key":723,"_type":131,"marks":724,"text":725},"dab86f770528",[],"Rising energy prices remain a key risk for the inflation outlook. Higher fuel and utility costs can feed through into a broad range of goods and services, potentially prompting central banks, including the Bank of England, Federal Reserve, and European Central Bank, to maintain a cautious stance on interest rate cuts.",[],{"_key":728,"_type":127,"children":729,"markDefs":734,"style":135},"aace8cfc989a",[730],{"_key":731,"_type":131,"marks":732,"text":733},"d626524073fa",[],"Looking ahead, markets are likely to remain sensitive to geopolitical developments, particularly any changes in the outlook for energy supply and prices. Central bank policy expectations and further signs of consumer resilience or weakness will also be important in shaping market direction.",[],{"_key":736,"_type":127,"children":737,"markDefs":742,"style":135},"1ce5f6c3d712",[738],{"_key":739,"_type":131,"marks":740,"text":741},"c884b639f5e9",[],"While the current environment may result in continued short-term volatility, it is important to recognise that such periods are a normal part of the investment cycle. Markets this year have increasingly been influenced by geopolitical developments and shifting inflation expectations, but underlying economic fundamentals remain broadly intact. For long-term investors, maintaining a diversified approach and focusing on strategic objectives remains key, particularly as periods of uncertainty can also create opportunities over time.",[],{"_key":744,"_type":127,"children":745,"markDefs":750,"style":135},"c80765acd462",[746],{"_key":747,"_type":131,"marks":748,"text":749},"ff937cbc9f91",[],"It will be a shorter trading week due to the Easter bank holiday weekend. Key data releases include Japan’s unemployment rate, industrial production, and retail sales, alongside Eurozone inflation figures. 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A huge congratulations to our clients who have won:",[],{"_key":823,"_type":127,"children":824,"markDefs":845,"style":135},"6f1148c80d2d",[825,829,833,837,841],{"_key":826,"_type":131,"marks":827,"text":828},"65c1dd897590",[],"🏆",{"_key":830,"_type":131,"marks":831,"text":832},"0e745b08ce33",[174]," Best All-Employee Share Plan Communications ",{"_key":834,"_type":131,"marks":835,"text":836},"a20b5bf5a80a",[],"🏆\n",{"_key":838,"_type":131,"marks":839,"text":840},"f6ecf8be02b8",[174],"Winner:",{"_key":842,"_type":131,"marks":843,"text":844},"f364bab5c00d",[]," BT Group",[],{"_key":847,"_type":127,"children":848,"markDefs":865,"style":135},"9cbec72e991b",[849,853,857,861],{"_key":850,"_type":131,"marks":851,"text":852},"a18f55fd5b55",[174],"Highly Commended:",{"_key":854,"_type":131,"marks":855,"text":856},"13491ab6db27",[]," Jet2.com and Jet2holidays\n",{"_key":858,"_type":131,"marks":859,"text":860},"589818f7889c",[174],"Honourable Mention: ",{"_key":862,"_type":131,"marks":863,"text":864},"26fb4d381395",[],"easyJet",[],{"_key":867,"_type":127,"children":868,"markDefs":896,"style":135},"7626623a0cfb",[869,873,877,881,885,889,892],{"_key":870,"_type":131,"marks":871,"text":872},"3970e75b7a1a",[],"🏆 ",{"_key":874,"_type":131,"marks":875,"text":876},"9947e4a4e45d",[174],"Best Use of Technology in Employee Share Plans",{"_key":878,"_type":131,"marks":879,"text":880},"4d9738de986a",[]," 🏆\n",{"_key":882,"_type":131,"marks":883,"text":884},"d6c9dbca452b",[174],"Winner: ",{"_key":886,"_type":131,"marks":887,"text":888},"0bd1741ae477",[],"BT Group\n",{"_key":890,"_type":131,"marks":891,"text":852},"76ab883be853",[174],{"_key":893,"_type":131,"marks":894,"text":895},"83091d5dca0d",[]," Centrica",[],{"_key":898,"_type":127,"children":899,"markDefs":904,"style":135},"948b72cc1a36",[900],{"_key":901,"_type":131,"marks":902,"text":903},"1eda5a0086dd",[],"This achievement highlights each company’s continued commitment to empowering their share plan participants through financial education and guidance to make confident, informed decisions.",[],{"_key":906,"_type":127,"children":907,"markDefs":912,"style":135},"694683f0365d",[908],{"_key":909,"_type":131,"marks":910,"text":911},"c408071c6a5d",[],"Congratulations again to all the nominees and winners!",[],[914],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":915,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":917,"blogPostMeta":918,"content":940,"tag":1013,"title":939},"a8e7081c-903c-41a2-9161-f01a6945ee3c",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":919,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":935,"publishedAt":936,"slug":937,"title":939},{"_type":58,"asset":920},{"_createdAt":60,"_id":61,"_rev":62,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":64,"altText":65,"assetId":66,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":67,"metadata":921,"mimeType":101,"opt":931,"originalFilename":108,"path":109,"sha1hash":66,"size":110,"title":65,"uploadId":111,"url":112},{"_type":69,"blurHash":70,"dimensions":922,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":77,"palette":923},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":73,"height":74,"width":75},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":924,"darkVibrant":925,"dominant":926,"lightMuted":927,"lightVibrant":928,"muted":929,"vibrant":930},{"_type":81,"background":82,"foreground":83,"population":84,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":86,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":82,"foreground":83,"population":84,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":90,"foreground":91,"population":92,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":94,"foreground":91,"population":87,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":96,"foreground":83,"population":97,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":99,"foreground":91,"population":100,"title":83},{"media":932},{"tags":933},[934],{"_ref":106,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"Markets have once again been on a rollercoaster this week after President Trump posted on Truth Social claiming that he had held positive and encouraging talks with Iranian authorities aimed at ending the war. ","2026-03-25T12:16:15.423Z",{"_type":9,"current":938},"market-update-25th-march-2026","Market update - 25th March 2026",[941,944,952,960,968,976,984,992,1000,1008],{"_key":942,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":943,"width":124},"c17f6940c762","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1176901924?",{"_key":945,"_type":127,"children":946,"markDefs":951,"style":135},"e5815fc488c0",[947],{"_key":948,"_type":131,"marks":949,"text":950},"437bb0a9c0fd",[],"Markets have once again been on a rollercoaster this week after President Trump posted on Truth Social claiming that he had held positive and encouraging talks with Iranian authorities aimed at ending the war. He further stated that the US would pause additional military action for five days while negotiations progressed, adding that he had sent authorities a 15-point peace plan to consider. Later in the day Iranian officials swiftly denied that any such talks had taken place. Interestingly, the most notable aspect of this episode was not whether the discussions occurred, but how markets reacted to the mere suggestion that they had. Markets that had been firmly in the red off the back of the weekend, but reversed course in a matter of minutes.",[],{"_key":953,"_type":127,"children":954,"markDefs":959,"style":135},"c445100dfe28",[955],{"_key":956,"_type":131,"marks":957,"text":958},"662e6f28d42c",[],"The FTSE 100, for instance, rose 2.73% just ten minutes after President Trump’s post, having previously been down (2.21%). Similarly, S&P futures rebounded to over 3% after earlier falling as much as (0.73%). While the facts surrounding the alleged talks remain uncertain, the episode highlights just how rapidly markets can shift in response to new information, and of course, how important it is to maintain a calm head during periods of market uncertainty, seeing volatility as a potential buying opportunity rather than reason to withdraw. ",[],{"_key":961,"_type":127,"children":962,"markDefs":967,"style":135},"fab32c6d4835",[963],{"_key":964,"_type":131,"marks":965,"text":966},"7a572fff9c74",[],"For investors concerned about the potential for prolonged spikes in oil prices, early trading offered some reassurance. Brent crude fell by roughly 6%, hovering around $98 per barrel after nearing $110 the previous day. This shift suggests that markets are moving away from the notion that supply disruptions will be a persistent feature of oil availability in the near term.",[],{"_key":969,"_type":127,"children":970,"markDefs":975,"style":135},"033f84aec468",[971],{"_key":972,"_type":131,"marks":973,"text":974},"4082536c1fae",[],"In the UK, CPI held up at 3% in February, the same as the previous month. The annual rate for food prices edged down slightly, while clothing prices were the biggest upward contributor. Core inflation, which strips out volatile elements of food and energy, ticked up modestly to 3.2% from 3.1% in January. Meanwhile, the UK’s manufacturing PMI for March slipped to 51.4 from 51.7 in February, with the latest data indicating that output growth and global demand had softened.",[],{"_key":977,"_type":127,"children":978,"markDefs":983,"style":135},"3a8b2e460159",[979],{"_key":980,"_type":131,"marks":981,"text":982},"5858577d20e0",[],"Meanwhile, in the Eurozone, the composite PMI for March declined to 50.5 from 51.9 in February, leaving economic activity hovering just above contractionary territory. While the services sector continues to expand, manufacturing activity has weakened. The data points to slowing momentum, with businesses adopting a more cautious approach to hiring as demand softens. This follows closely on the release of the Eurozone’s March consumer sentiment data, which showed confidence falling to -16.3 from -12.3 in February. Given that the data was collected shortly after initial US and Israeli strikes on Iran, it is likely that geopolitical tensions influenced sentiment.",[],{"_key":985,"_type":127,"children":986,"markDefs":991,"style":135},"10636a0a0510",[987],{"_key":988,"_type":131,"marks":989,"text":990},"3d5fb293247e",[],"Elsewhere, it was announced on Tuesday that the EU and Australia have reached a trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs on a range of consumer goods, including wine, chocolate, and European cars, making them more affordable in Australia. While tariff reductions will be implemented gradually over several years, certain agricultural sectors in Europe will remain subject to quotas rather than seeing tariffs fully eliminated.",[],{"_key":993,"_type":127,"children":994,"markDefs":999,"style":135},"37afab1d8b8b",[995],{"_key":996,"_type":131,"marks":997,"text":998},"a73c8365287c",[],"Still to come this week we have UK retail sales and consumer confidence and U.S. initial jobless claims.",[],{"_key":1001,"_type":127,"children":1002,"markDefs":1007,"style":135},"118bbe7a5cd8",[1003],{"_key":1004,"_type":131,"marks":1005,"text":1006},"2e07a4e6f0c9",[],"",[],{"_key":169,"_type":127,"children":1009,"markDefs":1012,"style":135},[1010],{"_key":172,"_type":131,"marks":1011,"text":175},[174],[],[1014],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":1015,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":1017,"blogPostMeta":1018,"content":1041,"tag":1134,"title":1040},"ad2ea8be-f96e-4269-8bac-343c664fff84",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":1019,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":1036,"publishedAt":1037,"slug":1038,"title":1040},{"_type":58,"asset":1020},{"_createdAt":487,"_id":488,"_rev":489,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":490,"altText":65,"assetId":491,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":1021,"mimeType":225,"opt":1032,"originalFilename":525,"path":526,"sha1hash":491,"size":527,"title":65,"uploadId":528,"url":529},{"_type":69,"blurHash":493,"dimensions":1022,"exif":1023,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":500,"palette":1024},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":495,"height":496,"width":497},{"PixelXDimension":497,"PixelYDimension":496,"_type":499},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":1025,"darkVibrant":1026,"dominant":1027,"lightMuted":1028,"lightVibrant":1029,"muted":1030,"vibrant":1031},{"_type":81,"background":503,"foreground":83,"population":504,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":506,"foreground":83,"population":507,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":509,"foreground":91,"population":510,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":509,"foreground":91,"population":510,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":513,"foreground":91,"population":514,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":516,"foreground":83,"population":517,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":519,"foreground":83,"population":520,"title":83},{"media":1033},{"tags":1034},[1035],{"_ref":106,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As you can see from the accompanying table markets remained on edge over the week which was packed with war headlines and central bank interest rate decisions. Central banks are understandably cautious about reacting to near-term market moves that may prove temporary. \n","2026-03-23T11:02:39.685Z",{"_type":9,"current":1039},"week-ending-20th-march-2026","Week ending 20th March 2026",[1042,1044,1047,1055,1063,1071,1079,1087,1095,1103,1111,1119,1127],{"_key":537,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":1043,"width":124},"https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1176164866?",{"_key":668,"_type":58,"asset":1045},{"_ref":1046,"_type":107},"image-1f7b713688e59cca32301128216db48a203cc380-1600x2884-png",{"_key":1048,"_type":127,"children":1049,"markDefs":1054,"style":135},"04f3c7de6070",[1050],{"_key":1051,"_type":131,"marks":1052,"text":1053},"738a712a2311",[],"As you can see from the accompanying table markets remained on edge over the week which was packed with war headlines and central bank interest rate decisions. Central banks are understandably cautious about reacting to near-term market moves that may prove temporary. History suggests that geopolitical shocks and energy-driven price spikes often fade, and acting too quickly risks undermining the broader economic recovery. In this context, maintaining current policy settings continues to be viewed as the most prudent course.",[],{"_key":1056,"_type":127,"children":1057,"markDefs":1062,"style":135},"939957302a3b",[1058],{"_key":1059,"_type":131,"marks":1060,"text":1061},"b6e68ffceb31",[],"Although markets have ended the week lower, short‑term volatility is a normal part of investing, especially during periods of heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Markets have repeatedly recovered from similar episodes over time.",[],{"_key":1064,"_type":127,"children":1065,"markDefs":1070,"style":135},"91d104a63512",[1066],{"_key":1067,"_type":131,"marks":1068,"text":1069},"384ca4db6c15",[],"In the U.S., the Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged for a second consecutive meeting, holding the federal funds rate at 3.5%–3.75%, in line with expectations. Officials noted that economic growth remains solid, supported by modest job gains, while inflation is still slightly elevated. The Fed acknowledged increased uncertainty stemming from the conflict with Iran, which has pushed energy prices higher and may lift inflation in the near term. However, its broader outlook remains intact, including expectations for one rate cut in 2026 and a slightly improved GDP forecast of 2.4% for that year. Chair Jerome Powell emphasised that while the full economic impact of recent events is unclear, long-term inflation expectations remain anchored around the 2% target.",[],{"_key":1072,"_type":127,"children":1073,"markDefs":1078,"style":135},"28af928552c3",[1074],{"_key":1075,"_type":131,"marks":1076,"text":1077},"da88b0baef1d",[],"“Super Thursday” brought a series of rate decisions from the Bank of England, the European Central Bank, and the Bank of Japan, all of which opted to leave policy unchanged.",[],{"_key":1080,"_type":127,"children":1081,"markDefs":1086,"style":135},"b237dc3b6382",[1082],{"_key":1083,"_type":131,"marks":1084,"text":1085},"82bdb660549b",[],"The Bank of England kept rates at 3.75%, with the MPC voting unanimously for no change, a shift from the previous meeting when four members backed cuts. Governor Andrew Bailey warned that markets may be overreacting by pricing in hikes, stressing that guidance is unchanged and that holding steady remains appropriate. With Brent crude now above $100 per barrel, around 60% higher than in February, near‑term inflation forecasts have moved up. The Ofgem price cap is shielding households for now, but a sustained rise in wholesale gas prices could push the July cap higher. The Bank now expects CPI inflation to run between 3% and 3.5% over the coming quarters.",[],{"_key":1088,"_type":127,"children":1089,"markDefs":1094,"style":135},"ccee7db8e729",[1090],{"_key":1091,"_type":131,"marks":1092,"text":1093},"60b4620bb3e9",[],"UK Labour demand continues to soften, with unemployment steady at 5.2% and wage growth slowing to 3.9%, the weakest since 2020. The MPC is monitoring Middle East developments and their impact on global energy supply but still views steady policy, not increases as the baseline.",[],{"_key":1096,"_type":127,"children":1097,"markDefs":1102,"style":135},"850532993793",[1098],{"_key":1099,"_type":131,"marks":1100,"text":1101},"79cda0422d56",[],"The ECB left its Deposit Facility rate unchanged at 2.0%, with President Christine Lagarde warning that inflation risks are rising as the growth outlook softens. Europe remains particularly exposed to energy shocks, given the lasting structural vulnerabilities following the Russia‑Ukraine war.",[],{"_key":1104,"_type":127,"children":1105,"markDefs":1110,"style":135},"5b8be4743f9d",[1106],{"_key":1107,"_type":131,"marks":1108,"text":1109},"b1fbec0aeabc",[],"Geopolitical developments intensified later in the week, contributing to Thursday’s market sell-off. Strikes on gas infrastructure in the Middle East disrupted facilities in Qatar responsible for a significant share of global liquefied natural gas exports, with repairs expected to take time. 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","2026-03-18T16:31:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":1191},"the-impact-of-money-worries-survey-results-2026","The impact of money worries - Survey results 2026",[1194,1198,1206,1213,1221,1231,1239,1247,1254,1266,1274],{"_key":1195,"_type":121,"height":1196,"url":1197,"width":124},"690627146686",600,"https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.flipsnack.com?hash=OUNCQjhCQjhCN0ErZHBmMmk5dGJkYw==",{"_key":1199,"_type":127,"children":1200,"markDefs":1205,"style":135},"4fcbcd036a6d",[1201],{"_key":1202,"_type":131,"marks":1203,"text":1204},"5c5381e57eea",[],"Our new research has found that 45% of employees feel unsupported by their employer when it comes to their finances. Take steps to help your employees financial wellbeing this Debt Awareness Week and download our latest research report here: ",[],{"_key":1207,"_type":127,"children":1208,"markDefs":1212,"style":135},"b23c41b28532",[1209],{"_key":1210,"_type":131,"marks":1211,"text":1006},"e34d5bb089b0",[],[],{"_key":1214,"_type":127,"children":1215,"markDefs":1220,"style":135},"e14d34ad4ec5",[1216],{"_key":1217,"_type":131,"marks":1218,"text":1219},"04f89851143c",[],"Inside you’ll discover:",[],{"_key":1222,"_type":127,"children":1223,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":1230,"style":135},"cb154a0657ee",[1224],{"_key":1225,"_type":131,"marks":1226,"text":1227},"e5e94e3b8845",[],"The financial concerns affecting employees and the workplace impact",1,"bullet",[],{"_key":1232,"_type":127,"children":1233,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":1238,"style":135},"073f86b5de92",[1234],{"_key":1235,"_type":131,"marks":1236,"text":1237},"8d23e5804673",[],"What employees say they need from their employer",[],{"_key":1240,"_type":127,"children":1241,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":1246,"style":135},"b8fae72c463b",[1242],{"_key":1243,"_type":131,"marks":1244,"text":1245},"ab9c7122d15d",[],"Where the biggest gaps in support remain and what employers can do to build financial resilience",[],{"_key":1248,"_type":127,"children":1249,"markDefs":1253,"style":135},"7110056c07f5",[1250],{"_key":1251,"_type":131,"marks":1252,"text":1006},"762e6229be6f",[],[],{"_key":1255,"_type":127,"children":1256,"markDefs":1262,"style":135},"252247f38e02",[1257],{"_key":1258,"_type":131,"marks":1259,"text":1261},"d58f86916b1b",[174,1260],"7a1a0f798509","Click here to download our latest research.",[1263],{"_key":1260,"_type":1264,"href":1265},"link","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Ffiles\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fac967549886bf9626f895efd1b6e9bed6a155ab2.pdf",{"_key":1267,"_type":127,"children":1268,"markDefs":1273,"style":135},"35662804b17a",[1269],{"_key":1270,"_type":131,"marks":1271,"text":1272},"eaec4c8bc32a",[],"WEALTH at work supports hundreds of organisations in helping their employees improve their financial future through financial education one-to-one guidance and investment advice – complemented by our Workplace ISA and digital Pension Consolidation service.",[],{"_key":1275,"_type":127,"children":1276,"markDefs":1290,"style":135},"f031c5a66eea",[1277,1281,1286],{"_key":1278,"_type":131,"marks":1279,"text":1280},"ee47933e0b52",[],"If you want to help your employees, ",{"_key":1282,"_type":131,"marks":1283,"text":1285},"df3ee6db2fb6",[1284],"dac86250068c","contact us",{"_key":1287,"_type":131,"marks":1288,"text":1289},"88f1d1092f26",[],".",[1291],{"_key":1284,"_type":1264,"href":1292},"\u002Fcontact-us",[1294],{"_createdAt":1295,"_id":1296,"_rev":1297,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":1298,"brandSpecific":76,"slug":1299,"title":1301},"2025-06-19T14:05:12Z","0b6592da-3048-44b0-8182-9353454e7706","xJcNa43GmqQ7Beq5jTlR3s","2025-06-19T14:05:28Z",{"_type":9,"current":1300},"research","Research",{"_id":1303,"blogPostMeta":1304,"content":1326,"tag":1375,"title":1325},"52ffd25c-8cd1-44a5-953f-8e3c09cba92f",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":1305,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":1321,"publishedAt":1322,"slug":1323,"title":1325},{"_type":58,"asset":1306},{"_createdAt":60,"_id":61,"_rev":62,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":64,"altText":65,"assetId":66,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":67,"metadata":1307,"mimeType":101,"opt":1317,"originalFilename":108,"path":109,"sha1hash":66,"size":110,"title":65,"uploadId":111,"url":112},{"_type":69,"blurHash":70,"dimensions":1308,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":77,"palette":1309},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":73,"height":74,"width":75},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":1310,"darkVibrant":1311,"dominant":1312,"lightMuted":1313,"lightVibrant":1314,"muted":1315,"vibrant":1316},{"_type":81,"background":82,"foreground":83,"population":84,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":86,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":82,"foreground":83,"population":84,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":90,"foreground":91,"population":92,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":94,"foreground":91,"population":87,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":96,"foreground":83,"population":97,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":99,"foreground":91,"population":100,"title":83},{"media":1318},{"tags":1319},[1320],{"_ref":106,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"On Monday, data from China showed industrial output grew by 6.3% over January-February, up from 5.2% in December. Retail sales also picked up, rising 2.8% compared with 0.9% at the end of 2025.","2026-03-18T12:44:01.953Z",{"_type":9,"current":1324},"market-update-18th-march-2026","Market update - 18th March 2026",[1327,1330,1338,1346,1354,1362,1370],{"_key":1328,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":1329,"width":124},"d4b109e5a785","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1174753603",{"_key":1331,"_type":127,"children":1332,"markDefs":1337,"style":135},"681041cab955",[1333],{"_key":1334,"_type":131,"marks":1335,"text":1336},"44b2457d075d",[],"On Monday, data from China showed industrial output grew by 6.3% over January-February, up from 5.2% in December. Retail sales also picked up, rising 2.8% compared with 0.9% at the end of 2025. This increase was likely supported by the extended Lunar New Year holiday, which saw a sharp rise in domestic travel and dining activity. Catering revenue, for instance, climbed 4.8% year-on-year in January - February; an acceleration of 2.6 percentage points from December. A spokesperson for China’s National Bureau of Statistics said authorities will continue to leverage the country’s large domestic market by implementing targeted measures to boost consumption. Plans are also being developed to raise incomes for both urban and rural residents, with the aim of sustaining economic expansion.",[],{"_key":1339,"_type":127,"children":1340,"markDefs":1345,"style":135},"92111b63fca0",[1341],{"_key":1342,"_type":131,"marks":1343,"text":1344},"dbd0caede87e",[],"In Japan, policymakers are widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged at 0.75% following Thursday’s monetary policy meeting. Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda said this week that inflation is moving closer to the 2% target but emphasised that this progress must be accompanied by stable and sustained wage growth. His remarks are likely to be welcomed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who has advocated for price increases driven by stronger consumption rather than by firms passing on higher input costs.",[],{"_key":1347,"_type":127,"children":1348,"markDefs":1353,"style":135},"3dd202766d23",[1349],{"_key":1350,"_type":131,"marks":1351,"text":1352},"0095f05ff9ea",[],"Iran carried out successful attacks on production facilities for the first time since the start of the war with the U.S. and Israel, prompting a renewed rise in oil and gas prices on Tuesday. Brent crude – the global benchmark for oil prices – briefly breached $100 per barrel at the time of writing. Tensions remain elevated, with Iran vowing a “decisive and regrettable” retaliation following Israel’s killing of senior figures, including its security chief and a Basij commander. Despite this conflict, it has been a relatively positive week for markets so far, with some investors appearing to “buy the dip” amid ongoing uncertainty. The UK’s FTSE 100, for example, rose 0.8% yesterday, reflecting a degree of optimism. Markets continue to swing between relief rallies and periods of caution as traders assess the evolving situation, with some hope that a coalition could emerge to ensure shipping continues through the strait. While heightened volatility is expected in the short term, analysts highlight a notable degree of market resilience as the conflict progresses. Strong pre-war fundamentals – including solid U.S. economic momentum, corporate earnings growth, moderating inflation, and a stable labour market – are helping to underpin markets, leaving them relatively well-positioned to absorb ongoing uncertainty as the situation plays out.",[],{"_key":1355,"_type":127,"children":1356,"markDefs":1361,"style":135},"26f00a346a61",[1357],{"_key":1358,"_type":131,"marks":1359,"text":1360},"635a6b10b87f",[],"Meanwhile, investors are focusing on the Bank of England’s policy decision, also due on Thursday. Markets expect rates to remain at 3.75%, with traders increasingly convinced that the Bank has reached the end of its recent easing cycle. Policymakers are likely to remain cautious about further cuts, particularly given the risk of rising energy prices stemming from ongoing tensions in the Middle East. We also have the Fed’s interest rate decision expected later today, with markets anticipating rates will be kept unchanged in the 3.5%–3.75% range. Attention will also be on any guidance from Fed Chair Jerome Powell, particularly around whether rising oil prices could influence future monetary policy decisions.",[],{"_key":1363,"_type":127,"children":1364,"markDefs":1369,"style":135},"6e5e098977b5",[1365],{"_key":1366,"_type":131,"marks":1367,"text":1368},"c00f74ee9b95",[],"We also have the UK’s unemployment rate to come as well as the ECB’s latest interest rate decision.\n",[],{"_key":169,"_type":127,"children":1371,"markDefs":1374,"style":135},[1372],{"_key":172,"_type":131,"marks":1373,"text":175},[174],[],[1376],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":1377,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":1379,"blogPostMeta":1380,"content":1424,"tag":1545,"title":1423},"346e138f-2322-4c47-8fbd-32cf01780c03",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":1381,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":1419,"publishedAt":1420,"slug":1421,"title":1423},{"_type":58,"asset":1382},{"_createdAt":1383,"_id":1384,"_rev":1385,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":1383,"assetId":1386,"extension":196,"metadata":1387,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":1414,"path":1415,"sha1hash":1386,"size":1416,"uploadId":1417,"url":1418},"2026-03-17T16:10:27Z","image-37e48f92d3fa4eb6ceb29d27c389969032bf7893-6812x4103-jpg","B2pP7K4t61XqoFRcU8vZot","37e48f92d3fa4eb6ceb29d27c389969032bf7893",{"_type":69,"blurHash":1388,"dimensions":1389,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":1393,"palette":1394,"thumbHash":1413},"MJIhKe_LKht1o}%g_4xvR+r=?HtmR5NKj^",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1390,"height":1391,"width":1392},1.6602485985864002,4103,6812,"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAAMABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGBP\u002FEACMQAAEDAwQCAwAAAAAAAAAAAAIBAwQABREGEiEiMUETcaH\u002FxAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEA\u002F\u002FEAB0RAAICAQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAAMREiExUaH\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FAK7VGsQj6fGawqNOS3RHsmUFPC5qT1U\u002FKnGjsNpHBYFHCVPrzW23WmLcIUNiUhmyedwZ4Xmnl3s0O3x2W4gE2JdFRC9UBGa1NTRaAAAEcyDYsd+NtHHDYNXO+d3paKeyoxRnfiZkyBbFMIm9OPyikBKuvZLNo2zP\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":1395,"darkVibrant":1398,"dominant":1401,"lightMuted":1404,"lightVibrant":1407,"muted":1410,"vibrant":1411},{"_type":81,"background":1396,"foreground":83,"population":1397,"title":83},"#5a552c",7.57,{"_type":81,"background":1399,"foreground":83,"population":1400,"title":83},"#612917",2.13,{"_type":81,"background":1402,"foreground":83,"population":1403,"title":83},"#997e60",8.15,{"_type":81,"background":1405,"foreground":91,"population":1406,"title":83},"#d6baa8",1.86,{"_type":81,"background":1408,"foreground":91,"population":1409,"title":91},"#e9c4b2",1.07,{"_type":81,"background":1402,"foreground":83,"population":1403,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":1412,"foreground":83,"population":1169,"title":83},"#b96737","4RgGDIR+mCP6eZiddUiLBVdgeA==","shutterstock_2432308045.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F37e48f92d3fa4eb6ceb29d27c389969032bf7893-6812x4103.jpg",9967050,"qrPmENrStGOCvIIVnHSvjRaRWTMEGpfB","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F37e48f92d3fa4eb6ceb29d27c389969032bf7893-6812x4103.jpg","New research from financial wellbeing experts WEALTH at work, conducted among 2,000 UK workers, reveals workers are experiencing growing financial pressures and a widening disconnect between their needs and the level of support they feel they are receiving in the workplace.","2026-03-17T15:31:44.574Z",{"_type":9,"current":1422},"research-reveals-rising-money-struggles","New research reveals rising money struggles with many missing out on workplace support",[1425,1432,1440,1448,1456,1464,1472,1480,1488,1496,1504,1512,1520,1528,1536],{"_key":1426,"_type":127,"children":1427,"markDefs":1431,"style":135},"e2490bcfa8b1",[1428],{"_key":1429,"_type":131,"marks":1430,"text":1419},"22199e2e1921",[],[],{"_key":1433,"_type":127,"children":1434,"markDefs":1439,"style":135},"2648914acb50",[1435],{"_key":1436,"_type":131,"marks":1437,"text":1438},"cb7058044bbc",[],"Almost half of workers (47%) say their biggest financial concern is not being able to save enough for the future, rising from 37% a year ago. Closely behind, 45% worry about not having enough savings for unexpected costs, while 29% are concerned about being unable to afford basic living costs and 26% are worried about being in debt. It’s therefore unsurprising that 51% of workers say the main barrier to saving regularly is not having enough spare income.",[],{"_key":1441,"_type":127,"children":1442,"markDefs":1447,"style":135},"42dc778a2ecd",[1443],{"_key":1444,"_type":131,"marks":1445,"text":1446},"59ec1ce22572",[],"Financial pressures are also reshaping everyday behaviour. Almost half of workers (46%) are cutting back on non-essential spending, while 38% are shopping around for better deals, and 18% have taken on debt. Some are even working longer hours, perhaps to cope, with a quarter (25%) reporting they have worked more overtime.",[],{"_key":1449,"_type":127,"children":1450,"markDefs":1455,"style":135},"a472e111deaf",[1451],{"_key":1452,"_type":131,"marks":1453,"text":1454},"16fa2e93f46b",[],"Financial strain is extending directly into the workplace. Workers admit that money worries affect their performance at work by causing increased stress levels (36%) and mental exhaustion (34%). With implications for workplace productivity including decreased motivation (23%), along with reduced focus and concentration (20%) and increased sick days (8%).",[],{"_key":1457,"_type":127,"children":1458,"markDefs":1463,"style":135},"06ccd55790de",[1459],{"_key":1460,"_type":131,"marks":1461,"text":1462},"937fb170bdbf",[],"Despite these difficulties, many workers are prioritising building their financial resilience this year. Building an emergency fund has ranked as the number one financial priority for 37% of workers, closely followed by saving for short-term goals at 36%. If workers had spare cash, 43% say they would put it into an emergency fund and 42% would save for future goals. Only 17% would spend spare cash on non-essential items, indicating that saving is taking priority over discretionary spending for workers.",[],{"_key":1465,"_type":127,"children":1466,"markDefs":1471,"style":135},"1efb540423ca",[1467],{"_key":1468,"_type":131,"marks":1469,"text":1470},"48d1eec3ca9f",[],"However, developing a regular savings habit remains a challenge for some, with 15% saying they forget to save consistently. The research also reveals clear preferences for the types of savings products workers value. The top features include easy access to money (44%), higher interest rates (35%), easy management via an app or online (31%), consumer protection through regulation (28%), use of clear and jargon free terms (24%) and the ability to save directly from their salary (20%). Together, these findings point to a strong appetite for employer facilitated savings options, such as a payroll-integrated Workplace ISA.",[],{"_key":1473,"_type":127,"children":1474,"markDefs":1479,"style":135},"e1f65b3c7115",[1475],{"_key":1476,"_type":131,"marks":1477,"text":1478},"d41348bcd75b",[],"WEALTH at work’s research also finds that long‑term financial planning is another pressure point. Three in ten workers (30%) worry they won’t be able to afford to retire, and 32% say saving for retirement is one of their top priorities this year.",[],{"_key":1481,"_type":127,"children":1482,"markDefs":1487,"style":135},"1e05585dc288",[1483],{"_key":1484,"_type":131,"marks":1485,"text":1486},"5e49d6ab4a72",[],"Despite the scale of financial difficulty highlighted in the research, many workers are not accessing formal financial support. The research shows that 30% of workers do not seek help from anywhere in particular when managing their money, while 29% rely primarily on friends or family. Only 10% speak to a financial adviser, and just 2% approach their employer for support.",[],{"_key":1489,"_type":127,"children":1490,"markDefs":1495,"style":135},"0156ec3dd02c",[1491],{"_key":1492,"_type":131,"marks":1493,"text":1494},"efba0b3dcf9a",[],"This disconnect is reflected in overall employee sentiment, with 45%1 reporting that they feel unsupported by their employer when it comes to understanding their finances; rising from 39% a year ago. And when asked how they feel about their financial future, only 20% say they feel they are on track to meet their goals.",[],{"_key":1497,"_type":127,"children":1498,"markDefs":1503,"style":135},"af8df292b41c",[1499],{"_key":1500,"_type":131,"marks":1501,"text":1502},"65f06689a24a",[174],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, comments;",[],{"_key":1505,"_type":127,"children":1506,"markDefs":1511,"style":135},"5cdee0dcbc91",[1507],{"_key":1508,"_type":131,"marks":1509,"text":1510},"d97e40c424cf",[],"“This research highlights the real and growing impact of financial stress on the workforce. These pressures affect not only individuals but businesses too, through lower productivity, reduced engagement and increased absence.”",[],{"_key":1513,"_type":127,"children":1514,"markDefs":1519,"style":135},"6c6e8101cca8",[1515],{"_key":1516,"_type":131,"marks":1517,"text":1518},"6fffdfde0606",[],"He adds; “What stands out is that many people don’t seek help from their employer - yet the workplace is uniquely positioned to offer the kind of practical, trustworthy guidance that people clearly need.”",[],{"_key":1521,"_type":127,"children":1522,"markDefs":1527,"style":135},"495945774f7a",[1523],{"_key":1524,"_type":131,"marks":1525,"text":1526},"bf6919924102",[],"Watts-Lay explains; “The good news is that many leading employers already support their people by offering practical and accessible financial wellbeing support. This can include workplace savings options - such as ISAs funded directly through payroll -alongside financial education, guidance, and access to regulated investment advice to help individuals understand their situation.”",[],{"_key":1529,"_type":127,"children":1530,"markDefs":1535,"style":135},"e63e44ca8c09",[1531],{"_key":1532,"_type":131,"marks":1533,"text":1534},"573d29998160",[],"“Speaking to your employer could be the first step towards easing day-to-day money worries and building long-term financial confidence. Nobody should feel they have to deal with these challenges alone.”",[],{"_key":1537,"_type":127,"children":1538,"markDefs":1543,"style":1544},"40ad1df4de12",[1539],{"_key":1540,"_type":131,"marks":1541,"text":1542},"9cb1de04558a",[],"About the survey: Research for WEALTH at work was carried out by Opinion Matters throughout 25\u002F02\u002F26 – 04\u002F03\u002F26 amongst a panel of 2,000 UK workers, aged 16+.",[],"h6",[1546],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":1547,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":1549,"blogPostMeta":1550,"content":1573,"tag":1666,"title":1572},"3b6212b2-8fe8-4969-a372-44f70e06fb8d",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":1551,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":1568,"publishedAt":1569,"slug":1570,"title":1572},{"_type":58,"asset":1552},{"_createdAt":487,"_id":488,"_rev":489,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":490,"altText":65,"assetId":491,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":1553,"mimeType":225,"opt":1564,"originalFilename":525,"path":526,"sha1hash":491,"size":527,"title":65,"uploadId":528,"url":529},{"_type":69,"blurHash":493,"dimensions":1554,"exif":1555,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":500,"palette":1556},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":495,"height":496,"width":497},{"PixelXDimension":497,"PixelYDimension":496,"_type":499},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":1557,"darkVibrant":1558,"dominant":1559,"lightMuted":1560,"lightVibrant":1561,"muted":1562,"vibrant":1563},{"_type":81,"background":503,"foreground":83,"population":504,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":506,"foreground":83,"population":507,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":509,"foreground":91,"population":510,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":509,"foreground":91,"population":510,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":513,"foreground":91,"population":514,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":516,"foreground":83,"population":517,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":519,"foreground":83,"population":520,"title":83},{"media":1565},{"tags":1566},[1567],{"_ref":106,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As you can see from the accompanying table, global markets closed the week lower. It was another volatile week across the board as investors reacted to headlines dominated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the subsequent dramatic swings in oil prices which touched $120 per barrel on Monday before falling rapidly sub $90 and finishing the week nearer $100.\n","2026-03-16T11:04:12.883Z",{"_type":9,"current":1571},"week-ending-13th-march-2026","Week ending 13th March 2026",[1574,1576,1579,1587,1595,1603,1611,1619,1627,1635,1643,1651,1659],{"_key":537,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":1575,"width":124},"https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1173978115?badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479%22",{"_key":668,"_type":58,"asset":1577},{"_ref":1578,"_type":107},"image-90cdf6fc8db8b8956c66ecfe5d7627d9086a54e0-1600x2884-png",{"_key":1580,"_type":127,"children":1581,"markDefs":1586,"style":135},"2d08a1b01784",[1582],{"_key":1583,"_type":131,"marks":1584,"text":1585},"a1b6ee6f999c",[],"As you can see from the accompanying table, global markets closed the week lower.",[],{"_key":1588,"_type":127,"children":1589,"markDefs":1594,"style":135},"3abf34b6fb67",[1590],{"_key":1591,"_type":131,"marks":1592,"text":1593},"dacab605eaee",[],"It was another volatile week across the board as investors reacted to headlines dominated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the subsequent dramatic swings in oil prices which touched $120 per barrel on Monday before falling rapidly sub $90 and finishing the week nearer $100.",[],{"_key":1596,"_type":127,"children":1597,"markDefs":1602,"style":135},"290cdc778326",[1598],{"_key":1599,"_type":131,"marks":1600,"text":1601},"ad1e63382e66",[],"Despite a sluggish economic growth report, the FTSE 100 held up better than other markets over the past week, supported by strong gains in energy majors like Shell and BP benefiting from sharply higher oil and gas prices amid the Iran conflict and by the index’s defensive, globally diversified composition.",[],{"_key":1604,"_type":127,"children":1605,"markDefs":1610,"style":135},"f0a17e5f1a03",[1606],{"_key":1607,"_type":131,"marks":1608,"text":1609},"08348de968e8",[],"Although conflict in the region has escalated, the U.S. introduced ambiguity by suggesting the war is “nearly over,” a statement at odds with conditions on the ground, leaving markets highly reactive to headlines and swinging sharply from gains to losses day‑to‑day.",[],{"_key":1612,"_type":127,"children":1613,"markDefs":1618,"style":135},"dcdc7bfa1ab1",[1614],{"_key":1615,"_type":131,"marks":1616,"text":1617},"c4fda03ddfa8",[],"Periods like this can feel deeply unsettling. The human tragedy reported in the news adds emotional weight, and the constant stream of conflicting information can tempt investors into acting hastily. However, history shows that making rapid decisions during volatile episodes often leads to poor outcomes. Maintaining a long‑term, level‑headed perspective remains crucial.",[],{"_key":1620,"_type":127,"children":1621,"markDefs":1626,"style":135},"e7bb93dc66cf",[1622],{"_key":1623,"_type":131,"marks":1624,"text":1625},"c7350d8e627e",[],"Importantly, our portfolios are designed to withstand short‑term noise. Their high level of diversification helps reduce the sharp swings often seen elsewhere in markets, allowing investors to remain focused on long‑term objectives rather than temporary market turbulence. Our investment management team remains level-headed, monitoring markets and ready to take up opportunities that arise.",[],{"_key":1628,"_type":127,"children":1629,"markDefs":1634,"style":135},"e2b3778a35b8",[1630],{"_key":1631,"_type":131,"marks":1632,"text":1633},"bd21e8ec914c",[],"On Wednesday, the International Energy Agency agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil to help offset supply disruptions caused by the Iran war. Even so, markets questioned whether this would be sufficient to counter the broader global supply shock. The G7 also signalled support for proactive measures, including the deployment of strategic reserves, though details remain limited. On Friday, the U.S. confirmed it would temporarily lift sanctions on Russian oil until 11th April; an action aimed at easing pressure on global oil prices without materially benefiting the Russian government. The update helped lift markets, with the FTSE 100, Euro Stoxx, and S&P 500 all eking out marginal gains.",[],{"_key":1636,"_type":127,"children":1637,"markDefs":1642,"style":135},"258a0d1c5ab1",[1638],{"_key":1639,"_type":131,"marks":1640,"text":1641},"fd02b326cd21",[],"Outside of oil prices and the Middle East. Attention was also on U.S. inflation data, with the latest CPI release landing just as higher energy prices push inflation expectations upward. Energy accounts for only around 6% of the CPI basket, meaning significant pressure on headline inflation typically arises through indirect channels such as higher food costs or transport expenses. While this CPI report does not yet capture the latest surge in energy volatility, any upside surprise would add to concerns, particularly if elevated oil prices persist. For now, the headline numbers remain aligned with expectations.",[],{"_key":1644,"_type":127,"children":1645,"markDefs":1650,"style":135},"a84f1f789c72",[1646],{"_key":1647,"_type":131,"marks":1648,"text":1649},"35afc698d5d2",[],"Also, this week, UK GDP came in weaker than expected. The UK economy showed no growth in January 2026, down from Decembers 0.1% growth and below expectations of 0.2% growth. While construction improved by 0.2%, the dominant services sector showed zero growth and production fell 0.1%. The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee is set to meet next week, and markets had largely anticipated a small interest‑rate cut to support the UK’s weak economic momentum. However, the sharp rise in oil and gas prices since late February has shifted expectations. With Brent crude now trading circa $100 per barrel, the Bank is likely to hold rates steady at 3.75%.",[],{"_key":1652,"_type":127,"children":1653,"markDefs":1658,"style":135},"4bfad5556d07",[1654],{"_key":1655,"_type":131,"marks":1656,"text":1657},"9c02ef8654f8",[],"Next week, the Federal Reserve in the U.S., The European Central Bank and the Bank of England will all decide on interest rates. Given the level of uncertainty, exacerbated by the war in the Middle East and fears of inflation, policymakers are expected to hold rates steady. Data wise we can expect Chinese Industrial Production and retail sales. 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explains; “The good news is that employers have a significant opportunity to support their people by offering practical, accessible financial wellbeing support. Steps such as providing payroll‑integrated savings options with a Workplace ISA, financial education and guidance, as well as access to regulated investment advice can make a meaningful difference to employees’ lives.”",[],{"_key":1805,"_type":127,"children":1806,"markDefs":1811,"style":135},"e0f3a300d6a6",[1807],{"_key":1808,"_type":131,"marks":1809,"text":1810},"0f81b3e48b6b",[],"“This isn’t just about helping employees build better financial habits; it’s about improving overall wellbeing, reducing financial related anxiety, and ultimately enabling people to perform at their best. At a time when financial worries are having such a tangible impact on day-to-day life and workplace productivity, financial wellbeing support is no longer a nice to have - it's essential.”",[],[1813],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":1814,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":1816,"blogPostMeta":1817,"content":1839,"tag":1901,"title":1838},"3b97a0a9-bffa-4aa1-a01c-a8270255d50e",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":1818,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":1834,"publishedAt":1835,"slug":1836,"title":1838},{"_type":58,"asset":1819},{"_createdAt":60,"_id":61,"_rev":62,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":64,"altText":65,"assetId":66,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":67,"metadata":1820,"mimeType":101,"opt":1830,"originalFilename":108,"path":109,"sha1hash":66,"size":110,"title":65,"uploadId":111,"url":112},{"_type":69,"blurHash":70,"dimensions":1821,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":77,"palette":1822},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":73,"height":74,"width":75},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":1823,"darkVibrant":1824,"dominant":1825,"lightMuted":1826,"lightVibrant":1827,"muted":1828,"vibrant":1829},{"_type":81,"background":82,"foreground":83,"population":84,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":86,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":82,"foreground":83,"population":84,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":90,"foreground":91,"population":92,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":94,"foreground":91,"population":87,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":96,"foreground":83,"population":97,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":99,"foreground":91,"population":100,"title":83},{"media":1831},{"tags":1832},[1833],{"_ref":106,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"Markets fell on Monday as investors reacted to developments in the Middle East and rising oil prices, which reignited concerns about renewed energy‑driven inflation. Oil briefly surged to nearly $120 per barrel, its highest level since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.","2026-03-11T11:36:33.108Z",{"_type":9,"current":1837},"market-update-11th-march-2026","Market update - 11th March 2026",[1840,1843,1851,1859,1867,1875,1883,1890],{"_key":1841,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":1842,"width":124},"f9b6f7445eeb","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1172531522",{"_key":1844,"_type":127,"children":1845,"markDefs":1850,"style":135},"ce6d224ff442",[1846],{"_key":1847,"_type":131,"marks":1848,"text":1849},"d9f9b78ead04",[],"Markets fell on Monday as investors reacted to developments in the Middle East and rising oil prices, which reignited concerns about renewed energy driven inflation. Oil briefly surged to nearly $120 per barrel, its highest level since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Later in the day, however, prices plunged back below $90 after President Trump announced he was considering seizing control of the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical oil shipping chokepoint. His comments, along with the sharp drop in oil prices, appeared to reassure investors, prompting markets to rally on Tuesday. President Trump has expressed strong confidence that the war with Iran will end soon, despite the conflict now entering its second week. U.S. officials report that 16 Iranian mine laying vessels have been destroyed in recent days as fighting intensifies. Iran, meanwhile, has continued to launch attacks across the region, further raising tensions. This rebound suggests that investors may be beginning to price in the possibility of a more contained conflict, rather than a prolonged regional escalation. Even so, markets opened lower again today, reflecting continued uncertainty in the short term.",[],{"_key":1852,"_type":127,"children":1853,"markDefs":1858,"style":135},"ccf55288d1a5",[1854],{"_key":1855,"_type":131,"marks":1856,"text":1857},"dd13cef35b69",[],"\nAfter previously floating the idea of a friendly takeover, President Trump said this week that Cuba is in “deep trouble” from a humanitarian perspective. The country has recently faced a series of challenges, including widespread blackouts and fuel shortages, prompting the government to introduce rationing measures. President Trump has also suggested he may allow Venezuelan oil to be sold to Cuba’s private sector, a move that could provide some relief as reports on the ground indicate the crisis there is worsening.",[],{"_key":1860,"_type":127,"children":1861,"markDefs":1866,"style":135},"ca5204875bbe",[1862],{"_key":1863,"_type":131,"marks":1864,"text":1865},"adfb83051104",[],"\nIn China, the trade surplus for the combined January–February period reached a record $213.62bn, with both exports and imports significantly surpassing expectations. While trade with the US declined slightly, trade with the EU rose to 19.9%. The shift in trade flows suggests Chinese exporters may be increasingly redirecting goods toward other major markets, particularly Europe, as tariffs continue to weigh on trade with the United States. Authorities also acknowledged the recent impact of US tariffs during the country’s ‘two sessions’ meetings, where they lowered the region’s growth forecast to 4.5% for 2026. Analysts have described the target as modest and potentially achievable, given heightened geopolitical tensions this year and ongoing adjustments in trade agreements.",[],{"_key":1868,"_type":127,"children":1869,"markDefs":1874,"style":135},"546cae3547f4",[1870],{"_key":1871,"_type":131,"marks":1872,"text":1873},"8be569f138b6",[],"\nIn the UK, the British Retail Consortium reported on Tuesday that consumer spending growth slowed in February. Sales at major retailers rose by 1.1%, easing from January’s stronger 2.7% increase as some shoppers remained cautious with discretionary spending. Retailers, however, remain hopeful that demand will strengthen as the spring months progress, supported by seasonal spending and improving consumer sentiment. While the BRC’s chief executive noted that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East may be weighing slightly on confidence, the slowdown could reflect short-term caution rather than a broader deterioration in consumer activity.",[],{"_key":1876,"_type":127,"children":1877,"markDefs":1882,"style":135},"4bc21431f40f",[1878],{"_key":1879,"_type":131,"marks":1880,"text":1881},"b799c6d60a1f",[],"\nStill to come this week we have a raft of US data including CPI, jobs data and GDP.",[],{"_key":1884,"_type":127,"children":1885,"markDefs":1889,"style":135},"8853629b57fa",[1886],{"_key":1887,"_type":131,"marks":1888,"text":1006},"83d4b724e516",[],[],{"_key":1891,"_type":127,"children":1892,"markDefs":1900,"style":135},"c05a6aaa788b",[1893,1896],{"_key":1894,"_type":131,"marks":1895,"text":175},"1809ae8df031",[174],{"_key":1897,"_type":131,"marks":1898,"text":1899},"222d109518bf",[],"\n",[],[1902],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":1903,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":1905,"blogPostMeta":1906,"content":1929,"tag":2047,"title":1928},"ccce84c8-79e4-4c58-98b6-cea6e08bf089",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":1907,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":1924,"publishedAt":1925,"slug":1926,"title":1928},{"_type":58,"asset":1908},{"_createdAt":487,"_id":488,"_rev":489,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":490,"altText":65,"assetId":491,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":1909,"mimeType":225,"opt":1920,"originalFilename":525,"path":526,"sha1hash":491,"size":527,"title":65,"uploadId":528,"url":529},{"_type":69,"blurHash":493,"dimensions":1910,"exif":1911,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":500,"palette":1912},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":495,"height":496,"width":497},{"PixelXDimension":497,"PixelYDimension":496,"_type":499},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":1913,"darkVibrant":1914,"dominant":1915,"lightMuted":1916,"lightVibrant":1917,"muted":1918,"vibrant":1919},{"_type":81,"background":503,"foreground":83,"population":504,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":506,"foreground":83,"population":507,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":509,"foreground":91,"population":510,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":509,"foreground":91,"population":510,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":513,"foreground":91,"population":514,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":516,"foreground":83,"population":517,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":519,"foreground":83,"population":520,"title":83},{"media":1921},{"tags":1922},[1923],{"_ref":106,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As you can see from the accompanying table, global financial markets closed the week significantly lower as sentiment was weighed down by the escalation of conflict in the Middle East. ","2026-03-09T10:45:58.447Z",{"_type":9,"current":1927},"week-ending-6th-march-2026","Week ending 6th March 2026",[1930,1933,1937,1945,1953,1961,1969,1977,1985,1993,2001,2009,2024,2032,2040],{"_key":1931,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":1932,"width":124},"c4686b5eb766","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1171741987?",{"_key":1934,"_type":58,"asset":1935},"24b9aea42281",{"_ref":1936,"_type":107},"image-3814fac29d8e3ddc557fe97cc87597769787e865-1600x2884-png",{"_key":1938,"_type":127,"children":1939,"markDefs":1944,"style":135},"e1ed9ae35b24",[1940],{"_key":1941,"_type":131,"marks":1942,"text":1943},"3ceaf2bf4d7a",[],"As you can see from the accompanying table, global financial markets closed the week significantly lower as sentiment was weighed down by the escalation of conflict in the Middle East. Markets indulged in a \"seesaw\" pattern of trading early on in the week as traders reacted to headlines, with brief relief rallies sparked by any signals of potential de-escalation or a reduction in supply chain disruptions.",[],{"_key":1946,"_type":127,"children":1947,"markDefs":1952,"style":135},"9a65dd15cd69",[1948],{"_key":1949,"_type":131,"marks":1950,"text":1951},"1bec151f443e",[],"Markets in South Korea and Japan were hit hardest early in the week due to heavy reliance on energy imports. Looking to the UK and Europe. The Eurozone bared the brunt of the sell-off due to its geographic proximity and energy sensitivities. The FTSE 100 fared slightly better due to its weighting in oil majors and defense names.",[],{"_key":1954,"_type":127,"children":1955,"markDefs":1960,"style":135},"5f37dc9cd49c",[1956],{"_key":1957,"_type":131,"marks":1958,"text":1959},"ef9558f62f53",[],"While the S&P 500 and Dow have also fallen, they have been slightly more resilient than international peers, partly due to the US being a major oil producer.",[],{"_key":1962,"_type":127,"children":1963,"markDefs":1968,"style":135},"859948405f53",[1964],{"_key":1965,"_type":131,"marks":1966,"text":1967},"0dfff2c454e6",[],"The week’s primary focus remained global energy markets and the Strait of Hormuz, where commercial tanker traffic has fallen by roughly 90% following recent hostilities. The heightened uncertainty initially pushed oil prices up about 12% at last week’s peak, and upon the market’s reopening they climbed further in early trading this morning, prices breached $100 per barrel as fears of prolonged disruption to global energy supplies grew over the weekend.",[],{"_key":1970,"_type":127,"children":1971,"markDefs":1976,"style":135},"74718491dd28",[1972],{"_key":1973,"_type":131,"marks":1974,"text":1975},"20efed6259e1",[],"President Trump stated on Tuesday that the U.S. Navy is prepared to escort tankers, if necessary, while the International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has been directed to provide political risk insurance and financial guarantees to stabilize maritime trade. While ship owners remain cautious about the sufficiency of these measures, the intervention provided a psychological floor for the markets mid-week.",[],{"_key":1978,"_type":127,"children":1979,"markDefs":1984,"style":135},"2bededc659e5",[1980],{"_key":1981,"_type":131,"marks":1982,"text":1983},"7eb53e8820db",[],"Concerns have grown that a prolonged conflict could reignite inflationary pressures through elevated energy costs. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, the resulting ‘energy shock’ is expected to keep inflation elevated, complicating central banks’ efforts to cut interest rates as previously anticipated. However, given the ever-evolving situation markets are not yet treating current events as permanent. In the UK, the scheduled £150 reduction in domestic energy bills (on average) next month provides an important buffer for households facing persistent commodity‑driven pressures.",[],{"_key":1986,"_type":127,"children":1987,"markDefs":1992,"style":135},"cee8947b0d90",[1988],{"_key":1989,"_type":131,"marks":1990,"text":1991},"352e56202271",[],"Whilst the headlines are dominated by Middle Eastern developments, our Investment Management team remains steadfast. Beyond the geopolitical noise, we continue to monitor the broader market landscape.",[],{"_key":1994,"_type":127,"children":1995,"markDefs":2000,"style":135},"5d36dfbda9a1",[1996],{"_key":1997,"_type":131,"marks":1998,"text":1999},"c1f694dd17e9",[],"In the Eurozone, annual inflation hit 1.9% in February, surpassing expectations and shifted market expectations on future interest rates pushing the probability of an ECB rate hike above 50%. This creates a complex environment for central banks, who must now weigh the risk of energy-driven inflation against a backdrop where Eurozone unemployment has reached a record low of 6.1%.",[],{"_key":2002,"_type":127,"children":2003,"markDefs":2008,"style":135},"0ffa4803111c",[2004],{"_key":2005,"_type":131,"marks":2006,"text":2007},"008a55372e3c",[],"On Friday in the US the labour report showed a cooling in February, this transition away from an overheated jobs market may ultimately provide the Federal Reserve with more flexibility in its interest rate path.",[],{"_key":2010,"_type":127,"children":2011,"markDefs":2023,"style":135},"3ca2905b20aa",[2012,2016,2019],{"_key":2013,"_type":131,"marks":2014,"text":2015},"e10943b65173",[],"China’s large strategic oil reserves have effectively buffered energy price movements this week",{"_key":2017,"_type":131,"marks":2018,"text":1289},"a556a66191a9",[174],{"_key":2020,"_type":131,"marks":2021,"text":2022},"8198a6178495",[]," At the National People’s Congress, Beijing set a GDP growth target of 4.5% to 5%, the lowest since the 1990s. Premier Li Qiang emphasized a move toward technology self-sufficiency and domestic demand to \"navigate external challenges,\" signalling that the global engine is entering a period of more measured growth.",[],{"_key":2025,"_type":127,"children":2026,"markDefs":2031,"style":135},"f8ea23cecd6d",[2027],{"_key":2028,"_type":131,"marks":2029,"text":2030},"f497815d96f9",[],"Geopolitical shocks often trigger emotional selling, but our focus remains on the long-term fundamentals of your portfolio. We are actively monitoring whether these energy spikes are transitory or structural, and we are prepared to adjust positioning should the inflationary outlook shift significantly.",[],{"_key":2033,"_type":127,"children":2034,"markDefs":2039,"style":135},"af81413576cd",[2035],{"_key":2036,"_type":131,"marks":2037,"text":2038},"7c92ce16a29a",[],"Next week’s highlights include China’s inflation and trade balance reports, U.S. CPI, core PCE, and durable goods orders, and, to end the week, the UK’s monthly GDP and industrial production releases.",[],{"_key":2041,"_type":127,"children":2042,"markDefs":2046,"style":135},"2cdea69668c1",[2043],{"_key":2044,"_type":131,"marks":2045,"text":288},"60ec23a0511d",[174],[],[2048],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":2049,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":2051,"blogPostMeta":2052,"content":2091,"tag":2239,"title":2242},"4069f018-b0bc-4fc8-8258-1031b86d67f0",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":2053,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":2086,"publishedAt":2087,"slug":2088,"title":2090},{"_type":58,"asset":2054},{"_createdAt":2055,"_id":2056,"_rev":2057,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":2055,"assetId":2058,"extension":67,"metadata":2059,"mimeType":101,"originalFilename":2081,"path":2082,"sha1hash":2058,"size":2083,"uploadId":2084,"url":2085},"2026-03-09T14:24:46Z","image-f17231a67f9638bcec4102f3cb3a4dcb11ddec3d-1000x667-png","V388ZaHeiJmeOgywqsp7oF","f17231a67f9638bcec4102f3cb3a4dcb11ddec3d",{"_type":69,"blurHash":2060,"dimensions":2061,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":2062,"palette":2063},"VGI|qFBVm,_MKkyF?E?HOs=yENOs?an3Mxx]t8xCs;oJ",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fpng;base64,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\u002Fs7GPipBuapp3c595eIdNT3opMADCpJx+Y146JCY5Hh5\u002FTD6+e2Wze2tmREBMNDV3Y2Srnp\u002Fazsvs0cbQopeXbnJ\u002FXWKZb2iXbGR2SklpODkArY+IcVdVQS4wRTA0gltVwoh0rH9yWUJGSDY8cWRspaGr29TW5s3ItIeGdU1ZdE1QoWpVqm5QkVxGgVFDAIt3dmlZXFdITWBSW4dxesCVjLCNiGNYZktAS2JWXZaOltXJyODFurGGeYlZT59mS8eBUc6DS7VwQpBYPABmW2BcUllfU1psYmyCeouulZmpkJFpaHlOSVVUR018cHS+qqTbsZbMj2XBfk7QiE\u002Fcj1HShUyxb0KBUDkAVUtSVEtSWlBYaF5nc25+h3yKhXd\u002FYGBuU01YUENJYlZcn4qG0KOD2ZRb2I1O3ZNV04pSs3NLmWhNglxOAFBGTVBGTlRKU2FXX2Veal5abFlUZFRRYFlRWlFESlRJUIh3d8WehNiVXtiOUN2YY8WGXI1eSXpaUYFjXAQje81oxyUBAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":2064,"darkVibrant":2067,"dominant":2069,"lightMuted":2072,"lightVibrant":2075,"muted":2077,"vibrant":2078},{"_type":81,"background":2065,"foreground":83,"population":2066,"title":83},"#5b3b38",2.72,{"_type":81,"background":2068,"foreground":83,"population":223,"title":83},"#0e53af",{"_type":81,"background":2070,"foreground":83,"population":2071,"title":83},"#b17867",6.4,{"_type":81,"background":2073,"foreground":91,"population":2074,"title":91},"#decdca",6.2,{"_type":81,"background":2076,"foreground":91,"population":325,"title":91},"#fcc49c",{"_type":81,"background":2070,"foreground":83,"population":2071,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":2079,"foreground":83,"population":2080,"title":83},"#31a8f6",0.11,"Untitled design (4).png","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Ff17231a67f9638bcec4102f3cb3a4dcb11ddec3d-1000x667.png",783626,"9VzaIV1RkpeBtXzvDThyXb9lblZda2PR","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Ff17231a67f9638bcec4102f3cb3a4dcb11ddec3d-1000x667.png","Many employees want to feel more secure about their financial future, yet investing is often viewed as complicated, intimidating or something best left to experts. With tax allowances shrinking and tax rates rising, supporting employees to build financial confidence has never been more important.","2026-03-09T10:12:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":2089},"wealth-at-work-shares-tips-to-help-employees-build-confidence","WEALTH at work shares tips to help employees build confidence with saving and investing before ISA changes hit",[2092,2100,2107,2115,2123,2130,2138,2145,2153,2161,2169,2176,2184,2191,2199,2207,2215,2223,2231],{"_key":2093,"_type":127,"children":2094,"markDefs":2099,"style":135},"b5a5cd752a93",[2095],{"_key":2096,"_type":131,"marks":2097,"text":2098},"b75e386c55ee",[],"WEALTH at work shares tips to help employees build confidence with saving and investing before ISA changes hit.",[],{"_key":2101,"_type":127,"children":2102,"markDefs":2106,"style":135},"759073ba4b1c",[2103],{"_key":2104,"_type":131,"marks":2105,"text":2086},"5ca15c743e59",[],[],{"_key":2108,"_type":127,"children":2109,"markDefs":2114,"style":135},"d44d7087eabc",[2110],{"_key":2111,"_type":131,"marks":2112,"text":2113},"a2a2921bba24",[],"ISAs remain one of the most effective and accessible ways for individuals to save and invest due to the tax advantages they provide. The current £20,000 annual ISA allowance shelters savings income from interest, dividends and capital gains. However, from April 2027, Cash ISA limits for those under 65 will reduce to £12,000, while individuals aged 65 and over will retain the full £20,000 limit. Although the overall ISA allowance will remain frozen at £20,000 until at least 2031, employees will need to allocate more of this allowance to investment based ISAs rather than cash in order to make full use of it. This makes it vital for them to understand how upcoming changes may affect their long‑term financial planning - and employers have a key role to play in providing support.",[],{"_key":2116,"_type":127,"children":2117,"markDefs":2122,"style":135},"2d2ca9ea6585",[2118],{"_key":2119,"_type":131,"marks":2120,"text":2121},"78d618d4d0f4",[],"To help employees build confidence with saving and investing, WEALTH at work has outlined several practical tips employers can share with their workforce:",[],{"_key":2124,"_type":127,"children":2125,"markDefs":2129,"style":135},"dc6cb63697ca",[2126],{"_key":2127,"_type":131,"marks":2128,"text":371},"1ba5609cf445",[174],[],{"_key":2131,"_type":127,"children":2132,"markDefs":2137,"style":135},"96bc6b484c82",[2133],{"_key":2134,"_type":131,"marks":2135,"text":2136},"8ec8f48d80e3",[],"Employees can begin by connecting investing to goals that matter to them - whether buying a home, building an emergency fund or planning for retirement. Clear goals make saving feel more purposeful and achievable.",[],{"_key":2139,"_type":127,"children":2140,"markDefs":2144,"style":135},"126d0470b238",[2141],{"_key":2142,"_type":131,"marks":2143,"text":387},"9c317ff9d5a3",[174],[],{"_key":2146,"_type":127,"children":2147,"markDefs":2152,"style":135},"edbcb97a579e",[2148],{"_key":2149,"_type":131,"marks":2150,"text":2151},"c1f40c3ceaee",[],"Employees don’t need to understand everything at once. Breaking financial education into simple, jargon‑free concepts can make investing feel far less overwhelming and easier to approach. By understanding key ideas such as what someone is investing for, how long their money can stay invested and the level of risk they’re comfortable with, first time investors can build confidence gradually.",[],{"_key":2154,"_type":127,"children":2155,"markDefs":2160,"style":135},"bd062c9dd09e",[2156],{"_key":2157,"_type":131,"marks":2158,"text":2159},"f8fb3778a810",[174],"3) Start small - and start early if possible",[],{"_key":2162,"_type":127,"children":2163,"markDefs":2168,"style":135},"373381160fc8",[2164],{"_key":2165,"_type":131,"marks":2166,"text":2167},"47b5d1461109",[],"Employees should begin with an amount that feels comfortable. Even modest contributions can grow meaningfully over time. Starting early gives savings more time to benefit from compound growth. This is where returns build on both the original amount and any gains already earned. Importantly, it’s never too late to begin. Consistent saving at any stage of life can still make a positive difference.",[],{"_key":2170,"_type":127,"children":2171,"markDefs":2175,"style":135},"b70eba3d48bd",[2172],{"_key":2173,"_type":131,"marks":2174,"text":419},"a59fba416c0b",[174],[],{"_key":2177,"_type":127,"children":2178,"markDefs":2183,"style":135},"7a933d3ebc91",[2179],{"_key":2180,"_type":131,"marks":2181,"text":2182},"1f427aa7e148",[],"Markets naturally rise and fall but long‑term investing typically rewards patient savers. Focusing on time in the market, rather than trying to ‘time the market’, helps employees stay committed to their financial goals.",[],{"_key":2185,"_type":127,"children":2186,"markDefs":2190,"style":135},"5d9f36f79aa7",[2187],{"_key":2188,"_type":131,"marks":2189,"text":435},"88b67cf204eb",[174],[],{"_key":2192,"_type":127,"children":2193,"markDefs":2198,"style":135},"322d2486d020",[2194],{"_key":2195,"_type":131,"marks":2196,"text":2197},"7d02dad5a5cb",[],"Many workplaces now give employees the option to save and invest tax‑efficiently through payroll, for example, using a Workplace ISA. This can help them build strong savings habits and improve long‑term financial resilience. They often also provide financial education, guidance and access to investment advice to help employees understand their options.",[],{"_key":2200,"_type":127,"children":2201,"markDefs":2206,"style":135},"054e43e2b011",[2202],{"_key":2203,"_type":131,"marks":2204,"text":2205},"198cef73a804",[174],"6) Utilise tax allowances before tax year end - 5 April",[],{"_key":2208,"_type":127,"children":2209,"markDefs":2214,"style":135},"64e29c664da5",[2210],{"_key":2211,"_type":131,"marks":2212,"text":2213},"c984cf89da8e",[],"Encourage employees to check whether they have unused ISA or pension allowances before 5 April. Making use of these allowances can reduce tax liability and support financial wellbeing.",[],{"_key":2216,"_type":127,"children":2217,"markDefs":2222,"style":135},"0fb0b2e8038e",[2218],{"_key":2219,"_type":131,"marks":2220,"text":2221},"ff5f7d47a0c6",[174],"7) Seek support when needed",[],{"_key":2224,"_type":127,"children":2225,"markDefs":2230,"style":135},"ed1885bd6ff1",[2226],{"_key":2227,"_type":131,"marks":2228,"text":2229},"dedac475a704",[],"Financial decisions can feel challenging. Employers can reassure staff that support is available through the many benefits available in the workplace.",[],{"_key":2232,"_type":127,"children":2233,"markDefs":2238,"style":135},"878fdc6aa749",[2234],{"_key":2235,"_type":131,"marks":2236,"text":2237},"aa8b5c277fbf",[],"Jonathan Watts Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, comments; “Investing doesn’t have to be confusing. With the right support, employees can build the confidence they need to make informed decisions about their financial future. As tax allowances continue to shrink and ISA rules change, it’s more important than ever for employers to help their workforce understand their options. Providing access to financial education, guidance, investment advice and tax efficient savings such as Workplace ISAs can make a real difference to long term financial resilience. Now is the time for employers to step in and support their employees through these changes.”",[],[2240],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":2241,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},"Tips to help employees build confidence with saving and investing ",{"_id":2244,"blogPostMeta":2245,"content":2289,"tag":2419,"title":2288},"006b2970-a4fe-4f3e-943b-ffb575afe3a4",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":2246,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":2284,"publishedAt":2285,"slug":2286,"title":2288},{"_type":58,"asset":2247},{"_createdAt":2248,"_id":2249,"_rev":2250,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":2248,"assetId":2251,"extension":196,"metadata":2252,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":2279,"path":2280,"sha1hash":2251,"size":2281,"uploadId":2282,"url":2283},"2026-03-25T11:42:13Z","image-3444ec6fb7c3fbd5a8900a12ee6badd60cd8e9b3-8192x5464-jpg","aCxD4mO2nBg2x4z3glH0aE","3444ec6fb7c3fbd5a8900a12ee6badd60cd8e9b3",{"_type":69,"blurHash":2253,"dimensions":2254,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":2258,"palette":2259,"thumbHash":2278},"VXKA$w_NWA,BS#*0%3tRI;s:yYxuRPI=V@s9R+Rj%1M{",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":2255,"height":2256,"width":2257},1.499267935578331,5464,8192,"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYHBP\u002FEACQQAAIBBAIBBAMAAAAAAAAAAAECAwAEBREGEkETITFxMmGh\u002F8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgT\u002FxAAbEQACAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAwABBBIhUf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8Ap3JeewYqzinggPUSBW7+R5A\u002FdTPn11ybI5pcpx7JPFjXZGSEHX32pqgxFveWSG7HrL+YVxvRrDm8VDh8PcPYs6tIwJ7HY39VOxjaVsN9lawUTdCrkTMxdYM5O4aQI0rNtyrEbbXv\u002FaKnXKLBoczOouZDs9idfJNFEH7jRewswRErqf\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":2260,"darkVibrant":2263,"dominant":2266,"lightMuted":2269,"lightVibrant":2272,"muted":2274,"vibrant":2275},{"_type":81,"background":2261,"foreground":83,"population":2262,"title":83},"#4b3025",3.92,{"_type":81,"background":2264,"foreground":83,"population":2265,"title":83},"#763b21",6.34,{"_type":81,"background":2267,"foreground":91,"population":2268,"title":83},"#ba9271",6.92,{"_type":81,"background":2270,"foreground":91,"population":2271,"title":83},"#c2afa2",5.82,{"_type":81,"background":2273,"foreground":91,"population":1159,"title":91},"#fccc8c",{"_type":81,"background":2267,"foreground":91,"population":2268,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":2276,"foreground":91,"population":2277,"title":83},"#ee9447",2.05,"oygOHYRveFibaZibdndnaaSgUgk7","shutterstock_2239517893.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F3444ec6fb7c3fbd5a8900a12ee6badd60cd8e9b3-8192x5464.jpg",15015484,"YysMo4LLzLqWg4E6hpr0LHud6V76MGsQ","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F3444ec6fb7c3fbd5a8900a12ee6badd60cd8e9b3-8192x5464.jpg","With tax allowances shrinking and tax rates rising, you may be looking to boost your financial confidence to support your future through various types of saving. ","2026-03-09T09:26:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":2287},"tips-to-help-you-feel-more-confident-about-saving-and-invest","Tips to help you feel more confident about saving and investing before ISA changes hit ",[2290,2298,2306,2314,2322,2330,2338,2351,2363,2375,2387,2399,2411],{"_key":2291,"_type":127,"children":2292,"markDefs":2297,"style":135},"2a14649b39b5",[2293],{"_key":2294,"_type":131,"marks":2295,"text":2296},"95449c496b2e",[],"With tax allowances shrinking and tax rates rising, you may be looking to boost your financial confidence to support your future through various types of saving. However, investing can often be seen as an intimidating way to save, or something best left to experts.",[],{"_key":2299,"_type":127,"children":2300,"markDefs":2305,"style":135},"a32c957cd9d5",[2301],{"_key":2302,"_type":131,"marks":2303,"text":2304},"55f3ec3027bd",[],"\nISAs are one of the most effective and accessible ways for you to save and invest with the tax advantages they provide. To help you feel more confident about saving and investing we’ve outlined some easy ways you can begin to think about your investment journey.",[],{"_key":2307,"_type":127,"children":2308,"markDefs":2313,"style":135},"dfe1a414f5f8",[2309],{"_key":2310,"_type":131,"marks":2311,"text":2312},"6d6ad5db48e4",[],"What you need to know",[],{"_key":2315,"_type":127,"children":2316,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":2321,"style":135},"7bac68604cad",[2317],{"_key":2318,"_type":131,"marks":2319,"text":2320},"bf44acd3ff35",[],"The current £20,000 annual ISA allowance shelters savings income from taxation on interest, dividends, and capital gains.",[],{"_key":2323,"_type":127,"children":2324,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":2329,"style":135},"d712a2176d4c",[2325],{"_key":2326,"_type":131,"marks":2327,"text":2328},"2f1c57372909",[],"From April 2027, Cash ISA contributions for those under 65 will reduce to £12,000, while the remaining £8,000 allowance can be used in an investment-based ISA. Those aged 65 and over will retain the ability to use their full £20,000 allowance in a Cash ISA.",[],{"_key":2331,"_type":127,"children":2332,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":2337,"style":135},"61c0624ee5cb",[2333],{"_key":2334,"_type":131,"marks":2335,"text":2336},"d4c9801ef7a2",[],"The overall ISA allowance will remain frozen at £20,000 for everyone until at least 2031 but you may wish to consider allocating more of this allowance to investment based ISAs rather than cash to make full use of the tax benefits.",[],{"_key":2339,"_type":127,"children":2340,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":2350,"style":135},"a3e72611b950",[2341,2345],{"_key":2342,"_type":131,"marks":2343,"text":2344},"dba40d348106",[174],"Start with your goals",{"_key":2346,"_type":131,"marks":2347,"text":2348},"dca24f85021e",[],"\nConnect your investing journey to meaningful goals such as buying a home, building an emergency fund, or planning for retirement; help make saving feel more purposeful and achievable.","number",[],{"_key":2352,"_type":127,"children":2353,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":2362,"style":135},"b43a342a6551",[2354,2358],{"_key":2355,"_type":131,"marks":2356,"text":2357},"ef6d5bda1060",[174],"Learn in manageable steps",{"_key":2359,"_type":131,"marks":2360,"text":2361},"c29489967a7a",[],"\nYou don’t need to understand everything at once. Learning the basics in simple, everyday language can make investing feel far easier to approach. Key ideas such as what you’re investing for, how long your money can stay invested, and the level of risk you’re comfortable with, can help you anchor your learning and help you build confidence gradually.",[],{"_key":2364,"_type":127,"children":2365,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":2374,"style":135},"8d722c87ed4d",[2366,2370],{"_key":2367,"_type":131,"marks":2368,"text":2369},"3803de9fe7b6",[174],"Start small, start early",{"_key":2371,"_type":131,"marks":2372,"text":2373},"c517d2969d5f",[],"\nBegin your investment journey with an amount that feels comfortable, keeping in mind that you should never invest more than you can afford to lose. Small and regular contributions can grow significantly over time and starting early gives your money more time to benefit from compounded growth. This is where your returns build on both your original savings and previous gains.",[],{"_key":2376,"_type":127,"children":2377,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":2386,"style":135},"0577eabf28c3",[2378,2382],{"_key":2379,"_type":131,"marks":2380,"text":2381},"6c940492a240",[174],"Adopt a long‑term mindset",{"_key":2383,"_type":131,"marks":2384,"text":2385},"5fd4414aefbd",[],"\nThe Stock Market naturally moves up and down, but long‑term investing typically rewards patient savers. It’s about time in the market, not trying to time the market.",[],{"_key":2388,"_type":127,"children":2389,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":2398,"style":135},"bbfc318520a3",[2390,2394],{"_key":2391,"_type":131,"marks":2392,"text":2393},"7fb5b0ae2119",[174],"Ask for support when needed",{"_key":2395,"_type":131,"marks":2396,"text":2397},"cb4ca4559b27",[],"\nFinancial decisions can feel overwhelming. Speaking to your employer about what help they provide, such as financial education sessions, can give you the confidence to make informed choices.",[],{"_key":2400,"_type":127,"children":2401,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":2410,"style":135},"00dfb02ee140",[2402,2406],{"_key":2403,"_type":131,"marks":2404,"text":2405},"a94e359438e1",[174],"Make the most of workplace benefits",{"_key":2407,"_type":131,"marks":2408,"text":2409},"4d4428b89b8d",[],"\nSome employers now make it easy to save and invest straight from your pay by offering a Workplace ISA. It’s a simple, tax‑efficient way to build good savings habits and boost your long‑term financial resilience. Many workplaces also offer financial education and guidance, as well as access to investment advice to help you understand your options and make confident decisions about your money; it’s always worth asking what support is available.",[],{"_key":2412,"_type":127,"children":2413,"markDefs":2418,"style":135},"053c86d09420",[2414],{"_key":2415,"_type":131,"marks":2416,"text":2417},"f3f70614aebb",[],"\nJonathan Watts‑Lay, Director at WEALTH at work, comments; “Investing doesn’t have to be confusing. As tax allowances continue to shrink and ISA rules change, it’s more important than ever for people to understand their options. Many workplaces provide access to financial education, guidance, investment advice and tax‑efficient savings like ISAs, so it’s always worth speaking to your employer to see what support is available.”\n\n",[],[2420],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":2421,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":2423,"blogPostMeta":2424,"content":2429,"tag":2444,"title":2428},"a86c9bef-bb63-460d-a01b-36154bb2e6df",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":65,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":2425,"slug":2426,"title":2428},"2026-03-05T15:48:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":2427},"important-information-for-the-2026-27-tax-year","Important Information for the 2026\u002F27 tax year",[2430,2433],{"_key":2431,"_type":121,"height":1196,"url":2432,"width":124},"c8cb25425c63","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.flipsnack.com?hash=OUNCQjhCQjhCN0EreHQ1b2YzdXJ6cA==",{"_key":2434,"_type":127,"children":2435,"markDefs":2441,"style":135},"bdeb4d9b3c03",[2436],{"_key":2437,"_type":131,"marks":2438,"text":2440},"53c0ac397672",[2439,174],"0f0d2d1b910d","Download",[2442],{"_key":2439,"_type":1264,"href":2443},"https:\u002F\u002Fd3a6n7gvbr88rj.cloudfront.net\u002Fstudio-wealth-at-work-content-lake\u002F1772725797831-snvzrg.pdf",[2445],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":2446,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":2448,"blogPostMeta":2449,"content":2471,"tag":2530,"title":2470},"1ba1c1d0-17d4-461f-a8ab-72ac257efbc8",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":2450,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":2466,"publishedAt":2467,"slug":2468,"title":2470},{"_type":58,"asset":2451},{"_createdAt":60,"_id":61,"_rev":62,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":64,"altText":65,"assetId":66,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":67,"metadata":2452,"mimeType":101,"opt":2462,"originalFilename":108,"path":109,"sha1hash":66,"size":110,"title":65,"uploadId":111,"url":112},{"_type":69,"blurHash":70,"dimensions":2453,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":77,"palette":2454},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":73,"height":74,"width":75},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":2455,"darkVibrant":2456,"dominant":2457,"lightMuted":2458,"lightVibrant":2459,"muted":2460,"vibrant":2461},{"_type":81,"background":82,"foreground":83,"population":84,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":86,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":82,"foreground":83,"population":84,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":90,"foreground":91,"population":92,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":94,"foreground":91,"population":87,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":96,"foreground":83,"population":97,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":99,"foreground":91,"population":100,"title":83},{"media":2463},{"tags":2464},[2465],{"_ref":106,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"Day five of the US–Israel conflict with Iran continues to unfold. Reports suggest that financial markets have reacted largely in line with expectations. Although markets initially reacted calmly on Monday, sentiment weakened considerably yesterday. ","2026-03-04T12:08:19.669Z",{"_type":9,"current":2469},"market-update-4th-march-2026","Market update - 4th March 2026",[2472,2475,2483,2491,2499,2507,2515,2523],{"_key":2473,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":2474,"width":124},"134b886c084a","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1170265967",{"_key":2476,"_type":127,"children":2477,"markDefs":2482,"style":135},"a233c4a31082",[2478],{"_key":2479,"_type":131,"marks":2480,"text":2481},"17b5604ca98c",[],"Day five of the US–Israel conflict with Iran continues to unfold. Reports suggest that financial markets have reacted largely in line with expectations. Although markets initially reacted calmly on Monday, sentiment weakened considerably yesterday. The FTSE 100 declined 2.75% and the Euro Stoxx 600 fell more than 3%, while US equities held up relatively better, with the S&P 500 down 0.9% as investors consider whether rising oil prices could add to global inflation pressures and potentially delay interest rate cuts, with possible implications for future economic growth. Brent crude has climbed to around $84 per barrel at the time of writing. President Trump has stated that the US Navy will work to ensure the safety of vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz - a vital, Iran‑controlled waterway currently considered high‑risk. Around one‑fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply typically passes through this route. Asian markets have not shared in that cautious optimism, but European futures point to a stronger start. This morning the FTSE 100 opened 0.3% higher.",[],{"_key":2484,"_type":127,"children":2485,"markDefs":2490,"style":135},"31ed457b7abc",[2486],{"_key":2487,"_type":131,"marks":2488,"text":2489},"1534e5fe3dc3",[],"As noted in our update on Monday, an initial spike in oil prices is not in itself a reason for knee‑jerk adjustments to long‑term investment strategies. Much of the geopolitical risk now appears to be reflected in oil markets, with traders already factoring in the potential for disruption. At the same time, spare production capacity elsewhere is being viewed as a possible buffer should supply from the region be affected.",[],{"_key":2492,"_type":127,"children":2493,"markDefs":2498,"style":135},"21aa94b12d59",[2494],{"_key":2495,"_type":131,"marks":2496,"text":2497},"05d6e35ceeeb",[],"This week, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, travelled to India to meet President Narendra Modi in what marked his first official visit since taking office. Discussions reportedly centred on rebuilding economic ties, with both sides exploring the possibility of expanding two-way trade to $50 billion by 2030 - a substantial rise from approximately $9 billion in 2024–25. Among the proposals under consideration is a long-term uranium supply arrangement, intended to support India’s efforts to expand reliable baseload electricity generation while reducing its reliance on more carbon-intensive sources.",[],{"_key":2500,"_type":127,"children":2501,"markDefs":2506,"style":135},"4e6ac55c035e",[2502],{"_key":2503,"_type":131,"marks":2504,"text":2505},"0de1364a9f37",[],"In the United Kingdom, Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her Spring Forecast yesterday. The announcement was notably restrained, offering no major policy shifts or new fiscal initiatives. Instead, the focus lay on revised economic projections. Inflation is anticipated to move gradually back toward the Bank of England’s 2% target by 2027, while unemployment is forecast to peak in 2026 amid ongoing softness in hiring. Economic growth expectations for the current year have been adjusted down to 1.1%, though a modest recovery is projected thereafter. Financial markets reacted calmly overall. Movements in gilt yields were limited, with any upward pressure attributed more to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East than to domestic fiscal policy developments.",[],{"_key":2508,"_type":127,"children":2509,"markDefs":2514,"style":135},"3832960d9f88",[2510],{"_key":2511,"_type":131,"marks":2512,"text":2513},"4ac99e3aa915",[],"In Japan, manufacturing activity accelerated in February, reaching its strongest pace in nearly four years. The purchasing managers’ index rose to 53, up from 51.5 in January, indicating solid expansion. The improvement was broad-based, with notable gains in new orders, production, and hiring. Corporate sentiment also strengthened, with firms expressing increased confidence in global demand over the coming year - particularly in sectors such as technology and automotive manufacturing.",[],{"_key":2516,"_type":127,"children":2517,"markDefs":2522,"style":135},"d080eee11673",[2518],{"_key":2519,"_type":131,"marks":2520,"text":2521},"c5cc319ec799",[],"Still to come this week we have US non farm payrolls, retail sales, and unemployment rate and China’s inflation 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geopolitical landscape shifted over the weekend following coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes resulting in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader. While military action of this magnitude naturally dominates headlines, tensions in the region have been building for several months. ","2026-03-02T13:12:52.856Z",{"_type":9,"current":2714},"initial-market-reaction-to-the-conflict-in-the-middle-east","Initial Market Reaction to the Conflict in the Middle East",[2717,2720,2728,2736,2744,2752,2760,2768,2784,2799,2807,2815,2823],{"_key":2718,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":2719,"width":124},"506a6c5c59ac","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1169549167?",{"_key":2721,"_type":127,"children":2722,"markDefs":2727,"style":135},"af2e3f0a9057",[2723],{"_key":2724,"_type":131,"marks":2725,"text":2726},"92db76b9e4a1",[],"The geopolitical landscape shifted over the weekend following coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes resulting in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader. While military action of this magnitude naturally dominates headlines, tensions in the region have been building for several months. As a result, although the scale of the strikes is significant, the escalation has not come as a complete surprise to financial markets, which have been pricing in elevated regional risk for some time.",[],{"_key":2729,"_type":127,"children":2730,"markDefs":2735,"style":135},"c1527d6290d2",[2731],{"_key":2732,"_type":131,"marks":2733,"text":2734},"b20e29c9fd98",[],"The stated intent of the US and Israel to dismantle the regime suggests an ongoing period of friction rather than an overnight resolution. However, history proves that the most expensive mistake during a geopolitical shock is a permanent reaction to a temporary disruption. Whilst the developments over the weekend represent a significant geopolitical and humanitarian crisis, history shows that such short-term volatility often presents valuable entry points into the market for investors, as they typically recover quickly and move on to new highs.",[],{"_key":2737,"_type":127,"children":2738,"markDefs":2743,"style":135},"75e817e51f9c",[2739],{"_key":2740,"_type":131,"marks":2741,"text":2742},"9a18273d86ed",[],"In the near term, we are seeing heightened geopolitical noise in the form of retaliatory activity across parts of the region and precautionary adjustments to commercial flight routes. Markets across Asia and emerging markets closed lower, with the Nikkei down 1.3% and the Hang Seng sliding just over 2%. As we look toward the Western open, U.S. futures indicate a cautious start, with the S&P 500 futures down 1.60%. Similarly, European markets have opened under pressure; at the time of writing, the Eurostoxx is down 2.5%, while the UK’s FTSE 100 has proved slightly more resilient, down 1.5%.",[],{"_key":2745,"_type":127,"children":2746,"markDefs":2751,"style":135},"7928bc3770d5",[2747],{"_key":2748,"_type":131,"marks":2749,"text":2750},"d9945bbf742f",[],"The most critical economic variable is the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most important energy chokepoint, through which roughly 20% of global oil and LNG flows each day. Although it remains officially open, a \"war premium\" is naturally being baked into oil prices. Brent crude prices jumped almost 10% this morning, climbing to around $80 per barrel. Precautionary pauses by some tanker operators and shipping nations have already stopped traffic. Iran has historically used the Strait as strategic leverage, but a full closure would be economically self-damaging, as it would also restrict its own energy exports.",[],{"_key":2753,"_type":127,"children":2754,"markDefs":2759,"style":135},"95e07dcfbadf",[2755],{"_key":2756,"_type":131,"marks":2757,"text":2758},"053d0398bf9e",[],"However, it is vital to note that the global energy market is far better buffered today than in previous decades, thanks to high strategic reserves and diversified non-OPEC production. On Sunday eight OPEC+ nations including Saudi Arabia and Russia proactively agreed to further increase April output, a move that could help anchor oil prices.",[],{"_key":2761,"_type":127,"children":2762,"markDefs":2767,"style":135},"666ff4914329",[2763],{"_key":2764,"_type":131,"marks":2765,"text":2766},"9c49db2b2cb3",[],"While these moments can feel unprecedented, history provides valuable perspective.",[],{"_key":2769,"_type":127,"children":2770,"markDefs":2783,"style":135},"8a85aabde58a",[2771,2775,2779],{"_key":2772,"_type":131,"marks":2773,"text":2774},"c9a8d1f2428d",[],"• ",{"_key":2776,"_type":131,"marks":2777,"text":2778},"a090265949d6",[174],"The Gulf War Aug 1990:",{"_key":2780,"_type":131,"marks":2781,"text":2782},"22dccdcfba98",[]," The S&P 500 fell 15% in the months of uncertainty following the invasion of Kuwait and oil prices roughly doubled. However, the moment \"Operation Desert Storm\" actually launched in January 1991, the market staged a massive relief rally as the range of outcomes narrowed. When the ground war ended in February 1991, the S&P 500 had already recovered all of its war‑related losses.",[],{"_key":2785,"_type":127,"children":2786,"markDefs":2798,"style":135},"507a65094040",[2787,2790,2794],{"_key":2788,"_type":131,"marks":2789,"text":2774},"45166164101f",[],{"_key":2791,"_type":131,"marks":2792,"text":2793},"79ab1ba0a6fb",[174],"Iraq War Mar 2003",{"_key":2795,"_type":131,"marks":2796,"text":2797},"38f33c4f1a9f",[],". Whilst markets fell in the run up the invasion of Iraq in March 2003. The market recovered swiftly and global markets were up over 20% in sterling terms by the end of the year.",[],{"_key":2800,"_type":127,"children":2801,"markDefs":2806,"style":135},"fe5aa2f27ede",[2802],{"_key":2803,"_type":131,"marks":2804,"text":2805},"31a3c94e4f9d",[],"In these cases, the market bottomed when the event began, not when it ended. Initial shocks tend to be a poor indicator of long-term returns. Markets are remarkably efficient at pricing in tension and refocusing on the broader economic cycle.",[],{"_key":2808,"_type":127,"children":2809,"markDefs":2814,"style":135},"b9483dd3c532",[2810],{"_key":2811,"_type":131,"marks":2812,"text":2813},"b94ac4050665",[],"We anticipate a period of short-term volatility as the situation unfolds. While escalation risks exist, markets are currently pricing probabilities not worst-case outcomes. Unless energy supply is materially disrupted for a sustained period, geopolitical events alone rarely derail long-term market progress. Our portfolios remain highly diversified, providing a strong foundation to absorb short-term fluctuations in markets.",[],{"_key":2816,"_type":127,"children":2817,"markDefs":2822,"style":135},"fda3ee87b631",[2818],{"_key":2819,"_type":131,"marks":2820,"text":2821},"14b5be6cdf76",[],"We are maintaining a disciplined approach, looking through the immediate regional instability. We remain steadfast in our commitment to your long-term investment objectives. 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","2026-03-02T11:40:56.792Z",{"_type":9,"current":2856},"week-ending-27th-february-2026","Week ending 27th February 2026",[2859,2862,2866,2874,2882,2890,2898,2906,2914],{"_key":2860,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":2861,"width":124},"35c4b3f6fbeb","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1169553758?",{"_key":2863,"_type":58,"asset":2864},"6ce212e4ef17",{"_ref":2865,"_type":107},"image-d42370f905f26cf9f2c47edafcff4ad42fa9e752-1600x2884-png",{"_key":2867,"_type":127,"children":2868,"markDefs":2873,"style":135},"a7d3bb22948d",[2869],{"_key":2870,"_type":131,"marks":2871,"text":2872},"d38c557626fb",[],"Global financial markets navigated a mixed and somewhat choppy landscape this past week as investors balanced robust corporate earnings against a complex backdrop of geopolitical developments and shifting expectations within the technology sector. While performance across February has been uneven, much of the recent caution has centred on the momentum within the artificial intelligence space and ongoing geopolitical dialogues. Markets have also been closely monitoring the evolving situation between the U.S. and Iran. (Please see our special update for more detail on the market response to developments that unfolded over the weekend.)",[],{"_key":2875,"_type":127,"children":2876,"markDefs":2881,"style":135},"047e913654e7",[2877],{"_key":2878,"_type":131,"marks":2879,"text":2880},"4cae6a951d6d",[],"The midweek highlight was undoubtedly Nvidia’s quarterly earnings, which many investors treat as a barometer for the health of the entire AI sector. As a global leader in the semiconductors that power modern large language models and data centres, Nvidia’s influence on major indices like the S&P 500 is significant. Although the company delivered results that exceeded expectations and provided strong future guidance, the market response was relatively muted. This suggests we are entering a more mature phase of the AI cycle; rather than reacting solely to the potential of the technology, investors are now looking for tangible proof of how these significant infrastructure investments are translating into sustainable profitability. We view this shift as a healthy sign of market discipline, where high expectations are being met with a demand for fundamental earnings growth.",[],{"_key":2883,"_type":127,"children":2884,"markDefs":2889,"style":135},"140d83ccdad1",[2885],{"_key":2886,"_type":131,"marks":2887,"text":2888},"1c67f8220a1e",[],"U.S. stocks moved sharply lower on Friday, with investors fearing that a hotter-than-expected inflation report could lead the Federal Reserve to keep its rate-cutting cycle on pause. The Producer Price Index (PPI), which measures the average change in prices that producers receive for their goods and services, is closely watched as a potential bellwether for the prices consumers may see in the months ahead. The January PPI rose by a stronger-than-expected 0.5%, while annual PPI inflation has softened slightly to 2.9%.",[],{"_key":2891,"_type":127,"children":2892,"markDefs":2897,"style":135},"8c6091417872",[2893],{"_key":2894,"_type":131,"marks":2895,"text":2896},"aef30031b318",[],"In contrast to the turbulence in the U.S. tech sector, UK and European markets demonstrated notable resilience, with several indices reaching record highs toward the end of the week. The FTSE 100 gained more than 2%, supported by strong performances from major domestic names. The London Stock Exchange Group advanced after announcing plans to return £3 billion to shareholders, while Rolls-Royce rallied sharply as it raised its mid-term targets following a very strong performance in 2025. Although UK consumer confidence edged slightly lower in February, largely reflecting concerns about rising unemployment this did little to offset the broader strength seen throughout the week.",[],{"_key":2899,"_type":127,"children":2900,"markDefs":2905,"style":135},"54540fea1b1c",[2901],{"_key":2902,"_type":131,"marks":2903,"text":2904},"0f1080864c99",[],"Looking further afield, international sentiment remained largely positive. Japanese markets reached record highs as investors embraced the policy outlook under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, with the Bank of Japan signalling that recent U.S. tariff announcements are unlikely to have a major impact on their domestic economy. Similarly, Chinese markets saw improved participation following the Lunar New Year break as investors looked forward to the upcoming \"Two Sessions\" meetings for further policy clarity. Ultimately, while geopolitical noise and the evolving AI narrative may create short-term fluctuations, the continued commitment of global companies to return value to shareholders and steady growth in key international regions provide a reassuring foundation for the months ahead.",[],{"_key":2907,"_type":127,"children":2908,"markDefs":2913,"style":135},"efab385eaf93",[2909],{"_key":2910,"_type":131,"marks":2911,"text":2912},"c9b30e4e3573",[],"Still to come this week: Eurozone inflation, Japan consumer confidence, and U.S. non-farm payrolls, as well as U.S. retail sales and the unemployment 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Guide",[2977,2980],{"_key":2978,"_type":121,"height":1196,"url":2979,"width":124},"62dded8b5e35","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.flipsnack.com?hash=OUNCQjhCQjhCN0ErMWo1b2ZxZTNmMg==",{"_key":2981,"_type":127,"children":2982,"markDefs":2995,"style":135},"a8ac793fc5df",[2983,2987,2992],{"_key":2984,"_type":131,"marks":2985,"text":2986},"1bcb68c82163",[],"Thank you for your request to receive a copy of the ‘Navigating pensions reform: what employers and trustees need to prepare for’ guide. This will be emailed to you shortly or you can ",{"_key":2988,"_type":131,"marks":2989,"text":2991},"710de575a53a",[174,2990],"67f8b38583b4","access it here",{"_key":2993,"_type":131,"marks":2994,"text":1289},"a277e4ad576a",[],[2996],{"_key":2990,"_type":1264,"href":2997},"https:\u002F\u002Fd3a6n7gvbr88rj.cloudfront.net\u002Fstudio-wealth-at-work-content-lake\u002F1771855256906-wxn06s.pdf",[2999],{"_createdAt":1295,"_id":1296,"_rev":1297,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":1298,"brandSpecific":76,"slug":3000,"title":1301},{"_type":9,"current":1300},"Navigating pensions reform: what employers and trustees need to prepare for guide",{"_id":3003,"blogPostMeta":3004,"content":3021,"tag":3036,"title":3020},"a33bee1e-4cc5-487a-b662-3eff56b12142",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":3005,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":3017,"slug":3018,"title":3020},{"_type":58,"asset":3006},{"_createdAt":2929,"_id":2930,"_rev":2931,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":2929,"assetId":2932,"extension":67,"metadata":3007,"mimeType":101,"originalFilename":2961,"path":2962,"sha1hash":2932,"size":2963,"uploadId":2964,"url":2965},{"_type":69,"blurHash":2934,"dimensions":3008,"hasAlpha":76,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":2939,"palette":3009,"thumbHash":2960},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":2936,"height":2937,"width":2938},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":3010,"darkVibrant":3011,"dominant":3012,"lightMuted":3013,"lightVibrant":3014,"muted":3015,"vibrant":3016},{"_type":81,"background":2942,"foreground":83,"population":2943,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":2945,"foreground":83,"population":2946,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":2948,"foreground":83,"population":2949,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":2951,"foreground":91,"population":2952,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":2954,"foreground":91,"population":2955,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":2948,"foreground":83,"population":2949,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":2958,"foreground":91,"population":2959,"title":83},"2026-02-25T13:00:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":3019},"navigating-pensions-reform-what-employers-and-trustees-need","Navigating pensions reform: what employers and trustees need to prepare for",[3022,3029],{"_key":2585,"_type":127,"children":3023,"markDefs":3028,"style":135},[3024],{"_key":3025,"_type":131,"marks":3026,"text":3027},"5f96f4693219",[],"With Targeted Support, pensions dashboards and the Pensions Scheme Bill including ‘guided retirement options’ on the horizon, the pensions landscape is changing fast.\n\nDownload our free guide on navigating pension reforms to help your organisation prepare effectively\n",[],{"_key":3030,"_type":3031,"alignment":3032,"openInNewTab":76,"style":3033,"text":3034,"url":3035},"de0134d12bcf","newsLink","left","primary","Download guide","https:\u002F\u002Fgo.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fl\u002F1086953\u002F2026-02-23\u002Fnr4j8",[3037],{"_createdAt":1295,"_id":1296,"_rev":1297,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":1298,"brandSpecific":76,"slug":3038,"title":1301},{"_type":9,"current":1300},{"_id":3040,"blogPostMeta":3041,"content":3063,"tag":3107,"title":3062},"ee14d594-9575-421a-9ee9-eead15d495a6",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":3042,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":3058,"publishedAt":3059,"slug":3060,"title":3062},{"_type":58,"asset":3043},{"_createdAt":60,"_id":61,"_rev":62,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":64,"altText":65,"assetId":66,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":67,"metadata":3044,"mimeType":101,"opt":3054,"originalFilename":108,"path":109,"sha1hash":66,"size":110,"title":65,"uploadId":111,"url":112},{"_type":69,"blurHash":70,"dimensions":3045,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":77,"palette":3046},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":73,"height":74,"width":75},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":3047,"darkVibrant":3048,"dominant":3049,"lightMuted":3050,"lightVibrant":3051,"muted":3052,"vibrant":3053},{"_type":81,"background":82,"foreground":83,"population":84,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":86,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":82,"foreground":83,"population":84,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":90,"foreground":91,"population":92,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":94,"foreground":91,"population":87,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":96,"foreground":83,"population":97,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":99,"foreground":91,"population":100,"title":83},{"media":3055},{"tags":3056},[3057],{"_ref":106,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"Markets rallied last week off the back of the recent Supreme Court ruling that declared many of the Trump administration tariffs unlawful. However, the White House has maintained that it will proceed with a new global tariff regime.","2026-02-25T11:13:54.640Z",{"_type":9,"current":3061},"market-update-25th-february-2026","Market update - 25th February 2026",[3064,3067,3075,3083,3091,3099],{"_key":3065,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":3066,"width":124},"c3711942d4ca","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1168073263",{"_key":3068,"_type":127,"children":3069,"markDefs":3074,"style":135},"d1cb99846d55",[3070],{"_key":3071,"_type":131,"marks":3072,"text":3073},"15cffccf8e82",[],"Markets rallied last week off the back of the recent Supreme Court ruling that declared many of the Trump administration tariffs unlawful. However, the White House has maintained that it will proceed with a new global tariff regime. This includes a proposed 15% tariff on global imports, though the rate initially came into effect at 10% following the decision. The administration’s swift move to re-impose tariffs under a different legal authority initially unsettled markets, reflecting concerns about renewed trade uncertainty. However, by Tuesday traders were relatively subdued, with some adopting a more sceptical view that the most aggressive tariff measures may ultimately be softened or delayed (i.e.: the TACO trade). Investors are also aware that the new duties are temporary under existing statutory authority and face time limits, adding another layer of political and economic calculation in the months ahead.",[],{"_key":3076,"_type":127,"children":3077,"markDefs":3082,"style":135},"7cf836965fbb",[3078],{"_key":3079,"_type":131,"marks":3080,"text":3081},"9223bda4c5ec",[],"In Japan, reports suggest the government is planning to establish a new centralised body modelled on the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment. The proposal reflects Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s desire to shield Japan from certain foreign influences - particularly China, given its rapid and large-scale technological advances - while also reducing uncertainty for investors. At present, oversight of foreign investment is spread across a complex web of ministries under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, a structure widely seen as cumbersome and prone to delays. While economists have broadly welcomed the idea of streamlining the system, it remains unclear how much authority the government will ultimately grant the new body.",[],{"_key":3084,"_type":127,"children":3085,"markDefs":3090,"style":135},"9f119ce18fa3",[3086],{"_key":3087,"_type":131,"marks":3088,"text":3089},"c1afdf96d638",[],"Meanwhile, in China on Tuesday, policymakers-imposed export bans on Japanese companies linked to defence or dual-use goods. The move prompted a decline in shares of major Japanese defence and industrial firms, reflecting investor concerns about supply chain disruptions and escalating already increasing tensions between the two countries.",[],{"_key":3092,"_type":127,"children":3093,"markDefs":3098,"style":135},"224bba938c34",[3094],{"_key":3095,"_type":131,"marks":3096,"text":3097},"d7f7fc2be5c8",[],"Still to come this week we have Eurozone inflation, U.S. PPI and jobs data and earnings reports from tech chip giant, Nvidia, after the bell today.",[],{"_key":3100,"_type":127,"children":3101,"markDefs":3106,"style":135},"beaaa6e27360",[3102],{"_key":3103,"_type":131,"marks":3104,"text":3105},"9152276875b8",[174],"Nicola Tune, Portfolio Specialist ",[],[3108],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":3109,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":3111,"blogPostMeta":3112,"content":3135,"tag":3231,"title":3134},"77627c64-4e1f-42c2-86b9-9b6117d2a8f9",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":3113,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":3130,"publishedAt":3131,"slug":3132,"title":3134},{"_type":58,"asset":3114},{"_createdAt":487,"_id":488,"_rev":489,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":490,"altText":65,"assetId":491,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":3115,"mimeType":225,"opt":3126,"originalFilename":525,"path":526,"sha1hash":491,"size":527,"title":65,"uploadId":528,"url":529},{"_type":69,"blurHash":493,"dimensions":3116,"exif":3117,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":500,"palette":3118},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":495,"height":496,"width":497},{"PixelXDimension":497,"PixelYDimension":496,"_type":499},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":3119,"darkVibrant":3120,"dominant":3121,"lightMuted":3122,"lightVibrant":3123,"muted":3124,"vibrant":3125},{"_type":81,"background":503,"foreground":83,"population":504,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":506,"foreground":83,"population":507,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":509,"foreground":91,"population":510,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":509,"foreground":91,"population":510,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":513,"foreground":91,"population":514,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":516,"foreground":83,"population":517,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":519,"foreground":83,"population":520,"title":83},{"media":3127},{"tags":3128},[3129],{"_ref":106,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As you can see from the accompanying table, it was a positive week for global financial markets. Trading conditions were relatively quiet, however, as U.S. markets were closed on Monday in observance of Presidents’ Day, and volumes were further thinned by the Lunar New Year holiday across China. ","2026-02-23T11:12:28.875Z",{"_type":9,"current":3133},"week-ending-20th-february-2026","Week ending 20th February 2026",[3136,3139,3143,3151,3159,3167,3175,3183,3191,3199,3207,3215,3223],{"_key":3137,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":3138,"width":124},"a8b17567af12","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1167334152?",{"_key":3140,"_type":58,"asset":3141},"aade7fd5697d",{"_ref":3142,"_type":107},"image-1c521017d3a4273e2144c116e2aa2e2dc1120cd3-1600x2884-png",{"_key":3144,"_type":127,"children":3145,"markDefs":3150,"style":135},"12558d03f3a7",[3146],{"_key":3147,"_type":131,"marks":3148,"text":3149},"5573a6e97d5d",[],"As you can see from the accompanying table, it was a positive week for global financial markets. Trading conditions were relatively quiet, however, as U.S. markets were closed on Monday in observance of Presidents’ Day, and volumes were further thinned by the Lunar New Year holiday across China. Despite the lighter participation, sentiment remained constructive, allowing equities to advance across most major regions.",[],{"_key":3152,"_type":127,"children":3153,"markDefs":3158,"style":135},"3fac5425a079",[3154],{"_key":3155,"_type":131,"marks":3156,"text":3157},"2a0a5b26790e",[],"U.S. equities rallied on Friday after the Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump exceeded his authority in imposing tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The decision invalidates tariffs enacted under that statute including certain reciprocal measures and tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexico, while leaving other trade‑law‑based tariffs intact.",[],{"_key":3160,"_type":127,"children":3161,"markDefs":3166,"style":135},"11a3ae4c926b",[3162],{"_key":3163,"_type":131,"marks":3164,"text":3165},"cae23b3f8831",[],"More than $130 billion had been collected under IEEPA. While refunds to U.S. importers are possible, they are not automatic and will depend on further court proceedings. For markets, the ruling reduces trade policy uncertainty, lowers the risk of sweeping unilateral tariff actions, and may provide a modest tailwind for import‑sensitive sectors. Potential refunds could also offer a one‑time earnings boost for affected companies.",[],{"_key":3168,"_type":127,"children":3169,"markDefs":3174,"style":135},"ab7c3d821e52",[3170],{"_key":3171,"_type":131,"marks":3172,"text":3173},"8231e522afb3",[],"However, trade uncertainty is far from over, as President Trump announced on Saturday via Truth Social that he now intends to raise the levy to the maximum allowed under a little‑used trade statute. While the original 10% tariffs were due to take effect on Tuesday, 24 February, it remains unclear whether the higher 15% rate will also be implemented on that date.",[],{"_key":3176,"_type":127,"children":3177,"markDefs":3182,"style":135},"45bb36a9103d",[3178],{"_key":3179,"_type":131,"marks":3180,"text":3181},"58c045915c0c",[],"Economic data painted a mixed picture. The Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, rose 0.4% month‑over‑month and 3.0% year‑over‑year in December, signalling some renewed price pressure. Headline PCE rose 2.9% year‑over‑year, its highest level since March 2024, reinforcing the view that progress on inflation remains uneven.",[],{"_key":3184,"_type":127,"children":3185,"markDefs":3190,"style":135},"95ff6d08fc43",[3186],{"_key":3187,"_type":131,"marks":3188,"text":3189},"6bda8092ce91",[],"At the same time, U.S. GDP growth slowed to a 1.4% annualised pace in Q4, down from 4.4% in the prior quarter, as consumer spending softened and a federal government shutdown weighed on activity. Still, the economy expanded 2.2% in 2025 overall, demonstrating resilience despite tariffs, fiscal tightening, and persistent inflation.",[],{"_key":3192,"_type":127,"children":3193,"markDefs":3198,"style":135},"9f926641544b",[3194],{"_key":3195,"_type":131,"marks":3196,"text":3197},"1fbdd46f1f50",[],"For markets, the combination of slower growth and firm inflation supports a “higher‑for‑longer” interest rate narrative.",[],{"_key":3200,"_type":127,"children":3201,"markDefs":3206,"style":135},"ba06f039b89d",[3202],{"_key":3203,"_type":131,"marks":3204,"text":3205},"2a4efac30e7c",[],"In the UK, inflation eased to 3.0% year‑over‑year in January, while unemployment rose to 5.2% and wage growth slowed. These developments have strengthened expectations that the Bank of England may look to cut interest rates at its March meeting, even though inflation remains above its 2% target.",[],{"_key":3208,"_type":127,"children":3209,"markDefs":3214,"style":135},"15d09c77ea9f",[3210],{"_key":3211,"_type":131,"marks":3212,"text":3213},"07a57a504e5f",[],"UK stocks touched record highs toward the end of the week off the back of the U.S. trade ruling and supportive economic data. Retail sales surprised to the upside, rising 1.8% month‑over‑month in January, building on early signs of renewed consumer activity following a subdued Christmas period. The UK composite PMI improved to 53.9 in February, its strongest reading since April 2024, signalling continued expansion. However, employment softness within services suggests growth may remain uneven.",[],{"_key":3216,"_type":127,"children":3217,"markDefs":3222,"style":135},"57c888176e34",[3218],{"_key":3219,"_type":131,"marks":3220,"text":3221},"e7a67f98b498",[],"U.S.–Iran talks in Geneva concluded this week with heightened rhetoric but no immediate escalation. Investors remain alert to potential disruptions to global oil flows, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. However, past interruptions have been brief, and global oil supply is projected to remain in surplus into 2026.",[],{"_key":3224,"_type":127,"children":3225,"markDefs":3230,"style":135},"5a5c63efa097",[3226],{"_key":3227,"_type":131,"marks":3228,"text":3229},"8cc6c6fa8a4b",[],"Looking ahead to next week, key releases include U.S. initial jobless claims, UK consumer confidence, and U.S. PPI. Corporate earnings will continue to roll in, with semiconductor giant Nvidia reporting on Wednesday.",[],[3232],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":3233,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":3235,"blogPostMeta":3236,"content":3258,"tag":3315,"title":3318},"e658ed4a-6d9d-4bfd-a83b-13a5f28fa90a",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":3237,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":3253,"publishedAt":3254,"slug":3255,"title":3257},{"_type":58,"asset":3238},{"_createdAt":60,"_id":61,"_rev":62,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":64,"altText":65,"assetId":66,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":67,"metadata":3239,"mimeType":101,"opt":3249,"originalFilename":108,"path":109,"sha1hash":66,"size":110,"title":65,"uploadId":111,"url":112},{"_type":69,"blurHash":70,"dimensions":3240,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":77,"palette":3241},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":73,"height":74,"width":75},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":3242,"darkVibrant":3243,"dominant":3244,"lightMuted":3245,"lightVibrant":3246,"muted":3247,"vibrant":3248},{"_type":81,"background":82,"foreground":83,"population":84,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":86,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":82,"foreground":83,"population":84,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":90,"foreground":91,"population":92,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":94,"foreground":91,"population":87,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":96,"foreground":83,"population":97,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":99,"foreground":91,"population":100,"title":83},{"media":3250},{"tags":3251},[3252],{"_ref":106,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"This week, trading volumes were lower, partly because U.S. markets were closed on Monday and both Mainland China and Hong Kong were also shut.","2026-02-18T11:44:27.453Z",{"_type":9,"current":3256},"market-update-18th-february-2026","Market Update - 18th February 2026",[3259,3262,3269,3277,3285,3293,3301,3308],{"_key":3260,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":3261,"width":124},"06c74964f0b8","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1165964970",{"_key":3263,"_type":127,"children":3264,"markDefs":3268,"style":135},"bf41afaa0618",[3265],{"_key":3266,"_type":131,"marks":3267,"text":3253},"fd1aa0ff021f",[],[],{"_key":3270,"_type":127,"children":3271,"markDefs":3276,"style":135},"aedc0f776206",[3272],{"_key":3273,"_type":131,"marks":3274,"text":3275},"bf15dc572a31",[],"In the UK, fresh inflation data offered a measure of relief. Consumer price inflation slowed to 3% in January, down from 3.4% the previous month, with declines in meat prices, air fares and motor fuel costs helping to pull the headline rate lower. The easing in price pressures comes as the labour market shows tentative signs of cooling. Unemployment rose to 5.2% in the three months to December 2025, up slightly from 5.1% in the preceding period. Much of the increase was concentrated among younger workers, reflecting both higher employment costs (following recent National Insurance contribution changes introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves) and the expanding use of artificial intelligence across a range of industries. Wage growth also moderated, with average earnings rising 4.2% year-on-year in the three months to December, compared with 4.4% previously, suggesting some gradual loosening in pay pressures. Policymakers expect the inflation rate to fall further over the next few months and markets are pricing in an 82% probability of a rate cut next month, with traders believing that the Bank of England will be focusing more on the cooling labour market than on inflation alone.",[],{"_key":3278,"_type":127,"children":3279,"markDefs":3284,"style":135},"c536da99d9c8",[3280],{"_key":3281,"_type":131,"marks":3282,"text":3283},"a56acdae094b",[],"Japan’s economy eked out a modest expansion in the closing quarter of 2025, growing by 0.1% after shrinking by 0.7% in the previous three months. The slight improvement was enough to prevent a technical recession. Household spending provided the primary support, helping to counter subdued export activity and lingering caution among consumers. Financial markets responded with restraint: the Nikkei rose 0.12% at the open, while the yen slipped against the dollar. The data is likely to strengthen Prime Minister Takaichi’s resolve to pursue measures aimed at easing the consumption tax burden, in keeping with the demand-supporting ethos associated with Abenomics. Her position, however, diverges from that of the Bank of Japan, which is expected to continue raising interest rates despite the fragile growth backdrop. The central bank’s focus remains on containing inflation and steadying the currency - both of which have put pressure on household budgets.",[],{"_key":3286,"_type":127,"children":3287,"markDefs":3292,"style":135},"5a9492eb1469",[3288],{"_key":3289,"_type":131,"marks":3290,"text":3291},"f07b34484dec",[],"Meanwhile the U.S. Treasury eased some sanctions on Venezuela’s energy sector, issuing two major licences. One allows companies such as Chevron, BP, Eni, Shell, and Repsol - already operating in the country - to expand oil and gas activities with PDVSA. The second permits foreign firms to sign new investment contracts with PDVSA, subject to separate U.S. approval. The move excludes Russia, Iran, China, and entities owned by their nationals.",[],{"_key":3294,"_type":127,"children":3295,"markDefs":3300,"style":135},"0a10f18def90",[3296],{"_key":3297,"_type":131,"marks":3298,"text":3299},"d357cc8778cc",[],"Still to come this week we have Fed meeting minutes, U.S. PCE and GDP growth.",[],{"_key":3302,"_type":127,"children":3303,"markDefs":3307,"style":135},"5b012a35e1d2",[3304],{"_key":3305,"_type":131,"marks":3306,"text":1006},"ed1808b94944",[],[],{"_key":3309,"_type":127,"children":3310,"markDefs":3314,"style":135},"8ca90101483f",[3311],{"_key":3312,"_type":131,"marks":3313,"text":175},"a47dc5098919",[174],[],[3316],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":3317,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},"Market update - 18th February 2026",{"_id":3320,"blogPostMeta":3321,"content":3361,"tag":3528,"title":3360},"eee9d26f-433e-4707-ae3f-dea34c55cb36",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":3322,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":3356,"publishedAt":3357,"slug":3358,"title":3360},{"_type":58,"asset":3323},{"_createdAt":3324,"_id":3325,"_rev":3326,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":3324,"assetId":3327,"extension":196,"metadata":3328,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":3351,"path":3352,"sha1hash":3327,"size":3353,"uploadId":3354,"url":3355},"2026-02-17T10:12:30Z","image-9ff5f8e9566577e6ce59132a3b9fc4548462a5f7-1000x667-jpg","Tokq5LqCdGrEJHnbdCQ8CE","9ff5f8e9566577e6ce59132a3b9fc4548462a5f7",{"_type":69,"blurHash":3329,"dimensions":3330,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":3331,"palette":3332,"thumbHash":3350},"VBEM2c?b00IUH?~pD%9GxvaKRoozIUR%X956xu-VoLkC",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGAwT\u002FxAAiEAACAQQCAQUAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMABAUSBhEhExQxMtH\u002FxAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADBP\u002FEABkRAQADAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAhEhA\u002F\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8ATcLiGJYtkLb24jUkgydqRTR+R4cWbxyPM6zz6Jv56P5XLhLOJ5ltbgGZDD2pY\u002FWorlONFvlNUmfWMbKOvg1PZA3Yta2V5M+WWcSZuYWpj9IgEdEUVBXVxIbmXZiSGPkmiifNe7EL2DMn\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":3333,"darkVibrant":3336,"dominant":3338,"lightMuted":3341,"lightVibrant":3342,"muted":3345,"vibrant":3348},{"_type":81,"background":3334,"foreground":83,"population":3335,"title":83},"#6d523b",7.71,{"_type":81,"background":3337,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#643414",{"_type":81,"background":3339,"foreground":91,"population":3340,"title":83},"#c2c0b8",7.73,{"_type":81,"background":3339,"foreground":91,"population":3340,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":3343,"foreground":91,"population":3344,"title":91},"#edc8ae",1.3,{"_type":81,"background":3346,"foreground":83,"population":3347,"title":83},"#918169",1.31,{"_type":81,"background":3349,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#b4644c","WAgGDYANNno\u002FlHaXdTiZh6CJB4fm","shutterstock_2582992721.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F9ff5f8e9566577e6ce59132a3b9fc4548462a5f7-1000x667.jpg",360742,"aTzwxakFNZKQVAvpfzsmGJ9B3gebISKv","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F9ff5f8e9566577e6ce59132a3b9fc4548462a5f7-1000x667.jpg","With the end of the tax year fast approaching, you still have time to review your finances and take advantage of the allowances available. To help you take action before the end of the tax year, we’ve outlined the key tax and savings changes to consider.","2026-02-17T11:39:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":3359},"tax-year-end-act-fast-to-make-the-most-of-your-isa-allowance","Tax year end: Act fast to make the most of your ISA allowances",[3362,3370,3378,3386,3394,3402,3410,3417,3425,3433,3441,3449,3457,3465,3473,3481,3489,3501,3509,3520],{"_key":3363,"_type":127,"children":3364,"markDefs":3369,"style":135},"8bf81996dfa6",[3365],{"_key":3366,"_type":131,"marks":3367,"text":3368},"92cdccf3e3e0",[],"With the end of the tax year fast approaching, you still have time to review your finances and take advantage of the allowances available. To help you take action before the end of the tax year, we’ve outlined the key tax and savings changes to consider.\n",[],{"_key":3371,"_type":127,"children":3372,"markDefs":3377,"style":135},"128b1384bf4d",[3373],{"_key":3374,"_type":131,"marks":3375,"text":3376},"a06e4c803871",[174],"A changing tax landscape",[],{"_key":3379,"_type":127,"children":3380,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":3385,"style":135},"e9f86754f18a",[3381],{"_key":3382,"_type":131,"marks":3383,"text":3384},"73274c46bcca",[],"The tax‑free dividend allowance has fallen sharply from £5,000 in 2017\u002F18 to just £500 today.",[],{"_key":3387,"_type":127,"children":3388,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":3393,"style":135},"6ec55e25561f",[3389],{"_key":3390,"_type":131,"marks":3391,"text":3392},"03aaef205d46",[],"Capital Gains Tax (CGT) exemption has decreased from £12,300 in 2022\u002F23 to £3,000.",[],{"_key":3395,"_type":127,"children":3396,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":3401,"style":135},"299b3bc2dd76",[3397],{"_key":3398,"_type":131,"marks":3399,"text":3400},"e98dfc9d6ff7",[],"CGT rates rose in October 2024 to 18% for basic rate taxpayers and 24% for those paying above the basic rate.",[],{"_key":3403,"_type":127,"children":3404,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":3409,"style":135},"f375ea6b3c68",[3405],{"_key":3406,"_type":131,"marks":3407,"text":3408},"205b42b4ed64",[],"Elevated interest rates resulted in more savers exceeding their Personal Savings Allowance - the amount of tax-free interest that can be earned on savings each tax year (set at £1,000 for basic rate taxpayers and £500 for higher rate taxpayers), leading to unexpected tax bills for many.",[],{"_key":3411,"_type":127,"children":3412,"markDefs":3416,"style":135},"8ab386b33695",[3413],{"_key":3414,"_type":131,"marks":3415,"text":1006},"9a1c4c83178c",[174],[],{"_key":3418,"_type":127,"children":3419,"markDefs":3424,"style":135},"94a5d322d148",[3420],{"_key":3421,"_type":131,"marks":3422,"text":3423},"9053768b8ccf",[174],"Further tax changes on the horizon",[],{"_key":3426,"_type":127,"children":3427,"markDefs":3432,"style":135},"44d72207787b",[3428],{"_key":3429,"_type":131,"marks":3430,"text":3431},"3be5533247e5",[],"\nThere are more tax changes coming over the next two years.",[],{"_key":3434,"_type":127,"children":3435,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":3440,"style":135},"ed7594f1ed42",[3436],{"_key":3437,"_type":131,"marks":3438,"text":3439},"bc53a9561baf",[],"From April 2026, dividend tax rates will increase from 8.75% to 10.75% for basic rate taxpayers, 33.75% to 35.75% for higher rate taxpayers, while the additional rate dividend tax will remain at 39.35%.\n",[],{"_key":3442,"_type":127,"children":3443,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":3448,"style":135},"c994395d949c",[3444],{"_key":3445,"_type":131,"marks":3446,"text":3447},"5e98e1194d93",[],"From April 2027, savings income tax rates - the rates of income tax applied to interest earned on savings once tax free allowances are exceeded - will also rise. They will increase from 20% to 22% for basic rate taxpayers, 40% to 42% for higher‑rate taxpayers and 45% to 47% for additional‑rate taxpayers.\n",[],{"_key":3450,"_type":127,"children":3451,"markDefs":3456,"style":135},"b95402f14697",[3452],{"_key":3453,"_type":131,"marks":3454,"text":3455},"4edaf71c6c14",[174],"ISA allowances: still valuable but changing",[],{"_key":3458,"_type":127,"children":3459,"markDefs":3464,"style":135},"7b9382a23f97",[3460],{"_key":3461,"_type":131,"marks":3462,"text":3463},"d2d5a0278e91",[],"\nISAs remain one of the most effective ways for you to shelter your savings and investments from tax. Here’s what you need to know:",[],{"_key":3466,"_type":127,"children":3467,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":3472,"style":135},"a1aac767ae5f",[3468],{"_key":3469,"_type":131,"marks":3470,"text":3471},"fb90cf6a4efb",[],"The current £20,000 annual allowance; any interest earned on savings held within the ISA is completely tax‑free, as well as the dividends and capital gains.",[],{"_key":3474,"_type":127,"children":3475,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":3480,"style":135},"3ceedfd4ff9a",[3476],{"_key":3477,"_type":131,"marks":3478,"text":3479},"df056c03e74f",[],"From April 2027, Cash ISA contributions for those under 65 will reduce to £12,000, while those aged 65 and over will retain the ability to put their full £20,000 allowance into a Cash ISA.",[],{"_key":3482,"_type":127,"children":3483,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":3488,"style":135},"9e77aa27ef3c",[3484],{"_key":3485,"_type":131,"marks":3486,"text":3487},"5820a2c76382",[],"The overall ISA allowance, for both Cash ISA and investment-based ISAs combined, will remain frozen at £20,000 until at least 2031 i.e., you could have £12,000 in Cash ISA and £8,000 in investment-based. However, you may wish to consider allocating more of this allowance to investment based ISAs rather than cash to make full use of the tax benefits.",[],{"_key":3490,"_type":127,"children":3491,"markDefs":3500,"style":135},"9d62ab5c05ed",[3492,3496],{"_key":3493,"_type":131,"marks":3494,"text":3495},"13fc50f32eb0",[],"\nIf you’re already investing, it’s worth taking a moment before the 5 April, and the upcoming Easter bank holiday, to review your finances to ensure you don’t miss out on valuable tax benefits.\n\n",{"_key":3497,"_type":131,"marks":3498,"text":3499},"aa87ef599c04",[174],"Key considerations for employees ahead of the tax year end",[],{"_key":3502,"_type":127,"children":3503,"markDefs":3508,"style":135},"cc4590298332",[3504],{"_key":3505,"_type":131,"marks":3506,"text":3507},"eac1e0a9b055",[],"\nJonathan Watts Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, comments: People may benefit from looking at maximising their ISA contributions and reviewing any savings held outside tax advantaged accounts. It may also be sensible to use any remaining allowances and reliefs, assess their exposure to dividend and savings income taxes, and prepare for the upcoming changes to limits and rates before the year end deadline.",[],{"_key":3510,"_type":127,"children":3511,"markDefs":3519,"style":135},"415c0cd0b00c",[3512,3515],{"_key":3513,"_type":131,"marks":3514,"text":1899},"db4506c3baba",[],{"_key":3516,"_type":131,"marks":3517,"text":3518},"772c5dccb5f6",[174],"Why workplace support is essential",[],{"_key":3521,"_type":127,"children":3522,"markDefs":3527,"style":135},"8b80723182cf",[3523],{"_key":3524,"_type":131,"marks":3525,"text":3526},"243bf2f12845",[],"\nWatts-Lay comments; “An increase in taxes and reduction in allowances means that people will have less money in their pocket, making it more important than ever for people to take control of their finances and maximise any income or savings they have through careful tax planning. Many workplaces provide staff with financial education, guidance and access to investment advice to help them understand how tax changes may affect their finances. They may also provide access to tax efficient savings options such as Workplace ISAs which can help build financial resilience. It’s always worth speaking to your employer to see what support they provide. Now is the time to take action to support your employees.”\n",[],[3529],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":3530,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":3532,"blogPostMeta":3533,"content":3552,"tag":3655,"title":3551},"69862038-e188-4ac6-8eff-f94539a8c430",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":3534,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":3547,"publishedAt":3548,"slug":3549,"title":3551},{"_type":58,"alt":3535,"asset":3536},"Man at laptop",{"_createdAt":3324,"_id":3325,"_rev":3326,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":3324,"assetId":3327,"extension":196,"metadata":3537,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":3351,"path":3352,"sha1hash":3327,"size":3353,"uploadId":3354,"url":3355},{"_type":69,"blurHash":3329,"dimensions":3538,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":3331,"palette":3539,"thumbHash":3350},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":3540,"darkVibrant":3541,"dominant":3542,"lightMuted":3543,"lightVibrant":3544,"muted":3545,"vibrant":3546},{"_type":81,"background":3334,"foreground":83,"population":3335,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":3337,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":3339,"foreground":91,"population":3340,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":3339,"foreground":91,"population":3340,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":3343,"foreground":91,"population":3344,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":3346,"foreground":83,"population":3347,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":3349,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"With the end of the tax year fast approaching, employees still have time to review their finances and take full advantage of the allowances available to them. As allowances continue to shrink, tax rates rise and further changes approach, effective tax planning is becoming increasingly important for employees.","2026-02-17T10:12:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":3550},"tax-year-end-support-employees-to-make-the-most-of-their-all","Tax year end: Support employees to make the most of their allowances",[3553,3560,3568,3575,3583,3590,3598,3606,3613,3621,3628,3640,3647],{"_key":3554,"_type":127,"children":3555,"markDefs":3559,"style":135},"3e9cb7870d5d",[3556],{"_key":3557,"_type":131,"marks":3558,"text":3547},"cd2101b6691b",[],[],{"_key":3561,"_type":127,"children":3562,"markDefs":3567,"style":135},"d25e22820500",[3563],{"_key":3564,"_type":131,"marks":3565,"text":3566},"4721b4dc76da",[],"To help employees take action before the end of the tax year, WEALTH at work has outlined the key tax and savings changes that employer can support the workforce with.",[],{"_key":3569,"_type":127,"children":3570,"markDefs":3574,"style":135},"2bfea9efaff4",[3571],{"_key":3572,"_type":131,"marks":3573,"text":3376},"cd5a7af24080",[174],[],{"_key":3576,"_type":127,"children":3577,"markDefs":3582,"style":135},"0ecdd9b55ca1",[3578],{"_key":3579,"_type":131,"marks":3580,"text":3581},"81e3305053c9",[],"People now face a rapidly shifting environment when it comes to allowances and tax rules. The tax‑free dividend allowance has fallen sharply from £5,000 in 2017\u002F18 to just £500 today. At the same time, the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) exemption has decreased from £12,300 in 2022\u002F23 to £3,000, and CGT rates rose in October 2024 to 18% for basic rate taxpayers and 24% for those paying above the basic rate. Elevated interest rates have also resulted in more savers exceeding their Personal Savings Allowance - the amount of tax-free interest that can be earned on savings each tax year (set at £1,000 for basic rate taxpayers and £500 for higher rate taxpayers), leading to unexpected tax bills for many.",[],{"_key":3584,"_type":127,"children":3585,"markDefs":3589,"style":135},"f585fe082f61",[3586],{"_key":3587,"_type":131,"marks":3588,"text":3423},"04afc6f5e686",[174],[],{"_key":3591,"_type":127,"children":3592,"markDefs":3597,"style":135},"97530e7ae88d",[3593],{"_key":3594,"_type":131,"marks":3595,"text":3596},"9d12673e59a1",[],"There are more tax changes coming over the next two years. From April 2026, dividend tax rates will increase from 8.75% to 10.75% for basicrate taxpayers, 33.75% to 35.75% for higherrate taxpayers, while the additionalrate dividend tax will remain at 39.35%.",[],{"_key":3599,"_type":127,"children":3600,"markDefs":3605,"style":135},"24bc5a3551bd",[3601],{"_key":3602,"_type":131,"marks":3603,"text":3604},"20ac2ce138d6",[],"From April 2027, savings income tax rates - the rates of income tax applied to interest earned on savings once tax‑free allowances are exceeded - will also rise. They will increase from 20% to 22% for basicrate taxpayers, 40% to 42% for higher‑rate taxpayers and 45% to 47% for additional‑rate taxpayers.",[],{"_key":3607,"_type":127,"children":3608,"markDefs":3612,"style":135},"c1909afcc9e5",[3609],{"_key":3610,"_type":131,"marks":3611,"text":3455},"74dcf66f294d",[174],[],{"_key":3614,"_type":127,"children":3615,"markDefs":3620,"style":135},"d726786878b4",[3616],{"_key":3617,"_type":131,"marks":3618,"text":3619},"16c514dc88e9",[],"ISAs remain one of the most effective ways for people to shelter their savings and investments from tax, with the current £20,000 annual allowance protecting income from interest - meaning any interest earned on savings held within the ISA is completely tax‑free, as well as dividends and capital gains. However, this landscape is due to change. From April 2027, individuals under the age of 65 will be limited to £12,000 in Cash ISA contributions, while those aged 65 and over will retain the full £20,000 limit. Although the overall ISA allowance will stay frozen at £20,000 until at least 2031, a greater portion will need to be directed into investment‑based ISAs rather than cash. This means employees should review their finances before 5 April to ensure they do not miss out on valuable tax benefits.",[],{"_key":3622,"_type":127,"children":3623,"markDefs":3627,"style":135},"082d54285500",[3624],{"_key":3625,"_type":131,"marks":3626,"text":3499},"8884bf5be0e7",[174],[],{"_key":3629,"_type":127,"children":3630,"markDefs":3639,"style":135},"e751ca7388ae",[3631,3635],{"_key":3632,"_type":131,"marks":3633,"text":3634},"327f4f64c4d7",[174],"Jonathan Watts‑Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, comments: ",{"_key":3636,"_type":131,"marks":3637,"text":3638},"4d675a7d7752",[],"Employees may benefit from looking at maximising their ISA contributions and reviewing any savings held outside tax‑advantaged accounts. It may also be sensible to use any remaining allowances and reliefs, assess their exposure to dividend and savings income taxes, and prepare for the upcoming changes to limits and rates before the year‑end deadline.",[],{"_key":3641,"_type":127,"children":3642,"markDefs":3646,"style":135},"aeee437c519f",[3643],{"_key":3644,"_type":131,"marks":3645,"text":3518},"a0313dd4ae5e",[174],[],{"_key":3648,"_type":127,"children":3649,"markDefs":3654,"style":135},"de70f2f6c58b",[3650],{"_key":3651,"_type":131,"marks":3652,"text":3653},"07e6b31f2d4e",[],"Watts-Lay comments; “An increase in taxes and reduction in allowances means that people will have less money in their pocket, making it more important than ever for employees to take control of their finances and maximise any income or savings they have through careful tax planning. Many workplaces provide staff with financial education, guidance and access to investment advice to help them understand how tax changes may affect their finances. They may also provide access to tax‑efficient savings options such as Workplace ISAs which can help build financial resilience. Now is the time to take action to support your employees.”",[],[3656],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":3657,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":3659,"blogPostMeta":3660,"content":3683,"tag":3793,"title":3682},"103741ca-1968-4e5b-9dc4-12c2c3714c3f",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":3661,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":3678,"publishedAt":3679,"slug":3680,"title":3682},{"_type":58,"asset":3662},{"_createdAt":487,"_id":488,"_rev":489,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":490,"altText":65,"assetId":491,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":3663,"mimeType":225,"opt":3674,"originalFilename":525,"path":526,"sha1hash":491,"size":527,"title":65,"uploadId":528,"url":529},{"_type":69,"blurHash":493,"dimensions":3664,"exif":3665,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":500,"palette":3666},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":495,"height":496,"width":497},{"PixelXDimension":497,"PixelYDimension":496,"_type":499},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":3667,"darkVibrant":3668,"dominant":3669,"lightMuted":3670,"lightVibrant":3671,"muted":3672,"vibrant":3673},{"_type":81,"background":503,"foreground":83,"population":504,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":506,"foreground":83,"population":507,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":509,"foreground":91,"population":510,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":509,"foreground":91,"population":510,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":513,"foreground":91,"population":514,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":516,"foreground":83,"population":517,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":519,"foreground":83,"population":520,"title":83},{"media":3675},{"tags":3676},[3677],{"_ref":106,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"There was a substantial amount of economic data for markets to absorb this week. Overall, global market performance was mixed: US equities declined amid concerns around the potential disruption caused by rapid advances in AI, while the UK, Europe, and markets across Asia and emerging economies fared comparatively better.","2026-02-16T10:47:58.863Z",{"_type":9,"current":3681},"week-ending-13th-february-2026","Week ending 13th February 2026",[3684,3687,3691,3698,3706,3714,3722,3730,3738,3746,3754,3762,3770,3778,3786],{"_key":3685,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":3686,"width":124},"574a1726ef9d","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1165331493",{"_key":3688,"_type":58,"asset":3689},"5aa7a5a56791",{"_ref":3690,"_type":107},"image-b58b742adf9fe892ba077ceada02d7bffed8ba2e-1600x2884-png",{"_key":3692,"_type":127,"children":3693,"markDefs":3697,"style":135},"348ffde27631",[3694],{"_key":3695,"_type":131,"marks":3696,"text":3678},"ed8458ef53f3",[],[],{"_key":3699,"_type":127,"children":3700,"markDefs":3705,"style":135},"ddbccd050fd0",[3701],{"_key":3702,"_type":131,"marks":3703,"text":3704},"eecccd356abb",[],"A delayed batch of U.S. labour market data was released mid-week, prompting only a muted reaction from equity markets.",[],{"_key":3707,"_type":127,"children":3708,"markDefs":3713,"style":135},"ae110ecaadb4",[3709],{"_key":3710,"_type":131,"marks":3711,"text":3712},"b3a514d800f5",[],"The data showed that job growth accelerated in January, reinforcing signs of labour market stability. Nonfarm payrolls increased by 130,000, following a downwardly revised gain of 48,000 in December. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate declined from 4.4% to 4.3%. Overall, the figures suggest the labour market remains on solid footing. This resilience gives the Federal Reserve flexibility to keep interest rates unchanged in the near term while policymakers continue monitoring inflation trends.",[],{"_key":3715,"_type":127,"children":3716,"markDefs":3721,"style":135},"c18be7a58516",[3717],{"_key":3718,"_type":131,"marks":3719,"text":3720},"bed65d708758",[],"On the inflation front, January’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) report indicated further moderation. Annual headline inflation slowed to 2.4%, down from 2.7% in each of the previous two months and below consensus forecasts. The deceleration was partly driven by base effects, as stronger readings from a year ago dropped out of the annual calculation, as well as a notable decline in energy prices.",[],{"_key":3723,"_type":127,"children":3724,"markDefs":3729,"style":135},"6650ec264d74",[3725],{"_key":3726,"_type":131,"marks":3727,"text":3728},"de29a6e7b82b",[],"Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, edged down to 2.5% from 2.6% in December, in line with expectations. It is important to note that this represents only one month of data. However, if the current trajectory continues, it will support a path toward lower interest rates alongside gradually easing inflation pressures.",[],{"_key":3731,"_type":127,"children":3732,"markDefs":3737,"style":135},"bcf3cc18ca51",[3733],{"_key":3734,"_type":131,"marks":3735,"text":3736},"2ac99dadf948",[],"Markets edged lower late in the week as investors assessed the rapid pace of advancement in artificial intelligence. Some near-term uncertainty is natural as markets adjust to transformative technologies, but the long-term outlook for AI remains compelling. While short term volatility is inevitable, our diversified approach helps to mitigate its impact. By spreading investments across sectors and regions, our portfolios are not overly reliant on any one area, allowing us to navigate periods of short-term noise\u002Fdisruption while remaining positioned to capture long-term opportunities.",[],{"_key":3739,"_type":127,"children":3740,"markDefs":3745,"style":135},"5b39b6e22f4b",[3741],{"_key":3742,"_type":131,"marks":3743,"text":3744},"4bd091460c5c",[],"Despite heightened political noise this week, including calls for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign markets remained anchored in fundamentals. The UK market outperformed major global indices, with the FTSE 100 rising 0.74% over the week.",[],{"_key":3747,"_type":127,"children":3748,"markDefs":3753,"style":135},"630a7f349e1b",[3749],{"_key":3750,"_type":131,"marks":3751,"text":3752},"0870a915d988",[],"Fresh economic data released on Thursday provided a clearer picture of the UK’s recent performance. GDP grew by 0.1% in the final quarter of 2025 and 1.3% over the year. While these figures confirm that the economy continued to expand, they also point to relatively modest momentum. Quarterly growth was unchanged from the previous period and came in slightly below expectations.",[],{"_key":3755,"_type":127,"children":3756,"markDefs":3761,"style":135},"e235616f6068",[3757],{"_key":3758,"_type":131,"marks":3759,"text":3760},"ada4497590ae",[],"A more detailed breakdown showed that the services sector, which has been a key driver of the UK economy, recorded zero growth. Even so, there were pockets of resilience within the sector, especially within travel agencies and tour operators.",[],{"_key":3763,"_type":127,"children":3764,"markDefs":3769,"style":135},"05e0c724b665",[3765],{"_key":3766,"_type":131,"marks":3767,"text":3768},"343ff25bf0b3",[],"China’s property market showed early signs of stabilisation in January, with the decline in resale home prices easing to the smallest drop in eight months, while new home prices fell at a steady pace.",[],{"_key":3771,"_type":127,"children":3772,"markDefs":3777,"style":135},"87613a19452e",[3773],{"_key":3774,"_type":131,"marks":3775,"text":3776},"2ec66b461f72",[],"The People’s Bank of China reiterated its “moderately loose” policy stance for 2026, signalling potential for further rate and reserve requirement cuts, and injected liquidity ahead of the Lunar New Year to support market conditions.",[],{"_key":3779,"_type":127,"children":3780,"markDefs":3785,"style":135},"db46fc0f6cb7",[3781],{"_key":3782,"_type":131,"marks":3783,"text":3784},"fe325715b768",[],"Next week, mainland China and Hong Kong markets will be closed for Lunar New Year, making for a quieter global calendar. In the US, markets close on Monday for Presidents’ Day, with housing data and Fed meeting minutes due later in the week. In the UK, key releases include unemployment, retail sales, inflation, and PMI data.",[],{"_key":3787,"_type":127,"children":3788,"markDefs":3792,"style":135},"e2eeca61f0ae",[3789],{"_key":3790,"_type":131,"marks":3791,"text":288},"3b8c0f65e5cd",[174],[],[3794],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":3795,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":3797,"blogPostMeta":3798,"content":3842,"tag":3995,"title":3841},"3488ee27-b42e-4e47-aaf2-28fec9eefe1c",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":3799,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":3837,"publishedAt":3838,"slug":3839,"title":3841},{"_type":58,"alt":3800,"asset":3801},"Market Overview",{"_createdAt":3802,"_id":3803,"_rev":3804,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":3802,"assetId":3805,"extension":196,"metadata":3806,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":3832,"path":3833,"sha1hash":3805,"size":3834,"uploadId":3835,"url":3836},"2026-02-16T09:40:10Z","image-3b185d3231fbcfbcbe72091569ed02439e997335-6500x4334-jpg","ksyMm84YR0JHKgSVAbWZfC","3b185d3231fbcfbcbe72091569ed02439e997335",{"_type":69,"blurHash":3807,"dimensions":3808,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":3812,"palette":3813,"thumbHash":3831},"VYFO[h4;t5V@Wq~qD+s:V[WCOZRkR+oeoK9aozWXt7n$",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":3809,"height":3810,"width":3811},1.4997692662667281,4334,6500,"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUIBgf\u002FxAAhEAACAQQCAgMAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMABAURBiESQRMiUf\u002FEABcBAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwT\u002FxAAcEQEAAgIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAACAAEDUREUIaH\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FAEGClwFhJue5UrrsFd1suP8ALsDBdD4Ylis+l2B9mNcDtyZlkLaBGzv3TS6QQ4S2njLByfRo5rbPCUbEAV4ZVFtzni0cQXzTr9FFSas8hRWLnbDZ7orH11v5UreQ6n\u002F\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":3814,"darkVibrant":3817,"dominant":3819,"lightMuted":3822,"lightVibrant":3825,"muted":3828,"vibrant":3829},{"_type":81,"background":3815,"foreground":83,"population":3816,"title":83},"#53433d",5.48,{"_type":81,"background":3818,"foreground":83,"population":2080,"title":83},"#073c7f",{"_type":81,"background":3820,"foreground":83,"population":3821,"title":83},"#9c8479",6.13,{"_type":81,"background":3823,"foreground":91,"population":3824,"title":83},"#98b6c6",3.36,{"_type":81,"background":3826,"foreground":91,"population":3827,"title":91},"#f5d597",1.11,{"_type":81,"background":3820,"foreground":83,"population":3821,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":3830,"foreground":91,"population":322,"title":83},"#c2973e","GggSHYSEd4dfeId3h0iIhoBGAUgE","shutterstock_2550867613.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F3b185d3231fbcfbcbe72091569ed02439e997335-6500x4334.jpg",15906349,"7EIhbA3MCrrKeqS1OSxrwTnRrKPUs7HH","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F3b185d3231fbcfbcbe72091569ed02439e997335-6500x4334.jpg","Over the past three months (5 October 2025 – 5 January 2026), financial markets have experienced notable volatility, driven by a U.S. government shutdown (which delayed key U.S. economic data releases), concerns about the Fed’s (the U.S. central bank) independence, and more recently, developments in Venezuela and Greenland.","2026-02-13T10:21:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":3840},"market-overview-january-2026","Market Overview (6 October 2025 - 5 January 2026)",[3843,3846,3853,3861,3869,3877,3885,3893,3901,3909,3917,3924,3932,3940,3948,3955,3963,3971,3979,3987],{"_key":3844,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":3845,"width":124},"96c121e08aa5","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1165300041",{"_key":3847,"_type":127,"children":3848,"markDefs":3852,"style":135},"69a077016608",[3849],{"_key":3850,"_type":131,"marks":3851,"text":3837},"dc6d99581627",[],[],{"_key":3854,"_type":127,"children":3855,"markDefs":3860,"style":135},"463d3ff02b01",[3856],{"_key":3857,"_type":131,"marks":3858,"text":3859},"ed50c1395a34",[],"Despite these challenges, markets ended the valuation period with modest gains, supported by strong company profits and expectations of further interest rate cuts.",[],{"_key":3862,"_type":127,"children":3863,"markDefs":3868,"style":135},"b85be94ae935",[3864],{"_key":3865,"_type":131,"marks":3866,"text":3867},"f22c4051f5ca",[],"More recently, commentators have questioned whether artificial intelligence (AI) is the next dot-com bubble, or the next Cambrian explosion.",[],{"_key":3870,"_type":127,"children":3871,"markDefs":3876,"style":135},"95561e046b1e",[3872],{"_key":3873,"_type":131,"marks":3874,"text":3875},"f7bedd225f2b",[],"The dot-com bubble of the late 1990s was a period of intense speculation in technology and internet-related companies. FOMO (fear of missing out) drove investors to value stocks based on “eyeballs” (how many people visited a website), rather than fundamentals and traditional metrics like P\u002FE ratios. Companies with no solid business plan or profitability would see their valuation skyrocket just for adding \".com\" to their name!",[],{"_key":3878,"_type":127,"children":3879,"markDefs":3884,"style":135},"658d01853e47",[3880],{"_key":3881,"_type":131,"marks":3882,"text":3883},"c33df74e13e9",[],"Much of this recent bubble discussion has been fuelled by trades placed by Michael Burry, who has stated he will profit if two big names in AI (Nvidia and Palantir Technologies) see their share prices fall. Michael Burry is a doomsayer hedge-fund manager made famous in the film “The Big Short” due to his trades against the U.S. housing market before its collapse, which culminated in the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers in September 2008. However, we believe that Michael Burry’s comments should be viewed with caution. Whilst the Hollywood film portrayed him as a visionary, the truth is far less flattering. Granted, his U.S. housing market bets were eventually correct. That said, his timing was far too early, as he had started shorting subprime mortgages in 2005.These early bets resulted in large losses, which forced him to stop his investors withdrawing their funds, effectively locking them into those early losses.",[],{"_key":3886,"_type":127,"children":3887,"markDefs":3892,"style":135},"f28e737376c0",[3888],{"_key":3889,"_type":131,"marks":3890,"text":3891},"2e7f3d17a796",[],"Beyond that, his track record has been poor. He predicted a stock market collapse in 2015 and global meltdown in 2017 – neither happened. In 2019, he claimed passive investing would be “the next subprime”, yet index funds have continued to grow. In 2020, he bet against Tesla, but the car and clean energy company - and its share price - have grown strongly since that prediction. In summary, Michael Burry’s reputation rests not on consistent profitable calls, but from one single trade, which itself almost blew up.",[],{"_key":3894,"_type":127,"children":3895,"markDefs":3900,"style":135},"d172c1a6135d",[3896],{"_key":3897,"_type":131,"marks":3898,"text":3899},"6b33df403f99",[],"While AI bubble talk may attract attention, it doesn’t reflect the broader market reality. Valuations of technology companies currently remain well below the dot-com extremes, and this coupled with their strong balance sheets and actual profitability provides comfort and distinguishes it from 1999\u002F2000. Additionally, AI is already starting to transform how many industries operate, from healthcare, logistics, finance and manufacturing, among others. This is creating real, structural demand for AI systems.",[],{"_key":3902,"_type":127,"children":3903,"markDefs":3908,"style":135},"70fb40f68909",[3904],{"_key":3905,"_type":131,"marks":3906,"text":3907},"71a5afa9c382",[],"Furthermore, we see the big technology companies as more akin to the ‘picks-and-shovels’ of the 1850s gold rush. They provide the infrastructure, tools and services that enable AI development and deployment. For example, Nvidia provides the Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), while the likes of Amazon, Microsoft and Google provide the storage infrastructure services. This means these companies benefit directly from the adoption and growing demand for AI. They are not high-risk miners chasing the speculative ‘gold’.",[],{"_key":3910,"_type":127,"children":3911,"markDefs":3916,"style":135},"8f62b6c5de91",[3912],{"_key":3913,"_type":131,"marks":3914,"text":3915},"2473867a9a2d",[],"As we have noted previously, it is best to look past short-term noise and instead, focus on the attractive long-term fundamentals: AI momentum; supportive central banks; fading recessionary risks; and valuations that are still reasonable given growth forecasts.",[],{"_key":3918,"_type":127,"children":3919,"markDefs":3923,"style":135},"2a98e647d847",[3920],{"_key":3921,"_type":131,"marks":3922,"text":1006},"ab8e29b4cbb9",[],[],{"_key":3925,"_type":127,"children":3926,"markDefs":3931,"style":135},"d33a824c35cc",[3927],{"_key":3928,"_type":131,"marks":3929,"text":3930},"835d25ff25b5",[174],"Income Element",[],{"_key":3933,"_type":127,"children":3934,"markDefs":3939,"style":135},"28db9255b047",[3935],{"_key":3936,"_type":131,"marks":3937,"text":3938},"341e0f1ce5a9",[],"Government debt yields ended the valuation period slightly lower as the employment market softened and CPI inflation slowed. Lower yields have pushed bond prices higher given their inverse relationship.",[],{"_key":3941,"_type":127,"children":3942,"markDefs":3947,"style":135},"bb097597c1f4",[3943],{"_key":3944,"_type":131,"marks":3945,"text":3946},"873bdc18559b",[],"Looking ahead, we expect CPI inflation to continue easing during 2026, supported by the lower oil price (currently around $60 per barrel versus $70 a year ago).This should give the Bank of England (BoE) room to make additional interest rate cuts, creating a favourable backdrop for bond prices. In this environment, our strategy of holding a diversified spread of financially secure companies with investment-grade credit ratings and stable income until maturity remains sensible.",[],{"_key":3949,"_type":127,"children":3950,"markDefs":3954,"style":135},"2ec9e7a58132",[3951],{"_key":3952,"_type":131,"marks":3953,"text":1006},"441760ef7c8f",[],[],{"_key":3956,"_type":127,"children":3957,"markDefs":3962,"style":135},"f45bdcb37f3e",[3958],{"_key":3959,"_type":131,"marks":3960,"text":3961},"e5c801c4bbea",[174],"Long-Term Growth Element",[],{"_key":3964,"_type":127,"children":3965,"markDefs":3970,"style":135},"39a3daf19295",[3966],{"_key":3967,"_type":131,"marks":3968,"text":3969},"50488dbdfee0",[],"Notable portfolio adjustments during the valuation period included reducing positions in Experian and 3i.We trimmed Experian, a provider of consumer credit monitoring, due to concerns that its business model could face pressure from AI-driven disruption and increased competition in the U.S. mortgage market. This follows news that Fair Isaac Corporation, which developed the widely used FICO Score, will now distribute scores directly to customers, potentially reducing Experian’s revenues. Although 3i’s largest investment, the European discount retailer Action, continues to perform well, we are concerned that the challenging economic backdrop in France could materially slow sales growth.",[],{"_key":3972,"_type":127,"children":3973,"markDefs":3978,"style":135},"94f8c64b7bb9",[3974],{"_key":3975,"_type":131,"marks":3976,"text":3977},"40aa55dcc303",[],"We added exposure to global miners given strong sector tailwinds. Glencore is benefiting from a growing pipeline of copper projects; while lithium is becoming increasingly significant to Rio Tinto’s valuation as prices rebound, driven by demand from energy storage and electric vehicles.",[],{"_key":3980,"_type":127,"children":3981,"markDefs":3986,"style":135},"5e5dfe553708",[3982],{"_key":3983,"_type":131,"marks":3984,"text":3985},"d8ebbd07e690",[],"Lloyds Banking Group was reintroduced to portfolios due to reduced uncertainty. The FCA's proposed motor redress scheme resulted in Lloyds only increasing its provision by £800m.Additionally, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, decided against imposing further taxes on banks in her November budget. In addition, we added Rentokil Initial (pest control and facilities management) to the portfolios. The challenging integration of Terminix (a U.S.-based pest control company acquired in 2022), resulted in several profit warnings and disappointing share price performance. While cost cutting and progress still needs to be made, the recent return to organic growth and improvement in margins marked a significant and encouraging shift.",[],{"_key":3988,"_type":127,"children":3989,"markDefs":3994,"style":135},"0636a8ea0122",[3990],{"_key":3991,"_type":131,"marks":3992,"text":3993},"11f518021a59",[],"For clients with Ethical portfolios, absolute returns were positive during the valuation period. However, they lagged our unrestricted growth portfolios. This is primarily because SRI funds exclude sectors such as tobacco and fossil fuel extraction, both of which delivered strong performance over the past three months.",[],[3996],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":3997,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":3999,"blogPostMeta":4000,"content":4022,"tag":4072,"title":4021},"b1950702-6aaf-4970-9f1e-447d0d43ad17",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":4001,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":4017,"publishedAt":4018,"slug":4019,"title":4021},{"_type":58,"asset":4002},{"_createdAt":60,"_id":61,"_rev":62,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":64,"altText":65,"assetId":66,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":67,"metadata":4003,"mimeType":101,"opt":4013,"originalFilename":108,"path":109,"sha1hash":66,"size":110,"title":65,"uploadId":111,"url":112},{"_type":69,"blurHash":70,"dimensions":4004,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":77,"palette":4005},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":73,"height":74,"width":75},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":4006,"darkVibrant":4007,"dominant":4008,"lightMuted":4009,"lightVibrant":4010,"muted":4011,"vibrant":4012},{"_type":81,"background":82,"foreground":83,"population":84,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":86,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":82,"foreground":83,"population":84,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":90,"foreground":91,"population":92,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":94,"foreground":91,"population":87,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":96,"foreground":83,"population":97,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":99,"foreground":91,"population":100,"title":83},{"media":4014},{"tags":4015},[4016],{"_ref":106,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"In Japan, Prime Minister Takaichi secured a decisive victory over the weekend, as her recently called election delivered a landslide majority for the Liberal Democratic Party - a feat that has eluded many leaders in recent years. ","2026-02-11T10:21:42.291Z",{"_type":9,"current":4020},"market-update-11th-february-2026","Market update - 11th February 2026",[4023,4025,4033,4041,4049,4057,4065],{"_key":3844,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":4024,"width":124},"https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1163940857",{"_key":4026,"_type":127,"children":4027,"markDefs":4032,"style":135},"1aa384c9294a",[4028],{"_key":4029,"_type":131,"marks":4030,"text":4031},"5584b04bd965",[],"In Japan, Prime Minister Takaichi secured a decisive victory over the weekend, as her recently called election delivered a landslide majority for the Liberal Democratic Party - a feat that has eluded many leaders in recent years. Her campaign centred on a commitment to revive traditional Abenomics, using fiscal stimulus to address slow growth within the region while also acknowledging Japan’s position as the world’s most heavily indebted nation. Markets responded positively, continuing the so-called “Takaichi trade,” with Japanese equities climbing to record highs on Monday and the yen recouping some recent losses.",[],{"_key":4034,"_type":127,"children":4035,"markDefs":4040,"style":135},"2d89e2f0623a",[4036],{"_key":4037,"_type":131,"marks":4038,"text":4039},"1ce349e1d2d7",[],"This week, global leaders are convening at the Munich Security Conference. Last year’s National Security Strategy urged Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defence, a message that has gained urgency as President Trump has publicly stated his intention to acquire Greenland on national security grounds. Ahead of the conference, French President Emmanuel Macron spoke to journalists on Monday, calling for faster implementation of reforms to safeguard the bloc. He warned that Europe now faces mounting pressure from two fronts: the United States and China.",[],{"_key":4042,"_type":127,"children":4043,"markDefs":4048,"style":135},"17c203fbe129",[4044],{"_key":4045,"_type":131,"marks":4046,"text":4047},"8e7dbb0e9165",[],"In the United States, retail sales were flat month-on-month in December 2025, according to data released after delays caused by the government shutdown. Spending came in below economists’ expectations, with annual growth slowing to 2.4% from 3.3% in November. While the latest figures may add weight to the case for monetary easing - suggesting consumers are feeling a pinch in their expendable income - the broader economic picture remains mixed. Employers remain in a “no hire, no fire” stance, yet consumer spending held up at a moderate pace throughout 2025, and GDP growth from July to September reached its fastest rate in two years. Attention now turns to Friday’s CPI release as sustained evidence of cooling inflation could prompt the Federal Reserve to consider rate cuts in the first half of 2026.",[],{"_key":4050,"_type":127,"children":4051,"markDefs":4056,"style":135},"c4ec6aa502c8",[4052],{"_key":4053,"_type":131,"marks":4054,"text":4055},"0979c0e1000e",[],"In China, consumer price inflation rose for the fourth consecutive month, with the CPI increasing by 0.2% year-on-year in January, easing from a 0.8% rise in December. Core CPI - which excludes volatile food and energy prices and is considered a better measure of underlying supply and demand conditions - also moderated, rising 0.8% year-on-year in January compared with 1.2% in December. Part of the January increase is being attributed to the shifting timing of the Lunar New Year, which altered the comparative base and affected year-on-year calculations.",[],{"_key":4058,"_type":127,"children":4059,"markDefs":4064,"style":135},"5485b0ff7060",[4060],{"_key":4061,"_type":131,"marks":4062,"text":4063},"4a601b124bd7",[],"Still to come this week we have UK GDP.",[],{"_key":4066,"_type":127,"children":4067,"markDefs":4071,"style":135},"ec7693f836b2",[4068],{"_key":4069,"_type":131,"marks":4070,"text":175},"0e287ac37544",[174],[],[4073],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":4074,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":4076,"blogPostMeta":4077,"content":4126,"tag":4140,"title":4125},"c3bd9a3c-0951-48ec-bf51-36d9f9051d68",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":4078,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":4122,"slug":4123,"title":4125},{"_type":58,"asset":4079,"crop":4116,"hotspot":4119},{"_createdAt":4080,"_id":4081,"_rev":4082,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":4080,"assetId":4083,"extension":67,"metadata":4084,"mimeType":101,"originalFilename":4111,"path":4112,"sha1hash":4083,"size":4113,"uploadId":4114,"url":4115},"2026-02-10T15:16:53Z","image-68a653aa53afdf1067503e1fe7e8032358d921b7-1240x654-png","N3MLm7wHMPsscRTxPMkpn3","68a653aa53afdf1067503e1fe7e8032358d921b7",{"_type":69,"blurHash":4085,"dimensions":4086,"hasAlpha":76,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":4090,"palette":4091,"thumbHash":4110},"MPHowcNstJ~UrsKTIAROnha1T2%1ofWXs.",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":4087,"height":4088,"width":4089},1.8960244648318043,654,1240,"data:image\u002Fpng;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAALCAYAAAB\u002FCa1DAAAACXBIWXMAABYlAAAWJQFJUiTwAAADAUlEQVR4nB3Q606aBwCA4e+G9me\u002FumymWVO31tqkilpRLApimAjKQFELVNBGTTyAgiIHA+JEBZUzCk6rxSPgYVhn5tKmW5NexrtkzyU8wsHVLcvRDNPuAI7FFYyuZV64Nngw7OCbRgk\u002FVMlpbnFifJvCuVVkIVNmNnHF1GaJ0bUzrMEjzP4DTIt7DLhzCP71OBMuP0MTc1jHbLT2D\u002FPTXIxHK0c8Mvl42eKmR5Fi0p4nvH9H5OQzwYOP+H6\u002FZz5ziz1eZmrriolIkbHVM4T2Lj2y7gGUhmF6jW+R6C1UujL8vP2FOs8tqu5jXqvyeN1nHF585OD2K+mLL0QL\u002FxA6\u002FAtPusRCsoBvp4wve4PwolFGTXMHYrmGTu0gr3otVNrCVCY\u002F0xT8ikZ\u002FTa8yi8u1Q6l8x4dP\u002F1L88xP563vi7wpMeQJYp+dxrW4TypYQatpUPG+QUl0rpqZJxhOJnAfqASpmE4hmSsjV28janIxNeTgvnvH3\u002FR035T8olkrE4nH0Og11ohq0fWbsixsIsnE7miELeuMAnWYLzzQ6vhXV8f0rBbVdVprkQ0gUOsyjoyTTCQqnR1wWTiie5gmH\u002FChaG3j88Du03Vq8S+sI\u002FqNjEu9T5A4jxPI7mAJLPBa\u002FpPrpj6jkElTqTpTabvQmI7NzLqJbm+zntsnvZwkFPbS3NdJY\u002FxzfvIPCyTHC5d0p+esIuxdeTj4k+S2xhlSpQCpuwDrYh9FipkOnpb3nVwaHx5n3+FkNrZFORAn43cgULchkEiKry5QvCgg3t4e8uwiSPLeTvw6zngjR1WdAa7Aw6fBjmXQgVfegMgzi8AaIxVNk0mli0Rh2pwNJu5SmliZmbDYyqTRC6uqc\u002FVKaw2KYvctdZqNbdBiH0b2ZYty5Qv+IjYa2DgatVnb3sv8fJuMJpp1efjGYqRI381RUj1KjZ2RsBsGYfc9iNkk0t8FCLoN6aQ1xvxmFzkTviJ2OvjdUN0rQvR5gMxYmvLnO6KQduc5EVWsXFfVSKmpbeCJWIJJp+Q+DvVN1zScebwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":4092,"darkVibrant":4095,"dominant":4098,"lightMuted":4101,"lightVibrant":4102,"muted":4105,"vibrant":4108},{"_type":81,"background":4093,"foreground":83,"population":4094,"title":83},"#293f4f",1.14,{"_type":81,"background":4096,"foreground":83,"population":4097,"title":83},"#2288a7",0.14,{"_type":81,"background":4099,"foreground":91,"population":4100,"title":83},"#a4bfd8",7.3,{"_type":81,"background":4099,"foreground":91,"population":4100,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":4103,"foreground":91,"population":4104,"title":83},"#51cbf5",4.91,{"_type":81,"background":4106,"foreground":83,"population":4107,"title":83},"#5fa0a8",0.07,{"_type":81,"background":4109,"foreground":91,"population":790,"title":83},"#3abff3","ZOcJHIKFf9M5dpeqeZi3cBQHKQ==","mwp-cover.png","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F68a653aa53afdf1067503e1fe7e8032358d921b7-1240x654.png",1296525,"euLCd92PTyaBNeKZrRYnqXbXmJvXVT7j","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F68a653aa53afdf1067503e1fe7e8032358d921b7-1240x654.png",{"_type":1179,"bottom":4117,"left":1159,"right":1159,"top":4118},0.010167711856939727,0.008619259781691353,{"_type":1183,"height":4120,"width":1228,"x":2970,"y":4121},0.9812130283613689,0.4992257739623758,"2026-02-10T15:16:31.290Z",{"_type":9,"current":4124},"market-outlook-winter-2026","Market Outlook - 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Market performance was influenced by a combination of uneven corporate earnings and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.","2026-02-09T11:48:59.276Z",{"_type":9,"current":4172},"week-ending-6th-february","Week ending 6th February ",[4175,4177,4180,4187,4195,4203,4211,4219,4227,4235,4243,4251,4259,4267,4275,4283],{"_key":3685,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":4176,"width":124},"https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1163227255?",{"_key":3688,"_type":58,"asset":4178},{"_ref":4179,"_type":107},"image-9854180e87e96e44a1b5434920026dc000834079-1600x2884-png",{"_key":4181,"_type":127,"children":4182,"markDefs":4186,"style":135},"47c975370839",[4183],{"_key":4184,"_type":131,"marks":4185,"text":4169},"41545889c273",[],[],{"_key":4188,"_type":127,"children":4189,"markDefs":4194,"style":135},"19c5b0bbbd4d",[4190],{"_key":4191,"_type":131,"marks":4192,"text":4193},"996343633bf3",[],"Technology stocks were a key source of market weakness earlier in the week. Concerns around the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence, alongside questions about whether current investment levels can be justified by future profitability, weighed on sentiment. Even as companies delivered robust earnings, Big Tech’s aggressive AI spending plans present a challenge for investors. While Friday’s rebound helped stabilise near-term sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.47%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite gained 1.97% and 2.18%, respectively. Despite this late-week rally, overall weekly performance remained mixed, with the S&P 500 edging down 0.1% and the Nasdaq declining 1.8%.",[],{"_key":4196,"_type":127,"children":4197,"markDefs":4202,"style":135},"900bb39b2258",[4198],{"_key":4199,"_type":131,"marks":4200,"text":4201},"ece12820552a",[],"The STOXX Europe 600 rose 1.00% as optimism around the eurozone outlook improved. The UK’s FTSE 100 gained 1.43%, supported by valuation appeal and defensiveness. Japanese equities outperformed, with the TOPIX gaining over 3.5 %, driven by positive domestic sentiment ahead of the February election.",[],{"_key":4204,"_type":127,"children":4205,"markDefs":4210,"style":135},"9d5074a25b92",[4206],{"_key":4207,"_type":131,"marks":4208,"text":4209},"cd760d96c76e",[],"In the UK the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee voted to hold interest rates at 3.75%, following a closely split decision. Five members supported holding rates, while four voted for a 0.25% cut.",[],{"_key":4212,"_type":127,"children":4213,"markDefs":4218,"style":135},"5604cc4e1850",[4214],{"_key":4215,"_type":131,"marks":4216,"text":4217},"36acae06d253",[],"Governor Andrew Bailey voted to keep rates unchanged but noted that he could “see scope for some further easing of policy.” He reiterated his view that inflation, measuring the pace of price growth, is expected to fall close to the Bank’s 2% target from spring onwards, earlier than the previous expectation of 2027.",[],{"_key":4220,"_type":127,"children":4221,"markDefs":4226,"style":135},"856ee32ffb95",[4222],{"_key":4223,"_type":131,"marks":4224,"text":4225},"938d9216666a",[],"“That’s good news,” Bailey said. “We need to make sure that inflation stays there. All going well, there should be scope for some further reduction in the Bank Rate this year.”",[],{"_key":4228,"_type":127,"children":4229,"markDefs":4234,"style":135},"dec842c5b7c8",[4230],{"_key":4231,"_type":131,"marks":4232,"text":4233},"8c407b9d6ada",[],"Lower interest rates reduce the cost of capital for businesses and make borrowing more affordable for consumers, supporting demand through cheaper mortgages and loans. However, this easing also tends to weigh on returns for savers.",[],{"_key":4236,"_type":127,"children":4237,"markDefs":4242,"style":135},"986ec3a9deb4",[4238],{"_key":4239,"_type":131,"marks":4240,"text":4241},"9fbefc4b0c75",[],"Further easing would therefore provide a welcome boost to both corporate activity and consumer demand, factors that are generally supportive for markets.",[],{"_key":4244,"_type":127,"children":4245,"markDefs":4250,"style":135},"19ca758243d2",[4246],{"_key":4247,"_type":131,"marks":4248,"text":4249},"68a42d69a3f4",[],"Also on Thursday, as widely expected, the European Central Bank held interest rates steady for a fifth consecutive meeting, keeping the deposit rate at 2%.",[],{"_key":4252,"_type":127,"children":4253,"markDefs":4258,"style":135},"a683ad18f454",[4254],{"_key":4255,"_type":131,"marks":4256,"text":4257},"1671bd5307e0",[],"ECB President Christine Lagarde noted that the eurozone economy “remains resilient in a challenging global environment.” She highlighted low unemployment, solid private‑sector balance sheets, the gradual rollout of public spending on defence and infrastructure, and supportive financing conditions as key factors underpinning growth.",[],{"_key":4260,"_type":127,"children":4261,"markDefs":4266,"style":135},"74cd085f038a",[4262],{"_key":4263,"_type":131,"marks":4264,"text":4265},"356a1add0d06",[],"However, the outlook remains uncertain, with ongoing trade policy uncertainty and geopolitical tensions posing risks. Policymakers are seen as being in no hurry to cut rates. January inflation printed slightly below expectations, with headline inflation at 1.7% year on year and core inflation easing to 2.2%, supporting expectations that underlying price pressures are continuing to moderate.",[],{"_key":4268,"_type":127,"children":4269,"markDefs":4274,"style":135},"16a6396928b7",[4270],{"_key":4271,"_type":131,"marks":4272,"text":4273},"1bc0134e6e07",[],"In Japan, markets reacted positively to a landslide election victory of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's coalition on Sunday. The ruling coalition secured a commanding majority in the 465‑seat lower house, winning 352 seats, in what local media described as a historic result. Japanese equities rallied sharply on the news, pushing the market to a record high as investors welcomed the clear political mandate.",[],{"_key":4276,"_type":127,"children":4277,"markDefs":4282,"style":135},"ed26f2c42391",[4278],{"_key":4279,"_type":131,"marks":4280,"text":4281},"39faa6a4fe67",[],"Looking ahead to next week, the data calendar is busy on both sides of the Atlantic. In the UK, the focus will be on retail sales, Q4 2025 GDP, and industrial production. In the US, investors will be watching retail sales, industrial production, the unemployment rate, non-farm payrolls, and average earnings. 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The breakthrough was made possible when the Socialist Party signalled it would stand aside, provided certain concessions were made. ","2026-02-04T11:43:57.463Z",{"_type":9,"current":4313},"market-update-4th-february-2026","Market Update - 4th February 2026",[4316,4319,4327,4335,4343,4351],{"_key":4317,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":4318,"width":124},"9dba458f81cb","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1161765525",{"_key":4320,"_type":127,"children":4321,"markDefs":4326,"style":135},"84230b02b11f",[4322],{"_key":4323,"_type":131,"marks":4324,"text":4325},"a291475ae9ed",[],"After months of negotiations that ultimately toppled two prime ministers, France has finally secured parliamentary approval for a national budget. The breakthrough was made possible when the Socialist Party signalled it would stand aside, provided certain concessions were made. Chief among them was a commitment from President Macron not to revisit plans to lift the retirement age from 62 to 64. Prime Minister Lecornu framed the budget as firmly focused on curbing government expenditure while steering clear of new taxes on households and companies. Financial markets welcomed the outcome, treating it as a sign that political uncertainty in France has begun to subside. That shift in sentiment was visible in bond markets, where the yield gap between French and German debt narrowed back to levels last seen when Macron called the snap election in June 2024.",[],{"_key":4328,"_type":127,"children":4329,"markDefs":4334,"style":135},"2511da85eaef",[4330],{"_key":4331,"_type":131,"marks":4332,"text":4333},"4c79e94cdf3e",[],"Elsewhere, President Trump announced on Monday that the United States had struck a trade agreement with India, one that includes them ending their purchases of Russian oil. The move aligns with Trump’s broader effort to suppress revenue streams supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. Russia has already felt the impact of declining Indian demand, exacerbated by measures such as sanctions on tankers breaching the G7 price cap and stricter insurance rules limiting coverage for Russian oil shipments. According to reports, the Trump administration has told Prime Minister Modi that India will soon be able to replace Russian supply with crude sourced from the U.S. and Venezuela. Trump also said Washington would lower its primary tariff on Indian goods from 25% to 18%, while scrapping an additional 25% penalty linked to India’s previous oil purchases from Russia. Asian equity markets reacted positively to the news, opening higher on Tuesday.",[],{"_key":4336,"_type":127,"children":4337,"markDefs":4342,"style":135},"e5d89ced66b3",[4338],{"_key":4339,"_type":131,"marks":4340,"text":4341},"b8a361a18b80",[],"In the UK, investors largely expect the Bank of England to keep interest rates unchanged at 3.75% when it meets on Thursday, with one or two rate cuts pencilled in for later in the year. A run of upbeat economic data (including stronger-than-anticipated GDP growth in November alongside improving business activity in January) has helped lift sterling against both the dollar and the euro so far this year.",[],{"_key":4344,"_type":127,"children":4345,"markDefs":4350,"style":135},"0804ae4cb6f8",[4346],{"_key":4347,"_type":131,"marks":4348,"text":4349},"e8609c20e417",[],"Attention is also turning to the latest round of major technology earnings. Results begin with Alphabet later today, followed by Amazon’s update on Thursday. We also have the Eurozone’s inflation rate and ECB’s interest rate decision and U.S. jobs data.",[],{"_key":4352,"_type":127,"children":4353,"markDefs":4357,"style":135},"3c9c016904d8",[4354],{"_key":4355,"_type":131,"marks":4356,"text":3105},"d325b48ac39a",[174],[],[4359],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":4360,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":4362,"blogPostMeta":4363,"content":4386,"tag":4490,"title":4385},"81d0454c-1d32-4f53-b3b4-5242e76991de",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":4364,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":4381,"publishedAt":4382,"slug":4383,"title":4385},{"_type":58,"asset":4365},{"_createdAt":487,"_id":488,"_rev":489,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":490,"altText":65,"assetId":491,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":4366,"mimeType":225,"opt":4377,"originalFilename":525,"path":526,"sha1hash":491,"size":527,"title":65,"uploadId":528,"url":529},{"_type":69,"blurHash":493,"dimensions":4367,"exif":4368,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":500,"palette":4369},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":495,"height":496,"width":497},{"PixelXDimension":497,"PixelYDimension":496,"_type":499},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":4370,"darkVibrant":4371,"dominant":4372,"lightMuted":4373,"lightVibrant":4374,"muted":4375,"vibrant":4376},{"_type":81,"background":503,"foreground":83,"population":504,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":506,"foreground":83,"population":507,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":509,"foreground":91,"population":510,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":509,"foreground":91,"population":510,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":513,"foreground":91,"population":514,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":516,"foreground":83,"population":517,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":519,"foreground":83,"population":520,"title":83},{"media":4378},{"tags":4379},[4380],{"_ref":106,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As you can see from the accompanying table it was broadly a positive week for global financial markets. Central bank meetings, geopolitical developments and a heavy rotation of tech earnings were in focus.","2026-02-02T12:17:48.211Z",{"_type":9,"current":4384},"week-ending-30th-january","Week ending 30th January",[4387,4390,4394,4402,4410,4418,4426,4434,4442,4450,4458,4475,4483],{"_key":4388,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":4389,"width":124},"658c5e9bdd15","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1161036301",{"_key":4391,"_type":58,"asset":4392},"78ef0662e1b4",{"_ref":4393,"_type":107},"image-ad30908d428595cc5d726995ed78a5e7642aab57-1600x2884-png",{"_key":4395,"_type":127,"children":4396,"markDefs":4401,"style":135},"e99e415b8994",[4397],{"_key":4398,"_type":131,"marks":4399,"text":4400},"9856bb09c3ed",[],"As you can see from the accompanying table it was broadly a positive week for global financial markets. Central‑bank meetings, geopolitical developments and a heavy rotation of tech earnings were in focus.",[],{"_key":4403,"_type":127,"children":4404,"markDefs":4409,"style":135},"fe4f99bad0d9",[4405],{"_key":4406,"_type":131,"marks":4407,"text":4408},"82f8a7fb942e",[],"In the U.S., equities touched recorded highs before ending the week softer, with large‑cap technology names delivering a varied set of results. Meta reported stronger‑than‑expected fourth‑quarter earnings supported by robust advertising revenue, while automaker, Tesla posted marginally better‑than‑expected results despite its first annual revenue decline. Microsoft, however, traded sharply lower as markets focused on a modest slowdown in cloud‑growth momentum, even though the company beat quarterly expectations.",[],{"_key":4411,"_type":127,"children":4412,"markDefs":4417,"style":135},"43afe19d48a6",[4413],{"_key":4414,"_type":131,"marks":4415,"text":4416},"35c7c2674d06",[],"Broader sentiment cooled through the week as geopolitical tensions rose, following U.S. threats to intervene in Iran over its nuclear ambitions and its crackdown on anti‑government protests. Oil and metals advanced in response but gave back some gains as tensions eased over the weekend.",[],{"_key":4419,"_type":127,"children":4420,"markDefs":4425,"style":135},"dfedb83a706e",[4421],{"_key":4422,"_type":131,"marks":4423,"text":4424},"fee7be1b6736",[],"The Federal Reserve held the federal funds rate at 3.5%–3.75%, as expected, following last year’s three rate cuts that brought borrowing costs to their lowest level since 2022. The majority judged current policy appropriate given stable economic activity, subdued job gains and early signs of unemployment stabilisation. Chair Jerome Powell noted that the U.S. economy enters 2026 on solid footing and that the present stance remains aligned with the Fed’s dual‑mandate objectives.",[],{"_key":4427,"_type":127,"children":4428,"markDefs":4433,"style":135},"1b33bb9b8483",[4429],{"_key":4430,"_type":131,"marks":4431,"text":4432},"235bba03bb5b",[],"U.S. markets were reassured late in the week after President Trump nominated former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh to lead the central bank when the current chair’s term ends in May. The nomination was viewed as reinforcing policy continuity and a continued data‑dependent approach at the Fed, helping stabilise rate expectations and support risk sentiment.",[],{"_key":4435,"_type":127,"children":4436,"markDefs":4441,"style":135},"063c75285420",[4437],{"_key":4438,"_type":131,"marks":4439,"text":4440},"cb2725aa5d9c",[],"European equities ended higher as investors focused corporate‑earnings calendar and rising precious‑metal prices. Data revealed eurozone economy grew 1.5% in 2025, exceeding expectations as stronger investment, consumption, and exports offset political and economic uncertainty, with Germany, Spain, and Italy providing key support. Fourth‑quarter growth held steady at 0.3% quarter‑on‑quarter, pointing to a gradually improving backdrop.",[],{"_key":4443,"_type":127,"children":4444,"markDefs":4449,"style":135},"e74cea632783",[4445],{"_key":4446,"_type":131,"marks":4447,"text":4448},"4f39ec101c05",[],"In the UK, the FTSE 100 outperformed its European peers, reaching record highs thanks to strong gains in the financial, energy and mining sectors.",[],{"_key":4451,"_type":127,"children":4452,"markDefs":4457,"style":135},"e4c16309eb3b",[4453],{"_key":4454,"_type":131,"marks":4455,"text":4456},"2c8de8e1e6de",[],"On the international front, Britain and China signalled progress toward stabilising their economic relationship following Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s meeting with President Xi Jinping the first visit by a UK leader in eight years. The two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment and technology, with China introducing 30‑day visa‑free travel for UK visitors and halving tariffs on Scotch whisky. The pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca also announced a significant long‑term investment plan.",[],{"_key":4459,"_type":127,"children":4460,"markDefs":4474,"style":135},"0c304939a8d3",[4461,4465,4470],{"_key":4462,"_type":131,"marks":4463,"text":4464},"aa93b4d83084",[],"In Japan, stocks were led lower by technology stocks amid concerns over the durability of AI‑related spending and periods of yen strength weighing on exporters. The yen remained volatile as investors looked ahead to the upcoming lower‑house election on the 8",{"_key":4466,"_type":131,"marks":4467,"text":4469},"d0d3251f1443",[4468],"em","th",{"_key":4471,"_type":131,"marks":4472,"text":4473},"e65a1fe81663",[]," February, with fiscal uncertainty and intervention speculation contributing to cautious sentiment across Japanese assets.",[],{"_key":4476,"_type":127,"children":4477,"markDefs":4482,"style":135},"27e2850ec8b2",[4478],{"_key":4479,"_type":131,"marks":4480,"text":4481},"1f0f2c3d143b",[],"Coming up next week, markets will be watching a series of key data releases and central bank decisions. In the U.S., the ISM Manufacturing PMI is due, followed by labour‑market indicators including non‑farm payrolls and the unemployment rate later in the week. In Europe, attention will turn to the latest inflation figures for the Eurozone, as well as monetary policy meetings. The Bank of England is expected to keep rates on hold at 3.75%, while the European Central Bank is likewise anticipated to maintain its deposit rate at 2.00%.",[],{"_key":4484,"_type":127,"children":4485,"markDefs":4489,"style":135},"971a1252c953",[4486],{"_key":4487,"_type":131,"marks":4488,"text":288},"c00088f8ced3",[174],[],[4491],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":4492,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":4494,"blogPostMeta":4495,"content":4517,"tag":4560,"title":4516},"012fc204-f3c3-40de-a925-5e98b240695e",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":4496,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":4512,"publishedAt":4513,"slug":4514,"title":4516},{"_type":58,"asset":4497},{"_createdAt":60,"_id":61,"_rev":62,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":64,"altText":65,"assetId":66,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":67,"metadata":4498,"mimeType":101,"opt":4508,"originalFilename":108,"path":109,"sha1hash":66,"size":110,"title":65,"uploadId":111,"url":112},{"_type":69,"blurHash":70,"dimensions":4499,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":77,"palette":4500},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":73,"height":74,"width":75},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":4501,"darkVibrant":4502,"dominant":4503,"lightMuted":4504,"lightVibrant":4505,"muted":4506,"vibrant":4507},{"_type":81,"background":82,"foreground":83,"population":84,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":86,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":82,"foreground":83,"population":84,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":90,"foreground":91,"population":92,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":94,"foreground":91,"population":87,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":96,"foreground":83,"population":97,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":99,"foreground":91,"population":100,"title":83},{"media":4509},{"tags":4510},[4511],{"_ref":106,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"This week, investors are focused on the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting, which began on Tuesday and concludes this evening UK time with an interest-rate decision. Rates currently sit within the range of 3.5-3.75%. ","2026-01-28T11:48:45.746Z",{"_type":9,"current":4515},"market-update-28th-january-2026","Market Update - 28th January 2026",[4518,4521,4529,4537,4545,4553],{"_key":4519,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":4520,"width":124},"958e85181950","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1159187930",{"_key":4522,"_type":127,"children":4523,"markDefs":4528,"style":135},"8423d046092e",[4524],{"_key":4525,"_type":131,"marks":4526,"text":4527},"9588371314d2",[],"This week, investors are focused on the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting, which began on Tuesday and concludes this evening UK time with an interest-rate decision. Rates currently sit within the range of 3.5-3.75%. While markets broadly expect rates to be left unchanged, traders are increasingly attentive to growing debate over the Fed’s future independence. Concerns have centred on the prospect of Chair Jerome Powell eventually being replaced by a successor appointed by President Trump, who has publicly stated that loyalty is a key quality he values in a Fed chair - raising questions about the future direction of U.S. monetary policy. Such a sentiment will no doubt eventually be put straight by policymakers, however, who consistently maintain that their decisions are wholly data dependent rather than in any way linked to political agendas.",[],{"_key":4530,"_type":127,"children":4531,"markDefs":4536,"style":135},"301e85a916f3",[4532],{"_key":4533,"_type":131,"marks":4534,"text":4535},"64d99897867a",[],"Meanwhile, India and the EU reached an agreement on Tuesday aimed at reducing tariffs on a broad range of goods, with the objective of lowering dependence on the U.S. and cutting duty costs for European companies by an estimated €4 billion. Under the deal, the EU is set to reduce tariffs on nearly 100% of goods imported from India over a seven-year period. Under the new agreement, the likes of duties on EU motor vehicles would be cut to 10% in some instances which will support access to European automakers like Mercedes and Volkswagen. Supporting India’s growth agenda has been a central priority for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a focus reiterated in his budget announcement on Sunday, which emphasised domestic policy reforms and shielding the economy from external shocks.",[],{"_key":4538,"_type":127,"children":4539,"markDefs":4544,"style":135},"5c9ec5cb6898",[4540],{"_key":4541,"_type":131,"marks":4542,"text":4543},"615014b9569d",[],"Figures released on Tuesday showed that service-sector prices in Japan increased by 2.6% year on year in December, maintaining a steady pace of growth. Analysts view the data as another sign that inflationary pressures are increasingly home-grown rather than driven by higher import costs. Since service prices are closely tied to wages and labour expenses, the figures indicate that companies are passing on the impact of labour shortages and rising pay to customers. Alongside persistently high import costs caused by a weak yen, the data strengthens the case that policymakers may soon need to weigh additional interest-rate increases. Wage dynamics were also in focus on Tuesday, as Japan entered its annual round of pay negotiations.",[],{"_key":4546,"_type":127,"children":4547,"markDefs":4552,"style":135},"a90c1c095d02",[4548],{"_key":4549,"_type":131,"marks":4550,"text":4551},"f7f6ed788f50",[],"Still to come this week we have Eurozone consumer sentiment, Tokyo CPI and Japanese retail sales and U.S. PPI.",[],{"_key":4554,"_type":127,"children":4555,"markDefs":4559,"style":135},"0863fb83f818",[4556],{"_key":4557,"_type":131,"marks":4558,"text":3105},"04b9f518fb1c",[174],[],[4561],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":4562,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":4564,"blogPostMeta":4565,"content":4588,"tag":4692,"title":4587},"23a464a7-45d3-4e31-9a1e-891d64bbc117",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":4566,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":4583,"publishedAt":4584,"slug":4585,"title":4587},{"_type":58,"asset":4567},{"_createdAt":487,"_id":488,"_rev":489,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":490,"altText":65,"assetId":491,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":4568,"mimeType":225,"opt":4579,"originalFilename":525,"path":526,"sha1hash":491,"size":527,"title":65,"uploadId":528,"url":529},{"_type":69,"blurHash":493,"dimensions":4569,"exif":4570,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":500,"palette":4571},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":495,"height":496,"width":497},{"PixelXDimension":497,"PixelYDimension":496,"_type":499},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":4572,"darkVibrant":4573,"dominant":4574,"lightMuted":4575,"lightVibrant":4576,"muted":4577,"vibrant":4578},{"_type":81,"background":503,"foreground":83,"population":504,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":506,"foreground":83,"population":507,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":509,"foreground":91,"population":510,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":509,"foreground":91,"population":510,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":513,"foreground":91,"population":514,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":516,"foreground":83,"population":517,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":519,"foreground":83,"population":520,"title":83},{"media":4580},{"tags":4581},[4582],{"_ref":106,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"Global markets closed the week modestly lower, though sentiment improved as geopolitical tensions eased and investors took comfort from pockets of encouraging economic data. ","2026-01-26T11:25:12.796Z",{"_type":9,"current":4586},"week-ending-23rd-january","Week ending 23rd January",[4589,4592,4596,4604,4612,4620,4628,4636,4644,4652,4660,4668,4676,4684],{"_key":4590,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":4591,"width":124},"2f3f7bc906b2","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1158372802?",{"_key":4593,"_type":58,"asset":4594},"8f83f52f4bcb",{"_ref":4595,"_type":107},"image-fba5c0cd365596e5bf3770e177ce3f4f5f12e821-1600x2884-png",{"_key":4597,"_type":127,"children":4598,"markDefs":4603,"style":135},"f310e8853691",[4599],{"_key":4600,"_type":131,"marks":4601,"text":4602},"25e044c924c0",[],"Global markets closed the week modestly lower, though sentiment improved as geopolitical tensions eased and investors took comfort from pockets of encouraging economic data.",[],{"_key":4605,"_type":127,"children":4606,"markDefs":4611,"style":135},"8eba628a2889",[4607],{"_key":4608,"_type":131,"marks":4609,"text":4610},"8a6103720f6e",[],"It was a holiday-shortened week in the United States, with markets closed on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.",[],{"_key":4613,"_type":127,"children":4614,"markDefs":4619,"style":135},"d753a6a65f50",[4615],{"_key":4616,"_type":131,"marks":4617,"text":4618},"6ad6a20e28fb",[],"Trading began on a weaker note amid renewed fears of a global trade dispute after President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on European nations opposing U.S. efforts to acquire or exert control over Greenland. These comments reignited fears that trade policy could be weaponised again, putting markets on edge over a potential deterioration in transatlantic relations.",[],{"_key":4621,"_type":127,"children":4622,"markDefs":4627,"style":135},"5c6f6509b2e2",[4623],{"_key":4624,"_type":131,"marks":4625,"text":4626},"e993bab619fc",[],"Attention therefore turned sharply to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where investors looked for clarity from both U.S. and European leaders. However, these concerns eased materially as the week progressed. President Trump stepped back from the notion of using force or coercive trade measures and instead signalled a preference for negotiation with European allies, focused on cooperation around Arctic security. This shift was accompanied by the announcement of a new “Board of Peace,”.",[],{"_key":4629,"_type":127,"children":4630,"markDefs":4635,"style":135},"a90b95985755",[4631],{"_key":4632,"_type":131,"marks":4633,"text":4634},"3d2d5866a2a7",[],"Markets responded positively to the shift in tone, with equities rebounding. As we anticipated, Trump’s rhetoric ultimately proved more forceful than the underlying policy direction. While negotiations remain ongoing and details are limited, the episode served as an important reminder that headline risks do not always translate into immediate or disruptive policy action.",[],{"_key":4637,"_type":127,"children":4638,"markDefs":4643,"style":135},"a2299384ce65",[4639],{"_key":4640,"_type":131,"marks":4641,"text":4642},"8dd2b87c0c09",[],"Nevertheless, Trump’s willingness to use tariffs as a foreign policy tool remained a prominent topic in Davos. Frustration among major U.S. trading partners was evident, and discussions gained momentum around diversifying global trade relationships beyond the U.S.",[],{"_key":4645,"_type":127,"children":4646,"markDefs":4651,"style":135},"f3aad53ed19a",[4647],{"_key":4648,"_type":131,"marks":4649,"text":4650},"56e7bfc2cf47",[],"Geopolitics also featured prominently in discussions surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war. The first three-way peace talks involving Russia, Ukraine and the U.S. concluded in Abu Dhabi over the weekend without a clear breakthrough. However, President Trump described a potential agreement as “reasonably close,” and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy indicated that a second meeting could take place as early as next week. While investors remain cautious given the conflict’s history, even tentative movement towards dialogue was viewed as a modest positive for global risk sentiment.",[],{"_key":4653,"_type":127,"children":4654,"markDefs":4659,"style":135},"42bb521cbba9",[4655],{"_key":4656,"_type":131,"marks":4657,"text":4658},"ef3634c429f9",[],"In equity markets, the FTSE 100 outperformed its European peers. Sterling strengthened further on Friday, supported by the release of stronger-than-expected economic data.",[],{"_key":4661,"_type":127,"children":4662,"markDefs":4667,"style":135},"ec3ae88bb461",[4663],{"_key":4664,"_type":131,"marks":4665,"text":4666},"311eb1a35fd0",[],"The UK PMI figures provided a welcome upside surprise. The Purchasing Managers’ Index, an indicator of economic momentum, showed expansion across both manufacturing and services. Manufacturing PMI rose to 51.6 in January from 50.6 in December 2025. Output increased at its fastest pace since October last year, and export orders rose for the first time in four years, an encouraging signal amid global trade uncertainty. Employment, however, continued to decline, highlighting ongoing cost pressures and caution among firms.",[],{"_key":4669,"_type":127,"children":4670,"markDefs":4675,"style":135},"793535f437f3",[4671],{"_key":4672,"_type":131,"marks":4673,"text":4674},"17fcec73f75a",[],"The services sector showed resilience. Services PMI climbed to 54.3, well above expectations, supported by improved clarity following the UK Budget and a pickup in client investment. New orders rose for the third time in four months, whilst rising payroll costs and elevated inflation pressures led to faster job shedding and higher output prices.",[],{"_key":4677,"_type":127,"children":4678,"markDefs":4683,"style":135},"1d1ffda0592a",[4679],{"_key":4680,"_type":131,"marks":4681,"text":4682},"ea7bc95c1bdf",[],"U.S. economic data was broadly positive this week. GDP grew at a 4.4% annualised rate in Q3 2025, driven by stronger exports and a smaller inventory drag. November PCE inflation held at 2.8% for both headline and core, matching expectations but remaining above the Fed’s 2% target. The Fed is expected to keep rates unchanged on 28 January, with markets focused on Chair Powell’s remarks for clues on future easing.",[],{"_key":4685,"_type":127,"children":4686,"markDefs":4691,"style":135},"bac2747a61a2",[4687],{"_key":4688,"_type":131,"marks":4689,"text":4690},"af0acfba070d",[],"Next week, attention will turn to major earnings, with Apple, Microsoft and Meta all reporting. Key U.S. data releases including consumer confidence, durable goods orders, jobless claims, PPI and the Chicago PMI will also be in focus for further signals on growth and inflation. Europe will release flash GDP estimates as 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Evans.",[],[4750],{"_createdAt":4751,"_id":4752,"_rev":4753,"_system":4754,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":4758,"brandSpecific":76,"slug":4759,"title":4761},"2025-06-19T14:11:46Z","8bc6b04f-2775-49ad-8ecf-d0ffef195d76","xJcNa43GmqQ7Beq5jTnP3b",{"base":4755},{"id":4756,"rev":4757},"cccc8cea-4078-4b75-a529-f1d764d2431b","hYBeEarKBtmcWOrEZ539dF","2025-06-19T14:11:54Z",{"_type":9,"current":4760},"films","Films",{"_id":4763,"blogPostMeta":4764,"content":4804,"tag":5240,"title":4803},"b98356f7-f662-49fb-ad34-cadd371bd280",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":4765,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":4799,"publishedAt":4800,"slug":4801,"title":4803},{"_type":58,"asset":4766},{"_createdAt":4767,"_id":4768,"_rev":4769,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":4767,"assetId":4770,"extension":196,"metadata":4771,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":4794,"path":4795,"sha1hash":4770,"size":4796,"uploadId":4797,"url":4798},"2026-01-21T12:59:25Z","image-89619fb3e8a6a3d28e9ed415ca636da1b11c1b12-1000x667-jpg","C0xn8JneB04YbABbe4kM19","89619fb3e8a6a3d28e9ed415ca636da1b11c1b12",{"_type":69,"blurHash":4772,"dimensions":4773,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":4774,"palette":4775,"thumbHash":4793},"VfL4se_NtSxatRxtV@oz%Ms:tRe-ocR*jZD$RjjFj[Wo",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAcBAgb\u002FxAAjEAABAwMEAgMAAAAAAAAAAAACAQMEAAURBhIhMQcTI0FR\u002F8QAFgEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAwEC\u002F8QAGxEAAgIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAEQMSMSH\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FAHLrVq2HcIJSlbbbNSQyTheuKxUm4xoVqmuelSOO5sQfshXpUpiN6XgMEL2HHTUVT5S3JSg8hWc4UqGTU13D0lGlHHGFqMrdWaxsoNNyUO8xiLKrtzzhVoqHNAw3DUnZcgi\u002FeqKUbV6ITUCaM\u002F\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":4776,"darkVibrant":4779,"dominant":4781,"lightMuted":4784,"lightVibrant":4786,"muted":4789,"vibrant":4790},{"_type":81,"background":4777,"foreground":83,"population":4778,"title":83},"#855a46",2.75,{"_type":81,"background":4780,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#5b3429",{"_type":81,"background":4782,"foreground":83,"population":4783,"title":83},"#987165",6.46,{"_type":81,"background":4785,"foreground":91,"population":87,"title":83},"#a8d4b4",{"_type":81,"background":4787,"foreground":91,"population":4788,"title":83},"#eaa893",0.08,{"_type":81,"background":4782,"foreground":83,"population":4783,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":4791,"foreground":83,"population":4792,"title":83},"#6d3f31",3.73,"KggODYKfmIhpqHh5eDh3eRHWAFRK","shutterstock_2649495263 (3).jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F89619fb3e8a6a3d28e9ed415ca636da1b11c1b12-1000x667.jpg",366231,"QhJbU4iUdv7rwrEWLYXMS8MlIrLAhKBc","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F89619fb3e8a6a3d28e9ed415ca636da1b11c1b12-1000x667.jpg","“Planning how to pay for retirement is one of the biggest financial decisions people make. It is important individuals understand all the options available, make informed decisions and avoid making expensive mistakes with their hard-earned savings,” says Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work","2026-01-21T12:28:55.374Z",{"_type":9,"current":4802},"tips-for-those-retiring-in-2026","Top tips for those retiring in 2026",[4805,4813,4821,4829,4836,4844,4852,4860,4872,4879,4920,4927,4935,4943,4951,4958,4966,4974,4982,4990,4997,5005,5013,5021,5028,5036,5056,5064,5072,5080,5087,5095,5103,5111,5119,5126,5134,5142,5149,5157,5185,5192,5200,5208,5216,5224,5232],{"_key":4806,"_type":127,"children":4807,"markDefs":4812,"style":135},"6f29649aa7e4",[4808],{"_key":4809,"_type":131,"marks":4810,"text":4811},"867194ac88e4",[],"“Planning how to pay for retirement is one of the biggest financial decisions people make. It is important individuals understand all the options available, make informed decisions and avoid making expensive mistakes with their hard-earned savings,” says Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, a leading financial wellbeing, retirement and workplace savings specialist.",[],{"_key":4814,"_type":127,"children":4815,"markDefs":4820,"style":135},"150466956154",[4816],{"_key":4817,"_type":131,"marks":4818,"text":4819},"7caa83c290bb",[],"To help with this, WEALTH at work has created some top tips below for those who are thinking about retiring in 2026.",[],{"_key":4822,"_type":127,"children":4823,"markDefs":4828,"style":135},"4986a6d18bd8",[4824],{"_key":4825,"_type":131,"marks":4826,"text":4827},"21f7072d028d",[174],"WEALTH at work’s top tips for those retiring in 2026",[],{"_key":4830,"_type":127,"children":4831,"markDefs":4835,"style":135},"016f37e45448",[4832],{"_key":4833,"_type":131,"marks":4834,"text":1006},"266d2b83f155",[],[],{"_key":4837,"_type":127,"children":4838,"markDefs":4843,"style":135},"4b141fb03dbf",[4839],{"_key":4840,"_type":131,"marks":4841,"text":4842},"9809f5a38449",[174],"1. Work out costs in retirement",[],{"_key":4845,"_type":127,"children":4846,"markDefs":4851,"style":135},"671f429d8c98",[4847],{"_key":4848,"_type":131,"marks":4849,"text":4850},"b45d7df9d67a",[],"When it comes to retiring it is crucial to work out how much money a person will need in retirement to meet day-to-day living expenses such as household bills as well as discretionary expenditures including holidays and hobbies.",[],{"_key":4853,"_type":127,"children":4854,"markDefs":4859,"style":135},"3b48ec4df97d",[4855],{"_key":4856,"_type":131,"marks":4857,"text":4858},"b4be7a607cd4",[],"According to the Pensions UK, estimated annual spending in retirement for a single person will be about £13,400 a year if they have a minimum standard of living (this would cover all a retiree’s needs plus enough for some leisure activities such as a week’s holiday in the UK and eating out occasionally); £31,700 a year for a moderate standard of living (one foreign holiday a year and more frequent eating out); and £43,900 a year for a comfortable standard of living (this would cover all a retiree’s needs plus two foreign holidays a year and some luxuries such as regular beauty treatments). For couples, it’s £21,600, £43,900 and £60,600, respectively.",[],{"_key":4861,"_type":127,"children":4862,"markDefs":4871,"style":135},"b6e421a48f82",[4863,4867],{"_key":4864,"_type":131,"marks":4865,"text":4866},"7017a1179d50",[174],"2. Track down all pensions",{"_key":4868,"_type":131,"marks":4869,"text":4870},"1dd53bfb8dd4",[]," At least 3.3 million pension pots are considered to be ‘lost’ or forgotten, with each pot being worth an average of £9,500. Whilst auto-enrolment has successfully increased pension participation, it has also led to people accumulating multiple small pension pots as they move between jobs. In fact, there are now 13 million of these small pots, worth £1,000 or less, with the number increasing by around one million a year. This is making managing retirement savings more complex.",[],{"_key":4873,"_type":127,"children":4874,"markDefs":4878,"style":135},"8d350dd8a897",[4875],{"_key":4876,"_type":131,"marks":4877,"text":1006},"249e852ef945",[],[],{"_key":4880,"_type":127,"children":4881,"markDefs":4913,"style":135},"c9042a747f16",[4882,4886,4891,4895,4900,4904,4909],{"_key":4883,"_type":131,"marks":4884,"text":4885},"61444f49e9e9",[],"There are ways to locate lost pensions including using the Government’s ",{"_key":4887,"_type":131,"marks":4888,"text":4890},"7588e3b49f24",[4889],"66c4a5984ecc","Pension Tracing Service",{"_key":4892,"_type":131,"marks":4893,"text":4894},"dfb8a9ceb7ff",[],". If the company no longer exists contact ",{"_key":4896,"_type":131,"marks":4897,"text":4899},"52019541b203",[4898],"af40cd53dcce","Companies House",{"_key":4901,"_type":131,"marks":4902,"text":4903},"c887ffa4f7c1",[]," , or charities can be found using the ",{"_key":4905,"_type":131,"marks":4906,"text":4908},"7783a1542f4c",[4907],"dcc078de921e","charity register",{"_key":4910,"_type":131,"marks":4911,"text":4912},"349640f7b82a",[],". People should ask for up-to-date statements, so it is clear how much pensions are worth. Those with several pots might also want to consider consolidating them. Some workplaces offer access to pension consolidation services to help with this.",[4914,4916,4918],{"_key":4907,"_type":1264,"href":4915},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Ffind-charity-information",{"_key":4898,"_type":1264,"href":4917},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Fgovernment\u002Forganisations\u002Fcompanies-house",{"_key":4889,"_type":1264,"href":4919},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Ffind-pension-contact-details",{"_key":4921,"_type":127,"children":4922,"markDefs":4926,"style":135},"015b11973c05",[4923],{"_key":4924,"_type":131,"marks":4925,"text":1006},"ac54f7c78ad7",[],[],{"_key":4928,"_type":127,"children":4929,"markDefs":4934,"style":135},"4886efcc3c0f",[4930],{"_key":4931,"_type":131,"marks":4932,"text":4933},"b3eaca8ca5ab",[174],"3. Calculate all sources of retirement income",[],{"_key":4936,"_type":127,"children":4937,"markDefs":4942,"style":135},"67984de9c3d0",[4938],{"_key":4939,"_type":131,"marks":4940,"text":4941},"7de62ad1d80f",[],"Many people assume their pension will be their only source of income in retirement but that may not be the case. Other assets, such as ISAs, personal savings accounts and other investments can all contribute to financial security later in life.",[],{"_key":4944,"_type":127,"children":4945,"markDefs":4950,"style":135},"84c07cb4451e",[4946],{"_key":4947,"_type":131,"marks":4948,"text":4949},"e30fc5c67d3a",[],"Taking time to calculate the combined value of these resources gives a clearer picture of retirement income and helps people plan more effectively. It’s important not to overlook smaller savings pots or forgotten accounts - they can make a big difference when added together.",[],{"_key":4952,"_type":127,"children":4953,"markDefs":4957,"style":135},"9bdb0ff31e63",[4954],{"_key":4955,"_type":131,"marks":4956,"text":1006},"4eb03ff11efe",[],[],{"_key":4959,"_type":127,"children":4960,"markDefs":4965,"style":135},"a702a0861c45",[4961],{"_key":4962,"_type":131,"marks":4963,"text":4964},"38ef4bf1324d",[174],"4. Check state pension entitlement",[],{"_key":4967,"_type":127,"children":4968,"markDefs":4973,"style":135},"de4ca12a0751",[4969],{"_key":4970,"_type":131,"marks":4971,"text":4972},"4a62f10d559b",[],"Some people may not realise they need at least 35 qualifying years of National Insurance (NI) contributions to receive the full new State Pension. This can be difficult for those who’ve taken career breaks or time off for childcare or caring responsibilities.",[],{"_key":4975,"_type":127,"children":4976,"markDefs":4981,"style":135},"2ca3281bbef1",[4977],{"_key":4978,"_type":131,"marks":4979,"text":4980},"9ef25c42e4ac",[],"Those who have gaps in their NI record can still boost their pension by buying voluntary NI credits. For the 2025\u002F26 tax year, the cost is £17.75 per week (around £923 for a full year). Individuals can pay for the previous six tax years, so for the 2025\u002F26 tax year any gaps from 2019\u002F20 onwards can be covered.",[],{"_key":4983,"_type":127,"children":4984,"markDefs":4989,"style":135},"e31efa884740",[4985],{"_key":4986,"_type":131,"marks":4987,"text":4988},"a962407838fe",[],"Those who are approaching retirement can make an enquiry to find out what they are going to receive by requesting a State Pension statement using a form called a BR19, which is available online or by calling the government helpline on 0800 731 0469. Alternatively, those that have a Government Gateway account can access the details online.",[],{"_key":4991,"_type":127,"children":4992,"markDefs":4996,"style":135},"813d5c16055e",[4993],{"_key":4994,"_type":131,"marks":4995,"text":1006},"769f84ec38fa",[],[],{"_key":4998,"_type":127,"children":4999,"markDefs":5004,"style":135},"de3ed1e63a40",[5000],{"_key":5001,"_type":131,"marks":5002,"text":5003},"591a534bdc98",[174],"5. Consider how to access pension income",[],{"_key":5006,"_type":127,"children":5007,"markDefs":5012,"style":135},"4ab58dfb842d",[5008],{"_key":5009,"_type":131,"marks":5010,"text":5011},"f41b1baaa458",[],"It’s important for people to think about how they plan to take their pension savings to generate an income in retirement. For those with defined benefit (DB) pensions, retirement income is usually based on a rate set by the scheme (the accrual rate) and typically is a percentage or fraction of their salary for each year they have been an active member of the pension. There is usually a set retirement age such as someone’s 60th or 65th birthday; however, they may be able to receive benefits earlier or later than this.",[],{"_key":5014,"_type":127,"children":5015,"markDefs":5020,"style":135},"b040ace91523",[5016],{"_key":5017,"_type":131,"marks":5018,"text":5019},"7eef4d677846",[],"Defined contribution (DC) pensions can be accessed from age 55 rising to 57 from April 2028, and people will need to decide how they want to do this. Options include taking income drawdown (where the pension money is still invested but cash is taken as and when needed), buying an annuity (which is a fixed sum of money paid to someone each year), taking it as a cash lump sum, or a combination of these options.",[],{"_key":5022,"_type":127,"children":5023,"markDefs":5027,"style":135},"4277a46f1d9b",[5024],{"_key":5025,"_type":131,"marks":5026,"text":1006},"9f83cedaabe6",[],[],{"_key":5029,"_type":127,"children":5030,"markDefs":5035,"style":135},"8857aa18b499",[5031],{"_key":5032,"_type":131,"marks":5033,"text":5034},"6655c578c5e1",[174],"6. Check if retirement is affordable",[],{"_key":5037,"_type":127,"children":5038,"markDefs":5055,"style":135},"fb0d64229373",[5039,5043,5047,5051],{"_key":5040,"_type":131,"marks":5041,"text":5042},"3d2b122e3c51",[],"Another step is working out how much pension savings would be needed to generate a gross income that will meet the required spending needs in retirement. For a couple to cover the costs of a moderate living standard (i.e. £43,900 a year), Which? calculated that they would need ",{"_key":5044,"_type":131,"marks":5045,"text":5046},"72cbd71b2bc9",[174],"£381,800 in a DC pension pot if taking income drawdown, ",{"_key":5048,"_type":131,"marks":5049,"text":5050},"6a4ffdfc34e6",[],"and ",{"_key":5052,"_type":131,"marks":5053,"text":5054},"fed0ba6bdde7",[174],"£317,700 for an annuity. These figures assume the individual is also in receipt of the full State Pension.",[],{"_key":5057,"_type":127,"children":5058,"markDefs":5063,"style":135},"3b1705eeb99f",[5059],{"_key":5060,"_type":131,"marks":5061,"text":5062},"91ca34da5755",[],"For a single person to reach a moderate living standard (i.e. £31,700 a year), they would need £375,600 if taking income drawdown, or £312,600 if they purchase an annuity.",[],{"_key":5065,"_type":127,"children":5066,"markDefs":5071,"style":135},"11c10f44e615",[5067],{"_key":5068,"_type":131,"marks":5069,"text":5070},"6feef62aeb98",[],"People who are single may need a larger retirement pot compared to those in a couple. Couples benefit from two sets of tax allowances and potentially two state pensions, whereas a single person only has one tax allowance and one state pension. In addition, living costs can feel higher when you’re on your own, as expenses like housing and utilities aren’t shared.",[],{"_key":5073,"_type":127,"children":5074,"markDefs":5079,"style":135},"290bbf91f71c",[5075],{"_key":5076,"_type":131,"marks":5077,"text":5078},"1c604593fe4d",[],"If someone is worried that they haven’t saved enough, it may be worth delaying retirement or continue working part-time. This would enable them to make more pension contributions, and they would be able to take advantage of tax relief and employer contributions for longer to build up their savings.",[],{"_key":5081,"_type":127,"children":5082,"markDefs":5086,"style":135},"e433409fb26d",[5083],{"_key":5084,"_type":131,"marks":5085,"text":1006},"bfc20d03eea9",[],[],{"_key":5088,"_type":127,"children":5089,"markDefs":5094,"style":135},"40601b4ea2ea",[5090],{"_key":5091,"_type":131,"marks":5092,"text":5093},"1471984bfa82",[174],"7. Shop around",[],{"_key":5096,"_type":127,"children":5097,"markDefs":5102,"style":135},"d6c837489493",[5098],{"_key":5099,"_type":131,"marks":5100,"text":5101},"bc32fb822a8d",[],"Before committing to any retirement product, it’s essential to shop around, as charges and rates can vary widely between providers. For income drawdown, compare providers carefully. -Some charge flat fees while others apply tiered percentage charges, which can make a big difference to overall costs.",[],{"_key":5104,"_type":127,"children":5105,"markDefs":5110,"style":135},"6444e1d0e7c9",[5106],{"_key":5107,"_type":131,"marks":5108,"text":5109},"9613272c6db2",[],"Those who are considering an annuity should look for a provider that offers the features they need, such as inflation protection or a guaranteed payment period, and make sure they’re getting a competitive rate. Annuity rates can vary significantly and should reflect any health conditions someone has, which could qualify them for an enhanced rate.",[],{"_key":5112,"_type":127,"children":5113,"markDefs":5118,"style":135},"081ef834b508",[5114],{"_key":5115,"_type":131,"marks":5116,"text":5117},"6dc7432c764f",[],"By comparing options and seeking investment advice, people can help ensure their retirement income goes further.",[],{"_key":5120,"_type":127,"children":5121,"markDefs":5125,"style":135},"63d64d1e4482",[5122],{"_key":5123,"_type":131,"marks":5124,"text":1006},"461c9f46209a",[],[],{"_key":5127,"_type":127,"children":5128,"markDefs":5133,"style":135},"c3e4c7cbbd88",[5129],{"_key":5130,"_type":131,"marks":5131,"text":5132},"dfc450a281b1",[174],"8. Don’t pay unnecessary tax",[],{"_key":5135,"_type":127,"children":5136,"markDefs":5141,"style":135},"f2af5797f61d",[5137],{"_key":5138,"_type":131,"marks":5139,"text":5140},"182b2c511cf7",[],"Unfortunately, some people don’t realise that only the first 25% (up to a maximum of £268,275 for most people) of a DC pension is tax-free, and the remaining 75% is taxed at the same rates as earned income. So, if they decide to take their pension as a cash lump sum, they may unwittingly become a higher rate taxpayer. It may be better for them to take smaller amounts each year from their pension, keeping within their tax bracket, and then top it up with withdrawals from other savings. With careful planning, it may be possible to avoid paying unnecessary taxes which means more income in retirement.",[],{"_key":5143,"_type":127,"children":5144,"markDefs":5148,"style":135},"0a4a83272893",[5145],{"_key":5146,"_type":131,"marks":5147,"text":1006},"d5c6ea59b321",[],[],{"_key":5150,"_type":127,"children":5151,"markDefs":5156,"style":135},"4b2623b8e1f1",[5152],{"_key":5153,"_type":131,"marks":5154,"text":5155},"ecb3650f559f",[174],"9. Beware of scams",[],{"_key":5158,"_type":127,"children":5159,"markDefs":5181,"style":135},"1e7eb5ae7d66",[5160,5164,5169,5173,5178],{"_key":5161,"_type":131,"marks":5162,"text":5163},"f851b6eb1473",[],"Action Fraud found that pension scam victims lost more than £17.7m in 2024. Whatever someone is planning to do with their retirement savings, it’s vital they check whether the company that they’re planning to use is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) ",{"_key":5165,"_type":131,"marks":5166,"text":5168},"9ea6987269bf",[5167],"d4316c2d2fa2","https:\u002F\u002Fregister.fca.org.uk\u002F",{"_key":5170,"_type":131,"marks":5171,"text":5172},"cd74601a00cd",[],". They can also visit the FCA’s ScamSmart website which includes a warning list of companies operating without authorisation or running scams ",{"_key":5174,"_type":131,"marks":5175,"text":5177},"e23c3fd9ccb4",[5176],"6ade829198ea","www.fca.org.uk\u002Fscamsmart",{"_key":5179,"_type":131,"marks":5180,"text":1289},"70ea1a82e9ba",[],[5182,5183],{"_key":5167,"_type":1264,"href":5168},{"_key":5176,"_type":1264,"href":5184},"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.fca.org.uk\u002Fscamsmart",{"_key":5186,"_type":127,"children":5187,"markDefs":5191,"style":135},"89b0cd45f58c",[5188],{"_key":5189,"_type":131,"marks":5190,"text":1006},"af1ef3f5a14c",[],[],{"_key":5193,"_type":127,"children":5194,"markDefs":5199,"style":135},"bb2522508c6d",[5195],{"_key":5196,"_type":131,"marks":5197,"text":5198},"1ffa39a78c17",[174],"10. Don’t go it alone",[],{"_key":5201,"_type":127,"children":5202,"markDefs":5207,"style":135},"c0a69ff2241d",[5203],{"_key":5204,"_type":131,"marks":5205,"text":5206},"4aa163f0dca4",[],"It is vital that individuals fully understand their retirement options and are able to choose what is right for them. Getting financial education, one-to-one guidance and investment advice at retirement can really help ensure a person understands all aspects of their retirement to retire confidently.",[],{"_key":5209,"_type":127,"children":5210,"markDefs":5215,"style":135},"17c3208ae5fc",[5211],{"_key":5212,"_type":131,"marks":5213,"text":5214},"2f9041f4a10f",[],"Many workplaces are a great source of support. In fact, 92% of employers reported that they either currently offer, or plan to offer, financial education for older employees. Not only this but offering investment advice specific to retirement is set to almost double from 28% currently offering it, to 54% in the future.",[],{"_key":5217,"_type":127,"children":5218,"markDefs":5223,"style":135},"7a8d02d1e7dc",[5219],{"_key":5220,"_type":131,"marks":5221,"text":5222},"2bea5f97fecf",[174],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, comments,",[],{"_key":5225,"_type":127,"children":5226,"markDefs":5231,"style":135},"308f54599657",[5227],{"_key":5228,"_type":131,"marks":5229,"text":5230},"0b9666d83060",[],"“We spend many years saving for our retirement and deciding how to manage this money is one of the biggest financial decisions people make. It is heartbreaking when people make mistakes with their hard-earned savings which could have been so easily avoided.”",[],{"_key":5233,"_type":127,"children":5234,"markDefs":5239,"style":135},"81ba0ef2fb99",[5235],{"_key":5236,"_type":131,"marks":5237,"text":5238},"6b9860c6fff8",[],"He adds; “This is why many employers now offer retirement support including financial education, guidance and investment advice, as well as access to a pension consolidation service. It is always worth speaking to your workplace to find out what help is available.”",[],[5241],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":5242,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":5244,"blogPostMeta":5245,"content":5267,"tag":5318,"title":5266},"252cc12a-880d-4176-8aa5-b4c9d47fba4b",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":5246,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":5262,"publishedAt":5263,"slug":5264,"title":5266},{"_type":58,"asset":5247},{"_createdAt":60,"_id":61,"_rev":62,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":64,"altText":65,"assetId":66,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":67,"metadata":5248,"mimeType":101,"opt":5258,"originalFilename":108,"path":109,"sha1hash":66,"size":110,"title":65,"uploadId":111,"url":112},{"_type":69,"blurHash":70,"dimensions":5249,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":77,"palette":5250},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":73,"height":74,"width":75},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":5251,"darkVibrant":5252,"dominant":5253,"lightMuted":5254,"lightVibrant":5255,"muted":5256,"vibrant":5257},{"_type":81,"background":82,"foreground":83,"population":84,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":86,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":82,"foreground":83,"population":84,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":90,"foreground":91,"population":92,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":94,"foreground":91,"population":87,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":96,"foreground":83,"population":97,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":99,"foreground":91,"population":100,"title":83},{"media":5259},{"tags":5260},[5261],{"_ref":106,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"For the first time since September, UK inflation has risen. Headline CPI came in for the month of December at 3.4%, with an increase in tobacco prices accounting for a large portion of the latest rise, alongside rising food costs. ","2026-01-21T11:49:16.527Z",{"_type":9,"current":5265},"market-update-21st-january-2026","Market Update - 21st January 2026",[5268,5271,5279,5287,5295,5303,5311],{"_key":5269,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":5270,"width":124},"70b0e868a855","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1156813776",{"_key":5272,"_type":127,"children":5273,"markDefs":5278,"style":135},"18767f339470",[5274],{"_key":5275,"_type":131,"marks":5276,"text":5277},"ed2dd05e9b4b",[],"For the first time since September, UK inflation has risen. Headline CPI came in for the month of December at 3.4%, with an increase in tobacco prices accounting for a large portion of the latest rise, alongside rising food costs. Core inflation, meanwhile, stood unchanged at 3.2%. The latest figures received comment from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who made lowering the cost of living one of her pledges for this year. Reeves suggested that her budget had potentially disinflationary effects in the form of curbing bills for UK citizens but that there was more to do.",[],{"_key":5280,"_type":127,"children":5281,"markDefs":5286,"style":135},"fbc8c4646f62",[5282],{"_key":5283,"_type":131,"marks":5284,"text":5285},"d499bc3e9dc5",[],"The data follows that on Tuesday, which painted a cooling picture of the UK labour market. Unemployment stood at 5.1% in the three months from September to November, suggesting employers remain in a phase of subdued hiring. Wage growth is also losing momentum. Private sector pay (the measure most closely watched by the Bank of England) slowed to 3.6% from 3.9% over the same period, marking its weakest pace in five years. Elevated wage growth has long been a concern for policymakers given its tendency to outstrip inflation, but that pressure now appears to be easing. While financial markets are largely pricing in a shift toward looser monetary policy as the year draws on, economists caution against expecting an immediate move at the Bank’s next meeting. Inflation remains above the Bank’s 2% target, and policymakers have recently signalled a cautious approach, indicating that any rate cuts are likely to proceed at a slower pace than markets anticipate.",[],{"_key":5288,"_type":127,"children":5289,"markDefs":5294,"style":135},"d1d06d59744e",[5290],{"_key":5291,"_type":131,"marks":5292,"text":5293},"5b66eed969bf",[],"This week, President Trump has certainly given traders plenty to digest with a series of comments on Truth Social and elsewhere. Ahead of meetings with global leaders on Wednesday, Trump delivered a speech to the American public in which he declared that the US would take Greenland “one way or the other,” adding on social media that control of Greenland would be imperative for both national and global security. Global leaders have continued to be aghast. Belgium’s prime minister has said that when he meets Trump at Davos he will stress that the president is crossing red lines, while Greenland’s prime minister has urged citizens to prepare for the possibility of an invasion. Against this backdrop, both European and U.S. investors approached Tuesday’s session with caution, with the latest developments prompting some traders to lock in profits and causing a sell off in markets.",[],{"_key":5296,"_type":127,"children":5297,"markDefs":5302,"style":135},"74997e9f483c",[5298],{"_key":5299,"_type":131,"marks":5300,"text":5301},"27024dc8a03c",[],"Over in Japan, Prime Minister Takaichi has called a snap election in February and plans to dissolve parliament this coming Friday. The aim is for the PM to prove that Japanese citizens actively desire her administration in power.",[],{"_key":5304,"_type":127,"children":5305,"markDefs":5310,"style":135},"4aed05c42235",[5306],{"_key":5307,"_type":131,"marks":5308,"text":5309},"2446aa2f1468",[],"Still to come this week we have Japan’s balance of trade and inflation rate, U.S. GDP and PCE and UK retail sales.",[],{"_key":5312,"_type":127,"children":5313,"markDefs":5317,"style":135},"5cdb2133e351",[5314],{"_key":5315,"_type":131,"marks":5316,"text":175},"ed3b20cb8950",[174],[],[5319],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":5320,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":5322,"blogPostMeta":5323,"content":5372,"tag":5713,"title":4803},"3be6dbe8-6473-4582-8da0-20118efdd87e",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":5324,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":5368,"publishedAt":5369,"slug":5370,"title":4803},{"_type":58,"asset":5325},{"_createdAt":5326,"_id":5327,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":5330,"extension":196,"metadata":5331,"mimeType":225,"opt":5357,"originalFilename":5363,"path":5364,"sha1hash":5330,"size":5365,"uploadId":5366,"url":5367},"2026-01-19T15:48:19Z","image-f12a4d184c7f6b59b1278b169b53b0cfd278f1fe-1000x666-jpg","4F51npDEiKK0WjTrQCsY03","2026-01-21T10:18:04Z","f12a4d184c7f6b59b1278b169b53b0cfd278f1fe",{"_type":69,"blurHash":5332,"dimensions":5333,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5336,"palette":5337,"thumbHash":5356},"VLMHMo00yY%#WA~W$*r=tmtlp0xtxarrxu%hShahV?%2",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5334,"height":5335,"width":773},1.5015015015015014,666,"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwABAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABwABBf\u002FEACMQAAICAQMDBQAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQABRESBiExExUiMnH\u002FxAAWAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADAQT\u002FxAAbEQACAwADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgAREgMhMf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8A713Vvc9dfUa9fjejTaEsfH5iH0DcsXdLrPeZms82Hz7E7YQ6cz2o4nV2hkXuGTziF0LNPPcZmlPOI7gkYVFXFH2VHHIlEdiJDWLXIhKoKg7fbLMps\u002FoAltySScs04MHYn\u002F\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":5338,"darkVibrant":5341,"dominant":5344,"lightMuted":5345,"lightVibrant":5348,"muted":5351,"vibrant":5354},{"_type":81,"background":5339,"foreground":83,"population":5340,"title":83},"#49534c",8.5,{"_type":81,"background":5342,"foreground":83,"population":5343,"title":83},"#422d16",0.64,{"_type":81,"background":5339,"foreground":83,"population":5340,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5346,"foreground":91,"population":5347,"title":83},"#cdb7ac",1.17,{"_type":81,"background":5349,"foreground":91,"population":5350,"title":83},"#cbaa8f",4.27,{"_type":81,"background":5352,"foreground":83,"population":5353,"title":83},"#9d7959",4.41,{"_type":81,"background":5355,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#5c842c","LfgNDYKQeYiKh4iIeIh4eAyZg7Bc",{"media":5358},{"tags":5359},[5360],{"_key":5361,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"Uc_XkD9rNQ-B7-Bfk1dA-","4226069f-9353-45b5-807f-85b83ff2445f","shutterstock_2421700433.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Ff12a4d184c7f6b59b1278b169b53b0cfd278f1fe-1000x666.jpg",373993,"UATOiO8X1BrX242BALSZ2PVtRGOdvenl","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Ff12a4d184c7f6b59b1278b169b53b0cfd278f1fe-1000x666.jpg","“Planning how to pay for retirement is one of the biggest financial decisions people make. It is important that employees are supported to understand all the options available, make informed decisions and avoid making expensive mistakes with their hard-earned savings,” says Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, a leading financial wellbeing, retirement and workplace savings specialist.\n","2026-01-19T11:01:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":5371},"top-tips-for-those-retiring-in-2026",[5373,5389,5397,5404,5411,5418,5426,5437,5445,5482,5489,5496,5503,5510,5517,5524,5531,5538,5545,5552,5559,5567,5575,5582,5589,5596,5603,5610,5617,5624,5632,5639,5662,5669,5676,5683,5690,5697,5705],{"_key":5374,"_type":127,"children":5375,"markDefs":5388,"style":135},"ce1d507a86fb",[5376,5380,5384],{"_key":5377,"_type":131,"marks":5378,"text":5379},"0c1672788cb2",[],"“Planning how to pay for retirement is one of the biggest financial decisions people make. It is important that employees are supported to understand all the options available, make informed decisions and avoid making expensive mistakes with their hard-earned savings,” ",{"_key":5381,"_type":131,"marks":5382,"text":5383},"381e156436ae",[174],"says Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work",{"_key":5385,"_type":131,"marks":5386,"text":5387},"becf03c70aad",[],", a leading financial wellbeing, retirement and workplace savings specialist.",[],{"_key":5390,"_type":127,"children":5391,"markDefs":5396,"style":135},"e3453e019f1f",[5392],{"_key":5393,"_type":131,"marks":5394,"text":5395},"c5230d026091",[],"\nTo help with this, WEALTH at work has created some top tips below to share with employees who are thinking about retiring in 2026.",[],{"_key":5398,"_type":127,"children":5399,"markDefs":5403,"style":135},"6b4d8ccaeca4",[5400],{"_key":5401,"_type":131,"marks":5402,"text":4827},"84ab973ee6b9",[174],[],{"_key":5405,"_type":127,"children":5406,"markDefs":5410,"style":135},"5af7dd7a2872",[5407],{"_key":5408,"_type":131,"marks":5409,"text":4842},"53728cf52562",[174],[],{"_key":5412,"_type":127,"children":5413,"markDefs":5417,"style":135},"b05bab3ccf37",[5414],{"_key":5415,"_type":131,"marks":5416,"text":4850},"1daa4c39dc5e",[],[],{"_key":5419,"_type":127,"children":5420,"markDefs":5425,"style":135},"b47116dd0017",[5421],{"_key":5422,"_type":131,"marks":5423,"text":5424},"387f1c469d37",[],"According to the Pensions UK estimated annual spending in retirement for  a single person will be about £13,400 a year if they have a minimum standard of living (this would cover all a retiree’s needs plus enough for some leisure activities such as a week’s holiday in the UK and eating out occasionally); £31,700 a year for a moderate standard of living (one foreign holiday a year and more frequent eating out); and £43,900 a year for a comfortable standard of living (this would cover all a retiree’s needs plus two foreign holidays a year and some luxuries such as regular beauty treatments). For couples, it’s £21,600, £43,900 and £60,600, respectively.",[],{"_key":5427,"_type":127,"children":5428,"markDefs":5436,"style":135},"65ad485a1c57",[5429,5432],{"_key":5430,"_type":131,"marks":5431,"text":4866},"28579bb6b815",[174],{"_key":5433,"_type":131,"marks":5434,"text":5435},"f4b3b0406957",[]," ",[],{"_key":5438,"_type":127,"children":5439,"markDefs":5444,"style":135},"b07fdcfea529",[5440],{"_key":5441,"_type":131,"marks":5442,"text":5443},"03a4c0c5cd74",[],"At least 3.3 million pension pots are considered to be ‘lost’ or forgotten, with each pot being worth an average of £9,500. Whilst auto-enrolment has successfully increased pension participation, it has also led to people accumulating multiple small pension pots as they move between jobs. In fact, there are now 13 million of these small pots, worth £1,000 or less, with the number increasing by around one million a year. This is making managing retirement savings more complex.",[],{"_key":5446,"_type":127,"children":5447,"markDefs":5477,"style":135},"bbd44ba742a1",[5448,5452,5457,5461,5465,5469,5473],{"_key":5449,"_type":131,"marks":5450,"text":5451},"5a108be9fc4d",[],"There are ways to locate lost pensions including using the Government’s Pension Tracing Service (",{"_key":5453,"_type":131,"marks":5454,"text":5456},"592397a04a9f",[5455],"23c94a78eba5","www.gov.uk\u002Ffind-pension-contact-details",{"_key":5458,"_type":131,"marks":5459,"text":5460},"d2b784ae42cc",[],"). If the company no longer exists contact Companies House (",{"_key":5462,"_type":131,"marks":5463,"text":4917},"7b0a1e9daa92",[5464],"786fd8401501",{"_key":5466,"_type":131,"marks":5467,"text":5468},"8d45d32e8676",[],"), or charities can be found using the charity register (",{"_key":5470,"_type":131,"marks":5471,"text":4915},"e7814080fa10",[5472],"1f8d0fa60974",{"_key":5474,"_type":131,"marks":5475,"text":5476},"5d1388dc77dd",[],"). People should ask for up-to-date statements, so it is clear how much pensions are worth. Those with several pots might also want to consider consolidating them. 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For a couple to cover the costs of a moderate living standard (i.e. £43,900 a year), Which? calculated that they would need £381,800 in a DC pension pot if taking income drawdown, and £317,700 for an annuity. 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So, if they decide to take their pension as a cash lump sum, they may unwittingly become a higher rate taxpayer. It may be better for them to take smaller amounts each year from their pension, keeping within their tax bracket, and then top it up with withdrawals from other savings. With careful planning, it may be possible to avoid paying unnecessary taxes which means more income in retirement.",[],{"_key":5633,"_type":127,"children":5634,"markDefs":5638,"style":135},"c68caab688d8",[5635],{"_key":5636,"_type":131,"marks":5637,"text":5155},"f932b99f476a",[174],[],{"_key":5640,"_type":127,"children":5641,"markDefs":5659,"style":135},"f8b3cbcd430e",[5642,5645,5649,5652,5656],{"_key":5643,"_type":131,"marks":5644,"text":5163},"e060f63a4afa",[],{"_key":5646,"_type":131,"marks":5647,"text":5168},"bb139bdc931e",[5648],"3f429c2f1984",{"_key":5650,"_type":131,"marks":5651,"text":5172},"a80f2a59a896",[],{"_key":5653,"_type":131,"marks":5654,"text":5177},"e4e2b3a300d0",[5655],"0d95a47c7a0f",{"_key":5657,"_type":131,"marks":5658,"text":1289},"31f95cb91708",[],[5660,5661],{"_key":5648,"_type":1264,"href":5168},{"_key":5655,"_type":1264,"href":5184},{"_key":5663,"_type":127,"children":5664,"markDefs":5668,"style":135},"c92288732e1b",[5665],{"_key":5666,"_type":131,"marks":5667,"text":5198},"4063d58def85",[174],[],{"_key":5670,"_type":127,"children":5671,"markDefs":5675,"style":135},"b7599aed7086",[5672],{"_key":5673,"_type":131,"marks":5674,"text":5206},"f6c65a40e5d3",[],[],{"_key":5677,"_type":127,"children":5678,"markDefs":5682,"style":135},"bf96eb055fe8",[5679],{"_key":5680,"_type":131,"marks":5681,"text":5214},"9b87f278a6bd",[],[],{"_key":5684,"_type":127,"children":5685,"markDefs":5689,"style":135},"98fcbcbab81b",[5686],{"_key":5687,"_type":131,"marks":5688,"text":5222},"478b0ff09b87",[174],[],{"_key":5691,"_type":127,"children":5692,"markDefs":5696,"style":135},"d8c07cce5c9e",[5693],{"_key":5694,"_type":131,"marks":5695,"text":5230},"7b6598abb28d",[],[],{"_key":5698,"_type":127,"children":5699,"markDefs":5704,"style":135},"2ae46395ffcd",[5700],{"_key":5701,"_type":131,"marks":5702,"text":5703},"9003eceb917e",[],"He adds; “This is why many employers and trustees are now working together with financial wellbeing and retirement specialists to help individuals understand their retirement options and help them make informed decisions. This includes offering financial education, guidance, and investment advice, as well as access to a pension consolidation service. However, before proceeding it’s essential to carry out due diligence on any providers, such as ensuring that they are workplace specialists. Checks on advice firms should cover areas such as qualifications of advisers, the regulatory record of the firm, compliance processes and the pricing structure.",[],{"_key":5706,"_type":127,"children":5707,"markDefs":5712,"style":135},"941bfa6746f8",[5708],{"_key":5709,"_type":131,"marks":5710,"text":5711},"e054d0bc12ba",[],"Ultimately, empowering employees with access to appropriate support at the right time can improve financial capability and resilience which should result in better retirement outcomes for all.”",[],[5714],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":5715,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":5717,"blogPostMeta":5718,"content":5766,"tag":5846,"title":5765},"ee8854a2-8ef2-483f-b7dd-e169ccf70a91",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":5719,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":5761,"publishedAt":5762,"slug":5763,"title":5765},{"_type":58,"asset":5720},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":5724,"mimeType":225,"opt":5751,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},"2025-07-03T12:49:46Z","image-a21dba2af6592b21e1a82db8c36a3c7468072498-1623x1024-jpg","a21dba2af6592b21e1a82db8c36a3c7468072498",{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":5726,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":5731},"VbEy}Os:X9NItQuPWCWXWXs:A1R+V?snRk9bs.nhn$Rj",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},1.5849609375,1024,1623,"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUHBAb\u002FxAAfEAACAgMAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEAAURBhIhQUL\u002FxAAWAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADAgT\u002FxAAcEQABBAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAAIDBBESIRT\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FAGg1+p189SOOT3SZWLSluheD5i7yG9oqdOhCsqPYsNxnH5w5ymsUzq0BdgjLw\u002Fe5lk1de5fhqTgsIwWV+\u002FRimexvlz1lbTq6gBmVU5KXikXqGnjYlQx5hkj2CmlbkghYlFP9fThiCWc9D1Hhqjmq\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":5732,"darkVibrant":5735,"dominant":5738,"lightMuted":5741,"lightVibrant":5744,"muted":5747,"vibrant":5750},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},"#2d384f",3.13,{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},"#6f4517",0.29,{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},"#3496be",6.53,{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},"#9ac2c4",6.48,{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},"#efdabe",0.31,{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},"#95806a",5.8,{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":5752},{"tags":5753},[5754],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"nKVVNV78SQFM3pyvnWu0r","London-skyline.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fa21dba2af6592b21e1a82db8c36a3c7468072498-1623x1024.jpg",765440,"lPVV23opKDfAJTGyj2UAeJTBYsgDBsel","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fa21dba2af6592b21e1a82db8c36a3c7468072498-1623x1024.jpg","Global markets ended the week in a more cautious mood after a strong start to January, with equities consolidating near record highs as investors digested earnings, shifting policy signals, and renewed geopolitical noise. In the U.S., major indices briefly touched fresh highs before easing back. ","2026-01-19T09:30:10.730Z",{"_type":9,"current":5764},"week-ending-16th-january","Week ending 16th January",[5767,5770,5774,5782,5790,5798,5806,5814,5822,5830,5838],{"_key":5768,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":5769,"width":124},"094bd0f8e36a","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1155999135?",{"_key":5771,"_type":58,"asset":5772},"cfcd878906bf",{"_ref":5773,"_type":107},"image-a580464002eb50c7c675f553b0259197c253bb1b-1600x2884-png",{"_key":5775,"_type":127,"children":5776,"markDefs":5781,"style":135},"cfb69bffc281",[5777],{"_key":5778,"_type":131,"marks":5779,"text":5780},"2955f2d1b555",[],"Global markets ended the week in a more cautious mood after a strong start to January, with equities consolidating near record highs as investors digested earnings, shifting policy signals, and renewed geopolitical noise. In the U.S., major indices briefly touched fresh highs before easing back. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq finished broadly flat for the week, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped modestly, weighed down by weakness in financial stocks. Softer U.S. inflation data initially supported risk appetite, but better-than-expected jobless claims later in the week tempered expectations for near-term Federal Reserve rate cuts, limiting further upside.",[],{"_key":5783,"_type":127,"children":5784,"markDefs":5789,"style":135},"a90c5c87a5e4",[5785],{"_key":5786,"_type":131,"marks":5787,"text":5788},"dfff878a51ee",[],"The U.S. banking sector was a focal point this week. Shares of Wells Fargo fell sharply after weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter revenue, while Bank of America and Citigroup declined despite beating consensus estimates. These moves compounded losses earlier in the week following President Donald Trump’s call for reform of credit-card interest rates, which raised concerns about future profitability in consumer banking. In contrast, investment banks including Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley outperformed after delivering stronger results, helping stabilise sentiment later in the week. Technology stocks also found support after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing reported a strong rise in quarterly profits, reinforcing confidence in the artificial-intelligence investment theme.",[],{"_key":5791,"_type":127,"children":5792,"markDefs":5797,"style":135},"8ff38a0d5dd1",[5793],{"_key":5794,"_type":131,"marks":5795,"text":5796},"9dd2fe42d759",[],"European equities continued to outperform. Markets were supported by easing oil prices, resilient economic data, and strong performance from semiconductor stocks following TSMC’s results.",[],{"_key":5799,"_type":127,"children":5800,"markDefs":5805,"style":135},"d6768412feab",[5801],{"_key":5802,"_type":131,"marks":5803,"text":5804},"a2a8c43ec652",[],"The UK’s FTSE 100 gained over 1%, buoyed by energy and mining shares, while UK economic data surprised to the upside. GDP expanded by 0.3% in November, returning the economy to growth after two months of contraction and beating expectations, with strength in services and manufacturing offering tentative reassurance on the domestic outlook.",[],{"_key":5807,"_type":127,"children":5808,"markDefs":5813,"style":135},"23f4c090cd7c",[5809],{"_key":5810,"_type":131,"marks":5811,"text":5812},"45d77d4c9773",[],"In Asia, performance was more mixed. Japanese equities extended their rally, with the Nikkei and TOPIX reaching new highs amid optimism around political stability and the prospect of more aggressive fiscal stimulus following reports that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi may call a snap election. By contrast, Chinese and Hong Kong markets remained subdued. Although the People’s Bank of China announced targeted interest-rate cuts and signalled scope for further easing this year, investors remained cautious given lingering concerns over domestic demand and the property sector.",[],{"_key":5815,"_type":127,"children":5816,"markDefs":5821,"style":135},"e26448e73e40",[5817],{"_key":5818,"_type":131,"marks":5819,"text":5820},"172aa8dd2014",[],"Geopolitics and policy headlines added to uncertainty but stopped short of disrupting overall market momentum.",[],{"_key":5823,"_type":127,"children":5824,"markDefs":5829,"style":135},"6815e0225c48",[5825],{"_key":5826,"_type":131,"marks":5827,"text":5828},"07e830b759fc",[],"However, as the week drew to a close President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on allies who are against his proposed takeover of Greenland. Trump says he plans to raise import taxes on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland. He suggested import duties of 10% from 1st February, with the potential to rise to 25%. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer dismissed the idea as “completely wrong”, while French President Emmanuel Macron described it as “unacceptable”.",[],{"_key":5831,"_type":127,"children":5832,"markDefs":5837,"style":135},"ec7e24d432c8",[5833],{"_key":5834,"_type":131,"marks":5835,"text":5836},"d6cbf5d618b0",[],"Market futures are lower heading into next week; however, as we have seen previously, President Trump’s rhetoric has often been more forceful than the policy outcomes that ultimately follow. The latest remarks may therefore reflect negotiating tactics rather than an imminent shift in policy, and broader risk sentiment has remained relatively resilient. Historically, markets have tended to distinguish between political signalling and enacted policy, with overall risk appetite remaining intact despite elevated headline noise.",[],{"_key":5839,"_type":127,"children":5840,"markDefs":5845,"style":135},"ffeb26fb8b9a",[5841],{"_key":5842,"_type":131,"marks":5843,"text":5844},"5ba9cc7504ca",[],"Looking ahead, it will be a holiday‑shortened week, with U.S. markets closed on Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Attention will turn to the World Economic Forum in Davos, where geopolitical tensions and global trade relations are expected to dominate discussions, alongside ongoing corporate earnings updates. On the data front, key releases include Chinese GDP, industrial production and retail sales; the UK unemployment rate, average earnings and inflation; U.S. PCE inflation; and the Bank of Japan’s interest‑rate 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can employers do to support the financial wellbeing of mid-career employees",[5893,5896,5904],{"_key":5894,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":5895,"width":124},"0efc865202f5","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1152586350",{"_key":5897,"_type":127,"children":5898,"markDefs":5903,"style":135},"c742e11783f5",[5899],{"_key":5900,"_type":131,"marks":5901,"text":5902},"79cf37545035",[],"Our colleague Victoria East joins Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA) to discuss what employers can do to support the financial wellbeing of mid-career employees.",[],{"_key":5905,"_type":127,"children":5906,"markDefs":5911,"style":135},"6412afd55a05",[5907],{"_key":5908,"_type":131,"marks":5909,"text":5910},"5cd2a0590f9d",[],"She highlights key findings from our Financial Wellbeing Research 2025, developed in collaboration with REBA.",[],[5913],{"_createdAt":4751,"_id":4752,"_rev":4753,"_system":5914,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":4758,"brandSpecific":76,"slug":5916,"title":4761},{"base":5915},{"id":4756,"rev":4757},{"_type":9,"current":4760},{"_id":5918,"blogPostMeta":5919,"content":5965,"tag":6181,"title":5964},"b9e27d8e-94a0-42e2-b768-fbdbbe4f6d4d",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":5920,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":5960,"publishedAt":5961,"slug":5962,"title":5964},{"_type":58,"asset":5921},{"_createdAt":5922,"_id":5923,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":5924,"extension":196,"metadata":5925,"mimeType":225,"opt":5950,"originalFilename":5955,"path":5956,"sha1hash":5924,"size":5957,"uploadId":5958,"url":5959},"2026-01-15T15:33:22Z","image-f10b190c0fc2b4ede998cd53f7fc3cb5ef9cf908-1000x667-jpg","f10b190c0fc2b4ede998cd53f7fc3cb5ef9cf908",{"_type":69,"blurHash":5926,"dimensions":5927,"exif":5928,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5929,"palette":5930},"VNK-2n%f%#od-=~Us:t8ogE1MvR.RPxuR+ITV@tRWC%M",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},{"ColorSpace":1682,"PixelXDimension":773,"PixelYDimension":1151,"_type":499},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwABAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgAEB\u002F\u002FEACMQAAICAgEDBQEAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQABREGYXEHEiEiMVH\u002FxAAWAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAQL\u002FxAAaEQACAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDESET\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwDpW4l1MO9qwbKXhrHJUAckHDWvtVKe72MF2xwpcNAjj8Xtg\u002Fq6xYi9VlRZSVldFIce4Adv5m7c1q97rCWmYzGsdclXVvtzgpVx68GRfMHU+rt3WE9XYSV4mHwioCPOWCNR1NsdXSWlHIJEhJUNIOWPnLNKyonjaz\u002F\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":5931,"darkVibrant":5934,"dominant":5937,"lightMuted":5940,"lightVibrant":5941,"muted":5944,"vibrant":5947},{"_type":81,"background":5932,"foreground":83,"population":5933,"title":83},"#4c2f23",3.63,{"_type":81,"background":5935,"foreground":83,"population":5936,"title":83},"#6e402c",6.83,{"_type":81,"background":5938,"foreground":91,"population":5939,"title":83},"#c9baab",6.85,{"_type":81,"background":5938,"foreground":91,"population":5939,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5942,"foreground":91,"population":5943,"title":91},"#edcfb7",0.42,{"_type":81,"background":5945,"foreground":83,"population":5946,"title":83},"#af906d",5.07,{"_type":81,"background":5948,"foreground":83,"population":5949,"title":83},"#9d7435",4.36,{"media":5951},{"tags":5952},[5953],{"_key":5954,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"qwrvLdHLtry__qBGUAboI","shutterstock_2356998301 (1).jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Ff10b190c0fc2b4ede998cd53f7fc3cb5ef9cf908-1000x667.jpg",356154,"OWGLr3luMRa0pNyvB1ZmIwELU7ZPdYXp","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Ff10b190c0fc2b4ede998cd53f7fc3cb5ef9cf908-1000x667.jpg","The UK pensions landscape has entered a decisive phase of reform, bringing significant implications for trustees, pension schemes, employers and members. Jonathan Watts‑Lay, examines the key developments for the year ahead and beyond and what they mean in practice.","2026-01-15T14:31:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":5963},"a-new-era-for-pensions-what-employers-and-trustees-need-to-prepare-for","A new era for pensions: what employers and trustees need to prepare for ",[5966,5974,5981,5989,5997,6005,6013,6021,6029,6037,6045,6053,6061,6069,6077,6085,6093,6101,6109,6117,6125,6133,6141,6149,6157,6165,6173],{"_key":5967,"_type":127,"children":5968,"markDefs":5973,"style":135},"0b17f76f251a",[5969],{"_key":5970,"_type":131,"marks":5971,"text":5972},"9d2095aaf94b",[174],"By Jonathan Watts‑Lay, Director, WEALTH at work",[],{"_key":5975,"_type":127,"children":5976,"markDefs":5980,"style":135},"21dc7cb364a6",[5977],{"_key":5978,"_type":131,"marks":5979,"text":5960},"118a3359fc0d",[],[],{"_key":5982,"_type":127,"children":5983,"markDefs":5988,"style":135},"327466214fa5",[5984],{"_key":5985,"_type":131,"marks":5986,"text":5987},"33dbd6722365",[174],"Targeted Support regime",[],{"_key":5990,"_type":127,"children":5991,"markDefs":5996,"style":135},"7752e842206a",[5992],{"_key":5993,"_type":131,"marks":5994,"text":5995},"aa6d986404ff",[],"The FCA’s consultation in June 2025 unveiled plans to introduce a Targeted Support regime which is planned to launch in April 2026, with applications opening to financial services firms from March. The launch dates are subject to legislation being passed by parliament. This reform would allow authorised firms to provide tailored suggestions to groups of individuals with similar financial characteristics - bridging the gap between generic guidance and regulated financial advice. The goal is to make pension and investment support more accessible and affordable.",[],{"_key":5998,"_type":127,"children":5999,"markDefs":6004,"style":135},"f14939a189a6",[6000],{"_key":6001,"_type":131,"marks":6002,"text":6003},"5d8a2451cc0c",[],"I welcome the initiative, albeit with some reservations. The new regime could help savers to get started and bridge the advice gap and may also encourage disengaged investors to make active choices and get better value from their investments. Targeted support could also help people to understand what is required to generate a desired level of income throughout retirement. However, by design, it’s not holistic and won’t consider all accumulated wealth or personal circumstances. For those with larger sums, regulated advice will remain essential, especially when planning for retirement income.",[],{"_key":6006,"_type":127,"children":6007,"markDefs":6012,"style":135},"c710be4cb9c0",[6008],{"_key":6009,"_type":131,"marks":6010,"text":6011},"831b672a55ad",[],"Understandably, there are concerns that targeted support could become targeted sales. Defining consumer characteristics and matching them to solutions will be critical and could become a legal minefield. The opportunity must be balanced with careful oversight to protect members.",[],{"_key":6014,"_type":127,"children":6015,"markDefs":6020,"style":135},"907b9b1d4fdd",[6016],{"_key":6017,"_type":131,"marks":6018,"text":6019},"5a7cfd517ed3",[174],"The Pension Schemes Bill",[],{"_key":6022,"_type":127,"children":6023,"markDefs":6028,"style":135},"586e53a7dd6e",[6024],{"_key":6025,"_type":131,"marks":6026,"text":6027},"4780004e8f97",[],"The Pension Schemes Bill is progressing through parliament and is expected to become law, possibly by mid-2026. The bill aims to tackle underperforming pension schemes and consolidate small pension pots. In addition, the Bill requires defined contribution schemes to offer ‘default pension benefit solutions’ designed to convert members’ savings into a retirement income. This approach is referred to in the legislation as ‘guided retirement’.",[],{"_key":6030,"_type":127,"children":6031,"markDefs":6036,"style":135},"bc1d92861424",[6032],{"_key":6033,"_type":131,"marks":6034,"text":6035},"f74569f79dc2",[],"On small pots, whilst auto-enrolment has successfully increased pension participation, it has also led to employees accumulating multiple small pots as they move between jobs. The Department for Work and Pensions estimates there are around 13 million deferred DC pots that are worth less than £1,000, with the number increasing by around one million a year. ",[],{"_key":6038,"_type":127,"children":6039,"markDefs":6044,"style":135},"dc03a483f472",[6040],{"_key":6041,"_type":131,"marks":6042,"text":6043},"598f7a69bd5c",[],"Pension consolidation offers an effective remedy – providing members with a clear view of retirement savings and reducing the risk of lost pots. The Small Pots Delivery Group (a collaborative initiative between the government, regulators, and industry stakeholders) have been tasked with setting out how eligible pots will be moved to authorised consolidators. Legislation is likely to come into force around 2030 that require schemes to automatically transfer eligible small pots to authorised consolidators.",[],{"_key":6046,"_type":127,"children":6047,"markDefs":6052,"style":135},"c6b7202d3385",[6048],{"_key":6049,"_type":131,"marks":6050,"text":6051},"258ccbabd95e",[],"On the topic of default pension benefit solutions, whilst the legislation terms this as ‘guided retirement’, in reality it’s unclear how much actual support will be provided, given that the premise of offering default options is to remove the need for people to make an active choice. There is a real danger this could lead to a repeat of the issues seen with annuities pre-Freedom and Choice, where individuals defaulted into their providers annuity without exploring better options elsewhere. Retirement needs are highly individual. Some may have other significant assets, others may rely solely on their pension. Health, life expectancy and income preferences vary widely. A generic default solution cannot cater to this spectrum of needs and may result in tax inefficiencies and suboptimal income. Employers and trustees must ensure members understand that the default is not the only option and may not be suitable for their needs. Providing financial education and one-to-one guidance is essential so members can make informed decisions.",[],{"_key":6054,"_type":127,"children":6055,"markDefs":6060,"style":135},"8eaca3bd430c",[6056],{"_key":6057,"_type":131,"marks":6058,"text":6059},"7257f3b8d075",[174],"Pensions dashboard",[],{"_key":6062,"_type":127,"children":6063,"markDefs":6068,"style":135},"12c1e5544d3a",[6064],{"_key":6065,"_type":131,"marks":6066,"text":6067},"bf3a315ace24",[],"Throughout 2026, critical milestones will be faced with the Pensions Dashboards Programme, with the mandatory connection deadline set as 31 October – although exact connect dates will also depend on scheme type and number of active and deferred members. Beyond the technical requirements, member engagement should be a focus by developing clear, and accessible communications and financial education that explains what dashboards are, how they will work, and the benefits of being able to view all pensions in one place. Proactive planning now will help deliver a smoother transition and enhance transparency.",[],{"_key":6070,"_type":127,"children":6071,"markDefs":6076,"style":135},"0d4919ad46a3",[6072],{"_key":6073,"_type":131,"marks":6074,"text":6075},"1f1f98ff148b",[174],"The Pensions Commission",[],{"_key":6078,"_type":127,"children":6079,"markDefs":6084,"style":135},"987bcf3c85fb",[6080],{"_key":6081,"_type":131,"marks":6082,"text":6083},"6629191ecc2e",[],"In July 2025, the government revived the Pensions Commission to examine adequacy and recommend reforms, noting risks that future retirees may be poorer than today’s. While auto‑enrolment is a success in participation terms, adequacy remains a key issue. Employers and trustees will play a central role in how reforms land within schemes and workplaces.",[],{"_key":6086,"_type":127,"children":6087,"markDefs":6092,"style":135},"d7ff0032e650",[6088],{"_key":6089,"_type":131,"marks":6090,"text":6091},"df5c68faff81",[],"Whilst the Commission’s final report isn’t due until 2027, it is expected to address issues such as contribution levels, coverage gaps, State Pension age, demographic disparities, as well as analysis on how workplace pensions interact with ISAs and other savings products, aiming to create a more cohesive framework for long-term financial security.",[],{"_key":6094,"_type":127,"children":6095,"markDefs":6100,"style":135},"80369af85f5b",[6096],{"_key":6097,"_type":131,"marks":6098,"text":6099},"25f518c38177",[174],"Salary sacrifice: NI cap from April 2029",[],{"_key":6102,"_type":127,"children":6103,"markDefs":6108,"style":135},"ed571c3bca22",[6104],{"_key":6105,"_type":131,"marks":6106,"text":6107},"c074f25d49ee",[],"From 6 April 2029, employee pension contributions made via salary sacrifice will only be exempt from National Insurance (NI) on the first £2,000 per tax year. Amounts above the cap will attract employee and employer NI at standard rates. Income tax relief is unchanged with non‑sacrifice employer pension contributions remaining free of NI.",[],{"_key":6110,"_type":127,"children":6111,"markDefs":6116,"style":135},"8eb3388b4639",[6112],{"_key":6113,"_type":131,"marks":6114,"text":6115},"da5fc2d9991c",[],"The changes will affect savers differently depending on their earnings and contribution levels. Most basic-rate taxpayers contributing modest amounts via salary sacrifice will see little or no impact, as their annual contributions often fall below the £2,000 threshold. Those contributing above £2,000 annually will start to lose NI savings, reducing the overall efficiency of salary sacrifice. They may need to increase contributions to maintain retirement targets. Individuals making significant contributions through salary sacrifice will be most affected. The loss of NI relief could substantially increase their cost of saving, potentially discouraging higher contributions. However, it may be wise to consider maximising pension contributions before the changes take place. Employers and trustees should anticipate increased member queries as a result.",[],{"_key":6118,"_type":127,"children":6119,"markDefs":6124,"style":135},"9a318e30b637",[6120],{"_key":6121,"_type":131,"marks":6122,"text":6123},"bdbf29404026",[174],"What can employers and trustees do to prepare for all the changes ahead?",[],{"_key":6126,"_type":127,"children":6127,"markDefs":6132,"style":135},"cdd58fc46c19",[6128],{"_key":6129,"_type":131,"marks":6130,"text":6131},"ddf49509e6c6",[],"Now is the time to get ahead of change. Those who plan early and communicate clearly will be best placed to deliver the central ambition behind this reform wave of better outcomes for savers.",[],{"_key":6134,"_type":127,"children":6135,"markDefs":6140,"style":135},"d37bc41bbb24",[6136],{"_key":6137,"_type":131,"marks":6138,"text":6139},"bd18b33d2338",[],"Strategies that empower members to understand their pensions and retirement options and make informed decisions should be prioritised. This includes providing accessible financial education programmes, interactive tools, and one-to-one guidance, as well as investment advice which all play a part in helping members improve their retirement outcomes.",[],{"_key":6142,"_type":127,"children":6143,"markDefs":6148,"style":135},"736872e11bd1",[6144],{"_key":6145,"_type":131,"marks":6146,"text":6147},"a05dc80116c5",[],"Diversifying savings options will remain important. Tax‑efficient savings wrappers including Workplace ISAs continue to have a role alongside pensions. With ongoing updates to ISA rules and allowances, trustees and employers should work together to regularly review how workplace savings are communicated and integrated across total reward packages. A holistic approach ensures members can build financial resilience beyond traditional pension contributions.",[],{"_key":6150,"_type":127,"children":6151,"markDefs":6156,"style":135},"5ca85ee8c648",[6152],{"_key":6153,"_type":131,"marks":6154,"text":6155},"f7855bd76c5c",[],"Facilitating Pension Consolidation will also be essential in helping members gain clarity and control over their retirement savings.",[],{"_key":6158,"_type":127,"children":6159,"markDefs":6164,"style":135},"fa0c0b499f23",[6160],{"_key":6161,"_type":131,"marks":6162,"text":6163},"849db21b0c69",[],"However, ensuring robust due diligence with any provider shouldn’t be overlooked. This means ensuring that any third-party providers meet rigorous standards including reviewing credentials, compliance frameworks, and service quality to safeguard members’ interests.",[],{"_key":6166,"_type":127,"children":6167,"markDefs":6172,"style":135},"deb5fd2a7c9a",[6168],{"_key":6169,"_type":131,"marks":6170,"text":6171},"dde6e864c211",[],"WEALTH at work already support hundreds of organisations in helping their employees improve their financial future through financial education, one‑to‑one guidance and investment advice - complemented by our digital Pension Consolidation service and Workplace ISA.",[],{"_key":6174,"_type":127,"children":6175,"markDefs":6180,"style":135},"ec36b2f40e9a",[6176],{"_key":6177,"_type":131,"marks":6178,"text":6179},"48865d142e2f",[],"As reforms take shape, employers and trustees have a unique opportunity to join forces and lead the way in creating a culture of financial wellbeing. Prioritising financial engagement and education through partnering with trusted experts can ensure these changes translate into meaningful benefits for savers. We look forward to supporting our clients through the successful implementation of these reforms and helping them deliver on the promise of a stronger, more secure retirement for all.",[],[6182],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":6183,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":6185,"blogPostMeta":6186,"content":6232,"tag":6417,"title":6231},"c1c7d5f7-33e6-4240-9917-2eb8c8e4ebcc",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":6187,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":6227,"publishedAt":6228,"slug":6229,"title":6231},{"_type":58,"asset":6188},{"_createdAt":6189,"_id":6190,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":6191,"extension":196,"metadata":6192,"mimeType":225,"opt":6217,"originalFilename":6222,"path":6223,"sha1hash":6191,"size":6224,"uploadId":6225,"url":6226},"2026-01-14T10:49:05Z","image-2c8e967fecc4480203159aedcea263007c7cdbbd-1000x667-jpg","2c8e967fecc4480203159aedcea263007c7cdbbd",{"_type":69,"blurHash":6193,"dimensions":6194,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":6195,"palette":6196,"thumbHash":6216},"VBI#S;000h?w00?w00=|~q00%%NG-6McS58wxZERE3-p",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwABAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgAEB\u002F\u002FEACEQAAIBBQADAAMAAAAAAAAAAAECAwAEBQYRBxIhFUFR\u002F8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAwT\u002FxAAcEQACAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgADEkERE0L\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FABmsOy65eLi5T+VuOxrCDwovfrdrsXh1ocHayDLOschUFS56TQfR9XtIbiC4aWVmC+3AeUszmIUTQzrPJ696Iz9AqRi\u002FZz5lNeBrI3C\u002FljJWWQ3O5mXh4iofv8qrbt+tWcmZaWTrPLGjsefsiqkxY7hB2E\u002F\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":6197,"darkVibrant":6200,"dominant":6203,"lightMuted":6206,"lightVibrant":6209,"muted":6212,"vibrant":6215},{"_type":81,"background":6198,"foreground":83,"population":6199,"title":83},"#4f372c",4.38,{"_type":81,"background":6201,"foreground":83,"population":6202,"title":83},"#8a5e1d",2.18,{"_type":81,"background":6204,"foreground":83,"population":6205,"title":83},"#b28a5b",8.86,{"_type":81,"background":6207,"foreground":91,"population":6208,"title":83},"#b2c5d1",1.19,{"_type":81,"background":6210,"foreground":91,"population":6211,"title":83},"#ddb98c",7.35,{"_type":81,"background":6213,"foreground":83,"population":6214,"title":83},"#926e4e",3.9,{"_type":81,"background":6204,"foreground":83,"population":6205,"title":83},"oBgOFYRQKVlYqXWKaFh4iQh1g3BX",{"media":6218},{"tags":6219},[6220],{"_key":6221,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"Slqi2Vm24kIQBO8g6vPnK","3af27ed9d183c1c6245bf9b822b99b71e6d8704f-1000x667.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F2c8e967fecc4480203159aedcea263007c7cdbbd-1000x667.jpg",82751,"TCWV2OuN5Jm23ivIHcaHjxmfmlHW60OW","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F2c8e967fecc4480203159aedcea263007c7cdbbd-1000x667.jpg","Whether you have all your pension information, or if you have recently found all your pensions using our quick ‘How to’ steps, now’s the time to explore your next move. ","2026-01-14T10:48:21.480Z",{"_type":9,"current":6230},"is-it-worth-consolidating-my-pension","Is it worth consolidating my pensions?",[6233,6261,6269,6276,6284,6292,6299,6307,6315,6323,6331,6339,6347,6355,6363,6371,6379,6386,6394,6401,6409],{"_key":6234,"_type":127,"children":6235,"markDefs":6258,"style":135},"622b8d07f969",[6236,6240,6245,6250,6254],{"_key":6237,"_type":131,"marks":6238,"text":6239},"445c40789f40",[],"Whether you have all your pension information, or if you have recently found all your pensions using our quick ",{"_key":6241,"_type":131,"marks":6242,"text":6244},"c6597c93f6a7",[6243],"underline","‘",{"_key":6246,"_type":131,"marks":6247,"text":6249},"b02ccbbe56c3",[6248,6243],"34bbc25d739f","How to",{"_key":6251,"_type":131,"marks":6252,"text":6253},"24455e945491",[6243],"’",{"_key":6255,"_type":131,"marks":6256,"text":6257},"033c9a40833b",[]," steps, now’s the time to explore your next move. Engaging with your pension will help you make more informed decisions for your retirement plan. ",[6259],{"_key":6248,"_type":1264,"href":6260},"https:\u002F\u002Fmywealthinvest.co.uk\u002Fnews\u002Fhow-to-find-your-lost-pensions",{"_key":6262,"_type":127,"children":6263,"markDefs":6268,"style":135},"5230e70278f1",[6264],{"_key":6265,"_type":131,"marks":6266,"text":6267},"a7f4c8910bed",[],"It may be beneficial to consolidate multiple old pension pots, sometimes referred to as pension schemes, into one single plan; this depends on your type of pension.",[],{"_key":6270,"_type":127,"children":6271,"markDefs":6275,"style":135},"515304b0761a",[6272],{"_key":6273,"_type":131,"marks":6274,"text":1006},"abab88e73353",[],[],{"_key":6277,"_type":127,"children":6278,"markDefs":6283,"style":135},"d6edcfda53b2",[6279],{"_key":6280,"_type":131,"marks":6281,"text":6282},"d93fdb5de2fb",[6243],"Defined Contribution Pension Schemes",[],{"_key":6285,"_type":127,"children":6286,"markDefs":6291,"style":135},"95d37e73f7ad",[6287],{"_key":6288,"_type":131,"marks":6289,"text":6290},"f795efbd862d",[],"Consolidation can be particularly beneficial for Defined Contribution (DC) pensions; the dominant type of workplace pension in the private sector, in which you build up a personal pot of money that can be used to provide income when you retire. This type of pension plan makes you responsible for the income you would like to receive in later life and is why you may wish to engage with your pension now to improve your financial future.",[],{"_key":6293,"_type":127,"children":6294,"markDefs":6298,"style":135},"94de628c41c5",[6295],{"_key":6296,"_type":131,"marks":6297,"text":1006},"a50219f2b169",[],[],{"_key":6300,"_type":127,"children":6301,"markDefs":6306,"style":135},"01f86d2147d7",[6302],{"_key":6303,"_type":131,"marks":6304,"text":6305},"b88334a9206f",[],"Engaging with your pension can look like:",[],{"_key":6308,"_type":127,"children":6309,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":6314,"style":135},"9ba2ee90d611",[6310],{"_key":6311,"_type":131,"marks":6312,"text":6313},"0be9cecf73e9",[],"Finding all your old pensions.",[],{"_key":6316,"_type":127,"children":6317,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":6322,"style":135},"830b450814be",[6318],{"_key":6319,"_type":131,"marks":6320,"text":6321},"d7f19f1780d5",[],"Logging into your pension portal and monitoring performance.",[],{"_key":6324,"_type":127,"children":6325,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":6330,"style":135},"8e2d1fc8cae2",[6326],{"_key":6327,"_type":131,"marks":6328,"text":6329},"ba90d5f36f2a",[],"Reviewing your annual pension statements.",[],{"_key":6332,"_type":127,"children":6333,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":6338,"style":135},"db59beade010",[6334],{"_key":6335,"_type":131,"marks":6336,"text":6337},"c33e7e1a354e",[],"Changing your investment choices from the default option to align with your attitude to risk, values, and beliefs.",[],{"_key":6340,"_type":127,"children":6341,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":6346,"style":135},"038fc06b9327",[6342],{"_key":6343,"_type":131,"marks":6344,"text":6345},"f2f03e22c8c4",[],"Setting retirement goals and checking your current pension contributions align with those goals.",[],{"_key":6348,"_type":127,"children":6349,"markDefs":6354,"style":135},"96aea5c823a4",[6350],{"_key":6351,"_type":131,"marks":6352,"text":6353},"a3638ee020eb",[],"There can be many benefits to consolidating multiple pension pots, for example:",[],{"_key":6356,"_type":127,"children":6357,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":6362,"style":135},"892ef0d9532f",[6358],{"_key":6359,"_type":131,"marks":6360,"text":6361},"0960ef5c7ebf",[],"It could reduce charges and fees; more funds are invested with the one pension provider.",[],{"_key":6364,"_type":127,"children":6365,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":6370,"style":135},"5a0c19189096",[6366],{"_key":6367,"_type":131,"marks":6368,"text":6369},"08432ebc3c74",[],"It can be easier to manage savings.",[],{"_key":6372,"_type":127,"children":6373,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":6378,"style":135},"54919eeb2d21",[6374],{"_key":6375,"_type":131,"marks":6376,"text":6377},"87d224444598",[],"Some of your pension providers may offer protected pension age (meaning you could access your pension earlier than the current minimum of 55), and you may be able to consolidate the ones who don’t into a plan which offers this. ",[],{"_key":6380,"_type":127,"children":6381,"markDefs":6385,"style":135},"41e58e20a434",[6382],{"_key":6383,"_type":131,"marks":6384,"text":1006},"5f3e9501bca2",[],[],{"_key":6387,"_type":127,"children":6388,"markDefs":6393,"style":135},"2773f073a1c3",[6389],{"_key":6390,"_type":131,"marks":6391,"text":6392},"86992cf55d72",[],"Before consolidating your pensions it’s always a good idea to check you won’t lose out on any valuable benefits with your existing pension providers, such as guaranteed annuity rates, enhanced tax-free cash (above the standard 25%), or a protected pension age. Additionally, it’s good to check that there are no exit fees to ensure more money stays in your pocket.",[],{"_key":6395,"_type":127,"children":6396,"markDefs":6400,"style":135},"9ce212cbdba7",[6397],{"_key":6398,"_type":131,"marks":6399,"text":1006},"74ad440a7fa7",[],[],{"_key":6402,"_type":127,"children":6403,"markDefs":6408,"style":135},"0099201250ae",[6404],{"_key":6405,"_type":131,"marks":6406,"text":6407},"fda8f49dea84",[6243],"Defined Benefit Pension Schemes",[],{"_key":6410,"_type":127,"children":6411,"markDefs":6416,"style":135},"17aae3bd8b8f",[6412],{"_key":6413,"_type":131,"marks":6414,"text":6415},"78b398e6193f",[],"For those who have Defined Benefit (DB) schemes, consolidating multiple schemes may not be recommended or possible, as not all DB schemes allow transfers. The process is more complex, and if transferring to a DC scheme and the transfer exceeds £30,000 you are legally required to seek regulated financial advice; transferring from DB to DC is irreversible and may impact your financial future.",[],[6418],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":6419,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":6421,"blogPostMeta":6422,"content":6444,"tag":6503,"title":6443},"3157a655-ee3e-41db-93db-364bd9e899dd",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":6423,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":6439,"publishedAt":6440,"slug":6441,"title":6443},{"_type":58,"asset":6424},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":6425,"mimeType":225,"opt":6435,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":6426,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":6427},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":6428,"darkVibrant":6429,"dominant":6430,"lightMuted":6431,"lightVibrant":6432,"muted":6433,"vibrant":6434},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":6436},{"tags":6437},[6438],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"Over in Iran, what started as anger over the sharp collapse of the Iranian rial has broadened into a wave of dissatisfaction with the country’s leadership more generally, with protests and fatalities characterising the past few weeks. ","2026-01-14T09:57:01.695Z",{"_type":9,"current":6442},"market-update-14th-january-2026","Market Update - 14th January 2026",[6445,6448,6456,6464,6472,6480,6488,6496],{"_key":6446,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":6447,"width":124},"19f2444c1997","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1154283117",{"_key":6449,"_type":127,"children":6450,"markDefs":6455,"style":135},"85f9ba3e1cfe",[6451],{"_key":6452,"_type":131,"marks":6453,"text":6454},"2397ce72815c",[],"Over in Iran, what started as anger over the sharp collapse of the Iranian rial has broadened into a wave of dissatisfaction with the country’s leadership more generally, with protests and fatalities characterising the past few weeks. Over the weekend, international leaders have weighed in. President Trump has suggested the United States is weighing very forceful responses to the situation, even suggesting that military action is among the possibilities. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Merz remarked that any government relying solely on violence to survive is already finished, adding that he believes we may now be witnessing the final phase of this regime.",[],{"_key":6457,"_type":127,"children":6458,"markDefs":6463,"style":135},"3c164edb406c",[6459],{"_key":6460,"_type":131,"marks":6461,"text":6462},"dc34789731c8",[],"While it seems that there has been little reaction to this from traders (who instead seem to be focusing on monetary policy related data) Iran’s importance in global energy markets makes the unrest particularly significant. As a major oil producer within OPEC, any threat to its output has raised concern about supply disruptions, which has overshadowed optimism that Venezuelan production might rise following the departure of President Maduro and sent oil prices higher this week. Trump also announced that the U.S. intends to impose a 25% tariff on any country doing business with Tehran. However, the statement lacked detail on how such measures would be enforced, which is notable given Iran’s extensive trade ties with Iraq, the UAE, Turkey, India, and China - the last of which only recently stabilised relations with Trump on the tariff front.",[],{"_key":6465,"_type":127,"children":6466,"markDefs":6471,"style":135},"a6783cc34ff1",[6467],{"_key":6468,"_type":131,"marks":6469,"text":6470},"0e0cff66e86f",[],"In December, overall consumer prices in the United States climbed 0.3% from the previous month and were 2.7% higher than a year earlier, with food and housing costs doing much of the lifting. That still leaves inflation some distance above the Federal Reserve’s 2% goal, making it difficult to view the latest figures as the clear-cut success President Trump celebrated on Truth Social. Even so, the trend suggests inflation is easing. Price pressures on goods appeared largely subdued, reinforcing the idea that tariffs have not fuelled inflation in the way many analysts initially feared, and that companies may instead be absorbing some of the strain through thinner profit margins. With inflation cooling gradually and unemployment remaining low, investors generally expect the Federal Reserve to keep rates steady when policymakers gather in January.",[],{"_key":6473,"_type":127,"children":6474,"markDefs":6479,"style":135},"854478dc5a58",[6475],{"_key":6476,"_type":131,"marks":6477,"text":6478},"84c558610366",[],"Greenland’s prime minister was unequivocal this week, saying that if the country were forced to choose today, its people would stand with Denmark rather than the United States. President Trump has argued that the U.S. needs to bring Greenland under its control to counter Russia and China’s influence in the Arctic, but that message has largely been rejected by international leaders - prompting Trump to insist that NATO should recognize the strategic necessity of his stance. For now, however, financial markets at least have taken the developments largely in stride, with little noticeable reaction.",[],{"_key":6481,"_type":127,"children":6482,"markDefs":6487,"style":135},"a307522d325a",[6483],{"_key":6484,"_type":131,"marks":6485,"text":6486},"b00aa7b9f7c4",[],"Finally, data showed that China’s trade surplus reached about $114 billion in December, underscoring how its gradual diversification of export markets helped buffer the impact of tariffs imposed last year.",[],{"_key":6489,"_type":127,"children":6490,"markDefs":6495,"style":135},"7c7b5bf5d0d3",[6491],{"_key":6492,"_type":131,"marks":6493,"text":6494},"e31b38cc7d0f",[],"Still to come this week we have U.S. PPI, retail sales, and UK GDP.",[],{"_key":6497,"_type":127,"children":6498,"markDefs":6502,"style":135},"1276e7518706",[6499],{"_key":6500,"_type":131,"marks":6501,"text":3105},"77714408dcd6",[174],[],[6504],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":6505,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":6507,"blogPostMeta":6508,"content":6552,"tag":6685,"title":6551},"8c46a69b-c560-4a23-a00b-b41221bb3695",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":6509,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":6547,"publishedAt":6548,"slug":6549,"title":6551},{"_type":58,"asset":6510},{"_createdAt":6511,"_id":6512,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":6513,"extension":196,"metadata":6514,"mimeType":225,"opt":6537,"originalFilename":6542,"path":6543,"sha1hash":6513,"size":6544,"uploadId":6545,"url":6546},"2025-10-29T09:26:54Z","image-4604039b512e42310f3429ebd47e6dc3511c3d51-6000x4000-jpg","4604039b512e42310f3429ebd47e6dc3511c3d51",{"_type":69,"blurHash":6515,"dimensions":6516,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":6517,"palette":6518},"V6Bpa|xs00~B-p00xt%NM|D%EK02w]RPTJ~D~V9axa%2",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":495,"height":496,"width":497},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGQAAAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAcDBQYI\u002F8QAJhAAAgEDAwIHAQAAAAAAAAAAAQIDAAQRBQYSQXEHFBYhIlNh0f\u002FEABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACA\u002F\u002FEABgRAQADAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAhED\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwBNXm2LjTbyeG9hkZ0UOojGQwz75qe302WOSXysTWgkQlnlUlVXoO9Xke7NT9aPIroFl+PDiCFH5mt1FNebhhKtcJbFsh2jiB5DtTUNYA3Jz9OA0rFuWetFOdvCi1lYu+q3JYn6x\u002FaKp60mZzuT\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":6519,"darkVibrant":6522,"dominant":6525,"lightMuted":6526,"lightVibrant":6529,"muted":6531,"vibrant":6534},{"_type":81,"background":6520,"foreground":83,"population":6521,"title":83},"#5b403c",0.97,{"_type":81,"background":6523,"foreground":83,"population":6524,"title":83},"#1a4a6b",2.61,{"_type":81,"background":6523,"foreground":83,"population":6524,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":6527,"foreground":91,"population":6528,"title":83},"#cdb9ad",1.4,{"_type":81,"background":6530,"foreground":91,"population":2970,"title":91},"#eccabe",{"_type":81,"background":6532,"foreground":83,"population":6533,"title":83},"#517c9a",0.48,{"_type":81,"background":6535,"foreground":83,"population":6536,"title":83},"#cd0d38",0.52,{"media":6538},{"tags":6539},[6540],{"_key":6541,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"PxEOgN8BRWa2YL4TQMIQI","shutterstock_2501367515.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F4604039b512e42310f3429ebd47e6dc3511c3d51-6000x4000.jpg",7050613,"vXQB3o4zr5FOYfGf1xXfbX4CCGK8Qm27","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F4604039b512e42310f3429ebd47e6dc3511c3d51-6000x4000.jpg","Confirmed cases of unauthorised fraud has seen an increase of 14% in 2024. With the strain on household budgets due to the cost of living, it’s easier than ever for fraudsters to take advantage.","2026-01-13T11:16:53.653Z",{"_type":9,"current":6550},"staying-scam-aware","Staying scam aware",[6553,6561,6587,6595,6618,6632,6647,6662,6670],{"_key":6554,"_type":127,"children":6555,"markDefs":6560,"style":135},"ca37f9f9e391",[6556],{"_key":6557,"_type":131,"marks":6558,"text":6559},"ad26f4c6853a",[],"Confirmed cases of unauthorised fraud has seen an increase of 14% in 2024. With the strain on household budgets due to the cost of living, it’s easier than ever for fraudsters to take advantage.\n",[],{"_key":6562,"_type":127,"children":6563,"markDefs":6585,"style":135},"73a535d29ea2",[6564,6568,6573,6577,6581],{"_key":6565,"_type":131,"marks":6566,"text":6567},"3f8cf5ca7d51",[],"Whether retirement is around the corner or further down the road, ensure your future finances are safe and protected by learning how to recognise scams.\n\nThe most common scams that people have lost money to:\n•\tPurchase scams\n•\tInvestment scams\n•\tSomeone claiming to be someone you know (friends and family)\n•\tBank account scams\n•\tFake technical support\n•\tRomance\u002Fbefriending scam\n\nIf you’re planning to transfer any money or make a payment and have doubts: stop and think to provide yourself with time to check the validity of the information being presented to you. By recognising a scam, you can protect your money and your future financial wellbeing.\n\nIf you do think you’re being scammed, make sure to contact your bank to find out if they can assist with locating and returning any money you may have lost. Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) can help with reporting your situations to the police and offer specialist help to victims of cybercrime and fraud. You can also report the information here: ",{"_key":6569,"_type":131,"marks":6570,"text":6572},"d5a13a426784",[6571,6243],"07ba4a4fa151","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.fca.org.uk\u002Fconsumers\u002Freport-scam",{"_key":6574,"_type":131,"marks":6575,"text":6576},"3bd09e675d66",[]," This can help the FCA tackle the scamming companies, and veer potential scam victims away by adding the company to the warning lists.\n\nBelow we compiled a list of key phrases often heard from those who have experienced a scam.\n\n",{"_key":6578,"_type":131,"marks":6579,"text":6580},"979163c2e356",[174],"It looked professional",{"_key":6582,"_type":131,"marks":6583,"text":6584},"9144bceb6fbc",[],"\nScams can look and sound legitimate. Scammers can have professional looking websites, emails, and literature to endorse their legitimacy, which is why you can get tricked into parting with your money. Make sure to check the email address, phone number, and social media account(s) are from the legitimate company which is interacting with you. If you receive an email from your bank, you could look for the email details on their website or call the company’s helpline to double check the legitimacy of the email.",[6586],{"_key":6571,"_type":1264,"href":6572},{"_key":6588,"_type":127,"children":6589,"markDefs":6594,"style":135},"b5277a97af3d",[6590],{"_key":6591,"_type":131,"marks":6592,"text":6593},"d025b32b14d1",[],"Other things you can look out for are:\n•\tSpelling and grammar mistakes\n•\tAn email address which is a variation of the usual spelling i.e. mywealthinvest1 rather than mywealthinvest\n•\tTop-Level Domain (TLD) changes on the email address; for example, usually it’s ‘.com’ and this time it’s ‘.co.uk’.\n•\tLinks in the email which match the official website URL at first glance; however, hover over the button, or link you’re being directed to click, and it will show the page it’s going to open, which may be different from the official website. You can then cross reference this by checking the website through your usual search engine and look for the same page to compare.",[],{"_key":6596,"_type":127,"children":6597,"markDefs":6616,"style":135},"34d1c1278c2c",[6598,6601,6605,6609,6613],{"_key":6599,"_type":131,"marks":6600,"text":1899},"a6c998b43afb",[],{"_key":6602,"_type":131,"marks":6603,"text":6604},"ccd64a1e6659",[174],"If I didn’t decide quickly the opportunity would be lost",{"_key":6606,"_type":131,"marks":6607,"text":6608},"4f2923117372",[],"\nAnything that talks about a limited-time offer is likely to be a scam; genuine financial advisers would never rush you to decide. Before you commit to parting with your money, be sure to double check the advising company, or whoever you are interacting with, is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) ",{"_key":6610,"_type":131,"marks":6611,"text":5168},"5faa569d75d3",[6612,6243],"8b9e42384a04",{"_key":6614,"_type":131,"marks":6615,"text":1289},"d6a5f6ed32b5",[],[6617],{"_key":6612,"_type":1264,"href":5168},{"_key":6619,"_type":127,"children":6620,"markDefs":6630,"style":135},"9d8629790371",[6621,6625],{"_key":6622,"_type":131,"marks":6623,"text":6624},"8f3b8e558cb8",[],"\nAs another precautionary measure, you can view this list of unauthorised firms here: ",{"_key":6626,"_type":131,"marks":6627,"text":6629},"4af426f0d5a9",[6628,6243],"04a48d08a0ba","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.fca.org.uk\u002Fconsumers\u002Fwarning-list-unauthorised-firms",[6631],{"_key":6628,"_type":1264,"href":6629},{"_key":6633,"_type":127,"children":6634,"markDefs":6646,"style":135},"d831e00c5aaf",[6635,6638,6642],{"_key":6636,"_type":131,"marks":6637,"text":1899},"2aafd2155caf",[],{"_key":6639,"_type":131,"marks":6640,"text":6641},"0f53d9c3ceec",[174],"They were friendly and knew so much about me",{"_key":6643,"_type":131,"marks":6644,"text":6645},"fd862ed80354",[],"\nScammers may be able to get hold of personal information and use this to catch you off guard. It’s important to remain cautious, challenge if something feels fake, and verify who you’re speaking to before providing any and all sensitive information.",[],{"_key":6648,"_type":127,"children":6649,"markDefs":6661,"style":135},"600bf7977986",[6650,6653,6657],{"_key":6651,"_type":131,"marks":6652,"text":1899},"bb5c01a41d02",[],{"_key":6654,"_type":131,"marks":6655,"text":6656},"f8095e01094b",[174],"They said they could help me access my pension early",{"_key":6658,"_type":131,"marks":6659,"text":6660},"0e712b8e207a",[],"\nThe normal minimum pension age (NMPA) is 55, rising to 57 from 6 April 2028, and can only be accessed after, unless you have a plan with a protected minimum pension age, or are in ill-health. Taking money early from your pension, without meeting the criteria, can lead to big tax penalties, up to 55% from HMRC, due to being an ‘unauthorised payment’. If you have been contacted by someone who says you can access your pension early, they are providing false information unless you fit the criteria previously mentioned. It might be a good idea to check your pension plan details and contact your pension provider if you’re unsure of the legitimacy of the interaction.",[],{"_key":6663,"_type":127,"children":6664,"markDefs":6669,"style":135},"1c96f4666b54",[6665],{"_key":6666,"_type":131,"marks":6667,"text":6668},"139350da6fc4",[],"\nYour pension provider also has a role to play when it comes to early pension access. Regulations introduced in 2021 means scheme managers must carry out due diligence checks on any receiving scheme to ensure it’s not a scam. If certain risk indicators are identified, known as red and amber flags, the scheme provider will stop the transfer or require the member to attend a MoneyHelper appointment.",[],{"_key":6671,"_type":127,"children":6672,"markDefs":6684,"style":135},"0f3ffd7c4450",[6673,6676,6680],{"_key":6674,"_type":131,"marks":6675,"text":1899},"ed1eb67185d5",[],{"_key":6677,"_type":131,"marks":6678,"text":6679},"d98e62464985",[174],"They kept contacting me and eventually I gave in",{"_key":6681,"_type":131,"marks":6682,"text":6683},"23066fef1c01",[],"\nWith current technology, it’s now easier than ever for scammers to find alternative ways to contact you. Whether it’s telephone, mobile, social media platforms, or email, if you think you’re being contacted by a scam you should: report, block, and remove the messages to ensure your digital safety. If you’re unsure how to block a phone number, you can always contact your phone company, or a family member or friend who may know. To ensure your social media accounts are as secure as possible, ensure to check your privacy settings. For email account security make sure to change your password regularly, log out of any shared computers, and after using public Wi-Fi. You may even want to set up multi-factor authentication for when you log into your email account from a new device, or for every time you log in, for that extra step of security.\n",[],[6686],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":6687,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":6689,"blogPostMeta":6690,"content":6712,"tag":6768,"title":6711},"f145cd00-aa3c-4273-b74e-21cae4e9e715",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":6691,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":6707,"publishedAt":6708,"slug":6709,"title":6711},{"_type":58,"asset":6692},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":6693,"mimeType":225,"opt":6703,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":6694,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":6695},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":6696,"darkVibrant":6697,"dominant":6698,"lightMuted":6699,"lightVibrant":6700,"muted":6701,"vibrant":6702},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":6704},{"tags":6705},[6706],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"This week in China, headline CPI for December rose 0.8% year-on-year, while core inflation - excluding volatile categories such as food and energy - held at 1.2%. Although core inflation reached its highest level in 20 months, it remains below policymakers’ 2% target, suggesting that underlying price pressures are still relatively subdued.","2026-01-12T10:33:51.726Z",{"_type":9,"current":6710},"week-ending-9th-january-2026","Week ending 9th January 2026",[6713,6716,6720,6728,6736,6744,6752,6760],{"_key":6714,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":6715,"width":124},"092daeeb3675","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1153556478?",{"_key":6717,"_type":58,"asset":6718},"8fad1ffb9e9b",{"_ref":6719,"_type":107},"image-c201260ee5a2bed243a71acd0757d93a541cc5e3-1600x2884-png",{"_key":6721,"_type":127,"children":6722,"markDefs":6727,"style":135},"a8fc0a42cc27",[6723],{"_key":6724,"_type":131,"marks":6725,"text":6726},"7615acd7c6f1",[],"As shown in the accompanying table, markets mostly enjoyed a positive end to the week’s trading session.",[],{"_key":6729,"_type":127,"children":6730,"markDefs":6735,"style":135},"b2925c3e5a29",[6731],{"_key":6732,"_type":131,"marks":6733,"text":6734},"bd0a9d39e50b",[],"This week in China, headline CPI for December rose 0.8% year-on-year, while core inflation - excluding volatile categories such as food and energy - held at 1.2%. Although core inflation reached its highest level in 20 months, it remains below policymakers’ 2% target, suggesting that underlying price pressures are still relatively subdued. Throughout 2025, China faced weaker consumer demand, partly driven by ongoing tariff discussions and compounded by prolonged challenges in the property sector, which have weighed on household confidence and savings. Looking ahead, China is currently projected to achieve growth of around 4.8% in 2026, with consensus expectations pointing to further government support for demand - potentially through additional consumer discounts, spending incentives, or further rate cuts as the year progresses.",[],{"_key":6737,"_type":127,"children":6738,"markDefs":6743,"style":135},"a41b964e5c4b",[6739],{"_key":6740,"_type":131,"marks":6741,"text":6742},"84355c51eef8",[],"Last month, U.S. employers created roughly 50,000 new positions, according to figures released Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That marks the slowest pace of hiring seen since the height of the pandemic. In addition, previously published numbers for October and November were adjusted downward and the unemployment rate slipped moderately to 4.4% from 4.5% the month before. These developments will factor into the Federal Reserve’s upcoming discussions when policymakers gather at the end of January, when they’ll look to decide whether to trim interest rates (currently set between 3.5% and 3.75%) or leave them unchanged. Even though the latest employment update fell short of expectations, it didn’t unsettle financial markets. Major stock indexes in both the United States and Europe ended the day higher, with some economists suggesting that investors seem to simply be brushing off economic headlines as the year starts out.",[],{"_key":6745,"_type":127,"children":6746,"markDefs":6751,"style":135},"be9786c625bf",[6747],{"_key":6748,"_type":131,"marks":6749,"text":6750},"d7240d4c8000",[],"This week, Donald Trump invoked emergency powers to block roughly $2.5 billion in Venezuelan oil income held in U.S. government accounts, aiming to stop private creditors from claiming it. Signed late Friday, the order asserts that losing control of these funds would undermine U.S. strategic interests and regional stability and is part of a broader push to guide Venezuela’s economy after Nicolás Maduro’s capture. Trump also urged major American oil companies to invest in rebuilding Venezuela’s energy sector, promising that they would deal directly with the U.S. rather than Venezuelan authorities.",[],{"_key":6753,"_type":127,"children":6754,"markDefs":6759,"style":135},"a67277ed6562",[6755],{"_key":6756,"_type":131,"marks":6757,"text":6758},"65c7eb2dbc19",[],"In the same event, Trump announced that the U.S. would do something about Greenland regardless of authorities’ feelings on the matter but did indicate that he was open to talks with leaders of the region. The comments regarding Greenland have been positioned as a matter of national security by Trump but have been disputed by many regions across Europe, with many economists also viewing the comments as a form of posturing by the President owing to the many considerable political, legal and alliance-related obstacles currently in his path that would block him from taking control of the country.",[],{"_key":6761,"_type":127,"children":6762,"markDefs":6767,"style":135},"948a0384ed2a",[6763],{"_key":6764,"_type":131,"marks":6765,"text":6766},"f8d5e396c699",[],"Still to come next week we have U.S. CPI, PPI and retail sales and Eurozone balance of trade.",[],[6769],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":6770,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":6772,"blogPostMeta":6773,"content":6820,"tag":6901,"title":6819},"fc096939-3392-4840-b7c1-7e1c5f579c86",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":6774,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":6815,"publishedAt":6816,"slug":6817,"title":6819},{"_type":58,"asset":6775},{"_createdAt":6776,"_id":6777,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":6778,"extension":196,"metadata":6779,"mimeType":225,"opt":6805,"originalFilename":6810,"path":6811,"sha1hash":6778,"size":6812,"uploadId":6813,"url":6814},"2026-01-14T09:48:22Z","image-5fd8a149ed33efc307de8fb32bf8a71dda49153b-6000x3648-jpg","5fd8a149ed33efc307de8fb32bf8a71dda49153b",{"_type":69,"blurHash":6780,"dimensions":6781,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":6784,"palette":6785,"thumbHash":6804},"VCI;;g000y%gS5?K~UE2x^g2Y6j[VY-;ba0h%L?FNfnN",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":6782,"height":6783,"width":497},1.644736842105263,3648,"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAAMABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYHAwX\u002FxAAlEAABAwMDAwUAAAAAAAAAAAACAQMEAAURBhITISJBMlJhsfD\u002FxAAWAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADAgT\u002FxAAbEQEAAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABABECAwQSMv\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8A3gXhJFrgOuuR9\u002FoXkLH5ab2LrbRgFEKVHbMxwSAWSqO6YhtSbmlvfRTjEmcKvVF+Fqz6d0nZoTCPMww5fcXVazmSHa2OJ5onHtdkgAy4MhxxcOLsJCXuHwv3RTkO0E2gAoKeESilORlUh1lz\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":6786,"darkVibrant":6789,"dominant":6792,"lightMuted":6795,"lightVibrant":6796,"muted":6799,"vibrant":6802},{"_type":81,"background":6787,"foreground":83,"population":6788,"title":83},"#513f32",3.1,{"_type":81,"background":6790,"foreground":83,"population":6791,"title":83},"#261a0b",0.22,{"_type":81,"background":6793,"foreground":91,"population":6794,"title":83},"#d0c2ad",6.69,{"_type":81,"background":6793,"foreground":91,"population":6794,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":6797,"foreground":91,"population":6798,"title":83},"#d6b4a3",1.75,{"_type":81,"background":6800,"foreground":83,"population":6801,"title":83},"#9e7f6a",1.21,{"_type":81,"background":6803,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#945c44","YxgKDIJQeXW7lmh5l4NssHGECA==",{"media":6806},{"tags":6807},[6808],{"_key":6809,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"uZDiKchVtEhao6iUGXE2X","shutterstock_2162102969.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F5fd8a149ed33efc307de8fb32bf8a71dda49153b-6000x3648.jpg",9873005,"lZAKB9B4WxAF4qlojCxgRvQPzUG1HGJP","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F5fd8a149ed33efc307de8fb32bf8a71dda49153b-6000x3648.jpg","There are lots of reasons why you could have lost track of your pensions pots or end up with multiple pots spread across various providers. ","2026-01-12T09:16:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":6818},"how-to-find-your-lost-pensions","How to find your lost pensions",[6821,6829,6837,6845,6853,6861,6879,6887],{"_key":6822,"_type":127,"children":6823,"markDefs":6828,"style":135},"b66f95e612fd",[6824],{"_key":6825,"_type":131,"marks":6826,"text":6827},"39684b94de79",[],"There are lots of reasons why you could have lost track of your pensions pots or end up with multiple pots spread across various providers. Since the introduction of auto-enrolment in 2008, anyone aged 22 or over earning more than £10,000 a year is more likely to build up several small pension pots. And if you do have more than one, it’s easy to feel unsure about how to deal with them.",[],{"_key":6830,"_type":127,"children":6831,"markDefs":6836,"style":135},"c05b011421ca",[6832],{"_key":6833,"_type":131,"marks":6834,"text":6835},"8a53b9dc9926",[],"Reasons for losing your pension pots could be because you’ve moved house, changed jobs frequently, or simply lost track of paperwork. With 3.3 million pots considered lost, it’s important to find and locate who your pension provider(s) are as small pots can make a difference to your retirement income.",[],{"_key":6838,"_type":127,"children":6839,"markDefs":6844,"style":135},"61e0ef9f76dd",[6840],{"_key":6841,"_type":131,"marks":6842,"text":6843},"eb6bca62544a",[],"Below we created various ways you can find out more about your pensions:",[],{"_key":6846,"_type":127,"children":6847,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":6852,"style":135},"5456a45ce5a8",[6848],{"_key":6849,"_type":131,"marks":6850,"text":6851},"8e87c1963c7a",[],"Make a list of your previous employers, this includes even short-term or part-time jobs. If you still have physical copies of your P45 or P60 these can help navigate who to contact next.",[],{"_key":6854,"_type":127,"children":6855,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":6860,"style":135},"8ef2f099bcf3",[6856],{"_key":6857,"_type":131,"marks":6858,"text":6859},"82ea77f3a084",[],"Contact your previous employer and ask who managed the workplace pension scheme.",[],{"_key":6862,"_type":127,"children":6863,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":6877,"style":135},"04ef50c86d05",[6864,6868,6873],{"_key":6865,"_type":131,"marks":6866,"text":6867},"ff3b484bbae6",[],"Use the ",{"_key":6869,"_type":131,"marks":6870,"text":6872},"28610062f434",[6871,6243],"7739a6b3fe62","government’s pensions tracking service",{"_key":6874,"_type":131,"marks":6875,"text":6876},"7d37ff7d88a7",[6243],".\n",[6878],{"_key":6871,"_type":1264,"href":4919},{"_key":6880,"_type":127,"children":6881,"markDefs":6886,"style":135},"e1f4e8c0af42",[6882],{"_key":6883,"_type":131,"marks":6884,"text":6885},"d422906a8560",[],"No matter how close, or far away, retirement may be, the initial steps as listed above can help you claim back your pension pots and save your future-self time and stress. It can also provide a clear picture of your financial future: helping you make more informed decisions about pension consolidation, investment choices for your pensions, and how you can adjust your savings strategy.",[],{"_key":6888,"_type":127,"children":6889,"markDefs":6899,"style":1544},"0089942e0b8b",[6890,6894],{"_key":6891,"_type":131,"marks":6892,"text":6893},"5d9f5be1f104",[],"1.",{"_key":6895,"_type":131,"marks":6896,"text":6898},"adf1a5b39d3f",[6897],"adb4368a1c1b","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abi.org.uk\u002Fglobalassets\u002Ffiles\u002Fpublications\u002Fpublic\u002Flts\u002F2024\u002F20241024-ppi-bn138-lost-pensions-2024-final.pdf",[6900],{"_key":6897,"_type":1264,"href":6898},[6902],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":6903,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":6905,"blogPostMeta":6906,"content":6950,"tag":7141,"title":6949},"1ff4d04f-02c3-45f0-b086-073c3bbdf2ed",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":6907,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":6945,"publishedAt":6946,"slug":6947,"title":6949},{"_type":58,"asset":6908},{"_createdAt":6909,"_id":6910,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":6911,"extension":196,"metadata":6912,"mimeType":225,"opt":6935,"originalFilename":6940,"path":6941,"sha1hash":6911,"size":6942,"uploadId":6943,"url":6944},"2026-01-09T16:01:10Z","image-accf845846657fa0798c7ad51a3154ccfdfa6488-1000x667-jpg","accf845846657fa0798c7ad51a3154ccfdfa6488",{"_type":69,"blurHash":6913,"dimensions":6914,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":6915,"palette":6916,"thumbHash":6934},"V7HxKIDiE-_N020L%gwbyYi^~V-pn3t,D%9bW?9G-mtR",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGAv\u002FEACEQAAIBBAICAwAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwAEBREGEyFBIjFS\u002F8QAFgEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAwQF\u002F8QAHBEAAQMFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECEgMREyFC\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwBeLm3k4JhoHRpGCkbRvK1vjAuLLiGRx7WkjLeu5U+9a+xTzD4DHtj4+qEoIx8RvYFNuP4+W5t3ElzoxtpCsYGhWf2rkLI6s4ksHx7GQ4m2V7cs5QFtn3RVPdcSPc3Xkpo1\u002FIQeKKfG0KdQ\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":6917,"darkVibrant":6920,"dominant":6923,"lightMuted":6924,"lightVibrant":6926,"muted":6929,"vibrant":6932},{"_type":81,"background":6918,"foreground":83,"population":6919,"title":83},"#403d28",1.53,{"_type":81,"background":6921,"foreground":83,"population":6922,"title":83},"#553c23",6.55,{"_type":81,"background":6921,"foreground":83,"population":6922,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":6925,"foreground":91,"population":787,"title":83},"#cfbba7",{"_type":81,"background":6927,"foreground":91,"population":6928,"title":83},"#e0c0a5",2.98,{"_type":81,"background":6930,"foreground":83,"population":6931,"title":83},"#a48159",5.45,{"_type":81,"background":6933,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},"#bc893c","3hgKDYJ1SoCTmEeal1ZXeAp5qDC1",{"media":6936},{"tags":6937},[6938],{"_key":6939,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"in9Uv64zgti1UGVQt0XWX","b849e30683af26f872f18943dcd138e988d67d35-1000x667.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Faccf845846657fa0798c7ad51a3154ccfdfa6488-1000x667.jpg",81533,"O20GsI5299JhvNZ0ueeix1GoEYV1LA1G","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Faccf845846657fa0798c7ad51a3154ccfdfa6488-1000x667.jpg","For those starting their first job in the new year\u002Fthis new year, this chapter often brings the responsibility of managing money for the first time. It is important that those entering the workplace are taught about budgeting and responsible borrowing, as well as understanding the many workplace savings and benefits on offer so they can take control of their finances and build financial resilience.  ","2026-01-09T16:01:00.335Z",{"_type":9,"current":6948},"10-money-tips-for-graduates-and-school-leavers-starting-work-in-2026","10 Money tips for graduates and school leavers starting work in 2026 ",[6951,6959,6967,6979,7002,7014,7026,7034,7046,7058,7070,7082,7094,7106,7114,7122,7133],{"_key":6952,"_type":127,"children":6953,"markDefs":6958,"style":135},"a1227e1edde4",[6954],{"_key":6955,"_type":131,"marks":6956,"text":6957},"1f83936c6591",[],"For those starting their first job in the new year\u002Fthis new year, this chapter often brings the responsibility of managing money for the first time. It is important that those entering the workplace are taught about budgeting and responsible borrowing, as well as understanding the many workplace savings and benefits on offer so they can take control of their finances and build financial resilience.",[],{"_key":6960,"_type":127,"children":6961,"markDefs":6966,"style":135},"c3915584388b",[6962],{"_key":6963,"_type":131,"marks":6964,"text":6965},"0cf882c3d16a",[],"To help, WEALTH at work has shared 10 money tips for those entering the workplace for the first time.",[],{"_key":6968,"_type":127,"children":6969,"markDefs":6978,"style":135},"50e54bb45e00",[6970,6974],{"_key":6971,"_type":131,"marks":6972,"text":6973},"8f1771852407",[174],"1. Make sense of payslips",{"_key":6975,"_type":131,"marks":6976,"text":6977},"184e183838a8",[]," –The first payslip can be very confusing, but it contains important information, including payroll number, gross income (the income before any taxes and deductions have been taken), net pay (what’s left after deductions have been taken) and a tax code. It’s important to get to grips with what deductions will be made to understand how much income will be left each month. The most common deductions on payslips are tax, pensions, National Insurance and Student Finance Repayments which are explained below.",[],{"_key":6980,"_type":127,"children":6981,"markDefs":6999,"style":135},"de989417af39",[6982,6986,6990,6995],{"_key":6983,"_type":131,"marks":6984,"text":6985},"cfc52e0d6759",[174],"2. Get to grips with Tax",{"_key":6987,"_type":131,"marks":6988,"text":6989},"bd8dc87d648e",[]," – Income Tax is charged on most types of income including a salary. However, people don’t usually pay Income Tax on all their income because they will typically qualify for the Personal Allowance. This is the amount of money someone can earn each tax year before they start paying Income Tax which is £12,570 for the 2025\u002F26 tax year. Income Tax is then paid at 20% on earnings above £12,570 and 40% above £50,270 and 45% above £125,140. It’s important for people to check their tax code is correct and they are paying the correct amount of Income Tax. This can be done by checking ",{"_key":6991,"_type":131,"marks":6992,"text":6994},"e5ba70c8d111",[6993],"559f83cf2fce","gov.uk\u002Fcheck-income-tax-current-year",{"_key":6996,"_type":131,"marks":6997,"text":6998},"ce7c7d6cd9a6",[],". Income Tax isn’t the only deduction taken from your salary; National Insurance contributions are also required, at a rate of 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270, and 2% on earnings above that. These payments will help build an entitlement to certain benefits including the State Pension.",[7000],{"_key":6993,"_type":1264,"href":7001},"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Fcheck-income-tax-current-year",{"_key":7003,"_type":127,"children":7004,"markDefs":7013,"style":135},"78269e2fb07c",[7005,7009],{"_key":7006,"_type":131,"marks":7007,"text":7008},"ffbf25b514e8",[174],"3. Make the most of pensions",{"_key":7010,"_type":131,"marks":7011,"text":7012},"63ee142b8fe0",[]," – Auto-enrolment means that all employees between age 22 and State Pension age with earnings of more than £10,000 annually are automatically enrolled into their workplace pension. If employees are within the age bracket 16-21, they can opt into their pension scheme if they wish to do so. Currently, employers are required to make a 3% minimum contribution with employees required to pay 5% to bring the total pension contribution to 8%. Some employers pay more than the minimum contribution of 3% and some may match pension contributions made by employees. Contributions made into a pension are usually free of Income Tax and employers who offer a salary sacrifice arrangement are also able to save employees National Insurance costs on their contributions. This means basic rate taxpayers will usually save 20% in income tax on contributions and may save a further 8% in National Insurance costs. It is widely recognised that contributions that total 8% of salary (3% from the employer and 5% from the employee) are not enough and are unlikely to provide the quality of retirement most people imagine. Many don’t release that saving just a bit more can make a significant difference to the overall size of their pension pot at retirement. For example, someone in their 20s, saving just 1% more each year into a workplace pension can boost future savings by 25% if their employers were to match this.",[],{"_key":7015,"_type":127,"children":7016,"markDefs":7025,"style":135},"68ac4cb01f9e",[7017,7021],{"_key":7018,"_type":131,"marks":7019,"text":7020},"21a9e7ca63b8",[174],"4. Appreciate the cost of delay",{"_key":7022,"_type":131,"marks":7023,"text":7024},"23996a97a62e",[]," If someone aged 25 contributed a total of £2,400* per year into their pension (including both employer and employee contributions) for 30 years, they could build a pension pot worth £167,426 by age 55, assuming a 5% annual investment return. However, if they delayed saving for 10 years and only started contributing at age 35, they would need to contribute £4,825 per year for the remaining 20 years to reach a similar pension pot of £167,520 by age 55.",[],{"_key":7027,"_type":127,"children":7028,"markDefs":7033,"style":135},"de0fc42a0fa7",[7029],{"_key":7030,"_type":131,"marks":7031,"text":7032},"6e1acbbe5512",[],"This clearly shows the cost of delay; waiting 10 years more than doubles the annual contribution required to achieve the same outcome. For many, this higher contribution may be unaffordable, making it difficult or even impossible to catch up. Starting early allows savings to grow over time and benefit from the power of compounding.",[],{"_key":7035,"_type":127,"children":7036,"markDefs":7045,"style":135},"31555b041d82",[7037,7041],{"_key":7038,"_type":131,"marks":7039,"text":7040},"c7b496e13c19",[174],"5. Understand payments on student loans",{"_key":7042,"_type":131,"marks":7043,"text":7044},"f7f1ee4eef8c",[]," – When someone starts repaying their loan and how much they repay depends on their repayment plan, which can be checked in their student loan repayment account. Loan repayments typically begin at the start of the tax year following the completion or withdrawal from a course. For example, if a student finishes their course in June 2025, their first student loan repayment would be deducted in the 2026\u002F27 tax year, starting from April 2026. However, repayments only start when the person is earning over the ‘repayment threshold’. For instance, a person who graduates in 2025 is likely to be on Plan 2, meaning they will only start making repayments once their income is over the repayment threshold, which is currently £28,470 (for Plan 2 loans) a year. Student loan repayments are usually collected via PAYE, with 9% of salary that exceeds the current threshold used to pay off the loan. Loans will also be cancelled after a certain period of time if they’ve not already been paid off in full – this can vary between 25 and 40 years depending on the rules at the time the loan was taken out. Some companies have student loan reimbursement schemes to help employees with their student loan repayments. The monthly repayment amount does not depend on the amount of the student loan; it is based purely on the amount earned. This means that someone with £20,000 of debt will make the same monthly repayments as someone with £50,000, if they earn the same amount.",[],{"_key":7047,"_type":127,"children":7048,"markDefs":7057,"style":135},"48039251d9ad",[7049,7053],{"_key":7050,"_type":131,"marks":7051,"text":7052},"32bda9939e01",[174],"6. Check out workplace perks",{"_key":7054,"_type":131,"marks":7055,"text":7056},"dae416a628cf",[]," – Many employers offer their staff various benefits, so it is important to know what is on offer. These can be anything from support with health and fitness, e.g. discounted gym memberships, health and fitness apps and devices, or discounts on shopping, support with childcare and elderly care costs and debt support. Some of these are offered through salary sacrifice which means it is paid through company payroll using pre-tax salary; meaning less Income Tax and National Insurance are paid, which can offer significant savings.",[],{"_key":7059,"_type":127,"children":7060,"markDefs":7069,"style":135},"6aa850d48ef4",[7061,7065],{"_key":7062,"_type":131,"marks":7063,"text":7064},"860ad65a8258",[174],"7. Create a monthly budget",{"_key":7066,"_type":131,"marks":7067,"text":7068},"dd76a1d4bd6a",[]," – It’s always a good idea to create a monthly budget so that people can understand what they can afford to spend and avoid getting into debt. This should include all income and outgoings such as fixed costs (i.e. mortgage or rent, council tax, energy and water and contracts for TV and broadband subscriptions) and then other costs such as supermarket shopping, days and nights out or clothes and makeup. Alternatively, budgeting apps which integrate with bank accounts can be useful to build a budget in one place and give a clear overview of all accounts including savings and show all transactions in one place, as well as how spending compares to previous months. Through such apps, it is possible to set multiple budgets for groceries, eating out, entertainment etc, as well as setting savings and debt repayment goals.",[],{"_key":7071,"_type":127,"children":7072,"markDefs":7081,"style":135},"55be99f80a85",[7073,7077],{"_key":7074,"_type":131,"marks":7075,"text":7076},"a934e987af7d",[174],"8. Consider Savings",{"_key":7078,"_type":131,"marks":7079,"text":7080},"8ae1b2d4c7cb",[]," – It’s always a good idea to have a pot of money for unexpected costs. Whilst a workplace pension provides a great way to save for retirement, there are also other options for those looking to save in general. An ISA is a tax efficient savings option for those wanting to build future savings. There are several different types of ISA available, with the two most common being a ‘cash’ or a ‘Stocks and Shares’ ISA. £20,000 can be saved per person each tax year into an ISA without having to pay tax on any savings interest or investment growth. Many workplaces offer their employees access to a Workplace ISA and contributions can conveniently be taken directly from pay. Some companies also offer employees access to Save as You Earn (SAYE) (sometimes referred to as share save plans) as a way to invest in their future. These plans run for three or five year terms, and employees can save between £5 and £500 per month. At the end of the plan’s term, if the company’s share price has fallen, employees can receive all their savings back. If the share price is higher than the fixed price agreed at the start of the plan, employees can use their savings to buy shares at a lower cost and sell them to realise any returns. The Share Incentive Plan (SIP) is another popular type of share plan, enabling employees to purchase shares in their company by making monthly contributions of between £10 and £150. Employers may also provide matching shares so that the employee can receive up to two additional shares for each share purchased. Some companies will also use the SIP to gift ‘free shares’ of up to £3,600 in any tax year to employees.",[],{"_key":7083,"_type":127,"children":7084,"markDefs":7093,"style":135},"98933433afd2",[7085,7089],{"_key":7086,"_type":131,"marks":7087,"text":7088},"efd57299da26",[174],"9. Review spending",{"_key":7090,"_type":131,"marks":7091,"text":7092},"7e84a073e0c1",[]," – Regular financial check ins can be a great way to become more aware and adjust spending accordingly. If, after a spending review, a person’s outgoings are more than they would like it to be, they may be able to reduce their costs by checking bank and payment services for recurring payments. This may be possible by shopping around to lower household bills such as insurance, phone and broadband providers, and cancelling unused subscriptions. Discount vouchers are also available online and many workplaces offer employee discount schemes, which can be useful for the weekly shop or big purchases, such as if a washing machine breaks, and also activities like eating out and holidays.",[],{"_key":7095,"_type":127,"children":7096,"markDefs":7105,"style":135},"76929bf2f473",[7097,7101],{"_key":7098,"_type":131,"marks":7099,"text":7100},"b18b1b62b3fc",[174],"10. Understand good and bad debt",{"_key":7102,"_type":131,"marks":7103,"text":7104},"e930e4d036a7",[]," – Debt comes in many forms such as loans, credit cards or store cards. A mortgage is a form of ‘good debt’ which should be reviewed occasionally to ensure you have a good deal. On the other hand, debt with high interest payments, such as payday loans, overdrafts, and credit cards can get out of control if they are not repaid quickly which could impact financial and mental wellbeing.",[],{"_key":7107,"_type":127,"children":7108,"markDefs":7113,"style":135},"f69537f0d9b5",[7109],{"_key":7110,"_type":131,"marks":7111,"text":7112},"c37dcabd9b21",[],"There are varying levels of interest that different debt providers charge. For example, credit cards and overdrafts may have rates as high as 40%, with payday loans having rates of 1,500% and more! By shopping around, it may be possible to move to a lower interest rate, and some credit cards even offer 0% on balance transfers for a period of time.",[],{"_key":7115,"_type":127,"children":7116,"markDefs":7121,"style":135},"a2d7500d2446",[7117],{"_key":7118,"_type":131,"marks":7119,"text":7120},"7c10a1f804d1",[],"Research from WEALTH at work indicated that workers thought that their biggest financial concerns for the year included being in debt (29%). So, it’s important for anyone who is struggling with debt to know that there is support available from reputable sources. Many employers offer Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) that includes debt management support. This support often ranges from budgeting advice to establishing the root cause of someone’s debt issues. Free services such as MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice or National Debt Line are also available.",[],{"_key":7123,"_type":127,"children":7124,"markDefs":7132,"style":135},"e56c270a84d4",[7125,7128],{"_key":7126,"_type":131,"marks":7127,"text":1502},"a45a6e01a089",[174],{"_key":7129,"_type":131,"marks":7130,"text":7131},"5500a517ac9f",[]," “Starting a first job is an exciting time, though for some, it can mean the first time they are having to manage their own money. Now is a great time for people to review their financial situation and take action to make sure they are in control of their finances in 2026. It is important that those starting off in their career are taught about budgeting, savings and responsible borrowing so they take control of their finances. Anyone starting a new job should speak to their employer to find out what benefits are available and sign up if they are offering financial education. It could be one of the best financial decisions they ever make.”",[],{"_key":7134,"_type":127,"children":7135,"markDefs":7140,"style":135},"e67f3de562bd",[7136],{"_key":7137,"_type":131,"marks":7138,"text":7139},"16d4ba9a97e7",[],"*£2400 is based on a £30k salary and 8% contributions",[],[7142],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":7143,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":7145,"blogPostMeta":7146,"content":7191,"tag":7402,"title":7190},"283beac6-7466-4b02-86dc-ea4a09f94fab",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":7147,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":7186,"publishedAt":7187,"slug":7188,"title":7190},{"_type":58,"asset":7148},{"_createdAt":7149,"_id":7150,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":7151,"extension":196,"metadata":7152,"mimeType":225,"opt":7176,"originalFilename":7181,"path":7182,"sha1hash":7151,"size":7183,"uploadId":7184,"url":7185},"2026-01-07T12:29:09Z","image-3f767eaf30ce2b38d36a5c1e757edcb2f9889f34-1000x668-jpg","3f767eaf30ce2b38d36a5c1e757edcb2f9889f34",{"_type":69,"blurHash":7153,"dimensions":7154,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":7157,"palette":7158,"thumbHash":7175},"VYKUN8DhX7ITRQ?^NHofIUWB_3t7IoRjaeEM%MV?t7oL",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":7155,"height":7156,"width":773},1.4970059880239521,668,"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGB\u002F\u002FEACIQAAIBBAIDAAMAAAAAAAAAAAECAwAEBQYREhMhURYyQf\u002FEABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQD\u002F8QAGREAAwEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECEQMS\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwBtqW83OI1KFHt4EVE6oZF55NPYdykyWexcnjEWNdeszqfXP0\u002FBU5htciyNn47q4dov2CdR6NUcGrWSRxWzFmhk5DKPVGnrLWaIrjUtvEaH+QYMgeC7tunH8NFZ1j9RxcEckccbhFkIALE\u002FKKv6sJh\u002F\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":7159,"darkVibrant":7162,"dominant":7164,"lightMuted":7167,"lightVibrant":7169,"muted":7170,"vibrant":7173},{"_type":81,"background":7160,"foreground":83,"population":7161,"title":83},"#604537",2.96,{"_type":81,"background":7163,"foreground":83,"population":6521,"title":83},"#081714",{"_type":81,"background":7165,"foreground":91,"population":7166,"title":83},"#dbbea8",6.59,{"_type":81,"background":7168,"foreground":91,"population":87,"title":83},"#acc9d4",{"_type":81,"background":7165,"foreground":91,"population":7166,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":7171,"foreground":83,"population":7172,"title":83},"#8a6e5a",5.9,{"_type":81,"background":7174,"foreground":91,"population":325,"title":83},"#d79774","ZwgKDYJxZEZuWIePdkdqeZ1Q+RWk",{"media":7177},{"tags":7178},[7179],{"_key":7180,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"AoGIrkG79sTAXtW0gD_Qm","shutterstock_1266166378.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F3f767eaf30ce2b38d36a5c1e757edcb2f9889f34-1000x668.jpg",609018,"b4Re0z5bdfzAVrnKUQfiYdGLoMaJ1fqJ","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F3f767eaf30ce2b38d36a5c1e757edcb2f9889f34-1000x668.jpg","As we start a new year it is important for people to strengthen their financial wellbeing for the year ahead. Your finances could have changed significantly over the previous year, so it's always a good idea to regularly review and see how you may be able to improve your financial situation. ","2026-01-09T15:49:05.361Z",{"_type":9,"current":7189},"10-tips-to-take-control-of-your-finances-in-2026","10 tips to take control of your finances in 2026 ",[7192,7200,7208,7220,7228,7240,7252,7264,7276,7288,7309,7332,7344,7356,7363,7371,7379,7386,7394],{"_key":7193,"_type":127,"children":7194,"markDefs":7199,"style":135},"d8f216400159",[7195],{"_key":7196,"_type":131,"marks":7197,"text":7198},"96ee86ad8c82",[],"As we start a new year it is important for people to strengthen their financial wellbeing for the year ahead. Your finances could have changed significantly over the previous year, so it’s always a good idea to regularly review and see how you may be able to improve your financial situation.",[],{"_key":7201,"_type":127,"children":7202,"markDefs":7207,"style":135},"7a87566aaad0",[7203],{"_key":7204,"_type":131,"marks":7205,"text":7206},"1c1143379562",[],"WEALTH at work has run financial education workshops for employees at hundreds of organisations, and outlines below some top tips to help people take control of their finances in the year ahead.",[],{"_key":7209,"_type":127,"children":7210,"markDefs":7219,"style":135},"444300c74cdd",[7211,7215],{"_key":7212,"_type":131,"marks":7213,"text":7214},"818d67a3dd1e",[174],"1. Create a budget –",{"_key":7216,"_type":131,"marks":7217,"text":7218},"66fc59d73338",[]," The initial step to reducing expenses is to create a budget. People should work out what exactly their income is each month and check their bank statements to clarify what outgoings they have.",[],{"_key":7221,"_type":127,"children":7222,"markDefs":7227,"style":135},"95391b3d314e",[7223],{"_key":7224,"_type":131,"marks":7225,"text":7226},"09cd17a79f88",[],"Outgoings can then be divided into fixed costs which have to be paid such as a mortgage, council tax, energy and water, and then those which may be able to be cut back on such as supermarket shopping, monthly contracts for TV, subscriptions and other spending. Some banks have apps which enable this to be done automatically; this will highlight where money is going and where savings could be made.",[],{"_key":7229,"_type":127,"children":7230,"markDefs":7239,"style":135},"6ca0786b7829",[7231,7235],{"_key":7232,"_type":131,"marks":7233,"text":7234},"c0bf96e7a12a",[174],"2. Track finances –",{"_key":7236,"_type":131,"marks":7237,"text":7238},"ff40c6574173",[]," After creating a budget it is important to keep track of spending. Spotting where irregular outgoings go can make a huge difference to a person’s finances. For example, the average household in the UK spends £1,401 on eating food out (e.g. takeaways and restaurants) each year. There are many free budgeting apps available which will help to track spending on groceries, eating out, entertainment etc.",[],{"_key":7241,"_type":127,"children":7242,"markDefs":7251,"style":135},"aebcc2691f11",[7243,7247],{"_key":7244,"_type":131,"marks":7245,"text":7246},"9949af14d8cf",[174],"3. Shop wisely",{"_key":7248,"_type":131,"marks":7249,"text":7250},"99b37369e44e",[]," – Plan shopping in advance as it will allow time to search for the best deals and reduce expenditure on non-essential items. Also, by switching brands it might be possible to significantly reduce the price of the regular shop. This approach, known as supermarket downshifting, involves choosing lower-cost alternatives such as store brands instead of premium or branded products, and it typically cuts grocery bills by around 30%. When it comes to big purchases, such as if a washing machine breaks, discount vouchers are often available through voucher and discount websites, and many workplaces offer employee discount schemes (see tip 10). When shopping for a particular product, Idealo finds the best price online for a particular product and CamelCamelCamel allows you to track the price of Amazon products. Consider installing browser extensions like Honey that search for discount codes during online check-out.",[],{"_key":7253,"_type":127,"children":7254,"markDefs":7263,"style":135},"3b6e67b03f51",[7255,7259],{"_key":7256,"_type":131,"marks":7257,"text":7258},"4937078f5d51",[174],"4. Save on household bills",{"_key":7260,"_type":131,"marks":7261,"text":7262},"98d6948854e9",[]," – It is possible to make significant savings on a range of household bills from car and home insurance to phone, broadband, TV and mobile contracts. Price comparison websites can help to make it easy to compare the different deals available. Changing to a SIM only deal on your mobile once you’re out of contract could save £321 a year. Plus, changing broadband providers could save £203 a year.",[],{"_key":7265,"_type":127,"children":7266,"markDefs":7275,"style":135},"96e92ac885ad",[7267,7271],{"_key":7268,"_type":131,"marks":7269,"text":7270},"cc33b9849f95",[174],"5. Avoid auto-renewals",{"_key":7272,"_type":131,"marks":7273,"text":7274},"9168dfa1d682",[]," – Many insurance policies automatically renew each year so many people may be paying more than they need to if they don’t shop around. It’s a good idea to find out when any contracts are due to end and put it in the diary a month earlier so that there is plenty of time to shop around. For example, using a price comparison site could save up to £514 on car insurance, so £1028 for a two-car household.",[],{"_key":7277,"_type":127,"children":7278,"markDefs":7287,"style":135},"d16686103aa5",[7279,7283],{"_key":7280,"_type":131,"marks":7281,"text":7282},"c8f33cc26d5c",[174],"6. Manage debt",{"_key":7284,"_type":131,"marks":7285,"text":7286},"b948075c2185",[]," – It’s important to understand the difference between good debt and bad debt. For example, a mortgage is a form of good debt which should be reviewed occasionally to ensure you have a good deal. However, at the opposite end of the spectrum, debt with high interest payments such as payday loans and credit cards can get out of control if they are not repaid quickly. For example, a debt of £3,000, with a rate of 18% APR, could take 9 years and 10 months to pay off when paying £52 a month, with total interest of £3091 paid. If that monthly payment was increased to £100 a month, the debt would be paid off in 3 years and 4 months, and interest paid would be only £908. If this was increased to £325 a month, the debt would be paid in 10 months, with total interest of £229 paid. For those struggling with debt, a good option could be to consolidate all debts into a 0% or low interest balance transfer card, as more money will go towards paying the debt off and enable it to be cleared over a shorter time. Those who are struggling to make a payment should speak to their provider before they miss a payment as help may be available.",[],{"_key":7289,"_type":127,"children":7290,"markDefs":7307,"style":135},"7c8c815f0027",[7291,7295,7299,7304],{"_key":7292,"_type":131,"marks":7293,"text":7294},"4d1008b75752",[174],"7. Create savings",{"_key":7296,"_type":131,"marks":7297,"text":7298},"4679c6f1f961",[]," – A lack of savings can have a serious impact on financial resilience, as many people unfortunately realise too late the importance of having emergency savings. Ideally individuals should have 3-6 months of emergency savings which can be accessed at short notice. This can provide a financial buffer if they, or a member of their household, experiences a drop of income due to redundancy, illness, or unexpected expenses – such as replacing the boiler or expensive car repairs. Setting up a regular transfer to a savings account can be a useful way to get into the habit of saving. Some workplaces also offer payroll saving into a Workplace ISA which means that money is automatically saved money from your pay, making saving effortless and habitual. Money Helper offers a savings calculator to help determine how long it will take to reach a savings goal: ",{"_key":7300,"_type":131,"marks":7301,"text":7303},"320ebfa017d2",[7302],"7a18eb561bcb","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.moneyhelper.org.uk\u002Fen\u002Fsavings\u002Fhow-to-save\u002Fsavings-calculator",{"_key":7305,"_type":131,"marks":7306,"text":1289},"f0f3329f464c",[],[7308],{"_key":7302,"_type":1264,"href":7303},{"_key":7310,"_type":127,"children":7311,"markDefs":7329,"style":135},"a543c16e5424",[7312,7316,7320,7325],{"_key":7313,"_type":131,"marks":7314,"text":7315},"0f690465c4c3",[174],"8. Beware of energy costs",{"_key":7317,"_type":131,"marks":7318,"text":7319},"2b7e83e151f3",[]," – Make sure you do all you can to be energy efficient. Small changes such as turning off lights when they aren’t needed, washing clothes at 30 degrees instead of higher temperatures, making sure the dishwasher is only used when full, and cutting down on the number of times the kettle is boiled can add up to really make a ",{"_key":7321,"_type":131,"marks":7322,"text":7324},"01318470f123",[7323],"9a638b82be5b","difference to energy bills",{"_key":7326,"_type":131,"marks":7327,"text":7328},"10388ee4f26c",[],". Just switching all appliances off standby mode can save £45 a year.",[7330],{"_key":7323,"_type":1264,"href":7331},"https:\u002F\u002Fenergysavingtrust.org.uk\u002Fhub\u002Fquick-tips-to-save-energy\u002F",{"_key":7333,"_type":127,"children":7334,"markDefs":7343,"style":135},"3f92a4bf3d1b",[7335,7339],{"_key":7336,"_type":131,"marks":7337,"text":7338},"e700b1fd08a8",[174],"9. Make the most of pensions –",{"_key":7340,"_type":131,"marks":7341,"text":7342},"f8b2498c81af",[]," Pensions can be one of the most valuable ways of saving for the future. Currently, employers are required to make a 3% minimum contribution with employees required to pay 5% to bring the total pension contribution to 8%. Individuals should check the contributions they are making and consider whether they can afford to increase them. Depending on the arrangement an employer has in place, some will match any additional contributions which can make a big difference. For example*, an additional 1% saved each year into a pension, matched by an employer, can increase a pension pot by 25% in retirement! Also, don’t forget to keep track of all your pensions. Whilst auto-enrolment has successfully increased pension participation, it has also led to employees accumulating multiple small pension pots as they move between jobs. Consolidating these pots can make it easier to manage savings and improve investment oversight.",[],{"_key":7345,"_type":127,"children":7346,"markDefs":7355,"style":135},"0778170780d9",[7347,7351],{"_key":7348,"_type":131,"marks":7349,"text":7350},"06f61eab7b6f",[174],"10. Maximise workplace benefits",{"_key":7352,"_type":131,"marks":7353,"text":7354},"2814103c1a4b",[]," – Many employers also offer other perks such as discount schemes with major retailers on groceries, dining and electrical goods etc where lots of savings can be made. Not only this, financial education and guidance is provided in many workplaces to help people with a full range of money matters, as well as providing access to savings vehicles such as ISAs and Share Plans to help build financial resilience.",[],{"_key":7357,"_type":127,"children":7358,"markDefs":7362,"style":135},"da4308591805",[7359],{"_key":7360,"_type":131,"marks":7361,"text":1006},"5fd71ec9887d",[],[],{"_key":7364,"_type":127,"children":7365,"markDefs":7370,"style":135},"a0c078007cc0",[7366],{"_key":7367,"_type":131,"marks":7368,"text":7369},"99de0db1e4a4",[174],"Jonathan Watts Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, comments;",[],{"_key":7372,"_type":127,"children":7373,"markDefs":7378,"style":135},"4d819e52efe7",[7374],{"_key":7375,"_type":131,"marks":7376,"text":7377},"9de09a5e2474",[],"“Now is the perfect time to take control of your financial future. Start by understanding your current financial situation and taking proactive steps to stay on track for 2026 and beyond. Many employers provide valuable support, including financial education, one-to-one guidance from expert coaches, alongside access to investment advice. They may also offer savings vehicles such as Workplace ISAs and Share Plans help build long-term financial resilience, as well as Pension Consolidation services to help employees gain control of their retirement savings. Speak to your employer to find out what support is available and take advantage of these opportunities to build financial confidence and resilience.”",[],{"_key":7380,"_type":127,"children":7381,"markDefs":7385,"style":135},"8c5b815c8360",[7382],{"_key":7383,"_type":131,"marks":7384,"text":1006},"4ae9d54caabe",[],[],{"_key":7387,"_type":127,"children":7388,"markDefs":7393,"style":1544},"08a5ff520f32",[7389],{"_key":7390,"_type":131,"marks":7391,"text":7392},"753e64b960ba",[],"* This example is based on a basic rate taxpayer, aged 25, earning £20,000 per year. If their pension contribution increased by 1% of their salary and their employer matches this, the cost of take-home pay reduces by less than £12 per month (around £136 per year). If they then retire at age 68, the pension pot will have increased from £99,341 to £124,177 – a growth of 25%.",[],{"_key":7395,"_type":127,"children":7396,"markDefs":7401,"style":1544},"9d8ac6d458aa",[7397],{"_key":7398,"_type":131,"marks":7399,"text":7400},"a97d19b82c71",[],"Assumptions: The employee is a member of a DC workplace pension scheme, the percentage contributions shown are paid with immediate effect and do not change in the future, pension contributions are paid by salary sacrifice by an employee based in England or Wales and are within HMRC limits, any pension savings already held by the employee are ignored, the member is exactly 25 years of age (their birthday is today), annual salary increases by 2.5% each year, pension charges of 0.75% apply, investment growth is 5% each year, the pension value is adjusted for inflation at 2.5% each year.",[],[7403],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":7404,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":7406,"blogPostMeta":7407,"content":7429,"tag":7671,"title":7428},"96beb744-3e90-4996-a882-ea93c9722bb0",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":7408,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":7424,"publishedAt":7425,"slug":7426,"title":7428},{"_type":58,"asset":7409},{"_createdAt":7149,"_id":7150,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":7151,"extension":196,"metadata":7410,"mimeType":225,"opt":7420,"originalFilename":7181,"path":7182,"sha1hash":7151,"size":7183,"uploadId":7184,"url":7185},{"_type":69,"blurHash":7153,"dimensions":7411,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":7157,"palette":7412,"thumbHash":7175},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":7155,"height":7156,"width":773},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":7413,"darkVibrant":7414,"dominant":7415,"lightMuted":7416,"lightVibrant":7417,"muted":7418,"vibrant":7419},{"_type":81,"background":7160,"foreground":83,"population":7161,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":7163,"foreground":83,"population":6521,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":7165,"foreground":91,"population":7166,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":7168,"foreground":91,"population":87,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":7165,"foreground":91,"population":7166,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":7171,"foreground":83,"population":7172,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":7174,"foreground":91,"population":325,"title":83},{"media":7421},{"tags":7422},[7423],{"_key":7180,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As we start a new year it is a good time for people to realign their financial wellbeing goals for the year ahead. The factors which impact someone’s finances could have changed significantly over the previous year, so it's always a good idea to regularly review.\n\nTo help with this, WEALTH at work has created some top tips to share with employees to allow them to take control of their finances in 2026.\n","2026-01-07T14:23:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":7427},"10-tips-to-help-employees-take-control-of-their-finances-in-2026","10 tips to help employees take control of their finances in 2026",[7430,7438,7446,7458,7481,7504,7526,7549,7561,7581,7612,7624,7636,7643,7655,7663],{"_key":7431,"_type":127,"children":7432,"markDefs":7437,"style":135},"2d17de5e9e26",[7433],{"_key":7434,"_type":131,"marks":7435,"text":7436},"86351fba151f",[],"As we start a new year it is a good time for people to realign their financial wellbeing goals for the year ahead. The factors which impact someone’s finances could have changed significantly over the previous year, so it's always a good idea to regularly review.",[],{"_key":7439,"_type":127,"children":7440,"markDefs":7445,"style":135},"342d17561ce0",[7441],{"_key":7442,"_type":131,"marks":7443,"text":7444},"58edad239a17",[],"To help with this, WEALTH at work has created some top tips to share with employees to allow them to take control of their finances in 2026.",[],{"_key":7447,"_type":127,"children":7448,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":7457,"style":135},"e22ed26c83c1",[7449,7453],{"_key":7450,"_type":131,"marks":7451,"text":7452},"9365bc0d941a",[174],"Create a budget –",{"_key":7454,"_type":131,"marks":7455,"text":7456},"7561057d0bbd",[]," The initial step to reducing expenses is to create a budget. People should work out what exactly their income is each month and check their bank statements to clarify what outgoings they have. Outgoings can then be divided into fixed costs which have to be paid such as a mortgage, council tax, energy and water, and then those which may be able to be cut back on such as supermarket shopping, monthly contracts for TV, subscriptions and other spending. Some banks have apps which enable this to be done automatically; this will highlight where money is going and where savings could be made.",[],{"_key":7459,"_type":127,"children":7460,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":7478,"style":135},"9fc1969b7f09",[7461,7465,7469,7474],{"_key":7462,"_type":131,"marks":7463,"text":7464},"6d9ca81d09ea",[174],"Track finances -",{"_key":7466,"_type":131,"marks":7467,"text":7468},"2fa3e1482040",[]," After creating a budget it is important to keep track of spending. Spotting where irregular outgoings go can make a huge difference to a person’s finances. For example, the average household in the UK spends £1,401",{"_key":7470,"_type":131,"marks":7471,"text":7473},"7b5dd5e0f113",[7472],"07d3b72aba7a","[1]",{"_key":7475,"_type":131,"marks":7476,"text":7477},"7d55931d4992",[]," on eating food out (e.g. takeaways and restaurants) each year. There are many free budgeting apps available which will help to track spending on groceries, eating out, entertainment etc.",[7479],{"_key":7472,"_type":1264,"href":7480},"#_ftn1",{"_key":7482,"_type":127,"children":7483,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":7501,"style":135},"aeafa06a4d71",[7484,7488,7492,7497],{"_key":7485,"_type":131,"marks":7486,"text":7487},"556bb488101f",[174],"Shop wisely",{"_key":7489,"_type":131,"marks":7490,"text":7491},"9d3eed7859ba",[]," – Plan shopping in advance as it will allow time to search for the best deals and reduce expenditure on non-essential items. Also, by switching brands it might be possible to significantly reduce the price of the regular shop. This approach, known as supermarket downshifting, involves choosing lower-cost alternatives such as store brands instead of premium or branded products, and it typically cuts grocery bills by around 30%",{"_key":7493,"_type":131,"marks":7494,"text":7496},"a6586eb61dc9",[7495],"772315881ad0","[2]",{"_key":7498,"_type":131,"marks":7499,"text":7500},"71366b53b88e",[],". When it comes to big purchases, such as if a washing machine breaks, discount vouchers are often available through voucher and discount websites, and many workplaces offer employee discount schemes (see tip 10). When shopping for a particular product, Idealo finds the best price online for a particular product and CamelCamelCamel allows you to track the price of Amazon products. Consider installing browser extensions like Honey that search for discount codes during online check-out.",[7502],{"_key":7495,"_type":1264,"href":7503},"#_ftn2",{"_key":7505,"_type":127,"children":7506,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":7523,"style":135},"37ea6674757e",[7507,7511,7515,7520],{"_key":7508,"_type":131,"marks":7509,"text":7510},"79e250c58863",[174],"Save on household bills ",{"_key":7512,"_type":131,"marks":7513,"text":7514},"c4445c3edc1e",[],"– It is possible to make significant savings on a range of household bills from car and home insurance to phone, broadband, TV and mobile contracts. Price comparison websites can help to make it easy to compare the different deals available. Changing to a SIM only deal on your mobile once you’re out of contract could save £321 a year. Plus, changing broadband providers could save £203 a year",{"_key":7516,"_type":131,"marks":7517,"text":7519},"e64fd45f2be5",[7518],"bb9ba8c47c2e","[3]",{"_key":7521,"_type":131,"marks":7522,"text":1289},"620aee5324c0",[],[7524],{"_key":7518,"_type":1264,"href":7525},"#_ftn3",{"_key":7527,"_type":127,"children":7528,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":7546,"style":135},"9a8f109f96d7",[7529,7533,7537,7542],{"_key":7530,"_type":131,"marks":7531,"text":7532},"ec2fecdf8f33",[174],"Avoid auto-renewals ",{"_key":7534,"_type":131,"marks":7535,"text":7536},"7bfbd4872ecd",[],"– Many insurance policies automatically renew each year so many people may be paying more than they need to if they don’t shop around. It’s a good idea to find out when any contracts are due to end and put it in the diary a month earlier so that there is plenty of time to shop around. For example, using a price comparison site could save up to £514",{"_key":7538,"_type":131,"marks":7539,"text":7541},"f7d0a3a37e29",[7540],"6332eb0e6041","[4]",{"_key":7543,"_type":131,"marks":7544,"text":7545},"aa60bbd62c2e",[]," on car insurance, so £1028 for a two-car household.",[7547],{"_key":7540,"_type":1264,"href":7548},"#_ftn4",{"_key":7550,"_type":127,"children":7551,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":7560,"style":135},"d1eda4e5dc30",[7552,7556],{"_key":7553,"_type":131,"marks":7554,"text":7555},"8921ea45ab55",[174],"Manage debt ",{"_key":7557,"_type":131,"marks":7558,"text":7559},"d64526bd4ed4",[],"– It’s important to understand the difference between good debt and bad debt. For example, a mortgage is a form of good debt which should be reviewed occasionally to ensure you have a good deal. However, at the opposite end of the spectrum, debt with high interest payments such as payday loans and credit cards can get out of control if they are not repaid quickly. For example, a debt of £3,000, with a rate of 18% APR, could take 9 years and 10 months to pay off when paying £52 a month, with total interest of £3091 paid. If that monthly payment was increased to £100 a month, the debt would be paid off in 3 years and 4 months, and interest paid would be only £908. If this was increased to £325 a month, the debt would be paid in 10 months, with total interest of £229 paid. For those struggling with debt, a good option could be to consolidate all debts into a 0% or low interest balance transfer card, as more money will go towards paying the debt off and enable it to be cleared over a shorter time. Those who are struggling to make a payment should speak to their provider before they miss a payment as help may be available.",[],{"_key":7562,"_type":127,"children":7563,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":7579,"style":135},"f40e6731c2cc",[7564,7568,7572,7576],{"_key":7565,"_type":131,"marks":7566,"text":7567},"6cdac41ad3d2",[174],"Create savings",{"_key":7569,"_type":131,"marks":7570,"text":7571},"5157708b42dd",[]," - A lack of savings can have a serious impact on financial resilience, as many people unfortunately realise too late the importance of having emergency savings. Ideally individuals should have 3-6 months of emergency savings which can be accessed at short notice. This can provide a financial buffer if they, or a member of their household, experiences a drop of income due to redundancy, illness, or unexpected expenses - such as replacing the boiler or expensive car repairs. Setting up a regular transfer to a savings account can be a useful way to get into the habit of saving. Some workplaces also offer payroll saving into a Workplace ISA which means that money is automatically saved money from your pay, making saving effortless and habitual. Money Helper offers a savings calculator to help determine how long it will take to reach a savings goal: ",{"_key":7573,"_type":131,"marks":7574,"text":7303},"3803268e9f1b",[7575],"d4c568a6e52d",{"_key":7577,"_type":131,"marks":7578,"text":1289},"633c2fb6afa1",[],[7580],{"_key":7575,"_type":1264,"href":7303},{"_key":7582,"_type":127,"children":7583,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":7608,"style":135},"9da41e60f311",[7584,7588,7592,7596,7600,7605],{"_key":7585,"_type":131,"marks":7586,"text":7587},"787bc2cbc364",[174],"Beware of energy costs ",{"_key":7589,"_type":131,"marks":7590,"text":7591},"585aa3d8a73e",[],"– Make sure you do all you can to be energy efficient. Small changes such as turning off lights when they aren’t needed, washing clothes at 30 degrees instead of higher temperatures, making sure the dishwasher is only used when full, and cutting down on the number of times the kettle is boiled can add up to really make a ",{"_key":7593,"_type":131,"marks":7594,"text":7324},"870830cd0c50",[7595],"0d010a40b767",{"_key":7597,"_type":131,"marks":7598,"text":7599},"558fbee3eb19",[],". Just switching all appliances off standby mode can save £45 a year",{"_key":7601,"_type":131,"marks":7602,"text":7604},"19a40a93701b",[7603],"376be2c51914","[5]",{"_key":7606,"_type":131,"marks":7607,"text":1289},"65e51626c3c7",[],[7609,7610],{"_key":7595,"_type":1264,"href":7331},{"_key":7603,"_type":1264,"href":7611},"#_ftn5",{"_key":7613,"_type":127,"children":7614,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":7623,"style":135},"757e4e11ce0f",[7615,7619],{"_key":7616,"_type":131,"marks":7617,"text":7618},"3aa6e5f4c7a1",[174],"Make the most of pensions – ",{"_key":7620,"_type":131,"marks":7621,"text":7622},"2cbb99a08cc9",[],"Pensions can be one of the most valuable ways of saving for the future. Currently, employers are required to make a 3% minimum contribution with employees required to pay 5% to bring the total pension contribution to 8%. Individuals should check the contributions they are making and consider whether they can afford to increase them. Depending on the arrangement an employer has in place, some will match any additional contributions which can make a big difference. For example*, an additional 1% saved each year into a pension, matched by an employer, can increase a pension pot by 25% in retirement! Also, don’t forget to keep track of all your pensions. Whilst auto-enrolment has successfully increased pension participation, it has also led to employees accumulating multiple small pension pots as they move between jobs. Consolidating these pots can make it easier to manage savings and improve investment oversight.",[],{"_key":7625,"_type":127,"children":7626,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":7635,"style":135},"9482538545fb",[7627,7631],{"_key":7628,"_type":131,"marks":7629,"text":7630},"b3388ad07aae",[174],"Maximise workplace benefits ",{"_key":7632,"_type":131,"marks":7633,"text":7634},"028f4444e3d3",[],"– Many employers also offer other perks such as discount schemes with major retailers on groceries, dining and electrical goods etc where lots of savings can be made. Not only this, financial education and guidance is provided in many workplaces to help people with a full range of money matters, as well as providing access to savings vehicles such as ISAs and Share Plans to help build financial resilience.",[],{"_key":7637,"_type":127,"children":7638,"markDefs":7642,"style":135},"aea852392e1b",[7639],{"_key":7640,"_type":131,"marks":7641,"text":1006},"5d4586489209",[],[],{"_key":7644,"_type":127,"children":7645,"markDefs":7654,"style":135},"f2f27a950ac3",[7646,7650],{"_key":7647,"_type":131,"marks":7648,"text":7649},"8c2807fa1319",[174],"Jonathan Watts Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, comments",{"_key":7651,"_type":131,"marks":7652,"text":7653},"d360cd02e6e3",[],";",[],{"_key":7656,"_type":127,"children":7657,"markDefs":7662,"style":135},"50fc7d1caa7f",[7658],{"_key":7659,"_type":131,"marks":7660,"text":7661},"39cdf6df38e4",[],"“Many employees don’t recognise the importance of financial resilience until something happens which highlights how vulnerable their finances are. Now is a great time for employees to review their financial situation and take action to make sure they are in control of their finances in 2026.”",[],{"_key":7664,"_type":127,"children":7665,"markDefs":7670,"style":135},"23bc314fe14c",[7666],{"_key":7667,"_type":131,"marks":7668,"text":7669},"6aba42302c9b",[],"He adds, “HR leaders play a pivotal role in shaping a workplace culture that supports financial wellbeing. Forward-thinking employers are taking action by offering financial education and one-to-one guidance through financial coaches, alongside access to investment advice. Complementing this, savings vehicles such as Workplace ISAs and Share Plans help build long-term financial resilience, while Pension Consolidation services enable employees gain control of their retirement savings. These initiatives empower employees to budget effectively, manage debt and plan for the future - ultimately improving overall wellbeing. This can result in increased engagement, improved productivity, and reduced absenteeism. Prioritising financial wellbeing isn’t just an employee benefit; it’s a strategic investment in your people and your organisation’s success.”",[],[7672],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":7673,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":7675,"blogPostMeta":7676,"content":7698,"tag":7749,"title":7697},"20b7d366-b85d-4d8d-a4bf-979336037d58",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":7677,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":7693,"publishedAt":7694,"slug":7695,"title":7697},{"_type":58,"asset":7678},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":7679,"mimeType":225,"opt":7689,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":7680,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":7681},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":7682,"darkVibrant":7683,"dominant":7684,"lightMuted":7685,"lightVibrant":7686,"muted":7687,"vibrant":7688},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":7690},{"tags":7691},[7692],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"With scant economic data for investors to pour over as the new year gets started, all eyes have turned to the recent U.S.-Venezuela upheaval. On Saturday, the world woke to news that President Donald Trump had authorised a raid of Venezuela overnight, capturing the current President Maduro and his wife on alleged narco-terrorism charges.","2026-01-07T11:28:05.095Z",{"_type":9,"current":7696},"market-update-7th-january-2026","Market update - 7th January 2026",[7699,7702,7710,7718,7726,7734,7742],{"_key":7700,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":7701,"width":124},"b5e2fc4e361f","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1152183036",{"_key":7703,"_type":127,"children":7704,"markDefs":7709,"style":135},"7473d613ef42",[7705],{"_key":7706,"_type":131,"marks":7707,"text":7708},"1a24438c1b17",[],"With scant economic data for investors to pour over as the new year gets started, all eyes have turned to the recent U.S.-Venezuela upheaval. On Saturday, the world woke to news that President Donald Trump had authorised a raid of Venezuela overnight, capturing the current President Maduro and his wife on alleged narco-terrorism charges. The latest developments have not come as a total surprise, however. Since September, the U.S. Navy has positioned a large number of vessels near the Venezuelan coastline and intercepted several Venezuelan oil tankers. While Trump has stated that the leadership of the country remains a U.S. decision, the UN Commission of Human Rights has denounced the move as a violation of international law.",[],{"_key":7711,"_type":127,"children":7712,"markDefs":7717,"style":135},"1b94a54a196f",[7713],{"_key":7714,"_type":131,"marks":7715,"text":7716},"1c20f0bf7a05",[],"But does this mean that other regions are suddenly vulnerable (for example, the ever‑mentioned ‘Greenland’)? Not necessarily, nor does it imply definitive or lasting negative consequences for markets, as such events generally don’t. What it may highlight, however, is that some governments - particularly in Europe - could choose to sustain higher defence spending in order to preserve influence within an evolving geopolitical landscape, especially as the U.S. takes an increasingly more assertive role on the global stage.",[],{"_key":7719,"_type":127,"children":7720,"markDefs":7725,"style":135},"00f46c8a9396",[7721],{"_key":7722,"_type":131,"marks":7723,"text":7724},"0c99bde93001",[],"It may also be surprising to some that markets largely shrugged off the recent upheaval, given their general dislike for uncertainty. And yet, that’s exactly what happened, with investors showing more optimism for AI demand via big tech names. Oil prices also inched slightly higher this week, and U.S. energy reserves rallied, with the market increasingly focused on the possibility of a major future increase in Venezuelan supply following Maduro’s capture, which could accelerate the end of the U.S. oil embargo and open the door for American companies to reinvest in the country’s energy infrastructure. Venezuela currently produces only about 1% of global output after years of sanctions and underinvestment, yet it holds around 17% of the world’s crude reserves, meaning any restoration of its industry may expand global supply over time.",[],{"_key":7727,"_type":127,"children":7728,"markDefs":7733,"style":135},"c81ee766ff80",[7729],{"_key":7730,"_type":131,"marks":7731,"text":7732},"8492ad37704e",[],"On Monday, Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda signalled that the central bank intends to keep lifting interest rates, provided economic conditions and inflation continue to develop broadly as expected. He highlighted that both wages and prices are likely to rise steadily in tandem, reinforcing the case for tighter policy. Despite facing external pressures last year, particularly from higher U.S. tariffs, Japan’s economy still managed a modest rebound. Financial markets have largely embraced the BOJ’s more hawkish stance, pushing Japanese government bond yields to levels not seen in decades. Meanwhile, the yen has slid further against the U.S. dollar, helping Japanese exporters but also adding to inflationary strain at home.",[],{"_key":7735,"_type":127,"children":7736,"markDefs":7741,"style":135},"e62629400f54",[7737],{"_key":7738,"_type":131,"marks":7739,"text":7740},"adfea64b2e17",[],"Still to come this week we have Eurozone CPI and unemployment rate, China’s CPI and U.S. Michigan consumer expectations.",[],{"_key":7743,"_type":127,"children":7744,"markDefs":7748,"style":135},"735ba4302b4e",[7745],{"_key":7746,"_type":131,"marks":7747,"text":175},"9fa58ff1185d",[174],[],[7750],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":7751,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":7753,"blogPostMeta":7754,"content":7791,"tag":7922,"title":7790},"65cb3fec-8b56-4965-9974-7befd48477d9",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":7755,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":7786,"publishedAt":7787,"slug":7788,"title":7790},{"_type":58,"asset":7756},{"_createdAt":7757,"_id":7758,"_rev":7759,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":7757,"assetId":7760,"extension":196,"metadata":7761,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":7181,"path":7782,"sha1hash":7760,"size":7783,"uploadId":7784,"url":7785},"2025-06-20T09:37:16Z","image-54402111a93a5dde62acc3c4609ede9475af8120-1000x668-jpg","xJcNa43GmqQ7Beq5jWWyPv","54402111a93a5dde62acc3c4609ede9475af8120",{"_type":69,"blurHash":7762,"dimensions":7763,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":7764,"palette":7765},"VYKUN8DhX8ITRQ?^NHofIUWB_3t7IoRjaeEM%MV?t7oL",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":7155,"height":7156,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGB\u002F\u002FEACIQAAIBBAIDAAMAAAAAAAAAAAECAwAEBQYREhMhURYyQf\u002FEABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQD\u002F8QAGREAAwEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECEQMS\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwBvqW83OJ1OFHt4EVE6oZF55NPYdykyWexcnjEWMdeszqfXP0\u002FKnMNrcWRs\u002FHdXDtF+wTqPRqjg1aySOK2Ys0MnIKj1Rp6y1miK41LbxGh\u002FkGDIHgu7fpx\u002FDRWdY\u002FUcXBHJHHG\u002FRZCACxPyir+rCYf\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":7766,"darkVibrant":7768,"dominant":7771,"lightMuted":7774,"lightVibrant":7776,"muted":7779,"vibrant":7780},{"_type":81,"background":7767,"foreground":83,"population":7161,"title":83},"#604538",{"_type":81,"background":7769,"foreground":83,"population":7770,"title":83},"#091615",0.96,{"_type":81,"background":7772,"foreground":83,"population":7773,"title":83},"#8a6f5d",6.88,{"_type":81,"background":7775,"foreground":91,"population":2637,"title":83},"#b4cdd4",{"_type":81,"background":7777,"foreground":91,"population":7778,"title":83},"#dbbfaa",6.07,{"_type":81,"background":7772,"foreground":83,"population":7773,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":7781,"foreground":91,"population":2637,"title":83},"#d89671","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F54402111a93a5dde62acc3c4609ede9475af8120-1000x668.jpg",80060,"VIgdjAfkyi6f1urBmbsOWD39cFbE4QMP","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F54402111a93a5dde62acc3c4609ede9475af8120-1000x668.jpg","As we start a new year it is important for people to strengthen their financial wellbeing for the year ahead. ","2026-01-07T10:41:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":7789},"take-control-of-your-finances-in-2026","10 tips to take control of your finances in 2026",[7792,7800,7808,7824,7832,7846,7854,7862,7870,7887,7906,7914],{"_key":7793,"_type":127,"children":7794,"markDefs":7799,"style":135},"9dd8aa03ee53",[7795],{"_key":7796,"_type":131,"marks":7797,"text":7798},"ec503085ef1a",[],"When it comes to your finances it’s always a good idea to regularly review your outgoings. This can help you understand how to improve your day-to-day spending and whether you’re using your money in a way that reflects your financial goals. Below we’ve created some tips to help you take control of your finances.",[],{"_key":7801,"_type":127,"children":7802,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":7807,"style":135},"7c1e98bda7b9",[7803],{"_key":7804,"_type":131,"marks":7805,"text":7806},"25cbec989cae",[],"Create a budget – Your outgoings can be split into core and secondary costs. Core costs are payments such as a rent, council tax, energy, water, and grocery shopping; which are essential. Secondary costs are those outgoings which is nice to have but not necessary: clothes shopping, eating out, subscriptions, and trips and holidays. By making a note of your regular and irregular outgoings you can have a better understanding of how you’re currently using your money, and how best to adjust it to benefit your financial resilience.",[],{"_key":7809,"_type":127,"children":7810,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":7822,"style":135},"9d7576ba263d",[7811,7815,7819],{"_key":7812,"_type":131,"marks":7813,"text":7814},"1d58980ed75a",[],"Create savings – It’s beneficial to save for potential emergencies and any other savings goals you may have, to improve your financial wellbeing. You can set your savings amount as a regular Standing Order to go into an ISA, making saving manageable and consistent.\nMoney Helper offers a savings calculator to help determine how long it will take to reach a savings goal: ",{"_key":7816,"_type":131,"marks":7817,"text":7303},"6ed7449c6377",[7818],"db12daf92baa",{"_key":7820,"_type":131,"marks":7821,"text":1289},"9049f3c66ed5",[],[7823],{"_key":7818,"_type":1264,"href":7303},{"_key":7825,"_type":127,"children":7826,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":7831,"style":135},"bf1dd2cfb1fb",[7827],{"_key":7828,"_type":131,"marks":7829,"text":7830},"fba331c930b2",[],"Track finances – After you create a budget, and make note of any savings goals you may have, it’s important to keep track of your spending. This can help you spot overspending and pinpoint where you can make small changes to make your money go further. If the idea of reviewing your financial statements each month is overwhelming, there are many free budgeting apps available. Sometimes your bank will allow you to categorise spending in order to better track your outgoings.",[],{"_key":7833,"_type":127,"children":7834,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":7844,"style":135},"28cc15c604e4",[7835,7839],{"_key":7836,"_type":131,"marks":7837,"text":7838},"42215781d985",[],"Manage debt – It’s essential to understand the types of debt you have and how it impacts your financial wellbeing. Debt with high interest payments such as payday loans and credit cards can get out of control if they are not repaid quickly. It may be worth consolidating all debts into a 0% or low interest balance transfer card. This means more money will go towards paying the debt off and enable it to be cleared in a shorter amount of time. Those who are struggling to make a payment should speak to their provider before they miss a payment as support may be available.\nMoney Helper provides a whole host of information for dealing with debt, along with a debt advice locator: ",{"_key":7840,"_type":131,"marks":7841,"text":7843},"89fa4e8fdd71",[7842],"e9c10a27e6ef","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.moneyhelper.org.uk\u002Fen\u002Fmoney-troubles\u002Fdealing-with-debt",[7845],{"_key":7842,"_type":1264,"href":7843},{"_key":7847,"_type":127,"children":7848,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":7853,"style":135},"2e7438b53c88",[7849],{"_key":7850,"_type":131,"marks":7851,"text":7852},"f7e7540a7d3f",[],"Plan your shopping – Prior preparation is key when shopping for groceries or making any other purchases to reduce excess expenditure. Switching grocery brands, sometimes known as supermarket downshifting, can significantly reduce the price of your regular food shop.\nWhen it comes to big purchases such as white goods, discount vouchers are often available through voucher and discount websites, and many workplaces offer employee discount schemes (see tip 10).\nIf you’re shopping for a particular product, there are comparison websites which can find the best price online. Alternatively, consider installing browser extensions which search for discount codes during online check-out.",[],{"_key":7855,"_type":127,"children":7856,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":7861,"style":135},"ced6fb3adb20",[7857],{"_key":7858,"_type":131,"marks":7859,"text":7860},"8dc96b2f3327",[],"Save on household bills – From household bills to car insurance, broadband to mobile contracts, making changes to your outgoings which have a set price can seem impossible. Price comparison websites can help make it easy by comparing different deals in one place. Moreover, changing to a SIM only deal on your mobile once you’re out of contract could save £321 a year. Similarly, changing broadband providers could save £203 a year.",[],{"_key":7863,"_type":127,"children":7864,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":7869,"style":135},"4ac6c3ed5a22",[7865],{"_key":7866,"_type":131,"marks":7867,"text":7868},"eb32b83f2e99",[],"Avoid auto-renewals – Many insurance policies automatically renew each year, and you may be paying more than you need. It’s a good idea to find out when any of your renewal contracts are due to end and create a diary reminder a month earlier so you can shop around in that time.",[],{"_key":7871,"_type":127,"children":7872,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":7885,"style":135},"44449744434b",[7873,7877,7881],{"_key":7874,"_type":131,"marks":7875,"text":7876},"4b6b4ba45234",[],"Beware of energy costs – Make sure you do all you can to be energy efficient. Small changes such as turning off lights when they aren’t needed, washing clothes at 30 degrees or below, and making sure the dishwasher is only used when full can make a ",{"_key":7878,"_type":131,"marks":7879,"text":7324},"6d9de5ba67de",[7880],"b7ac5af441ac",{"_key":7882,"_type":131,"marks":7883,"text":7884},"3ba210a3c593",[],". Just switching all appliances off standby mode can save £45 a year. These small changes can become habitual actions and save you money in the future.",[7886],{"_key":7880,"_type":1264,"href":7331},{"_key":7888,"_type":127,"children":7889,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":7903,"style":135},"40a8525313de",[7890,7894,7899],{"_key":7891,"_type":131,"marks":7892,"text":7893},"b13322ff4077",[],"Make the most of pensions – Your pensions can be a valuable way to save for the future. Currently, employers are required to make a 3% minimum contribution with employees required to pay 5% to bring the total pension contribution to 8%. Increasing the amount, you pay into you pension may be something you wish to consider and finding out whether that would be affordable. Depending on the arrangement your employer has in place, they may match any additional contributions which can make a big difference for your future financial wellbeing. For example*, an additional 1% saved each year into a pension, matched by an employer, can increase a pension pot by 25% in retirement!\nAlso, don’t forget to keep track of all your pensions. If you have moved between jobs, you may have built up multiple pension pots. Many people choose to combine their old pension pots to make it easier to keep track of retirement savings, more so when you begin to calculate any extra savings which may be needed for your retirement. \nCheck out our ",{"_key":7895,"_type":131,"marks":7896,"text":7898},"50707fdc2184",[7897],"544ca8ad2869","pension consolidation article",{"_key":7900,"_type":131,"marks":7901,"text":7902},"79f433a19b9c",[]," on the benefits.",[7904],{"_key":7897,"_type":1264,"href":7905},"https:\u002F\u002Fmywealthinvest.co.uk\u002Fnews\u002Fis-it-worth-consolidating-my-pension",{"_key":7907,"_type":127,"children":7908,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":7913,"style":135},"dc7c7e8edbc8",[7909],{"_key":7910,"_type":131,"marks":7911,"text":7912},"77e66b712180",[],"Maximise workplace benefits – Your employer may offer other perks such as discount schemes with major retailers on groceries, dining, and electrical goods etc. You could take advantage of these benefits to assist with your budget and spending habits. Moreover, your employer may provide access to ISAs and share plans to help build your financial resilience so make sure to ask them.",[],{"_key":7915,"_type":127,"children":7916,"markDefs":7921,"style":1544},"1cb94c45e45f",[7917],{"_key":7918,"_type":131,"marks":7919,"text":7920},"8bc73d67ec79",[],"\n* This example is based on a basic rate taxpayer, aged 25, earning £20,000 per year. If their pension contribution increased by 1% of their salary and their employer matches this, the cost of take-home pay reduces by less than £12 per month (around £136 per year). If they then retire at age 68, the pension pot will have increased from £99,341 to £124,177 – a growth of 25%.\n\n1. https:\u002F\u002Fwww.uswitch.com\u002Ffaqs\u002Fsavings-messages\u002F\n2. https:\u002F\u002Fenergysavingtrust.org.uk\u002Fhub\u002Fquick-tips-to-save-energy\u002F\n",[],[7923],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":7924,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":7926,"blogPostMeta":7927,"content":7949,"tag":8027,"title":7948},"c98f6b56-a27a-4767-8ff6-74528df8b59b",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":7928,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":7944,"publishedAt":7945,"slug":7946,"title":7948},{"_type":58,"asset":7929},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":7930,"mimeType":225,"opt":7940,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":7931,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":7932},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":7933,"darkVibrant":7934,"dominant":7935,"lightMuted":7936,"lightVibrant":7937,"muted":7938,"vibrant":7939},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":7941},{"tags":7942},[7943],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"Trading volumes were thin over the Christmas and New Year period, with many major exchanges closed or operating on reduced hours. As a result, market activity was subdued, and price moves were generally modest.","2026-01-05T11:33:05.505Z",{"_type":9,"current":7947},"week-ending-2nd-january-2026","Week ending 2nd January 2026",[7950,7953,7957,7964,7972,7980,7988,7996,8004,8012,8020],{"_key":7951,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":7952,"width":124},"a78eb0e0b0e5","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1151548891",{"_key":7954,"_type":58,"asset":7955},"8e28a5a4f7b9",{"_ref":7956,"_type":107},"image-7b87f3d3686d56b23da0dc2fdc7f6e227b7b98c0-1600x2884-png",{"_key":7958,"_type":127,"children":7959,"markDefs":7963,"style":135},"ddcdb3522fe6",[7960],{"_key":7961,"_type":131,"marks":7962,"text":7944},"4a93c10325d9",[],[],{"_key":7965,"_type":127,"children":7966,"markDefs":7971,"style":135},"bc1aa093b62e",[7967],{"_key":7968,"_type":131,"marks":7969,"text":7970},"d93aab75c048",[],"Looking back, 2025 proved to be an exceptionally strong year for financial markets, despite several bouts of volatility along the way. Global equities delivered robust gains, with the FTSE All World Index rising close to 15% on a total return basis in sterling terms.",[],{"_key":7973,"_type":127,"children":7974,"markDefs":7979,"style":135},"7861aa88dc40",[7975],{"_key":7976,"_type":131,"marks":7977,"text":7978},"3313e6475522",[],"For UK investors in particular, the year stood out. The FTSE 100 recorded its best annual performance since 2009. Our portfolios have delivered double-digit returns, underlining the benefits of diversification and long-term discipline. Despite persistent geopolitical noise throughout the year and the shock back in April surrounding “Liberation Day”, markets recovered quickly and finished the year higher - an important reminder of the value of staying invested and not reacting to short-term market turbulence.",[],{"_key":7981,"_type":127,"children":7982,"markDefs":7987,"style":135},"ed005badb9de",[7983],{"_key":7984,"_type":131,"marks":7985,"text":7986},"2d55eb1b4a17",[],"On the macro front, economic data releases were relatively quiet. Investor attention focused mainly on China’s PMI data and the minutes from the Federal Reserve’s December policy meeting.",[],{"_key":7989,"_type":127,"children":7990,"markDefs":7995,"style":135},"72e789e6b019",[7991],{"_key":7992,"_type":131,"marks":7993,"text":7994},"a97fe84e234e",[],"Data from China’s manufacturing sector returned to growth toward the end of the year. The official manufacturing PMI rose to 50.1 in December from 49.2 previously, moving back into expansionary territory. Policy developments in China drew attention as well. Authorities reportedly instructed chipmakers to source at least 50% of equipment for new capacity from domestic suppliers, reinforcing efforts to achieve semiconductor self-sufficiency. In addition, Beijing announced measures to support domestic demand, including a VAT cut on homes sold within two years and an initial $9 billion allocation for consumer subsidies in 2026, aimed at stabilising consumption and underpinning growth.",[],{"_key":7997,"_type":127,"children":7998,"markDefs":8003,"style":135},"f395e9d39d8a",[7999],{"_key":8000,"_type":131,"marks":8001,"text":8002},"c657e0e5a49b",[],"Meanwhile, minutes from the Federal Reserve’s December meeting revealed that the decision to cut interest rates was highly contentious. While most participants ultimately supported the cut as a forward-looking step to help stabilise the labour market amid slowing job growth, several officials described the decision as “finely balanced”. Six policymakers opposed the cut outright, with two dissenting votes recorded. Concerns focused on the lack of clear progress toward the Fed’s 2% inflation target, and some members suggested holding rates at the new range for an extended period. The data catch-up continues, with December jobs and consumer price figures due on January 9 and January 13, returning the calendar to its normal release schedule. The Fed next meets at the end of January, with markets currently expecting rates to remain unchanged.",[],{"_key":8005,"_type":127,"children":8006,"markDefs":8011,"style":135},"234c8f4324cd",[8007],{"_key":8008,"_type":131,"marks":8009,"text":8010},"017576f6bc40",[],"Looking ahead, the coming week brings a fuller slate of economic releases, including:",[],{"_key":8013,"_type":127,"children":8014,"markDefs":8019,"style":135},"4eea206883e7",[8015],{"_key":8016,"_type":131,"marks":8017,"text":8018},"99516072a61f",[],"US ISM manufacturing and services PMIs, Eurozone inflation and economic sentiment. Later in the week Chinese inflation, Eurozone retail sales. Data on the US labour market including non-farm payrolls, initial jobless claims, unemployment, and average earnings.",[],{"_key":8021,"_type":127,"children":8022,"markDefs":8026,"style":135},"66535aa23b91",[8023],{"_key":8024,"_type":131,"marks":8025,"text":175},"7e4c697763bc",[174],[],[8028],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":8029,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":8031,"blogPostMeta":8032,"content":8074,"tag":8190,"title":8073},"d7e27a21-ecef-4470-abeb-02b1265fef7a",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":8033,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":8069,"publishedAt":8070,"slug":8071,"title":8073},{"_type":58,"asset":8034},{"_createdAt":8035,"_id":8036,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":8037,"extension":196,"metadata":8038,"mimeType":225,"opt":8059,"originalFilename":8064,"path":8065,"sha1hash":8037,"size":8066,"uploadId":8067,"url":8068},"2025-12-23T10:52:28Z","image-b849e30683af26f872f18943dcd138e988d67d35-1000x667-jpg","b849e30683af26f872f18943dcd138e988d67d35",{"_type":69,"blurHash":8039,"dimensions":8040,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":8041,"palette":8042},"V7HxKIDiE-_N020L%gwbyYem~V-prWt,D%9bW?9G-mtR",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGAv\u002FEACMQAAIBBAEDBQAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwAEBREGEyFBFCIxUqH\u002FxAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADBP\u002FEABwRAAEDBQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAhIDERMhQv\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AX+pt5OB4aB0aRgpG0butb4wtxZcQyNg1pIy3ruVPnWvkU8w+Ax7Y+PpQlBGPaN7Aptx\u002FHy3Nu6yXOjG2kKxgaFQdq5CyOrOJLB8fxkOJtle3LOUBYk+aKprriRE7dPJTRr9Qg7ftFNjaoU6h\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":8043,"darkVibrant":8045,"dominant":8048,"lightMuted":8049,"lightVibrant":8051,"muted":8054,"vibrant":8057},{"_type":81,"background":6918,"foreground":83,"population":8044,"title":83},1.52,{"_type":81,"background":8046,"foreground":83,"population":8047,"title":83},"#543c23",6.38,{"_type":81,"background":8046,"foreground":83,"population":8047,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":6925,"foreground":91,"population":8050,"title":83},5.39,{"_type":81,"background":8052,"foreground":91,"population":8053,"title":83},"#e0c0a4",2.79,{"_type":81,"background":8055,"foreground":83,"population":8056,"title":83},"#a38059",5.49,{"_type":81,"background":8058,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},"#bc7c3c",{"media":8060},{"tags":8061},[8062],{"_key":8063,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"rDJnXfDWmoIbREVHvM_ne","shutterstock_2228390043-1.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fb849e30683af26f872f18943dcd138e988d67d35-1000x667.jpg",381194,"9jtVm9fRjPKEAoZL22mdM6DY9xYUXnYv","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fb849e30683af26f872f18943dcd138e988d67d35-1000x667.jpg","For those starting their first job in the new year, this chapter often brings the responsibility of managing money for the first time. It is important that those entering the workplace are taught about budgeting and responsible borrowing, as well as understanding the many workplace savings and benefits on offer so they can take control of their finances and build financial resilience.","2025-12-24T12:02:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":8072},"10-money-tips-for-those-entering-the-workplace-in-2026","10 money tips for those entering the workplace in 2026",[8075,8083,8091,8172,8183],{"_key":8076,"_type":127,"children":8077,"markDefs":8082,"style":135},"30d401e62728",[8078],{"_key":8079,"_type":131,"marks":8080,"text":8081},"724b1cab7593",[],"For those starting their first job in the new year, this chapter often brings the responsibility of managing money for the first time. It is important that those entering the workplace are taught about budgeting and responsible borrowing, as well as understanding the many workplace savings and benefits on offer so they can take control of their finances and build financial resilience.\n",[],{"_key":8084,"_type":127,"children":8085,"markDefs":8090,"style":135},"08cfb9c17308",[8086],{"_key":8087,"_type":131,"marks":8088,"text":8089},"9e6a464cd25e",[],"To help, WEALTH at work has shared 10 money tips that those starting full-time work will need to know.\n",[],{"_key":8092,"_type":127,"children":8093,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":8171,"style":135},"9a5acdc55718",[8094,8098,8102,8106,8110,8114,8118,8122,8126,8130,8134,8138,8142,8146,8150,8153,8157,8160,8164,8167],{"_key":8095,"_type":131,"marks":8096,"text":8097},"a5ba8c033dff",[174],"Make sense of payslips",{"_key":8099,"_type":131,"marks":8100,"text":8101},"e2578a6d9dc1",[]," –The first payslip can be very confusing, but it contains important information, including payroll number, gross income (the income before any taxes and deductions have been taken), net pay (what’s left after deductions have been taken) and a tax code.\n\nIt’s important to get to grips with what deductions will be made to understand how much income will be left each month. The most common deductions on payslips are tax, pensions, National Insurance and Student Finance Repayments which are explained below.\n\n",{"_key":8103,"_type":131,"marks":8104,"text":8105},"4ee87e484c35",[174],"2. Get to grips with Tax ",{"_key":8107,"_type":131,"marks":8108,"text":8109},"b09dc84f649f",[],"- Income Tax is charged on most types of income including a salary. However, people don’t usually pay Income Tax on all their income because they will typically qualify for the Personal Allowance. This is the amount of money someone can earn each tax year before they start paying Income Tax which is £12,570 for the 2025\u002F26 tax year. Income Tax is then paid at 20% on earnings above £12,570 and 40% above £50,270 and 45% above £125,140. It’s important for people to check their tax code is correct and they are paying the correct amount of Income Tax. This can be done by checking www.gov.uk\u002Fcheck-income-tax-current-year.\n\nIncome Tax isn’t the only deduction taken from your salary; National Insurance contributions are also required, at a rate of 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270, and 2% on earnings above that. These payments will help build an entitlement to certain benefits including the State Pension.\n\n\n",{"_key":8111,"_type":131,"marks":8112,"text":8113},"9781d6d5aa7f",[174],"3. Make the most of pensions ",{"_key":8115,"_type":131,"marks":8116,"text":8117},"8d99c547fc69",[],"- Auto-enrolment means that all employees between age 22 and State Pension age with earnings of more than £10,000 annually are automatically enrolled into their workplace pension. If employees are within the age bracket 16-21, they can opt into their pension scheme if they wish to do so.\n\nCurrently, employers are required to make a 3% minimum contribution with employees required to pay 5% to bring the total pension contribution to 8%. Some employers pay more than the minimum contribution of 3% and some may match pension contributions made by employees. Contributions made into a pension are usually free of Income Tax and employers who offer a salary sacrifice arrangement are also able to save employees National Insurance costs on their contributions. This means basic rate taxpayers will usually save 20% in income tax on contributions and may save a further 8% in National Insurance costs. It is widely recognised that contributions that total 8% of salary (3% from the employer and 5% from the employee) are not enough and are unlikely to provide the quality of retirement most people imagine. Many don’t release that saving just a bit more can make a significant difference to the overall size of their pension pot at retirement. For example, someone in their 20s, saving just 1% more each year into a workplace pension can boost future savings by 25% if their employers were to match this.\n\n",{"_key":8119,"_type":131,"marks":8120,"text":8121},"4ee68cdd2ca4",[174],"4. Appreciate the cost of delay - ",{"_key":8123,"_type":131,"marks":8124,"text":8125},"db4eefa71bff",[],"If someone aged 25 contributed a total of £2,400* per year into their pension (including both employer and employee contributions) for 30 years, they could build a pension pot worth £167,426 by age 55, assuming a 5% annual investment return. However, if they delayed saving for 10 years and only started contributing at age 35, they would need to contribute £4,825 per year for the remaining 20 years to reach a similar pension pot of £167,520 by age 55.\n\nThis clearly shows the cost of delay; waiting 10 years more than doubles the annual contribution required to achieve the same outcome. For many, this higher contribution may be unaffordable, making it difficult or even impossible to catch up. Starting early allows savings to grow over time and benefit from the power of compounding.\n\n",{"_key":8127,"_type":131,"marks":8128,"text":8129},"26587793df19",[174],"5. Understand payments on student loans ",{"_key":8131,"_type":131,"marks":8132,"text":8133},"3cdf9156b2a7",[],"– When someone starts repaying their loan and how much they repay depends on their repayment plan, which can be checked in their student loan repayment account. Loan repayments typically begin at the start of the tax year following the completion or withdrawal from a course. For example, if a student finishes their course in June 2025, their first student loan repayment would be deducted in the 2026\u002F27 tax year, starting from April 2026. However, repayments only start when the person is earning over the ‘repayment threshold’. For instance, a person who graduates in 2025 is likely to be on Plan 2, meaning they will only start making repayments once their income is over the repayment threshold, which is currently £28,470 (for Plan 2 loans) a year. Student loan repayments are usually collected via PAYE, with 9% of salary that exceeds the current threshold used to pay off the loan. Loans will also be cancelled after a certain period of time if they’ve not already been paid off in full – this can vary between 25 and 40 years depending on the rules at the time the loan was taken out. Some companies have student loan reimbursement schemes to help employees with their student loan repayments. The monthly repayment amount does not depend on the amount of the student loan; it is based purely on the amount earned. This means that someone with £20,000 of debt will make the same monthly repayments as someone with £50,000, if they earn the same amount.\n",{"_key":8135,"_type":131,"marks":8136,"text":8137},"4031d8a86c78",[174],"\n6. Check out workplace perks - ",{"_key":8139,"_type":131,"marks":8140,"text":8141},"9349baf86557",[],"Many employers offer their staff various benefits, so it is important to know what is on offer. These can be anything from support with health and fitness, e.g. discounted gym memberships, health and fitness apps and devices, or discounts on shopping, support with childcare and elderly care costs and debt support. Some of these are offered through salary sacrifice which means it is paid through company payroll using pre-tax salary; meaning less Income Tax and National Insurance are paid, which can offer significant savings.\n\n",{"_key":8143,"_type":131,"marks":8144,"text":8145},"0c24d3c3dd0d",[174],"7. Create a monthly budget ",{"_key":8147,"_type":131,"marks":8148,"text":8149},"52cc1ef926ab",[],"– It’s always a good idea to create a monthly budget so that people can understand what they can afford to spend and avoid getting into debt. This should include all income and outgoings such as fixed costs (i.e. mortgage or rent, council tax, energy and water and contracts for TV and broadband subscriptions) and then other costs such as supermarket shopping, days and nights out or clothes and makeup. Alternatively, budgeting apps which integrate with bank accounts can be useful to build a budget in one place and give a clear overview of all accounts including savings and show all transactions in one place, as well as how spending compares to previous months. Through such apps, it is possible to set multiple budgets for groceries, eating out, entertainment etc, as well as setting savings and debt repayment goals.\n\n",{"_key":8151,"_type":131,"marks":8152,"text":7076},"12609a15c77e",[174],{"_key":8154,"_type":131,"marks":8155,"text":8156},"01e6e58e59bd",[]," – It’s always a good idea to have a pot of money for unexpected costs. Whilst a workplace pension provides a great way to save for retirement, there are also other options for those looking to save in general.\n\nAn ISA is a tax efficient savings option for those wanting to build future savings. There are several different types of ISA available, with the two most common being a ‘cash’ or a ‘Stocks and Shares’ ISA. £20,000 can be saved per person each tax year into an ISA without having to pay tax on any savings interest or investment growth. Many workplaces offer their employees access to a Workplace ISA and contributions can conveniently be taken directly from pay.\n\nSome companies also offer employees access to Save as You Earn (SAYE) (sometimes referred to as share save plans) as a way to invest in their future. These plans run for three or five year terms, and employees can save between £5 and £500 per month. At the end of the plan’s term, if the company’s share price has fallen, employees can receive all their savings back. If the share price is higher than the fixed price agreed at the start of the plan, employees can use their savings to buy shares at a lower cost and sell them to realise any returns.\n\nThe Share Incentive Plan (SIP) is another popular type of share plan, enabling employees to purchase shares in their company by making monthly contributions of between £10 and £150. Employers may also provide matching shares so that the employee can receive up to two additional shares for each share purchased. Some companies will also use the SIP to gift ‘free shares’ of up to £3,600 in any tax year to employees.\n\n",{"_key":8158,"_type":131,"marks":8159,"text":7088},"e0379e575afb",[174],{"_key":8161,"_type":131,"marks":8162,"text":8163},"8e904c25411e",[]," – Regular financial check ins can be a great way to become more aware and adjust spending accordingly. If, after a spending review, a person’s outgoings are more than they would like it to be, they may be able to reduce their costs by checking bank and payment services for recurring payments. This may be possible by shopping around to lower household bills such as insurance, phone and broadband providers, and cancelling unused subscriptions. Discount vouchers are also available online and many workplaces offer employee discount schemes, which can be useful for the weekly shop or big purchases, such as if a washing machine breaks, and also activities like eating out and holidays.\n\n",{"_key":8165,"_type":131,"marks":8166,"text":7100},"d640334bce49",[174],{"_key":8168,"_type":131,"marks":8169,"text":8170},"30f589c757aa",[]," – Debt comes in many forms such as loans, credit cards or store cards. A mortgage is a form of ‘good debt’ which should be reviewed occasionally to ensure you have a good deal. On the other hand, debt with high interest payments, such as payday loans, overdrafts, and credit cards can get out of control if they are not repaid quickly which could impact financial and mental wellbeing.\n\nThere are varying levels of interest that different debt providers charge. For example, credit cards and overdrafts may have rates as high as 40%, with payday loans having rates of 1,500% and more! By shopping around, it may be possible to move to a lower interest rate, and some credit cards even offer 0% on balance transfers for a period of time. Research from WEALTH at work indicated that workers thought that their biggest financial concerns for the year included being in debt (29%). So, it’s important for anyone who is struggling with debt to know that there is support available from reputable sources. Many employers offer Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) that includes debt management support. This support often ranges from budgeting advice to establishing the root cause of someone’s debt issues. Free services such as MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice or National Debt Line are also available.",[],{"_key":8173,"_type":127,"children":8174,"markDefs":8182,"style":135},"84d5fbcaf351",[8175,8178],{"_key":8176,"_type":131,"marks":8177,"text":1502},"0db28f1f9827",[174],{"_key":8179,"_type":131,"marks":8180,"text":8181},"ee68f6a305c7",[],"\n\n“Starting a first job is an exciting time, though for some, it can mean the first time they are having to manage their own money. Now is a great time for employees to review their financial situation and take action to make sure they are in control of their finances in 2026. It is important that those starting off in their career are taught about budgeting, savings and responsible borrowing so they can take control of their finances. Many leading employers provide financial education in the workplace to help employees learn the basic principles of money management, as well as to understand all the savings and benefits on offer to build financial resilience.”",[],{"_key":8184,"_type":127,"children":8185,"markDefs":8189,"style":135},"d4bceaf3f4c6",[8186],{"_key":8187,"_type":131,"marks":8188,"text":7139},"830271e7e0ce",[],[],[8191],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":8192,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":8194,"blogPostMeta":8195,"content":8241,"tag":8438,"title":8240},"9134266b-6c19-49cf-b87e-647c166b1526",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":8196,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":8236,"publishedAt":8237,"slug":8238,"title":8240},{"_type":58,"asset":8197},{"_createdAt":8198,"_id":8199,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":8200,"extension":196,"metadata":8201,"mimeType":225,"opt":8226,"originalFilename":8231,"path":8232,"sha1hash":8200,"size":8233,"uploadId":8234,"url":8235},"2025-12-22T15:25:12Z","image-b97ab9241ae7cec77f913b5f5f95c811006f79b8-3504x2336-jpg","b97ab9241ae7cec77f913b5f5f95c811006f79b8",{"_type":69,"blurHash":8202,"dimensions":8203,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":8206,"palette":8207},"VmK-,$Z}ogNHV?_NSORjRPt7,.Sif5axoztSVsRjkCWA",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":495,"height":8204,"width":8205},2336,3504,"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABwAD\u002F8QAJhAAAQMCBQMFAAAAAAAAAAAAAgEDBAAFBhESITEkQmEyM0Fxof\u002FEABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMCBP\u002FEABoRAAIDAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIRAAEDBEH\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FAErD93ZhwYEwBJXjdITDVyn1W7l+utxSbCgTWs3CXS53NeKKb1bCsMFhxiW+7INdKOmu6ZpvWWE50pTbcF8xPNSNc\u002FX8b1mz6As1pK1x1AWFtxufx23ZwjxJbDsh4WhUnR4JeM\u002FyqhvEk2atwHqV9tO3ytVOXRi7TgVz9Xs\u002F\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":8208,"darkVibrant":8211,"dominant":8214,"lightMuted":8216,"lightVibrant":8217,"muted":8220,"vibrant":8223},{"_type":81,"background":8209,"foreground":83,"population":8210,"title":83},"#325e37",2.31,{"_type":81,"background":8212,"foreground":83,"population":8213,"title":83},"#794a2d",6.3,{"_type":81,"background":8215,"foreground":91,"population":6922,"title":83},"#bead88",{"_type":81,"background":8215,"foreground":91,"population":6922,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":8218,"foreground":91,"population":8219,"title":83},"#73b7e3",2.91,{"_type":81,"background":8221,"foreground":83,"population":8222,"title":83},"#71908e",6.32,{"_type":81,"background":8224,"foreground":91,"population":8225,"title":83},"#dc8c4f",1.78,{"media":8227},{"tags":8228},[8229],{"_key":8230,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"bMnjtc-bzyAyHqesxdpX7","shutterstock_2336567215.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fb97ab9241ae7cec77f913b5f5f95c811006f79b8-3504x2336.jpg",1978048,"ciTpnILDynyhZyBAcwETxWomATxodmOj","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fb97ab9241ae7cec77f913b5f5f95c811006f79b8-3504x2336.jpg","Big reforms are underway in the UK pensions system, which could have a real impact on people’s retirement plans. WEALTH at work highlights the key changes coming in 2026 and beyond and explore what they mean in practice for pension savers.","2025-12-22T15:25:02.269Z",{"_type":9,"current":8239},"big-pension-changes-ahead:-what-savers-need-to-know","Big pension changes ahead: what savers need to know",[8242,8249,8256,8264,8272,8279,8286,8297,8305,8313,8320,8328,8340,8347,8355,8362,8373,8380,8387,8398,8406,8414,8422,8430],{"_key":8243,"_type":127,"children":8244,"markDefs":8248,"style":135},"f46825eb952e",[8245],{"_key":8246,"_type":131,"marks":8247,"text":8236},"adb161b80681",[],[],{"_key":8250,"_type":127,"children":8251,"markDefs":8255,"style":135},"9e5509f09375",[8252],{"_key":8253,"_type":131,"marks":8254,"text":5987},"e5ecc3895501",[174],[],{"_key":8257,"_type":127,"children":8258,"markDefs":8263,"style":135},"4619c1a896eb",[8259],{"_key":8260,"_type":131,"marks":8261,"text":8262},"1be03592f98a",[],"The FCA’s consultation in June 2025 unveiled plans to introduce a Targeted Support regime which is planned to launch in April 2026, with applications opening to financial services firms from March. The launch dates are subject to legislation being passed by parliament. This reform would allow authorised firms to provide tailored suggestions to groups of individuals with similar financial characteristics - bridging the gap between generic guidance and regulated financial advice. The goal is to make pension and investment support more accessible and affordable.",[],{"_key":8265,"_type":127,"children":8266,"markDefs":8271,"style":135},"d614124e0338",[8267],{"_key":8268,"_type":131,"marks":8269,"text":8270},"78e7647dd93c",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, comments; “I welcome the initiative, albeit with some reservations. The new regime could help savers to get started and bridge the advice gap and may also encourage disengaged investors to make active choices and get better value from their investments. Targeted support could also help people to understand what is required to generate a desired level of income throughout retirement. However, by design, it’s not holistic and won’t consider all accumulated wealth or personal circumstances. For those with larger sums, regulated advice will remain essential, especially when planning for retirement income.",[],{"_key":8273,"_type":127,"children":8274,"markDefs":8278,"style":135},"527fa858bab6",[8275],{"_key":8276,"_type":131,"marks":8277,"text":6019},"44766b9ed850",[174],[],{"_key":8280,"_type":127,"children":8281,"markDefs":8285,"style":135},"00700fee4793",[8282],{"_key":8283,"_type":131,"marks":8284,"text":6027},"e1bb1159bc1e",[],[],{"_key":8287,"_type":127,"children":8288,"markDefs":8296,"style":135},"339a67caa732",[8289,8292],{"_key":8290,"_type":131,"marks":8291,"text":1502},"d5536fd81019",[174],{"_key":8293,"_type":131,"marks":8294,"text":8295},"02e3bd1f25f5",[]," “On small pots, whilst auto-enrolment has successfully increased pension participation, it has also led to employees accumulating multiple small pots as they move between jobs. The Department for Work and Pensions estimates there are around 13 million deferred DC pots that are worth less than £1,000, with the number increasing by around one million a year.",[],{"_key":8298,"_type":127,"children":8299,"markDefs":8304,"style":135},"dd0da3833e8b",[8300],{"_key":8301,"_type":131,"marks":8302,"text":8303},"662ae17bf2df",[],"Pension consolidation offers an effective remedy – providing people with a clear view of retirement savings and reducing the risk of lost pots. The Small Pots Delivery Group (a collaborative initiative between the government, regulators, and industry stakeholders) have been tasked with setting out how eligible pots will be moved to authorised consolidators.Legislation is likely to come into force around 2030 that require schemes to automatically transfer eligible small pots to authorised consolidators.”",[],{"_key":8306,"_type":127,"children":8307,"markDefs":8312,"style":135},"bfb4560f12a5",[8308],{"_key":8309,"_type":131,"marks":8310,"text":8311},"7fb1bc9da723",[],"On the topic of default pension benefit solutions as part of the guided retirement proposals Watts-Lay comments; “The legislation terms this as ‘guided retirement’. However, in reality it’s unclear how much actual support will be provided, given that the premise of offering default options is to remove the need for people to make an active choice. There is a real danger that this could lead to a repeat of the issues seen with annuities pre-Freedom and Choice, where individuals defaulted into their providers annuity without exploring better options elsewhere. Retirement needs are highly individual. Some may have other significant assets, others may rely solely on their pension. Health, life expectancy and income preferences vary widely. A generic default solution cannot cater to this spectrum of needs and may result in tax inefficiencies and suboptimal income. People should understand that the default is not the only option and may not be suitable for their needs. Seeking financial education and one-to-one guidance can help them to make informed decisions.”",[],{"_key":8314,"_type":127,"children":8315,"markDefs":8319,"style":135},"92907ebb000d",[8316],{"_key":8317,"_type":131,"marks":8318,"text":6059},"4255b2f24b49",[174],[],{"_key":8321,"_type":127,"children":8322,"markDefs":8327,"style":135},"cdd7175f1696",[8323],{"_key":8324,"_type":131,"marks":8325,"text":8326},"63e956d38d88",[],"Throughout 2026, pensions dashboards will start to roll out, with all schemes required to connect by 31 October – although exact connect dates will also depend on scheme type and number of active and deferred members.",[],{"_key":8329,"_type":127,"children":8330,"markDefs":8339,"style":135},"3e184cef4134",[8331,8335],{"_key":8332,"_type":131,"marks":8333,"text":8334},"6bbda89d11a3",[174],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, comments; ",{"_key":8336,"_type":131,"marks":8337,"text":8338},"df88d9bec178",[],"“Dashboards will give people a view of all their pensions in one place. This can make it much easier to understand what they’ve built up, spot any gaps, and plan for the income they’ll need in retirement.”",[],{"_key":8341,"_type":127,"children":8342,"markDefs":8346,"style":135},"3887b6bd2032",[8343],{"_key":8344,"_type":131,"marks":8345,"text":6075},"1e6107f312eb",[],[],{"_key":8348,"_type":127,"children":8349,"markDefs":8354,"style":135},"4596e9100566",[8350],{"_key":8351,"_type":131,"marks":8352,"text":8353},"0a1d19893824",[],"In July 2025, the government revived the Pensions Commission to examine adequacy and recommend reforms, noting risks that future retirees may be poorer than today’s.",[],{"_key":8356,"_type":127,"children":8357,"markDefs":8361,"style":135},"819bd90f1cda",[8358],{"_key":8359,"_type":131,"marks":8360,"text":6091},"ef5d3d4bf2c7",[],[],{"_key":8363,"_type":127,"children":8364,"markDefs":8372,"style":135},"6663cc5842e1",[8365,8368],{"_key":8366,"_type":131,"marks":8367,"text":1502},"93b6fa2366c1",[174],{"_key":8369,"_type":131,"marks":8370,"text":8371},"032868c3345e",[]," “While auto‑enrolment is a success in participation terms, adequacy remains a key issue. It is widely recognised that saving the auto enrolment minimum of 8% is not enough for a secure retirement, and that millions are on track for an inadequate retirement. The reforms will be crucial in shaping how people save and plan for retirement.”",[],{"_key":8374,"_type":127,"children":8375,"markDefs":8379,"style":135},"167b5fda988b",[8376],{"_key":8377,"_type":131,"marks":8378,"text":6099},"1fcf9c4ebfff",[174],[],{"_key":8381,"_type":127,"children":8382,"markDefs":8386,"style":135},"7e4444bb9dd7",[8383],{"_key":8384,"_type":131,"marks":8385,"text":6107},"b240f47dd43a",[],[],{"_key":8388,"_type":127,"children":8389,"markDefs":8397,"style":135},"34acd8adb99c",[8390,8393],{"_key":8391,"_type":131,"marks":8392,"text":1502},"2ed08466ee21",[174],{"_key":8394,"_type":131,"marks":8395,"text":8396},"cc6923bc2ff0",[]," “The changes will affect savers differently depending on their earnings and contribution levels. Most basic-rate taxpayers contributing modest amounts via salary sacrifice will see little or no impact, as their annual contributions often fall below the £2,000 threshold. Those contributing above £2,000 annually will start to lose NI savings, reducing the overall efficiency of salary sacrifice. They may need to increase contributions to maintain retirement targets. Individuals making significant contributions through salary sacrifice will be most affected. The loss of NI relief could substantially increase their cost of saving, potentially discouraging higher contributions. However, it may be wise to consider maximising pension contributions before the changes take place.",[],{"_key":8399,"_type":127,"children":8400,"markDefs":8405,"style":135},"c6c9363d6023",[8401],{"_key":8402,"_type":131,"marks":8403,"text":8404},"c01033d37daa",[],"What can people do to prepare for all the changes ahead?",[],{"_key":8407,"_type":127,"children":8408,"markDefs":8413,"style":135},"c2298061649b",[8409],{"_key":8410,"_type":131,"marks":8411,"text":8412},"49ec77fe511d",[],"“The upcoming pension reforms offer a great opportunity for savers to better understand their pensions, become more empowered, and ultimately achieve the retirement they want.",[],{"_key":8415,"_type":127,"children":8416,"markDefs":8421,"style":135},"f9d0655f79bf",[8417],{"_key":8418,"_type":131,"marks":8419,"text":8420},"4a10cd81d56b",[],"But people don’t have to wait as now is the time to get ahead of change. Speak to your employer or HR team to see how they can help. Many workplaces offer financial education, guidance, and investment advice to help you make the most of your pension and savings options.",[],{"_key":8423,"_type":127,"children":8424,"markDefs":8429,"style":135},"42aca4486db6",[8425],{"_key":8426,"_type":131,"marks":8427,"text":8428},"6f73badeb3e8",[],"If you’ve got multiple pots from different jobs, ask about pension consolidation services. Bringing them together can give you clarity and better control. Also, look into tax efficient options like Workplace ISAs alongside your pension. This helps build financial resilience and flexibility.",[],{"_key":8431,"_type":127,"children":8432,"markDefs":8437,"style":135},"6f3ac84c58a5",[8433],{"_key":8434,"_type":131,"marks":8435,"text":8436},"c260acbdf03c",[],"By engaging with your pensions and savings, asking questions, and using the support available through your employer, you can make smarter decisions and achieve better retirement outcomes.”",[],[8439],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":8440,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":8442,"blogPostMeta":8443,"content":8465,"tag":8557,"title":8464},"65579ab7-2952-4775-8e12-a855a7f2e07d",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":8444,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":8460,"publishedAt":8461,"slug":8462,"title":8464},{"_type":58,"asset":8445},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":8446,"mimeType":225,"opt":8456,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":8447,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":8448},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":8449,"darkVibrant":8450,"dominant":8451,"lightMuted":8452,"lightVibrant":8453,"muted":8454,"vibrant":8455},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":8457},{"tags":8458},[8459],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As you can see from the accompanying table, it was a broadly positive week for global financial markets and, for many, the final full trading week of 2025. Monetary policy dominated the headlines, particularly in the UK, where the Bank of England (BoE) delivered its closely watched December policy decision.","2025-12-22T11:25:51.403Z",{"_type":9,"current":8463},"week-ending-19th-december","Week ending 19th December",[8466,8468,8471,8478,8486,8494,8502,8510,8518,8526,8534,8542,8550],{"_key":7951,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":8467,"width":124},"https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1148624244?",{"_key":7954,"_type":58,"asset":8469},{"_ref":8470,"_type":107},"image-ba4fd562b35e65d5df72b80900870a21f6ddd38a-1600x2884-png",{"_key":8472,"_type":127,"children":8473,"markDefs":8477,"style":135},"ac4864c16866",[8474],{"_key":8475,"_type":131,"marks":8476,"text":8460},"2090d05be695",[],[],{"_key":8479,"_type":127,"children":8480,"markDefs":8485,"style":135},"fa55cfaf8592",[8481],{"_key":8482,"_type":131,"marks":8483,"text":8484},"70af40a59549",[],"UK equities ended the week strongly positive, supported by signs that inflation is easing and interest rates may now be on a gentler downward trajectory. The BoE’s Monetary Policy Committee voted 5–4 to cut Bank Rate by 0.25% to 3.75%. The narrow margin shows that policymakers remain cautious: while the majority judged inflation to be easing, four members preferred to hold rates, reflecting concerns that inflation might not fall sustainably without restraint.",[],{"_key":8487,"_type":127,"children":8488,"markDefs":8493,"style":135},"ca2d9c5239d7",[8489],{"_key":8490,"_type":131,"marks":8491,"text":8492},"ea67f29243bb",[],"The decision came hot on the heels of UK inflation data which showed price growth slowed to 3.2% in November, below the Bank’s expectations. The softer print supported a market rally by tempering expectations that inflation will remain persistently elevated.",[],{"_key":8495,"_type":127,"children":8496,"markDefs":8501,"style":135},"0fc656c8ae6a",[8497],{"_key":8498,"_type":131,"marks":8499,"text":8500},"b4890e45562e",[],"The BoE aims to bring inflation back to a sustainable 2%. The committee signalled that policy is now close to what it considers a ‘neutral’ rate, one that neither stimulates nor slows the economy though opinions on that level differ. Uncertainty over how quickly spare capacity will build, combined with short-term inflation-reducing fiscal measures in the recent Budget, means policymakers remain cautious.",[],{"_key":8503,"_type":127,"children":8504,"markDefs":8509,"style":135},"c538864d40fc",[8505],{"_key":8506,"_type":131,"marks":8507,"text":8508},"6f156060d5ed",[],"Economic data in the UK painted a mixed picture. Retail sales fell 0.1% in November following a weak October. However, the data is often distorted by Black Friday discounting patterns, which makes interpretation difficult. Overall, it’s too early to call a meaningful downturn in consumer demand until December data is also released.",[],{"_key":8511,"_type":127,"children":8512,"markDefs":8517,"style":135},"00b49d544d09",[8513],{"_key":8514,"_type":131,"marks":8515,"text":8516},"d42e55a6e33c",[],"Market performance was uneven early in the week, reflecting a continuation of the prior week’s tech‑sector weakness amid persistent concerns over AI‑related valuations and spending. However, equities ultimately finished the week on firmer footing. U.S. stocks reversed a four-day losing streak after inflation data showed softer-than-expected price pressures. The Consumer Price Index increased 2.7% year‑on‑year in November, moderating from the 3.0% pace recorded in September (October figures were unavailable due to data‑collection disruptions during the federal government shutdown). The softer inflation trajectory strengthened expectations that the Federal Reserve could extend its policy‑easing cycle into 2026, lifting market sentiment toward the end of the week.",[],{"_key":8519,"_type":127,"children":8520,"markDefs":8525,"style":135},"6bde05efa53e",[8521],{"_key":8522,"_type":131,"marks":8523,"text":8524},"72c8d35732c0",[],"Elsewhere, the European Central Bank held interest rates at 2% for a fourth consecutive meeting. The ECB reiterated its commitment to ensuring inflation returns to target and emphasized that decisions will continue to be data dependent. President Lagarde avoided any signal of forthcoming cuts or hikes, highlighting the high level of economic uncertainty and the absence of a predetermined policy path.",[],{"_key":8527,"_type":127,"children":8528,"markDefs":8533,"style":135},"e858048091d9",[8529],{"_key":8530,"_type":131,"marks":8531,"text":8532},"afb8cc317fcc",[],"Performance was mixed across Asia, Emerging Markets and Japan. In contrast with major western central banks, Japan moved in the opposite direction. The Bank of Japan raised rates by 0.25% to 0.75%, a notable step for a historically dovish institution. The move reflects pressure from a weak yen and early signs that inflation may become more firmly anchored. Higher rates typically support a currency and, for Japan, a stronger yen would help lower import prices, potentially easing inflation. Policymakers also pointed to expectations of continued wage growth in 2026 as support for normalizing policy.",[],{"_key":8535,"_type":127,"children":8536,"markDefs":8541,"style":135},"7757b471249f",[8537],{"_key":8538,"_type":131,"marks":8539,"text":8540},"cbceefbbe6da",[],"As the year draws to a close, economic data and news tend to quieten. Consequently, our next scheduled update will be 5th January although we will still be working and managing your investments over the Christmas period and of course will provide a market update should any major market moving events occur.",[],{"_key":8543,"_type":127,"children":8544,"markDefs":8549,"style":135},"a4c3eadd7e4d",[8545],{"_key":8546,"_type":131,"marks":8547,"text":8548},"3410d5c48246",[],"Finally, we would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.",[],{"_key":8551,"_type":127,"children":8552,"markDefs":8556,"style":135},"f2829f02650f",[8553],{"_key":8554,"_type":131,"marks":8555,"text":288},"28436221f643",[174],[],[8558],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":8559,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":8561,"blogPostMeta":8562,"content":8602,"tag":8826,"title":8829},"999f5791-d598-4275-a1fc-d5f7375bb032",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":8563,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":8598,"slug":8599,"title":8601},{"_type":58,"asset":8564},{"_createdAt":8565,"_id":8566,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":8567,"extension":196,"metadata":8568,"mimeType":225,"opt":8588,"originalFilename":8593,"path":8594,"sha1hash":8567,"size":8595,"uploadId":8596,"url":8597},"2025-07-22T10:15:42Z","image-3af27ed9d183c1c6245bf9b822b99b71e6d8704f-1000x667-jpg","3af27ed9d183c1c6245bf9b822b99b71e6d8704f",{"_type":69,"blurHash":8569,"dimensions":8570,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":8571,"palette":8572},"VBI#S;000h?w00?w00-p~q00%%NG-6McS58wxZERE3-p",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwABAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgAEB\u002F\u002FEACEQAAIBBQACAwEAAAAAAAAAAAECAwAEBQYRByESFUFR\u002F8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAwT\u002FxAAdEQACAQQDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgADERJBEyFC\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwAZrDsuuXi4uU\u002Fa3HY1hB4UTvtq7H4daHB20gyzqkhUEFz0k0H0fVrSG4guGllZgvy4DylmcxCiaGdZ5AneiM+wKkYvyX8ymngaZG4W8s5KyyG53My8PEVD7\u002FlVbtv1qzkzLSydZ5Y1djz9IqpMWO4Qdh1af\u002F\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":8573,"darkVibrant":8574,"dominant":8577,"lightMuted":8580,"lightVibrant":8582,"muted":8584,"vibrant":8587},{"_type":81,"background":6198,"foreground":83,"population":5949,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":8575,"foreground":83,"population":8576,"title":83},"#885f1d",2.2,{"_type":81,"background":8578,"foreground":83,"population":8579,"title":83},"#b28b5a",8.89,{"_type":81,"background":6207,"foreground":91,"population":8581,"title":83},1.18,{"_type":81,"background":8583,"foreground":91,"population":6211,"title":83},"#ddb98d",{"_type":81,"background":8585,"foreground":83,"population":8586,"title":83},"#926d4d",3.86,{"_type":81,"background":8578,"foreground":83,"population":8579,"title":83},{"media":8589},{"tags":8590},[8591],{"_key":8592,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"tWlgNhcbhTIFVZTQ_IGYu","shutterstock_1912957819.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F3af27ed9d183c1c6245bf9b822b99b71e6d8704f-1000x667.jpg",601762,"N3NjnjZu0Qbs8X39O0R13ITLrEI50R9s","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F3af27ed9d183c1c6245bf9b822b99b71e6d8704f-1000x667.jpg","2025-12-22T08:03:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":8600},"big-pension-changes-ahead-what-every-employer-and-trustee-should-know","WEALTH at work launches new digital Pension Consolidation service to help employees take control of their retirement savings",[8603,8611,8618,8625,8636,8643,8650,8661,8669,8677,8684,8691,8703,8710,8717,8724,8735,8742,8749,8760,8767,8778,8786,8794,8802,8810,8818],{"_key":8604,"_type":127,"children":8605,"markDefs":8610,"style":135},"3393afd7ee48",[8606],{"_key":8607,"_type":131,"marks":8608,"text":8609},"cc1273e7b434",[],"The UK pensions landscape has entered a decisive phase of reform, bringing significant implications for trustees, pension schemes, employers and members. WEALTH at work highlights the key developments for the year ahead and beyond and what they mean in practice.",[],{"_key":8612,"_type":127,"children":8613,"markDefs":8617,"style":135},"863b85e824f0",[8614],{"_key":8615,"_type":131,"marks":8616,"text":5987},"d9a60e2e45af",[174],[],{"_key":8619,"_type":127,"children":8620,"markDefs":8624,"style":135},"1c9c277fca44",[8621],{"_key":8622,"_type":131,"marks":8623,"text":8262},"d2953ea4e493",[],[],{"_key":8626,"_type":127,"children":8627,"markDefs":8635,"style":135},"287f54a41889",[8628,8631],{"_key":8629,"_type":131,"marks":8630,"text":1502},"c0bbf2de5ff6",[174],{"_key":8632,"_type":131,"marks":8633,"text":8634},"fd004ecb383c",[]," “I welcome the initiative, albeit with some reservations. The new regime could help savers to get started and bridge the advice gap and may also encourage disengaged investors to make active choices and get better value from their investments. Targeted support could also help people to understand what is required to generate a desired level of income throughout retirement. However, by design, it’s not holistic and won’t consider all accumulated wealth or personal circumstances. For those with larger sums, regulated advice will remain essential, especially when planning for retirement income.",[],{"_key":8637,"_type":127,"children":8638,"markDefs":8642,"style":135},"f36edaceb573",[8639],{"_key":8640,"_type":131,"marks":8641,"text":6019},"f776bfc10067",[174],[],{"_key":8644,"_type":127,"children":8645,"markDefs":8649,"style":135},"e1c9c3779d1a",[8646],{"_key":8647,"_type":131,"marks":8648,"text":6027},"5567f711d13e",[],[],{"_key":8651,"_type":127,"children":8652,"markDefs":8660,"style":135},"9b2d16f82f96",[8653,8656],{"_key":8654,"_type":131,"marks":8655,"text":1502},"c8ee00f14c90",[174],{"_key":8657,"_type":131,"marks":8658,"text":8659},"10e0e28674ac",[]," “On small pots, whilst auto-enrolment has successfully increased pension participation, it has also led to employees accumulating multiple small pots as they move between jobs.The Department for Workand Pensions estimates there are around 13 million deferred DC pots that are worth less than £1,000, with the number increasing by around one million a year.",[],{"_key":8662,"_type":127,"children":8663,"markDefs":8668,"style":135},"0a80a61bf33b",[8664],{"_key":8665,"_type":131,"marks":8666,"text":8667},"5363faa0e4ad",[],"Pension consolidation offers an effective remedy – providing people with a clear view of retirement savings and reducing the risk of lost pots. The Small Pots Delivery Group (a collaborative initiative between the government, regulators, and industry stakeholders) have been tasked with setting out how eligible pots will be moved to authorised consolidators.Legislation is likely to come into force around2030 that require schemes to automatically transfer eligible small pots to authorised consolidators.”",[],{"_key":8670,"_type":127,"children":8671,"markDefs":8676,"style":135},"bd971059612c",[8672],{"_key":8673,"_type":131,"marks":8674,"text":8675},"55d4e000d3e1",[],"On the topic of default pension benefit solutions as part of the guided retirement proposals Watts-Lay comments; “The legislation terms this as ‘guided retirement’. However, in reality it’s unclear how much actual support will be provided, given that the premise of offering default options is to remove the need for people to make an active choice. There is a real danger that this could lead to a repeat of the issues seen with annuities pre-Freedom and Choice, where individuals defaulted into their providers annuity without exploring better options elsewhere. Retirement needs are highly individual. Some may have other significant assets, others may rely solely on their pension. Health, life expectancy and income preferences vary widely. A generic default solution cannot cater to this spectrum of needs and may result in tax inefficiencies and suboptimal income. Employers and trustees must ensure people understand that the default is not the only option and may not be suitable for their needs. Providing financial education and one-to-one guidance is essential so informed decisions can be made.",[],{"_key":8678,"_type":127,"children":8679,"markDefs":8683,"style":135},"d515c671a28c",[8680],{"_key":8681,"_type":131,"marks":8682,"text":6059},"f0c038e80b29",[174],[],{"_key":8685,"_type":127,"children":8686,"markDefs":8690,"style":135},"bc411522247c",[8687],{"_key":8688,"_type":131,"marks":8689,"text":8326},"ef92249f4de6",[],[],{"_key":8692,"_type":127,"children":8693,"markDefs":8702,"style":135},"957ec0b616b7",[8694,8698],{"_key":8695,"_type":131,"marks":8696,"text":8697},"c15332e1cc7c",[174],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, comments",{"_key":8699,"_type":131,"marks":8700,"text":8701},"b8ea1cc4f444",[],"; “Beyond the technical requirements, employers and trustees should focus on member engagement by developing clear, and accessible communications and financial education that explains what dashboards are, how they will work, and the benefits of being able to view all pensions in one place. Proactive planning now will help deliver a smoother transition and enhance transparency.”",[],{"_key":8704,"_type":127,"children":8705,"markDefs":8709,"style":135},"4a5d7e481c28",[8706],{"_key":8707,"_type":131,"marks":8708,"text":6075},"271da2c9e711",[174],[],{"_key":8711,"_type":127,"children":8712,"markDefs":8716,"style":135},"2b14735c8986",[8713],{"_key":8714,"_type":131,"marks":8715,"text":8353},"d42616dae999",[],[],{"_key":8718,"_type":127,"children":8719,"markDefs":8723,"style":135},"abc5290ca7fa",[8720],{"_key":8721,"_type":131,"marks":8722,"text":6091},"93da431d8032",[],[],{"_key":8725,"_type":127,"children":8726,"markDefs":8734,"style":135},"6db7b6a96979",[8727,8730],{"_key":8728,"_type":131,"marks":8729,"text":1502},"cdd50d739e7a",[174],{"_key":8731,"_type":131,"marks":8732,"text":8733},"c424942de96d",[]," “While auto‑enrolment is a success in participation terms, adequacy remains a key issue. It is widely recognised that saving the auto enrolment minimum of 8% is not enough for a secure retirement, and that millions are on track for an inadequate retirement. Employers and trustees will play a central role in how reforms land within schemes and workplaces.”",[],{"_key":8736,"_type":127,"children":8737,"markDefs":8741,"style":135},"c25caf348fbd",[8738],{"_key":8739,"_type":131,"marks":8740,"text":6099},"63761a679020",[174],[],{"_key":8743,"_type":127,"children":8744,"markDefs":8748,"style":135},"113b18b25834",[8745],{"_key":8746,"_type":131,"marks":8747,"text":6107},"041d23bc01bb",[],[],{"_key":8750,"_type":127,"children":8751,"markDefs":8759,"style":135},"74db46e92e64",[8752,8755],{"_key":8753,"_type":131,"marks":8754,"text":1502},"abc6cde368e3",[174],{"_key":8756,"_type":131,"marks":8757,"text":8758},"9836233ee2e6",[]," “The changes will affect savers differently depending on their earnings and contribution levels. Most basic-rate taxpayers contributing modest amounts via salary sacrifice will see little or no impact, as their annual contributions often fall below the £2,000 threshold. Those contributing above £2,000 annually will start to lose NI savings, reducing the overall efficiency of salary sacrifice. They may need to increase contributions to maintain retirement targets. Individuals making significant contributions through salary sacrifice will be most affected. The loss of NI relief could substantially increase their cost of saving, potentially discouraging higher contributions. However, it may be wise to consider maximising pension contributions before the changes take place. Employers and trustees should anticipate increased queries as a result.”",[],{"_key":8761,"_type":127,"children":8762,"markDefs":8766,"style":135},"4332b7d1f828",[8763],{"_key":8764,"_type":131,"marks":8765,"text":6123},"7bf527f2fa2e",[174],[],{"_key":8768,"_type":127,"children":8769,"markDefs":8777,"style":135},"676637505111",[8770,8773],{"_key":8771,"_type":131,"marks":8772,"text":1502},"a835fe135011",[174],{"_key":8774,"_type":131,"marks":8775,"text":8776},"c728a4a04751",[]," “Now is the time to get ahead of change. Employers and trustees who plan early and communicate clearly will be best placed to deliver the central ambition behind this reform wave of better outcomes for savers.",[],{"_key":8779,"_type":127,"children":8780,"markDefs":8785,"style":135},"c9c4b349d05d",[8781],{"_key":8782,"_type":131,"marks":8783,"text":8784},"88fad3e64183",[],"Strategies that empower staff to understand their pensions and retirement options and make informed decisions should be prioritised. This includes providing accessible financial education programmes, interactive tools, and one-to-one guidance, as well as investment advice which all play a part in helping people improve their retirement outcomes.",[],{"_key":8787,"_type":127,"children":8788,"markDefs":8793,"style":135},"25b0753e671a",[8789],{"_key":8790,"_type":131,"marks":8791,"text":8792},"cc96b98412f7",[],"Diversifying savings options will remain important. Tax‑efficient savings wrappers including Workplace ISAs continue to have a role alongside pensions. With ongoing updates to ISA rules and allowances, trustees and employers should work together to regularly review how workplace savings are communicated and integrated across total reward packages. A holistic approach ensures people can build financial resilience beyond traditional pension contributions.",[],{"_key":8795,"_type":127,"children":8796,"markDefs":8801,"style":135},"54c843fd4f5f",[8797],{"_key":8798,"_type":131,"marks":8799,"text":8800},"daf2f0a30ecb",[],"Facilitating Pension Consolidation will also be essential in helping staff gain clarity and control over their retirement savings.",[],{"_key":8803,"_type":127,"children":8804,"markDefs":8809,"style":135},"0e76154fd6b6",[8805],{"_key":8806,"_type":131,"marks":8807,"text":8808},"51413bb59448",[],"However, ensuring robust due diligence with any provider shouldn’t be overlooked. Employers and trustees must ensure that any third-party providers meet rigorous standards. This includes reviewing credentials, compliance frameworks, and service quality to safeguard individual’s interests.",[],{"_key":8811,"_type":127,"children":8812,"markDefs":8817,"style":135},"6ecfe5f3d731",[8813],{"_key":8814,"_type":131,"marks":8815,"text":8816},"362bd8b6615e",[],"WEALTH at work already support hundreds of organisations in helping their employees improve their financial future through financial education, one‑to‑one guidance and investment advice - complemented by our digital Pension Consolidation service and Workplace ISA.",[],{"_key":8819,"_type":127,"children":8820,"markDefs":8825,"style":135},"d4a3183dbeed",[8821],{"_key":8822,"_type":131,"marks":8823,"text":8824},"b684e10bdcb5",[],"As reforms take shape, employers and trustees have a unique opportunity to join forces and lead the way in creating a culture of financial wellbeing. Prioritising financial engagement and education through partnering with trusted experts can ensure these changes translate into meaningful benefits for workers. We look forward to supporting our clients through the successful implementation of these reforms and helping them deliver on the promise of a stronger, more secure retirement for all.”",[],[8827],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":8828,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},"Big pension changes ahead: what every employer and trustee should know",{"_id":8831,"blogPostMeta":8832,"content":8854,"tag":8905,"title":8853},"2c4e8474-7521-4b1a-82c4-ff9fb0e40de8",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":8833,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":8849,"publishedAt":8850,"slug":8851,"title":8853},{"_type":58,"asset":8834},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":8835,"mimeType":225,"opt":8845,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":8836,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":8837},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":8838,"darkVibrant":8839,"dominant":8840,"lightMuted":8841,"lightVibrant":8842,"muted":8843,"vibrant":8844},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":8846},{"tags":8847},[8848],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"This morning, UK headline CPI for November was released, coming in below expectations at 3.2%, down from 3.6% in October. The slowdown was driven by weaker food and core goods inflation, which helped ease overall price pressures. ","2025-12-17T11:53:18.575Z",{"_type":9,"current":8852},"market-update-17th-december-2025","Market Update - 17th December 2025",[8855,8858,8866,8874,8882,8890,8898],{"_key":8856,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":8857,"width":124},"37919d743b2e","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1147296039?",{"_key":8859,"_type":127,"children":8860,"markDefs":8865,"style":135},"56d94f959aaa",[8861],{"_key":8862,"_type":131,"marks":8863,"text":8864},"e70ab9f87efc",[],"This morning, UK headline CPI for November was released, coming in below expectations at 3.2%, down from 3.6% in October. The slowdown was driven by weaker food and core goods inflation, which helped ease overall price pressures. Unsurprisingly, services remain the main contributor to inflation, rising 4.4% year-on-year. The Bank of England holds its final monetary policy meeting of the year tomorrow. Markets had already been pricing in a 25 basis point rate cut to 3.75%, and today’s data further strengthens that expectation. This is compounded by the latest labour market figures, which show the UK unemployment rate climbing to 5.1% in the three months to October - the highest level since early 2021.",[],{"_key":8867,"_type":127,"children":8868,"markDefs":8873,"style":135},"c2a318d3fe58",[8869],{"_key":8870,"_type":131,"marks":8871,"text":8872},"ff36cee46815",[],"On Tuesday, consumption in China was reported as having fallen short of expectations in November, with retail sales rising to 1.3% year-on-year, slowed by an 8.1% drop in auto sales and distortions from the early Singles-Day shopping festival. Despite deflationary pressures and weakening wages, the economy remains on track to meet its 5% growth target, aided by strong exports to non-U.S. markets and a plethora of government stimulus pledged and already in circulation (including plans for ultra-long-term government bonds to boost demand and investment).",[],{"_key":8875,"_type":127,"children":8876,"markDefs":8881,"style":135},"18d8f603280f",[8877],{"_key":8878,"_type":131,"marks":8879,"text":8880},"3cd3433a3156",[],"In the U.S., nonfarm payrolls rose by 64,000 in November, beating market expectations but offering little in the way of genuine surprise about the condition of the labour market. Over the same period, the unemployment rate increased to 4.6%, while labour force participation edged higher to 62.5% from 62.4%. Taken together, the data reinforce the view that the labour market is continuing to cool at a measured pace - an environment increasingly characterised as “low hiring, low firing”. This backdrop leaves the Federal Reserve with important considerations as it assesses the scope for further interest rate cuts in 2026. That said, Fed Chair Jerome Powell has cautioned against over-interpreting the latest release, noting the likelihood of data revisions due to the government shutdown and downplaying its immediate policy significance.",[],{"_key":8883,"_type":127,"children":8884,"markDefs":8889,"style":135},"777da6b20a0f",[8885],{"_key":8886,"_type":131,"marks":8887,"text":8888},"dbde60b7994a",[],"Over the weekend, President Zelenskyy indicated that Kyiv would be willing to forgo NATO membership in an effort to move closer to ending the war with Russia. This was followed on Tuesday by comments from President Trump suggesting that a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine could be imminent. The developments weighed heavily on defence stocks, which fell sharply on the news.",[],{"_key":8891,"_type":127,"children":8892,"markDefs":8897,"style":135},"a52cee00483f",[8893],{"_key":8894,"_type":131,"marks":8895,"text":8896},"1ac6e2178da4",[],"Still to come this week we have the ECB’s interest rate decision, U.S. inflation, Japan’s inflation rate and UK retail 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behalf of everyone at WEALTH at work, we would like to take this opportunity to send our best wishes for the year ahead.","2025-12-16T08:03:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":8998},"seasons-greetings-2025","Season's Greetings 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This marked the third consecutive cut, following similar moves in September and October.",[],{"_key":9064,"_type":127,"children":9065,"markDefs":9070,"style":135},"71966ddfe1fa",[9066],{"_key":9067,"_type":131,"marks":9068,"text":9069},"3a0f5c6e2140",[],"Policymakers signalled that rates are likely to remain on hold until clearer evidence emerges on inflation and labour market trends, both of which remain finely balanced. Fed Chair Jerome Powell avoided offering forward guidance, instead emphasising the risk of undermining job creation if policy is loosened too aggressively. With inflation still above target, the Fed’s dual mandate of price stability and full employment continues to drive internal debate. Powell noted that the Fed funds rate is “within a broad range of estimates of its neutral value” and that policymakers are “well positioned to wait and see how the economy evolves”.",[],{"_key":9072,"_type":127,"children":9073,"markDefs":9078,"style":135},"6f1b8f13f896",[9074],{"_key":9075,"_type":131,"marks":9076,"text":9077},"15d3b0442c60",[],"Futures markets are currently pricing in two further 25-basis-point cuts in 2026, which would take rates closer to 3.0%. By contrast, the Fed’s own projections imply a slower path, with just one cut next year and another in 2027.",[],{"_key":9080,"_type":127,"children":9081,"markDefs":9086,"style":135},"085dbab0b709",[9082],{"_key":9083,"_type":131,"marks":9084,"text":9085},"690ac0b706bb",[],"Still, Wednesday’s move offered reassurance. Powell’s less hawkish tone helped calm nerves, and U.S. equities extended gains, reaching record highs by Thursday.",[],{"_key":9088,"_type":127,"children":9089,"markDefs":9094,"style":135},"83914ceff031",[9090],{"_key":9091,"_type":131,"marks":9092,"text":9093},"d04eadab9854",[],"However, gains proved short‑lived as the AI trade faltered as investors were disappointed by reports from Oracle and Broadcom. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq ended the week lower, though the Dow advanced. Oracle shares slid after weaker second‑quarter results and higher investment spending, while Broadcom beat revenue forecasts, issued strong guidance, and highlighted its role in AI infrastructure. Even so, its stock fell in after‑hours trading, underscoring investors’ increasingly demanding expectations for AI growth. Both updates point to companies investing heavily in future opportunities, even as markets press for quicker returns.",[],{"_key":9096,"_type":127,"children":9097,"markDefs":9102,"style":135},"e1a38900751b",[9098],{"_key":9099,"_type":131,"marks":9100,"text":9101},"3bd7caa143ce",[],"In the UK, economic data reinforced concerns about a fragile recovery. GDP contracted by 0.1% in October 2025, with activity slowing across several key sectors in the run-up to Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Autumn Budget. While manufacturing saw a temporary boost from Jaguar Land Rover’s return to production, pre-Budget uncertainty weighed on business confidence and investment. The weakness has strengthened expectations that the Bank of England will cut interest rates, with markets now viewing a move to 3.75% at the Monetary Policy Committee meeting on 18th December as all but certain. Looking ahead, the Budget’s doubling of fiscal headroom may help stabilise sentiment, but whether it translates into a sustained pickup in growth through 2026 remains uncertain.",[],{"_key":9104,"_type":127,"children":9105,"markDefs":9110,"style":135},"ce741ebb10c0",[9106],{"_key":9107,"_type":131,"marks":9108,"text":9109},"41ab997db32d",[],"In Asia, attention turned to China’s annual Central Economic Work Conference, attended by President Xi Jinping and senior officials, which set the policy agenda for 2026. Investors, already encouraged by a strong rally earlier in the year, were looking for fresh catalysts. Policymakers pledged proactive fiscal measures to support consumption and investment, alongside efforts to stabilise the property sector. 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The Fed has a duty to cater to their dual mandate of stability in price growth and maintain strength in the labour market.","2025-12-10T10:38:43.206Z",{"_type":9,"current":9203},"market-update-10th-december-2025","Market Update - 10th December 2025",[9206,9209,9217,9225,9233,9241],{"_key":9207,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":9208,"width":124},"87ed636f54f9","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1145223502",{"_key":9210,"_type":127,"children":9211,"markDefs":9216,"style":135},"a9993536377a",[9212],{"_key":9213,"_type":131,"marks":9214,"text":9215},"cc8bfe740d14",[],"This week, traders have the Fed’s last monetary policy meeting of the year in focus (a decision will be made by Wednesday). The Fed has a duty to cater to their dual mandate of stability in price growth and maintain strength in the labour market. In recent times, the lack of data caused by the government shutdown has caused clarity issues for policymakers that may still show in Wednesday’s meeting, even as markets are expecting a cut to end 2025 of 25 basis points. In October, Chair Jerome Powell described this as “slowing down while driving in the fog”. Fresh U.S jobs data that is an indicator of labour turnover and strengthened the dollar on Tuesday, however, may help the Fed decide. It was revealed that more job openings were added in September and October than anticipated even while a moderate weakness in hiring showed in the breakdown of the data.",[],{"_key":9218,"_type":127,"children":9219,"markDefs":9224,"style":135},"be86c73dd4b6",[9220],{"_key":9221,"_type":131,"marks":9222,"text":9223},"39b6472a73da",[],"Shortly after China reported a $1 trillion trade surplus, authorities urged their trading partners to avoid protectionist measures in order to keep international relations productive and mutually beneficial. China’s Premier, Li Qiang, appealed to the IMF, World Bank, and World Trade Organization, calling for stronger oversight of economies considering new tariffs on Chinese imports. This comes amidst economists noting that the scale and strength of China’s export sector (combined with its seeming reluctance to shift away from this growth model) makes it difficult for other countries to justify lower or zero tariffs. There is also little evidence that President Trump’s efforts have meaningfully slowed China’s production or its distribution to global markets outside the U.S., rendering even less incentive for China to reduce its trade surplus meaningfully.",[],{"_key":9226,"_type":127,"children":9227,"markDefs":9232,"style":135},"d5589fef255d",[9228],{"_key":9229,"_type":131,"marks":9230,"text":9231},"5dc4e3d858f9",[],"In the UK, it emerged on Tuesday that measures announced in the recent Autumn Budget could have a deflationary impact, reducing the UK’s inflation reading by 0.4 to 0.5 percentage points as early as Q2 2026. Policies aimed at easing housing costs and freezing rail fares may help the Bank of England reach its 2% inflation target earlier than the previously forecast date of 2027 although policymakers maintain that they will assess the data on a consistent basis before making any decisions. The Bank’s next meeting is scheduled for the 18th December, where markets are currently pricing in one further rate cut to finish the year.",[],{"_key":9234,"_type":127,"children":9235,"markDefs":9240,"style":135},"a440eb501108",[9236],{"_key":9237,"_type":131,"marks":9238,"text":9239},"e122fc776c67",[],"Still to come this week we have UK GDP and U.S. exports, imports and trade data.",[],{"_key":9242,"_type":127,"children":9243,"markDefs":9247,"style":135},"912475552aa0",[9244],{"_key":9245,"_type":131,"marks":9246,"text":175},"b02711e661ff",[174],[],[9249],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":9250,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":9252,"blogPostMeta":9253,"content":9298,"tag":9518,"title":9297},"a1433c20-e637-42ca-9e30-12ad5e3e99c0",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":9254,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":9293,"publishedAt":9294,"slug":9295,"title":9297},{"_type":58,"asset":9255},{"_createdAt":9256,"_id":9257,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":9258,"extension":196,"metadata":9259,"mimeType":225,"opt":9283,"originalFilename":9288,"path":9289,"sha1hash":9258,"size":9290,"uploadId":9291,"url":9292},"2025-12-02T09:56:38Z","image-7ddb1202f169074ddcab07cdb78e2f2bccf01dc7-5507x3676-jpg","7ddb1202f169074ddcab07cdb78e2f2bccf01dc7",{"_type":69,"blurHash":9260,"dimensions":9261,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":9265,"palette":9266},"VBK,ESjc004.5s00^Pk=tRxV00#k.TtlIU?wIUDixU-p",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":9262,"height":9263,"width":9264},1.498095756256801,3676,5507,"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAcDBAX\u002FxAAnEAABAwMDAQkAAAAAAAAAAAACAQMEAAURBgcSFBchIiQyQWFxgf\u002FEABcBAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMEBQb\u002FxAAeEQACAQMFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgADBBIRITFBcf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AyNPbeje7e7JiqSOplGzIsIJVWvO08202\u002FqbpOFYRr4xZFSWmBoRh1vToPtyXAMmlUUH0in1UkfWU+TCbalNsOoKkK5HCKifFRUrUgNCN5ozcXRXAMMfIoexqRP8AMhM4tud4IIZwPt+0U7nZZNcEa5NiQIXESwiZooy3JA5MVeiHYse5\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":9267,"darkVibrant":9269,"dominant":9272,"lightMuted":9273,"lightVibrant":9276,"muted":9278,"vibrant":9281},{"_type":81,"background":9268,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#5c3c64",{"_type":81,"background":9270,"foreground":83,"population":9271,"title":83},"#940505",7.97,{"_type":81,"background":9270,"foreground":83,"population":9271,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":9274,"foreground":91,"population":9275,"title":91},"#d7c8bf",4.6,{"_type":81,"background":9277,"foreground":91,"population":6521,"title":83},"#f5b98d",{"_type":81,"background":9279,"foreground":83,"population":9280,"title":83},"#a16751",6.21,{"_type":81,"background":9282,"foreground":83,"population":507,"title":83},"#df0c11",{"media":9284},{"tags":9285},[9286],{"_key":9287,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"yM9r7AMaI6HYZuTzcxW2j","shutterstock_2215377575.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F7ddb1202f169074ddcab07cdb78e2f2bccf01dc7-5507x3676.jpg",9442618,"Zti6OJaVkkpzpjBskk9SEpzCs0qYqNI0","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F7ddb1202f169074ddcab07cdb78e2f2bccf01dc7-5507x3676.jpg","Managing money can be challenging, so we’ve put together some tips to help you navigate your finances during the festive season and into the new year.","2025-12-09T09:15:21.326Z",{"_type":9,"current":9296},"tips-to-navigate-the-festive-and-new-year-financial-pressures-","Tips to navigate the festive and new year financial pressures ",[9299,9306,9314,9322,9330,9338,9346,9353,9361,9369,9377,9385,9393,9400,9408,9424,9432,9440,9447,9455,9463,9471,9478,9486,9494,9502,9510],{"_key":9300,"_type":127,"children":9301,"markDefs":9305,"style":135},"3a878e60496d",[9302],{"_key":9303,"_type":131,"marks":9304,"text":9293},"40e0f9202527",[],[],{"_key":9307,"_type":127,"children":9308,"markDefs":9313,"style":135},"0734f1fac455",[9309],{"_key":9310,"_type":131,"marks":9311,"text":9312},"6f3d5ce5188e",[6243],"Formulate a realistic budget",[],{"_key":9315,"_type":127,"children":9316,"markDefs":9321,"style":135},"e0f4e0dae827",[9317],{"_key":9318,"_type":131,"marks":9319,"text":9320},"096a12a764af",[],"While creating a budget is often perceived negatively - you need to cut out all unnecessary expenses with no exceptions - it can help you understand how you spend your money and its value to you. The simplest way to begin creating a budget is by looking at, and understanding, your spending habits. This can be done with pen and paper, on a spreadsheet, or via free budgeting apps which can help you track your money as you spend.",[],{"_key":9323,"_type":127,"children":9324,"markDefs":9329,"style":135},"11cc7386c570",[9325],{"_key":9326,"_type":131,"marks":9327,"text":9328},"b5d412ec616c",[],"Core costs such as rent, electricity, water, and grocery shopping should be prioritised in your initial budget plan. This spending can be categorised as your ‘needs’: a helpful way to think about your type of spending while you navigate budget creation. For ‘needs’ which vary in amount month-on-month, you may want to look back across 3 months of spending to create an average.",[],{"_key":9331,"_type":127,"children":9332,"markDefs":9337,"style":135},"3792745998a4",[9333],{"_key":9334,"_type":131,"marks":9335,"text":9336},"2f9cedf69aea",[],"Before looking at any other spending, it may be worth considering your savings goals for the year ahead. It’s always beneficial to save for potential emergencies and any other savings goals you may have to improve your financial resilience and wellbeing. You can set this up as a regular Standing Order to go into a savings account, or a savings vehicle you may have; simply set it and forget it. Alternatively, some banks will round up purchases and deposit spare change into savings for you, i.e. if you were to spend £2.25, the bank rounds up to £3, and 75p goes into savings. This can be a great and passive way to save.",[],{"_key":9339,"_type":127,"children":9340,"markDefs":9345,"style":135},"87d3103d843a",[9341],{"_key":9342,"_type":131,"marks":9343,"text":9344},"7cf2a23de73f",[],"Secondary costs, i.e. clothes shopping, eating out, subscriptions, and trips and holidays, are the final part to your budget plan. This spending can be categorised as ‘wants’: it can be handy to give yourself an allowance to ensure you can remain within budget and mitigate overspending.",[],{"_key":9347,"_type":127,"children":9348,"markDefs":9352,"style":135},"bf177db36ff0",[9349],{"_key":9350,"_type":131,"marks":9351,"text":1006},"278a2f5f8347",[],[],{"_key":9354,"_type":127,"children":9355,"markDefs":9360,"style":135},"51c1609cc167",[9356],{"_key":9357,"_type":131,"marks":9358,"text":9359},"5de569436576",[],"Things to consider in the new year for your budget:",[],{"_key":9362,"_type":127,"children":9363,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":9368,"style":135},"fee3b8cfda2e",[9364],{"_key":9365,"_type":131,"marks":9366,"text":9367},"5497e317cf61",[],"Check upcoming renewals for payments like car insurance, energy bills, and house\u002Frent insurance; you may find better rates.",[],{"_key":9370,"_type":127,"children":9371,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":9376,"style":135},"6ef8a48db041",[9372],{"_key":9373,"_type":131,"marks":9374,"text":9375},"0dca0a24579a",[],"Where possible, increase any payments on loans to reduce debt quicker.",[],{"_key":9378,"_type":127,"children":9379,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":9384,"style":135},"bf38f5911dee",[9380],{"_key":9381,"_type":131,"marks":9382,"text":9383},"6681ed82872e",[],"Do you have any new savings goals? If so, consider how you can fit those goals into your new budget.",[],{"_key":9386,"_type":127,"children":9387,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":9392,"style":135},"10cdc9edc54d",[9388],{"_key":9389,"_type":131,"marks":9390,"text":9391},"ab592a368c9d",[],"Plan for milestones and one-off costs. This could be an upcoming celebration which is planned in the new year and annual subscriptions.",[],{"_key":9394,"_type":127,"children":9395,"markDefs":9399,"style":135},"02af373525ae",[9396],{"_key":9397,"_type":131,"marks":9398,"text":1006},"b7ebd0a8e24f",[],[],{"_key":9401,"_type":127,"children":9402,"markDefs":9407,"style":135},"ca8c136d6a28",[9403],{"_key":9404,"_type":131,"marks":9405,"text":9406},"8315f5dbe511",[6243],"Navigating offers and deals",[],{"_key":9409,"_type":127,"children":9410,"markDefs":9423,"style":135},"57766860fb68",[9411,9415,9419],{"_key":9412,"_type":131,"marks":9413,"text":9414},"0aef3da55994",[],"The season’s sales, with their red labels, dominate the high street and online retail during the festive period and into the new year, but is it really a discount, or a sales tactic? When shopping online, price comparison tools can help you find the best deals on gifts and personal purchases. Platforms such as ",{"_key":9416,"_type":131,"marks":9417,"text":9418},"e0cf66b7783a",[4468],"Google Shopping ",{"_key":9420,"_type":131,"marks":9421,"text":9422},"1fc94b87c9ac",[],"allow users to track, filter, and compare prices for the same, or similar, products; other browser extensions can check for discount codes during checkout. ",[],{"_key":9425,"_type":127,"children":9426,"markDefs":9431,"style":135},"bcdb74488701",[9427],{"_key":9428,"_type":131,"marks":9429,"text":9430},"fca5d1d03654",[],"For shopping on the high street, it’s always good to consider the previous price on the label to understand if there is truly a discount. Another option is to look online before heading to the high street to be able to compare prices before you buy and ensure you get the best deals.",[],{"_key":9433,"_type":127,"children":9434,"markDefs":9439,"style":135},"ffd2b17fc4a6",[9435],{"_key":9436,"_type":131,"marks":9437,"text":9438},"fd83a625fc92",[],"Alternatively, to help make your money go further, investigate any workplace discounts which may be available. Some of these discounts can be used on regular spending, such as grocery shopping, reducing everyday spending and celebratory purchases. Make sure to check in with your employer before you shop.",[],{"_key":9441,"_type":127,"children":9442,"markDefs":9446,"style":135},"53cc5005a4ad",[9443],{"_key":9444,"_type":131,"marks":9445,"text":1006},"1bde61c2096f",[],[],{"_key":9448,"_type":127,"children":9449,"markDefs":9454,"style":135},"160b8d78c783",[9450],{"_key":9451,"_type":131,"marks":9452,"text":9453},"d7d28cba6f4a",[6243],"Creative ways to reduce your spending",[],{"_key":9456,"_type":127,"children":9457,"markDefs":9462,"style":135},"424cfe7f1a4a",[9458],{"_key":9459,"_type":131,"marks":9460,"text":9461},"27f396485a8c",[],"For the festive season, and future celebrations, it may be helpful to agree on spending limits with family and friends or take part in Secret Santa, so you only need to purchase one present. On the other hand, you can consider some creative ways to give all your loved ones a gift - something homemade - such as pre-measured cookie mix in a jar, knitted coasters, or painted glasses. Not only are these more personal gifts, but they can also be more cost-effective.",[],{"_key":9464,"_type":127,"children":9465,"markDefs":9470,"style":135},"9d255c647e04",[9466],{"_key":9467,"_type":131,"marks":9468,"text":9469},"c6ea28a2b9b9",[],"For those people you aren’t seeing until the new year, consider delaying the gift purchases to help spread the cost. ",[],{"_key":9472,"_type":127,"children":9473,"markDefs":9477,"style":135},"9694af672fdb",[9474],{"_key":9475,"_type":131,"marks":9476,"text":1006},"238e4c319a47",[],[],{"_key":9479,"_type":127,"children":9480,"markDefs":9485,"style":135},"074752611a45",[9481],{"_key":9482,"_type":131,"marks":9483,"text":9484},"8057d2049b93",[6243],"Understanding borrowing methods",[],{"_key":9487,"_type":127,"children":9488,"markDefs":9493,"style":135},"6cc64c2c4ae1",[9489],{"_key":9490,"_type":131,"marks":9491,"text":9492},"b0f23f6d058d",[],"Borrowing money to pay for big or small purchases should only ever be a last resort. However, credit cards can be useful for purchases over £100 which, through Section 75, gives protection on the goods bought in case of faults, misrepresentation of item sold, or going out of business before the item is delivered. ",[],{"_key":9495,"_type":127,"children":9496,"markDefs":9501,"style":135},"14b1ca331ce1",[9497],{"_key":9498,"_type":131,"marks":9499,"text":9500},"a19adeb36861",[],"If you already have a credit card, it is possible to spread the cost between two pay days. For example, if a credit card statement date runs from 1 December to 1 January, anything spent on the card in December will be due for repayment in January. All credit cards have different statements and payment dates: please check your own credit card dates.",[],{"_key":9503,"_type":127,"children":9504,"markDefs":9509,"style":135},"522d26e5c936",[9505],{"_key":9506,"_type":131,"marks":9507,"text":9508},"ffa11664e0e4",[],"If you don’t have a credit card but are looking to use one, consider choosing cards with the option for 0% finance or cashback to keep more money in your pocket this year and into the next.",[],{"_key":9511,"_type":127,"children":9512,"markDefs":9517,"style":135},"78d43ef04e03",[9513],{"_key":9514,"_type":131,"marks":9515,"text":9516},"c45c1cce59af",[],"Other forms of borrowing include loans such as ‘buy now and pay later’. These, too, can help spread the cost. 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She also shares key insights from our 2025 Financial Wellbeing Research, created in partnership with REBA. ","2025-12-09T08:03:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":9557},"how-employers-can-create-a-holistic-financial-wellbeing-strategy","How employers can create a holistic financial wellbeing strategy",[9560,9562],{"_key":9002,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":9561,"width":124},"https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1143493446 ",{"_key":9005,"_type":127,"children":9563,"markDefs":9567,"style":135},[9564],{"_key":9008,"_type":131,"marks":9565,"text":9566},[],"Our colleague Vicky East joins REBA to explore how employers can build a holistic financial wellbeing strategy. She also shares key insights from our 2025 Financial Wellbeing Research, created in partnership with REBA.",[],[9569],{"_createdAt":4751,"_id":4752,"_rev":4753,"_system":9570,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":4758,"brandSpecific":76,"slug":9572,"title":4761},{"base":9571},{"id":4756,"rev":4757},{"_type":9,"current":4760},{"_id":9574,"blogPostMeta":9575,"content":9597,"tag":9713,"title":9596},"680c4ed9-60d8-4b7e-8cb4-d9ea42c7e8c6",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":9576,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":9592,"publishedAt":9593,"slug":9594,"title":9596},{"_type":58,"asset":9577},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":9578,"mimeType":225,"opt":9588,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":9579,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":9580},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":9581,"darkVibrant":9582,"dominant":9583,"lightMuted":9584,"lightVibrant":9585,"muted":9586,"vibrant":9587},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":9589},{"tags":9590},[9591],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As you can see from the accompanying table, it was a mixed week; however, some financial markets eked out modest gains. Investors were reluctant to take strong positions ahead of a series of closely watched central bank decisions.","2025-12-08T11:22:43.220Z",{"_type":9,"current":9595},"week-ending-5th-december","Week ending 5th December",[9598,9601,9605,9612,9634,9642,9650,9658,9666,9674,9682,9690,9698,9706],{"_key":9599,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":9600,"width":124},"ad96bf0ebc5d","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1144471819?",{"_key":9602,"_type":58,"asset":9603},"64cc4e3cf9e7",{"_ref":9604,"_type":107},"image-33b4560cd9c8bc1ab8e66c990f255dfb5636a009-1600x2884-png",{"_key":9606,"_type":127,"children":9607,"markDefs":9611,"style":135},"8b26f7498bd3",[9608],{"_key":9609,"_type":131,"marks":9610,"text":9592},"d217a697dd54",[],[],{"_key":9613,"_type":127,"children":9614,"markDefs":9633,"style":135},"8c4bd85a15b0",[9615,9619,9622,9626,9629],{"_key":9616,"_type":131,"marks":9617,"text":9618},"6bdc08de7497",[],"In the US, attention remained squarely on the Federal Reserve’s final policy meeting of the year, scheduled to conclude on Wednesday 10",{"_key":9620,"_type":131,"marks":9621,"text":4469},"d9bb7370d763",[4468],{"_key":9623,"_type":131,"marks":9624,"text":9625},"a6ae07db99cb",[]," December. Markets continued to add to expectations of an interest-rate cut, a shift supported by a fresh batch of softer labour-market indicators. Private payroll provider ADP reported that US companies shed 32,000 jobs in November, reversing the 47,000 positions added in October. The government’s official November employment report was delayed to 16",{"_key":9627,"_type":131,"marks":9628,"text":4469},"0f1dc42521b1",[4468],{"_key":9630,"_type":131,"marks":9631,"text":9632},"9b162d392335",[]," December due to the shutdown, leaving investors more reliant than usual on private data to gauge labour-market momentum. Weekly jobless claims offered a slightly more stable picture, declining to 191,000 for the final week of November, but the overall trend continues to point toward a cooling jobs market.",[],{"_key":9635,"_type":127,"children":9636,"markDefs":9641,"style":135},"820c26fce213",[9637],{"_key":9638,"_type":131,"marks":9639,"text":9640},"604f16f86386",[],"The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, core PCE, rose 0.3% month on month in September, matching August’s increase, while the annual core rate eased marginally to 2.8% from 2.9%. Although still above the Fed’s long-term 2% goal, the moderation was enough to support the prevailing view that inflation is continuing to trend lower.",[],{"_key":9643,"_type":127,"children":9644,"markDefs":9649,"style":135},"a9ebc4dec666",[9645],{"_key":9646,"_type":131,"marks":9647,"text":9648},"9c3a3c316bcd",[],"US Consumer sentiment also ticked up, with the University of Michigan’s preliminary December reading rising to 53.3 from 51.0 in November, suggesting that households may be stabilising after several months of weakening confidence.",[],{"_key":9651,"_type":127,"children":9652,"markDefs":9657,"style":135},"a80c533e3a36",[9653],{"_key":9654,"_type":131,"marks":9655,"text":9656},"b2e377e45cf1",[],"In the most recent meetings committee members appeared divided on the timing and pace of future cuts, a factor that may keep market volatility subdued until clearer guidance emerges. Given the recent data, market futures are pricing a 87% probability of a 0.25% rate cut next week.",[],{"_key":9659,"_type":127,"children":9660,"markDefs":9665,"style":135},"07337754f751",[9661],{"_key":9662,"_type":131,"marks":9663,"text":9664},"a7a9094a2cab",[],"The headline news this week was Netflix’s announcement of its plan to acquire Warner Bros; Discovery’s film and television studios, along with its streaming assets, in a deal valued at approximately $82.7 billion. The landmark acquisition has sparked a wide range of reactions.",[],{"_key":9667,"_type":127,"children":9668,"markDefs":9673,"style":135},"aadc5e1ad2bf",[9669],{"_key":9670,"_type":131,"marks":9671,"text":9672},"12615a9f0d9b",[],"The UK also experienced a relatively muted week, with the FTSE 100 drifting 0.55% lower. The UK services PMI for November came in at 51.3, ahead of expectations for 50.5, signalling continued if tentative expansion in the country’s dominant sector. Yet underlying challenges persist. A Bank of England survey released on Thursday revealed that businesses cut jobs at the fastest pace in four years last month. Uncertainty ahead of Chancellor Reeves’s forthcoming budget was cited as a key factor weighing on corporate hiring and activity. The Bank of England is set to deliver its own final rate decision of the year later this month, with markets expecting no change but watching closely for any shift in tone.",[],{"_key":9675,"_type":127,"children":9676,"markDefs":9681,"style":135},"5c141ae15fae",[9677],{"_key":9678,"_type":131,"marks":9679,"text":9680},"86d345e43c14",[],"Elsewhere, Chinese equities posted gains as enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence and domestic technology companies boosted sentiment.",[],{"_key":9683,"_type":127,"children":9684,"markDefs":9689,"style":135},"b49a34a34c27",[9685],{"_key":9686,"_type":131,"marks":9687,"text":9688},"7c7ae1f941ec",[],"Going into next week investors will be closely watching the Federal Reserve’s final interest rate decision of the year. It also marks the second-to-last full trading week before year-end, with markets aiming to sustain recent gains and potentially finish strong with a traditional Santa Claus rally.",[],{"_key":9691,"_type":127,"children":9692,"markDefs":9697,"style":135},"fafb3e2ebca5",[9693],{"_key":9694,"_type":131,"marks":9695,"text":9696},"c60008d66815",[],"President Zelensky will meet key European leaders in London on Monday as Ukraine’s allies grapple with renewed US pressure for Kyiv to accept concessions in peace talks.",[],{"_key":9699,"_type":127,"children":9700,"markDefs":9705,"style":135},"5bf8fdf7a97c",[9701],{"_key":9702,"_type":131,"marks":9703,"text":9704},"6478cfb861ee",[],"Data wise next week, China’s balance of trade and inflation, UK GDP, manufacturing and industrial production and US PPI data.",[],{"_key":9707,"_type":127,"children":9708,"markDefs":9712,"style":135},"ae246a4ea5ff",[9709],{"_key":9710,"_type":131,"marks":9711,"text":288},"9b24034e825a",[174],[],[9714],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":9715,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":9717,"blogPostMeta":9718,"content":9740,"tag":9791,"title":9739},"f12da028-e44b-4f21-9901-dfcce8519206",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":9719,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":9735,"publishedAt":9736,"slug":9737,"title":9739},{"_type":58,"asset":9720},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":9721,"mimeType":225,"opt":9731,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":9722,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":9723},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":9724,"darkVibrant":9725,"dominant":9726,"lightMuted":9727,"lightVibrant":9728,"muted":9729,"vibrant":9730},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":9732},{"tags":9733},[9734],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"On Monday, fresh data showed that China’s factory activity improved marginally in November, although it remained in contractionary territory. The composite PMI slipped to 49.7, signalling ongoing weakness - since readings above 50 indicate expansion, while those below reflect contraction. ","2025-12-03T12:54:41.755Z",{"_type":9,"current":9738},"market-update-3rd-december-2025","Market Update - 3rd December 2025",[9741,9744,9752,9760,9768,9776,9784],{"_key":9742,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":9743,"width":124},"ec906ec40e18","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1143061181",{"_key":9745,"_type":127,"children":9746,"markDefs":9751,"style":135},"25f80e98ddc6",[9747],{"_key":9748,"_type":131,"marks":9749,"text":9750},"e5e5f4665d30",[],"On Monday, fresh data showed that China’s factory activity improved marginally in November, although it remained in contractionary territory. The composite PMI slipped to 49.7, signalling ongoing weakness - since readings above 50 indicate expansion, while those below reflect contraction. Manufacturing activity has experienced a downturn of late, showing little progress despite a recent agreement with South Korea that softened tensions arising from the Liberation Day tariff dispute. Economists note that subdued domestic demand continues to weigh on output, limiting rebound even while companies expressed confidence in sales and production prospects over the coming year, with sentiment strengthening compared to October. While supportive government policies would no doubt be welcome for the region, policymakers have refrained from deploying additional stimulus of late, confident that the economy remains broadly on track to meet its 5% annual growth target.",[],{"_key":9753,"_type":127,"children":9754,"markDefs":9759,"style":135},"3c38e6fc1b1a",[9755],{"_key":9756,"_type":131,"marks":9757,"text":9758},"490055d0012f",[],"Elsewhere, President Macron is set to visit China this week for his fourth state trip. The timing is significant, given intensifying trade competition between Europe and China. European manufacturers have struggled to compete with lower-cost Chinese exports, which continue to erode market share across global value chains. Macron’s advisers suggest he will press for a recalibration of trade terms, advocating measures that support stronger Chinese domestic consumption and arguing that the “gains from innovation should be shared” between the two.",[],{"_key":9761,"_type":127,"children":9762,"markDefs":9767,"style":135},"6c06cb457d6a",[9763],{"_key":9764,"_type":131,"marks":9765,"text":9766},"a6a2049df7b0",[],"Meanwhile, traders may have seen the first tangible outcome of the recent U.S.–China summit. Beijing has reportedly issued new rare export licences to select customers, enabling shipments to move more quickly and at potentially higher volumes. China had previously created bottlenecks by requiring firms to apply for export authorisation case-by-case, stalling auto supply chains. The introduction of broader, year-long “general licences” signals a partial easing of those restrictions and could help normalise trade flows.",[],{"_key":9769,"_type":127,"children":9770,"markDefs":9775,"style":135},"d5afb1a180b4",[9771],{"_key":9772,"_type":131,"marks":9773,"text":9774},"3d711527ad83",[],"Over in the Eurozone, consumer price inflation ticked up to 2.2% in November from 2.1% in October. Core inflation - excluding volatile categories such as energy and food - remained steady at 2.4%. Although the headline figure only inched higher, services inflation accelerated to 3.5% from 3.4%, marking its highest level since April. This stickiness in services prices may complicate the European Central Bank’s (“ECB”) policy stance: while the ECB paused interest rate cuts for a third successive meeting in October, persistent inflationary pressures could delay any further easing. For now, policymakers reaffirm their data-dependent approach, emphasising flexibility in response to evolving price dynamics.",[],{"_key":9777,"_type":127,"children":9778,"markDefs":9783,"style":135},"06269bdb9536",[9779],{"_key":9780,"_type":131,"marks":9781,"text":9782},"4b72350afb87",[],"Still to come this week we have Eurozone GDP, and U.S. PCE and Michigan Consumer Sentiment.",[],{"_key":9785,"_type":127,"children":9786,"markDefs":9790,"style":135},"58645847d3a9",[9787],{"_key":9788,"_type":131,"marks":9789,"text":175},"04ca71fa6062",[174],[],[9792],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":9793,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":9795,"blogPostMeta":9796,"content":9818,"tag":9990,"title":9817},"7c56fee1-c7f8-4ed4-a2eb-bcd585ba8a9a",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":9797,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":9813,"publishedAt":9814,"slug":9815,"title":9817},{"_type":58,"asset":9798},{"_createdAt":9256,"_id":9257,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":9258,"extension":196,"metadata":9799,"mimeType":225,"opt":9809,"originalFilename":9288,"path":9289,"sha1hash":9258,"size":9290,"uploadId":9291,"url":9292},{"_type":69,"blurHash":9260,"dimensions":9800,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":9265,"palette":9801},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":9262,"height":9263,"width":9264},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":9802,"darkVibrant":9803,"dominant":9804,"lightMuted":9805,"lightVibrant":9806,"muted":9807,"vibrant":9808},{"_type":81,"background":9268,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":9270,"foreground":83,"population":9271,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":9270,"foreground":83,"population":9271,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":9274,"foreground":91,"population":9275,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":9277,"foreground":91,"population":6521,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":9279,"foreground":83,"population":9280,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":9282,"foreground":83,"population":507,"title":83},{"media":9810},{"tags":9811},[9812],{"_key":9287,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"“Managing money during the festive season can be challenging, but careful planning could make it possible to enjoy the holidays without getting into debt.” says Jonathan Watts Lay, Director, WEALTH at work.","2025-12-02T14:54:29.196Z",{"_type":9,"current":9816},"tips-to-navigate-festive-financial-pressures","Tips to navigate festive financial pressures",[9819,9826,9834,9846,9858,9870,9882,9894,9906,9918,9930,9942,9954,9966,9974,9982],{"_key":9820,"_type":127,"children":9821,"markDefs":9825,"style":135},"1833409c6c87",[9822],{"_key":9823,"_type":131,"marks":9824,"text":9813},"c78dd4b725eb",[],[],{"_key":9827,"_type":127,"children":9828,"markDefs":9833,"style":135},"fe6e3ed6c57c",[9829],{"_key":9830,"_type":131,"marks":9831,"text":9832},"29a05a6d7634",[],"To help with this, WEALTH at work, a leading financial wellbeing, retirement and workplace savings specialist has outlined practical tips to navigate festival financial pressures this festive season.",[],{"_key":9835,"_type":127,"children":9836,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":9845,"style":135},"93d6c1c8e53e",[9837,9841],{"_key":9838,"_type":131,"marks":9839,"text":9840},"93838273675c",[174],"Set a budget",{"_key":9842,"_type":131,"marks":9843,"text":9844},"987677b177b5",[]," – Individuals should review last December’s bank statements to understand actual spend, then create budget which is manageable for their current financial situation. A budget should include all expenses, such as gifts, decorations, food, entertainment, clothing, nights out, travel and increased utility bills from spending more time at home. When reviewing the budget, certain spending areas may be identified that can be reduced, helping people stay on track more easily. Using free budgeting apps can also help individuals track spending on groceries, eating out, entertainment etc to help maintain the budget.",[],{"_key":9847,"_type":127,"children":9848,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":9857,"style":135},"c3106cecf326",[9849,9853],{"_key":9850,"_type":131,"marks":9851,"text":9852},"e06363fd521c",[174],"Use online shopping hacks",{"_key":9854,"_type":131,"marks":9855,"text":9856},"181dd40659ce",[]," – Price comparison tools can help find the best deals on gifts. Platforms such as Google shopping allow users to track, filter and compare prices. CamelCamelCamel tracks the price of Amazon products and other browser extensions can search for discount codes during online checkout.",[],{"_key":9859,"_type":127,"children":9860,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":9869,"style":135},"f9d12436a682",[9861,9865],{"_key":9862,"_type":131,"marks":9863,"text":9864},"48bcc475099e",[174],"Check if a price is really discounted ",{"_key":9866,"_type":131,"marks":9867,"text":9868},"796c2ffde2b4",[],"– There are often many ‘sales’ during the festive period but it’s important to spot if something really is discounted or a sales tactic. Consider using some of the shopping hacks above such as using price-tracking tools or websites to check if it really is a deal. Some stores raise the ‘original’ price before applying a discount to make it look bigger. Look at other retailers selling the same item. If the price difference is minimal, the discount might be exaggerated.",[],{"_key":9871,"_type":127,"children":9872,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":9881,"style":135},"cf27bf274e4d",[9873,9877],{"_key":9874,"_type":131,"marks":9875,"text":9876},"4045498486e0",[174],"Consider creative ways to reduce costs",{"_key":9878,"_type":131,"marks":9879,"text":9880},"037a5588345f",[]," – It’s helpful to agree on spending limits with family and friends and consider alternative gift options like homemade gifts or experiences. These can be more cost-effective and personal. People should consider buying gifts in the winter sales for those who aren’t being seen until after the festive season. This can help spread the cost and make budgeting more manageable.",[],{"_key":9883,"_type":127,"children":9884,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":9893,"style":135},"9340d5d4d838",[9885,9889],{"_key":9886,"_type":131,"marks":9887,"text":9888},"2a96b02f5092",[174],"Maximise workplace benefits –",{"_key":9890,"_type":131,"marks":9891,"text":9892},"ec0fc0edf88b",[]," Take advantage of any employee discount schemes offered by the workplace, offering discounts on for example, groceries, dining and gift purchases. By maximising workplace offerings people can reduce their regular spending without drastically changing their lifestyle.",[],{"_key":9895,"_type":127,"children":9896,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":9905,"style":135},"903ffb85829b",[9897,9901],{"_key":9898,"_type":131,"marks":9899,"text":9900},"b232c8ebb5d9",[174],"Beware of energy costs",{"_key":9902,"_type":131,"marks":9903,"text":9904},"1b8426c1a8b7",[]," – Energy bills can rocket over the winter months due to the increased use of cooking appliances, heating, washing and technology. Small changes such as turning off lights when they aren’t needed, washing clothes at 30 degrees or lower, making sure the dishwasher is only used when full and reducing the number of times the kettle is boiled, can positively impact energy costs.",[],{"_key":9907,"_type":127,"children":9908,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":9917,"style":135},"63e0c62341ab",[9909,9913],{"_key":9910,"_type":131,"marks":9911,"text":9912},"026ca92a66c6",[174],"Understand borrowing methods",{"_key":9914,"_type":131,"marks":9915,"text":9916},"70fa3288aeb3",[]," – Borrowing to pay for the upcoming festivities should only ever be a last resort, but credit cards are useful for the protection they give for purchases over £100. For those considering using a credit card, choose cards with 0% finance or cashback. Anyone with existing credit card debt, may want to consider a balance transfer to a lower interest card to save on interest payments and pay off debt as quickly as possible. It’s important to be wary of the ‘buy now and pay later’ deals and understand the terms and interest charges if repayment isn’t on time.",[],{"_key":9919,"_type":127,"children":9920,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":9929,"style":135},"24b496dd3705",[9921,9925],{"_key":9922,"_type":131,"marks":9923,"text":9924},"de9e842cb49c",[174],"Spread costs over paydays",{"_key":9926,"_type":131,"marks":9927,"text":9928},"79c38ee15151",[]," – Those who have a credit card and pay it monthly could consider using it to spread the festive cost between two pay days. For example, if a credit card statement date runs from 1 December to 1 January, anything spent on the card in December will be due for repayment in January. All credit cards have different statements and payment dates, so anyone planning to spread costs this way should check these dates.",[],{"_key":9931,"_type":127,"children":9932,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":9941,"style":135},"96bb498d0f4b",[9933,9937],{"_key":9934,"_type":131,"marks":9935,"text":9936},"736e9405d94e",[174],"Budget now for 2026",{"_key":9938,"_type":131,"marks":9939,"text":9940},"39f8078a130d",[]," – Understanding and reviewing regular spending habits now can ensure financial pressures are reduced in the year ahead. This could look like reducing the frequency of eating out, bringing lunch to work from home or switching to more cost-effective supermarkets. When it comes to managing bills in the new year, where possible, people could consider slightly overpaying on energy bills creating a small excess fund which will benefits them in winter, meaning less surprises and financial worry.",[],{"_key":9943,"_type":127,"children":9944,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":9953,"style":135},"aba1ef95fe4d",[9945,9949],{"_key":9946,"_type":131,"marks":9947,"text":9948},"4640bf7cf68f",[174],"Automate savings",{"_key":9950,"_type":131,"marks":9951,"text":9952},"9df20432d32d",[]," – Consider setting up automatic savings transfers, that round up purchases and deposit the spare change into savings. For example, if someone spends £4.20, the bank rounds it up to £5, and 80p goes into savings. Two transactions like this per day could help save £584 over a year*.Another practical approach is to set up a standing order to transfer a fixed amount into savings on payday. This way, a person can save before even noticing the money is gone, helping them stay consistent with their savings goals. People should also check if their employer offers payroll-deducted savings schemes into an ISA - an easy, tax efficient and automatic way to build savings.",[],{"_key":9955,"_type":127,"children":9956,"markDefs":9965,"style":135},"f002b83c50c1",[9957,9961],{"_key":9958,"_type":131,"marks":9959,"text":9960},"395b658ccd98",[174],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work comments;",{"_key":9962,"_type":131,"marks":9963,"text":9964},"d2264cb1afb1",[]," “Whilst the festive season can be an exciting time, it can also be a stressful time for those who are worried about their finances. There is no shame in letting friends and family know that spending needs to be more cautious this time of year, they may be feeling the same pressure.",[],{"_key":9967,"_type":127,"children":9968,"markDefs":9973,"style":135},"c61ddebc2202",[9969],{"_key":9970,"_type":131,"marks":9971,"text":9972},"d070990eebf0",[],"For those struggling, free support is available from MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice and National Debtline. Many employers are also working to remove the stigma around money worries and encourage their employees to access support including financial education and guidance around budgeting and ways to save money.”",[],{"_key":9975,"_type":127,"children":9976,"markDefs":9981,"style":135},"6104ba6e4683",[9977],{"_key":9978,"_type":131,"marks":9979,"text":9980},"98f82cbac8f7",[],"*80p x 2 = £1.60",[],{"_key":9983,"_type":127,"children":9984,"markDefs":9989,"style":135},"9f0f2de0ff87",[9985],{"_key":9986,"_type":131,"marks":9987,"text":9988},"a325e4817424",[],"£1.60 x 365 (Days in the year) = £584",[],[9991],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":9992,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":9994,"blogPostMeta":9995,"content":10016,"tag":10237,"title":10015},"a1ba5ef1-0fd1-48b3-b2d3-91cf7c30cb96",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":9996,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":10012,"slug":10013,"title":10015},{"_type":58,"asset":9997},{"_createdAt":9256,"_id":9257,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":9258,"extension":196,"metadata":9998,"mimeType":225,"opt":10008,"originalFilename":9288,"path":9289,"sha1hash":9258,"size":9290,"uploadId":9291,"url":9292},{"_type":69,"blurHash":9260,"dimensions":9999,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":9265,"palette":10000},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":9262,"height":9263,"width":9264},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":10001,"darkVibrant":10002,"dominant":10003,"lightMuted":10004,"lightVibrant":10005,"muted":10006,"vibrant":10007},{"_type":81,"background":9268,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":9270,"foreground":83,"population":9271,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":9270,"foreground":83,"population":9271,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":9274,"foreground":91,"population":9275,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":9277,"foreground":91,"population":6521,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":9279,"foreground":83,"population":9280,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":9282,"foreground":83,"population":507,"title":83},{"media":10009},{"tags":10010},[10011],{"_key":9287,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"2025-12-02T10:29:17.933Z",{"_type":9,"current":10014},"tips-to-help-employees-navigate-festive-financial-pressures","Tips to help employees navigate festive financial pressures",[10017,10024,10032,10047,10063,10079,10094,10110,10126,10142,10157,10173,10189,10200,10208,10216,10223,10230],{"_key":10018,"_type":127,"children":10019,"markDefs":10023,"style":135},"8beea390249a",[10020],{"_key":10021,"_type":131,"marks":10022,"text":9813},"5af3a4bf3546",[],[],{"_key":10025,"_type":127,"children":10026,"markDefs":10031,"style":135},"7b8492f20a06",[10027],{"_key":10028,"_type":131,"marks":10029,"text":10030},"a8085800554f",[],"HR leaders play a crucial role in supporting employees’ financial wellbeing - especially during high-spend periods like during the festivities. To help, WEALTH at work has outlined practical tips to navigate financial pressures to share with the workforce.\n\n",[],{"_key":10033,"_type":127,"children":10034,"markDefs":10046,"style":135},"ffa810a6fbe5",[10035,10039,10042],{"_key":10036,"_type":131,"marks":10037,"text":10038},"6f1d5371e8ef",[],"1. ",{"_key":10040,"_type":131,"marks":10041,"text":9840},"d789982ec602",[174],{"_key":10043,"_type":131,"marks":10044,"text":10045},"cdc0c65dfc12",[]," – Individuals should review last December’s bank statements to understand actual spend, then create budget which is manageable for their current financial situation. A budget should include all expenses, such as gifts, decorations, food, entertainment, clothing, nights out, travel and increased utility bills from spending more time at home. When reviewing the budget, certain spending areas may be identified that can be reduced, helping people stay on track more easily. Using free budgeting apps can also help individuals track spending on groceries, eating out, entertainment etc to help maintain the budget.\n",[],{"_key":10048,"_type":127,"children":10049,"markDefs":10062,"style":135},"ba08d8921546",[10050,10054,10058],{"_key":10051,"_type":131,"marks":10052,"text":10053},"6dee9c0dbf7b",[],"2.",{"_key":10055,"_type":131,"marks":10056,"text":10057},"a0b5c5878804",[174]," Use online shopping hacks",{"_key":10059,"_type":131,"marks":10060,"text":10061},"0e9307de9d84",[]," – Price comparison tools can help find the best deals on gifts. Platforms such as Google shopping allow users to track, filter and compare prices. CamelCamelCamel tracks the price of Amazon products and other browser extensions can search for discount codes during online checkout.\n",[],{"_key":10064,"_type":127,"children":10065,"markDefs":10078,"style":135},"fd1f46725890",[10066,10070,10074],{"_key":10067,"_type":131,"marks":10068,"text":10069},"d82b7a6c055d",[],"3.",{"_key":10071,"_type":131,"marks":10072,"text":10073},"bbce2747f52c",[174]," Check if a price is really discounted ",{"_key":10075,"_type":131,"marks":10076,"text":10077},"af7663da0709",[],"– There are often many ‘sales’ during the festive period but it’s important to spot if something really is discounted or a sales tactic. Consider using some of the shopping hacks above such as using price-tracking tools or websites to check if it really is a deal. Some stores raise the ‘original’ price before applying a discount to make it look bigger. Look at other retailers selling the same item. If the price difference is minimal, the discount might be exaggerated.\n",[],{"_key":10080,"_type":127,"children":10081,"markDefs":10093,"style":135},"f572f4287ff3",[10082,10086,10089],{"_key":10083,"_type":131,"marks":10084,"text":10085},"d26dc01254a6",[],"4. ",{"_key":10087,"_type":131,"marks":10088,"text":9876},"53c3d2067a8a",[174],{"_key":10090,"_type":131,"marks":10091,"text":10092},"9790145555e7",[]," – It’s helpful to agree on spending limits with family and friends and consider alternative gift options like homemade gifts or experiences. These can be more cost-effective and personal. People should consider buying gifts in the winter sales for those who aren’t being seen until after the festive season. This can help spread the cost and make budgeting more manageable.\n",[],{"_key":10095,"_type":127,"children":10096,"markDefs":10109,"style":135},"e0a6df7cb4d7",[10097,10101,10105],{"_key":10098,"_type":131,"marks":10099,"text":10100},"69fd9cb481f9",[],"5.",{"_key":10102,"_type":131,"marks":10103,"text":10104},"b8f03e516cc1",[174]," Maximise workplace benefits –",{"_key":10106,"_type":131,"marks":10107,"text":10108},"a954c8665fe0",[]," Take advantage of any employee discount schemes offered by the workplace, offering discounts on for example, groceries, dining and gift purchases. By maximising workplace offerings people can reduce their regular spending without drastically changing their lifestyle.\n",[],{"_key":10111,"_type":127,"children":10112,"markDefs":10125,"style":135},"8be4b8d52332",[10113,10117,10121],{"_key":10114,"_type":131,"marks":10115,"text":10116},"64da7e34905d",[],"6.",{"_key":10118,"_type":131,"marks":10119,"text":10120},"e98817fe1e38",[174]," Beware of energy costs",{"_key":10122,"_type":131,"marks":10123,"text":10124},"4d6f5ff946bd",[]," – Energy bills can rocket over the winter months due to the increased use of cooking appliances, heating, washing and technology. Small changes such as turning off lights when they aren’t needed, washing clothes at 30 degrees or lower, making sure the dishwasher is only used when full and reducing the number of times the kettle is boiled, can positively impact energy costs.\n",[],{"_key":10127,"_type":127,"children":10128,"markDefs":10141,"style":135},"bcd60a83c08d",[10129,10133,10137],{"_key":10130,"_type":131,"marks":10131,"text":10132},"804e1ad43d3b",[],"7.",{"_key":10134,"_type":131,"marks":10135,"text":10136},"8745d468188b",[174]," Understand borrowing methods",{"_key":10138,"_type":131,"marks":10139,"text":10140},"b8547d9c76be",[]," – Borrowing to pay for the upcoming festivities should only ever be a last resort, but credit cards are useful for the protection they give for purchases over £100. For those considering using a credit card, choose cards with 0% finance or cashback. Anyone with existing credit card debt, may want to consider a balance transfer to a lower interest card to save on interest payments and pay off debt as quickly as possible. It’s important to be wary of the ‘buy now and pay later’ deals and understand the terms and interest charges if repayment isn’t on time.\n",[],{"_key":10143,"_type":127,"children":10144,"markDefs":10156,"style":135},"aee481e1125f",[10145,10149,10152],{"_key":10146,"_type":131,"marks":10147,"text":10148},"098956e13939",[],"8. ",{"_key":10150,"_type":131,"marks":10151,"text":9924},"4385b46f39be",[174],{"_key":10153,"_type":131,"marks":10154,"text":10155},"dcda151eb8c4",[]," – Those who have a credit card and pay it monthly could consider using it to spread the festive cost between two pay days. For example, if a credit card statement date runs from 1 December to 1 January, anything spent on the card in December will be due for repayment in January. All credit cards have different statements and payment dates, so anyone planning to spread costs this way should check these dates.\n",[],{"_key":10158,"_type":127,"children":10159,"markDefs":10172,"style":135},"12a49e58c663",[10160,10164,10168],{"_key":10161,"_type":131,"marks":10162,"text":10163},"86af204b92c4",[],"9.",{"_key":10165,"_type":131,"marks":10166,"text":10167},"d28126c0e3a4",[174]," Budget now for 2026",{"_key":10169,"_type":131,"marks":10170,"text":10171},"1f52f792dfc1",[]," – Understanding and reviewing regular spending habits now can ensure financial pressures are reduced in the year ahead. This could look like reducing the frequency of eating out, bringing lunch to work from home or switching to more cost-effective supermarkets. When it comes to managing bills in the new year, where possible, people could consider slightly overpaying on energy bills creating a small excess fund which will benefits them in winter, meaning less surprises and financial worry.\n",[],{"_key":10174,"_type":127,"children":10175,"markDefs":10188,"style":135},"e8f811f6f13b",[10176,10180,10184],{"_key":10177,"_type":131,"marks":10178,"text":10179},"d6116cfe0e72",[],"10.",{"_key":10181,"_type":131,"marks":10182,"text":10183},"82a561129441",[174]," Automate savings",{"_key":10185,"_type":131,"marks":10186,"text":10187},"b13d8cc452a4",[]," – Consider setting up automatic savings transfers, that round up purchases and deposit the spare change into savings. For example, if someone spends £4.20, the bank rounds it up to £5, and 80p goes into savings. Two transactions like this per day could help save £584 over a year*.Another practical approach is to set up a standing order to transfer a fixed amount into savings on payday. This way, a person can save before even noticing the money is gone, helping them stay consistent with their savings goals. Many employers also offer payroll-deducted savings schemes into an ISA, so its important employees understand how it works and the benefits.\n",[],{"_key":10190,"_type":127,"children":10191,"markDefs":10199,"style":135},"f1bfde43fa19",[10192,10195],{"_key":10193,"_type":131,"marks":10194,"text":9960},"0a49a171bfa6",[174],{"_key":10196,"_type":131,"marks":10197,"text":10198},"74c3d0abb5c9",[]," “Whilst the festive season can be an exciting time, it can also be a stressful time for those who are worried about their finances.”",[],{"_key":10201,"_type":127,"children":10202,"markDefs":10207,"style":135},"cf2f4e52830f",[10203],{"_key":10204,"_type":131,"marks":10205,"text":10206},"0c8cfa28e214",[],"“Proactive employers are actively working to remove the stigma around money worries and encourage their employees to not suffer in silence and access the support available. Key to this is offering financial education and guidance to help employees understand their finances including ways to manage a budget, make savings and manage debt. As well as this, providing access to workplace savings such as a Workplace ISA can help to build financial resilience.”",[],{"_key":10209,"_type":127,"children":10210,"markDefs":10215,"style":135},"a62294599d9e",[10211],{"_key":10212,"_type":131,"marks":10213,"text":10214},"16e46fbd89cf",[],"He adds: “Employees who are struggling should be aware that they can contact free services such as MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice or National Debtline.”",[],{"_key":10217,"_type":127,"children":10218,"markDefs":10222,"style":135},"7209fbd2f4b4",[10219],{"_key":10220,"_type":131,"marks":10221,"text":1006},"674196a9f5b0",[],[],{"_key":10224,"_type":127,"children":10225,"markDefs":10229,"style":1544},"72275fff7da2",[10226],{"_key":10227,"_type":131,"marks":10228,"text":9980},"3bf2301e4e2f",[],[],{"_key":10231,"_type":127,"children":10232,"markDefs":10236,"style":1544},"b47e05e8da2a",[10233],{"_key":10234,"_type":131,"marks":10235,"text":9988},"ab618c946aa9",[],[],[10238],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":10239,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":10241,"blogPostMeta":10242,"content":10264,"tag":10343,"title":10346},"fc639443-baad-4526-8379-8c2a2319ace0",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":10243,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":10259,"publishedAt":10260,"slug":10261,"title":10263},{"_type":58,"asset":10244},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":10245,"mimeType":225,"opt":10255,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":10246,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":10247},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":10248,"darkVibrant":10249,"dominant":10250,"lightMuted":10251,"lightVibrant":10252,"muted":10253,"vibrant":10254},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":10256},{"tags":10257},[10258],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"U.S. markets ended the holiday-shortened week on a strong note, supported by a combination of encouraging Federal Reserve commentary and softer economic data that reinforced expectations for a December interest rate cut. ","2025-12-01T11:17:21.978Z",{"_type":9,"current":10262},"week-ending-28th-november","Week ending 21st November",[10265,10268,10272,10280,10288,10296,10304,10312,10320,10328,10336],{"_key":10266,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":10267,"width":124},"77caac773153","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1142036993?h=4e1d6ce8b6&badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479%22",{"_key":10269,"_type":58,"asset":10270},"40dface26691",{"_ref":10271,"_type":107},"image-bef76da6b3434332cfba786427d4d8028cf7f106-1600x2884-png",{"_key":10273,"_type":127,"children":10274,"markDefs":10279,"style":135},"c135df7b18fe",[10275],{"_key":10276,"_type":131,"marks":10277,"text":10278},"840ee9ce41d8",[],"As you can see from the accompanying table, it was a broader and much more positive week for markets.",[],{"_key":10281,"_type":127,"children":10282,"markDefs":10287,"style":135},"5f20c1f926b1",[10283],{"_key":10284,"_type":131,"marks":10285,"text":10286},"d8a7eccc504d",[],"U.S. markets ended the holiday-shortened week on a strong note, supported by a combination of encouraging Federal Reserve commentary and softer economic data that reinforced expectations for a December interest rate cut. The S&P 500 gained 2.44%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq advanced 3.62% in sterling terms over the week. Investors appeared to move past concerns about extended valuations and rising AI-related spending, refocusing instead on the sector’s robust long-term growth potential. U.S. markets were closed on Thursday for the Thanksgiving holiday, but risk appetite remained firm throughout the week.",[],{"_key":10289,"_type":127,"children":10290,"markDefs":10295,"style":135},"917ed611877b",[10291],{"_key":10292,"_type":131,"marks":10293,"text":10294},"e15f3fb5d711",[],"European equities also posted solid gains. The upbeat tone was supported by encouraging inflation data across several major economies, reinforcing expectations that eurozone-wide inflation may stay near the European Central Bank’s 2% target.",[],{"_key":10297,"_type":127,"children":10298,"markDefs":10303,"style":135},"dace7ad2b21a",[10299],{"_key":10300,"_type":131,"marks":10301,"text":10302},"a9c8e28fec24",[],"The UK’s FTSE 100 Index climbed 1.95%. As expected, the market climbed a wall of worry before clearing it around 1:40 p.m. on Wednesday as Chancellor Rachel Reeves put down her red book in the Commons. Investors weren’t entirely wrong to feel perturbed in the lead-up to the announcement, given the delay, the downbeat rhetoric emanating from Downing Street, and the leaking of an OBR report some 30 minutes prior that sent gilt yields swinging. Reeves unveiled £26 billion in tax increases as part of the 2025 Autumn Budget aimed at strengthening public finances.",[],{"_key":10305,"_type":127,"children":10306,"markDefs":10311,"style":135},"1bba84670e3a",[10307],{"_key":10308,"_type":131,"marks":10309,"text":10310},"044d42993d72",[],"Ultimately, both global equity markets and UK bond traders recovered composure mid-afternoon, and a relief rally took hold in some FTSE 100 sectors. Entain rebounded on news that in-person gambling and horse racing would be spared additional levies; banking stocks bounced after the widely anticipated raid on profits failed to materialise; while regional builders such as Persimmon and Taylor Wimpey initially fell due to the lack of new policy support but recovered modestly as existing measures remained largely supportive.",[],{"_key":10313,"_type":127,"children":10314,"markDefs":10319,"style":135},"c9f9e708f761",[10315],{"_key":10316,"_type":131,"marks":10317,"text":10318},"8c313d2cc582",[],"Japanese equities also moved higher, buoyed by softer U.S. economic data and dovish Federal Reserve commentary that lifted global risk sentiment. Domestic fundamentals remained supportive: Tokyo’s core inflation held steady at 2.8% year-over-year in November, above the Bank of Japan’s (BoJ) target, reinforcing expectations that the BoJ may begin lifting rates in the months ahead. October’s economic indicators, including industrial production and retail sales, exceeded expectations and helped strengthen confidence in Japan’s economic resilience.",[],{"_key":10321,"_type":127,"children":10322,"markDefs":10327,"style":135},"d452e4b6e468",[10323],{"_key":10324,"_type":131,"marks":10325,"text":10326},"3f35d60957de",[],"Looking ahead, Wall Street will kick off the first week of December with a focus on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who is scheduled to speak at a panel discussion at Stanford on Monday his final remarks before the Fed’s last interest rate decision of the year.",[],{"_key":10329,"_type":127,"children":10330,"markDefs":10335,"style":135},"a31cd2c96b27",[10331],{"_key":10332,"_type":131,"marks":10333,"text":10334},"fd36a1b613c1",[],"Also on next week’s calendar: Eurozone inflation, Japanese consumer confidence, U.S. manufacturing and services PMI, U.S. PCE inflation, and the University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey.",[],{"_key":10337,"_type":127,"children":10338,"markDefs":10342,"style":135},"7255c1a8a536",[10339],{"_key":10340,"_type":131,"marks":10341,"text":288},"cf6a15559953",[174],[],[10344],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":10345,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},"Week ending 28th November",{"_id":10348,"blogPostMeta":10349,"content":10388,"tag":10562,"title":10387},"82de0c35-e0e2-41d9-aa7d-2b28b543bdb5",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":10350,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":10383,"publishedAt":10384,"slug":10385,"title":10387},{"_type":58,"asset":10351},{"_createdAt":10352,"_id":10353,"_rev":10354,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":10352,"assetId":10355,"extension":196,"metadata":10356,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":10378,"path":10379,"sha1hash":10355,"size":10380,"uploadId":10381,"url":10382},"2025-11-26T13:43:22Z","image-006b17aa9300b8b5e1521204d6d8f1f25ab9e9fb-6000x4000-jpg","L6yxcDzoc4MiqXkQqNEgeR","006b17aa9300b8b5e1521204d6d8f1f25ab9e9fb",{"_type":69,"blurHash":10357,"dimensions":10358,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":10359,"palette":10360},"VXHVSKF4E4xWM|.9WYofR+s:u6NyjboKWqE6j]aet6az",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":495,"height":496,"width":497},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQFBv\u002FEACIQAAEDBAICAwAAAAAAAAAAAAIBAxEABAUGEyExMhIWJP\u002FEABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAID\u002F8QAHREAAgIBBQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAEQQDEhMhQf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AqYvcteLk5xcFE9YSZp8N2wzjThNOHbg0iEkeyrUDDtWoc\u002F42FlY7HxVzF2lk4xcMuWTBAYdyKUcvnXtnuSxRoE0iVFfvWv8AyLnyFxyT3JIlFY7MaNh3Mg6QtECKvhF6ooDeRdmXIQeT\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":10361,"darkVibrant":10364,"dominant":10367,"lightMuted":10368,"lightVibrant":10370,"muted":10372,"vibrant":10375},{"_type":81,"background":10362,"foreground":83,"population":10363,"title":83},"#53402b",6.99,{"_type":81,"background":10365,"foreground":83,"population":10366,"title":83},"#513109",0.45,{"_type":81,"background":10362,"foreground":83,"population":10363,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":10369,"foreground":91,"population":2271,"title":83},"#c4bba4",{"_type":81,"background":10371,"foreground":91,"population":8988,"title":91},"#f5deb7",{"_type":81,"background":10373,"foreground":83,"population":10374,"title":83},"#6d90a1",5.78,{"_type":81,"background":10376,"foreground":83,"population":10377,"title":83},"#3c9cd4",0.06,"shutterstock_2485849983.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F006b17aa9300b8b5e1521204d6d8f1f25ab9e9fb-6000x4000.jpg",19794167,"pHdIvaQquulHstxSUQDk7gi3fwxVM7wz","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F006b17aa9300b8b5e1521204d6d8f1f25ab9e9fb-6000x4000.jpg","“We’re on the brink of a generation retiring without sufficient pension savings. It is widely recognised that saving the auto enrolment minimum of 8% is not enough for a secure retirement, and that millions are on track for an inadequate retirement.\"","2025-11-26T20:30:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":10386},"budget-2025-what-individuals-need-to-know-as-they-consider-their-financial-future","Budget 2025: What individuals need to know as they consider their financial future",[10389,10397,10405,10413,10420,10428,10436,10444,10451,10459,10467,10475,10482,10490,10498,10506,10514,10522,10530,10538,10546,10554],{"_key":10390,"_type":127,"children":10391,"markDefs":10396,"style":135},"b111cf8bedd3",[10392],{"_key":10393,"_type":131,"marks":10394,"text":10395},"cfdf984b891f",[174],"Please see our summary below:",[],{"_key":10398,"_type":127,"children":10399,"markDefs":10404,"style":135},"d33cf29f6636",[10400],{"_key":10401,"_type":131,"marks":10402,"text":10403},"683b2a29b1a3",[6243,174],"ISA reform",[],{"_key":10406,"_type":127,"children":10407,"markDefs":10412,"style":135},"c4ae06475e0d",[10408],{"_key":10409,"_type":131,"marks":10410,"text":10411},"fa818720499e",[],"From 6 April 2027 the annual ISA cash limit will be set at £12,000, within the overall annual ISA limit of £20,000. Annual subscription limits will remain at £20,000 for ISAs, £4,000 for Lifetime ISAs and £9,000 for Junior ISAs and Child Trust Funds until 5 April 2031. Savers over the age of 65 will continue to be able to save up to £20,000 in a cash ISA each year.",[],{"_key":10414,"_type":127,"children":10415,"markDefs":10419,"style":135},"2d0b14bb5f8e",[10416],{"_key":10417,"_type":131,"marks":10418,"text":1502},"53429cd1154b",[174],[],{"_key":10421,"_type":127,"children":10422,"markDefs":10427,"style":135},"1b7ed02daa29",[10423],{"_key":10424,"_type":131,"marks":10425,"text":10426},"0cfbe0f49ad9",[],"“Many people save into a cash ISA for access purposes but there is a belief that many are missing out on the growth which can be gained for saving into a Stock and Shares ISA. Although those aged over 65 can save the full allowance, I would urge working people to save into a Workplace ISA and invest for their future as building financial resilience is important”.",[],{"_key":10429,"_type":127,"children":10430,"markDefs":10435,"style":135},"2a5bab6eddaa",[10431],{"_key":10432,"_type":131,"marks":10433,"text":10434},"80ecd0855447",[6243,174],"Lifetime ISA Reform",[],{"_key":10437,"_type":127,"children":10438,"markDefs":10443,"style":135},"1ce694829d90",[10439],{"_key":10440,"_type":131,"marks":10441,"text":10442},"1c3c97b558fa",[],"The government will publish a consultation in early 2026 on the implementation of a new, simpler ISA product to support first time buyers to buy a home. Once available, this new product will be offered in place of the Lifetime ISA.",[],{"_key":10445,"_type":127,"children":10446,"markDefs":10450,"style":135},"a6dd73b38d2f",[10447],{"_key":10448,"_type":131,"marks":10449,"text":1502},"15e40a27c826",[],[],{"_key":10452,"_type":127,"children":10453,"markDefs":10458,"style":135},"0120372d62ef",[10454],{"_key":10455,"_type":131,"marks":10456,"text":10457},"71616ca13662",[],"“Anything that makes it easier to help people save for their future has to be a good thing. I look forward to seeing the details of the consultation.”",[],{"_key":10460,"_type":127,"children":10461,"markDefs":10466,"style":135},"e36fe8002a5e",[10462],{"_key":10463,"_type":131,"marks":10464,"text":10465},"dd1fab4c3ea7",[6243,174],"Salary Sacrifice for pension contributions",[],{"_key":10468,"_type":127,"children":10469,"markDefs":10474,"style":135},"eca5bec7f0e3",[10470],{"_key":10471,"_type":131,"marks":10472,"text":10473},"48935eadea7c",[],"The government will charge employer and employee National Insurance contributions (NICs) on pension contributions above £2,000 per annum made via salary sacrifice. These changes will be legislated for through primary and secondary legislation which will be introduced in due course. This will take effect from 6 April 2029.",[],{"_key":10476,"_type":127,"children":10477,"markDefs":10481,"style":135},"d05f5b1a540f",[10478],{"_key":10479,"_type":131,"marks":10480,"text":1502},"38eb3f76f493",[],[],{"_key":10483,"_type":127,"children":10484,"markDefs":10489,"style":135},"3adab5e2ebe2",[10485],{"_key":10486,"_type":131,"marks":10487,"text":10488},"f7adcae4c785",[],"“We’re on the brink of a generation retiring without sufficient pension savings. It is widely recognised that saving the auto enrolment minimum of 8% is not enough for a secure retirement, and that millions are on track for an inadequate retirement. Therefore restricting NI only limits saving, reducing overall contributions for savers and overall pot size.”",[],{"_key":10491,"_type":127,"children":10492,"markDefs":10497,"style":135},"7e60f4eca264",[10493],{"_key":10494,"_type":131,"marks":10495,"text":10496},"cebbf75f0b17",[],"“Whilst it’s not going to be an immediate change, this will have an impact on both employers and employees, so people need to prepare. Many people will have to pay more into their pension in order to have the same outcome at retirement, or accept they will have less income in retirement than would otherwise be the case. Also, the NI saving that employers make on pension contributions, in many cases, is given back to the employee in the form of additional pension contributions or a contribution to other benefits such as medical insurance. Clearly, if this NI saving goes, this will potentially reduce even further the level of benefits the employee receives from the employer. It begs the question for the future, if people will opt to receive a pay increase in part as an employer pension contribution.”",[],{"_key":10499,"_type":127,"children":10500,"markDefs":10505,"style":135},"22f411a66932",[10501],{"_key":10502,"_type":131,"marks":10503,"text":10504},"c75edbca03aa",[6243,174],"Tax on dividend income",[],{"_key":10507,"_type":127,"children":10508,"markDefs":10513,"style":135},"92918aff524c",[10509],{"_key":10510,"_type":131,"marks":10511,"text":10512},"73abccbfa055",[],"The government is changing the rates of income tax applicable to dividends. From 2026-27, the ordinary rate will be increased by 2 percentage points to 10.75% and the upper rate will be increased by 2 percentage points to 35.75%. The additional rate will remain unchanged at 39.35%. This will be legislated for in Finance Bill 2025-26 and take effect from 6 April 2026.",[],{"_key":10515,"_type":127,"children":10516,"markDefs":10521,"style":135},"67e4f2fd4a97",[10517],{"_key":10518,"_type":131,"marks":10519,"text":10520},"7c19b4047ab3",[6243,174],"Tax on savings income",[],{"_key":10523,"_type":127,"children":10524,"markDefs":10529,"style":135},"81ae9af3f323",[10525],{"_key":10526,"_type":131,"marks":10527,"text":10528},"ae9ce85529da",[],"The government is changing the rates of income tax applicable to savings income. From 2027-28, the savings basic rate will be increased by 2 percentage points to 22%, the savings higher rate will be increased by 2 percentage points to 42% and the savings additional rate will be increased by 2 percentage points to 47%. This will be legislated for in Finance Bill 2025-26 and take effect from 6 April 2027.",[],{"_key":10531,"_type":127,"children":10532,"markDefs":10537,"style":135},"fc4ea5cafa51",[10533],{"_key":10534,"_type":131,"marks":10535,"text":10536},"af787a21cb19",[6243,174],"Tax on property income",[],{"_key":10539,"_type":127,"children":10540,"markDefs":10545,"style":135},"afe50c37b8f2",[10541],{"_key":10542,"_type":131,"marks":10543,"text":10544},"1c720902c15c",[],"The government will create separate tax rates for property income. From 2027-28, the property basic rate will be 22%, the property higher rate will be 42%, and the property additional rate will be 47%. These rates will apply across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The government will engage with the devolved governments of Scotland and Wales to provide them with the ability to set property income rates in line with their current income tax powers in their fiscal frameworks. This will be legislated for in Finance Bill 2025-26 and take effect from 6 April 2027.",[],{"_key":10547,"_type":127,"children":10548,"markDefs":10553,"style":135},"e7a68d4fc649",[10549],{"_key":10550,"_type":131,"marks":10551,"text":10552},"3da8be1c7aea",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, comments; “An increase in taxes is always going to mean that people will have less money in their pocket. It’s more important than ever for people to take control of their finances, and make the most of any income or savings they have by careful tax planning measures.”",[],{"_key":10555,"_type":127,"children":10556,"markDefs":10561,"style":135},"a1fa7ef42091",[10557],{"_key":10558,"_type":131,"marks":10559,"text":10560},"2b863e419804",[],"He adds; “Many workplaces provide staff with financial education, guidance, and access to investment advice to help employees navigate the impact of the budget.. It’s always worth speaking to your employer to see how they can help.”",[],[10563],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":10564,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":10566,"blogPostMeta":10567,"content":10604,"tag":10630,"title":10633},"adacd75e-c958-4568-a622-932e94411933",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":10568,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":10599,"publishedAt":10600,"slug":10601,"title":10603},{"_type":58,"asset":10569},{"_createdAt":10570,"_id":10571,"_rev":10572,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":10570,"assetId":10573,"extension":196,"metadata":10574,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":10594,"path":10595,"sha1hash":10573,"size":10596,"uploadId":10597,"url":10598},"2025-11-26T18:51:20Z","image-ee86e375f1cc70860fd0683a7f42a1b62cf9aedc-3840x2160-jpg","PyuqEaW6ERuWTS4QIq1Dt9","ee86e375f1cc70860fd0683a7f42a1b62cf9aedc",{"_type":69,"blurHash":10575,"dimensions":10576,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":10577,"palette":10578},"M8Cj9FVs02DNIV00ah~qem%MbVtSMwxvV@",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":2686,"height":306,"width":2687},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAALABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwABAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgADB\u002F\u002FEACYQAAIBAwMCBwEAAAAAAAAAAAECBAADEQUGEiFBBxMUIjFhkaH\u002FxAAXAQADAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQME\u002F8QAGhEBAAMAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQACEQMEMf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8A55tiHK1SDPWzHd5A4lmB\u002FlayNt65Zsed6S5c45Jz8hcUg8InYjU+p6sufynU32RL5UkEoe\u002F1StdfYVoEA7dirc0aM92xxdlyQboHeqihdndizEnkRVVztYZkzvAT\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":10579,"darkVibrant":10582,"dominant":10584,"lightMuted":10587,"lightVibrant":10589,"muted":10591,"vibrant":10593},{"_type":81,"background":10580,"foreground":83,"population":10581,"title":83},"#2b3a51",1.49,{"_type":81,"background":10583,"foreground":83,"population":4107,"title":83},"#733038",{"_type":81,"background":10585,"foreground":83,"population":10586,"title":83},"#6582c0",3.09,{"_type":81,"background":10588,"foreground":91,"population":8936,"title":83},"#c7aca9",{"_type":81,"background":10590,"foreground":91,"population":2277,"title":91},"#bccde1",{"_type":81,"background":10592,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},"#a45450",{"_type":81,"background":10585,"foreground":83,"population":10586,"title":83},"thumb (6).jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fee86e375f1cc70860fd0683a7f42a1b62cf9aedc-3840x2160.jpg",458120,"sjsBab8NJ7wddXixl5alf5RsDzpwo0jQ","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fee86e375f1cc70860fd0683a7f42a1b62cf9aedc-3840x2160.jpg","Watch our Q&A video with our expert panel for further information on how the announcements may affect you and your financial plans. ","2025-11-26T18:48:43.549Z",{"_type":9,"current":10602},"budget-2025-q&a-video","Budget 2025 Q&A video",[10605,10613,10620,10623],{"_key":10606,"_type":127,"children":10607,"markDefs":10612,"style":135},"408f910021d5",[10608],{"_key":10609,"_type":131,"marks":10610,"text":10611},"f730026b9064",[],"Watch our Q&A video with our expert panel for further information on how the announcements may affect you and your financial plans.",[],{"_key":10614,"_type":127,"children":10615,"markDefs":10619,"style":135},"cc39c86765d3",[10616],{"_key":10617,"_type":131,"marks":10618,"text":1006},"807f190fe6c3",[],[],{"_key":10621,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":10622,"width":124},"a5e691c6bc7d","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1140886163?",{"_key":10624,"_type":127,"children":10625,"markDefs":10629,"style":135},"eafc467f7423",[10626],{"_key":10627,"_type":131,"marks":10628,"text":1006},"22921180aa7c",[],[],[10631],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":10632,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},"Budget 2025 Q&A video ",{"_id":10635,"blogPostMeta":10636,"content":10654,"tag":11049,"title":10653},"cbfe6ae6-1640-407f-8e94-c09bcd37008d",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":10637,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":10649,"publishedAt":10650,"slug":10651,"title":10653},{"_type":58,"asset":10638},{"_createdAt":10352,"_id":10353,"_rev":10354,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":10352,"assetId":10355,"extension":196,"metadata":10639,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":10378,"path":10379,"sha1hash":10355,"size":10380,"uploadId":10381,"url":10382},{"_type":69,"blurHash":10357,"dimensions":10640,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":10359,"palette":10641},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":495,"height":496,"width":497},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":10642,"darkVibrant":10643,"dominant":10644,"lightMuted":10645,"lightVibrant":10646,"muted":10647,"vibrant":10648},{"_type":81,"background":10362,"foreground":83,"population":10363,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":10365,"foreground":83,"population":10366,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":10362,"foreground":83,"population":10363,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":10369,"foreground":91,"population":2271,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":10371,"foreground":91,"population":8988,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":10373,"foreground":83,"population":10374,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":10376,"foreground":83,"population":10377,"title":83},"The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has today delivered the Autumn Budget.","2025-11-26T16:59:56.042Z",{"_type":9,"current":10652},"autumn-budget-2025","Budget 2025",[10655,10663,10671,10679,10687,10695,10699,10707,10714,10722,10726,10734,10742,10750,10758,10766,10774,10782,10790,10798,10806,10814,10822,10830,10838,10846,10854,10862,10870,10878,10886,10894,10902,10910,10918,10926,10934,10942,10949,10957,10965,10973,10980,10988,10996,11004,11011,11018,11026,11033,11041],{"_key":10656,"_type":127,"children":10657,"markDefs":10662,"style":135},"e67f66faebec",[10658],{"_key":10659,"_type":131,"marks":10660,"text":10661},"57f6ccf4a8e7",[174],"Income Tax",[],{"_key":10664,"_type":127,"children":10665,"markDefs":10670,"style":135},"6708d88b7eca",[10666],{"_key":10667,"_type":131,"marks":10668,"text":10669},"a5c41cc061f4",[],"The Chancellor kept the Labour manifesto pledge not to raise the rate of income tax, National Insurance or VAT; however, the freeze on income tax thresholds has been extended for a further 3 years to April 2031.",[],{"_key":10672,"_type":127,"children":10673,"markDefs":10678,"style":135},"6ac3bd639a1b",[10674],{"_key":10675,"_type":131,"marks":10676,"text":10677},"e4ff09669905",[],"While freezing income tax thresholds may not appear to be a change, as wages rise over time, frozen thresholds mean more people are pulled into higher income tax brackets without any formal rate increase (known as fiscal drag). This would also impact how much capital gains tax, savings tax and dividend tax is charged for people who inadvertently move into higher income tax brackets.",[],{"_key":10680,"_type":127,"children":10681,"markDefs":10686,"style":135},"95beeab40743",[10682],{"_key":10683,"_type":131,"marks":10684,"text":10685},"a2a50658f4d8",[],"It could also mean many people who only receive a State Pension could end up becoming taxpayers, as the amount received could end up being higher than the personal allowance. 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The indicator measuring how retail sales have changed over the past year slipped to -32 in November from -27 in October. ","2025-11-26T12:16:10.936Z",{"_type":9,"current":11516},"market-update-26th-november-2025","Market Update - 26th November 2025",[11519,11522,11530,11538,11546,11554],{"_key":11520,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":11521,"width":124},"bc6f368be43e","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1140764375",{"_key":11523,"_type":127,"children":11524,"markDefs":11529,"style":135},"077f9fa19d69",[11525],{"_key":11526,"_type":131,"marks":11527,"text":11528},"2cf00185e097",[],"On Tuesday, the Confederation of British Industry published a survey showing that confidence among British retailers has fallen compared with a year ago, alongside a slowdown in retail sales. The indicator measuring how retail sales have changed over the past year slipped to -32 in November from -27 in October. Both consumers and businesses appear to be acting more cautiously, with uncertainty around the forthcoming budget weighing heavily on spending and planning decisions. That uncertainty is expected to ease today, however, as the Chancellor delivers her Autumn Statement and provides greater clarity on the fiscal outlook.",[],{"_key":11531,"_type":127,"children":11532,"markDefs":11537,"style":135},"a08753067e29",[11533],{"_key":11534,"_type":131,"marks":11535,"text":11536},"dc8b968b5456",[],"Over the weekend, the U.S. and Ukraine released a joint statement noting progress in peace talks aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Although no agreement has been reached on security guarantees for Ukraine, the discussions were described as ‘highly constructive’. The announcement was welcomed as a sign that steps toward ending the conflict - and its human tragedy - may be drawing closer. However, the immediate market reaction saw defence stocks finish the trading session lower.",[],{"_key":11539,"_type":127,"children":11540,"markDefs":11545,"style":135},"3ff631c8e560",[11541],{"_key":11542,"_type":131,"marks":11543,"text":11544},"97000db4aaa8",[],"Key U.S. economic data that had been delayed by the recent government shutdown is now beginning to emerge. Producer prices rose by 0.3% month-on-month in September, reversing a 0.1% decline in August. Economists have highlighted the trade services category within this data as evidence that some businesses are absorbing the cost of higher tariffs, with related services dipping 0.2% in September following a 1.7% fall in August (but not all retailers are taking this approach). Retail sales figures for the U.S. in September have also now been released, showing a modest 0.2% increase from August. This suggests that while shoppers remain cautious, they are still spending – albeit more selectively - as the holiday season approaches. The latest data present a mixed picture, with several key October releases still to come. As a result, markets remain uncertain about how the Federal Reserve will position itself at its December meeting.",[],{"_key":11547,"_type":127,"children":11548,"markDefs":11553,"style":135},"e6f72fa012dd",[11549],{"_key":11550,"_type":131,"marks":11551,"text":11552},"685a9961241c",[],"Economic data has been scarce this week, meaning investors have had little on their minds but the Autumn budget scheduled for later today. Speculation is abounding and so for the time being we are not going to add to it any further… be sure to look out for notifications on our budget panel discussion later today where we’ll take you through just what exactly the Chancellor is planning and what it might mean for markets and, moreover, you. Still to come this week we have Eurozone consumer sentiment and Japan’s retail sales.",[],{"_key":11555,"_type":127,"children":11556,"markDefs":11560,"style":135},"3ea65e6d8bbc",[11557],{"_key":11558,"_type":131,"marks":11559,"text":3105},"e0ed8137ac0b",[174],[],[11562],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":11563,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":11565,"blogPostMeta":11566,"content":11587,"tag":11697,"title":10263},"8877ab3f-6106-4bde-8367-f01e8cc23b52",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":11567,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":11583,"publishedAt":11584,"slug":11585,"title":10263},{"_type":58,"asset":11568},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":11569,"mimeType":225,"opt":11579,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":11570,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":11571},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":11572,"darkVibrant":11573,"dominant":11574,"lightMuted":11575,"lightVibrant":11576,"muted":11577,"vibrant":11578},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":11580},{"tags":11581},[11582],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As you can see from the accompanying table, financial markets broadly closed the week in the red, despite positive corporate earnings and the resumed released of U.S. economic data. Concerns linger around lofty AI valuations and aggressive capital expenditure plans across the sector.","2025-11-24T11:19:15.403Z",{"_type":9,"current":11586},"week-ending-21st-november",[11588,11591,11595,11602,11610,11618,11626,11634,11642,11650,11658,11666,11674,11682,11690],{"_key":11589,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":11590,"width":124},"915cce900085","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1140017839?",{"_key":11592,"_type":58,"asset":11593},"7da4a2e7e112",{"_ref":11594,"_type":107},"image-cb72872bfee9defdf263ddf691236ca1eeb614db-1600x2884-png",{"_key":11596,"_type":127,"children":11597,"markDefs":11601,"style":135},"0b53c7e01a69",[11598],{"_key":11599,"_type":131,"marks":11600,"text":11583},"0639087e5ccf",[],[],{"_key":11603,"_type":127,"children":11604,"markDefs":11609,"style":135},"7eb7fc263f82",[11605],{"_key":11606,"_type":131,"marks":11607,"text":11608},"9474e7937b1d",[],"This week’s market narrative was dominated by Nvidia. With Nvidia now accounting for nearly 8% of the S&P 500, its performance often sets the tone for broader markets especially at a time when investors are questioning the durability of elevated tech valuations.",[],{"_key":11611,"_type":127,"children":11612,"markDefs":11617,"style":135},"59937966e78c",[11613],{"_key":11614,"_type":131,"marks":11615,"text":11616},"e9314d5d3b12",[],"Nvidia delivered another robust set of results, easing immediate concerns of an AI bubble. The company reported a record 65% increase in profit and raised guidance for the current quarter. This strong outlook offered reassurance that demand for AI-related hardware remains firm. Shares initially rose 5% in extended trading, fuelling a strong rebound upon market open on Thursday.",[],{"_key":11619,"_type":127,"children":11620,"markDefs":11625,"style":135},"3dc346bf252f",[11621],{"_key":11622,"_type":131,"marks":11623,"text":11624},"9030c6b5ff54",[],"However, in a swift reversal, major indices surrendered their intraday gains and closed sharply lower. The Nasdaq Composite, which had been up more than 2% earlier in the session, ended the day 2.2% lower, while Nvidia shares fell 3.2%, giving up their post-earnings pop. This earnings season, markets have been notably unforgiving, rewarding earnings reports that beat estimates less generously than usual and penalising misses more severely, even though out of 95% of S&P 500 companies that have reported, roughly 83% have exceeded expectations - an exceptionally strong showing.",[],{"_key":11627,"_type":127,"children":11628,"markDefs":11633,"style":135},"5c4bf12b794e",[11629],{"_key":11630,"_type":131,"marks":11631,"text":11632},"aaedf0e9ac23",[],"It’s important to keep recent market volatility in perspective. Even after the recent pullback, the S&P 500 remains up over 30% (Total Return GBP) since its April tariff lows, and the Nasdaq Composite is up 44.6% over the same period. Against this backdrop, the recent movements appear to represent a healthy recalibration rather than the start of a more pronounced correction.",[],{"_key":11635,"_type":127,"children":11636,"markDefs":11641,"style":135},"f339c3fd499a",[11637],{"_key":11638,"_type":131,"marks":11639,"text":11640},"75db654f646f",[],"With fundamentals largely intact and the broader earnings picture remaining strong, the underlying market momentum continues to look resilient.",[],{"_key":11643,"_type":127,"children":11644,"markDefs":11649,"style":135},"924643ab5f65",[11645],{"_key":11646,"_type":131,"marks":11647,"text":11648},"68d2806276fd",[],"Concerns about whether the U.S. Federal Reserve will cut rates again before the end of the year also contributed to dampened sentiment. Economic data on the U.S. labour market was published for the first time since the government shutdown. The September jobs data, postponed due to the government shutdown, showed the U.S. added 119,000 positions, beating consensus forecasts for 50,000 jobs. However, the unemployment rate unexpectedly climbed from 4.3% to 4.4% in September, though the pickup was due in part to an increase in the labour force, which the BLS said gained 450,000 new potential workers.",[],{"_key":11651,"_type":127,"children":11652,"markDefs":11657,"style":135},"6a496ffd5f16",[11653],{"_key":11654,"_type":131,"marks":11655,"text":11656},"0a62fd0d85e5",[],"Investor sentiment shifted after comments from a U.S. Federal Reserve voting member boosted expectations for a rate cut at the December 10th meeting. Sentiment turned around on Friday as markets rallied, though the rebound wasn’t enough to offset earlier losses. By Friday afternoon, rate-futures markets were pricing in nearly a 72% chance of a quarter-point cut in December, up from about 30% just two days earlier.",[],{"_key":11659,"_type":127,"children":11660,"markDefs":11665,"style":135},"9750397d30f5",[11661],{"_key":11662,"_type":131,"marks":11663,"text":11664},"e8f9bf9b8172",[],"UK consumer confidence edged lower in November as households awaited the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget. The British Retail Consortium highlighted that recent commentary around potential tax changes have weighed on near-term spending expectations, even as seasonal demand typically strengthens.",[],{"_key":11667,"_type":127,"children":11668,"markDefs":11673,"style":135},"f94ad1a21b20",[11669],{"_key":11670,"_type":131,"marks":11671,"text":11672},"43acc6c079d7",[],"Looking ahead, the Chancellor will present the 2025 Autumn Budget on Wednesday 26th November. While a proposed increase in income tax rates was withdrawn last week, fiscal headroom constraints and downgraded growth forecasts may prompt targeted revenue measures. However, Reeves is potentially limited by the Labour party’s manifesto pledges which ruled out increase to National Insurance, income tax rates, or VAT, and pledges to cap corporation tax at 25%.",[],{"_key":11675,"_type":127,"children":11676,"markDefs":11681,"style":135},"db0628619848",[11677],{"_key":11678,"_type":131,"marks":11679,"text":11680},"680e5b21b1ca",[],"It is important to note that rumours around tax changes remain just that: speculation. Reacting to headlines rather than confirmed policy risks undermining long-term financial plans. A disciplined approach remains the most effective way to navigate policy uncertainty. You can stay informed on Budget developments and what they mean for financial planning and markets via our website and app.",[],{"_key":11683,"_type":127,"children":11684,"markDefs":11689,"style":135},"bcb6302a5e01",[11685],{"_key":11686,"_type":131,"marks":11687,"text":11688},"e4ea16487ae8",[],"U.S. markets will be closed on Thursday 27th November and will close early on Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. U.S. economic data releases this week include retail sales, the Producer Price Index, the Consumer Confidence Index, and durable goods orders.",[],{"_key":11691,"_type":127,"children":11692,"markDefs":11696,"style":135},"14f7020fbc55",[11693],{"_key":11694,"_type":131,"marks":11695,"text":288},"9652bfe50776",[174],[],[11698],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":11699,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":11701,"blogPostMeta":11702,"content":11724,"tag":11767,"title":11723},"11b8bc6f-21ba-419d-80ef-5865842de93d",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":11703,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":11719,"publishedAt":11720,"slug":11721,"title":11723},{"_type":58,"asset":11704},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":11705,"mimeType":225,"opt":11715,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":11706,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":11707},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":11708,"darkVibrant":11709,"dominant":11710,"lightMuted":11711,"lightVibrant":11712,"muted":11713,"vibrant":11714},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":11716},{"tags":11717},[11718],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"On Wednesday, UK headline CPI for October came in at 3.6%, easing slightly from the 3.8% peak saw through July, August, and September. This marks the first deceleration in price growth in five months. ","2025-11-19T11:17:49.803Z",{"_type":9,"current":11722},"market-update-19th-november-2025","Market Update - 19th November 2025",[11725,11728,11736,11744,11752,11760],{"_key":11726,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":11727,"width":124},"625099316542","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1138459082",{"_key":11729,"_type":127,"children":11730,"markDefs":11735,"style":135},"4de192106812",[11731],{"_key":11732,"_type":131,"marks":11733,"text":11734},"2832e73e1304",[],"On Wednesday, UK headline CPI for October came in at 3.6%, easing slightly from the 3.8% peak saw through July, August, and September. This marks the first deceleration in price growth in five months. According to economists at the ONS, the slowdown was largely driven by moderating energy prices and a dip in hotel costs, although food prices continued to exert upward pressure. Core inflation - which excludes volatile components like food and fuel - also edged down to 3.4% from 3.5% in September. Despite the fall, inflation remains well above the Bank of England’s 2% target. Earlier this month, the monetary policy committee opted to hold the rate at 4%. Whilst the data strengthens the case for a potential rate cut when the Bank of England meets in December, it is by no means a foregone conclusion. The figures also offer a political boost to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who has made tackling inflation a key priority this year (further details of which are expected to manifest in the upcoming Autumn Budget).",[],{"_key":11737,"_type":127,"children":11738,"markDefs":11743,"style":135},"2433d1207b58",[11739],{"_key":11740,"_type":131,"marks":11741,"text":11742},"0ad22c4a745e",[],"On Monday, data showed that Japan’s economy contracted by nearly 2% in the three months to September, driven largely by a decline in exports - an aftereffect of the some of the tariffs both proposed and executed by the U.S. this year. The figures are also believed to reflect a drop in housing investment linked to regulatory changes, although this has been positioned as a temporary factor. While in theory the data could potentially form part of a wider patten that pushes the Bank of Japan to reduce interest rates, the data is not expected to alter policymakers’ current plans. Instead, the Bank is likely to focus heavily on trends in inflation, which remains subdued in part due to weak wage growth (wages fell for the ninth consecutive month in September).",[],{"_key":11745,"_type":127,"children":11746,"markDefs":11751,"style":135},"26d3ef4252a1",[11747],{"_key":11748,"_type":131,"marks":11749,"text":11750},"bada65170cda",[],"The release of the data coincided with rising tensions between officials in Japan and China, culminating in the Chinese government advising its citizens against travelling to Japan. The latest bout of animosity stems from comments by Prime Minister Takaichi, who said at the beginning of the month that any attempt by China to seize Taiwan would pose an existential threat to Japan - and that if the U.S. became involved, Japan could be compelled to intervene as well. The comment from Takaichi, which prompted a cryptic tweet from one Chinese diplomat that a dirty neck that is stuck out must be cut off, coincided with a brief sell off in Asian markets and a weakening in the yen.",[],{"_key":11753,"_type":127,"children":11754,"markDefs":11759,"style":135},"4650cf3966e4",[11755],{"_key":11756,"_type":131,"marks":11757,"text":11758},"b7cd3360a3e5",[],"Still to come this week we have Fed meeting minutes. We also have earnings reports from big tech names like Nvidia on Wednesday after the bell (markets are anticipating strong results). Finally, we have the return of U.S. non-farm payrolls and unemployment data, and Eurozone PMI.",[],{"_key":11761,"_type":127,"children":11762,"markDefs":11766,"style":135},"2c04fcd5de7a",[11763],{"_key":11764,"_type":131,"marks":11765,"text":175},"8ef8aef44bc6",[174],[],[11768],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":11769,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":11771,"blogPostMeta":11772,"content":11794,"tag":11873,"title":11793},"6edb7916-0e34-4b74-80a3-8428c02e0ab0",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":11773,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":11789,"publishedAt":11790,"slug":11791,"title":11793},{"_type":58,"asset":11774},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":11775,"mimeType":225,"opt":11785,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":11776,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":11777},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":11778,"darkVibrant":11779,"dominant":11780,"lightMuted":11781,"lightVibrant":11782,"muted":11783,"vibrant":11784},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":11786},{"tags":11787},[11788],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As shown in the accompanying table, financial markets mostly closed the week higher. They started on firmer ground after last week’s volatility, which was driven by the prolonged U.S. government shutdown and concerns over stretched big-tech valuations","2025-11-17T11:25:28.528Z",{"_type":9,"current":11792},"week-ending-14th-november","Week ending 14th November",[11795,11798,11802,11810,11818,11826,11834,11842,11858,11866],{"_key":11796,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":11797,"width":124},"852876cc10a6","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1137673166?badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479%22",{"_key":11799,"_type":58,"asset":11800},"93d5b4213561",{"_ref":11801,"_type":107},"image-de5862d202e23eea3191f50157ba8bcd53f6d60e-1600x2884-png",{"_key":11803,"_type":127,"children":11804,"markDefs":11809,"style":135},"6f17ede46997",[11805],{"_key":11806,"_type":131,"marks":11807,"text":11808},"ec3d88f6146f",[],"As shown in the accompanying table, financial markets mostly closed the week higher. They started on firmer ground after last week’s volatility, which was driven by the prolonged U.S. government shutdown and concerns over stretched big-tech valuations. Sentiment improved early in the week as weekend developments signalled the shutdown’s end, prompting a rotation back into large-cap tech after the prior risk-off tone.",[],{"_key":11811,"_type":127,"children":11812,"markDefs":11817,"style":135},"3983a29b6d2d",[11813],{"_key":11814,"_type":131,"marks":11815,"text":11816},"9b70f356326f",[],"President Trump signed a bill late Wednesday to end the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The legislation passed the House of Representatives by 222 to 209, with bipartisan support from six Democrats. The closure lasted 43 days, during which many federal agencies were unable to operate fully, and thousands of government employees were furloughed or unpaid. The bill provides funding only until 30th January 2026, making it a temporary stopgap rather than a lasting solution. Uncertainty persists ahead of further negotiations on enhanced healthcare insurance due to expire at year-end, an issue that could trigger another shutdown in February 2026 if not resolved.",[],{"_key":11819,"_type":127,"children":11820,"markDefs":11825,"style":135},"25c103ec1fcb",[11821],{"_key":11822,"_type":131,"marks":11823,"text":11824},"09d1b3ab9ed6",[],"The shutdown has disrupted key releases, October inflation and payrolls are unlikely to be published, and September jobs data remains outstanding. November figures will arrive just before the Fed’s 9–10 December meeting, complicating policy decisions. While some reports may not be recoverable, the reopening should gradually restore data flow, and policymakers will continue to weigh labour-market trends and inflation before deciding next steps. Markets now see less than a 50% chance of a December Fed rate cut, following comments from officials stressing resilience in the economy and lingering inflation concerns.",[],{"_key":11827,"_type":127,"children":11828,"markDefs":11833,"style":135},"cf53ffdeb2fe",[11829],{"_key":11830,"_type":131,"marks":11831,"text":11832},"3654e755432b",[],"In the UK, markets initially reacted positively to softer wage growth and a modest uptick in unemployment data that suggested inflationary pressures may be easing, potentially giving the Bank of England greater scope to reduce interest rates. However, sentiment weakened following the release of Q3 GDP, which showed the economy expanding by just 0.1%, down from 0.3% in Q2 and below the 0.2% expected. This was driven by increases in services and construction – but there was a fall in the production sector.",[],{"_key":11835,"_type":127,"children":11836,"markDefs":11841,"style":135},"2909aeb19589",[11837],{"_key":11838,"_type":131,"marks":11839,"text":11840},"1395768dd0b6",[],"Overall, industrial production fell 2% month-on-month the steepest drop since January 2021. Car production saw a sharp decline in September following a major cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). Motor vehicle and trailer output plunged 28.6% due to a full-month shutdown at JLR and related supply chain disruption. The attack at the end of August forced JLR to halt operations for over a month, pushing UK car production to a 70-year low for September. This skewed the data, and recovery will take time as lost output is made up.",[],{"_key":11843,"_type":127,"children":11844,"markDefs":11857,"style":135},"5a7e120927fa",[11845,11849,11853],{"_key":11846,"_type":131,"marks":11847,"text":11848},"54b8a5b2c267",[],"Chancellor Rachel Reeves has reportedly abandoned plans to raise income tax rates in the upcoming Budget on 26 November, according to the ",{"_key":11850,"_type":131,"marks":11851,"text":11852},"81d634059a3f",[4468],"Financial Times",{"_key":11854,"_type":131,"marks":11855,"text":11856},"38ef81db262b",[],". The reversal came amid concerns about breaking Labour’s election manifesto pledge and backlash from voters and MPs. Reeves had previously refused to rule out tax hikes and warned in a pre-Budget speech that “necessary choices” would require everyone to “contribute.”",[],{"_key":11859,"_type":127,"children":11860,"markDefs":11865,"style":135},"57d7399d7c43",[11861],{"_key":11862,"_type":131,"marks":11863,"text":11864},"a960ee3764be",[],"Next week’s highlights include UK inflation data, minutes from the Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate meeting, PMI figures for the UK, U.S., and Europe, and UK retail sales. Investors keenly await semiconductor giant Nvidia, who will report Q3 earnings on Wednesday, November the 19th. 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This can have a serious impact on financial resilience, with the weight of this financial burden spilling into the workplace.",[],{"_key":2585,"_type":127,"children":11926,"markDefs":11930,"style":135},[11927],{"_key":3025,"_type":131,"marks":11928,"text":11929},[],"To help, we’ve created a guide on ‘How to create a financially resilient workforce’ with practical steps to support all employees. 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This easily accessible platform allows employees to consolidate their previous defined contribution previous pensions into a single, flexible scheme*. It simplifies the process by enabling employees to input details of old pensions into the platform, view transfer timelines, and assess values, all in one place.",[],{"_key":11989,"_type":127,"children":11990,"markDefs":11995,"style":135},"72707e984b07",[11991],{"_key":11992,"_type":131,"marks":11993,"text":11994},"8e0f92709448",[],"The launch responds directly to growing employer demand for support that empowers employees to manage retirement savings more effectively and reduce lost pension pots.",[],{"_key":11997,"_type":127,"children":11998,"markDefs":12003,"style":135},"c53c6f43004e",[11999],{"_key":12000,"_type":131,"marks":12001,"text":12002},"b9bfe85c43b3",[],"In fact, with 3.3 million lost pensions valued at £31.1 billion, the challenge of tracking and managing retirement savings is escalating rapidly. Whilst auto-enrolment has successfully increased pension participation, it has also led to employees accumulating multiple small pension pots as they move between jobs. There are now 13 million of these small pots, worth £1,000 or less, with the number increasing by around one million a year. This is making managing retirement savings more complex and time-consuming for employees.",[],{"_key":12005,"_type":127,"children":12006,"markDefs":12011,"style":135},"b83a0707af8b",[12007],{"_key":12008,"_type":131,"marks":12009,"text":12010},"e3a2d2f08629",[],"The new digital Pension Consolidation service addresses this issue by not only reducing the complexity and stress of managing multiple pots but as each pension may come with its own set of charges, it may also help lower fees (by having all deferred pots consolidated in one) with a transparent fee structure. This means more money stays invested for the future. It also provides a clearer view of total retirement savings for better management and focus on meeting future retirement income goals. In fact, seeing the total combined value of a consolidated pension can create a more powerful impact and potentially lead to improved engagement.",[],{"_key":12013,"_type":127,"children":12014,"markDefs":12019,"style":135},"b10e344ceec9",[12015],{"_key":12016,"_type":131,"marks":12017,"text":12018},"5b33f7232e64",[],"Employees can choose from a range of investment options including a target-date fund based on anticipated retirement date, or they can build a diversified portfolio by selecting from a curated range of funds. The service also benefits from an in-house Investment Management team who have analysed the market to handpick high-quality funds to choose from. As experts in financial education, WEALTH at work also provides digital content to help employees understand key investment principles and risk to make informed decisions.",[],{"_key":12021,"_type":127,"children":12022,"markDefs":12027,"style":135},"24de038101c0",[12023],{"_key":12024,"_type":131,"marks":12025,"text":12026},"b94688a8400e",[],"This new service is free for employers to implement and complements WEALTH at work’s comprehensive suite of workplace offerings aimed at improving employee financial wellbeing, including financial engagement, education, guidance and investment advice. Employers interested in learning more can contact WEALTH at work directly.",[],{"_key":12029,"_type":127,"children":12030,"markDefs":12035,"style":135},"1e58d94a4c52",[12031],{"_key":12032,"_type":131,"marks":12033,"text":12034},"74d0e637c29a",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, comments; \"Financial wellbeing is a key pillar of employee satisfaction, and addressing lost pensions is becoming increasingly important with a growing demand for support in this area. For employers committed to supporting their workforce in managing retirement savings, our new digital Pension Consolidation service offers a simple, straight-forward approach for employees to bring their pots together. This complements our existing advised service, designed for individuals with more complex financial needs. Together, these offerings support broader efforts to reduce pension fragmentation and enhance retirement outcomes across the workforce.\"",[],{"_key":12037,"_type":127,"children":12038,"markDefs":12044,"style":135},"41208af18f1d",[12039],{"_key":12040,"_type":131,"marks":12041,"text":12043},"d17f01843efc",[12042,174,6243],"aa859632f96d","Find out more about our Pension Consolidation service here ",[12045],{"_key":12042,"_type":1264,"href":12046},"https:\u002F\u002Fwealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fservices\u002Fpension-consolidation",{"_key":12048,"_type":127,"children":12049,"markDefs":12054,"style":135},"f19dbb7e1368",[12050],{"_key":12051,"_type":131,"marks":12052,"text":12053},"cd276f95889f",[],"*This service is intended to support employees in managing their previous pensions and does not replace any current workplace pension scheme provided by the employer ",[],[12056],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":12057,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},"WEALTH at work launches new digital Pension Consolidation service to help employees take control of their retirement savings ",{"_id":12060,"blogPostMeta":12061,"content":12083,"tag":12134,"title":12082},"2cd60887-3e49-4530-9b78-545b02c1d03e",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":12062,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":12078,"publishedAt":12079,"slug":12080,"title":12082},{"_type":58,"asset":12063},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":12064,"mimeType":225,"opt":12074,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":12065,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":12066},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":12067,"darkVibrant":12068,"dominant":12069,"lightMuted":12070,"lightVibrant":12071,"muted":12072,"vibrant":12073},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":12075},{"tags":12076},[12077],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"Markets bounced back on Monday, shaking off last week’s tech-driven slump as optimism grew that a U.S. government shutdown may soon be resolved. In the U.S. the S&P 500 gained 1.5% whilst the tech heavy Nasdaq jumped up 2.3%, as investors piled back into tech stocks to take advantage of last week’s pull back.","2025-11-12T11:49:56.312Z",{"_type":9,"current":12081},"market-update-12th-november-2025","Market Update - 12th November 2025",[12084,12087,12095,12103,12111,12119,12127],{"_key":12085,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":12086,"width":124},"450b5b302754","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1136066502?",{"_key":12088,"_type":127,"children":12089,"markDefs":12094,"style":135},"c40b54d0421c",[12090],{"_key":12091,"_type":131,"marks":12092,"text":12093},"f78da0fe74b4",[],"Markets bounced back on Monday, shaking off last week’s tech-driven slump as optimism grew that a U.S. government shutdown may soon be resolved. In the U.S. the S&P 500 gained 1.5% whilst the tech heavy Nasdaq jumped up 2.3%, as investors piled back into tech stocks to take advantage of last week’s pull back. Sentiment was further supported by progress on the government shutdown on Sunday, where eight Democratic lawmakers broke ranks with their party to strike a deal that could end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The agreement would not only restore government funding but also halt layoffs - though only until the 30th January. This makes it a short-term fix that will require further negotiation over the holiday period. The proposal must still pass through the House of Representatives, where Democrats are expected to complicate its approval, and Republicans have made it clear they are not committing to any concessions on the healthcare subsidy component.",[],{"_key":12096,"_type":127,"children":12097,"markDefs":12102,"style":135},"facffd7cd828",[12098],{"_key":12099,"_type":131,"marks":12100,"text":12101},"afc680d7cd9f",[],"On Tuesday, data showed that UK unemployment rose to 5% in the three months to September, coming in slightly above expectations. At the same time, average wage growth eased to 4.6% in the third quarter, down from 4.7%. Together, the figures suggest a modest cooling in the labour market. The Bank of England expects unemployment to remain broadly stable in the near term, though some economists argue that the slowdown in hiring reflects business caution ahead of the upcoming budget, suggesting that seasonal factors are potentially influencing this current round data. Still, signs of labour market moderation could strengthen the case for the Bank to consider cutting interest rates at its December meeting, following last time’s narrow 5 - 4 vote to hold them steady. 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The potential deal forms part of a wider U.S. effort to deepen engagement with Indo-Pacific allies amid ongoing global trade realignments.",[],{"_key":12112,"_type":127,"children":12113,"markDefs":12118,"style":135},"96cac6a226bc",[12114],{"_key":12115,"_type":131,"marks":12116,"text":12117},"e0def57afc7e",[],"Investors this week also absorbed the Bank of Japan’s October meeting minutes, which revealed an active debate among policymakers over the timing of another rate hike. Some members argued that economic conditions were beginning to justify a move away from the long-standing ultra-loose monetary stance. The central bank’s future policy direction now appears to hinge on whether corporate earnings and executive commentary suggest that firms will continue raising wages next year - an essential factor for anchoring inflation on a stable path. The BOJ ended its decade-long, massive stimulus program last year and raised short-term interest rates to 0.5% in January, reflecting growing confidence that Japan was nearing a sustainable 2% inflation rate.",[],{"_key":12120,"_type":127,"children":12121,"markDefs":12126,"style":135},"78a44e2883ad",[12122],{"_key":12123,"_type":131,"marks":12124,"text":12125},"0a375ca01d63",[],"Still to come this week we have Japan PPI, UK GDP and U.S. inflation data.",[],{"_key":12128,"_type":127,"children":12129,"markDefs":12133,"style":135},"c136594ce699",[12130],{"_key":12131,"_type":131,"marks":12132,"text":175},"68fe0f0387f0",[174],[],[12135],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":12136,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":12138,"blogPostMeta":12139,"content":12156,"tag":12177,"title":12155},"e051c3b4-3a39-4ca7-a162-18fa218daa82",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":12140,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":12152,"slug":12153,"title":12155},{"_type":58,"asset":12141},{"_createdAt":11881,"_id":11882,"_rev":11883,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":11881,"assetId":11884,"extension":67,"metadata":12142,"mimeType":101,"originalFilename":11907,"path":11908,"sha1hash":11884,"size":11909,"uploadId":11910,"url":11911},{"_type":69,"blurHash":11886,"dimensions":12143,"hasAlpha":76,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":11890,"palette":12144},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":11888,"height":11889,"width":2583},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":12145,"darkVibrant":12146,"dominant":12147,"lightMuted":12148,"lightVibrant":12149,"muted":12150,"vibrant":12151},{"_type":81,"background":11893,"foreground":83,"population":11894,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":11896,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":11898,"foreground":91,"population":2955,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":11898,"foreground":91,"population":2955,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":11901,"foreground":91,"population":11902,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":11904,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":11906,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},"2025-11-12T08:03:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":12154},"how-to-create-a-financially-resilient-workforce-guide","How to create a financially resilient workforce guide",[12157,12160],{"_key":12158,"_type":121,"height":1196,"url":12159,"width":124},"0066d7a88ead","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.flipsnack.com?hash=OUNCQjhCQjhCN0ErdnhqMmt0aGJkYw==",{"_key":12161,"_type":127,"children":12162,"markDefs":12174,"style":135},"f53be3df09bb",[12163,12167,12171],{"_key":12164,"_type":131,"marks":12165,"text":12166},"0cb756fb208c",[],"Thank you for your request to receive a copy of the ‘How to create a financially resilient workforce’ build financial resilience’ guide. This will be emailed to you shortly or you can ",{"_key":12168,"_type":131,"marks":12169,"text":2991},"1409c0c69b72",[174,12170],"7af338b24060",{"_key":12172,"_type":131,"marks":12173,"text":1289},"56b655466477",[],[12175],{"_key":12170,"_type":1264,"href":12176},"https:\u002F\u002Fd3a6n7gvbr88rj.cloudfront.net\u002Fstudio-wealth-at-work-content-lake\u002F1762939123158-mm29pi.pdf",[12178],{"_createdAt":1295,"_id":1296,"_rev":1297,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":1298,"brandSpecific":76,"slug":12179,"title":1301},{"_type":9,"current":1300},{"_id":12181,"blogPostMeta":12182,"content":12198,"tag":12231,"title":12234},"fcbfae47-5f9e-4024-8200-4f7a12c118e0",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":12183,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":12152,"slug":12195,"title":12197},{"_type":58,"asset":12184},{"_createdAt":11881,"_id":11882,"_rev":11883,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":11881,"assetId":11884,"extension":67,"metadata":12185,"mimeType":101,"originalFilename":11907,"path":11908,"sha1hash":11884,"size":11909,"uploadId":11910,"url":11911},{"_type":69,"blurHash":11886,"dimensions":12186,"hasAlpha":76,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":11890,"palette":12187},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":11888,"height":11889,"width":2583},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":12188,"darkVibrant":12189,"dominant":12190,"lightMuted":12191,"lightVibrant":12192,"muted":12193,"vibrant":12194},{"_type":81,"background":11893,"foreground":83,"population":11894,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":11896,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":11898,"foreground":91,"population":2955,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":11898,"foreground":91,"population":2955,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":11901,"foreground":91,"population":11902,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":11904,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":11906,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},{"_type":9,"current":12196},"steps-to-help-employees-build-financial-resilience","Steps to help employees’ build financial resilience",[12199,12200,12215],{"_key":12158,"_type":121,"height":1196,"url":12159,"width":124},{"_key":12161,"_type":127,"children":12201,"markDefs":12213,"style":135},[12202,12205,12210],{"_key":12164,"_type":131,"marks":12203,"text":12204},[],"To download the report, please ",{"_key":12206,"_type":131,"marks":12207,"text":12209},"a8ccb088c8dd",[174,12208],"f0cc2e3f13af","click here",{"_key":12211,"_type":131,"marks":12212,"text":1289},"25a37e584991",[],[12214],{"_key":12208,"_type":1264,"href":12176},{"_key":12216,"_type":127,"children":12217,"markDefs":12229,"style":135},"d184bdf1f96d",[12218,12222,12226],{"_key":12219,"_type":131,"marks":12220,"text":12221},"88f9899397bc",[],"To find out more about how to help employees build financial resilience , please ",{"_key":12223,"_type":131,"marks":12224,"text":1285},"e6adafce3856",[174,12225],"13119e0ede50",{"_key":12227,"_type":131,"marks":12228,"text":6876},"834de5059145",[],[12230],{"_key":12225,"_type":1264,"href":1292},[12232],{"_createdAt":1295,"_id":1296,"_rev":1297,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":1298,"brandSpecific":76,"slug":12233,"title":1301},{"_type":9,"current":1300},"Steps to help employees build financial resilience",{"_id":12236,"blogPostMeta":12237,"content":12259,"tag":12355,"title":12258},"3e1055b8-b136-437c-89c5-3d20f14fbade",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":12238,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":12254,"publishedAt":12255,"slug":12256,"title":12258},{"_type":58,"asset":12239},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":12240,"mimeType":225,"opt":12250,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":12241,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":12242},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":12243,"darkVibrant":12244,"dominant":12245,"lightMuted":12246,"lightVibrant":12247,"muted":12248,"vibrant":12249},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":12251},{"tags":12252},[12253],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As you can see from the accompanying table, global equity markets experienced a softer week, with most major indices heading toward modest losses. Market sentiment was unsettled early in the week by renewed discussion around technology valuations and lingering uncertainty over the government shutdown in Washington. ","2025-11-10T12:04:35.377Z",{"_type":9,"current":12257},"week-ending-7th-november","Week ending 7th November",[12260,12263,12267,12275,12283,12291,12299,12307,12315,12323,12331,12339,12347],{"_key":12261,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":12262,"width":124},"859e1afe6677","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1135310781?",{"_key":12264,"_type":58,"asset":12265},"668b41344a37",{"_ref":12266,"_type":107},"image-55d2c8ce34878e03d939c50315396c625ce006cd-1600x2884-png",{"_key":12268,"_type":127,"children":12269,"markDefs":12274,"style":135},"bc1015f69e84",[12270],{"_key":12271,"_type":131,"marks":12272,"text":12273},"1e7b58126894",[],"As you can see from the accompanying table, global equity markets experienced a softer week, with most major indices heading toward modest losses. Market sentiment was unsettled early in the week by renewed discussion around technology valuations and lingering uncertainty over the government shutdown in Washington. Investors also monitored developments at the U.S. Supreme Court, where justices appeared sceptical about the legality of prior trade tariffs, a ruling that could lead to tariff relief and improved trade dynamics.",[],{"_key":12276,"_type":127,"children":12277,"markDefs":12282,"style":135},"c9cbc85d099b",[12278],{"_key":12279,"_type":131,"marks":12280,"text":12281},"3319357e0340",[],"This week, investors weighed whether the recent pullback in equities signalled routine profit-taking, a healthy reset after a strong rally, or the beginning of a more pronounced decline. While concerns around an \"AI bubble\" have surfaced, it's important to contextualise these fears: in sterling terms the S&P 500 remains up 9% year-to-date and 33% from its April low following President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, reflecting broad market strength.",[],{"_key":12284,"_type":127,"children":12285,"markDefs":12290,"style":135},"0558dc299bed",[12286],{"_key":12287,"_type":131,"marks":12288,"text":12289},"13d1f7863523",[],"While valuations in parts of big tech are elevated, today’s leading AI and digital infrastructure companies are fundamentally different from those of past speculative cycles such as the dot-com bubble. These firms are profitable, cash-generative, and serve real, growing demand. Their strong balance sheets and sustainable cash flows suggest that recent market action is more likely a recalibration than the start of a deeper correction. Short-term fluctuations are a natural part of any market cycle, and this week’s movement appears to be a period of consolidation following robust gains. Encouragingly, Q3 earnings have been strong: 91% of S&P 500 companies have reported, with 82% beating earnings and 77% exceeding revenue forecasts.",[],{"_key":12292,"_type":127,"children":12293,"markDefs":12298,"style":135},"bea7d3f56ba0",[12294],{"_key":12295,"_type":131,"marks":12296,"text":12297},"5ece4db9bf65",[],"Given the global integration and reliance on technology and AI, the long-term outlook for these sectors remains strong and encouragingly, US futures are in the green as investors look set to re-enter the market on Monday.",[],{"_key":12300,"_type":127,"children":12301,"markDefs":12306,"style":135},"ca86c8396dc9",[12302],{"_key":12303,"_type":131,"marks":12304,"text":12305},"910a7575e856",[],"Up until this week, the ongoing government shutdown had caused minimal disruption to markets. However, as it reached a historic milestone becoming the longest in U.S. history it began to draw headlines and stir investor sentiment. The week saw thousands of flight cancellations and delays due to air traffic control staffing issues, a continued blackout of key economic data releases, and disruptions to federal services.",[],{"_key":12308,"_type":127,"children":12309,"markDefs":12314,"style":135},"03ab7d7d45c0",[12310],{"_key":12311,"_type":131,"marks":12312,"text":12313},"d5c21355f6b6",[],"Encouragingly, progress emerged over the weekend as senators reached a bipartisan agreement that could end the 40-day shutdown next week. While the deal still awaits House approval, it represents a constructive step forward and is likely to be viewed positively by markets.",[],{"_key":12316,"_type":127,"children":12317,"markDefs":12322,"style":135},"c8e92848cced",[12318],{"_key":12319,"_type":131,"marks":12320,"text":12321},"1b43e0b20990",[],"In the UK, equities held up relatively well. The Bank of England voted 5–4 to hold rates at 4%, with the narrow decision and softer tone suggesting that rate cuts could begin as early as December. Inflation continues to moderate, giving policymakers greater confidence in a balanced path toward the 2% target. Inflation remains above the Bank of England’s 2% target, currently standing at 3.8%. Andrew Bailey, Governor of the Bank of England, said he preferred to “wait and see” whether inflationary pressures would continue to ease and whether Reeves’s budget would have any influence. Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Autumn Budget on 26th November, which may include measures to support fiscal sustainability and reinforce the disinflationary trend.",[],{"_key":12324,"_type":127,"children":12325,"markDefs":12330,"style":135},"733a5bbaced6",[12326],{"_key":12327,"_type":131,"marks":12328,"text":12329},"7d11b562e56c",[],"In Europe, retail sales eased slightly in September but still showed year-on-year growth of 1%.",[],{"_key":12332,"_type":127,"children":12333,"markDefs":12338,"style":135},"87492859926a",[12334],{"_key":12335,"_type":131,"marks":12336,"text":12337},"b5ce1bd56c8b",[],"Chinese markets ended the week on a positive note, buoyed by easing tensions in U.S.-China trade relations. Investor sentiment improved following a one-year truce agreed upon by the U.S. and Chinese presidents during their meeting at the APEC summit in South Korea. Trade data showed a modest 1.1% year-over-year decline in October exports, likely influenced by earlier frontloading anticipated of tariff adjustments. This suggests a temporary dip rather than a fundamental shift in trade momentum.",[],{"_key":12340,"_type":127,"children":12341,"markDefs":12346,"style":135},"776809bd86f8",[12342],{"_key":12343,"_type":131,"marks":12344,"text":12345},"d54b5b8621c9",[],"Looking ahead to next week, UK unemployment and GDP figures are scheduled for release. In the U.S., the data blackout continues due to the government shutdown, and key releases, including inflation and non-farm payrolls, may be delayed or withheld, depending on progress toward a resolution.",[],{"_key":12348,"_type":127,"children":12349,"markDefs":12354,"style":135},"b76a4a8816b8",[12350],{"_key":12351,"_type":131,"marks":12352,"text":12353},"0feed0003f20",[174],"Kate Mimnagh, Portfolio Economist 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Despite intense speculation over possible tax measures, Reeves did not make any tax related announcements, with her speech more about tackling NHS waiting lists and boosting infrastructure and industrial investment than fiscal tightening. And yet, the possibility of upcoming tax increases was conspicuous in the absence of any clarity surrounding it (Reeves explicitly declined to answer a question on personal income tax), causing the FTSE 100 to edge lower shortly after she concluded. All the while, UK government bond yields eased slightly after her remarks: 10-year gilt yields slipped by around 4.5 basis points to 4.39%, while 30-year yields dipped 5 basis points, which will be welcomed by the Treasury.",[],{"_key":12526,"_type":127,"children":12527,"markDefs":12532,"style":135},"b8a60cc62401",[12528],{"_key":12529,"_type":131,"marks":12530,"text":12531},"5af0146e3d25",[],"On Tuesday, officials in Beijing launched a new initiative to boost import growth, aiming to position China as a premier destination for global exports. Despite China continuing to expand its role as a global supplier, imports of manufactured goods have largely stagnated. The initiative - titled Big Market for All: Export to China - will feature 10 major promotional events each year and include a maximum of six countries per event in order to shore up the economy as a premier export destination by connecting foreign manufacturers with Chinese buyers. While China’s trade surplus is on track to surpass last year’s record of around $1 trillion, exporters are increasingly offsetting weaker U.S. demand (dampened by higher tariffs) by expanding sales to other markets, often at reduced margins.",[],{"_key":12534,"_type":127,"children":12535,"markDefs":12540,"style":135},"cfdd52673993",[12536],{"_key":12537,"_type":131,"marks":12538,"text":12539},"77c30038bf5d",[],"Meanwhile in Japan, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed the nation on Tuesday, noting that wage increases remain insufficient to underpin stable inflation at targeted levels. Although inflation is running near 3%, with food prices as the primary driver, it remains below the threshold for long-term stability anchored by wage growth. 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In Malaysia, he agreed to new trade deals while Southeast Asian leaders gathered for a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia.",[],{"_key":12788,"_type":127,"children":12789,"markDefs":12794,"style":135},"025ce9c71b40",[12790],{"_key":12791,"_type":131,"marks":12792,"text":12793},"ac0aed434907",[],"In Japan, Trump met newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The two signed agreements to secure rare earth supply chains and reaffirm earlier trade commitments, with one deal dubbed the “New Golden Age.”",[],{"_key":12796,"_type":127,"children":12797,"markDefs":12802,"style":135},"09ceee283f3e",[12798],{"_key":12799,"_type":131,"marks":12800,"text":12801},"1d0b2151206c",[],"His final stop was South Korea, where he agreed to lower U.S. auto tariffs to 15% as part of a broader trade package. He also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping for a pivotal discussion on U.S.–China relations. The two sides had already outlined a framework ahead of the meeting, which lasted one hour and forty minutes. A threatened 100% tariff on Chinese goods was avoided, and existing tariffs were reduced by 10%, bringing them down to 47%. China agreed to resume purchases of American soybeans and will be allowed to buy advanced U.S. computer chips, though Nvidia’s Blackwell chip remains restricted. Restrictions on China’s exports of rare earth minerals, vital for smartphones and cars, were also eased. The U.S. had previously responded to the flow of chemical ingredients used in fentanyl production with tariff adjustments.",[],{"_key":12804,"_type":127,"children":12805,"markDefs":12810,"style":135},"efdedb81a61f",[12806],{"_key":12807,"_type":131,"marks":12808,"text":12809},"f34595ceffab",[],"The deal is expected to last for one year, with reciprocal tariffs suspended during that time. While not yet signed, it is being viewed as a breakthrough in easing trade tensions. President Trump is expected to visit China in April to finalise the agreement.",[],{"_key":12812,"_type":127,"children":12813,"markDefs":12818,"style":135},"0853ba1a0909",[12814],{"_key":12815,"_type":131,"marks":12816,"text":12817},"38d5647721a2",[],"Despite some progress on trade, investor focus remained firmly on the Federal Reserve’s latest policy decision. As expected, the Fed cut rates by 25 basis points to a range of 3.75%–4.00%. While markets initially welcomed the news, sentiment shifted during Chair Powell’s press conference, where his tone was more hawkish than anticipated. Powell highlighted divisions within the committee and stressed that a December rate cut is “not a foregone conclusion,” reaffirming the Fed’s data-driven approach. He also raised concerns about limited data availability due to the government shutdown, which could lead to greater caution if key labour and inflation reports are delayed. The press conference led markets to scale back expectations for a December cut. For now, the Fed sees little sign of significant labour market weakness, supporting a patient stance on easing.",[],{"_key":12820,"_type":127,"children":12821,"markDefs":12826,"style":135},"3204437da7b1",[12822],{"_key":12823,"_type":131,"marks":12824,"text":12825},"1852b5bb0c19",[],"This week was the busiest of the Q3 earnings season, with 64% of S&P 500 companies having reported by Friday morning—83% of them beating consensus estimates. Five of the “Magnificent Seven” (Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta, Apple, and Amazon), which together represent about a quarter of the index, released results that heavily influenced market sentiment. Alphabet posted strong cloud growth, Amazon offered upbeat guidance, and Apple met expectations. Meta missed earnings per share due to a one-off tax charge, while Microsoft beat across the board but saw shares dip on spending concerns. Overall, earnings were solid, reflecting resilient corporate fundamentals despite macroeconomic uncertainty.",[],{"_key":12828,"_type":127,"children":12829,"markDefs":12834,"style":135},"10ffda40bcd9",[12830],{"_key":12831,"_type":131,"marks":12832,"text":12833},"6226371750a9",[],"European markets ended the week lower as hopes for further ECB rate cuts faded following Thursday’s meeting. As expected, the ECB held its deposit rate at 2% for the third time, reflecting confidence that inflation has eased from post-pandemic and energy crisis highs. President Christine Lagarde noted the eurozone’s continued resilience despite global challenges and reiterated that future rate decisions will remain data-dependent, with no changes likely before next year.",[],{"_key":12836,"_type":127,"children":12837,"markDefs":12842,"style":135},"1272c6476d4e",[12838],{"_key":12839,"_type":131,"marks":12840,"text":12841},"dad2f91672e1",[],"Coming up next week, earnings season continues, European retail sales, and the Bank of England’s interest rate decision on Thursday 6th November where policymakers are expected to hold rates steady at 4.00%.",[],{"_key":12844,"_type":127,"children":12845,"markDefs":12849,"style":135},"ab62e0cfc2b1",[12846],{"_key":12847,"_type":131,"marks":12848,"text":288},"1900f963d48c",[174],[],[12851],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":12852,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":12854,"blogPostMeta":12855,"content":12893,"tag":12905,"title":12892},"0e40f44b-4008-4320-803e-5bd4b527a88a",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":12856,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":12889,"slug":12890,"title":12892},{"_type":58,"asset":12857},{"_createdAt":12858,"_id":12859,"_rev":12860,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":12858,"assetId":12861,"extension":67,"metadata":12862,"mimeType":101,"originalFilename":12884,"path":12885,"sha1hash":12861,"size":12886,"uploadId":12887,"url":12888},"2025-11-05T15:46:23Z","image-c187a0f39ac4b8c74fbc95299e86a5c0b15908c4-1781x1080-png","7EycaOswzF19RNL4QGL44j","c187a0f39ac4b8c74fbc95299e86a5c0b15908c4",{"_type":69,"blurHash":12863,"dimensions":12864,"hasAlpha":76,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":12865,"palette":12866},"VfQTAg~pD%W;-ot7oft7Rjof^*E2t7o0R+x[a|R*oeWC",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":12425,"height":12426,"width":12427},"data:image\u002Fpng;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAMCAYAAABiDJ37AAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAAChUlEQVR4nJWTyU9TURSH31\u002FjEHXh3r9BExeujBuMLkyMikYEsRhJrRNqRAwJ4mwkURCxRcChMoumRJAKZZKWFuz4pr6hb\u002FjMqyaKC4eT\u002FBY3997vd+495wj8T7gOtqGjFETyeQVZM9EMA9M0sGwbw3ER\u002Fh3mgqWjLUeZCvcSCkfo\u002FTjPWCRCLDrBSibLrFz6CXRd94\u002FysnN0ETnSyVCrj\u002Frbjznc+pz6QICHzZcZG+hhdPI9gm07FBUdMa8iiUUUSUMWi2V9XxcxdBPbtlGlPEuD7fTcqqPqVhu7Ag+oOHgcv+8EXXcb+PDEj2AYJZLxDNOTS8xGEyzGUsxNJ5n7vFzW4myKXFpC1QwWEssE+\u002Fq42t7JgbZ+tl\u002FoYqevlX3n71DTdJ+LTdcQTNNiNZkjNpUoAxdmkizMpEh8SZOKZ8t7UkElK0q8GRnl3L1HHAqOUNE7x7arQ6w\u002FGWJjbYhNtUG21LQjWJZNIaeQSmTLgFQ8Q3olT1HV8cxKpoV3Jp3LE+rpxX+jhZOhQXwjX9jRPMCGE49ZV9XB5togW093I7iOi\u002FdsVdVRFU8aumbi2M6aoqjFItHoZ14ODNPzKcbTyBTVjTfZdbSO3aeuUdn4jDN3XiGULJtMQWE+mSUWTxNfzaNq5vfK\u002FhKO46BpGqIsk5EkRt+PUH+6mv1793CsqooLDS1cv3IbQdFMJudShIajdLyd4O34PKs5Bcf50S5rWtEtgw1dY\u002FzDO84GAhyqPMKp+jpqLzVz1N+CYJYsVrMS00tfmVpYYXElh2fyG2sN1LZKJJcTvA7309Ud4mX4BcH+Ye6HJxG8e56rNzqebMf7u78NjUvJNJFlGVEsoMgFJEUho5p8Ay8AVH8vIU2LAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":12867,"darkVibrant":12870,"dominant":12873,"lightMuted":12876,"lightVibrant":12879,"muted":12880,"vibrant":12882},{"_type":81,"background":12868,"foreground":83,"population":12869,"title":83},"#5c4343",2.68,{"_type":81,"background":12871,"foreground":83,"population":12872,"title":83},"#0573bc",2.21,{"_type":81,"background":12874,"foreground":91,"population":12875,"title":83},"#56cef5",2.74,{"_type":81,"background":12877,"foreground":91,"population":12878,"title":83},"#d0ba9f",0.72,{"_type":81,"background":12874,"foreground":91,"population":12875,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":12881,"foreground":83,"population":6801,"title":83},"#697891",{"_type":81,"background":12883,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},"#0a8ce6","Baby boomers.png","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fc187a0f39ac4b8c74fbc95299e86a5c0b15908c4-1781x1080.png",584647,"QjeRKtUsYuzmCt4dsgYlG7avDh29kvtz","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fc187a0f39ac4b8c74fbc95299e86a5c0b15908c4-1781x1080.png","2025-11-03T09:33:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":12891},"generations-in-the-workplace-baby-boomers","Generations in the workplace: Baby Boomers",[12894,12897],{"_key":12895,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":12896,"width":124},"55dfc38606da","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FN0HSzH1faj0",{"_key":12898,"_type":127,"children":12899,"markDefs":12904,"style":135},"b54f30d0f471",[12900],{"_key":12901,"_type":131,"marks":12902,"text":12903},"ad1282deaf24",[],"We’re diving into the financial wellbeing needs of different generations in the workplace - because when it comes to finances, one size doesn’t fit all.\n\nIn today’s video, we’re focusing on Baby Boomers who are retirement-ready but also at risk. Watch to discover how the right support can help Baby Boomers make confident, informed retirement decisions. ",[],[12906],{"_createdAt":4751,"_id":4752,"_rev":4753,"_system":12907,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":4758,"brandSpecific":76,"slug":12909,"title":4761},{"base":12908},{"id":4756,"rev":4757},{"_type":9,"current":4760},{"_id":12911,"blogPostMeta":12912,"content":12934,"tag":13105,"title":12933},"8925b87d-c385-4206-a3d5-92bd416a82dd",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":12913,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":12929,"publishedAt":12930,"slug":12931,"title":12933},{"_type":58,"asset":12914},{"_createdAt":6511,"_id":6512,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":6513,"extension":196,"metadata":12915,"mimeType":225,"opt":12925,"originalFilename":6542,"path":6543,"sha1hash":6513,"size":6544,"uploadId":6545,"url":6546},{"_type":69,"blurHash":6515,"dimensions":12916,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":6517,"palette":12917},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":495,"height":496,"width":497},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":12918,"darkVibrant":12919,"dominant":12920,"lightMuted":12921,"lightVibrant":12922,"muted":12923,"vibrant":12924},{"_type":81,"background":6520,"foreground":83,"population":6521,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":6523,"foreground":83,"population":6524,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":6523,"foreground":83,"population":6524,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":6527,"foreground":91,"population":6528,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":6530,"foreground":91,"population":2970,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":6532,"foreground":83,"population":6533,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":6535,"foreground":83,"population":6536,"title":83},{"media":12926},{"tags":12927},[12928],{"_key":6541,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As part of this year’s Scam Awareness campaign by Citizens Advice, WEALTH at work is urging individuals to take proactive steps to protect their retirement savings.","2025-10-29T12:39:02.377Z",{"_type":9,"current":12932},"how-to-avoid-losing-your-pension-to-scams-and-fraudsters","How to avoid losing your pension to scams and fraudsters ",[12935,12942,12950,12958,12970,12982,12994,13006,13018,13050,13062,13074,13086,13097],{"_key":12936,"_type":127,"children":12937,"markDefs":12941,"style":135},"64b3f52797a7",[12938],{"_key":12939,"_type":131,"marks":12940,"text":12929},"3140a57ab2a0",[],[],{"_key":12943,"_type":127,"children":12944,"markDefs":12949,"style":135},"ee2634941959",[12945],{"_key":12946,"_type":131,"marks":12947,"text":12948},"13f5cca62f18",[],"Figures from Action Fraud highlights the scale of the issue. In 2024 there were 519 reports of pension fraud in total and £17,567,249 lost, with an average loss of £33,848 per person. Research suggests the two most prevalent ways criminals target victims were investment fraud pressuring tactics, and account takeovers of a victim’s pension scheme by impersonating them.",[],{"_key":12951,"_type":127,"children":12952,"markDefs":12957,"style":135},"60ca73132c44",[12953],{"_key":12954,"_type":131,"marks":12955,"text":12956},"d99571a003fc",[],"Here are some key considerations to help people remain alert and avoid losing their pension to scams and fraudsters.",[],{"_key":12959,"_type":127,"children":12960,"markDefs":12969,"style":135},"d0c4e65cf29f",[12961,12965],{"_key":12962,"_type":131,"marks":12963,"text":12964},"76689b103d75",[174],"Scams don’t look like scams",{"_key":12966,"_type":131,"marks":12967,"text":12968},"b229a878c21f",[]," – Fraudsters often look and sound legitimate by having professionally designed websites and literature that mimic a genuine business, which is why it is easy to be deceived.\n",[],{"_key":12971,"_type":127,"children":12972,"markDefs":12981,"style":135},"8ff484b65a7e",[12973,12977],{"_key":12974,"_type":131,"marks":12975,"text":12976},"b9f7687810a7",[174],"If it’s too good to be true, it probably is ",{"_key":12978,"_type":131,"marks":12979,"text":12980},"7e4b8ea9824d",[],"– If an investment offers the opportunity of a lifetime, it’s likely to be a scam and there is little that can be done for those who fall for it. High-return offers should always be approached with caution and their legitimacy verified before taking any action.\n",[],{"_key":12983,"_type":127,"children":12984,"markDefs":12993,"style":135},"e7842cadf6ef",[12985,12989],{"_key":12986,"_type":131,"marks":12987,"text":12988},"c04a4084e682",[174],"Scammers will do their homework",{"_key":12990,"_type":131,"marks":12991,"text":12992},"170b387aa84b",[]," – Fraudsters often go to great lengths to appear trustworthy. Those who run pension scams are clever and may have been able to get hold of someone’s personal details; not just about them, but their local area and interests. The familiarity can make their approach seems genuine. People need to be aware to avoid letting scammers’ knowledge and friendliness catch them off guard.\n",[],{"_key":12995,"_type":127,"children":12996,"markDefs":13005,"style":135},"8eac38dad53b",[12997,13001],{"_key":12998,"_type":131,"marks":12999,"text":13000},"dec1821dcd08",[174],"The right decision takes time",{"_key":13002,"_type":131,"marks":13003,"text":13004},"9602f6abc869",[]," – Genuine advisers will never rush anyone to make a decision. Anything that is advertised as a limited time offer is likely to be a scam.\n",[],{"_key":13007,"_type":127,"children":13008,"markDefs":13017,"style":135},"344450801227",[13009,13013],{"_key":13010,"_type":131,"marks":13011,"text":13012},"63e16c252eef",[174],"Understand the basic facts first ",{"_key":13014,"_type":131,"marks":13015,"text":13016},"40d1cce5c475",[],"– Pensions can normally only be accessed at the age of 55, with the exception of seriously ill health. In normal circumstances, if a company promises to release pensions early, they are lying and it is a scam.\n",[],{"_key":13019,"_type":127,"children":13020,"markDefs":13046,"style":135},"e5f6151fe9e1",[13021,13025,13029,13033,13037,13042],{"_key":13022,"_type":131,"marks":13023,"text":13024},"0935bc669120",[174],"Know where to go for help",{"_key":13026,"_type":131,"marks":13027,"text":13028},"c3b81e998b5c",[]," – People should approach any pensions or investing offer with caution and always check that the company is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) before committing to anything ",{"_key":13030,"_type":131,"marks":13031,"text":5168},"9bce9d7ce239",[13032],"f628c381f41a",{"_key":13034,"_type":131,"marks":13035,"text":13036},"a01eb784d8f6",[],".The FCA’s ScamSmart website also includes a warning list of companies for individuals to be aware of ",{"_key":13038,"_type":131,"marks":13039,"text":13041},"6d90fa268d83",[13040],"1db870a88fc5","www.scamsmart.fca.org.uk",{"_key":13043,"_type":131,"marks":13044,"text":13045},"d0661701c551",[],". It may also be a good idea for people to seek investment advice if they’re unsure.\n",[13047,13048],{"_key":13032,"_type":1264,"href":5168},{"_key":13040,"_type":1264,"href":13049},"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.scamsmart.fca.org.uk",{"_key":13051,"_type":127,"children":13052,"markDefs":13061,"style":135},"a819eca2a8c4",[13053,13057],{"_key":13054,"_type":131,"marks":13055,"text":13056},"a37f7183a058",[174],"Protecting privacy",{"_key":13058,"_type":131,"marks":13059,"text":13060},"d5ce1bf7840d",[]," – Scammers will use technology and try to contact individuals through various means such as social media, texts, telephone calls and emails. If anyone is in doubt, they should ignore it and hang up the phone or delete the message. Phone companies should be able to help by blocking any offending numbers and email providers with blocking emails from specific senders. Be aware of what is shared through social media and check that privacy settings are as secure as possible.\n",[],{"_key":13063,"_type":127,"children":13064,"markDefs":13073,"style":135},"2114ce89d6e0",[13065,13069],{"_key":13066,"_type":131,"marks":13067,"text":13068},"6b6e12f14e26",[174],"Watch out for buzzwords",{"_key":13070,"_type":131,"marks":13071,"text":13072},"4c1754b7eb73",[]," - Common signs of pension scams include phrases like 'pension liberation', 'loan', 'loophole', 'savings advance', 'one-off investment', 'cashback'.\n",[],{"_key":13075,"_type":127,"children":13076,"markDefs":13085,"style":135},"8ac501fb70a8",[13077,13081],{"_key":13078,"_type":131,"marks":13079,"text":13080},"4af4752310ae",[174],"Help stop the scams ",{"_key":13082,"_type":131,"marks":13083,"text":13084},"d0e3e58a9ea3",[],"– In England, Northern Ireland and Wales pensions fraud or concerns about a potential scam should be reported to Action Fraud. For those that live in Scotland, they should call Police Scotland or Advice Direct Scotland. People should also report unauthorised financial advice and transfer concerns to the Financial Conduct Authority and breaches of pensions law to The Pensions Regulator.\n",[],{"_key":13087,"_type":127,"children":13088,"markDefs":13096,"style":135},"ec76afc01c83",[13089,13092],{"_key":13090,"_type":131,"marks":13091,"text":9960},"5987ccd00fd2",[174],{"_key":13093,"_type":131,"marks":13094,"text":13095},"0ff778dccba3",[]," “Economic uncertainty and cost-of-living pressures make people more vulnerable to pension scams. Often the reason that people get scammed is because they are offered amazing returns, something that they believe they can’t get anywhere else. It’s crucial to stay alert to the tactics of criminals targeting pension savings and remember that scams don’t look like scams, and can be difficult to spot. Always approach any investing offer with caution and check out the company with the FCA first.”",[],{"_key":13098,"_type":127,"children":13099,"markDefs":13104,"style":135},"7b0b512efe8e",[13100],{"_key":13101,"_type":131,"marks":13102,"text":13103},"d58bede68348",[],"He adds; “Employers play a key role in ensuring that pension scheme members make informed choices concerning their pensions. Many provide services in the workplace such as financial education and guidance to help people understand their options and what red flags to look out for, as well as access to investment advice. Speak to your workplace to see what support they 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awareness.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Ff03960275d188bdf9036db65c16497bfef0a47ea-1600x836.jpg",158154,"SU27ulK2xRilvOfXwgZ9xfKfka6qSTG6","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Ff03960275d188bdf9036db65c16497bfef0a47ea-1600x836.jpg","As part of this year’s Scam Awareness campaign by Citizens Advice, WEALTH at work is urging employers and pension Trustees to take proactive steps to help individuals protect their retirement savings ","2025-10-29T12:31:10.973Z",{"_type":9,"current":13154},"help-employees-and-members-avoid-losing-their-pension-to-scams","Help employees and members avoid losing their pension to scams",[13157,13165,13172,13180,13191,13198,13209,13216,13227,13234,13245,13256,13263,13291,13298,13309,13316,13327,13334,13345,13352,13363,13371,13379],{"_key":13158,"_type":127,"children":13159,"markDefs":13164,"style":135},"e376602e8bf3",[13160],{"_key":13161,"_type":131,"marks":13162,"text":13163},"154e884aabf2",[],"As part of this year’s Scam Awareness campaign by Citizens Advice, WEALTH at work is urging employers and pension Trustees to take proactive steps to help individuals protect their retirement savings",[],{"_key":13166,"_type":127,"children":13167,"markDefs":13171,"style":135},"83c232c632e1",[13168],{"_key":13169,"_type":131,"marks":13170,"text":12948},"a9d2ee8f91ae",[],[],{"_key":13173,"_type":127,"children":13174,"markDefs":13179,"style":135},"9db654100d7d",[13175],{"_key":13176,"_type":131,"marks":13177,"text":13178},"087c1061e33e",[],"Here are some key considerations to share with employees and members to help them remain alert and avoid losing their pension to scams and fraudsters.",[],{"_key":13181,"_type":127,"children":13182,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":13190,"style":135},"51a08172ba4f",[13183,13186],{"_key":13184,"_type":131,"marks":13185,"text":12964},"cdaf02df260b",[174],{"_key":13187,"_type":131,"marks":13188,"text":13189},"c08824221174",[]," – Fraudsters often look and sound legitimate by having professionally designed websites and literature that mimic a genuine business, which is why it is easy to be deceived.",[],{"_key":13192,"_type":127,"children":13193,"markDefs":13197,"style":135},"b7cb1bc97a1e",[13194],{"_key":13195,"_type":131,"marks":13196,"text":1006},"ec25a93d38fe",[],[],{"_key":13199,"_type":127,"children":13200,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":13208,"style":135},"af11836b76fd",[13201,13204],{"_key":13202,"_type":131,"marks":13203,"text":12976},"73813c2be899",[174],{"_key":13205,"_type":131,"marks":13206,"text":13207},"c97893a46b4f",[],"– If an investment offers the opportunity of a lifetime, it’s likely to be a scam and there is little that can be done for those who fall for it. High-return offers should always be approached with caution and their legitimacy verified before taking any action.",[],{"_key":13210,"_type":127,"children":13211,"markDefs":13215,"style":135},"b05b5a6321b7",[13212],{"_key":13213,"_type":131,"marks":13214,"text":1006},"4aac1091cb94",[],[],{"_key":13217,"_type":127,"children":13218,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":13226,"style":135},"1d653cac7ded",[13219,13222],{"_key":13220,"_type":131,"marks":13221,"text":12988},"22cee46d72c4",[174],{"_key":13223,"_type":131,"marks":13224,"text":13225},"7616f460718c",[]," – Fraudsters often go to great lengths to appear trustworthy. Those who run pension scams are clever and may have been able to get hold of someone’s personal details; not just about them, but their local area and interests. The familiarity can make their approach seems genuine. People need to be aware to avoid letting scammers’ knowledge and friendliness catch them off guard.",[],{"_key":13228,"_type":127,"children":13229,"markDefs":13233,"style":135},"c86667e35b3f",[13230],{"_key":13231,"_type":131,"marks":13232,"text":1006},"41eee3f94dc4",[],[],{"_key":13235,"_type":127,"children":13236,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":13244,"style":135},"fc6feb2eb89c",[13237,13240],{"_key":13238,"_type":131,"marks":13239,"text":13000},"17a53dc1660b",[174],{"_key":13241,"_type":131,"marks":13242,"text":13243},"ab68826db6f5",[]," – Genuine advisers will never rush anyone to make a decision. Anything that is advertised as a limited time offer is likely to be a scam.",[],{"_key":13246,"_type":127,"children":13247,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":13255,"style":135},"016fa6dfc3ca",[13248,13251],{"_key":13249,"_type":131,"marks":13250,"text":13012},"be24eb2425ad",[174],{"_key":13252,"_type":131,"marks":13253,"text":13254},"46165298ec29",[],"– Pensions can normally only be accessed at the age of 55, with the exception of seriously ill health. In normal circumstances, if a company promises to release pensions early, they are lying and it is a scam.",[],{"_key":13257,"_type":127,"children":13258,"markDefs":13262,"style":135},"ee4d7ebd4fdb",[13259],{"_key":13260,"_type":131,"marks":13261,"text":1006},"6a66a436df56",[],[],{"_key":13264,"_type":127,"children":13265,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":13288,"style":135},"6b32465c9b12",[13266,13269,13272,13276,13280,13284],{"_key":13267,"_type":131,"marks":13268,"text":13024},"dfd2be82b031",[174],{"_key":13270,"_type":131,"marks":13271,"text":13028},"8bf77fc01d64",[],{"_key":13273,"_type":131,"marks":13274,"text":5168},"21ddfc799c11",[13275],"6ab943d99908",{"_key":13277,"_type":131,"marks":13278,"text":13279},"5d4b68407f9e",[],".The FCA’s ScamSmart website also includes a warning list of companies for employees to be aware of ",{"_key":13281,"_type":131,"marks":13282,"text":13041},"d7f55ef87e62",[13283],"92d0e296a2c8",{"_key":13285,"_type":131,"marks":13286,"text":13287},"4b1d91c5df34",[],". It may also be a good idea for people to seek investment advice if they’re unsure.",[13289,13290],{"_key":13275,"_type":1264,"href":5168},{"_key":13283,"_type":1264,"href":13049},{"_key":13292,"_type":127,"children":13293,"markDefs":13297,"style":135},"3146fb5e06ad",[13294],{"_key":13295,"_type":131,"marks":13296,"text":1006},"9c12ae0483c4",[],[],{"_key":13299,"_type":127,"children":13300,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":13308,"style":135},"a7210737859f",[13301,13304],{"_key":13302,"_type":131,"marks":13303,"text":13056},"4480fcae13a8",[174],{"_key":13305,"_type":131,"marks":13306,"text":13307},"9f82fea7d97d",[]," – Scammers will use technology and try to contact individuals through various means such as social media, texts, telephone calls and emails. If anyone is in doubt, they should ignore it and hang up the phone or delete the message. Phone companies should be able to help by blocking any offending numbers and email providers with blocking emails from specific senders. Be aware of what is shared through social media and check that privacy settings are as secure as possible.",[],{"_key":13310,"_type":127,"children":13311,"markDefs":13315,"style":135},"aaf79de563f8",[13312],{"_key":13313,"_type":131,"marks":13314,"text":1006},"ee590749ee21",[],[],{"_key":13317,"_type":127,"children":13318,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":13326,"style":135},"74a9ec99b414",[13319,13322],{"_key":13320,"_type":131,"marks":13321,"text":13068},"b3703c5aec7a",[174],{"_key":13323,"_type":131,"marks":13324,"text":13325},"ce6bd8a94773",[]," - Common signs of pension scams include phrases like 'pension liberation', 'loan', 'loophole', 'savings advance', 'one-off investment', 'cashback'.",[],{"_key":13328,"_type":127,"children":13329,"markDefs":13333,"style":135},"dbd4799e09d5",[13330],{"_key":13331,"_type":131,"marks":13332,"text":1006},"37969bf50b54",[],[],{"_key":13335,"_type":127,"children":13336,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":13344,"style":135},"bdedef127f1d",[13337,13340],{"_key":13338,"_type":131,"marks":13339,"text":13080},"4978c1132bcc",[174],{"_key":13341,"_type":131,"marks":13342,"text":13343},"85da0f338764",[],"– In England, Northern Ireland and Wales pensions fraud or concerns about a potential scam should be reported to Action Fraud. For those that live in Scotland, they should call Police Scotland or Advice Direct Scotland. People should also report unauthorised financial advice and transfer concerns to the Financial Conduct Authority and breaches of pensions law to The Pensions Regulator.",[],{"_key":13346,"_type":127,"children":13347,"markDefs":13351,"style":135},"caee48c9d51d",[13348],{"_key":13349,"_type":131,"marks":13350,"text":1006},"06d820308054",[],[],{"_key":13353,"_type":127,"children":13354,"markDefs":13362,"style":135},"ffbb6f465ca0",[13355,13358],{"_key":13356,"_type":131,"marks":13357,"text":1502},"9b6f3c054d19",[174],{"_key":13359,"_type":131,"marks":13360,"text":13361},"b6b7a1f91894",[]," “Employers and Trustees are the first line of defence in protecting retirement funds and the regulator is expecting them to step up to the task. Providing financial education and guidance to members at retirement can help to ensure individuals understand their options and the risks involved. Arming them with the facts on what they can and cannot do with their pension and the potential risks involved will help them to make informed decisions and avoid making costly mistakes.”",[],{"_key":13364,"_type":127,"children":13365,"markDefs":13370,"style":135},"cd4ec55902c8",[13366],{"_key":13367,"_type":131,"marks":13368,"text":13369},"59675773e760",[],"He adds; “People also need to understand that taking investment advice and getting the additional consumer protection it offers should not be underestimated. The FCA is urging savers to consider seeking investment advice before making any big financial decisions which could be facilitated by employers and\u002For pension schemes.”",[],{"_key":13372,"_type":127,"children":13373,"markDefs":13378,"style":135},"450fbeab8da9",[13374],{"_key":13375,"_type":131,"marks":13376,"text":13377},"42445714d5c3",[],"Watts-Lay explains; “Historically, there have been concerns over helping people gain access to advice but if done correctly, it does not carry the risk many presume. Having access to an adviser that has been vetted by the employer or scheme not only provides security, but the adviser will be more familiar with the structure of the scheme to provide a better quality of advice for members.",[],{"_key":13380,"_type":127,"children":13381,"markDefs":13386,"style":135},"ed1fbfbd6e8c",[13382],{"_key":13383,"_type":131,"marks":13384,"text":13385},"c9091327f356",[],"Providing a combination of good quality and timely financial education, one-to-one financial guidance and access to investment advice that have been subject to robust due diligence processes, will lead to far better outcomes for those at retirement.”",[],[13388],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":13389,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":13391,"blogPostMeta":13392,"content":13414,"tag":13472,"title":13413},"972f868e-b9b5-4e6f-9250-7e497179409e",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":13393,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":13409,"publishedAt":13410,"slug":13411,"title":13413},{"_type":58,"asset":13394},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":13395,"mimeType":225,"opt":13405,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":13396,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":13397},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":13398,"darkVibrant":13399,"dominant":13400,"lightMuted":13401,"lightVibrant":13402,"muted":13403,"vibrant":13404},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":13406},{"tags":13407},[13408],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"Global equity markets kicked off the week on a strong footing after signs emerged that Washington and Beijing have agreed to pause their trade confrontation. 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The tariff increases on Chinese imports that were expected to land on the 9",{"_key":13426,"_type":131,"marks":13427,"text":4469},"66fe0721000e",[4468],{"_key":13429,"_type":131,"marks":13430,"text":13431},"e6c2290a11be",[]," of November now appear to be on hold. This caused major US indices (including the Nasdaq, S&P 500 and Dow Jones) to respond by touching new record levels at Monday’s open. U.S. Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, suggested that the two sides had struck an initial agreement covering both export controls and a 90-day extension of the current truce. Reports also indicate that China has bought at least two cargoes of US soybeans (its first known purchase this season) which could signify a revival of flows between the two economies.",[],{"_key":13434,"_type":127,"children":13435,"markDefs":13440,"style":135},"f117c8e76eca",[13436],{"_key":13437,"_type":131,"marks":13438,"text":13439},"46796b9553e2",[],"That said, any meaningful easing in trade frictions is unlikely to translate quickly through the global economy. Supply chains have already absorbed a year’s worth of disruptions from tit-for-tat levies, and energy markets have been among the first to react to each change in tone. Illustrating ongoing sensitivity, oil prices retreated by 2% on Tuesday following signals that OPEC plans to raise production.",[],{"_key":13442,"_type":127,"children":13443,"markDefs":13448,"style":135},"6ede84670163",[13444],{"_key":13445,"_type":131,"marks":13446,"text":13447},"314a306eb085",[],"Elsewhere that same day, President Trump met Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi. The two leaders are understood to have signed an accord centred on rare earth materials - essential inputs for advanced manufacturing and modern consumer technology. A statement from the White House suggested that both countries are exploring joint stockpiles and coordination with allies to reinforce supply chain resilience.",[],{"_key":13450,"_type":127,"children":13451,"markDefs":13456,"style":135},"50ab6e50f661",[13452],{"_key":13453,"_type":131,"marks":13454,"text":13455},"f375379f60d4",[],"In the UK, fresh data from the British Retail Consortium showed that shop prices eased by 0.3% in October compared with the previous month. Consumers will welcome the softer backdrop, even though fresh food costs continue to edge higher. Annual food inflation slowed to 3.7% from 4.2% in September - a moderation the Bank of England will be paying close attention to, given its relevance not only for headline inflation, but for household expectations of future price pressures.",[],{"_key":13458,"_type":127,"children":13459,"markDefs":13464,"style":135},"f28c4f20516f",[13460],{"_key":13461,"_type":131,"marks":13462,"text":13463},"acd380334451",[],"Markets are now turning their attention to Thursday’s planned meeting between President Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping. In advance of the talks, China’s Commerce Minister, Wang, publicly rejected the idea that Beijing is preparing to sever economic ties with the United States. Eyes are also on the Fed’s meeting on today, where markets are pricing in a cut of 25 basis points. We also have the Bank of Japan’s interest rate decision, Eurozone GDP and their interest rate decision and some big tech earnings are due out today.",[],{"_key":13466,"_type":127,"children":13467,"markDefs":13471,"style":135},"053ad0ed6834",[13468],{"_key":13469,"_type":131,"marks":13470,"text":175},"3e8c3257cbd4",[174],[],[13473],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":13474,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":13476,"blogPostMeta":13477,"content":13520,"tag":13700,"title":13519},"97f9cb2a-66e4-4e9d-948e-d437e8b270cb",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":13478,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":13515,"publishedAt":13516,"slug":13517,"title":13519},{"_type":58,"asset":13479},{"_createdAt":13480,"_id":13481,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":13482,"extension":67,"metadata":13483,"mimeType":101,"opt":13505,"originalFilename":13510,"path":13511,"sha1hash":13482,"size":13512,"uploadId":13513,"url":13514},"2025-10-28T14:01:11Z","image-6377a1337785bed3c7f2f19db53ebbcdec782d1f-1000x667-png","6377a1337785bed3c7f2f19db53ebbcdec782d1f",{"_type":69,"blurHash":13484,"dimensions":13485,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":13486,"palette":13487},"VGJt|:L~M_%K$%~poeE0t8RiwKIoE1M|S4%gM|RkR*xu",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fpng;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAANCAIAAAAmMtkJAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAADCklEQVR4nAXB61PaBgAA8PxJ+7Lbl91uvXXX9rr21m54UymVUl4DVBACFCKvQIghhEcSEiDBBCQg8mgACwpFHuKKukftw7be7faf7PcDMP8TJr4pMr4UrE\u002F6VbWsa95j3v9R\u002F3R5+Pmfk09vJ9dvpx+vZn\u002F\u002FNTpf9P+8HF0sBqfTzuh1c3BcAxKwOhOzFEgnnwbrxZ356OBs3Dxqi6NX0tXi+Obd6c37+fW7+XQmF6UEt4tX9pnKfobl0CjuAaioNotb+ORWObc9PBTPTocsmzbq1hyb+pfV\u002FM3V7L\u002Fr8y8fFuPTDpqGLKA2kYmUajRGQkaHGuDiJjFlLdPOphieHElyq2rSq29989XSve+TiOd80vn3w+LLx4vZm2M0E17bXIMJL7dHwLhTa1MBFdrayLvbQmBYTyzGjW5zz6VfeXr76\u002FWlu16bJstGXw9rF5ejk7MenkfUVpU7vJHKhaJJjztsA2TeOajA01Z8cZQ\u002FHzflCufTLa3\u002F9G3Q+Nu2U+dHNrLFSHuw15+1CD5i8eqSuYjcF6SXubSIA51daC6nLo656SHXkDLRAPjs5x8sv\u002F7IRsB6mZT2k3kpWJKJ2kCMFmB71CYcZCdn7e6wKjRyQHs3POsKA1lgSTgQsIGgwWJYhuxqjg4NXpWHwxIpghHOTDbQQCHkSvuKLXE8afeH9YPDCiAXkEFLLBYoh8OoNSx7t9fjmDuG2hMJSJLoeosOM8YXtCbVwLBqPCJgxQbf71c7R1WpKwFS3FpjQwTqNRiVyqePIJeeCtkYzMPQCJVBWD5M7NrIfW+pl6cqBMFAHB8slDCqmoyVkwBhuY9tKBxm5erqw2XFHVDzGDWtZncgikScbpMN1EARHU6BFAMHfGbYrcqlNuhCMMQjHjoI+J58t7VyS696oF65p1Pc3lq5433+Syxoj8Cg6Xel5pnCbFa+cOj8LpPHqsa2nwuMu1hO5ivZtEABiPEupLtvNzx26h\u002FB6wrUodzxaFOok4x58bA9Bm8ldtwshYp8imcQgfUflPCeXJyOuuOT3v+Mu7yKHRQOKQAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":13488,"darkVibrant":13491,"dominant":13494,"lightMuted":13497,"lightVibrant":13500,"muted":13502,"vibrant":13503},{"_type":81,"background":13489,"foreground":83,"population":13490,"title":83},"#4a3426",2.89,{"_type":81,"background":13492,"foreground":83,"population":13493,"title":83},"#6c432d",2.94,{"_type":81,"background":13495,"foreground":83,"population":13496,"title":83},"#9a8966",7.22,{"_type":81,"background":13498,"foreground":91,"population":13499,"title":83},"#cdc9ac",1.44,{"_type":81,"background":13501,"foreground":91,"population":322,"title":83},"#cfa06f",{"_type":81,"background":13495,"foreground":83,"population":13496,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":13504,"foreground":91,"population":2946,"title":83},"#accb6a",{"media":13506},{"tags":13507},[13508],{"_key":13509,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"mlH_GQjCMQILHqVwilVbD","Untitled design (1).png","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F6377a1337785bed3c7f2f19db53ebbcdec782d1f-1000x667.png",682403,"ZBbEYFmsvV7rjTaS5E3o8GzTWRBRDHgX","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F6377a1337785bed3c7f2f19db53ebbcdec782d1f-1000x667.png","This year’s Scam Awareness campaign by Citizens Advice focuses on educating people about current scams and providing practical guidance on how to stay Scam Aware.","2025-10-28T08:44:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":13518},"empowering-individuals-to-stay-scam-aware","Empowering individuals to stay scam aware ",[13521,13529,13537,13545,13562,13574,13586,13598,13610,13622,13634,13646,13657,13665,13692],{"_key":13522,"_type":127,"children":13523,"markDefs":13528,"style":135},"a1fd911e58a9",[13524],{"_key":13525,"_type":131,"marks":13526,"text":13527},"63353f976d56",[],"This year’s Scam Awareness campaign by Citizens Advice focuses on educating people about current scams and providing practical guidance on how to stay Scam Aware. According to UK Finance annual fraud report there were 3.13 million confirmed cases of unauthorised fraud reported in 2024 (up 14% compared to 2023) and losses totalled £722 million in 2024 (up 2%).",[],{"_key":13530,"_type":127,"children":13531,"markDefs":13536,"style":135},"beacdcf06cdb",[13532],{"_key":13533,"_type":131,"marks":13534,"text":13535},"1b00495c401a",[],"WEALTH at work’s research in 2024 uncovered some of the most common scams that people lost money to. This includes purchase scams (27%), investment scams (19%), friends or family scam i.e. someone claiming to be someone they knew (18%), bank account scam i.e. claims bank account has been compromised (18%), fake tech support (15%), befriending\u002Fromance scam (14%), and pensions scams (13%).",[],{"_key":13538,"_type":127,"children":13539,"markDefs":13544,"style":135},"f86e941b2d8c",[13540],{"_key":13541,"_type":131,"marks":13542,"text":13543},"2cf562194b81",[],"To help individuals recognise and avoid scams, WEALTH at work has compiled key phrases often heard from scam victims:",[],{"_key":13546,"_type":127,"children":13547,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":13560,"style":135},"784731a59523",[13548,13552,13556],{"_key":13549,"_type":131,"marks":13550,"text":13551},"0d29664907ce",[174],"“They looked so professional” –",{"_key":13553,"_type":131,"marks":13554,"text":13555},"e8ce142b8bb6",[]," Scams look and sound legitimate, which is why people are hoodwinked. They often have very professional looking websites and literature. Whatever people are planning to do with their money, they should firstly check that the company is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) ",{"_key":13557,"_type":131,"marks":13558,"text":5168},"b78d5699ac8b",[13559],"7eefdcf314d9",[13561],{"_key":13559,"_type":1264,"href":5168},{"_key":13563,"_type":127,"children":13564,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":13573,"style":135},"63a5d47a6ec1",[13565,13569],{"_key":13566,"_type":131,"marks":13567,"text":13568},"3e0a4b5f1fed",[174],"“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity” –",{"_key":13570,"_type":131,"marks":13571,"text":13572},"b169c4b63f15",[]," If an investment offers the opportunity of a lifetime, people should be very suspicious. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.",[],{"_key":13575,"_type":127,"children":13576,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":13585,"style":135},"84f8c1864ffc",[13577,13581],{"_key":13578,"_type":131,"marks":13579,"text":13580},"fb1fdb0e13b5",[174],"“They seemed so friendly and knew so much about me” – ",{"_key":13582,"_type":131,"marks":13583,"text":13584},"5e1225c45c55",[],"The people that run scams are clever and may have been able to get hold of an individual’s personal details. People should be aware to not let their knowledge and friendliness catch them off guard.",[],{"_key":13587,"_type":127,"children":13588,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":13597,"style":135},"b6c171d91f55",[13589,13593],{"_key":13590,"_type":131,"marks":13591,"text":13592},"1132d872d2e1",[174],"“If I didn’t decide quickly the opportunity would be lost” – ",{"_key":13594,"_type":131,"marks":13595,"text":13596},"9fbdb01e3411",[],"Genuine advisers will never rush individuals to make a decision. Anything that talks about limited time offers is likely to be a scam.",[],{"_key":13599,"_type":127,"children":13600,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":13609,"style":135},"cb7641dac5c0",[13601,13605],{"_key":13602,"_type":131,"marks":13603,"text":13604},"b8811ce1714d",[174],"“They said they could help me to access my pension early” –",{"_key":13606,"_type":131,"marks":13607,"text":13608},"d0e1ac3ec297",[]," Pensions can normally only be accessed after the age of 55, unless in cases of seriously ill health. In normal circumstances, if someone promises to release a pension early they are lying and it is a scam.",[],{"_key":13611,"_type":127,"children":13612,"markDefs":13621,"style":135},"dfb4759dfc56",[13613,13617],{"_key":13614,"_type":131,"marks":13615,"text":13616},"193e49509375",[174],"“I didn’t know how to check them out” ",{"_key":13618,"_type":131,"marks":13619,"text":13620},"642d9f02375c",[],"– People should approach any investing offer with caution and always check that the company is registered with the FCA before committing to anything https:\u002F\u002Fregister.fca.org.uk\u002F. The FCA’s ScamSmart website also includes a warning list of companies for individuals to be aware of www.scamsmart.fca.org.uk. It may also be a good idea for people to seek investment advice if they’re unsure.",[],{"_key":13623,"_type":127,"children":13624,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":13633,"style":135},"41679d8e9bbb",[13625,13629],{"_key":13626,"_type":131,"marks":13627,"text":13628},"130480fdc594",[174],"“They kept contacting me and eventually I just gave in” –",{"_key":13630,"_type":131,"marks":13631,"text":13632},"310a8e85d48d",[]," Scammers will use technology and try to contact individuals through various means such as social media, texts, telephone calls and emails. If someone is in doubt, they should ignore it and hang up the phone or delete the message. Phone companies should be able to help by blocking any offending numbers and email providers can help to block emails from specific senders. Individuals should be aware of what they share through social media and check that their privacy settings are as secure as possible.",[],{"_key":13635,"_type":127,"children":13636,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":13645,"style":135},"1ae5fdddabad",[13637,13641],{"_key":13638,"_type":131,"marks":13639,"text":13640},"9ca5a2568820",[174],"“I didn’t report the scam straight away” –",{"_key":13642,"_type":131,"marks":13643,"text":13644},"5fb51bec6e68",[]," In England, Northern Ireland and Wales concerns about a potential scam should be reported to Action Fraud. For those that live in Scotland, they should call Police Scotland or Advice Direct Scotland.",[],{"_key":13647,"_type":127,"children":13648,"markDefs":13656,"style":135},"ceeb4a8b1ccd",[13649,13652],{"_key":13650,"_type":131,"marks":13651,"text":8334},"7d7f0ab07ae7",[174],{"_key":13653,"_type":131,"marks":13654,"text":13655},"1f2170698264",[],"“Unfortunately, the strain on household finances caused by rising costs means that some people are more vulnerable than ever, and fraudsters take advantage of this. Those approaching retirement are also key targets as they may have access to relatively large sums of money. People need to be on their guard as fraudsters use many convincing techniques to persuade their victims that they are genuine.”",[],{"_key":13658,"_type":127,"children":13659,"markDefs":13664,"style":135},"6cf73f29e489",[13660],{"_key":13661,"_type":131,"marks":13662,"text":13663},"d820c2f2989d",[],"He explains; “If someone is planning to transfer any money or make a payment and are not 100% sure, they should stop and think to give themselves time to check it out. We encourage people to follow the 3-step approach of the national ‘Take Five’ campaign by UK Finance, a leading industry body for financial services in the UK.It urges individuals to stop and think before parting with money, challenge if something is fake, and protect their money by contacting their bank if they think they’ve fallen for a scam.”",[],{"_key":13666,"_type":127,"children":13667,"markDefs":13689,"style":135},"9ffc1c73b58f",[13668,13672,13677,13681,13685],{"_key":13669,"_type":131,"marks":13670,"text":13671},"5a84177e9b13",[],"Watts-Lay adds; “Also, before committing to anything people should check that the company is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) first, as if they’re not, it’s probably a scam. The FCA’s financial register can be found here ",{"_key":13673,"_type":131,"marks":13674,"text":13676},"2d9c864d806e",[13675],"f38d4baff9f7","https:\u002F\u002Fregister.fca.org.uk\u002Fs\u002F",{"_key":13678,"_type":131,"marks":13679,"text":13680},"4139ba3b137d",[],". The FCA’s ScamSmart website also includes a warning list of companies to be aware of ",{"_key":13682,"_type":131,"marks":13683,"text":13041},"a041bfe05bfb",[13684],"867e471d0940",{"_key":13686,"_type":131,"marks":13687,"text":13688},"3eb64c408b56",[],". If anyone thinks that they are being scammed, they must report it on the FCAs Scam Smart website. Not only may they be able to help them, but they will be able to help others from falling for the same scam.”",[13690,13691],{"_key":13675,"_type":1264,"href":13676},{"_key":13684,"_type":1264,"href":13049},{"_key":13693,"_type":127,"children":13694,"markDefs":13699,"style":135},"807f3e7e53d2",[13695],{"_key":13696,"_type":131,"marks":13697,"text":13698},"3396d6d98972",[],"He adds; “Many leading employers offer employees financial education, guidance and access to investment financial advice to help them understand the warning signs when it comes to a scam so that it can be avoided. It’s always worth speaking to your employer to see what support they provide.”",[],[13701],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":13702,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":13704,"blogPostMeta":13705,"content":13727,"tag":13830,"title":13726},"96666080-5f23-4aa8-92bf-ac7b3d5ceb4f",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":13706,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":13722,"publishedAt":13723,"slug":13724,"title":13726},{"_type":58,"asset":13707},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":13708,"mimeType":225,"opt":13718,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":13709,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":13710},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":13711,"darkVibrant":13712,"dominant":13713,"lightMuted":13714,"lightVibrant":13715,"muted":13716,"vibrant":13717},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":13719},{"tags":13720},[13721],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"Global equities delivered strong gains this week, with investors looking past a series of volatile headlines to focus on improving sentiment and resilient economic signals. UK’s FTSE 100 Index climbed an impressive 3.11%, buoyed by strength in energy and financial stocks. ","2025-10-27T09:33:09.931Z",{"_type":9,"current":13725},"week-ending-24th-october-2025","Week ending 24th October 2025",[13728,13731,13735,13743,13751,13759,13767,13775,13783,13791,13799,13807,13815,13823],{"_key":13729,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":13730,"width":124},"ec2ff0232430","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1130893612?",{"_key":13732,"_type":58,"asset":13733},"d931e0c5a40a",{"_ref":13734,"_type":107},"image-0525c121cb5e89e9a49184228b563c049064c354-1600x2884-png",{"_key":13736,"_type":127,"children":13737,"markDefs":13742,"style":135},"acd37130cdba",[13738],{"_key":13739,"_type":131,"marks":13740,"text":13741},"eb6b59ebe3c9",[],"Global equities delivered strong gains this week, with investors looking past a series of volatile headlines to focus on improving sentiment and resilient economic signals. UK’s FTSE 100 Index climbed an impressive 3.11%, buoyed by strength in energy and financial stocks. Stocks shrugged off renewed tensions between the U.S. and China, as well as a jump in oil prices following fresh U.S. sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies.",[],{"_key":13744,"_type":127,"children":13745,"markDefs":13750,"style":135},"79553c0a33c0",[13746],{"_key":13747,"_type":131,"marks":13748,"text":13749},"0f1521131c93",[],"The internationally focused FTSE 100 recorded its strongest weekly rise in over six months, with improving UK data and policy expectations supporting risk sentiment ahead of several key central bank meetings.",[],{"_key":13752,"_type":127,"children":13753,"markDefs":13758,"style":135},"9a759b58f590",[13754],{"_key":13755,"_type":131,"marks":13756,"text":13757},"d8246bf61f0d",[],"UK retail sales beat expectations, rising 1.5% year-on-year and 0.5% month-on-month in September, marking a fourth consecutive monthly increase. Growth was driven by non-food stores, especially clothing, and continued strength in online spending, which posted its eighth straight monthly rise. The data indicates that consumer demand is holding firm, helping to underpin near-term growth expectations and easing fears of an immediate slowdown. Sterling and UK retail shares both found modest support as a result.",[],{"_key":13760,"_type":127,"children":13761,"markDefs":13766,"style":135},"318ce7ae4a19",[13762],{"_key":13763,"_type":131,"marks":13764,"text":13765},"207adcb88d90",[],"In the UK, consumer confidence rose to -17 in September from -19, defying forecasts for a further dip. Although sentiment remains subdued, the improvement suggests households are becoming slightly more optimistic ahead of the Black Friday sales period. Combined with stronger retail figures, this points to ongoing consumer resilience despite fiscal uncertainty in the run-up to the November Budget.",[],{"_key":13768,"_type":127,"children":13769,"markDefs":13774,"style":135},"ff1789858433",[13770],{"_key":13771,"_type":131,"marks":13772,"text":13773},"b5e0413a35fc",[],"The UK’s Manufacturing PMI rose to 49.6 in October from 46.2, signalling a slower pace of contraction. Restocking and a tentative rebound in domestic demand helped offset trade headwinds and lingering supply chain disruptions following the Jaguar Land Rover cyberattack. Although the PMI activity remains just below the 50 mark separating expansion from contraction, the improvement points to stabilising conditions.",[],{"_key":13776,"_type":127,"children":13777,"markDefs":13782,"style":135},"58792c7aafe4",[13778],{"_key":13779,"_type":131,"marks":13780,"text":13781},"f5534f9ece84",[],"Meanwhile, the Services PMI edged higher to 51.1 from 50.8, indicating modest expansion. Firms cited weak consumer sentiment and delayed investment decisions ahead of the Budget, but optimism for the year ahead improved. Taken together, the PMI data suggests the UK economy is regaining some momentum heading into the fourth quarter, supporting the view that the Bank of England can afford to move gradually with any future rate cuts.",[],{"_key":13784,"_type":127,"children":13785,"markDefs":13790,"style":135},"57feab9b2c66",[13786],{"_key":13787,"_type":131,"marks":13788,"text":13789},"efe060610a01",[],"Asian markets had a strong week. Japan’s Topix Index jumped 3.12% after Sanae Takaichi became prime minister, boosting investor confidence with her pro-growth stance. In China, a four-day Communist Party meeting signalled support for tech self-reliance and domestic consumption, encouraging demand-linked sectors.",[],{"_key":13792,"_type":127,"children":13793,"markDefs":13798,"style":135},"97c996dce2e6",[13794],{"_key":13795,"_type":131,"marks":13796,"text":13797},"ce24adf97d07",[],"Meanwhile, the U.S. and China agreed on a preliminary trade deal ahead of President Donald Trump and Xi Jinping leaders' summit on the 30th October. Brokered at the ASEAN summit, the deal aims to prevent 100% tariffs on Chinese imports and includes a resolution on TikTok’s U.S. operations.",[],{"_key":13800,"_type":127,"children":13801,"markDefs":13806,"style":135},"305deef810a5",[13802],{"_key":13803,"_type":131,"marks":13804,"text":13805},"e244ca225aeb",[],"On Friday, U.S. equities rose on optimism that the Federal Reserve could cut interest rates next week, as investors assessed a limited set of economic figures during the government’s ongoing data blackout. The annual inflation rate edged up to 3.0% in September 2025, the highest since January, from 2.9% in August, but remained slightly below forecasts of 3.1%. Meanwhile, core consumer price inflation which excludes food and energy eased to 3.0%, down from 3.1% in the previous two months and marginally under analysts’ expectations",[],{"_key":13808,"_type":127,"children":13809,"markDefs":13814,"style":135},"3467c491bcd4",[13810],{"_key":13811,"_type":131,"marks":13812,"text":13813},"3352a0c90ce9",[],"Ireland is electing its 10th president, with independent Catherine Connolly leading. Though market impact is expected to be minimal, the vote reflects wider political shifts in Europe that investors are watching closely.",[],{"_key":13816,"_type":127,"children":13817,"markDefs":13822,"style":135},"8c8cc8cd8e76",[13818],{"_key":13819,"_type":131,"marks":13820,"text":13821},"d5c86bc3e731",[],"Looking ahead, attention turns to the Federal Reserve’s decision on 29th October, where a 25bp cut to 4.00% is widely expected. A dovish tone could further support global equities and bonds, while a more cautious message may trigger a short-term pullback. Preliminary Q3 GDP releases across the U.S. and Europe will also provide important signals on the strength of economic growth, ahead of the European Central Bank meeting on 30 October, where rates are expected to be held steady at 2.15% (for the main refinancing rate and 2.00% for the deposit facility).",[],{"_key":13824,"_type":127,"children":13825,"markDefs":13829,"style":135},"f4044c639230",[13826],{"_key":13827,"_type":131,"marks":13828,"text":288},"96e7d68e13d2",[174],[],[13831],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":13832,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":13834,"blogPostMeta":13835,"content":13857,"tag":13915,"title":13856},"3c77fc21-0f4e-4bf3-8585-7369134c18d3",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":13836,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":13852,"publishedAt":13853,"slug":13854,"title":13856},{"_type":58,"asset":13837},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":13838,"mimeType":225,"opt":13848,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":13839,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":13840},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":13841,"darkVibrant":13842,"dominant":13843,"lightMuted":13844,"lightVibrant":13845,"muted":13846,"vibrant":13847},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":13849},{"tags":13850},[13851],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"UK inflation held steady at 3.8% in September, marking the third consecutive month at that level and delivering a welcome upside surprise for both markets and consumers. The breakdown showed food inflation easing further and price pressures moderating in recreational categories.","2025-10-22T10:45:01.649Z",{"_type":9,"current":13855},"market-update-22nd-october-2025","Market Update - 22nd October 2025",[13858,13861,13869,13877,13885,13893,13901,13908],{"_key":13859,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":13860,"width":124},"483e06093cfd","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fprogressive_redirect\u002Fplayback\u002F1129477381\u002Frendition\u002F720p\u002Ffile.mp4?loc=external&log_user=0&signature=9c6170910f5c6f87163ccda028051a3e45cebbb62d8f9fc4345f47b918e239f4",{"_key":13862,"_type":127,"children":13863,"markDefs":13868,"style":135},"9d676547689a",[13864],{"_key":13865,"_type":131,"marks":13866,"text":13867},"9ef84e71fa74",[],"UK inflation held steady at 3.8% in September, marking the third consecutive month at that level and delivering a welcome upside surprise for both markets and consumers. The breakdown showed food inflation easing further and price pressures moderating in recreational categories. Core CPI (which excludes the volatile components such as food and energy) edged down to 3.5% year-on-year from 3.6% in August, while services too remained unchanged. All measures of inflation came in below expectations, and policymakers are signalling that this could mark the peak before a sustained decline. As a result, economists now see scope for interest rate cuts to return to the policy agenda - though likely not until next year, given inflation remains well above the Bank of England’s 2% target.",[],{"_key":13870,"_type":127,"children":13871,"markDefs":13876,"style":135},"7e1d5a79f51c",[13872],{"_key":13873,"_type":131,"marks":13874,"text":13875},"73817356f444",[],"A wave of Chinese economic data released on Monday gave markets plenty to unpack. GDP expanded by 4.8% year-on-year in the third quarter, easing slightly from the 5.2% pace recorded in Q2. Despite this mild slowdown, the figure topped consensus expectations, thanks largely to a rebound in industrial output. That strength helped offset weaker momentum in consumer activity (retail sales grew 3% in September, down from 3.4% in August) as well as the prolonged housing sector slump that has somewhat eroded household wealth over recent years. Although the data provided a welcome lift to market sentiment by keeping China broadly on track to meet its 5% full-year growth target, investor attention is now shifting to the upcoming Five-Year Plan update later this month for any concrete policy signals to stimulate domestic demand - particularly with inflation still running in deflationary territory.",[],{"_key":13878,"_type":127,"children":13879,"markDefs":13884,"style":135},"1dc1de113d6d",[13880],{"_key":13881,"_type":131,"marks":13882,"text":13883},"ac2b6912b227",[],"Japan has appointed its first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, a staunch advocate of ‘Abenomics’ and its bias toward fiscal expansion and tax relief. She enters office following internal political turbulence that prompted the ruling LDP to form an alliance with the Japan Innovation Party in order to stay in power. Even so, her administration may still face fragility unless it secures broader parliamentary backing in the months ahead. Financial markets responded with measured optimism: the Nikkei closed at a record high on Tuesday, the yen weakened sharply, and government bonds rallied.",[],{"_key":13886,"_type":127,"children":13887,"markDefs":13892,"style":135},"8001d11ded91",[13888],{"_key":13889,"_type":131,"marks":13890,"text":13891},"4a56f5c20d87",[],"Meanwhile, reports surfaced Monday detailing a tense conversation between President Trump and President Zelensky last Friday after Trump suggested that current front lines in the Russia–Ukraine conflict should effectively become the permanent territorial boundary - implying that Kyiv should relinquish occupied territory to Moscow. Although the meeting was ultimately described as constructive, investors are now watching with hope for a possible follow-up summit between Trump and President Putin, which has been reported as shelved for the time being.",[],{"_key":13894,"_type":127,"children":13895,"markDefs":13900,"style":135},"8f2e357a5d91",[13896],{"_key":13897,"_type":131,"marks":13898,"text":13899},"c0590f2a7478",[],"Looking ahead, focus turns to Friday’s U.S. CPI release. The data (delayed by the ongoing government shutdown) is expected to be one of the few key inputs available to the Federal Reserve ahead of next week’s policy meeting. Consensus forecasts point to a 3.1% year-on-year inflation reading, and markets are currently pricing in another 25 basis-point rate cut in October. 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Research  reveals that the total value of unclaimed pension pots has surged from £19.4 billion in 2018 to £31.1 billion in 2024. Currently, there are 3.3 million pension pots classified as lost. ","2025-10-22T10:23:00.258Z",{"_type":9,"current":13959},"guidance-for-savers-on-tracking-and-consolidation","£31.1 Billion in Lost Pensions - Guidance for Savers on Tracking and Consolidation",[13962,13970,13978,13986,13994,14002,14010,14018,14026,14034,14042,14050,14058,14066,14074,14082,14090,14098,14106,14114,14122,14130,14138],{"_key":13963,"_type":127,"children":13964,"markDefs":13969,"style":135},"c67bd51dd685",[13965],{"_key":13966,"_type":131,"marks":13967,"text":13968},"a75efcd96652",[],"The issue of lost pensions in the UK is escalating rapidly. Research reveals that the total value of unclaimed pension pots has surged from £19.4 billion in 2018 to £31.1 billion in 2024. Currently, there are 3.3 million pension pots classified as lost.",[],{"_key":13971,"_type":127,"children":13972,"markDefs":13977,"style":135},"1cdabaa3c41f",[13973],{"_key":13974,"_type":131,"marks":13975,"text":13976},"444025977782",[],"This growing problem could be attributed to issues including; individuals neglecting to update pension providers after changing address, the impact of auto-enrolment which has led to the accumulation of multiple small pots, and a widespread lack of awareness and engagement with pension savings.",[],{"_key":13979,"_type":127,"children":13980,"markDefs":13985,"style":135},"6da38857b2e0",[13981],{"_key":13982,"_type":131,"marks":13983,"text":13984},"13713383d623",[],"In light of Pension Tracing Day on 29 October, Jonathan-Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work explains how people can track down lost pensions and provides guidance on whether to consolidate.",[],{"_key":13987,"_type":127,"children":13988,"markDefs":13993,"style":135},"fd863a37ad9e",[13989],{"_key":13990,"_type":131,"marks":13991,"text":13992},"31dba11ac55d",[],"He urges: “Pensions savers should take the time to investigate whether any of the 3.3 million lost pension pots belong to them. Reclaiming even one could significantly enhance their retirement income. See our steps to locate a lost pension.”",[],{"_key":13995,"_type":127,"children":13996,"markDefs":14001,"style":135},"ee18698deda5",[13997],{"_key":13998,"_type":131,"marks":13999,"text":14000},"06f15368d4cf",[],"Steps to locate a lost pension:",[],{"_key":14003,"_type":127,"children":14004,"markDefs":14009,"style":135},"6a33de6cad6c",[14005],{"_key":14006,"_type":131,"marks":14007,"text":14008},"bfa67424ba3a",[],"Compile a list of previous employers as this can help identify how many pensions you might have. It can be helpful to go back through old documents such as payslips, P45s, P60s and CVs.",[],{"_key":14011,"_type":127,"children":14012,"markDefs":14017,"style":135},"5b039aa31085",[14013],{"_key":14014,"_type":131,"marks":14015,"text":14016},"291da284d073",[],"Contact former employers to find your previous pensions details.",[],{"_key":14019,"_type":127,"children":14020,"markDefs":14025,"style":135},"287d6bb5ce14",[14021],{"_key":14022,"_type":131,"marks":14023,"text":14024},"53199d7e25b0",[],"Those who are unable to obtain their pension details from a previous employer can try to find them using the Government’s Pension Tracing Service: www.gov.uk\u002Ffind-pension-contact-details.",[],{"_key":14027,"_type":127,"children":14028,"markDefs":14033,"style":135},"465b90124f2a",[14029],{"_key":14030,"_type":131,"marks":14031,"text":14032},"9f21e9576076",[],"Once the provider is found, contact them to request current statements and to confirm pension values and details.",[],{"_key":14035,"_type":127,"children":14036,"markDefs":14041,"style":135},"d6be5567bd4e",[14037],{"_key":14038,"_type":131,"marks":14039,"text":14040},"5c568bba46e3",[174,6243],"Should people consider consolidating their pensions?",[],{"_key":14043,"_type":127,"children":14044,"markDefs":14049,"style":135},"89c3fea717a2",[14045],{"_key":14046,"_type":131,"marks":14047,"text":14048},"6b46bf34dc0f",[],"“Once lost pensions are located, individuals may find it beneficial to consolidate multiple schemes into one. This approach is particularly relevant to defined contribution (DC) pensions, which are now the dominant type of workplace pension in the private sector. In a DC scheme, you build up a personal ‘pot of money’ that can be used to provide income in retirement, and consolidating these pots can make it easier to manage your savings and improve investment oversight.”",[],{"_key":14051,"_type":127,"children":14052,"markDefs":14057,"style":135},"a549d3cb981f",[14053],{"_key":14054,"_type":131,"marks":14055,"text":14056},"1498b6bf1e99",[],"He adds; “While individuals can consider transferring defined benefit (DB) schemes (also known as ‘final salary’ pensions), this is generally not recommended. DB schemes offer valuable benefits, including a guaranteed income for life, which could be lost if transferred. The process is also more complex, and if the transfer value exceeds £30,000, individuals are legally required to seek regulated financial advice, which comes at their own cost.”",[],{"_key":14059,"_type":127,"children":14060,"markDefs":14065,"style":135},"bd1c928eedb4",[14061],{"_key":14062,"_type":131,"marks":14063,"text":14064},"1e12525c853d",[174,6243],"What risks are there when consolidating pensions?",[],{"_key":14067,"_type":127,"children":14068,"markDefs":14073,"style":135},"0ea6a7844d1e",[14069],{"_key":14070,"_type":131,"marks":14071,"text":14072},"a3fe83f76f69",[],"Watts-Lay comments; “It is important for employees to check that they won’t lose out on valuable benefits or be charged expensive exit fees if you leave a provider. For example, some might have guaranteed annuity rates, a protected pension age, or enhanced tax-free cash.”",[],{"_key":14075,"_type":127,"children":14076,"markDefs":14081,"style":135},"d0067c80d4ff",[14077],{"_key":14078,"_type":131,"marks":14079,"text":14080},"75360a720378",[],"He continues; “Employees also need to ensure that the choice of investment options available are right for them and they should consider how they want to want to access their pension in the future, and whether the provider they want to use gives them the pension income flexibility they are looking for.”",[],{"_key":14083,"_type":127,"children":14084,"markDefs":14089,"style":135},"0a1930fbb654",[14085],{"_key":14086,"_type":131,"marks":14087,"text":14088},"a91d761df048",[174,6243],"How can someone consolidate and how much does it cost?",[],{"_key":14091,"_type":127,"children":14092,"markDefs":14097,"style":135},"d758097936ef",[14093],{"_key":14094,"_type":131,"marks":14095,"text":14096},"bc1bba87972a",[],"Watts-Lay explains; “To consolidate your pensions, individuals should get in touch with the pension provider they intend to transfer to. This could be their current workplace pension scheme or another pension arrangement they have set up privately. They will ask for details including the policy numbers and provider names of all the pensions. This information will be available on paperwork and statements from the existing provider. The pension scheme they have chosen to transfer into will then begin the process of arranging for all their pensions to be transferred into one plan.”",[],{"_key":14099,"_type":127,"children":14100,"markDefs":14105,"style":135},"38b98272799d",[14101],{"_key":14102,"_type":131,"marks":14103,"text":14104},"21cbcfe16076",[],"He continues; “The costs of this can vary but bringing pensions together may reduce some charges as some providers charge a lower percentage the more that is invested. Individuals should ensure they check all charges, including fees for any advice taken, setting up the new scheme, platform fees as well as dealing and transactional charges (including those to access funds via drawdown) and investment management fees.”",[],{"_key":14107,"_type":127,"children":14108,"markDefs":14113,"style":135},"7db45212ce2f",[14109],{"_key":14110,"_type":131,"marks":14111,"text":14112},"829a5e6e22b9",[6243],"Some pension consolidations are taking a long time to happen. What is causing the delay?",[],{"_key":14115,"_type":127,"children":14116,"markDefs":14121,"style":135},"13f0e17e64e8",[14117],{"_key":14118,"_type":131,"marks":14119,"text":14120},"129877379656",[],"Watts-Lay explains; “The time it takes to transfer a pension depends on the method different provider’s use. Some still send paperwork through the post, which can be a lot slower than secure electronic methods. Also in November 2021, new measures were put into place to protect pension savers from scams which means that providers have more rigorous processes that flag or block transfers which show signs of a potential scam. To prevent the transfer being flagged, it is important that individuals provide as much information as possible to reassure the existing pension provider that it is a legitimate transfer.”",[],{"_key":14123,"_type":127,"children":14124,"markDefs":14129,"style":135},"d29c00cfbb00",[14125],{"_key":14126,"_type":131,"marks":14127,"text":14128},"be3a7cef76e4",[6243],"What do employers do to help?",[],{"_key":14131,"_type":127,"children":14132,"markDefs":14137,"style":135},"deef27e8a335",[14133],{"_key":14134,"_type":131,"marks":14135,"text":14136},"9319ad8228bd",[],"Watts-Lay explains; “A Pension Consolidation service can form an important part of an employee’s benefits package, particularly for those who have worked for multiple employers and accumulated various pensions over time.”",[],{"_key":14139,"_type":127,"children":14140,"markDefs":14145,"style":135},"86828bcec415",[14141],{"_key":14142,"_type":131,"marks":14143,"text":14144},"1b7fee3cc6da",[],"He adds; “Many forward-thinking employers provide this service alongside engaging financial education to help employees make informed decisions about their future. This involves informing employees about the advantages and disadvantages of pension consolidation. Providing such support demonstrates a commitment to long-term employee wellbeing and financial security. It’s always worth speaking to your employer to see what support they offer.”",[],[14147],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":14148,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":14150,"blogPostMeta":14151,"content":14191,"tag":14207,"title":14190},"8ceb4646-1392-4985-a64f-ab352a7b01bc",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":14152,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":14187,"slug":14188,"title":14190},{"_type":58,"alt":14153,"asset":14154},"client newsletter autumn update 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are being urged to prepare for significant changes to the way pensions are to be treated under Inheritance Tax (IHT). ","2025-10-21T09:23:39.625Z",{"_type":9,"current":14260},"inheritance-tax-on-pensions-set-to-change","Inheritance Tax on pensions set to change: Could it mean an 87% tax charge for you?",[14263,14271,14279,14287,14295,14303,14311,14319,14327,14335,14343,14347,14354,14362,14409,14416,14424,14432,14443,14451,14459,14467,14475,14482,14490,14498,14506,14514,14522,14530,14538,14546,14554,14562,14570,14578,14586,14594,14602,14610,14618,14626,14634,14642,14650,14658,14666,14674,14682,14690,14698,14706,14714],{"_key":14264,"_type":127,"children":14265,"markDefs":14270,"style":135},"35c6db7b9f0c",[14266],{"_key":14267,"_type":131,"marks":14268,"text":14269},"6ba752d635e4",[],"Individuals are being urged to prepare for significant changes to the way pensions are to be treated under Inheritance Tax (IHT).",[],{"_key":14272,"_type":127,"children":14273,"markDefs":14278,"style":135},"e66e73e66c50",[14274],{"_key":14275,"_type":131,"marks":14276,"text":14277},"63615091c42f",[],"Currently,when someone dies, the first £325,000 of their estate is tax-free under the Nil Rate Band (NRB). If they leave their home to direct descendants (like children or grandchildren), they may also benefit from an extra £175,000 tax-free allowance called the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB). However, for estates worth more than £2 million, the RNRB is gradually reduced and can be lost entirely.",[],{"_key":14280,"_type":127,"children":14281,"markDefs":14286,"style":135},"c5a37286d686",[14282],{"_key":14283,"_type":131,"marks":14284,"text":14285},"a09568ab1fec",[],"From 6 April 2027, unused defined contribution (DC) pensions will be included in an individual’s estate for IHT purposes. This means that if someone dies with pension savings still in place, those funds could be taxed at 40%, just like other assets such as property or investments. For families with large estates, especially where the RNRB is tapered away, this change could result in a combined tax burden of up to 87% on unspent pension savings.",[],{"_key":14288,"_type":127,"children":14289,"markDefs":14294,"style":135},"795424d85f77",[14290],{"_key":14291,"_type":131,"marks":14292,"text":14293},"bc7ca6a1900a",[],"Key changes to IHT on pensions",[],{"_key":14296,"_type":127,"children":14297,"markDefs":14302,"style":135},"af81ee4104d5",[14298],{"_key":14299,"_type":131,"marks":14300,"text":14301},"b0883c6ddfbd",[],"Unused pension funds to be taxed - From April 2027, any unused pension funds will be included in the value of an individual’s estate for IHT purposes.",[],{"_key":14304,"_type":127,"children":14305,"markDefs":14310,"style":135},"2d4851bdbc27",[14306],{"_key":14307,"_type":131,"marks":14308,"text":14309},"4ae3d0629ce1",[],"Responsibility shift - personal representatives (those managing the deceased’s estate) will be responsible for declaring and paying any IHT due, rather than pension scheme providers.",[],{"_key":14312,"_type":127,"children":14313,"markDefs":14318,"style":135},"a1afde2c0b84",[14314],{"_key":14315,"_type":131,"marks":14316,"text":14317},"abfd2985f431",[],"Provider support - Pension providers must still supply relevant information to assist with IHT reporting.",[],{"_key":14320,"_type":127,"children":14321,"markDefs":14326,"style":135},"31a2164580d2",[14322],{"_key":14323,"_type":131,"marks":14324,"text":14325},"c7a4b2c4f71f",[],"Exemptions - Certain benefits remain exempt, including lump sum death-in-service benefits, joint annuities, dependants’ pensions and charity lump sums.",[],{"_key":14328,"_type":127,"children":14329,"markDefs":14334,"style":135},"ae09340c8acc",[14330],{"_key":14331,"_type":131,"marks":14332,"text":14333},"e3cc4f54501d",[174],"Tax breakdown",[],{"_key":14336,"_type":127,"children":14337,"markDefs":14342,"style":135},"9edd2052000e",[14338],{"_key":14339,"_type":131,"marks":14340,"text":14341},"0becff369bf1",[],"For estates that have already used their nil-rate bands, the pension pot will be taxed at 40% IHT. Additionally, if the deceased was over 75, beneficiaries will also pay income tax on withdrawals at their marginal income tax rate. This combination can result in an effective tax rate of up to 67%. See table below:",[],{"_key":14344,"_type":58,"asset":14345},"0dd50675aa0c",{"_ref":14346,"_type":107},"image-1f4124b8898cc1c1046b80a861cc9de709e37d03-751x143-png",{"_key":14348,"_type":127,"children":14349,"markDefs":14353,"style":135},"744441258d43",[14350],{"_key":14351,"_type":131,"marks":14352,"text":1006},"fd043bbe6889",[174],[],{"_key":14355,"_type":127,"children":14356,"markDefs":14361,"style":135},"06549544dd1e",[14357],{"_key":14358,"_type":131,"marks":14359,"text":14360},"e22619b6f281",[174],"A worst-case scenario – an 87% charge",[],{"_key":14363,"_type":127,"children":14364,"markDefs":14408,"style":135},"91a110a2e194",[14365,14369,14373,14377,14381,14385,14389,14393,14397,14401,14405],{"_key":14366,"_type":131,"marks":14367,"text":14368},"1aea40955b16",[],"In cases where the pension pot pushes the estate value above ",{"_key":14370,"_type":131,"marks":14371,"text":14372},"1eaa83d28706",[174],"£2 million",{"_key":14374,"_type":131,"marks":14375,"text":14376},"93e32a880c1c",[],", the ",{"_key":14378,"_type":131,"marks":14379,"text":14380},"0b6582ad2c04",[174],"Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB)",{"_key":14382,"_type":131,"marks":14383,"text":14384},"cc5f49650559",[]," is tapered and potentially lost. This results in an additional IHT charge of ",{"_key":14386,"_type":131,"marks":14387,"text":14388},"8a3dd6b9496d",[174],"£70,000",{"_key":14390,"_type":131,"marks":14391,"text":14392},"003497135ac7",[],", bringing the total tax on a £350,000 pension pot to ",{"_key":14394,"_type":131,"marks":14395,"text":14396},"6a1aa012e51f",[174],"£304,500",{"_key":14398,"_type":131,"marks":14399,"text":14400},"82074af418c8",[]," - an effective rate of ",{"_key":14402,"_type":131,"marks":14403,"text":14404},"30ea9b83ed8c",[174],"87%*",{"_key":14406,"_type":131,"marks":14407,"text":1289},"612663130144",[],[],{"_key":14410,"_type":127,"children":14411,"markDefs":14415,"style":135},"776041ae9d82",[14412],{"_key":14413,"_type":131,"marks":14414,"text":1006},"d879b2ad7418",[],[],{"_key":14417,"_type":127,"children":14418,"markDefs":14423,"style":135},"1795f0934bae",[14419],{"_key":14420,"_type":131,"marks":14421,"text":14422},"ac4692697501",[174],"Who will be impacted?",[],{"_key":14425,"_type":127,"children":14426,"markDefs":14431,"style":135},"c43fc9af62e6",[14427],{"_key":14428,"_type":131,"marks":14429,"text":14430},"130e09a87aca",[],"The Government estimates around 10,500 additional estates each year will be impacted.",[],{"_key":14433,"_type":127,"children":14434,"markDefs":14442,"style":135},"afab150ca73b",[14435,14438],{"_key":14436,"_type":131,"marks":14437,"text":1502},"ffab8a1a0e04",[174],{"_key":14439,"_type":131,"marks":14440,"text":14441},"479460fc7374",[],"“The introduction of IHT on pensions could result in substantial tax charges for some. Those most likely to be affected are individuals with larger pension pots, especially if those savings were intended to be passed on to family.”",[],{"_key":14444,"_type":127,"children":14445,"markDefs":14450,"style":135},"d3347a1aaa50",[14446],{"_key":14447,"_type":131,"marks":14448,"text":14449},"19ae8bd0f7a7",[],"He adds; “Rising living costs, longer retirements, and care expenses could mean that many pensions are used up during retirement, so it won’t be an issue for all. However, people will need to review their individual circumstances.”",[],{"_key":14452,"_type":127,"children":14453,"markDefs":14458,"style":135},"236793261f87",[14454],{"_key":14455,"_type":131,"marks":14456,"text":14457},"414ae7c35994",[174],"What should you do?",[],{"_key":14460,"_type":127,"children":14461,"markDefs":14466,"style":135},"f03aad6b1ac2",[14462],{"_key":14463,"_type":131,"marks":14464,"text":14465},"7e9d0bed811d",[],"Watts-Lay comments; “At this stage if you haven’t already retired, no immediate action is needed. The focus should remain on making sure your pension provides the best possible income for your retirement, while keeping tax bills as low as possible. The rules are still in draft form and won’t take effect until April 2027. As that date approaches, it would be a good idea to review your situation. However, for those who have already retired and have additional savings beyond their pension, a shift in thinking and strategy could be beneficial. From an IHT perspective, it could now be better to spend pension savings first and preserve other assets for later on. This is the opposite approach to what has previously been the case. That said, people will need to review their individual circumstances and seek guidance and advice.”",[],{"_key":14468,"_type":127,"children":14469,"markDefs":14474,"style":135},"e006e733bcf4",[14470],{"_key":14471,"_type":131,"marks":14472,"text":14473},"84a83ad066c7",[],"He adds; “Many employers provide financial education and guidance in the workplace to help people understand their pensions including tax efficiency. Also, they can provide you with access to regulated financial advice. This can help those who need it take the appropriate steps to reduce IHT by adjusting how they draw their pension or using other tax-efficient strategies. It’s always worth speaking to your employer to find out what support they provide to help staff improve their finances.”",[],{"_key":14476,"_type":127,"children":14477,"markDefs":14481,"style":135},"82b3734a8124",[14478],{"_key":14479,"_type":131,"marks":14480,"text":1006},"f56520ea3555",[],[],{"_key":14483,"_type":127,"children":14484,"markDefs":14489,"style":135},"fd86fe41f086",[14485],{"_key":14486,"_type":131,"marks":14487,"text":14488},"0c4f04f42054",[174],"*Example of an 87% charge",[],{"_key":14491,"_type":127,"children":14492,"markDefs":14497,"style":135},"7b4abd38697d",[14493],{"_key":14494,"_type":131,"marks":14495,"text":14496},"1f91a2b2313e",[174],"The following example presumes the individual was over the age of 75 upon death",[],{"_key":14499,"_type":127,"children":14500,"markDefs":14505,"style":135},"d116ea8c8d4a",[14501],{"_key":14502,"_type":131,"marks":14503,"text":14504},"27a8e75a1151",[174,4468],"Estate",[],{"_key":14507,"_type":127,"children":14508,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":14513,"style":135},"3a89e1b4373e",[14509],{"_key":14510,"_type":131,"marks":14511,"text":14512},"569eef15a786",[],"Home worth at least £175,000, left to direct descendants",[],{"_key":14515,"_type":127,"children":14516,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":14521,"style":135},"a543db2d43dd",[14517],{"_key":14518,"_type":131,"marks":14519,"text":14520},"6c8dfad4bb82",[],"Other assets: £1.825 million",[],{"_key":14523,"_type":127,"children":14524,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":14529,"style":135},"08ea60c3a4d8",[14525],{"_key":14526,"_type":131,"marks":14527,"text":14528},"0cadd8933151",[],"Total estate excluding the pension pot: £2 million",[],{"_key":14531,"_type":127,"children":14532,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":14537,"style":135},"982f1aa7adbf",[14533],{"_key":14534,"_type":131,"marks":14535,"text":14536},"f6694d211138",[],"Unspent DC pension pot: £350,000",[],{"_key":14539,"_type":127,"children":14540,"markDefs":14545,"style":135},"36d4da4f57a8",[14541],{"_key":14542,"_type":131,"marks":14543,"text":14544},"b540fa219251",[],"The inclusion of the unspent DC pension pot increases the total estate value above £2 million, causing the RNRB to be tapered by £1 for every £2 above the threshold. As a result, the entire RNRB (£175,000) is lost.",[],{"_key":14547,"_type":127,"children":14548,"markDefs":14553,"style":135},"7bfdba00b765",[14549],{"_key":14550,"_type":131,"marks":14551,"text":14552},"eadce42af4c5",[174,4468],"Impact of RNRB Loss",[],{"_key":14555,"_type":127,"children":14556,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":14561,"style":135},"6a670e0ccf97",[14557],{"_key":14558,"_type":131,"marks":14559,"text":14560},"c722429e3a8e",[],"The full loss of the RNRB triggers an additional IHT liability on the estate.",[],{"_key":14563,"_type":127,"children":14564,"markDefs":14569,"style":135},"ab1e3f66c8fd",[14565],{"_key":14566,"_type":131,"marks":14567,"text":14568},"160de446d6ff",[174,4468],"IHT Calculation on Pension Fund",[],{"_key":14571,"_type":127,"children":14572,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":14577,"style":135},"c9d1cbcd7d04",[14573],{"_key":14574,"_type":131,"marks":14575,"text":14576},"5e4688f4fbd3",[],"Pension fund subject to IHT: £350,000",[],{"_key":14579,"_type":127,"children":14580,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":14585,"style":135},"29a72e171f19",[14581],{"_key":14582,"_type":131,"marks":14583,"text":14584},"56a74fa0f60c",[],"IHT at 40%: £350,000 × 40% = £140,000",[],{"_key":14587,"_type":127,"children":14588,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":14593,"style":135},"fab19f151632",[14589],{"_key":14590,"_type":131,"marks":14591,"text":14592},"334437ae7b0b",[],"Net pension fund after IHT: £350,000 - £140,000 = £210,000",[],{"_key":14595,"_type":127,"children":14596,"markDefs":14601,"style":135},"c45f01457aec",[14597],{"_key":14598,"_type":131,"marks":14599,"text":14600},"0a6937821b5f",[174,4468],"Income Tax on Pension Fund",[],{"_key":14603,"_type":127,"children":14604,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":14609,"style":135},"0073d580a8bb",[14605],{"_key":14606,"_type":131,"marks":14607,"text":14608},"5e8ad1af8a13",[],"Income tax at 45% (additional rate beneficiary): £210,000 × 45% = £94,500",[],{"_key":14611,"_type":127,"children":14612,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":14617,"style":135},"c4240c823c70",[14613],{"_key":14614,"_type":131,"marks":14615,"text":14616},"6f42346fbafd",[],"Net pension fund after income tax: £210,000 - £94,500 = £115,500",[],{"_key":14619,"_type":127,"children":14620,"markDefs":14625,"style":135},"46dc69f6cb13",[14621],{"_key":14622,"_type":131,"marks":14623,"text":14624},"60fdcbe4387a",[174,4468],"Total Tax on Pension Fund",[],{"_key":14627,"_type":127,"children":14628,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":14633,"style":135},"b75ec9a4f4be",[14629],{"_key":14630,"_type":131,"marks":14631,"text":14632},"825209337639",[],"IHT: £140,000",[],{"_key":14635,"_type":127,"children":14636,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":14641,"style":135},"0eb66d0c5865",[14637],{"_key":14638,"_type":131,"marks":14639,"text":14640},"cd811bd02c8d",[],"Income tax: £94,500",[],{"_key":14643,"_type":127,"children":14644,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":14649,"style":135},"053ef76ec76e",[14645],{"_key":14646,"_type":131,"marks":14647,"text":14648},"85387721bafe",[],"Combined tax: £140,000 + £94,500 = £234,500",[],{"_key":14651,"_type":127,"children":14652,"markDefs":14657,"style":135},"c01ab18b75c7",[14653],{"_key":14654,"_type":131,"marks":14655,"text":14656},"12308f24ec90",[174,4468],"Tax Charge Created by the Loss of the RNRB",[],{"_key":14659,"_type":127,"children":14660,"markDefs":14665,"style":135},"5db52d0ead50",[14661],{"_key":14662,"_type":131,"marks":14663,"text":14664},"72286937adb0",[],"The inclusion of the unspent DC pension pot in the estate results in the full loss of the RNRB. 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According to UK Finance annual fraud report  there were 3.13 million confirmed cases of unauthorised fraud reported in 2024 (up 14% compared to 2023) and losses totalled £722 million in 2024 (up 2%). \n","2025-10-21T08:16:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":14747},"empowering-employees-to-stay-scam-aware","Empowering employees to stay scam aware ",[14750,14757,14764,14772,14787,14797,14807,14817,14827,14838,14848,14858,14868,14876,14899],{"_key":14751,"_type":127,"children":14752,"markDefs":14756,"style":135},"a061c3b4992c",[14753],{"_key":14754,"_type":131,"marks":14755,"text":13527},"2cbc268e5328",[],[],{"_key":14758,"_type":127,"children":14759,"markDefs":14763,"style":135},"4704496ee057",[14760],{"_key":14761,"_type":131,"marks":14762,"text":13535},"2eb90d9a63da",[],[],{"_key":14765,"_type":127,"children":14766,"markDefs":14771,"style":135},"d842e677cf8c",[14767],{"_key":14768,"_type":131,"marks":14769,"text":14770},"4a0d66e64e5e",[],"To help employees recognise and avoid scams, WEALTH at work has compiled key phrases often heard from scam victims:",[],{"_key":14773,"_type":127,"children":14774,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":14785,"style":135},"681c95b3872e",[14775,14778,14781],{"_key":14776,"_type":131,"marks":14777,"text":13551},"4ededae06493",[174],{"_key":14779,"_type":131,"marks":14780,"text":13555},"83eee840141c",[],{"_key":14782,"_type":131,"marks":14783,"text":5168},"afdc6d548bf5",[14784],"55cf5b8e0cf7",[14786],{"_key":14784,"_type":1264,"href":5168},{"_key":14788,"_type":127,"children":14789,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":14796,"style":135},"3e012cb96588",[14790,14793],{"_key":14791,"_type":131,"marks":14792,"text":13568},"4a1388187af7",[174],{"_key":14794,"_type":131,"marks":14795,"text":13572},"1a8cf833bef3",[],[],{"_key":14798,"_type":127,"children":14799,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":14806,"style":135},"0ac97dd5aaf6",[14800,14803],{"_key":14801,"_type":131,"marks":14802,"text":13580},"204021f52bc1",[174],{"_key":14804,"_type":131,"marks":14805,"text":13584},"230cefb9ebab",[],[],{"_key":14808,"_type":127,"children":14809,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":14816,"style":135},"edcf0f74939c",[14810,14813],{"_key":14811,"_type":131,"marks":14812,"text":13592},"071ecb598a98",[174],{"_key":14814,"_type":131,"marks":14815,"text":13596},"24ac015a0e06",[],[],{"_key":14818,"_type":127,"children":14819,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":14826,"style":135},"023586e6ee3a",[14820,14823],{"_key":14821,"_type":131,"marks":14822,"text":13604},"5a9dacf68cba",[174],{"_key":14824,"_type":131,"marks":14825,"text":13608},"92df2cf12701",[],[],{"_key":14828,"_type":127,"children":14829,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":14837,"style":135},"f239f3cd4a1c",[14830,14833],{"_key":14831,"_type":131,"marks":14832,"text":13616},"92a363adea34",[174],{"_key":14834,"_type":131,"marks":14835,"text":14836},"a9d7a9936246",[],"– People should approach any investing offer with caution and always check that the company is registered with the FCA before committing to anything https:\u002F\u002Fregister.fca.org.uk\u002F. The FCA’s ScamSmart website also includes a warning list of companies for employees to be aware of www.scamsmart.fca.org.uk. It may also be a good idea for people to seek investment advice if they’re unsure.",[],{"_key":14839,"_type":127,"children":14840,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":14847,"style":135},"ee6d771131bf",[14841,14844],{"_key":14842,"_type":131,"marks":14843,"text":13628},"7f7f80ed4af1",[174],{"_key":14845,"_type":131,"marks":14846,"text":13632},"861203b12eaa",[],[],{"_key":14849,"_type":127,"children":14850,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":14857,"style":135},"bbb29a351788",[14851,14854],{"_key":14852,"_type":131,"marks":14853,"text":13640},"3c73cb2fc2a6",[174],{"_key":14855,"_type":131,"marks":14856,"text":13644},"f38f26719935",[],[],{"_key":14859,"_type":127,"children":14860,"markDefs":14867,"style":135},"1a0ceb610a09",[14861,14864],{"_key":14862,"_type":131,"marks":14863,"text":8334},"f64a36ef549b",[174],{"_key":14865,"_type":131,"marks":14866,"text":13655},"6941f74861fc",[],[],{"_key":14869,"_type":127,"children":14870,"markDefs":14875,"style":135},"c830ed68d9b9",[14871],{"_key":14872,"_type":131,"marks":14873,"text":14874},"31618a3e5719",[],"He explains; “If someone is planning to transfer any money or make a payment and are not 100% sure, they should stop and think to give themselves time to check it out. We encourage employers to promote the 3-step approach of the national ‘Take Five’ campaign by UK Finance, a leading industry body for financial services in the UK.It urges individuals to stop and think before parting with money, challenge if something is fake, and protect their money by contacting their bank if they think they’ve fallen for a scam.”",[],{"_key":14877,"_type":127,"children":14878,"markDefs":14896,"style":135},"bbb26ac49437",[14879,14882,14886,14889,14893],{"_key":14880,"_type":131,"marks":14881,"text":13671},"dc27eee58a46",[],{"_key":14883,"_type":131,"marks":14884,"text":13676},"cfe38cbad737",[14885],"c7d0ff1826e0",{"_key":14887,"_type":131,"marks":14888,"text":13680},"34e28f5ec6d7",[],{"_key":14890,"_type":131,"marks":14891,"text":13041},"b06493abde4e",[14892],"bcd98c2c2982",{"_key":14894,"_type":131,"marks":14895,"text":13688},"a8ca979ee93a",[],[14897,14898],{"_key":14885,"_type":1264,"href":13676},{"_key":14892,"_type":1264,"href":13049},{"_key":14900,"_type":127,"children":14901,"markDefs":14906,"style":135},"f4d004bea74c",[14902],{"_key":14903,"_type":131,"marks":14904,"text":14905},"e136132b34e1",[],"He adds; “Employers must empower their employees with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves. Many leading employers offer employees financial education, guidance and access to investment financial advice to help them understand the warning signs when it comes to a scam so that it can be avoided. These initiatives help employees build financial confidence and resilience against fraud.\"",[],[14908],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":14909,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":14911,"blogPostMeta":14912,"content":14933,"tag":15107,"title":15110},"7af82507-70ac-4811-ba04-24a1176e3d16",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":14913,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":14929,"publishedAt":14745,"slug":14930,"title":14932},{"_type":58,"asset":14914},{"_createdAt":13923,"_id":13924,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":13925,"extension":196,"metadata":14915,"mimeType":225,"opt":14925,"originalFilename":13951,"path":13952,"sha1hash":13925,"size":13953,"uploadId":13954,"url":13955},{"_type":69,"blurHash":13927,"dimensions":14916,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":13929,"palette":14917},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":14918,"darkVibrant":14919,"dominant":14920,"lightMuted":14921,"lightVibrant":14922,"muted":14923,"vibrant":14924},{"_type":81,"background":13932,"foreground":83,"population":12594,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":13934,"foreground":83,"population":13935,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":13934,"foreground":83,"population":13935,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":13938,"foreground":91,"population":2271,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":13940,"foreground":91,"population":322,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":13942,"foreground":83,"population":13943,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":13945,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"media":14926},{"tags":14927},[14928],{"_key":13950,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"The issue of lost pensions in the UK is escalating rapidly. Research reveals that the total value of unclaimed pension pots has surged from £19.4 billion in 2018 to £31.1 billion in 2024. Currently, there are 3.3 million pension pots classified as lost. \n.\n",{"_type":9,"current":14931},"guidance-for-employees-on-tracking-and-consolidation","Employers urged to prepare staff for upcoming changes to Inheritance Tax on pensions that could trigger an 87% tax charge",[14934,14941,14948,14956,14964,14971,14979,14987,14995,15003,15011,15019,15026,15033,15041,15049,15056,15063,15070,15077,15084,15092,15099],{"_key":14935,"_type":127,"children":14936,"markDefs":14940,"style":135},"8e46992fe3b0",[14937],{"_key":14938,"_type":131,"marks":14939,"text":13968},"facf4cda9f2d",[],[],{"_key":14942,"_type":127,"children":14943,"markDefs":14947,"style":135},"b2196d886ce3",[14944],{"_key":14945,"_type":131,"marks":14946,"text":13976},"1a94cdacfd55",[],[],{"_key":14949,"_type":127,"children":14950,"markDefs":14955,"style":135},"219a7a42b372",[14951],{"_key":14952,"_type":131,"marks":14953,"text":14954},"3f0d95fe549e",[],"In light of Pension Tracing Day on 29 October, Jonathan-Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work explains how employees can track down lost pensions and provides guidance on whether to consolidate.",[],{"_key":14957,"_type":127,"children":14958,"markDefs":14963,"style":135},"8d72b3efd5d9",[14959],{"_key":14960,"_type":131,"marks":14961,"text":14962},"f1b24c8e2bd5",[],"He urges: “Employees should take the time to investigate whether any of the 3.3 million lost pension pots belong to them. Reclaiming even one could significantly enhance their retirement income. See our steps to locate a lost pension.”",[],{"_key":14965,"_type":127,"children":14966,"markDefs":14970,"style":135},"6756eff58bf7",[14967],{"_key":14968,"_type":131,"marks":14969,"text":14000},"418ae3ca62bc",[174],[],{"_key":14972,"_type":127,"children":14973,"markDefs":14978,"style":135},"c8bd4ca2ff49",[14974],{"_key":14975,"_type":131,"marks":14976,"text":14977},"1a66734ec875",[],"1. Compile a list of previous employers as this can help identify how many pensions you might have. It can be helpful to go back through old documents such as payslips, P45s, P60s and CVs.",[],{"_key":14980,"_type":127,"children":14981,"markDefs":14986,"style":135},"c06441a3a609",[14982],{"_key":14983,"_type":131,"marks":14984,"text":14985},"cadd0d9a17f9",[],"2. Contact former employers to find your previous pensions details.",[],{"_key":14988,"_type":127,"children":14989,"markDefs":14994,"style":135},"4f80b6a768ec",[14990],{"_key":14991,"_type":131,"marks":14992,"text":14993},"19d06e49a842",[],"3. Those who are unable to obtain their pension details from a previous employer can try to find them using the Government’s Pension Tracing Service: www.gov.uk\u002Ffind-pension-contact-details.",[],{"_key":14996,"_type":127,"children":14997,"markDefs":15002,"style":135},"564fe060a319",[14998],{"_key":14999,"_type":131,"marks":15000,"text":15001},"a9524ecb8fb5",[],"4. Once the provider is found, contact them to request current statements and to confirm pension values and details.",[],{"_key":15004,"_type":127,"children":15005,"markDefs":15010,"style":135},"af79ff7dae4f",[15006],{"_key":15007,"_type":131,"marks":15008,"text":15009},"42694613f48d",[174,6243],"Should employees consider consolidating their pensions?",[],{"_key":15012,"_type":127,"children":15013,"markDefs":15018,"style":135},"7f4b244c4c23",[15014],{"_key":15015,"_type":131,"marks":15016,"text":15017},"cbc840fc19f0",[],"“Once lost pensions are located, employees may find it beneficial to consolidate multiple schemes into one. This approach is particularly relevant to defined contribution (DC) pensions, which are now the dominant type of workplace pension in the private sector. In a DC scheme, you build up a personal ‘pot of money’ that can be used to provide income in retirement, and consolidating these pots can make it easier to manage your savings and improve investment oversight.”",[],{"_key":15020,"_type":127,"children":15021,"markDefs":15025,"style":135},"990ea9723cc0",[15022],{"_key":15023,"_type":131,"marks":15024,"text":14056},"bcc5032553ff",[],[],{"_key":15027,"_type":127,"children":15028,"markDefs":15032,"style":135},"1159b6fa9003",[15029],{"_key":15030,"_type":131,"marks":15031,"text":14064},"50ec7cf25fc0",[174,6243],[],{"_key":15034,"_type":127,"children":15035,"markDefs":15040,"style":135},"59adf648ea10",[15036],{"_key":15037,"_type":131,"marks":15038,"text":15039},"b26dfc763fa1",[],"Watts-Lay comments; “It is important for employees to check that they won’t lose out on valuable benefits or be charged expensive exit fees if they leave a provider. For example, some might have guaranteed annuity rates, a protected pension age, or enhanced tax-free cash.”",[],{"_key":15042,"_type":127,"children":15043,"markDefs":15048,"style":135},"e929577da6ca",[15044],{"_key":15045,"_type":131,"marks":15046,"text":15047},"d98fecf276c6",[],"He continues; “Employees also need to ensure that the choice of investment options available are right for them and they should consider how they want to access their pension in the future, and whether the provider they want to use gives them the pension income flexibility they are looking for.”",[],{"_key":15050,"_type":127,"children":15051,"markDefs":15055,"style":135},"93bf823fb2f7",[15052],{"_key":15053,"_type":131,"marks":15054,"text":14088},"60e23fb616de",[174,6243],[],{"_key":15057,"_type":127,"children":15058,"markDefs":15062,"style":135},"88522d9a922e",[15059],{"_key":15060,"_type":131,"marks":15061,"text":14096},"a624405d4e60",[],[],{"_key":15064,"_type":127,"children":15065,"markDefs":15069,"style":135},"65e82221aeea",[15066],{"_key":15067,"_type":131,"marks":15068,"text":14104},"3ec8f8c3594d",[],[],{"_key":15071,"_type":127,"children":15072,"markDefs":15076,"style":135},"bc1d3d15f2ca",[15073],{"_key":15074,"_type":131,"marks":15075,"text":14112},"84f7e10cb77d",[174,6243],[],{"_key":15078,"_type":127,"children":15079,"markDefs":15083,"style":135},"dded5f5c05dd",[15080],{"_key":15081,"_type":131,"marks":15082,"text":14120},"6ed563338f5b",[],[],{"_key":15085,"_type":127,"children":15086,"markDefs":15091,"style":135},"de7f274114ed",[15087],{"_key":15088,"_type":131,"marks":15089,"text":15090},"5c3ae73374b6",[174,6243],"What can employers do to help?",[],{"_key":15093,"_type":127,"children":15094,"markDefs":15098,"style":135},"d4d32d0755f6",[15095],{"_key":15096,"_type":131,"marks":15097,"text":14136},"da8fcdc557c0",[],[],{"_key":15100,"_type":127,"children":15101,"markDefs":15106,"style":135},"d46a5c5eb57d",[15102],{"_key":15103,"_type":131,"marks":15104,"text":15105},"3ef079ac50f4",[],"He adds; “Many forward-thinking employers provide this service alongside engaging financial education to help employees make informed decisions about their future. This involves informing employees about the advantages and disadvantages of pension consolidation. Providing such support demonstrates a commitment to long-term employee wellbeing and financial security.",[],[15108],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":15109,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},"£31.1 Billion in Lost Pensions - Guidance for Employees on Tracking and Consolidation",{"_id":15112,"blogPostMeta":15113,"content":15135,"tag":15198,"title":15134},"5d42a8f0-c566-4fc6-a1e4-1cb5042625c0",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":15114,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":15130,"publishedAt":15131,"slug":15132,"title":15134},{"_type":58,"asset":15115},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":15116,"mimeType":225,"opt":15126,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":15117,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":15118},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":15119,"darkVibrant":15120,"dominant":15121,"lightMuted":15122,"lightVibrant":15123,"muted":15124,"vibrant":15125},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":15127},{"tags":15128},[15129],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As can be seen from the accompanying table, markets ended the week broadly lower. UK GDP grew by 0.1% in August, following a revised 0.1% contraction in July and broadly matching market expectations. ","2025-10-20T09:35:51.624Z",{"_type":9,"current":15133},"week-ending-17th-october-2025","Week ending 17th October 2025",[15136,15139,15143,15151,15159,15167,15175,15183,15191],{"_key":15137,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":15138,"width":124},"ab402aa858f8","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1128840384",{"_key":15140,"_type":58,"asset":15141},"1039bf481f71",{"_ref":15142,"_type":107},"image-4928c82182cc7412428dc9db6875bd88cc4e912e-1600x2884-png",{"_key":15144,"_type":127,"children":15145,"markDefs":15150,"style":135},"451ed42a54cd",[15146],{"_key":15147,"_type":131,"marks":15148,"text":15149},"2433b4803c85",[],"As can be seen from the accompanying table, markets ended the week broadly lower.",[],{"_key":15152,"_type":127,"children":15153,"markDefs":15158,"style":135},"987bd242dc0e",[15154],{"_key":15155,"_type":131,"marks":15156,"text":15157},"c411db41432a",[],"UK GDP grew by 0.1% in August, following a revised 0.1% contraction in July and broadly matching market expectations. The modest expansion was driven by gains in manufacturing and utilities, which pushed overall production output up by 0.4%. While some sectors continued to contract, economists see the latest data as a sign that the UK economy remains on stable ground ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ fiscal budget in November. A degree of cooling is expected after a strong start to the year, particularly as households contend with a “higher for longer” interest rate environment (despite recent cuts) and inflation that remains elevated at 3.8%. Nonetheless, this growth keeps the UK on course to meet the IMF’s forecast as the second-fastest-growing G7 economy in 2025, supporting the Bank of England’s decision to maintain its current policy pause.",[],{"_key":15160,"_type":127,"children":15161,"markDefs":15166,"style":135},"95813a3b45a9",[15162],{"_key":15163,"_type":131,"marks":15164,"text":15165},"8262c3dd5e74",[],"On Thursday, some ECB officials indicated that the ECB may be nearing the end of its rate-cutting cycle, a view supported by the latest Eurozone inflation data. Inflation rose to 2.2% year-on-year in September, slightly up from 2% in August, nudging price growth marginally away from the ECB’s 2% target. Core inflation, which excludes volatile items like food and fuel, increased to 2.4%, from 2.3% the previous month. The ECB, one of the first central banks to ease policy amid regional economic weakness, has kept rates unchanged in recent months, mindful of avoiding over-intervention when the evidence doesn’t demand it. Given that inflation is still relatively close to the target, the market is largely pricing in a decision to leave rates unchanged at the ECB’s meeting later this month.",[],{"_key":15168,"_type":127,"children":15169,"markDefs":15174,"style":135},"0a44ceb7869b",[15170],{"_key":15171,"_type":131,"marks":15172,"text":15173},"3337bd4b8c1e",[],"In global trade developments, speculation swirled on Wednesday after President Trump claimed that India had agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil, something that, if true, could increase pressure on the Kremlin to withdraw from its occupation of Ukraine. Recently, the U.S. administration imposed a 25% penalty tariff on India for continuing to trade in Russian oil, a levy that could potentially be lifted if last week’s rumours prove accurate. Oil prices fell on Friday in response to the reports, with Brent crude futures slipping 0.79% to $60.58 a barrel. By late Thursday, even while Indian officials dismissed any suggestion that the country was cutting ties with Russian suppliers, sources within India’s refining sector are said to have indicated that some refiners are preparing to reduce Russian oil imports due to payment challenges linked to U.S. sanctions.",[],{"_key":15176,"_type":127,"children":15177,"markDefs":15182,"style":135},"df602b08c16e",[15178],{"_key":15179,"_type":131,"marks":15180,"text":15181},"d8584e6e20e0",[],"Over in China, the September CPI data again underscored ongoing weakness in domestic demand. Prices fell 0.3% year-on-year, a slight improvement from the 0.4% decline seen the previous year. This persistence of deflationary pressures has been a key concern for Chinese authorities since the onset of the pandemic, prompting the government to roll out various stimulus measures of the kind we’ve seen over the past few years (think cutting reserve ratio requirements, trimming key loan rates, shoring up spending initiatives, etc.). However, retailers are also getting creative in addressing the demand slump, with many extending their Singles’ Day shopping events due this year for several weeks.",[],{"_key":15184,"_type":127,"children":15185,"markDefs":15190,"style":135},"c1236bd765bc",[15186],{"_key":15187,"_type":131,"marks":15188,"text":15189},"887654fcb81f",[],"Still to come this week we have Japan balance of trade data, UK CPI and retail sales and Eurozone PMI data.",[],{"_key":15192,"_type":127,"children":15193,"markDefs":15197,"style":135},"77ba801e2476",[15194],{"_key":15195,"_type":131,"marks":15196,"text":175},"85a949a59214",[174],[],[15199],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":15200,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":15202,"blogPostMeta":15203,"content":15241,"tag":15655,"title":14932},"7c354980-6977-4792-a028-b2c7364b3a43",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":15204,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":15237,"publishedAt":15238,"slug":15239,"title":14932},{"_type":58,"asset":15205},{"_createdAt":15206,"_id":15207,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":15208,"extension":67,"metadata":15209,"mimeType":101,"opt":15227,"originalFilename":15232,"path":15233,"sha1hash":15208,"size":15234,"uploadId":15235,"url":15236},"2025-10-20T14:03:32Z","image-9d5275109389dbba4e07819fa747de2ab9ff80af-1000x667-png","9d5275109389dbba4e07819fa747de2ab9ff80af",{"_type":69,"blurHash":15210,"dimensions":15211,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":15212,"palette":15213},"VGLh0s00D*_ND%?Zt8Rix[R*.T-;t7IUjE0JRjxaM{s:",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fpng;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAANCAIAAAAmMtkJAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAC+UlEQVR4nAXBfU8bZQAA8Psc6odY4jcYX8AEY3zJ5nQj0Yl0xq5ARlHSwJiMbW6MrgNWZZaVOWjL9V6eu3ve7p57aa\u002Fl1vbaMihZodIXms4E0b\u002F9\u002FbjNVOpVJrPN82lB3JFBVtFEFYkqEhRNUCBAVKUGNEyaK9hexXrtQzMPiC0hU5ARt83zGVHMAiCpmoKIRgyVGDKkABEF67rpuF7Jq\u002FhvGod\u002FdXqNoxbL7yrUBJgBlXBZUQKKgjCmus4sS2dWZmfnRSKRzQpYN4teqdk8Om4dnfZOzs8GnU7LKRQ1aqrY0CDhFKAgCDGCSAOmQS1D31yLxman0hvr1DArfrXdbnc7J4P+yb9n3U67kSu4UDdVYmgQc0CUVKCkU1vxtSifemlhNbPyIDE7LiXXTdvxa3udTq\u002FX6\u002F096P133u92m67nYdOBuqlhwt2enV9aWn706H5kOvj08d3NjXjsTng5HNhYXVagVvZr7Xa3d9p\u002FNxicn5+d9k93K1Vs2ho1IKHchQsfDg9\u002FPBUcjQSvRaZvBCfHrl+\u002FHLpxdfqn0PJqFBLsV\u002F36Xn3\u002F4OBts7nfaFium5b4bT6tQsS99\u002F4HQxcvzowHovOT4anA59c+vTTyRejWj9\u002Ff\u002FG5iZnLjzySimOiEGobOGKZUlOXnL9YTyT8kGXBDQ0NfX\u002Fnq4eLC8\u002FhK5JfIpW+vXB0d+XluJhAaC02Pv0ynqOkQZhNmQ8wESRUkNStIggQUjXKfDH80+s3I4vxs7MnS3L07Y1M3A7eCM5FweCKwePe2qGi67WLmsNwusYtboiZAZrs1u1DX83vcyJefTfww+mBhbvVpNPZs7eHayr1Y9P6vi0sLc4nfnskqVBABiFiFcq5ykMWWTPM579ApNa3yCRd7shKP\u002F55Mvsrwkggw0JiMTAGQrAAkACFhSLcwy7vlA7\u002FZz1WPWHHf8Q6t101WaXMSstMi2uJVUTMwKxh2yXJrTqFuu1W74DvFWt57k\u002FP2i7XjauuscvxPvt61S03Te2uUW\u002F8DuO4j5UvLKGEAAAAASUVORK5CYII=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":15214,"darkVibrant":15217,"dominant":15219,"lightMuted":15220,"lightVibrant":15222,"muted":15224,"vibrant":15225},{"_type":81,"background":15215,"foreground":83,"population":15216,"title":83},"#31342d",7.58,{"_type":81,"background":15218,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#69291b",{"_type":81,"background":15215,"foreground":83,"population":15216,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":15221,"foreground":91,"population":1159,"title":83},"#acbcd4",{"_type":81,"background":15223,"foreground":91,"population":2637,"title":83},"#e8b2a6",{"_type":81,"background":14243,"foreground":83,"population":9167,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":15226,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#ca4f34",{"media":15228},{"tags":15229},[15230],{"_key":15231,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"0-AMMmturR8YOgaJQuYaz","Untitled design.png","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F9d5275109389dbba4e07819fa747de2ab9ff80af-1000x667.png",665204,"zb1F5R3pnsdy2IhYeSZ2o79duvUQVXL3","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F9d5275109389dbba4e07819fa747de2ab9ff80af-1000x667.png","Employers are being urged to prepare for and proactively support employees with significant changes to the way pensions are to be treated under Inheritance Tax (IHT).","2025-10-20T08:16:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":15240},"employers-urged-to-prepare-staff-for-upcoming-changes-to-inheritance-tax",[15242,15249,15257,15264,15272,15279,15291,15303,15315,15330,15337,15344,15347,15354,15362,15370,15377,15389,15397,15405,15413,15421,15429,15437,15445,15452,15459,15466,15473,15480,15487,15494,15501,15508,15515,15522,15529,15536,15543,15550,15557,15564,15571,15578,15585,15592,15599,15606,15613,15620,15627,15634,15641,15648],{"_key":15243,"_type":127,"children":15244,"markDefs":15248,"style":135},"1b12e0c596c5",[15245],{"_key":15246,"_type":131,"marks":15247,"text":15237},"f1cec23ea0b9",[],[],{"_key":15250,"_type":127,"children":15251,"markDefs":15256,"style":135},"e0fc0b9f90b4",[15252],{"_key":15253,"_type":131,"marks":15254,"text":15255},"b6c864bb8c3d",[],"Currently, when someone dies, the first £325,000 of their estate is tax-free under the Nil Rate Band (NRB). If they leave their home to direct descendants (like children or grandchildren), they may also benefit from an extra £175,000 tax-free allowance called the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB). However, for estates worth more than £2 million, the RNRB is gradually reduced and can be lost entirely.",[],{"_key":15258,"_type":127,"children":15259,"markDefs":15263,"style":135},"8b113b8f540c",[15260],{"_key":15261,"_type":131,"marks":15262,"text":14285},"a8d5379ed2ac",[],[],{"_key":15265,"_type":127,"children":15266,"markDefs":15271,"style":135},"35ed6f6a0660",[15267],{"_key":15268,"_type":131,"marks":15269,"text":15270},"e61643ad1aca",[],"Employers need to take action now in anticipation of the increased need to provide pensions and retirement support for employees.",[],{"_key":15273,"_type":127,"children":15274,"markDefs":15278,"style":135},"794813312e85",[15275],{"_key":15276,"_type":131,"marks":15277,"text":14293},"dd9fec021394",[174],[],{"_key":15280,"_type":127,"children":15281,"markDefs":15290,"style":135},"806b871909c3",[15282,15286],{"_key":15283,"_type":131,"marks":15284,"text":15285},"15b9b6f9e641",[174],"Unused pension funds to be taxed ",{"_key":15287,"_type":131,"marks":15288,"text":15289},"1f8b478107db",[],"- From April 2027, any unused pension funds will be included in the value of an individual’s estate for IHT purposes.",[],{"_key":15292,"_type":127,"children":15293,"markDefs":15302,"style":135},"0bcf51c94201",[15294,15298],{"_key":15295,"_type":131,"marks":15296,"text":15297},"8ffe41e77ab9",[174],"Responsibility shift -",{"_key":15299,"_type":131,"marks":15300,"text":15301},"f401da9a5f7c",[]," personal representatives (those managing the deceased’s estate) will be responsible for declaring and paying any IHT due, rather than pension scheme providers.",[],{"_key":15304,"_type":127,"children":15305,"markDefs":15314,"style":135},"d0c5aa07bfc2",[15306,15310],{"_key":15307,"_type":131,"marks":15308,"text":15309},"7a27930968de",[174],"Provider support ",{"_key":15311,"_type":131,"marks":15312,"text":15313},"55ac511ea507",[],"- Pension providers must still supply relevant information to assist with IHT reporting.",[],{"_key":15316,"_type":127,"children":15317,"markDefs":15329,"style":135},"1dc95a75419f",[15318,15322,15326],{"_key":15319,"_type":131,"marks":15320,"text":15321},"a8af7a6676f7",[174],"Exemptions ",{"_key":15323,"_type":131,"marks":15324,"text":15325},"2b446f9bd590",[],"- Certain benefits remain exempt, including lump sum death-in-service benefits, joint annuities, dependants’ pensions and charity lump sums.\n\n",{"_key":15327,"_type":131,"marks":15328,"text":14333},"81fbe968b87d",[174],[],{"_key":15331,"_type":127,"children":15332,"markDefs":15336,"style":135},"eecc43586338",[15333],{"_key":15334,"_type":131,"marks":15335,"text":14341},"69f441c268db",[],[],{"_key":15338,"_type":127,"children":15339,"markDefs":15343,"style":135},"667f21079aac",[15340],{"_key":15341,"_type":131,"marks":15342,"text":1006},"5dc9aa815280",[],[],{"_key":15345,"_type":58,"asset":15346},"31f8f641eaec",{"_ref":14346,"_type":107},{"_key":15348,"_type":127,"children":15349,"markDefs":15353,"style":135},"07ff3ec80194",[15350],{"_key":15351,"_type":131,"marks":15352,"text":14360},"bddb4031d356",[174],[],{"_key":15355,"_type":127,"children":15356,"markDefs":15361,"style":135},"d27bc268b5e3",[15357],{"_key":15358,"_type":131,"marks":15359,"text":15360},"92f531b713c2",[],"In cases where the pension pot pushes the estate value above £2 million, the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB) is tapered and potentially lost. This could result in an additional IHT charge of £70,000, bringing the total tax on a £350,000 pension pot to £304,500 - an effective rate of 87%*.",[],{"_key":15363,"_type":127,"children":15364,"markDefs":15369,"style":135},"3b12441eb334",[15365],{"_key":15366,"_type":131,"marks":15367,"text":15368},"dafca5088e22",[174],"Impact on employees and employers",[],{"_key":15371,"_type":127,"children":15372,"markDefs":15376,"style":135},"4818a4e07dd6",[15373],{"_key":15374,"_type":131,"marks":15375,"text":14430},"7fd4084b0ee6",[],[],{"_key":15378,"_type":127,"children":15379,"markDefs":15388,"style":135},"7eb1b936be19",[15380,15384],{"_key":15381,"_type":131,"marks":15382,"text":15383},"891c04f661f4",[174],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work comments; “",{"_key":15385,"_type":131,"marks":15386,"text":15387},"4b3a353a2d6d",[],"The introduction of IHT on pensions could result in substantial tax charges for some. Those most likely to be affected are individuals with larger pension pots, especially if those savings were intended to be passed on to family.”",[],{"_key":15390,"_type":127,"children":15391,"markDefs":15396,"style":135},"4e6c3a187f4d",[15392],{"_key":15393,"_type":131,"marks":15394,"text":15395},"1a6597148067",[],"He adds; “Rising living costs, longer retirements, and care expenses could mean that many pensions are used up during retirement, so it won’t be an issue for all. However, for those with additional savings beyond their pension, a shift in thinking and strategy could be beneficial. From an IHT perspective, it could now be better to spend pension savings first and preserve other assets for later on. This is the opposite approach to what has previously been the case. That said, people will need to review their individual circumstances. As a result, employees may seek guidance and advice on how these changes affect their retirement and estate planning, meaning that financial education, guidance and advice around pensions and tax implications will become increasingly important.”",[],{"_key":15398,"_type":127,"children":15399,"markDefs":15404,"style":135},"790a149a1531",[15400],{"_key":15401,"_type":131,"marks":15402,"text":15403},"090c9297fef3",[174],"Next steps for employers",[],{"_key":15406,"_type":127,"children":15407,"markDefs":15412,"style":135},"0473a6ee4a62",[15408],{"_key":15409,"_type":131,"marks":15410,"text":15411},"e7336e573260",[],"Although the rules are still in draft form, employers are encouraged to:",[],{"_key":15414,"_type":127,"children":15415,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":15420,"style":135},"222bfcd21a93",[15416],{"_key":15417,"_type":131,"marks":15418,"text":15419},"81699567dbd8",[],"Stay informed and monitor legislative updates.",[],{"_key":15422,"_type":127,"children":15423,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":15428,"style":135},"f2a1af645bf7",[15424],{"_key":15425,"_type":131,"marks":15426,"text":15427},"f46ecf63ff2b",[],"Encourage staff to review pension nominations and estate plans.",[],{"_key":15430,"_type":127,"children":15431,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":15436,"style":135},"5db136ae39e6",[15432],{"_key":15433,"_type":131,"marks":15434,"text":15435},"0b7119b54514",[],"Work with pension scheme providers and retirement specialists to ensure employees receive appropriate support.",[],{"_key":15438,"_type":127,"children":15439,"markDefs":15444,"style":135},"b1e66e17ff87",[15440],{"_key":15441,"_type":131,"marks":15442,"text":15443},"d25cc9acd4ac",[],"Watts-Lay comments; “These changes represent a significant shift in how pensions are treated for tax purposes. 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While those figures are indeed true, the feeling amongst economists suggest the worst effects of recent employer cost pressures - such as higher National Insurance contributions - may now be behind us, visible only in our rear-view mirrors.",[],{"_key":15695,"_type":127,"children":15696,"markDefs":15701,"style":135},"2a26c9267f32",[15697],{"_key":15698,"_type":131,"marks":15699,"text":15700},"fdbb917a09c0",[],"After businesses held back on hiring through the first half of the year, payroll data indicates a 10,000 increase in employment between July and August. Meanwhile, job vacancies fell in September by the smallest margin since mid-2022, suggesting a tentative stabilisation in a labour market that has been exhibiting overall moderation of late. At the same time, UK average regular earnings growth slowed slightly to 4.7% in the three months to August. Taken together, the latest data offers meaningful (but mixed) signals for the Bank of England as it weighs the next steps in monetary policy. While easing wage pressures may provide them with more wiggle room to reduce rates (since slowing wage increases is less likely to stoke inflation), the marginal stabilisation of the latest jobs data makes the need for cuts far less urgent than headlines would perhaps have us believe.",[],{"_key":15703,"_type":127,"children":15704,"markDefs":15709,"style":135},"a1b334201bbd",[15705],{"_key":15706,"_type":131,"marks":15707,"text":15708},"998714aa0cef",[],"On Tuesday, the British Retail Consortium published a report illustrating that total retail sales increased by 2.3% year on year in September versus 3.1% in August. The upcoming budget and unseasonably mild weather have both dampened consumer spending, while the increase in food sales value has largely been driven by higher grocery prices rather than volume.",[],{"_key":15711,"_type":127,"children":15712,"markDefs":15717,"style":135},"f38fef6bdbb8",[15713],{"_key":15714,"_type":131,"marks":15715,"text":15716},"97e36f9a7a1d",[],"And they’re at it again! Markets slipped on Tuesday amid renewed tensions between the US and China, sparked by reports that both sides are imposing additional port fees on ocean shipping firms. China clarified that vessels built domestically would be exempt but confirmed it had already begun levying charges on particular U.S. ships. In a statement, China’s commerce ministry urged the US to reverse tariffs originally introduced under President Trump and reviewed by the Biden administration, warning it would “see it through to the end” if no action is taken. 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The bill aims to tackle underperforming pension schemes, consolidate small pension pots, and ensure that individuals approaching retirement are offered clear, default options for converting their savings into income known as ‘guided retirement’.",[],{"_key":15812,"_type":127,"children":15813,"markDefs":15833,"style":135},"a4ff57e7fa03",[15814,15818,15822,15826,15829],{"_key":15815,"_type":131,"marks":15816,"text":15817},"45ada02c9085",[],"Alongside this, the ",{"_key":15819,"_type":131,"marks":15820,"text":15821},"c681382fdf51",[174],"Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)",{"_key":15823,"_type":131,"marks":15824,"text":15825},"1824ffe6f39a",[]," unveiled plans to introduce a ",{"_key":15827,"_type":131,"marks":15828,"text":5987},"4c6558c6e38a",[174],{"_key":15830,"_type":131,"marks":15831,"text":15832},"ad321387a1ec",[],". This reform would allow authorised firms to provide tailored suggestions to groups of individuals with similar financial characteristics - bridging the gap between generic guidance and regulated financial advice. The goal is to make pension and investment support more accessible and affordable, with legislation and final rules expected by the end of the year.",[],{"_key":15835,"_type":127,"children":15836,"markDefs":15849,"style":135},"12167ae4f51c",[15837,15841,15845],{"_key":15838,"_type":131,"marks":15839,"text":15840},"3159740699fe",[],"To further address long-term challenges, the government has also reinstated the ",{"_key":15842,"_type":131,"marks":15843,"text":15844},"6e101f213c3a",[174],"Pensions Commission",{"_key":15846,"_type":131,"marks":15847,"text":15848},"0d78239b00fd",[],". Its mandate is to address growing concerns that future retirees may face significantly lower pension incomes than today's pensioners and to recommend reforms that ensure a fair and sustainable retirement system.",[],{"_key":15851,"_type":127,"children":15852,"markDefs":15857,"style":135},"e6fa3a358169",[15853],{"_key":15854,"_type":131,"marks":15855,"text":15856},"3194110d053c",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, comments:",[],{"_key":15859,"_type":127,"children":15860,"markDefs":15869,"style":135},"8c6468bbd5f2",[15861,15865],{"_key":15862,"_type":131,"marks":15863,"text":15864},"c078f483c54f",[4468],"“",{"_key":15866,"_type":131,"marks":15867,"text":15868},"2667e1ddd376",[],"We welcome the government's renewed focus on pension reform.These measures have the potential to significantly improve outcomes for savers and ensure that retirement planning is more accessible and effective for all. However, as always, the devil is in detail, and we believe further consideration is necessary to ensure the right support is provided to help all individuals.”",[],{"_key":15871,"_type":127,"children":15872,"markDefs":15877,"style":135},"17c931735b7f",[15873],{"_key":15874,"_type":131,"marks":15875,"text":15876},"6d1f01e780d3",[],"On the topic of guided retirement proposals, Watts-Lay warns:",[],{"_key":15879,"_type":127,"children":15880,"markDefs":15885,"style":135},"8a0fe9ba6e0e",[15881],{"_key":15882,"_type":131,"marks":15883,"text":15884},"d43d25231dcc",[],"“There is a real danger that automated default pathways could lead to a repeat of the issues seen with annuities pre-Freedom and Choice, where individuals defaulted into their providers annuity without exploring better options elsewhere.”",[],{"_key":15887,"_type":127,"children":15888,"markDefs":15893,"style":135},"008e0ff454d9",[15889],{"_key":15890,"_type":131,"marks":15891,"text":15892},"4d0ec66c12fe",[],"He explains; “Retirement needs are highly individual. Some may have significant other assets, others may rely solely on their pension. Health, life expectancy and income preferences vary widely. A generic default solution cannot cater to this spectrum of needs and may result in tax inefficiencies and suboptimal income.”",[],{"_key":15895,"_type":127,"children":15896,"markDefs":15901,"style":135},"5f105a8f3ed5",[15897],{"_key":15898,"_type":131,"marks":15899,"text":15900},"5460dd55892c",[],"Regarding Targeted Support, Watts-Lay adds:",[],{"_key":15903,"_type":127,"children":15904,"markDefs":15909,"style":135},"d5077cd8fd2f",[15905],{"_key":15906,"_type":131,"marks":15907,"text":15908},"2fb4468a439b",[],"“It could help savers to get started and bridge the advice gap and may also encourage disengaged investors make active choices and get better value from their investments. Targeted support could also help people to understand what is required to generate a desired level of income throughout retirement. However, by design, it’s not holistic and won’t consider all accumulated wealth or personal circumstances. For those with larger sums, regulated advice will remain essential, especially when planning for retirement income which can be complex.”",[],{"_key":15911,"_type":127,"children":15912,"markDefs":15917,"style":135},"60c8a2c62fa8",[15913],{"_key":15914,"_type":131,"marks":15915,"text":15916},"3eb8804ab5c2",[],"He continues; “Understandably, there are concerns that targeted support could become targeted sales. Consumer protection is key, and we look forward to reviewing the regulatory framework. The challenge will be balancing protection with practicality - too much regulation may deter firms from offering the service, while too little could risk mis-selling. Defining consumer characteristics and matching them to solutions will be critical and could become a legal minefield for pension trustees.”",[],{"_key":15919,"_type":127,"children":15920,"markDefs":15925,"style":135},"92da794fc66a",[15921],{"_key":15922,"_type":131,"marks":15923,"text":15924},"4ef989981ef6",[],"Watts-Lay concludes; “At WEALTH at work, we already support hundreds of organisations in helping their employees improve their financial future through financial education, one-to-one guidance and investment advice. When people are informed, they make better decisions - whether that’s increasing pension contributions, building financial resilience through Workplace ISAs, or seeking investment advice at retirement. We look forward to supporting our clients through the successful implementation of these reforms.”",[],[15927],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":15928,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":15930,"blogPostMeta":15931,"content":15953,"tag":16040,"title":16043},"7b81c0e2-2825-418b-9668-9f0fd5cb7755",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":15932,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":15948,"publishedAt":15949,"slug":15950,"title":15952},{"_type":58,"asset":15933},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":15934,"mimeType":225,"opt":15944,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":15935,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":15936},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":15937,"darkVibrant":15938,"dominant":15939,"lightMuted":15940,"lightVibrant":15941,"muted":15942,"vibrant":15943},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":15945},{"tags":15946},[15947],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"Markets ended the week in negative territory, as shown in the accompanying table, despite a strong start driven by optimism around artificial intelligence and robust performance from technology stocks. Investors initially shrugged off concerns surrounding the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, with sentiment buoyed by a sharp rally in Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). ","2025-10-13T10:11:03.219Z",{"_type":9,"current":15951},"week-ending-10th-october-2025","Week ending 3rd October 2025",[15954,15957,15961,15969,15977,15985,15993,16001,16009,16017,16025,16033],{"_key":15955,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":15956,"width":124},"e97d3d31a3cd","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1126803056",{"_key":15958,"_type":58,"asset":15959},"1c48ccca552b",{"_ref":15960,"_type":107},"image-f9e1d6688204bb6e535893aa969a227971bfc1ca-1600x2884-png",{"_key":15962,"_type":127,"children":15963,"markDefs":15968,"style":135},"962a1a07ca1d",[15964],{"_key":15965,"_type":131,"marks":15966,"text":15967},"9443b37923c5",[],"Markets ended the week in negative territory, as shown in the accompanying table, despite a strong start driven by optimism around artificial intelligence and robust performance from technology stocks. Investors initially shrugged off concerns surrounding the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, with sentiment buoyed by a sharp rally in Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). The chipmaker surged more than 20% on Monday following news of a strategic partnership with OpenAI, helping lift broader market confidence.",[],{"_key":15970,"_type":127,"children":15971,"markDefs":15976,"style":135},"6047659c554c",[15972],{"_key":15973,"_type":131,"marks":15974,"text":15975},"a1a760de5cc4",[],"However, gains were swiftly erased late Friday, after President Donald Trump announced a sweeping escalation in trade tensions with China. The U.S. will impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese imports beginning 1 November, citing what Trump described as an “extraordinarily aggressive position” by Beijing. He also unveiled plans to restrict exports of all critical software to China, in response to Chinese controls on rare earth materials. U.S. markets closed sharply lower, though the announcement came late in the session for UK and European markets, limiting its immediate impact abroad. In an apparent attempt to cool tensions over the weekend, President Donald Trump said Xi Jinping “had a bad moment” when announcing new export controls on rare earths and critical minerals.",[],{"_key":15978,"_type":127,"children":15979,"markDefs":15984,"style":135},"157c01fd61a7",[15980],{"_key":15981,"_type":131,"marks":15982,"text":15983},"39292222a553",[],"Uncertainty remains over whether Trump and Xi will meet at the South Korea summit later this month.",[],{"_key":15986,"_type":127,"children":15987,"markDefs":15992,"style":135},"0bc7f7e235c9",[15988],{"_key":15989,"_type":131,"marks":15990,"text":15991},"22893265fd9f",[],"While such headlines often rattle investors, tariff-related noise is far from new. Similar flare-ups earlier this year most notably in April triggered brief volatility but were quickly followed by market rebounds. These episodes rarely shift long-term fundamentals. For investors, this underscores the importance of maintaining a diversified portfolio and resisting the urge to react impulsively to short-term headlines. Historically, pullbacks like these have often presented valuable buying opportunities for long term investors.",[],{"_key":15994,"_type":127,"children":15995,"markDefs":16000,"style":135},"c3b9c58008ef",[15996],{"_key":15997,"_type":131,"marks":15998,"text":15999},"f47ae786a059",[],"Elsewhere, the Federal Reserve’s September meeting minutes offered a balanced view of the economic landscape. Policymakers noted persistent inflation pressures alongside signs of a softer labour market, describing risks as increasingly two-sided. While most members supported the case for further rate cuts later this year, some preferred a cautious approach, emphasising uncertainty about how restrictive current policy remains. The minutes reinforced the view that the Fed remains data-dependent and committed to a measured path forward.",[],{"_key":16002,"_type":127,"children":16003,"markDefs":16008,"style":135},"867e195fe3c0",[16004],{"_key":16005,"_type":131,"marks":16006,"text":16007},"0141fa7505cd",[],"European markets also slipped, after touching record highs earlier in the month, as investors locked in profits amidst ongoing political uncertainty in France. Weak industrial data from Germany also weighed on sentiment. German industrial production fell 4.3% in August well below expectations largely due to a sharp decline in auto manufacturing. Exports dropped 0.5% from the prior month, with particularly steep falls in shipments to the U.S. and the UK. In response, the German government announced a package of measures to support the economy, including incentives for purchasing German-made electric vehicles and cost-cutting initiatives across the budget.",[],{"_key":16010,"_type":127,"children":16011,"markDefs":16016,"style":135},"e319ab68d6c1",[16012],{"_key":16013,"_type":131,"marks":16014,"text":16015},"b4fcafcac72b",[],"Asian markets were mixed. Markets in Japan rallied after Sanae Takaichi won the Liberal Democratic Party leadership race, a result markets viewed as supportive of ongoing fiscal stimulus and loose monetary policy. However, political uncertainty resurfaced late in the week when the Komeito Party withdrew from its coalition with the LDP, raising the prospect of a snap election.",[],{"_key":16018,"_type":127,"children":16019,"markDefs":16024,"style":135},"4260792c01ea",[16020],{"_key":16021,"_type":131,"marks":16022,"text":16023},"4c199eb06c1c",[],"In China, markets reopened after the Golden Week holiday to muted performance. Consumption data from the holiday period came in below expectations, with retail and restaurant sales rising just 3.3% roughly half the pace recorded during the May holiday. Investors are now watching China’s upcoming Fourth Plenum meeting commencing on the 20th October for guidance on the country’s next five-year plan and its broader economic strategy.",[],{"_key":16026,"_type":127,"children":16027,"markDefs":16032,"style":135},"6cf55fcae5ca",[16028],{"_key":16029,"_type":131,"marks":16030,"text":16031},"ea8e1d82de18",[],"Looking ahead, Chinese trade data is expected early next week, alongside the UK’s August unemployment and GDP figures. In the U.S., investors will be watching for producer price index (PPI) and retail sales data. However, with the government shutdown dragging on delaying the release of some key economic indicators and trade tensions with China resurfacing, markets will turn their attention to a fresh catalyst: the start of the third-quarter earnings season.",[],{"_key":16034,"_type":127,"children":16035,"markDefs":16039,"style":135},"4d5a8ea70205",[16036],{"_key":16037,"_type":131,"marks":16038,"text":288},"3c10632051de",[174],[],[16041],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":16042,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},"Week ending 10th October 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His resignation adds to a long string of political upheavals that have unsettled France since Macron dissolved the National Assembly in mid-2024. Financial markets reacted swiftly and negatively - French markets sold off on Monday and the Euro moved lower. The latest turmoil has injected even further ambiguity into markets via renewed calls for Macron to consider his own position in power, especially with next year’s budget negotiations due within weeks.",[],{"_key":16315,"_type":127,"children":16316,"markDefs":16321,"style":135},"77abb919f0cb",[16317],{"_key":16318,"_type":131,"marks":16319,"text":16320},"375d2a3422a1",[],"UK construction improved moderately in September although still remained in contractionary territory, rising to a three-month high of 46.2 in September from 45.5 in August. 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Historically, shutdowns have caused only limited long-term disruption, and this time proved no different. President Trump’s escalating rhetoric, including threats to lay off federal workers and slash state funding, did little to rattle sentiment.",[],{"_key":16387,"_type":127,"children":16388,"markDefs":16393,"style":135},"8c3bd818bbf3",[16389],{"_key":16390,"_type":131,"marks":16391,"text":16392},"5bf233f79b50",[],"The timing, however, was less than ideal. The shutdown has delayed key economic data releases, including Friday’s all-important September jobs report, leaving Federal Reserve policymakers without fresh labour market insights ahead of their October rate decision. Markets focused on alternative labour market indicators. These included the September private payroll data, which showed the economy losing 32,000 jobs. Consensus expectations had been for 51,000 jobs added, so the weakness seemed to increase market conviction in fed rate cuts to come. 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Investors closely watch sales data from the holiday to assess the health of Chinese consumers, a critical gauge of Beijing’s push to shift growth toward consumption and services.",[],{"_key":16435,"_type":127,"children":16436,"markDefs":16441,"style":135},"8cd0efb6acee",[16437],{"_key":16438,"_type":131,"marks":16439,"text":16440},"508b1d0fdfbe",[],"Coming up next week, speeches from U.S. Federal Reserve officials. Chair Jerome Powell is set to speak at a banking conference in Washington on Thursday. 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Industrial output fell 1.2% in August (worse than expected) driven by a sharp 5.7% drop in electrical machinery production following July’s surge.","2025-10-01T08:20:23.007Z",{"_type":9,"current":16481},"market-update-1st-october-2025","Market Update - 1st October 2025",[16484,16487,16495,16503,16511,16519,16527,16534],{"_key":16485,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":16486,"width":124},"8380f147f085","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fprogressive_redirect\u002Fplayback\u002F1123524006\u002Frendition\u002F1080p\u002Ffile.mp4?loc=external&log_user=0&signature=10caa3dcd8334cf04daf72c8d376ec6a918ffddb6a0fd91c9bf86cdaeaa3471d",{"_key":16488,"_type":127,"children":16489,"markDefs":16494,"style":135},"b972d82df26c",[16490],{"_key":16491,"_type":131,"marks":16492,"text":16493},"ff1ace594e4a",[],"Recent comments from Bank of Japan officials opened the door to further rate hikes, but fresh data may temper that stance. Industrial output fell 1.2% in August (worse than expected) driven by a sharp 5.7% drop in electrical machinery production following July’s surge. In contrast, auto output rose 2.5%, supported by a U.S.–Japan trade deal that lowered tariffs to 15%. Still, economists remain cautious, warning that Japanese manufacturers face ongoing pressure from elevated U.S. tariffs and broader trade headwinds.",[],{"_key":16496,"_type":127,"children":16497,"markDefs":16502,"style":135},"91ff4f2f13b5",[16498],{"_key":16499,"_type":131,"marks":16500,"text":16501},"44880746fb79",[],"Meanwhile, China’s manufacturing sector showed tentative signs of stabilization in September. The official PMI edged up from in 49.4 in August to 49.8 this month - still below the 50 threshold that separates contraction from expansion but pointing to gradual improvement. Within the details, production climbed to its highest level in six months, and new orders also gained ground. Chinese policymakers remain firmly committed to achieving 5% GDP growth this year. That goal has so far been supported by external demand that has surprised on the upside and which many economists believe could sustain momentum into late 2025, even as additional stimulus measures are anticipated in the coming months as third-quarter data makes its way onto traders’ newsfeeds.",[],{"_key":16504,"_type":127,"children":16505,"markDefs":16510,"style":135},"89c016ca11d3",[16506],{"_key":16507,"_type":131,"marks":16508,"text":16509},"a7e4d78b2eae",[],"Late Tuesday evening UK time, the U.S. entered its first government shutdown since December 2018, after Republicans and Democrats failed to agree on a short-term budget deal. The impasse could see many federal employees furloughed or even laid off, and lead to the suspension of a range of public services. Despite the headlines, markets have so far taken the development in stride. European equities opened higher on Wednesday, with investors instead focusing on the leadership meeting in Copenhagen, where regional security measures will be discussed. The FTSE 100 also opened slightly higher, rising 0.2% as gains made in the pharmaceuticals sector helped cushion broader market caution. Over in the U.S., futures pointed to only modest losses, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both down around 0.5%.",[],{"_key":16512,"_type":127,"children":16513,"markDefs":16518,"style":135},"67a9e0b6aa37",[16514],{"_key":16515,"_type":131,"marks":16516,"text":16517},"482f6dd1d604",[],"History offers some reassurance: past shutdowns have rarely had lasting effects on financial markets. They tend to be resolved relatively quickly, with any drag on growth later recovered, and in some cases equity indices have even advanced during periods of closure. For investors, the greater frustration lies in the delay of key economic data that the shutdown will cause, particularly jobs figures that could help shape the Federal Reserve’s next policy move.",[],{"_key":16520,"_type":127,"children":16521,"markDefs":16526,"style":135},"0eb0023dc9e3",[16522],{"_key":16523,"_type":131,"marks":16524,"text":16525},"55a99434d755",[],"Still to come this week we have the ECB’s inflation reading, Eurozone PPI, U.S. PMI data and Japanese consumer confidence.",[],{"_key":16528,"_type":127,"children":16529,"markDefs":16533,"style":135},"526f11c1eb11",[16530],{"_key":16531,"_type":131,"marks":16532,"text":1006},"41c3feda3955",[],[],{"_key":16535,"_type":127,"children":16536,"markDefs":16540,"style":135},"93953a1ee6e2",[16537],{"_key":16538,"_type":131,"marks":16539,"text":175},"6cd211ca0c19",[174],[],[16542],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":16543,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":16545,"blogPostMeta":16546,"content":16568,"tag":16646,"title":16567},"34c909b5-9477-47d5-a92c-ee9656d65459",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":16547,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":16563,"publishedAt":16564,"slug":16565,"title":16567},{"_type":58,"asset":16548},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":16549,"mimeType":225,"opt":16559,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":16550,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":16551},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":16552,"darkVibrant":16553,"dominant":16554,"lightMuted":16555,"lightVibrant":16556,"muted":16557,"vibrant":16558},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":16560},{"tags":16561},[16562],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"Global markets were mixed last week, with U.S. stocks pulling back as hawkish central bank commentary tempered investor optimism following recent gains. Major U.S. indices ended the week slightly lower, reflecting cautious sentiment after Federal Reserve officials dampened expectations for further rate cuts.","2025-09-29T10:03:56.949Z",{"_type":9,"current":16566},"week-ending-26th-september-2025","Week ending 26th September 2025",[16569,16572,16576,16583,16591,16599,16607,16615,16623,16631,16639],{"_key":16570,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":16571,"width":124},"404277bc99a3","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1122822366",{"_key":16573,"_type":58,"asset":16574},"ce02c8afb258",{"_ref":16575,"_type":107},"image-689f97195eabcb26892f30c5b22427dc7e611345-1600x2884-png",{"_key":16577,"_type":127,"children":16578,"markDefs":16582,"style":135},"e1ca3a45a6c0",[16579],{"_key":16580,"_type":131,"marks":16581,"text":16563},"8f6560706852",[],[],{"_key":16584,"_type":127,"children":16585,"markDefs":16590,"style":135},"23037025af40",[16586],{"_key":16587,"_type":131,"marks":16588,"text":16589},"bcafb47d76fd",[],"UK and European markets remained resilient despite fresh U.S. tariffs announced on Thursday. President Donald Trump unveiled a new round of import duties, including 100% tariffs on branded or patented drugs unless the manufacturer has already begun building a U.S. production facility. Additional tariffs targeted furniture, kitchen cabinets, and heavy-duty trucks.",[],{"_key":16592,"_type":127,"children":16593,"markDefs":16598,"style":135},"057345a2368d",[16594],{"_key":16595,"_type":131,"marks":16596,"text":16597},"a3c66ba65808",[],"Pharmaceutical stocks broadly shrugged off the news. Many major drugmakers are well-positioned, with existing U.S. operations or substantial investment commitments already in place. While smaller firms may face greater pressure, the announcement was largely priced in following months of signalling from the White House.",[],{"_key":16600,"_type":127,"children":16601,"markDefs":16606,"style":135},"3898142da0c1",[16602],{"_key":16603,"_type":131,"marks":16604,"text":16605},"7ffb97e4be82",[],"Although Trump has warned that tariffs could eventually rise as high as 250%, UK firms such as AstraZeneca appear better placed, given their existing U.S. investments and indications that the UK may receive preferential treatment in future trade negotiations.",[],{"_key":16608,"_type":127,"children":16609,"markDefs":16614,"style":135},"4ca7e7b6c877",[16610],{"_key":16611,"_type":131,"marks":16612,"text":16613},"1709162add84",[],"Beyond tariffs, market attention shifted back to the health of the U.S. economy. Durable goods orders rose by 2.9% in August, sharply reversing July’s decline and beating expectations for a fall. While encouraging, part of the increase likely reflects higher prices due to tariff-related input cost pressures, rather than stronger volumes.",[],{"_key":16616,"_type":127,"children":16617,"markDefs":16622,"style":135},"01e70b840580",[16618],{"_key":16619,"_type":131,"marks":16620,"text":16621},"cacaeec31ece",[],"Major global indices posted decent gains on Friday, rebounding after the recent sell-off, as the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure came in as expected. The core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index rose 2.9% year-on-year in August, unchanged from July and in line with forecasts. On a monthly basis, core PCE rose 0.2%, while headline PCE climbed 0.3% from July and 2.7% from a year earlier. These steady but elevated readings reassured markets, but underscore the challenge facing the Federal Reserve, with inflation remaining above target for nearly five years. Markets remain divided over the Fed’s next steps.",[],{"_key":16624,"_type":127,"children":16625,"markDefs":16630,"style":135},"71034ecae4ce",[16626],{"_key":16627,"_type":131,"marks":16628,"text":16629},"e57f3df4b028",[],"Chinese onshore equities ended the week higher, supported by progress among domestic AI startups and Beijing’s “anti-involution” campaign aimed at curbing excessive price competition. These tailwinds have buoyed sentiment despite ongoing concerns around slowing growth and deflationary pressures.",[],{"_key":16632,"_type":127,"children":16633,"markDefs":16638,"style":135},"a7d0f3bef6d1",[16634],{"_key":16635,"_type":131,"marks":16636,"text":16637},"ae39b494a500",[],"Looking ahead, several events next week could test investor sentiment, though history suggests markets tend to take them in stride. The U.S. government faces the prospect of a shutdown from early Wednesday should Congress fail to pass a funding bill before the fiscal year ends on Tuesday. While such standoffs can briefly delay the release of key data including Friday’s jobs report investors have seen similar episodes play out with limited long-term impact. Attention will turn to the U.S. labour market, with September’s non-farm payrolls and unemployment rate due, alongside ISM services PMI. In Europe, the latest inflation figures will be closely watched, while Chinese markets will be closed for the Golden Dragon holiday.",[],{"_key":16640,"_type":127,"children":16641,"markDefs":16645,"style":135},"5e0b7a646fe9",[16642],{"_key":16643,"_type":131,"marks":16644,"text":288},"f765d76f75a6",[174],[],[16647],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":16648,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":16650,"blogPostMeta":16651,"content":16673,"tag":16724,"title":16672},"810d8617-1c61-495c-8c34-a516a66fffad",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":16652,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":16668,"publishedAt":16669,"slug":16670,"title":16672},{"_type":58,"asset":16653},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":16654,"mimeType":225,"opt":16664,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":16655,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":16656},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":16657,"darkVibrant":16658,"dominant":16659,"lightMuted":16660,"lightVibrant":16661,"muted":16662,"vibrant":16663},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":16665},{"tags":16666},[16667],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"Markets adopted a subdued tone this week as investors faced a limited flow of economic data. One notable development was news that US–India trade talks may become more complicated by the issue of India’s purchases of Russian oil - an unusual factor, given that such negotiations typically exclude third-party relationships. ","2025-09-24T07:55:26.186Z",{"_type":9,"current":16671},"market-update-24th-september-2025","Market Update - 24th September 2025",[16674,16677,16685,16693,16701,16709,16717],{"_key":16675,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":16676,"width":124},"5d37cc7655d6","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fprogressive_redirect\u002Fplayback\u002F1121471238\u002Frendition\u002F1080p\u002Ffile.mp4?loc=external&log_user=0&signature=c70ec378a490453c9b05554292af4ee9574aafcf996d608f0e472324e5908430",{"_key":16678,"_type":127,"children":16679,"markDefs":16684,"style":135},"a693f5459f50",[16680],{"_key":16681,"_type":131,"marks":16682,"text":16683},"e47957b6b9f9",[],"Markets adopted a subdued tone this week as investors faced a limited flow of economic data. One notable development was news that US–India trade talks may become more complicated by the issue of India’s purchases of Russian oil - an unusual factor, given that such negotiations typically exclude third-party relationships. For India, however, demand is simply too high to contemplate moving away from Russian supply, and imports are in fact rising to meet growing domestic needs. Traders will be watching closely to see how this is addressed in what have otherwise been constructive discussions between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi. Those talks have recently fuelled optimism about the prospects of a deal, despite the current 25% tariff on Russian oil imports.",[],{"_key":16686,"_type":127,"children":16687,"markDefs":16692,"style":135},"1af92dcda350",[16688],{"_key":16689,"_type":131,"marks":16690,"text":16691},"1a80ef09180a",[],"Over in the Eurozone, composite PMI data came in for the month of September showing an overall expansion in activity at 51.2, slightly up from August’s 51. In relation to PMI, anything below 50 signals a contraction and anything above an expansion. This 16-month high has sparked cautious optimism in markets, though underlying demand remains fragile. Business activity was buoyed by the services sector, but manufacturing continued its pull back as price pressures and input costs persisted in dragging the sector into contractionary territory. While services continue to drive growth, the divergence from manufacturing highlights structural imbalances across the bloc. Policymakers and investors remain alert, as the stalled new orders and persistent cost pressures suggest the recovery may be plateauing rather than accelerating.",[],{"_key":16694,"_type":127,"children":16695,"markDefs":16700,"style":135},"85b57cbd2160",[16696],{"_key":16697,"_type":131,"marks":16698,"text":16699},"cbc62f98b633",[],"In the UK, September’s composite PMI slipped to 51 from 53.5 in August, signalling growth is still in positive territory but losing momentum. The deceleration reflects softer activity in services and a deeper downturn in manufacturing. The survey also pointed to sustained weakness in employment: over the past year firms have steadily reduced headcount, with around 50,000 private-sector jobs disappearing in just the last quarter as companies struggle with higher costs and muted demand.",[],{"_key":16702,"_type":127,"children":16703,"markDefs":16708,"style":135},"43eb2c7a65c8",[16704],{"_key":16705,"_type":131,"marks":16706,"text":16707},"70087aebd81c",[],"Meanwhile, U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell highlighted the challenging situation of the U.S. economy during an address made on Tuesday with regards to the task of balancing inflationary pressures with a cooling labour market. While acknowledging the issue, he stressed that interest rates are appropriately positioned to manage both challenges, indicating little urgency to cut rates quickly. In consequence, U.S. markets closed the day lower.",[],{"_key":16710,"_type":127,"children":16711,"markDefs":16716,"style":135},"893873b3593c",[16712],{"_key":16713,"_type":131,"marks":16714,"text":16715},"eb626ff674fd",[],"Still to come this week we have U.S. durable goods orders, Tokyo CPI, and U.S. PCE data.",[],{"_key":16718,"_type":127,"children":16719,"markDefs":16723,"style":135},"68912c413a6a",[16720],{"_key":16721,"_type":131,"marks":16722,"text":175},"00b0bbdc2491",[174],[],[16725],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":16726,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":16728,"blogPostMeta":16729,"content":16770,"tag":16898,"title":16769},"0a430f59-9999-48f0-b28f-079f9f49a652",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":16730,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":16765,"publishedAt":16766,"slug":16767,"title":16769},{"_type":58,"asset":16731},{"_createdAt":16732,"_id":16733,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":16734,"extension":67,"metadata":16735,"mimeType":101,"opt":16755,"originalFilename":16760,"path":16761,"sha1hash":16734,"size":16762,"uploadId":16763,"url":16764},"2025-09-22T08:38:34Z","image-476cff4b0a8aecd266fdc2452087193ba8903528-4096x2160-png","476cff4b0a8aecd266fdc2452087193ba8903528",{"_type":69,"blurHash":16736,"dimensions":16737,"hasAlpha":76,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":16738,"palette":16739},"MdIh$?yE-:~Wxb~qoexa-pV[IqjExZR+M|",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":305,"height":306,"width":307},"data:image\u002Fpng;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAALCAYAAAB\u002FCa1DAAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAADIElEQVR4nCXM7VPTBQDA8d+r3nVX77qr9+VdT3qFdkqJD4jh3Rzb+LFrG7AGg\u002FGwRxgDGY79YFA2ZAKy5EFwdwquJG6Ix0PSHSiHpEBb2UChZXdqNe46tM6Ab3f5+QM+AsD29hYbT9eJ\u002FrJE\u002F8wY5QNhMs70sqfOz+tWDy9Zm3ihIsCL9lZSvF34R6e5HY\u002Fz48pdZhYWuDAc4aS\u002FBXttNcLzcJONp0liiUUu3BjHMhhGbOlAU+lEay5jf1U97zR8SWbHANI340wtLXFvJcpK9AY\u002FzF9nbDRMe8CHz219Hm5u\u002FUvyr0fcis\u002FR8W2EgtBF1M1+rJZimsrzaPxMomVohKsLiywn7vP4cYJHv8Z48NM0iaVJbk+F6W\u002F30FxlQNja3ubvZ\u002F+w9nCVyOw1agf7kHf2Ip7uxO4ox2cU+Tr4OT\u002FfXSD55wPWf1\u002FjYSLK\u002Fdh3xOdHWL41zPxEiPOBGrwOHcKzzS2ST54wvxyj59ogpt4gsrN9lPRcosZzkkp9NqG2RpZjs\u002Fy2eof40iR3pi8zM3qO60OtTIS\u002F4EqflzONJryVOoT1jQ1W\u002F0gyPHeThou9mLq7MXSGqGzvw+lppLS4AI+7givhbmYnQ8xcPft\u002FEglJDARddPnL8NfnUe9UI1XlIdyMRpm7t0bX2Di2jgDm1jbMTQGs9adweHxYqk9QYrPg9di5fM5N5LybcNBJ\u002F2kz7Y0GfNVqaswyqs1yGmr0CIGBMCPfL3LqqyH0kkRRnUSh4wQGqwubW8Lulig0mSjXK2l2aglIhbTWG2hx62hyqamzHMdmOIjdeBRvTT6Cs62TvokpXMEeFFYnWms1YoEZmbYAXYmNYpuL\u002FFwd2syPyBHTkX+qQGNUUlauwmFRYTVmoFfuwpDzAbUVGoTSBh91wS50LjdHcouQ6S2kqfS8feA4uw\u002FLET\u002FJJ0fM5uD+PaQcO8xOjYq0fBlKwyEUmr1kZe0i++gb5Ga9R5VZRNCWmdDZ7WRo80hVaPkwu4gd6WpefjON13bsJvPIxyjlMlLT9rFPzCLdZkSskKPIf5eUA6\u002Fw\u002Ft5XUR17C2NOKpWlKv4DqDtHq7mm4dsAAAAASUVORK5CYII=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":16740,"darkVibrant":16742,"dominant":16744,"lightMuted":16747,"lightVibrant":16748,"muted":16750,"vibrant":16753},{"_type":81,"background":16741,"foreground":83,"population":11902,"title":83},"#315a59",{"_type":81,"background":16743,"foreground":83,"population":3344,"title":83},"#0a6886",{"_type":81,"background":16745,"foreground":91,"population":16746,"title":91},"#bcd7d9",4.43,{"_type":81,"background":16745,"foreground":91,"population":16746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":16749,"foreground":91,"population":87,"title":83},"#d8a49a",{"_type":81,"background":16751,"foreground":83,"population":16752,"title":83},"#a08869",3.08,{"_type":81,"background":16754,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#3ca4bc",{"media":16756},{"tags":16757},[16758],{"_key":16759,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"PsTk87bLcgPpjk8k2ZrbR","Shutterstock_2374001373 (1).png","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F476cff4b0a8aecd266fdc2452087193ba8903528-4096x2160.png",7678344,"pW7CCWUn0y0ROvYzZB6nCNLQIlkK0Jj8","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F476cff4b0a8aecd266fdc2452087193ba8903528-4096x2160.png","Between the 22nd and 28th of September is UK Savings Week. However, in the current environment, it has become difficult for a lot of people to save as much as they would like, in fact, a survey  of working adults by WEALTH at work found that the biggest financial concerns for the year include not having enough savings for unexpected costs (42%) and not being able to save enough for the future (37%).","2025-09-22T12:53:52.886Z",{"_type":9,"current":16768},"five-steps-to-build-financial-resilience","Five steps to build financial resilience",[16771,16779,16787,16795,16803,16811,16819,16827,16835,16843,16851,16859,16867,16875,16882,16890],{"_key":16772,"_type":127,"children":16773,"markDefs":16778,"style":135},"a70bcc35003d",[16774],{"_key":16775,"_type":131,"marks":16776,"text":16777},"c62844d1550e",[],"Between the 22nd and 28th of September is UK Savings Week. However, in the current environment, it has become difficult for a lot of people to save as much as they would like, in fact, a survey of working adults by WEALTH at work found that the biggest financial concerns for the year include not having enough savings for unexpected costs (42%) and not being able to save enough for the future (37%).",[],{"_key":16780,"_type":127,"children":16781,"markDefs":16786,"style":135},"966e353c51bc",[16782],{"_key":16783,"_type":131,"marks":16784,"text":16785},"48a31bce6258",[],"With this in mind, WEALTH at work, a leading financial wellbeing, retirement and workplace savings specialist, has prepared the following tips as the basis for strengthening your finances.",[],{"_key":16788,"_type":127,"children":16789,"markDefs":16794,"style":135},"069fff9dbfaf",[16790],{"_key":16791,"_type":131,"marks":16792,"text":16793},"dc89cd4837f8",[174],"1. Make a financial plan",[],{"_key":16796,"_type":127,"children":16797,"markDefs":16802,"style":135},"bf73f66bd1bf",[16798],{"_key":16799,"_type":131,"marks":16800,"text":16801},"ffdc80e5304b",[],"Your individual circumstances will mean that you are likely to have different financial priorities depending on your life stage. For some the priority may be saving for a deposit for a first home, whilst for others it might be saving for retirement, or for some it may be paying off debt. Many people simply bury their head in the sand but knowing what you are saving for and putting a plan in place on how to get there, is a simple but effective way to reach your goals.",[],{"_key":16804,"_type":127,"children":16805,"markDefs":16810,"style":135},"4c4993c75697",[16806],{"_key":16807,"_type":131,"marks":16808,"text":16809},"b74b223c0d48",[],"Setting up an automated payment can be helpful, as if the money is automatically leaving your account each month to pay off debt, or to go into a savings account, it becomes part of your monthly outgoings.",[],{"_key":16812,"_type":127,"children":16813,"markDefs":16818,"style":135},"7dbcd292652e",[16814],{"_key":16815,"_type":131,"marks":16816,"text":16817},"c4e69318077a",[174],"2. Start with the basics",[],{"_key":16820,"_type":127,"children":16821,"markDefs":16826,"style":135},"cc9ca43c0c24",[16822],{"_key":16823,"_type":131,"marks":16824,"text":16825},"b2e41681b9ae",[],"Many people struggle to understand basic financial issues. A good starting point is to look at where your money goes, including everything from utility bills and insurance to food shopping and going out. Really looking at what you spend can often highlight areas you could cut back on. A great example of this is insurance, as it is often the case that someone would get a better quote by shopping around and using tools like comparison sites, but many neglect to do this.",[],{"_key":16828,"_type":127,"children":16829,"markDefs":16834,"style":135},"f1a66a056202",[16830],{"_key":16831,"_type":131,"marks":16832,"text":16833},"b1a7adc07b8c",[174],"3. Research your work benefits package",[],{"_key":16836,"_type":127,"children":16837,"markDefs":16842,"style":135},"7e86837813bd",[16838],{"_key":16839,"_type":131,"marks":16840,"text":16841},"bd71948cc5b4",[],"Many employers offer a range of employee benefits such as financial education, financial guidance, payroll savings, ISAs and share plans. Through auto-enrolment, many people pay 5% of their salary into their workplace pension, with an additional 3% employer contribution. However, they may not realise that some employers will also match any additional contributions (up to certain limits). Someone who is 25 years old and plans to retire at the age of 68 can increase their pension pot by 25% by saving just 1% more if their employers were to match this. Find out what your employer offers, and which options are right for you.",[],{"_key":16844,"_type":127,"children":16845,"markDefs":16850,"style":135},"11f69a447e3c",[16846],{"_key":16847,"_type":131,"marks":16848,"text":16849},"1d557f507873",[174],"4. Understand good debt vs bad debt",[],{"_key":16852,"_type":127,"children":16853,"markDefs":16858,"style":135},"a11c578b15f1",[16854],{"_key":16855,"_type":131,"marks":16856,"text":16857},"6945f183da4c",[],"Another important principle is understanding the difference between good debt and bad debt. For example, a mortgage is a form of good debt – it makes sense to have a loan in order to own your home as it is a stable, easy to manage approach to long-term borrowing. However, it should still be reviewed occasionally to ensure you have a good deal. At the opposite end of the spectrum, debt with high interest payments such as payday loans and credit cards can get out of control if they are not repaid quickly. For example, a debt of £3,000 with a rate of 18% APR, could take 9 years and 10 months to pay off when paying £52 a month, with total interest of £3091 paid. If that monthly payment was increased to £100 a month, the debt would be paid off in 3 years and 4 months, and interest paid would be only £908. If this was increased to £325 a month, the debt would be paid in 10 months, with total interest of £229 paid.",[],{"_key":16860,"_type":127,"children":16861,"markDefs":16866,"style":135},"8610cb622c33",[16862],{"_key":16863,"_type":131,"marks":16864,"text":16865},"d05989dfff38",[174],"5. Build up an emergency fund",[],{"_key":16868,"_type":127,"children":16869,"markDefs":16874,"style":135},"77d33c6bbadd",[16870],{"_key":16871,"_type":131,"marks":16872,"text":16873},"bb5ebb106b7c",[],"A lack of savings can have a serious impact on financial resilience. Many people unfortunately realise too late the importance of having emergency savings. Ideally, you should have 3-6 months of emergency savings which can be accessed at short notice. This can provide a financial buffer if you, or a member of your household, experiences a drop of income due to redundancy, illness, or unexpected expenses - such as replacing the boiler or expensive car repairs.",[],{"_key":16876,"_type":127,"children":16877,"markDefs":16881,"style":135},"47688d1355e0",[16878],{"_key":16879,"_type":131,"marks":16880,"text":1502},"1dfdb1170241",[174],[],{"_key":16883,"_type":127,"children":16884,"markDefs":16889,"style":135},"092877402a4f",[16885],{"_key":16886,"_type":131,"marks":16887,"text":16888},"fd961559a113",[],"“Many people don’t recognise the importance of financial resilience until something happens which highlights how vulnerable their finances are. Hopefully the five steps we have outlined will help those who want to take control of their finances and put themselves in a more secure position in the future.”",[],{"_key":16891,"_type":127,"children":16892,"markDefs":16897,"style":135},"e29047efb60f",[16893],{"_key":16894,"_type":131,"marks":16895,"text":16896},"343ef42d6799",[],"He continues, “Many employers now offer their staff financial education and guidance including workshops, digital tools and helplines. This can help them understand some of the key issues to help build their financial resilience in the future. Topics can cover a range of financial matters such as debt & money management, managing savings and retirement. Speak to your employer to find out what support is available.”",[],[16899],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":16900,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":16902,"blogPostMeta":16903,"content":16925,"tag":17019,"title":16924},"aba4cdc0-7403-4a2a-950e-f58474aa4ae4",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":16904,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":16920,"publishedAt":16921,"slug":16922,"title":16924},{"_type":58,"asset":16905},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":16906,"mimeType":225,"opt":16916,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":16907,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":16908},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":16909,"darkVibrant":16910,"dominant":16911,"lightMuted":16912,"lightVibrant":16913,"muted":16914,"vibrant":16915},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":16917},{"tags":16918},[16919],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"Markets ended the week mixed across regions, with US equities advancing to record highs, UK indices drifting lower, and Chinese benchmarks weakening as fresh economic data shaped expectations for monetary policy.","2025-09-22T11:16:28.990Z",{"_type":9,"current":16923},"week-ending-19th-september-2025","Week ending 19th September 2025",[16926,16929,16933,16940,16948,16956,16964,16972,16980,16988,16996,17004,17012],{"_key":16927,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":16928,"width":124},"c304e08a08e2","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1120788613?",{"_key":16930,"_type":58,"asset":16931},"671461774774",{"_ref":16932,"_type":107},"image-866213ada49d6f0bf9fe8e277af62b002598d037-1600x2884-png",{"_key":16934,"_type":127,"children":16935,"markDefs":16939,"style":135},"1088607962ac",[16936],{"_key":16937,"_type":131,"marks":16938,"text":16920},"2cf3526fb150",[],[],{"_key":16941,"_type":127,"children":16942,"markDefs":16947,"style":135},"4ff17bd3f4da",[16943],{"_key":16944,"_type":131,"marks":16945,"text":16946},"63b0e8633b88",[],"US stocks reached new records this week after the Federal Reserve resumed interest rate cuts and signalled that further reductions may be forthcoming. Policymakers lowered rates by 25bps on Wednesday, bringing the target range down to 4.00–4.25%. This marks the first cut since December 2024 and signals a shift towards looser policy amid signs of labour market weakness. While inflation remains elevated at 2.9% year-on-year, the Fed judged that slowing job creation and even a rare loss in June posed greater near-term risks.",[],{"_key":16949,"_type":127,"children":16950,"markDefs":16955,"style":135},"8b2d41811308",[16951],{"_key":16952,"_type":131,"marks":16953,"text":16954},"e99a7994e928",[],"Chair Jerome Powell tempered expectations of an aggressive easing cycle, stressing the Fed is “not on a pre-set path”, acknowledging downside risks in employment but pushing back on expectations for rapid cuts. He noted that tariffs are lifting some prices, while tight immigration has constrained labour supply. On housing, he downplayed the impact of a single cut.",[],{"_key":16957,"_type":127,"children":16958,"markDefs":16963,"style":135},"29649fb76c6f",[16959],{"_key":16960,"_type":131,"marks":16961,"text":16962},"cdedf0b82d88",[],"The dot plot visually illustrates where the Fed’s senior policymakers expect the federal funds rate to move in the future.There was growing disparity among policymakers, with some favouring one rate cut this year and others expecting two. Going forward, markets will weigh the Fed’s data-driven stance against political pressure for deeper easing, with attention firmly on upcoming jobs reports and inflation trends.",[],{"_key":16965,"_type":127,"children":16966,"markDefs":16971,"style":135},"22cb1a02ad21",[16967],{"_key":16968,"_type":131,"marks":16969,"text":16970},"ebef57c6bc35",[],"In the UK, the Bank of England opted to hold interest rates at 4% on Thursday, reinforcing its cautious stance amid persistent inflationary pressures. The decision follows August’s razor-thin 5–4 vote to cut rates, which has now shifted to a firmer 7–2 majority in favour of maintaining the current level, with two votes for a 0.25% cut.",[],{"_key":16973,"_type":127,"children":16974,"markDefs":16979,"style":135},"c33ab7678a5a",[16975],{"_key":16976,"_type":131,"marks":16977,"text":16978},"8b7093e10ba0",[],"Headline inflation remains stubborn at 3.8%, driven by rising services and food prices. Policymakers expect inflation to rise slightly in the short term before easing in 2026, but the path to the 2% target is uncertain. Governor Bailey emphasised a “gradual and careful” approach to rate cuts, warning the UK is “not out of the woods yet”. Further cuts depend on clearer signs of disinflation and a cooling labour market.",[],{"_key":16981,"_type":127,"children":16982,"markDefs":16987,"style":135},"f2bbb57ee858",[16983],{"_key":16984,"_type":131,"marks":16985,"text":16986},"bf1e9f40ae4d",[],"The FTSE 100 ended the week in negative territory as investors weighed a mix of economic signals and shifting policy expectations. Friday’s trading was shaped by fresh data showing UK consumer confidence fell in September, as concerns over potential tax increases dampened sentiment. On the upside, retail sales volumes rose 0.5% in August, matching July’s revised growth and outpacing forecasts, with clothing, online, and specialist food retailers benefiting from favourable weather. However, a decline in car fuel sales pointed to uneven consumer demand across sectors.",[],{"_key":16989,"_type":127,"children":16990,"markDefs":16995,"style":135},"be3ace41173a",[16991],{"_key":16992,"_type":131,"marks":16993,"text":16994},"0026869f7d80",[],"Trade also moved into focus after US President Donald Trump spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday. Trump later announced that the leaders had reached an agreement over US ownership of TikTok and made progress on trade negotiations, providing a modest lift to sentiment.",[],{"_key":16997,"_type":127,"children":16998,"markDefs":17003,"style":135},"fa17c540cddf",[16999],{"_key":17000,"_type":131,"marks":17001,"text":17002},"0ee1e7639096",[],"Chinese equities eased this week as investors took profits and digested economic data. Retail sales grew 3.4% and industrial output rose 5.2% year-on-year in August, both just shy of expectations but still reflecting ongoing expansion. While deflation risks and softness in the property sector persist, with home prices and sales under pressure, markets are optimistic that policymakers will consider additional targeted support to sustain growth.",[],{"_key":17005,"_type":127,"children":17006,"markDefs":17011,"style":135},"c395ba91c0a9",[17007],{"_key":17008,"_type":131,"marks":17009,"text":17010},"4addfe6b14e9",[],"Looking ahead to next week, key data releases include PMI figures for the Eurozone, UK, and US, as well as US durable goods orders, initial jobless claims, and the latest US PCE inflation 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Key findings.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F9d731d0b1fba1e84f9a7ef1f9c2bee8a468ea359-867x592.jpg",62594,"BpVFbffq9LglwhxeWdgF8Fiju6bA3EaF","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F9d731d0b1fba1e84f9a7ef1f9c2bee8a468ea359-867x592.jpg","Following the launch of our new Financial Wellbeing Research 2025 with Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA)...","2025-09-22T09:10:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":17063},"-financial-wellbeing-research-2025-key-findings"," Financial Wellbeing Research 2025 – Key Findings",[17066,17069,17077,17084],{"_key":17067,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":17068,"width":124},"4a48a3758e94","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FFb3m9Q7nXEk",{"_key":17070,"_type":127,"children":17071,"markDefs":17076,"style":135},"706d7e84108a",[17072],{"_key":17073,"_type":131,"marks":17074,"text":17075},"ab60e1790683",[],"Following the launch of our new Financial Wellbeing Research 2025 with Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA), see some of the key findings below or click here to download the full report.",[],{"_key":17078,"_type":127,"children":17079,"markDefs":17083,"style":135},"6f6a4dd312b0",[17080],{"_key":17081,"_type":131,"marks":17082,"text":1006},"993272df53f3",[],[],{"_key":17085,"_type":3031,"alignment":3032,"openInNewTab":76,"style":3033,"text":17086,"url":17087},"fc15e04e6e64","Download report","https:\u002F\u002Fgo.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fl\u002F1086953\u002F2025-09-05\u002Fn8ljn",[17089],{"_createdAt":4751,"_id":4752,"_rev":4753,"_system":17090,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":4758,"brandSpecific":76,"slug":17092,"title":4761},{"base":17091},{"id":4756,"rev":4757},{"_type":9,"current":4760},{"_id":17094,"blogPostMeta":17095,"content":17117,"tag":17221,"title":17116},"600d2081-e594-4b9c-aeab-14f11b652ac0",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":17096,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":17112,"publishedAt":17113,"slug":17114,"title":17116},{"_type":58,"asset":17097},{"_createdAt":16732,"_id":16733,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":16734,"extension":67,"metadata":17098,"mimeType":101,"opt":17108,"originalFilename":16760,"path":16761,"sha1hash":16734,"size":16762,"uploadId":16763,"url":16764},{"_type":69,"blurHash":16736,"dimensions":17099,"hasAlpha":76,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":16738,"palette":17100},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":305,"height":306,"width":307},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":17101,"darkVibrant":17102,"dominant":17103,"lightMuted":17104,"lightVibrant":17105,"muted":17106,"vibrant":17107},{"_type":81,"background":16741,"foreground":83,"population":11902,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":16743,"foreground":83,"population":3344,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":16745,"foreground":91,"population":16746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":16745,"foreground":91,"population":16746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":16749,"foreground":91,"population":87,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":16751,"foreground":83,"population":16752,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":16754,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"media":17109},{"tags":17110},[17111],{"_key":16759,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"In the current environment, it has become difficult for a lot of people to save as much as they would like. In fact, a survey of working adults by WEALTH at work found that the biggest financial concerns for the year include not having enough savings for unexpected costs (42%) and not being able to save enough for the future (37%).","2025-09-22T08:16:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":17115},"tips-to-help-employees-build-their-financial-resilience-uk-savings","Tips to help employees build their financial resilience",[17118,17126,17134,17142,17154,17166,17178,17190,17202,17213],{"_key":17119,"_type":127,"children":17120,"markDefs":17125,"style":135},"70a5c9835a41",[17121],{"_key":17122,"_type":131,"marks":17123,"text":17124},"9ecd693269f4",[],"In the current environment, it has become difficult for a lot of people to save as much as they would like. In fact, a survey of working adults by WEALTH at work found that the biggest financial concerns for the year include not having enough savings for unexpected costs (42%) and not being able to save enough for the future (37%).",[],{"_key":17127,"_type":127,"children":17128,"markDefs":17133,"style":135},"f9acfb545e3b",[17129],{"_key":17130,"_type":131,"marks":17131,"text":17132},"30b3e1b0df13",[],"This can have a serious impact on financial resilience, with the weight of this financial burden spilling into the workplace. 40% of workers admit that money worries affect their performance at work by causing increased stress levels, mental exhaustion (35%) and decreased motivation (26%).More than a fifth (22%) admit that it led to reduced focus and concentration, and 10% say it led to increased sick days.",[],{"_key":17135,"_type":127,"children":17136,"markDefs":17141,"style":135},"64b1cfd6abca",[17137],{"_key":17138,"_type":131,"marks":17139,"text":17140},"f1a24e144b56",[],"With this in mind, WEALTH at work has prepared the following tips for employers to help employees build their financial resilience.",[],{"_key":17143,"_type":127,"children":17144,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":17153,"style":135},"38edd5d381bc",[17145,17149],{"_key":17146,"_type":131,"marks":17147,"text":17148},"970e78951f14",[174],"Understand the needs of employees",{"_key":17150,"_type":131,"marks":17151,"text":17152},"7f71f727a9af",[],"\nEmployees are likely to have different financial priorities depending on their life stage. For some the priority may be saving a deposit for a first home, whilst for others it might be saving for retirement, or for some it may be paying off debt. It’s important that employees put a plan in place on how to reach their goals and they may require support to do this. It therefore helps to design a financial wellbeing programme which includes financial education to support differing requirements.",[],{"_key":17155,"_type":127,"children":17156,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":17165,"style":135},"0897c47f8449",[17157,17161],{"_key":17158,"_type":131,"marks":17159,"text":17160},"c66cf0cf027a",[174],"Provide support on the basics",{"_key":17162,"_type":131,"marks":17163,"text":17164},"4610deb752fc",[],"\nMany people struggle to understand basic financial issues and helping employees become more familiar with them is an important step. For example, employees could start by reviewing their outgoings including everything from bills and subscriptions to food shopping and going out. Really looking at what is spent can often highlight areas that could be cut back on. A great example of this is insurance as it is often the case that someone would get a better quote by shopping around and using tools like comparison sites, but many neglect to do this.",[],{"_key":17167,"_type":127,"children":17168,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":17177,"style":135},"485a3bdc8a79",[17169,17173],{"_key":17170,"_type":131,"marks":17171,"text":17172},"c488be0eb40f",[174],"Promote the employee benefits package",{"_key":17174,"_type":131,"marks":17175,"text":17176},"39ed1699ead8",[],"\nWEALTH at work’s research found that 42% of employees would save any spare cash for a rainy day i.e. such as in an ISA. Employees should be encouraged to investigate the range of workplace benefits that may be available and suitable for them to help with this. Many leading workplaces offer various ways to help their employees to save such as help-to-save and opt-in payroll savings, employee share plans and tax-free saving wrappers including ISAs. Some employers will also match any additional pensions contributions, which employees may not be aware of. For example, someone who is 25 years old and plans to retire at age 68 can increase their pension pot by 25% by saving just 1% more, if their employers were to match this. Making sure benefits are relevant and well-explained can really help take up and improve money management.",[],{"_key":17179,"_type":127,"children":17180,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":17189,"style":135},"0f8f8dda6048",[17181,17185],{"_key":17182,"_type":131,"marks":17183,"text":17184},"fb954a3edd02",[174]," Help employees understand the difference between good & bad debt",{"_key":17186,"_type":131,"marks":17187,"text":17188},"1449eae59b0a",[],"\nAnother important principle for employees to understand is the difference between good debt and bad debt. For example, a mortgage is a form of good debt – it makes sense to have a loan in order to own your home as it is a stable, easy to manage approach to long-term borrowing. However, it should still be reviewed occasionally to ensure that it’s a good deal. At the opposite end of the spectrum, debt with high interest payments such as payday loans and credit cards can get out of control if they are not repaid quickly. Employees should realise that it should always be a priority to pay off bad debt.For example, a debt of £3,000, with a rate of 18% APR, could take 9 years and 10 months to pay off when paying £52 a month, with total interest of £3091 paid. If that monthly payment was increased to £100 a month, the debt would be paid off in 3 years and 4 months, and interest paid would be only £908. If this was increased to £325 a month, the debt would be paid in 10 months, with total interest of £229 paid.",[],{"_key":17191,"_type":127,"children":17192,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":17201,"style":135},"667b382dc777",[17193,17197],{"_key":17194,"_type":131,"marks":17195,"text":17196},"4763309462bc",[174],"Stress the importance of an emergency fund",{"_key":17198,"_type":131,"marks":17199,"text":17200},"b85e7e6da1b6",[],"\nA lack of savings can have a serious impact on financial resilience, as many people unfortunately realise too late the importance of having emergency savings. Ideally, employees should have 3-6 months of emergency savings which can be accessed at short notice. This can provide a financial buffer if they, or a member of their household, experiences a drop of income due to redundancy, illness, or unexpected expenses - such as replacing the boiler or expensive car repairs. Remember that workplace savings can help support this goal.",[],{"_key":17203,"_type":127,"children":17204,"markDefs":17212,"style":135},"e45ca2ca98be",[17205,17208],{"_key":17206,"_type":131,"marks":17207,"text":1502},"335f947fc201",[174],{"_key":17209,"_type":131,"marks":17210,"text":17211},"d57db2b5fb51",[]," “Many employees don’t recognise the importance of financial resilience until something happens which highlights how vulnerable their finances are. Building a good financial wellbeing programme is vitally important to help employees take control of their finances and put themselves in a more secure position in the future.”",[],{"_key":17214,"_type":127,"children":17215,"markDefs":17220,"style":135},"16a42486694e",[17216],{"_key":17217,"_type":131,"marks":17218,"text":17219},"ff4b4fcd9b0d",[],"He adds; “Many employers now offer their staff financial education and guidance through workshops, digital tools and helplines to help them understand the key issues relevant to them. Topics can cover a range of financial matters such as debt & money management, managing savings and retirement. In addition, many are also putting in place workplace ISAs to provide an easy way for employees to start saving from monthly payroll.”",[],[17222],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":17223,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":17225,"blogPostMeta":17226,"content":17273,"tag":17443,"title":17272},"f4d28443-db56-44de-aa2f-c50b93e07b5e",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":17227,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":17268,"publishedAt":17269,"slug":17270,"title":17272},{"_type":58,"asset":17228},{"_createdAt":17229,"_id":17230,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":17231,"extension":196,"metadata":17232,"mimeType":225,"opt":17258,"originalFilename":17263,"path":17264,"sha1hash":17231,"size":17265,"uploadId":17266,"url":17267},"2025-09-11T09:22:24Z","image-95d5854132a58e1c674c7651a8b88fd79b3e8de2-1000x611-jpg","95d5854132a58e1c674c7651a8b88fd79b3e8de2",{"_type":69,"blurHash":17233,"dimensions":17234,"exif":17237,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":17238,"palette":17239},"VFJ8Lz?bVBObp2_0Rj.AaJDh-#tRbynfRh%%-p%0tSxv",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":17235,"height":17236,"width":773},1.6366612111292962,611,{"ColorSpace":1682,"PixelXDimension":773,"PixelYDimension":17236,"_type":499},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAAMABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGAwT\u002FxAAiEAACAgIBAwUAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEAAUREiExBgcTI0H\u002FxAAWAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAQL\u002FxAAaEQADAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQISE0ER\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwC1Tc2+YqdueRDEv19S9gDigQ2NMz29js4xUkYFSG5HXz2Oc+l2E9+R3tEOzAA9vzGnuHQrP6bjhMQ+Muo4GSVGNVfDTy9Snphb3kMthmktPI\u002Fgsq8g4ZCwyvUjENdika+BhgtgnUf\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":17240,"darkVibrant":17243,"dominant":17246,"lightMuted":17249,"lightVibrant":17250,"muted":17253,"vibrant":17256},{"_type":81,"background":17241,"foreground":83,"population":17242,"title":83},"#5b463a",1.42,{"_type":81,"background":17244,"foreground":83,"population":17245,"title":83},"#210a06",0.19,{"_type":81,"background":17247,"foreground":91,"population":17248,"title":91},"#c4cbdc",7.03,{"_type":81,"background":17247,"foreground":91,"population":17248,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":17251,"foreground":91,"population":17252,"title":83},"#97baf5",2.53,{"_type":81,"background":17254,"foreground":83,"population":17255,"title":83},"#8c6d54",5.32,{"_type":81,"background":17257,"foreground":83,"population":4788,"title":83},"#4365a6",{"media":17259},{"tags":17260},[17261],{"_key":17262,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"Ad_x-pbW1QmJbszSWFUxD","shutterstock_2223351329.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F95d5854132a58e1c674c7651a8b88fd79b3e8de2-1000x611.jpg",355439,"cA7nFq2fxOTkFQYzh9lVqtjRVTYnwoNQ","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F95d5854132a58e1c674c7651a8b88fd79b3e8de2-1000x611.jpg","New research launched today amongst 223 companies representing 1.3 million employees has revealed that more than half of employers (51%) plan to make changes to their financial wellbeing offerings in the next two years.","2025-09-17T14:50:21.628Z",{"_type":9,"current":17271},"future-of-financial-wellbeing-provision","The future of financial wellbeing provision",[17274,17281,17289,17297,17305,17313,17321,17329,17337,17345,17353,17360,17368,17376,17384,17392,17400,17408,17416,17424,17432],{"_key":17275,"_type":127,"children":17276,"markDefs":17280,"style":135},"5b935df62159",[17277],{"_key":17278,"_type":131,"marks":17279,"text":17268},"520328ef3f4f",[],[],{"_key":17282,"_type":127,"children":17283,"markDefs":17288,"style":135},"295955a48bbf",[17284],{"_key":17285,"_type":131,"marks":17286,"text":17287},"569672213320",[],"The report from the Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA) in association with WEALTH at work has uncovered the financial wellbeing risk factors that are driving future change, as well as some of the existing barriers to improving financial wellbeing support.",[],{"_key":17290,"_type":127,"children":17291,"markDefs":17296,"style":135},"2855bd649a04",[17292],{"_key":17293,"_type":131,"marks":17294,"text":17295},"9670da0148d8",[174],"Mitigating future risk",[],{"_key":17298,"_type":127,"children":17299,"markDefs":17304,"style":135},"0bf9594f86ce",[17300],{"_key":17301,"_type":131,"marks":17302,"text":17303},"ffa0e3b611e6",[],"Rising living costs continue to be viewed as a financial resilience risk factor. Within the next two years, 61% of employers are set to address the cost of living (energy, food and clothing) with their financial wellbeing strategy. 58% will be tackling cost pressures on working carers including parents and 37% will be addressing the cost of housing. Other concerns either presently or in the future driving financial wellbeing policy include gender gaps, (86%) and redundancy of employees (39%).",[],{"_key":17306,"_type":127,"children":17307,"markDefs":17312,"style":135},"823b13744f46",[17308],{"_key":17309,"_type":131,"marks":17310,"text":17311},"d76b5a2e0889",[],"The research also looked at the people risks that employers either currently address or plan to address. The majority identified improving mental wellbeing linked to financial stress (93%) as the top people risk currently or planned to be addressed. The numbers of employers set to tackle increasing financial resilience is set to double (from 44% to 88%). Additionally, managing the impact of an ageing workforce is the area of focus which will see the biggest shift with 62% set to address this in the future, compared to 19% who currently do so – representing a growth of 226%!",[],{"_key":17314,"_type":127,"children":17315,"markDefs":17320,"style":135},"0087aff5390c",[17316],{"_key":17317,"_type":131,"marks":17318,"text":17319},"22d2a9b1bdf1",[174],"Retirement adequacy",[],{"_key":17322,"_type":127,"children":17323,"markDefs":17328,"style":135},"bc27bc8a70d3",[17324],{"_key":17325,"_type":131,"marks":17326,"text":17327},"bbdfd031bd1c",[],"In fact, the survey delved into the anticipated challenges employers’ thought could impede employees reaching retirement adequacy over the next 5 years. The top 3 are personal financial pressures (78%), low financial literacy around pensions (71%) and pension contributions being too low (65%).",[],{"_key":17330,"_type":127,"children":17331,"markDefs":17336,"style":135},"c3e4c3b2d1d9",[17332],{"_key":17333,"_type":131,"marks":17334,"text":17335},"c6ba8edc344a",[],"To overcome these concerns, 92% of employers reported that they either currently offer, or plan to offer financial education for older employers. Providing financial education to improve pensions engagement for younger employees is set to grow by 82% (from 50% to 91%). Not only this but offering investment advice specific to retirement is set to almost double from 28% currently offering it, to 54% in the future.",[],{"_key":17338,"_type":127,"children":17339,"markDefs":17344,"style":135},"876362bcb4de",[17340],{"_key":17341,"_type":131,"marks":17342,"text":17343},"b35a4cc9a29a",[174],"Barriers to improving financial wellbeing",[],{"_key":17346,"_type":127,"children":17347,"markDefs":17352,"style":135},"9d424e6d9b24",[17348],{"_key":17349,"_type":131,"marks":17350,"text":17351},"0dc06a78114f",[],"The survey also explored the challenges faced to improving financial wellbeing provision. Almost two fifths (39%) of employers think a barrier is employees not knowing where to start when asking for help. Other barriers include concerns over liability for providing support (40%), lack of take up of existing financial wellbeing support (36%) and that existing support is not joined up (32%).",[],{"_key":17354,"_type":127,"children":17355,"markDefs":17359,"style":135},"092826c1e591",[17356],{"_key":17357,"_type":131,"marks":17358,"text":17272},"dfee7f7a1bb4",[174],[],{"_key":17361,"_type":127,"children":17362,"markDefs":17367,"style":135},"97393c975a40",[17363],{"_key":17364,"_type":131,"marks":17365,"text":17366},"8fd698cc6f3c",[],"It seems that many employers are now focused on putting support in place to improve financial wellbeing. Almost two fifths (37%) are planning to increase financial wellbeing spend.",[],{"_key":17369,"_type":127,"children":17370,"markDefs":17375,"style":135},"4f3ca59504f4",[17371],{"_key":17372,"_type":131,"marks":17373,"text":17374},"2e3bda1c9a3d",[],"Across the board, when it comes to offering support, employers are either planning to or already offer financial education from an independent specialist (51%), financial coaching e.g. one-to-one guidance (40%) and regulated financial advice (27%). Employee share plans remain a popular savings benefit with 42% of employers intending to or currently offering them. The provision of tax-free saving wrappers including ISAs is set to almost double (from 14% to 27%).",[],{"_key":17377,"_type":127,"children":17378,"markDefs":17383,"style":135},"12980e766a95",[17379],{"_key":17380,"_type":131,"marks":17381,"text":17382},"9df865ce43b4",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, comments; “It’s good to see that many employers are now focused on helping employees with a range of needs by providing them with the support needed to better manage their money.”",[],{"_key":17385,"_type":127,"children":17386,"markDefs":17391,"style":135},"e5e7c58180d3",[17387],{"_key":17388,"_type":131,"marks":17389,"text":17390},"7af4097e2394",[],"He adds; “After all, supporting employees to improve their financial literacy through financial education can help them make well-informed decisions throughout their career – whether they are a new parent managing childcare costs, saving for a first home, or planning for retirement. Helping employees to take control of their finances reduces financial stress and can lead to improvements in financial wellbeing for all.”",[],{"_key":17393,"_type":127,"children":17394,"markDefs":17399,"style":135},"df90d13e520a",[17395],{"_key":17396,"_type":131,"marks":17397,"text":17398},"5199b647725f",[],"Watts-Lay explains; “The research identified that retirement adequacy is an increasing area of focus for employers. For people to better prepare for their financial future, it’s vital that they engage with their pensions as soon as possible. Joining pension schemes early and being in the right investments for the long haul significantly boosts retirement adequacy. Whilst saving more might feel out of reach – helping employees understand how small changes like budgeting, shopping smarter, and tapping into workplace benefits, can make a huge difference. Financial education can help employees realise all this.",[],{"_key":17401,"_type":127,"children":17402,"markDefs":17407,"style":135},"5c54dedefc41",[17403],{"_key":17404,"_type":131,"marks":17405,"text":17406},"2252b295d5af",[],"Employees approaching retirement require support to help them make the most of their lifetime savings and avoid costly missteps – such as tax inefficiencies, poor product selection, or underestimating future income needs. Financial guidance and regulated advice at this stage is particularly beneficial.”",[],{"_key":17409,"_type":127,"children":17410,"markDefs":17415,"style":135},"360e30bacb8e",[17411],{"_key":17412,"_type":131,"marks":17413,"text":17414},"55adfc694298",[],"He says; “To overcome other challenges highlighted in the research such as employees not knowing where to seek help and underutilised benefits, it’s important to ensure the workforce are aware of the support available. This includes understanding how benefits can work together, and how to access them and use them to their advantage. This is why financial education in the workplace is so important as it can not only help develop understanding and encourage engagement, but it’s also a catalyst for behavioural change and action.”",[],{"_key":17417,"_type":127,"children":17418,"markDefs":17423,"style":135},"f251c627ecf6",[17419],{"_key":17420,"_type":131,"marks":17421,"text":17422},"219262f6037a",[],"Watts-Lay concludes; “An increasing number of employers are now turning to specialist financial wellbeing providers to bring all this support together. However, implementing robust processes including carrying out due diligence on providers before proceeding is crucial and can help alleviate any concerns over liability. Ultimately, taking an active approach with the help of reputable firms to support employees become more financially resilient has to be a win for all.”",[],{"_key":17425,"_type":127,"children":17426,"markDefs":17431,"style":135},"0a780af54041",[17427],{"_key":17428,"_type":131,"marks":17429,"text":17430},"94adf4136be3",[],"Debi O’Donovan, Co-founder and Director of the Reward and Employee Benefits Association (REBA), comments; “Mitigating people risk is becoming a core driver of financial wellbeing strategies. Inadequate long-term personal savings levels, ageing workforces as well as rising ill health and poor mental health are key catalysts. To react appropriately, employers are needing better data in order to implement effective strategies, as well as justify return on investment.”",[],{"_key":17433,"_type":127,"children":17434,"markDefs":17440,"style":135},"91ff54c2012b",[17435],{"_key":17436,"_type":131,"marks":17437,"text":17439},"64818e150e85",[17438],"af9ae101c4cd","To read the full copy of the report, please click here",[17441],{"_key":17438,"_type":1264,"href":17442},"https:\u002F\u002Fwealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fnews\u002Farticle\u002Ffinancial-wellbeing-research-2025",[17444],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":17445,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":17447,"blogPostMeta":17448,"content":17471,"tag":17661,"title":17272},"db1577fb-265b-42cf-80d7-27add181bb09",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":17449,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":17467,"publishedAt":17468,"slug":17469,"title":17272},{"_type":58,"alt":17450,"asset":17451},"Woman working on tablet",{"_createdAt":17229,"_id":17230,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":17231,"extension":196,"metadata":17452,"mimeType":225,"opt":17463,"originalFilename":17263,"path":17264,"sha1hash":17231,"size":17265,"uploadId":17266,"url":17267},{"_type":69,"blurHash":17233,"dimensions":17453,"exif":17454,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":17238,"palette":17455},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":17235,"height":17236,"width":773},{"ColorSpace":1682,"PixelXDimension":773,"PixelYDimension":17236,"_type":499},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":17456,"darkVibrant":17457,"dominant":17458,"lightMuted":17459,"lightVibrant":17460,"muted":17461,"vibrant":17462},{"_type":81,"background":17241,"foreground":83,"population":17242,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":17244,"foreground":83,"population":17245,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":17247,"foreground":91,"population":17248,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":17247,"foreground":91,"population":17248,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":17251,"foreground":91,"population":17252,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":17254,"foreground":83,"population":17255,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":17257,"foreground":83,"population":4788,"title":83},{"media":17464},{"tags":17465},[17466],{"_key":17262,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"New research[1] launched today amongst 223 companies representing 1.3 million employees has revealed that more than half of employers (51%) plan to make changes to their financial wellbeing offerings in the next two years.","2025-09-17T11:06:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":17470},"the-future-of-financial-wellbeing",[17472,17477,17484,17492,17499,17506,17514,17521,17528,17535,17542,17549,17556,17563,17570,17577,17584,17591,17599,17607,17615,17623,17630,17637,17646,17653],{"_key":17473,"_type":121,"height":17474,"url":17475,"width":17476},"c843cc13ccf9",780,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FgAGv65jBoqk",439,{"_key":17478,"_type":127,"children":17479,"markDefs":17483,"style":135},"c07e32d3e99f",[17480],{"_key":17481,"_type":131,"marks":17482,"text":17467},"087cde63e9ea",[],[],{"_key":17485,"_type":127,"children":17486,"markDefs":17491,"style":135},"506f7d992e63",[17487],{"_key":17488,"_type":131,"marks":17489,"text":17490},"bf7951bf5b84",[],"The report from the Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA) in association with WEALTH at work has uncovered the financial wellbeing risk factors that are driving future change, as well as some of the existing barriers to improving financial wellbeing support.\n",[],{"_key":17493,"_type":127,"children":17494,"markDefs":17498,"style":135},"fcf28430f08b",[17495],{"_key":17496,"_type":131,"marks":17497,"text":17295},"a4965ef17c76",[174,6243],[],{"_key":17500,"_type":127,"children":17501,"markDefs":17505,"style":135},"8f96527fdae1",[17502],{"_key":17503,"_type":131,"marks":17504,"text":17303},"5341149dbb85",[],[],{"_key":17507,"_type":127,"children":17508,"markDefs":17513,"style":135},"b4d95e3d7ca9",[17509],{"_key":17510,"_type":131,"marks":17511,"text":17512},"ce86b6d45212",[],"The research also looked at the people risks that employers either currently address or plan to address. The majority identified improving mental wellbeing linked to financial stress (93%) as the top people risk currently or planned to be addressed. The numbers of employers set to tackle increasing financial resilience is set to double (from 44% to 88%). Additionally, managing the impact of an ageing workforce is the area of focus which will see the biggest shift with 62% set to address this in the future, compared to 19% who currently do so – representing a growth of 226%!\n",[],{"_key":17515,"_type":127,"children":17516,"markDefs":17520,"style":135},"b7eed71a5613",[17517],{"_key":17518,"_type":131,"marks":17519,"text":17319},"46222d046d1b",[174,6243],[],{"_key":17522,"_type":127,"children":17523,"markDefs":17527,"style":135},"26481ee67d4a",[17524],{"_key":17525,"_type":131,"marks":17526,"text":17327},"6829030a232e",[],[],{"_key":17529,"_type":127,"children":17530,"markDefs":17534,"style":135},"8e49ed5a3b8f",[17531],{"_key":17532,"_type":131,"marks":17533,"text":17335},"20bad775bfca",[],[],{"_key":17536,"_type":127,"children":17537,"markDefs":17541,"style":135},"a9ab5b445903",[17538],{"_key":17539,"_type":131,"marks":17540,"text":1006},"ec9006d58dd7",[],[],{"_key":17543,"_type":127,"children":17544,"markDefs":17548,"style":135},"71959567ee67",[17545],{"_key":17546,"_type":131,"marks":17547,"text":17343},"ea554f51079a",[174,6243],[],{"_key":17550,"_type":127,"children":17551,"markDefs":17555,"style":135},"8d5c166a6d77",[17552],{"_key":17553,"_type":131,"marks":17554,"text":17351},"c031fcec8b62",[],[],{"_key":17557,"_type":127,"children":17558,"markDefs":17562,"style":135},"1369ffd725e9",[17559],{"_key":17560,"_type":131,"marks":17561,"text":1006},"9cd0c7b728ca",[],[],{"_key":17564,"_type":127,"children":17565,"markDefs":17569,"style":135},"d1888187a1f4",[17566],{"_key":17567,"_type":131,"marks":17568,"text":17272},"98549b34ba8b",[174,6243],[],{"_key":17571,"_type":127,"children":17572,"markDefs":17576,"style":135},"72e63d90d672",[17573],{"_key":17574,"_type":131,"marks":17575,"text":17366},"20733c3323cd",[],[],{"_key":17578,"_type":127,"children":17579,"markDefs":17583,"style":135},"0a2fab00d254",[17580],{"_key":17581,"_type":131,"marks":17582,"text":17374},"1c00313c6255",[],[],{"_key":17585,"_type":127,"children":17586,"markDefs":17590,"style":135},"7f9f91a67d44",[17587],{"_key":17588,"_type":131,"marks":17589,"text":17382},"14a0d7627874",[],[],{"_key":17592,"_type":127,"children":17593,"markDefs":17598,"style":135},"fc4054ee1dea",[17594],{"_key":17595,"_type":131,"marks":17596,"text":17597},"779ea875f359",[],"He adds; “After all, supporting employees to improve their financial literacy through financial education can help them make well-informed decisions throughout their career - whether they are a new parent managing childcare costs, saving for a first home, or planning for retirement. Helping employees to take control of their finances reduces financial stress and can lead to improvements in financial wellbeing for all.”",[],{"_key":17600,"_type":127,"children":17601,"markDefs":17606,"style":135},"db56a2aef4e6",[17602],{"_key":17603,"_type":131,"marks":17604,"text":17605},"2b8c3292ccfd",[],"Watts-Lay explains; “The research identified that retirement adequacy is an increasing area of focus for employers. For people to better prepare for their financial future, it’s vital that they engage with their pensions as soon as possible. Joining pension schemes early and being in the right investments for the long haul significantly boosts retirement adequacy. Whilst saving more might feel out of reach - helping employees understand how small changes like budgeting, shopping smarter, and tapping into workplace benefits, can make a huge difference. Financial education can help employees realise all this.",[],{"_key":17608,"_type":127,"children":17609,"markDefs":17614,"style":135},"0ce9e6033ab6",[17610],{"_key":17611,"_type":131,"marks":17612,"text":17613},"8f90183a4d00",[],"Employees approaching retirement require support to help them make the most of their lifetime savings and avoid costly missteps - such as tax inefficiencies, poor product selection, or underestimating future income needs. Financial guidance and regulated advice at this stage is particularly beneficial.”",[],{"_key":17616,"_type":127,"children":17617,"markDefs":17622,"style":135},"94367510ff83",[17618],{"_key":17619,"_type":131,"marks":17620,"text":17621},"c839fc5011cf",[],"He says; “To overcome other challenges highlighted in the research such as employees not knowing where to seek help and underutilised benefits, it’s important to ensure the workforce are aware of the support available. This includes understanding how benefits can work together, and how to access them and use them to their advantage. This is why financial education in the workplace is so important as it can not only help develop understanding and encourage engagement, but it’s also a catalyst for behavioral change and action.”",[],{"_key":17624,"_type":127,"children":17625,"markDefs":17629,"style":135},"404466801a2d",[17626],{"_key":17627,"_type":131,"marks":17628,"text":17422},"c77ebfcf2289",[],[],{"_key":17631,"_type":127,"children":17632,"markDefs":17636,"style":135},"d54381978155",[17633],{"_key":17634,"_type":131,"marks":17635,"text":17430},"427c06d68a8b",[],[],{"_key":17638,"_type":127,"children":17639,"markDefs":17644,"style":135},"a9d2899abae8",[17640],{"_key":17641,"_type":131,"marks":17642,"text":17439},"d4387bbf9e9e",[17643,174],"a6adf6d3f5b6",[17645],{"_key":17643,"_type":1264,"href":17442},{"_key":17647,"_type":127,"children":17648,"markDefs":17652,"style":135},"2281a1d60e03",[17649],{"_key":17650,"_type":131,"marks":17651,"text":1899},"1b7a030b9dfc",[],[],{"_key":17654,"_type":127,"children":17655,"markDefs":17660,"style":135},"8f46b59c4d44",[17656],{"_key":17657,"_type":131,"marks":17658,"text":17659},"40af63035f06",[],"[1]The Financial Wellbeing Research 2025 was carried out by the Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA) in association with WEALTH at work and is the third in its series of workplace research. Responses were received from 223 wellbeing, HR and employee benefits specialists working at organisations representing over 1.3 million employees. A series of roundtables with senior reward, benefits and wellbeing directors, were also conducted which form the case studies in the report.",[],[17662],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":17663,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":17665,"blogPostMeta":17666,"content":17687,"tag":17745,"title":17748},"bfc58702-2685-4fec-9ad1-e9c7075e9851",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":17667,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":17683,"publishedAt":17684,"slug":17685},{"_type":58,"asset":17668},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":17669,"mimeType":225,"opt":17679,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":17670,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":17671},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":17672,"darkVibrant":17673,"dominant":17674,"lightMuted":17675,"lightVibrant":17676,"muted":17677,"vibrant":17678},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":17680},{"tags":17681},[17682],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"The start of this week has brought with it a host of UK data that has allowed investors to speculate about the Bank of England’s interest rate decision on Thursday. ","2025-09-17T10:57:09.818Z",{"_type":9,"current":17686},"market-update-17th-september-2025",[17688,17691,17699,17707,17715,17723,17731,17738],{"_key":17689,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":17690,"width":124},"2d8846f5cc4e","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fprogressive_redirect\u002Fplayback\u002F1119389058\u002Frendition\u002F1080p\u002Ffile.mp4?loc=external&log_user=0&signature=eedd5055cad3fe7ec26ae4320def4a1caf5e7c0108cd6f7eeaff2075a8065042",{"_key":17692,"_type":127,"children":17693,"markDefs":17698,"style":135},"10330518c6c1",[17694],{"_key":17695,"_type":131,"marks":17696,"text":17697},"c1214374ad43",[],"The start of this week has brought with it a host of UK data that has allowed investors to speculate about the Bank of England’s interest rate decision on Thursday. This morning, UK CPI held steady at 3.8% in August, matching expectations, while core inflation (excluding things such as energy and food) also remained elevated. The main upward drivers were food and drink prices, hotel and restaurant costs (boosted by event-driven demand), and fuel prices, which rose slightly year-on-year after falling last summer.",[],{"_key":17700,"_type":127,"children":17701,"markDefs":17706,"style":135},"9093962a2adc",[17702],{"_key":17703,"_type":131,"marks":17704,"text":17705},"8789c0291e94",[],"While the data shows inflation remains sticky and well above the Bank of England’s 2% target, it was not the only release to be considered. On Tuesday, UK unemployment data showed the jobless rate holding at 4.7% on year in July (unchanged from the previous month but still the highest level in four years). Markets reacted only slightly to the news, with the FTSE 100 opening marginally lower on Tuesday morning. Earnings growth also eased, rising 4.8% in the three months to July, while payroll numbers began to decline and businesses reported fewer vacancies. Stubbornly strong wage growth has posed a challenge for the Bank of England in recent months, but the latest slowdown - alongside signs it may weaken further as the year goes on – in conjunction with the latest weakening in the jobs market could influence policymakers’ forward thinking on the timing of rate cuts. Markets are currently pricing in a hold on rates at 4% at the Bank’s meeting this Thursday, reinforced by this morning’s persistently strong inflation print.",[],{"_key":17708,"_type":127,"children":17709,"markDefs":17714,"style":135},"a12ffbb21031",[17710],{"_key":17711,"_type":131,"marks":17712,"text":17713},"dfb2c1620c47",[],"Meanwhile, in China, early Monday data revealed a moderation in consumer spending in August. Retail sales rose 3.4% year-on-year, down from July’s 3.7% gain, driven largely by weaker demand for home appliances and electronics as the boost from Beijing’s consumer goods trade-in subsidies began to fade. Industrial output also slowed, growing just 5.2% (the weakest reading since August last year) highlighting softening domestic demand. There are renewed calls for supportive macroeconomic policies to keep growth on track for the government’s 5% target off the back of the data however some expect consumption to rebound in September due to unfavourable base effects that characterised the last round of data.",[],{"_key":17716,"_type":127,"children":17717,"markDefs":17722,"style":135},"3b4af2dc1389",[17718],{"_key":17719,"_type":131,"marks":17720,"text":17721},"08dcab520913",[],"On Tuesday, traders received news that relation between India and the U.S. were maybe beginning to thaw, with officials describing their latest trade discussions as ‘positive’, ‘forward-looking’, and with agreements made to accelerate work toward an early, mutually beneficial deal. While sticking points remain, the tone marked a step toward easing tensions that had escalated after Washington doubled tariffs to 50% on key Indian exports last month. The impact of those tariffs is already showing, with India’s exports to the U.S. falling to $6.86 billion in August from $8.01 billion in July. Markets welcomed the constructive tone, with the Nifty 50 and Sensex both up about 0.15% in early Wednesday trade, led by small- and mid-cap gains.",[],{"_key":17724,"_type":127,"children":17725,"markDefs":17730,"style":135},"6b4e1f31ca74",[17726],{"_key":17727,"_type":131,"marks":17728,"text":17729},"04afd8b8133d",[],"Still to come this week we have the Fed’s interest rate decision, where markets are expecting a cut of 25 basis points as well as Japan’s core inflation rate and UK retail sales.",[],{"_key":17732,"_type":127,"children":17733,"markDefs":17737,"style":135},"0f968fc74bd5",[17734],{"_key":17735,"_type":131,"marks":17736,"text":1006},"862ec99db3f6",[],[],{"_key":17739,"_type":127,"children":17740,"markDefs":17744,"style":135},"dfc952e6ff8d",[17741],{"_key":17742,"_type":131,"marks":17743,"text":175},"7aafd75a3247",[174],[],[17746],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":17747,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},"Market Update - 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journey. Driven by latest research and insights, this 40 minute webinar explores:",[],{"_key":18356,"_type":127,"children":18357,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":18362,"style":135},"7736c7413e05",[18358],{"_key":18359,"_type":131,"marks":18360,"text":18361},"3e6745440a51",[],"What employees need to know as they approach retirement, the challenges faced and knowledge gaps.",[],{"_key":18364,"_type":127,"children":18365,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":18370,"style":135},"595fa12c46f6",[18366],{"_key":18367,"_type":131,"marks":18368,"text":18369},"9bb48d5c0ea4",[],"Guided retirement and targeted support: What the Pension Schemes Bill and FCA consultation mean for trustees, employers, and members.",[],{"_key":18372,"_type":127,"children":18373,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":18378,"style":135},"d5db0eaa94e9",[18374],{"_key":18375,"_type":131,"marks":18376,"text":18377},"27e4135eeb8b",[],"The role of employers and trustees in helping employees navigate the decisions to be made in the lead up to and at retirement.",[],{"_key":18380,"_type":127,"children":18381,"markDefs":18385,"style":135},"b6c97e5299dd",[18382],{"_key":18383,"_type":131,"marks":18384,"text":1006},"89d1fdbf17a1",[],[],[18387],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":18388,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":18390,"blogPostMeta":18391,"content":18432,"tag":18507,"title":18431},"c0b4cfd3-0ff2-4da9-9214-5be6660fa3d8",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":18392,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":18427,"publishedAt":18428,"slug":18429,"title":18431},{"_type":58,"asset":18393},{"_createdAt":18394,"_id":18395,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":18396,"extension":196,"metadata":18397,"mimeType":225,"opt":18417,"originalFilename":18422,"path":18423,"sha1hash":18396,"size":18424,"uploadId":18425,"url":18426},"2025-09-12T13:29:08Z","image-4754b3459580e2575848d9c3e9141359b73b013f-1000x667-jpg","4754b3459580e2575848d9c3e9141359b73b013f",{"_type":69,"blurHash":18398,"dimensions":18399,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18400,"palette":18401},"VtLzjcW9SLtRV[~WWBxtt7RjM|t7RjRjjtWUkCRjWBof",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAcIAwX\u002FxAAkEAABAwMEAQUAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEAAUSBxETITEGIjNRUv\u002FEABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME\u002F8QAGhEAAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABIBAgMRIf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8Abc+9R4j7nGvJakbIw77IrHTubKkWd9d1lBb3MrAL2SQkGp\u002F9A3WXOYmPSH3FrSAsEq+jXW1Avs4tW59l0scwJUls7Cpa7fpVW7YpH9KTb5LxcdkNZeD7hRUmPXmbn8znj9GimWQWg\u002F\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":18402,"darkVibrant":18405,"dominant":18407,"lightMuted":18408,"lightVibrant":18410,"muted":18412,"vibrant":18415},{"_type":81,"background":18403,"foreground":83,"population":18404,"title":83},"#3f3e3a",6.87,{"_type":81,"background":18406,"foreground":83,"population":6919,"title":83},"#47230d",{"_type":81,"background":18403,"foreground":83,"population":18404,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18409,"foreground":91,"population":2557,"title":83},"#d3c2b0",{"_type":81,"background":18411,"foreground":91,"population":4097,"title":91},"#eec0b2",{"_type":81,"background":18413,"foreground":83,"population":18414,"title":83},"#917153",3.11,{"_type":81,"background":18416,"foreground":83,"population":6533,"title":83},"#d34d3a",{"media":18418},{"tags":18419},[18420],{"_key":18421,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"meFyHHG2rz7oYREbKcXMr","shutterstock_2076965275 (1).jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F4754b3459580e2575848d9c3e9141359b73b013f-1000x667.jpg",351830,"giopbvYE9tUPwJdjwQN066BTq7zLX6h7","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F4754b3459580e2575848d9c3e9141359b73b013f-1000x667.jpg","43% working-age people (equivalent to 14.6 million) are under-saving for retirement, according to a recent report by the Department for Work and Pensions. In addition, research from WEALTH at work found that in the last year, almost a quarter of UK employees (23%) have had to borrow money from family and friends because of money worries, and almost a fifth have taken on debt (18%). ","2025-09-16T13:50:21.250Z",{"_type":9,"current":18430},"it-is-crucial-people-are-empowered-to-understand-how-to-make-the-most-of-their-pension-savings-for-later-life","It is crucial people are empowered to understand how to make the most of their pension savings for later life",[18433,18436,18444,18452,18460,18468,18475,18483,18491,18499],{"_key":18434,"_type":58,"asset":18435},"c3f203641925",{"_ref":18395,"_type":107},{"_key":18437,"_type":127,"children":18438,"markDefs":18443,"style":135},"1b53e2339bb3",[18439],{"_key":18440,"_type":131,"marks":18441,"text":18442},"db73c3b740c7",[],"43% working-age people (equivalent to 14.6 million) are under-saving for retirement, according to a recent report by the Department for Work and Pensions. In addition, research from WEALTH at work found that in the last year, almost a quarter of UK employees (23%) have had to borrow money from family and friends because of money worries, and almost a fifth have taken on debt (18%).",[],{"_key":18445,"_type":127,"children":18446,"markDefs":18451,"style":135},"320aca4cf946",[18447],{"_key":18448,"_type":131,"marks":18449,"text":18450},"25a667211428",[],"The impact of rising costs has also meant that almost half (45%) of workers believe they will never be able to afford to retire which is up from two fifths (39%) twelve months ago, and a third (33%) in 2023.",[],{"_key":18453,"_type":127,"children":18454,"markDefs":18459,"style":135},"37d224c8b4da",[18455],{"_key":18456,"_type":131,"marks":18457,"text":18458},"e5e807e4e754",[],"As well as these challenges, there also seems to be a general lack of pension understanding and engagement. 21% of employees are unaware that their pension is invested and 39% are unaware of what their pension is invested in.",[],{"_key":18461,"_type":127,"children":18462,"markDefs":18467,"style":135},"ac9a0ff9141d",[18463],{"_key":18464,"_type":131,"marks":18465,"text":18466},"5b748f608d4e",[],"However, interestingly, research also found that 41% of employees would increase their contributions if they knew their pension was invested in funds that aligned with their values and beliefs.",[],{"_key":18469,"_type":127,"children":18470,"markDefs":18474,"style":135},"8ac9118e8ccd",[18471],{"_key":18472,"_type":131,"marks":18473,"text":1502},"88a2a80af15d",[],[],{"_key":18476,"_type":127,"children":18477,"markDefs":18482,"style":135},"7eb8e7395a0c",[18478],{"_key":18479,"_type":131,"marks":18480,"text":18481},"fb7b3ce7018b",[],"“These findings should prompt people to consider how they can best tackle money issues head on, build financial resilience and achieve more positive outcomes for the future.",[],{"_key":18484,"_type":127,"children":18485,"markDefs":18490,"style":135},"bb502aae395c",[18486],{"_key":18487,"_type":131,"marks":18488,"text":18489},"278798e01a3d",[],"He adds; “Whilst retirement may seem a lifetime away for some, it’s vital that people engage with their pensions as early as possible. Many don’t realise the significant difference a small increase to their pension savings can make. For example, someone in their 20s, saving just 1% more each year into a workplace pension can boost future savings by 25% if their employers were to match this. Making small increases in pension contributions may not feel affordable but making small changes such as setting a household budget, shopping around and not auto-renewing on things like car insurance, as well as utilising workplace benefits i.e. discount schemes, really can make a huge difference when trying to find that bit of extra cash.”",[],{"_key":18492,"_type":127,"children":18493,"markDefs":18498,"style":135},"24f31a240578",[18494],{"_key":18495,"_type":131,"marks":18496,"text":18497},"eaa500ed1000",[],"He adds; “It’s also really interesting that our research indicated that many people would increase their pension contributions if they knew it was invested in funds that aligned with their values and beliefs. In recent years there has been a significant expansion of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations, with people wanting to align their pension investments with their values and beliefs. By simply knowing that pensions can be used to make a difference can be a powerful way to switch people on to better engage with their long-term savings.”",[],{"_key":18500,"_type":127,"children":18501,"markDefs":18506,"style":135},"33ab8404764b",[18502],{"_key":18503,"_type":131,"marks":18504,"text":18505},"4080dd667c6a",[],"He adds; “For people to better prepare for their financial future, they need support to understand their general finances including ways to save money, budget, manage debt, as well as how to make the most of their pension savings for later life. Many leading workplaces empower their employees with financial education and guidance via financial coaches to help them build understanding and engagement around their pensions and the options at retirement. 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First up was Wednesday’s Producer Price Index (PPI) a report closely watched gauge that tracks the prices businesses pay for goods and services before they reach consumers. Wholesale prices unexpectedly fell 0.1% in August, against forecasts for a 0.3% rise. A relatively tame Consumer Price Index (CPI) print followed. Headline inflation rose to 2.9% year-on-year. Yet core readings which exclude volatile items such as food and energy held steady in line with previous months and expectations at 3.1% year on year.",[],{"_key":18556,"_type":127,"children":18557,"markDefs":18562,"style":135},"8f0f7261b537",[18558],{"_key":18559,"_type":131,"marks":18560,"text":18561},"71de8c9d2f30",[],"Softer labour market data and downward payroll revisions reinforced the case for easing. While inflation remains above the 2% target, August’s readings are unlikely to stand in the way of the Federal Reserve lowering interest rates next week. Initial jobless claims surged by 27,000 in the week ending 6 September, far exceeding forecasts reinforcing signs that the labour market is losing momentum. For investors, the near-term outlook to a more accommodative Fed stance, which bodes well for both equity and bond markets. Inflation trends and policy signals will remain key drivers into year-end, and with ongoing uncertainty and the unknown impact of tariffs, next week may may prove to be the first and only rate cut of the year.",[],{"_key":18564,"_type":127,"children":18565,"markDefs":18570,"style":135},"320c225ddabc",[18566],{"_key":18567,"_type":131,"marks":18568,"text":18569},"9ec8a2f8c129",[],"European equities wrapped up the week in positive territory, as investors looked past political upheaval in France to focus on broader economic signals. The surprise ousting of Prime Minister François Bayrou and swift appointment of Sébastien Lecornu sparked nationwide protests under the “Block Everything” movement, but markets remained resilient.",[],{"_key":18572,"_type":127,"children":18573,"markDefs":18578,"style":135},"f8cf2102bb04",[18574],{"_key":18575,"_type":131,"marks":18576,"text":18577},"c80ed8caac2e",[],"At its September meeting, the European Central Bank held interest rates steady, keeping the deposit rate at 2.00% as expected. While the ECB avoided committing to a specific rate path, it underscored a data-dependent approach and signalled flexibility should growth weaken or inflation ease. Notably, policymakers highlighted rising global risks including uncertainty around US tariff policy as a key factor in their cautious stance.",[],{"_key":18580,"_type":127,"children":18581,"markDefs":18586,"style":135},"35f8f3e6cf57",[18582],{"_key":18583,"_type":131,"marks":18584,"text":18585},"2799b459216a",[],"Investors have remained focused on broader macroeconomic trends, helping keep eurozone assets relatively stable despite political unrest in France and ongoing export concerns. In Germany, July exports declined by 0.6% due to weaker U.S. demand, while factory orders fell 2.9%, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to global trade pressures.",[],{"_key":18588,"_type":127,"children":18589,"markDefs":18594,"style":135},"aade9437b9e2",[18590],{"_key":18591,"_type":131,"marks":18592,"text":18593},"eae72281721b",[],"In the UK the FTSE 100 closed the week higher, with investors optimistic about US rate cuts. Data wise, the UK economy showed no growth in July, following a 0.4% expansion in June. Modest gains in services and construction were offset by a broad-based 1.3% contraction in manufacturing, leaving the rolling quarterly growth rate at 0.2%, down from 0.3%. The data comes just ahead of next week’s Bank of England policy meeting next week. With growth stagnating but inflation still elevated, policymakers face a difficult balancing act in deciding how long to hold rates at restrictive levels.",[],{"_key":18596,"_type":127,"children":18597,"markDefs":18602,"style":135},"7b1c2cf64496",[18598],{"_key":18599,"_type":131,"marks":18600,"text":18601},"16d195282174",[],"Next week’s focus turns to key data and rate decisions across major economies. China reports industrial production and retail sales, while the UK releases jobs, wages, and inflation figures ahead of the Bank of England’s expected rate hold on Thursday. The eurozone posts industrial output, and in the U.S., retail sales land Tuesday followed by the Federal Reserve’s rate decision on Wednesday, where policymakers are expected to cut interest rates.",[],{"_key":17013,"_type":127,"children":18604,"markDefs":18607,"style":135},[18605],{"_key":17016,"_type":131,"marks":18606,"text":288},[174],[],[18609],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":18610,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":18612,"blogPostMeta":18613,"content":18634,"tag":18779,"title":18633},"ba12ed79-fed6-4ac6-a11c-e1f361725696",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":18614,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":18427,"publishedAt":18630,"slug":18631,"title":18633},{"_type":58,"alt":18010,"asset":18615},{"_createdAt":18394,"_id":18395,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":18396,"extension":196,"metadata":18616,"mimeType":225,"opt":18626,"originalFilename":18422,"path":18423,"sha1hash":18396,"size":18424,"uploadId":18425,"url":18426},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18398,"dimensions":18617,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18400,"palette":18618},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":18619,"darkVibrant":18620,"dominant":18621,"lightMuted":18622,"lightVibrant":18623,"muted":18624,"vibrant":18625},{"_type":81,"background":18403,"foreground":83,"population":18404,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18406,"foreground":83,"population":6919,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18403,"foreground":83,"population":18404,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18409,"foreground":91,"population":2557,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18411,"foreground":91,"population":4097,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":18413,"foreground":83,"population":18414,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18416,"foreground":83,"population":6533,"title":83},{"media":18627},{"tags":18628},[18629],{"_key":18421,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"2025-09-15T08:16:50.941Z",{"_type":9,"current":18632},"how-to-empower-employees-to-engage-with-their-pension-","How to empower employees to engage with their pension ",[18635,18642,18649,18656,18663,18670,18678,18685,18692,18700,18708,18720,18732,18744,18756,18768],{"_key":18636,"_type":127,"children":18637,"markDefs":18641,"style":135},"15f0c39c978c",[18638],{"_key":18639,"_type":131,"marks":18640,"text":18442},"64e4a28dc839",[],[],{"_key":18643,"_type":127,"children":18644,"markDefs":18648,"style":135},"37c1eaa22d25",[18645],{"_key":18646,"_type":131,"marks":18647,"text":18450},"acc820a7438f",[],[],{"_key":18650,"_type":127,"children":18651,"markDefs":18655,"style":135},"f5bee7489082",[18652],{"_key":18653,"_type":131,"marks":18654,"text":18458},"3a31d033df33",[],[],{"_key":18657,"_type":127,"children":18658,"markDefs":18662,"style":135},"a0a9c2170086",[18659],{"_key":18660,"_type":131,"marks":18661,"text":18466},"7290f1d6b333",[],[],{"_key":18664,"_type":127,"children":18665,"markDefs":18669,"style":135},"edc586f67f07",[18666],{"_key":18667,"_type":131,"marks":18668,"text":1502},"c00f0d61ab36",[174],[],{"_key":18671,"_type":127,"children":18672,"markDefs":18677,"style":135},"52095098bab5",[18673],{"_key":18674,"_type":131,"marks":18675,"text":18676},"ee21b36c7572",[],"“These findings should prompt employers to consider how employees are being supported to tackle money issues head on, build financial resilience and achieve more positive outcomes for the future.",[],{"_key":18679,"_type":127,"children":18680,"markDefs":18684,"style":135},"4f8f396d4b7d",[18681],{"_key":18682,"_type":131,"marks":18683,"text":18489},"e9cad2c30823",[],[],{"_key":18686,"_type":127,"children":18687,"markDefs":18691,"style":135},"5f41afd95307",[18688],{"_key":18689,"_type":131,"marks":18690,"text":18497},"bccaec4837f1",[],[],{"_key":18693,"_type":127,"children":18694,"markDefs":18699,"style":135},"f7699bebe61b",[18695],{"_key":18696,"_type":131,"marks":18697,"text":18698},"65d6590c7dee",[],"He adds; “For people to better prepare for their financial future, they need support to understand their general finances including ways to save money, budget, manage debt, as well as how to make the most of their pension savings for later life. It’s exceptionally important that schemes, Trustees and employers collectively work together to ensure that pension scheme members and employees are making the right decisions when it comes to their pensions. After all, people who better understand their pensions are likely to be more engaged and save more, make better decisions at-retirement and be financially better off, which ultimately is what it’s all about.”",[],{"_key":18701,"_type":127,"children":18702,"markDefs":18707,"style":135},"a0d92c2cf30d",[18703],{"_key":18704,"_type":131,"marks":18705,"text":18706},"b6bad101eb46",[174],"To help, see our tips on how to empower employees to engage with their pensions:",[],{"_key":18709,"_type":127,"children":18710,"markDefs":18719,"style":135},"3fb78e79de29",[18711,18715],{"_key":18712,"_type":131,"marks":18713,"text":18714},"a346e5fcc403",[174],"1. Empower your people with engaging education:",{"_key":18716,"_type":131,"marks":18717,"text":18718},"e7bfab27645e",[]," Whilst some information may be provided via a website or leaflet, actually attending an interactive financial education workshop about pension options and retirement income options is far more engaging. This is why increasing numbers of employers and Trustees are using either virtual or face-to-face seminars. This can also be supported by digital tools and webcasts that can be used or viewed anywhere, on any device.",[],{"_key":18721,"_type":127,"children":18722,"markDefs":18731,"style":135},"032c0d089d2c",[18723,18727],{"_key":18724,"_type":131,"marks":18725,"text":18726},"fc90b815c9d8",[174],"2. Offer tailored support: ",{"_key":18728,"_type":131,"marks":18729,"text":18730},"d8425b2db30c",[],"To make it meaningful, financial education should be tailored to each demographic in the workplace by career stage. Earlier on in an employee’s career it should cover how pension schemes work, employer and employee contribution levels, tax relief, what funds they can select from, as well as how they can change the funds their pension is invested in. Later on, around mid-career, employees will also need to understand if their pensions and other retirement savings are on target, as well as how income may be generated in retirement and ensuring investments are being managed in line with this e.g. their investment glide path. Then once at retirement, people will need to understand how to generate an income from their pensions and other savings, as well as how to seek further help including investment advice and consolidation services to help people manage their pension savings effectively.",[],{"_key":18733,"_type":127,"children":18734,"markDefs":18743,"style":135},"04b7ff788a87",[18735,18739],{"_key":18736,"_type":131,"marks":18737,"text":18738},"fe4c846908ae",[174],"3. Run financial guidance sessions:",{"_key":18740,"_type":131,"marks":18741,"text":18742},"15f475b6d798",[]," One-to-one financial guidance or coaching sessions could be particularly useful for those who need a deeper level of knowledge around their pension options, which is especially relevant for those at retirement. These could be delivered via a video call or via the telephone and can really help people understand what their next steps should be and if they would like further support.",[],{"_key":18745,"_type":127,"children":18746,"markDefs":18755,"style":135},"5d59dd822d00",[18747,18751],{"_key":18748,"_type":131,"marks":18749,"text":18750},"7e8dc9f10803",[174],"4. Provide access to investment advice: ",{"_key":18752,"_type":131,"marks":18753,"text":18754},"0d5bfa352604",[],"This is particularly useful for those at the point of retirement who want to understand their personal financial situation and may have more complex questions about their pensions and retirement income.",[],{"_key":18757,"_type":127,"children":18758,"markDefs":18767,"style":135},"761363af049f",[18759,18763],{"_key":18760,"_type":131,"marks":18761,"text":18762},"76aa2cc582a8",[174],"5. Bring in a provider: ",{"_key":18764,"_type":131,"marks":18765,"text":18766},"2b163c402c61",[],"Many employers and Trustees are now working together with financial wellbeing, retirement and workplace savings specialists to help individuals engage with their pensions and savings throughout their career. It is essential to carry out due diligence on providers. This includes ensuring that they are workplace specialists and checks on advice firms should cover areas such as qualifications of advisers, the regulatory record of the firm, compliance process and pricing structure.",[],{"_key":18769,"_type":127,"children":18770,"markDefs":18778,"style":135},"51b19b9299c2",[18771,18774],{"_key":18772,"_type":131,"marks":18773,"text":9960},"fb6c11237d55",[174],{"_key":18775,"_type":131,"marks":18776,"text":18777},"06b879356f49",[]," “Taking an active approach and supporting employees with the help of reputable firms will make the whole process far more robust. Ultimately, empowering your people by providing them with access to appropriate support at the right time can result in better outcomes for all.”",[],[18780],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":18781,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":18783,"blogPostMeta":18784,"content":18826,"tag":18877,"title":18825},"74b8694b-4a7d-46cc-b8ca-537538b42f2b",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":18785,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":18821,"publishedAt":18822,"slug":18823,"title":18825},{"_type":58,"asset":18786},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":18792,"mimeType":225,"opt":18814,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},"2025-07-03T12:38:53Z","image-6f845bd5dbfb1dea25388b6df532bf2ea44873d8-427x240-jpg","C0xn8JneB04YbABbe4YMRN","2026-01-21T10:11:15Z","6f845bd5dbfb1dea25388b6df532bf2ea44873d8",{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":18794,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":18799},"M79JKYDPL#o~V?*0V@r=Myt74TR,ozx[Rj",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},1.7791666666666666,240,427,"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAALABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGAv\u002FEACIQAAEDBAICAwAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAwQCERIhEyIFMRRRkf\u002FEABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYAA\u002F\u002FEABsRAAICAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAhESE0FR\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwBd4aPCPGfkgA+xj6T59mJS23i7mL7FlHsdK2sdXoB0n0KurgcN92KaNdsJyVyNSo0Vx4ktNi2vq6FJyXK+aruf1Ctb9NMj\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":18800,"darkVibrant":18802,"dominant":18804,"lightMuted":18807,"lightVibrant":18809,"muted":18811,"vibrant":18813},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#0f4689",{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},"#1355a5",{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},"#418bd4",8.72,{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#0d558b",{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},"#91caf4",{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#1c4c7c",{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":18815},{"tags":65},"Market-Update-Feature.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F6f845bd5dbfb1dea25388b6df532bf2ea44873d8-427x240.jpg",117592,"v4yYdKL9pqVuzaieOBHDHkAq36sozfxt","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F6f845bd5dbfb1dea25388b6df532bf2ea44873d8-427x240.jpg","Trade figures for August between the United States and China suggested this week that global supply chains may be shifting in response to the latest round of American tariffs. ","2025-09-10T11:04:31.557Z",{"_type":9,"current":18824},"market-update-10th-september-2025","Market Update - 10th September 2025",[18827,18830,18838,18846,18854,18862,18870],{"_key":18828,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":18829,"width":124},"239f0b3803b7","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fprogressive_redirect\u002Fplayback\u002F1117401383\u002Frendition\u002F1080p\u002Ffile.mp4?loc=external&log_user=0&signature=8e925a4dab93f2ddf12cd2812b8d46ec9bf369f90799d6db4d7d1c43789e981e",{"_key":18831,"_type":127,"children":18832,"markDefs":18837,"style":135},"f5a7bd7c00b1",[18833],{"_key":18834,"_type":131,"marks":18835,"text":18836},"9f5be2a64574",[],"Trade figures for August between the United States and China suggested this week that global supply chains may be shifting in response to the latest round of American tariffs. These duties, reintroduced after a short exemption period for certain products, appear to be prompting a strategic diversification that prioritises supply chain agility above concentrated geographic exposure. The data showed that Vietnam’s exports to the US fell quite sharply during the month, while American imports from China also eased. At the same time, interest in India, Mexico and parts of Eastern Europe was also shown to be on the rise. Such a reorientation could provide momentum for logistics, automation and infrastructure companies in those regions, all the while squeezing margins for firms that continue to depend heavily on Southeast Asian suppliers.",[],{"_key":18839,"_type":127,"children":18840,"markDefs":18845,"style":135},"12f095a7f06f",[18841],{"_key":18842,"_type":131,"marks":18843,"text":18844},"83b298db8ace",[],"François Bayrou resigned as prime minister on Tuesday following his defeat in Monday’s no-confidence vote, a move which forced President Macron to begin the search for a new government. The political turbulence stems from Bayrou’s failure to secure support for his 2026 budget proposals, which included deep spending cuts and controversial reforms. The timing adds pressure ahead of a scheduled update from Fitch Ratings on France’s ‘AA-’ credit status, potentially heightening scrutiny of the country’s fiscal outlook and adding another layer of political uncertainty in the region. However, despite the upheaval, markets responded with restraint: the euro edged higher and French equities posted modest gains, reflecting priced in expectations that the vote would fail.",[],{"_key":18847,"_type":127,"children":18848,"markDefs":18853,"style":135},"f847187efae0",[18849],{"_key":18850,"_type":131,"marks":18851,"text":18852},"6b92d5b97f1c",[],"In the United States, Tuesday brought the annual revision of non-farm payroll benchmark data, incorporating more detailed information from the quarterly census of employment. The updated figures painted a softer picture of the labour market: job growth in the year to March 2025 was revised down by 911,000 compared with earlier estimates, leaving average monthly gains at just 76,000 - well below previous reports. This revision carries added weight given recent market anxiety over the impact of tariffs on job creation. It reinforces the view that much of this year’s volatility has stemmed more from sentiment than from shifts in underlying fundamentals. Because the period covered predates the latest tariff measures, the data suggest the jobs market was already on weaker footing - an impression echoed by more recent payroll figures, which continue to fall short of the level needed to keep unemployment steady. And as for markets? They absorbed the news with only minor wobbles: the Nasdaq and S&P 500 dipped slightly, while Treasury yields reversed earlier losses and pushed higher.",[],{"_key":18855,"_type":127,"children":18856,"markDefs":18861,"style":135},"9fa78aa0e2c1",[18857],{"_key":18858,"_type":131,"marks":18859,"text":18860},"c906b3791b98",[],"China’s consumer prices fell 0.4% year on year in August, marking the fifth bout of deflation in 2025 after being unchanged in July. The decline was driven by a 4.3% fall in food costs, the steepest in nearly four years, as ample supply and muted demand pushed pork and other categories lower. In contrast, non-food inflation edged higher to 0.5%, underpinned by subsidies and firmer prices in clothing, healthcare and education. The mixed picture, of course, has markets longing for Beijing to ramp up stimulus measures, which have already been plenty this year (including cutting the reserve requirement ratio and consumer and infrastructure investment).",[],{"_key":18863,"_type":127,"children":18864,"markDefs":18869,"style":135},"fc06db452b34",[18865],{"_key":18866,"_type":131,"marks":18867,"text":18868},"80e5ee48168f",[],"Still to come this week we have US PPI, CPI and Michigan Consumer Sentiment and the ECB’s interest rate decision.",[],{"_key":18871,"_type":127,"children":18872,"markDefs":18876,"style":135},"c79faca377c4",[18873],{"_key":18874,"_type":131,"marks":18875,"text":175},"c19c9a97599b",[174],[],[18878],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":18879,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":18881,"blogPostMeta":18882,"content":18904,"tag":18999,"title":18903},"3dc72726-af9b-4b4d-bac6-67400ee1f31a",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":18883,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":18899,"publishedAt":18900,"slug":18901,"title":18903},{"_type":58,"asset":18884},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":18885,"mimeType":225,"opt":18895,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":18886,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":18887},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":18888,"darkVibrant":18889,"dominant":18890,"lightMuted":18891,"lightVibrant":18892,"muted":18893,"vibrant":18894},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":18896},{"tags":18897},[18898],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"US equities ended the holiday-shortened week on a mixed note. Tech stocks led the gains, with Apple and Alphabet rallying after an antitrust ruling proved less severe than expected. Smaller-cap stocks also advanced, buoyed by expectations that falling interest rates could offer support. Broader benchmarks were more subdued, with early gains on Friday fading as caution set in.","2025-09-08T09:09:41.756Z",{"_type":9,"current":18902},"week-ending-5th-september-2025","Week ending 5th September 2025",[18905,18908,18912,18920,18927,18935,18943,18951,18959,18967,18975,18983,18991],{"_key":18906,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":18907,"width":124},"0451172d2d07","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fprogressive_redirect\u002Fplayback\u002F1116727753\u002Frendition\u002F1080p\u002Ffile.mp4?loc=external&log_user=0&signature=4712069e39d233b4e9f5e24639c096d9abdcb2d7e09ded2c7421433e7fe23883",{"_key":18909,"_type":58,"asset":18910},"bc86879e1196",{"_ref":18911,"_type":107},"image-4d1724e50af32ef4b1808ba6f26b3a0615ee6ea1-1600x2884-png",{"_key":18913,"_type":127,"children":18914,"markDefs":18919,"style":135},"97bed4d20ca0",[18915],{"_key":18916,"_type":131,"marks":18917,"text":18918},"4f9e945914c3",[],"As shown in the accompanying table, it was a relatively positive week for global financial markets.",[],{"_key":18921,"_type":127,"children":18922,"markDefs":18926,"style":135},"6362bb35b052",[18923],{"_key":18924,"_type":131,"marks":18925,"text":18899},"fc11f3eede71",[],[],{"_key":18928,"_type":127,"children":18929,"markDefs":18934,"style":135},"4916e9363785",[18930],{"_key":18931,"_type":131,"marks":18932,"text":18933},"201dabbb7cec",[],"The catalyst was another disappointing jobs report. In August, US nonfarm payrolls rose by just 22,000, well below forecasts, while the unemployment rate edged up to 4.3% its highest level since 2021. Adding to the gloom, June’s data was revised to show the first monthly job loss since 2020. Beyond the labour market, economic indicators were mixed. US manufacturing remained in contractionary territory in August, although new orders picked up, while services activity continued to expand.",[],{"_key":18936,"_type":127,"children":18937,"markDefs":18942,"style":135},"338805f7fe6c",[18938],{"_key":18939,"_type":131,"marks":18940,"text":18941},"27dbb345fdff",[],"The weaker-than-expected employment data has raised concerns about the health of the economy and heightened the stakes for the Federal Reserve. Markets are fully pricing in a September rate cut of at least 25 basis points, with some probability of a larger move. Fed Chair Jerome Powell signalled last month that economic conditions could justify a rate cut at the Fed’s next policy committee meeting on 17 September.",[],{"_key":18944,"_type":127,"children":18945,"markDefs":18950,"style":135},"225ee1546d6b",[18946],{"_key":18947,"_type":131,"marks":18948,"text":18949},"514ff18a25f6",[],"In Europe, equities were broadly flat. German, French and Italian indices weakened, while the UK managed a modest gain. European labour markets remain resilient, although softer retail sales highlighted uneven demand. Markets are expected to closely monitor next Monday’s confidence vote involving French Prime Minister François Bayrou, with many anticipating he may fall short of the required support. A defeat would likely deepen France’s political instability, casting a shadow over the eurozone’s second-largest economy.",[],{"_key":18952,"_type":127,"children":18953,"markDefs":18958,"style":135},"65fdf1872878",[18954],{"_key":18955,"_type":131,"marks":18956,"text":18957},"bdb307f05996",[],"On the domestic front, UK retail trends were mixed. Footfall declined for a fourth consecutive month in August, although high streets saw a weather-related boost. Retail sales volumes exceeded expectations in July, rising 0.6% month on month and 1.1% year on year, supported by clothing sales, warm weather and the Women’s Euro 2025 tournament. However, three-month volumes fell as demand for food and household goods weakened, indicating that household spending remains under pressure from slower wage growth and higher borrowing costs.",[],{"_key":18960,"_type":127,"children":18961,"markDefs":18966,"style":135},"dff1b161c752",[18962],{"_key":18963,"_type":131,"marks":18964,"text":18965},"6f38c4498ed4",[],"Angela Rayner’s resignation on Friday as deputy prime minister and housing secretary capped a volatile week in UK politics, but markets showed little reaction, and stocks posted a modest weekly gain.",[],{"_key":18968,"_type":127,"children":18969,"markDefs":18974,"style":135},"a2a8a57325da",[18970],{"_key":18971,"_type":131,"marks":18972,"text":18973},"d3ca10ad0c1d",[],"In the Asia-Pacific region, equities advanced. Markets responded positively to President Donald Trump’s decision to reduce tariffs on Japanese auto imports and his renewed push to bring semiconductor production onshore. An executive order lowered the tariff on Japanese cars from 27.5% to 15% and confirmed a $550bn Japanese investment package in US projects. Tech leaders met at the White House on Thursday, where President Trump highlighted recent progress in artificial intelligence and praised the growing wave of investment across the United States. He also warned that chip imports from companies not relocating production to the US could soon face tariffs, boosting sentiment in the region’s semiconductor sector.",[],{"_key":18976,"_type":127,"children":18977,"markDefs":18982,"style":135},"1637d0c27e0e",[18978],{"_key":18979,"_type":131,"marks":18980,"text":18981},"508fad37e721",[],"Political developments over the weekend added further uncertainty. Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation after less than a year in office, following two election defeats. His departure leaves the world’s fourth-largest economy facing renewed political instability.",[],{"_key":18984,"_type":127,"children":18985,"markDefs":18990,"style":135},"cfd578f5df4a",[18986],{"_key":18987,"_type":131,"marks":18988,"text":18989},"fca9216ff052",[],"Looking ahead, next week brings a busy slew of economic data. In the US, inflation will be in focus, with PPI and CPI figures likely to influence expectations around the Fed’s rate decision in September. Europe will also release PPI data, while the ECB meets on Thursday, with markets anticipating rates will remain unchanged at 2%. In the UK, GDP and industrial production figures for July are due, while China will report trade, inflation and PPI data.",[],{"_key":18992,"_type":127,"children":18993,"markDefs":18998,"style":135},"977c1b721ae3",[18994],{"_key":18995,"_type":131,"marks":18996,"text":18997},"7fa3e86d417e",[174],"Kate Mimnagh, Porfolio Economist",[],[19000],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":19001,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":19003,"blogPostMeta":19004,"content":19024,"tag":19083,"title":19023},"ae1fb67a-fc5d-40d0-bad1-b71f002ba3b1",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":19005,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":19019,"publishedAt":19020,"slug":19021,"title":19023},{"_type":58,"asset":19006},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":19007,"mimeType":225,"opt":19017,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":19008,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":19009},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":19010,"darkVibrant":19011,"dominant":19012,"lightMuted":19013,"lightVibrant":19014,"muted":19015,"vibrant":19016},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":19018},{"tags":65},"Eurozone inflation edged up to 2.1% in August, keeping it broadly in line with the European Central Bank’s 2% target after several months of stability. ","2025-09-03T10:44:32.393Z",{"_type":9,"current":19022},"market-update-3rd-september-2025","Market Update - 3rd September 2025",[19025,19028,19036,19044,19052,19060,19068,19076],{"_key":19026,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":19027,"width":124},"82b3f1b667d6","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fprogressive_redirect\u002Fplayback\u002F1115454237\u002Frendition\u002F1080p\u002Ffile.mp4?loc=external&log_user=0&signature=956af961a225dc11cb2bfe2ea553698745383cfd6b0323969c6f2733ec6045cb",{"_key":19029,"_type":127,"children":19030,"markDefs":19035,"style":135},"97b3255ee5f8",[19031],{"_key":19032,"_type":131,"marks":19033,"text":19034},"0e5ae786f44e",[],"Eurozone inflation edged up to 2.1% in August, keeping it broadly in line with the European Central Bank’s 2% target after several months of stability. Core inflation, which excludes the more volatile categories of food and energy, held steady at 2.3%, while services inflation eased slightly to 3.1% from 3.2% in July. The moderation was driven largely by softer energy prices, though the headline figure still came in a touch above economists’ forecasts. With the EU–US trade deal now agreed and the ECB's rate cuts continuing to filter through, concerns about inflation spiralling appear to have eased. Investors largely expect policymakers to leave rates unchanged at September’s meeting, with only limited adjustments later in the year should incoming data continue to soften - a view reinforced by the recent decline in Eurozone bond yields. Meanwhile, unemployment fell to 6.2% in July from 6.3% the previous month, underscoring some resilience in the labour market. European equities, however, remained under pressure on Tuesday, although this was weighed more by political uncertainty in France than by the inflation figures.",[],{"_key":19037,"_type":127,"children":19038,"markDefs":19043,"style":135},"82c114ac2bf8",[19039],{"_key":19040,"_type":131,"marks":19041,"text":19042},"865cf155ac75",[],"On Monday, the Caixin General Manufacturing PMI surprised to the upside, rising to 50.5 in August from 49.5 in July, marking a return to expansion after last month’s contraction. The index, which tracks private-sector manufacturing and services activity, showed stronger output and a slower decline in new orders, helped by the mid-August extension of the China–US tariff truce and recent domestic policy support. Even so, with peak shipping season approaching, tariffs remain a drag on trade flows, with US retailers expected to trim orders - a dynamic that could tighten supply chains and add to further price pressures.",[],{"_key":19045,"_type":127,"children":19046,"markDefs":19051,"style":135},"7408f98d434b",[19047],{"_key":19048,"_type":131,"marks":19049,"text":19050},"73f98bb88357",[],"At this week’s Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, Xi Jinping called for a reshaped global order centred on the Global South, promising financial support, expanded cooperation in AI and space, and advocating the creation of an SCO development bank to reduce dependence on the dollar, with backing from President Putin and Prime Minister, Modi. Putin linked a resolution in Ukraine to NATO’s expansion but suggested his recent talks with Trump offered a possible path forward, as China and India continue to underpin Russian export revenues by purchasing crude despite sanctions.",[],{"_key":19053,"_type":127,"children":19054,"markDefs":19059,"style":135},"49fd09fb3443",[19055],{"_key":19056,"_type":131,"marks":19057,"text":19058},"c24e1c667650",[],"And all the while China continues attempts to further its place in the invisible competition of price wars and algorithm discrimination. This week, policymakers announced a re-write of pricing laws - which were established in 1998 - seeking to expand regulation to services and online intermediaries, strengthen penalties for price gouging and, ultimately, promote fairer competition and market stability.",[],{"_key":19061,"_type":127,"children":19062,"markDefs":19067,"style":135},"7ff618d049b1",[19063],{"_key":19064,"_type":131,"marks":19065,"text":19066},"bf84d565e240",[],"Still to come this week we have US jobs' report data which is hotly anticipated by the market for what it may indicate about the fed's upcoming policy meeting decision in September. We also have both Eurozone and UK retail sales.",[],{"_key":19069,"_type":127,"children":19070,"markDefs":19075,"style":135},"0cac9fa83605",[19071],{"_key":19072,"_type":131,"marks":19073,"text":19074},"00c7d681321d",[174],"Amy Sharpe, Investment Analyst",[],{"_key":19077,"_type":127,"children":19078,"markDefs":19082,"style":135},"e61ab1142dee",[19079],{"_key":19080,"_type":131,"marks":19081,"text":1006},"72a619705b2b",[],[],[19084],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":19085,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":19087,"blogPostMeta":19088,"content":19110,"tag":19231,"title":19109},"7114737b-ef19-423b-9832-263fcded7926",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":19089,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":19105,"publishedAt":19106,"slug":19107,"title":19109},{"_type":58,"asset":19090},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":19091,"mimeType":225,"opt":19101,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":19092,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":19093},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":19094,"darkVibrant":19095,"dominant":19096,"lightMuted":19097,"lightVibrant":19098,"muted":19099,"vibrant":19100},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":19102},{"tags":19103},[19104],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As shown in the table, it was a mixed week for markets. It was a shortened trading week in the UK, with markets closed on Monday for the bank holiday. US markets also saw light volumes ahead of the long weekend with markets closed for Labor Day on Monday 1st September.","2025-09-01T09:52:55.715Z",{"_type":9,"current":19108},"week-ending-29th-august-2025","Week ending 29th August 2025",[19111,19114,19118,19126,19133,19141,19148,19156,19163,19171,19178,19186,19193,19201,19209,19216,19224],{"_key":19112,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":19113,"width":124},"1224e961577e","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1114836773",{"_key":19115,"_type":58,"asset":19116},"5a36ee3bc094",{"_ref":19117,"_type":107},"image-ad9ba2584c5e32879b391acf53103097e8d0db4d-1600x2884-png",{"_key":19119,"_type":127,"children":19120,"markDefs":19125,"style":135},"07e435bf53e5",[19121],{"_key":19122,"_type":131,"marks":19123,"text":19124},"1633df72fb88",[],"As shown in the table, it was a mixed week for markets. It was a shortened trading week in the UK, with markets closed on Monday for the bank holiday. US markets also saw light volumes ahead of the long weekend with markets closed for Labor Day on Monday 1st September.",[],{"_key":19127,"_type":127,"children":19128,"markDefs":19132,"style":135},"cb4b4e730d57",[19129],{"_key":19130,"_type":131,"marks":19131,"text":1006},"a5f84807b884",[],[],{"_key":19134,"_type":127,"children":19135,"markDefs":19140,"style":135},"539a07827a71",[19136],{"_key":19137,"_type":131,"marks":19138,"text":19139},"3aea930cb68f",[],"US equities ended the week slightly lower. Gains were tempered by political noise after President Trump sought to dismiss Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over alleged mortgage misstatements, an unusual move that raised concerns about central bank independence. While generating noise in markets, the action is unlikely to affect monetary policy in the near term, with Chair Powell reaffirming the Fed’s independent status and data-driven decisions.",[],{"_key":19142,"_type":127,"children":19143,"markDefs":19147,"style":135},"cbe5376cb8de",[19144],{"_key":19145,"_type":131,"marks":19146,"text":1006},"2c9fc6daee09",[],[],{"_key":19149,"_type":127,"children":19150,"markDefs":19155,"style":135},"e3285b4194d2",[19151],{"_key":19152,"_type":131,"marks":19153,"text":19154},"714ea21bea5f",[],"US economic data provided some reassurance. The second estimate of Q2 GDP was revised up to 3.3% from 3.1%, underscoring the underlying strength of the economy. Inflation in July held steady: core PCE, the Fed’s preferred gauge, rose 0.3% month-on-month and 2.9% year-on-year in July, slightly above forecasts. Consumer spending also climbed 0.5% on year in July, highlighting household resilience. Despite earlier concerns that President Trump’s tariffs could spark higher inflation and slow growth, the impact is not yet obvious in the data. For now, growth looks intact, and consumer demand remains resilient, keeping attention squarely on the Fed’s next steps.",[],{"_key":19157,"_type":127,"children":19158,"markDefs":19162,"style":135},"5ff51998ac24",[19159],{"_key":19160,"_type":131,"marks":19161,"text":1006},"8273be58ed7b",[],[],{"_key":19164,"_type":127,"children":19165,"markDefs":19170,"style":135},"dfa6fe925119",[19166],{"_key":19167,"_type":131,"marks":19168,"text":19169},"ccb875facbbc",[],"On Friday, a US federal appeals court ruled Trump exceeded his authority in imposing global tariffs under emergency powers. The tariffs remain in place until at least 14th October pending appeal, adding uncertainty to trade policy, though the White House signalled it may seek alternative legal grounds to maintain them.",[],{"_key":19172,"_type":127,"children":19173,"markDefs":19177,"style":135},"21903924de44",[19174],{"_key":19175,"_type":131,"marks":19176,"text":1006},"18283184d67b",[],[],{"_key":19179,"_type":127,"children":19180,"markDefs":19185,"style":135},"0be917501ff0",[19181],{"_key":19182,"_type":131,"marks":19183,"text":19184},"5ef6fab228c0",[],"In the UK, the FTSE 100 closed the week lower, weighed down by weakness in banking stocks. Pressure mounted on Friday after a think tank proposed a windfall tax on profits from reserves held at the Bank of England. The Treasury declined to comment, leaving markets in a state of speculation. Defence names, however, advanced with Rolls-Royce among the gainers after German Chancellor Merz downplayed prospects for Russia-Ukraine peace talks, reinforcing demand for defence assets.",[],{"_key":19187,"_type":127,"children":19188,"markDefs":19192,"style":135},"c5bb25efdc63",[19189],{"_key":19190,"_type":131,"marks":19191,"text":1006},"8eb6825a9c1f",[],[],{"_key":19194,"_type":127,"children":19195,"markDefs":19200,"style":135},"e2f3eb9e8325",[19196],{"_key":19197,"_type":131,"marks":19198,"text":19199},"7f1492a28744",[],"European equities softened as France faced renewed political risk. French Prime Minister François Bayrou called a September 8th confidence vote on his austerity budget, which includes cutting public holidays and freezing benefits. With opposition parties pledging to vote against it, markets are pricing in not just the risk of Bayrou’s government falling but the possibility of prolonged political instability. Trade news provided a silver lining: the European Commission proposed scrapping duties on imported US industrial goods in return for lower US tariffs on European cars.",[],{"_key":19202,"_type":127,"children":19203,"markDefs":19208,"style":135},"96eaf2228366",[19204],{"_key":19205,"_type":131,"marks":19206,"text":19207},"ed337401ed67",[],"Chinese equities posted a stronger week than their counterparts, led by optimism surrounding the AI and chip sector. Major indices have outperformed this month despite lingering headwinds such as deflationary pressures and trade disputes.",[],{"_key":19210,"_type":127,"children":19211,"markDefs":19215,"style":135},"a01cd301e087",[19212],{"_key":19213,"_type":131,"marks":19214,"text":1006},"28ec67a5a642",[],[],{"_key":19217,"_type":127,"children":19218,"markDefs":19223,"style":135},"45b0173dd20a",[19219],{"_key":19220,"_type":131,"marks":19221,"text":19222},"ca7a4d642165",[],"Looking ahead, key data releases include Eurozone unemployment, inflation and retail sales, followed later in the week by UK retail sales, and in the US, initial jobless claims, nonfarm payrolls, and unemployment figures.",[],{"_key":19225,"_type":127,"children":19226,"markDefs":19230,"style":135},"4bd0b3b2250a",[19227],{"_key":19228,"_type":131,"marks":19229,"text":19074},"8ae7af6f107f",[174],[],[19232],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":19233,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":19235,"blogPostMeta":19236,"content":19274,"tag":19419,"title":19273},"8c4f923c-91c5-4d1b-beb3-057b8ad76fb5",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":19237,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":19269,"publishedAt":19270,"slug":19271,"title":19273},{"_type":58,"asset":19238},{"_createdAt":19239,"_id":19240,"_rev":19241,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":19239,"assetId":19242,"extension":196,"metadata":19243,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":19264,"path":19265,"sha1hash":19242,"size":19266,"uploadId":19267,"url":19268},"2025-04-02T07:49:29Z","image-a5a977f371d8bede9fad2bc923fea5e4070d95bc-1000x667-jpg","eReJvIyQ4osnawS3OkRY7a","a5a977f371d8bede9fad2bc923fea5e4070d95bc",{"_type":69,"blurHash":19244,"dimensions":19245,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":19246,"palette":19247},"VXMGVDem$eWX9Z~AkDR,IUWXRjRjIooyt7NGRjxaxuof",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGB\u002F\u002FEACIQAAICAgEEAwEAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQABSEGERIxMkJhcf\u002FEABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME\u002F8QAGREAAwEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDADFB\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwDUOn0o0tG9i1KkSR8ksewxRT3sNvaqK9gSVmk8Sqjv2445yNmim6p1YgnsyVoEcApH9v7j3obX19RVtV66eQWT5NyTkkphl1lalG1LtWje16HCge8Mz7Zbm6+wsATFQrlQB+YYRkSeZRVR7v\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":19248,"darkVibrant":19250,"dominant":19253,"lightMuted":19255,"lightVibrant":19258,"muted":19260,"vibrant":19261},{"_type":81,"background":19249,"foreground":83,"population":1172,"title":83},"#523e32",{"_type":81,"background":19251,"foreground":83,"population":19252,"title":83},"#7e4a32",2.6,{"_type":81,"background":19254,"foreground":83,"population":318,"title":83},"#b18a6e",{"_type":81,"background":19256,"foreground":91,"population":19257,"title":83},"#d4b6a0",4.21,{"_type":81,"background":19259,"foreground":91,"population":2946,"title":83},"#e9b089",{"_type":81,"background":19254,"foreground":83,"population":318,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":19262,"foreground":83,"population":19263,"title":83},"#916144",1.58,"shutterstock_774091627.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fa5a977f371d8bede9fad2bc923fea5e4070d95bc-1000x667.jpg",559740,"fVRzJV1AeTg65NpT102wgr3Yw8v8aTVY","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fa5a977f371d8bede9fad2bc923fea5e4070d95bc-1000x667.jpg","The journey to retirement, once a relatively straightforward path, has become increasingly complex, particularly since the advent of pension freedoms in 2015.","2025-08-29T09:07:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":19272},"navigating-retirement-the-pension-schemes-bill-default-traps-guidance-and-advice","Navigating Retirement: The Pension Schemes Bill, Default Traps, Guidance and Advice",[19275,19283,19291,19299,19307,19315,19323,19331,19343,19355,19367,19379,19387,19395,19403,19411],{"_key":19276,"_type":127,"children":19277,"markDefs":19282,"style":135},"58d345bed4ad",[19278],{"_key":19279,"_type":131,"marks":19280,"text":19281},"51497d08d11e",[4468],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Founder and Director of WEALTH at work",[],{"_key":19284,"_type":127,"children":19285,"markDefs":19290,"style":135},"1af44cb8e75d",[19286],{"_key":19287,"_type":131,"marks":19288,"text":19289},"c5b740694306",[],"The journey to retirement, once a relatively straightforward path, has become increasingly complex, particularly since the advent of pension freedoms in 2015. While these freedoms offer unprecedented flexibility, they also introduce challenges, especially concerning how individuals manage their accumulated savings at the point of retirement. The Pension Schemes Bill, currently making its way through the legislative process, seeks to address some of these complexities, particularly in how pension schemes treat defaults at retirement.",[],{"_key":19292,"_type":127,"children":19293,"markDefs":19298,"style":135},"aa3a9ef385e3",[19294],{"_key":19295,"_type":131,"marks":19296,"text":19297},"9728e3b06e1c",[174],"The Pension Schemes Bill and Defaults at Retirement",[],{"_key":19300,"_type":127,"children":19301,"markDefs":19306,"style":135},"e8c7090bb290",[19302],{"_key":19303,"_type":131,"marks":19304,"text":19305},"ff1bd4c2b327",[],"A key focus of the Pension Schemes Bill is to enhance consumer protection and ensure better outcomes for pension savers. While the precise mechanisms are still being refined, the Bill aims to ensure that pension savers have a default option at retirement if they fail to make a proactive choice.",[],{"_key":19308,"_type":127,"children":19309,"markDefs":19314,"style":135},"9028d0a881d8",[19310],{"_key":19311,"_type":131,"marks":19312,"text":19313},"bf7e88cd71e7",[],"The Bill is attempting to introduce measures to provide a default decumulation pathway. This is intended to be a framework where schemes must offer a well-designed, pre-selected option for members who do not actively choose how to access their pension. The intent is to prevent members from falling into a \"do nothing\" trap or making ill-informed decisions due to a lack of engagement or understanding. However, there is a real danger that taking an automated default pathway will result in the industry revisiting the problems associated with annuities pre-Freedom and Choice, where customers regularly defaulted into the Annuity of their pension provider whereas they could have got a much better deal elsewhere.",[],{"_key":19316,"_type":127,"children":19317,"markDefs":19322,"style":135},"27acbc3e2090",[19318],{"_key":19319,"_type":131,"marks":19320,"text":19321},"618bf6aebd03",[174],"The Problems Associated with Pension Defaults Not Serving Customers' Best Interests",[],{"_key":19324,"_type":127,"children":19325,"markDefs":19330,"style":135},"c94efc80e163",[19326],{"_key":19327,"_type":131,"marks":19328,"text":19329},"83db4739a994",[],"The problems stemming from retirement pension defaults not serving customers' best interests are significant. Firstly, a one-size-fits-all default, particularly in the post-freedom era, is inherently problematic. Retirement needs are highly individual: some may have significant other assets, others may rely solely on their pension; some may have health conditions affecting life expectancy, others may be in excellent health; some may desire a guaranteed income, others prefer flexibility. A generic default solution cannot possibly cater to this spectrum of needs, potentially leading to:",[],{"_key":19332,"_type":127,"children":19333,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":19342,"style":135},"2ab4173469c6",[19334,19338],{"_key":19335,"_type":131,"marks":19336,"text":19337},"6b8aa459ec42",[174],"Suboptimal income:",{"_key":19339,"_type":131,"marks":19340,"text":19341},"607d0340a088",[]," An individual defaulted into drawdown may end up with higher charges and therefore less income than might be achievable elsewhere – in other words less income every month of retirement. Alternatively, they may default into an annuity option paying less than they could achieve elsewhere.",[],{"_key":19344,"_type":127,"children":19345,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":19354,"style":135},"19c51467e4cb",[19346,19350],{"_key":19347,"_type":131,"marks":19348,"text":19349},"be5d44378bfa",[174],"Tax inefficiency:",{"_key":19351,"_type":131,"marks":19352,"text":19353},"766fa469051d",[]," Without tailored financial advice, a default option might not be structured in the most tax-efficient way, leading to unnecessary tax and again a reduction in income.",[],{"_key":19356,"_type":127,"children":19357,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":19366,"style":135},"0aa240cbb03d",[19358,19362],{"_key":19359,"_type":131,"marks":19360,"text":19361},"9fd071bc13a2",[174],"Lack of flexibility:",{"_key":19363,"_type":131,"marks":19364,"text":19365},"15421e2c186b",[]," Even if the default is appropriate at the point of retirement, needs will change over what maybe 25-30 years in retirement, so how will the default ‘flex’?",[],{"_key":19368,"_type":127,"children":19369,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":19378,"style":135},"9597442ceee4",[19370,19374],{"_key":19371,"_type":131,"marks":19372,"text":19373},"8917bee57471",[174],"Multiple pots:",{"_key":19375,"_type":131,"marks":19376,"text":19377},"7900a00796ed",[]," Many will arrive at retirement with multiple pension pots with differing amounts in each – how will defaults work when each pension provider is only aware of the pension with them? The individual could end up with a myriad of defaults based on different pot sizes – what could be called the ‘spaghetti’ option!",[],{"_key":19380,"_type":127,"children":19381,"markDefs":19386,"style":135},"736785fd45ff",[19382],{"_key":19383,"_type":131,"marks":19384,"text":19385},"06dd4240e461",[],"These issues highlight a fundamental disconnect between the broad design of a default and the specific, nuanced requirements of an individual's retirement plan.",[],{"_key":19388,"_type":127,"children":19389,"markDefs":19394,"style":135},"5575a509c047",[19390],{"_key":19391,"_type":131,"marks":19392,"text":19393},"7d53f26b33f2",[],"It should also not be forgotten that pension providers have a big commercial incentive to keep hold of an individual’s pension pots at retirement, so defaults will help them to keep the assets, and therefore the fees, whether it is in the customers best interest or not.",[],{"_key":19396,"_type":127,"children":19397,"markDefs":19402,"style":135},"eebcc024bd36",[19398],{"_key":19399,"_type":131,"marks":19400,"text":19401},"9df84e960e33",[174],"The Importance of Getting Guidance and\u002For Regulated Financial Advice Regarding Your Pension at the Time of Retirement",[],{"_key":19404,"_type":127,"children":19405,"markDefs":19410,"style":135},"2831c83cd06c",[19406],{"_key":19407,"_type":131,"marks":19408,"text":19409},"377009f221f4",[],"Given the complexities and potential pitfalls outlined above, the importance of obtaining guidance and\u002For regulated financial advice in the lead up to retirement cannot be overstated. After all, for many it will be the biggest financial decision of their lives. Truly understanding available options and the advantages and disadvantages of each is important if an informed choice is to be made.",[],{"_key":19412,"_type":127,"children":19413,"markDefs":19418,"style":135},"ee32c7806f90",[19414],{"_key":19415,"_type":131,"marks":19416,"text":19417},"fc6e05464a7e",[],"By definition, defaults will be designed for the average person, when retirement is a unique phase of life requiring a tailored financial strategy based on 40 years+ of savings. Financial guidance and\u002For advice at this critical juncture is not an expense, but an investment in securing a comfortable, flexible, and financially sound retirement. In fact, many large employers now offer guidance at no cost to those approaching retirement so the cost for the individual is zero, the only investment is time!",[],[19420],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":19421,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":19423,"blogPostMeta":19424,"content":19469,"tag":19773,"title":19426},"65b86fd3-b7c1-4708-b1e0-357bf3bdc2c8",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":19425,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":19465,"publishedAt":19466,"slug":19467,"title":19426},{"_type":58,"alt":19426,"asset":19427},"Top tips for those thinking about retirement",{"_createdAt":19428,"_id":19429,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":19430,"extension":196,"metadata":19431,"mimeType":225,"opt":19455,"originalFilename":19460,"path":19461,"sha1hash":19430,"size":19462,"uploadId":19463,"url":19464},"2025-08-29T08:26:04Z","image-03007b4c0f2b11f55e7cb9e717fe38554b6cd7c9-6008x4007-jpg","03007b4c0f2b11f55e7cb9e717fe38554b6cd7c9",{"_type":69,"blurHash":19432,"dimensions":19433,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":19437,"palette":19438},"VUKUNC-R?^D%Wo_3M_bcaxRjyDV?IUkCV@tRn%n$ofn$",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":19434,"height":19435,"width":19436},1.4993760918392813,4007,6008,"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYHCP\u002FEACIQAAICAgEEAwEAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQAEQUGEiFxFSJBYf\u002FEABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME\u002F8QAGxEAAgIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIBEQMhIjH\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FAKJzbvx\u002FSskZiUV10yRA+Qd4iSdfWIOr1evDuE9iGNm2P6cbnis8m5Sa2whmh+0YQHXo\u002FmTXlacfzkNaDUKI3aSBst7OGqSz+0PGREx9LZoWlylWWusgRyG8+Bhk2q8\u002Fap1468PaI0XQ3hlWyCUvZ\u002F\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":19439,"darkVibrant":19441,"dominant":19444,"lightMuted":19445,"lightVibrant":19448,"muted":19450,"vibrant":19453},{"_type":81,"background":19440,"foreground":83,"population":504,"title":83},"#355163",{"_type":81,"background":19442,"foreground":83,"population":19443,"title":83},"#5f2111",0.27,{"_type":81,"background":19440,"foreground":83,"population":504,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":19446,"foreground":91,"population":19447,"title":83},"#c8b8a7",3.43,{"_type":81,"background":19449,"foreground":91,"population":322,"title":83},"#7fc5d1",{"_type":81,"background":19451,"foreground":83,"population":19452,"title":83},"#9f7d72",5.93,{"_type":81,"background":19454,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},"#48acc0",{"media":19456},{"tags":19457},[19458],{"_key":19459,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"iM1dEBu59UEhcSzYDQPbg","shutterstock_2222349311.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F03007b4c0f2b11f55e7cb9e717fe38554b6cd7c9-6008x4007.jpg",11615747,"8EQVgj6mm9JHS8qXiwkxMa41HSNKcYGD","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F03007b4c0f2b11f55e7cb9e717fe38554b6cd7c9-6008x4007.jpg","Planning how to pay for retirement is one of the biggest financial decisions people make. It is important for individuals to understand all the options, make informed decisions, and avoid making expensive mistakes with their hard-earned savings. To help with this, see our top tips below for those who are thinking about retirement.\n","2025-08-29T08:18:52.820Z",{"_type":9,"current":19468},"top-tips-for-those-thinking-about-retirement",[19470,19478,19486,19493,19501,19509,19517,19536,19543,19551,19584,19591,19599,19606,19614,19622,19629,19636,19644,19651,19659,19667,19675,19682,19690,19697,19705,19712,19750,19757,19765],{"_key":19471,"_type":127,"children":19472,"markDefs":19477,"style":135},"4e2ee0b7edca",[19473],{"_key":19474,"_type":131,"marks":19475,"text":19476},"934447bb743a",[],"Planning how to pay for retirement is one of the biggest financial decisions people make. It is important for individuals to understand all the options, make informed decisions, and avoid making expensive mistakes with their hard-earned savings.",[],{"_key":19479,"_type":127,"children":19480,"markDefs":19485,"style":135},"dfccd5b5c3d3",[19481],{"_key":19482,"_type":131,"marks":19483,"text":19484},"9635a90b6d6d",[],"To help with this, see our top tips below for those who are thinking about retirement.",[],{"_key":19487,"_type":127,"children":19488,"markDefs":19492,"style":135},"8d14fae229d2",[19489],{"_key":19490,"_type":131,"marks":19491,"text":4842},"d6916d2f0e6b",[174],[],{"_key":19494,"_type":127,"children":19495,"markDefs":19500,"style":135},"d889e76bba6f",[19496],{"_key":19497,"_type":131,"marks":19498,"text":19499},"970d167b0a6f",[],"Retirement can last a long time, so you’ll need to consider this when working out a budget.Understanding your spending requirements will help you focus on what you need from your savings to provide the retirement you want.",[],{"_key":19502,"_type":127,"children":19503,"markDefs":19508,"style":135},"344640ceefdb",[19504],{"_key":19505,"_type":131,"marks":19506,"text":19507},"b62f0da42583",[],"A good place to start is to work out how much will be needed to meet day-to-day living expenses (such as household bills) and discretionary expenditures (such as holidays and hobbies) in retirement.",[],{"_key":19510,"_type":127,"children":19511,"markDefs":19516,"style":135},"4e655edf576e",[19512],{"_key":19513,"_type":131,"marks":19514,"text":19515},"bdfd609fe7b2",[],"According to the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA), a single person will need about £13,400 a year to achieve the minimum standard of living (this would cover all needs plus enough for some leisure activities - such as a week’s holiday in the UK and eating out occasionally); £31,700 a year for a moderate standard of living (one foreign holiday a year and more frequent eating out); and £43,900 a year for a comfortable standard of living (this would cover all needs plus two foreign holidays a year and some luxuries such as regular beauty treatments). For couples, it’s £21,600, £43,900 and £60,600, respectively.",[],{"_key":19518,"_type":127,"children":19519,"markDefs":19533,"style":135},"51add26a9f1c",[19520,19524,19529],{"_key":19521,"_type":131,"marks":19522,"text":19523},"89bf5ab7c90a",[],"You can also use our ",{"_key":19525,"_type":131,"marks":19526,"text":19528},"1afd1620ba9b",[19527],"32cbddfd9185","retirement budget planner",{"_key":19530,"_type":131,"marks":19531,"text":19532},"6c88be6ff2c5",[]," to help calculate your budget.",[19534],{"_key":19527,"_type":1264,"href":19535},"https:\u002F\u002Ftools.mywealthprivate.co.uk\u002Ftools\u002Fbudget-planner",{"_key":19537,"_type":127,"children":19538,"markDefs":19542,"style":135},"0db92ae8993c",[19539],{"_key":19540,"_type":131,"marks":19541,"text":4866},"4450a933fe85",[174],[],{"_key":19544,"_type":127,"children":19545,"markDefs":19550,"style":135},"e774d5248c4f",[19546],{"_key":19547,"_type":131,"marks":19548,"text":19549},"7e9ab319342b",[],"At least 4.8 million pension pots are considered to be ‘lost’ among the UK population, with 1 in 10 workers believing they could have lost a pension pot worth more than £10,000. One of the main reasons for this is because a person will have on average 9 jobs in their lifetime, so could easily end up with many different pension pots with several providers which can easily be forgotten about.",[],{"_key":19552,"_type":127,"children":19553,"markDefs":19580,"style":135},"d7bc7f3db12b",[19554,19557,19561,19564,19568,19572,19576],{"_key":19555,"_type":131,"marks":19556,"text":4885},"3f600a39273f",[],{"_key":19558,"_type":131,"marks":19559,"text":4890},"c659dfc74cd1",[19560],"bc5c27d07e8a",{"_key":19562,"_type":131,"marks":19563,"text":4894},"73acd513d12b",[],{"_key":19565,"_type":131,"marks":19566,"text":4899},"adc839f4168b",[19567],"11aa94f757fd",{"_key":19569,"_type":131,"marks":19570,"text":19571},"00008cb23163",[],", or charities can be found using the ",{"_key":19573,"_type":131,"marks":19574,"text":4908},"1895d288b88f",[19575],"70f435bc8f58",{"_key":19577,"_type":131,"marks":19578,"text":19579},"be8bd6453003",[],". People should ask for up-to-date statements, so it is clear how much pensions are worth. Those with several schemes might also want to consider consolidating them.",[19581,19582,19583],{"_key":19560,"_type":1264,"href":4919},{"_key":19567,"_type":1264,"href":4917},{"_key":19575,"_type":1264,"href":4915},{"_key":19585,"_type":127,"children":19586,"markDefs":19590,"style":135},"71ab6a7589a4",[19587],{"_key":19588,"_type":131,"marks":19589,"text":4933},"b6704f00f804",[174],[],{"_key":19592,"_type":127,"children":19593,"markDefs":19598,"style":135},"3c8ac937c1b7",[19594],{"_key":19595,"_type":131,"marks":19596,"text":19597},"0219fe03d0fa",[],"Work out the value of all savings and investments. Many people think of their pension as the only source of income in retirement, but other assets such as ISAs and other savings and investments can all be used.",[],{"_key":19600,"_type":127,"children":19601,"markDefs":19605,"style":135},"fab2c2249c31",[19602],{"_key":19603,"_type":131,"marks":19604,"text":4964},"4f45e6754250",[174],[],{"_key":19607,"_type":127,"children":19608,"markDefs":19613,"style":135},"e992d9669242",[19609],{"_key":19610,"_type":131,"marks":19611,"text":19612},"0201ff3ff75c",[],"Some people don’t realise that you need a minimum of 35 years of NI (National Insurance) contributions to get the full state pension payment. This can be difficult for those who may have taken a career break or time off for child or elderly care. It is possible to purchase NI credits to boost your state pension income but since 5 April 2025, individuals can only claim for 6 years of NI credit.",[],{"_key":19615,"_type":127,"children":19616,"markDefs":19621,"style":135},"bfaa5cfdfa02",[19617],{"_key":19618,"_type":131,"marks":19619,"text":19620},"5d8597b2fd2b",[],"Those who are approaching retirement can make an enquiry to find out what they are going to receive by requesting a State Pension statement using a form called a BR19, which is available online or by calling the government helpline on 0345 3000 168. Alternatively, if you have a Government Gateway account these details can be accessed online.",[],{"_key":19623,"_type":127,"children":19624,"markDefs":19628,"style":135},"f57b080be51f",[19625],{"_key":19626,"_type":131,"marks":19627,"text":5003},"e062c2681014",[174],[],{"_key":19630,"_type":127,"children":19631,"markDefs":19635,"style":135},"293fbfe81b72",[19632],{"_key":19633,"_type":131,"marks":19634,"text":5011},"9c07c23a93f9",[],[],{"_key":19637,"_type":127,"children":19638,"markDefs":19643,"style":135},"55aa4a8d0f9a",[19639],{"_key":19640,"_type":131,"marks":19641,"text":19642},"911a28667a75",[],"Defined contribution (DC) pensions can be accessed from age 55 (rising to 57 from April 2028), and people will need to decide how they want to do this. Options include taking income drawdown (where the pension money is still invested but cash is taken as and when needed), buying an annuity (which is a fixed sum of money paid to someone each year), taking it as a cash lump sum, or a combination of these options.",[],{"_key":19645,"_type":127,"children":19646,"markDefs":19650,"style":135},"2faa58f7057e",[19647],{"_key":19648,"_type":131,"marks":19649,"text":5034},"ed99cb74c03f",[174],[],{"_key":19652,"_type":127,"children":19653,"markDefs":19658,"style":135},"c683b03b73ad",[19654],{"_key":19655,"_type":131,"marks":19656,"text":19657},"99b3eaa2fe93",[],"Another step is working out how much pension savings would be needed to generate your desired level of annual income at retirement. For a couple to reach a moderate living standard (i.e. £43,900 a year), Which? calculated that they would need £381,800 in a DC pension if taking income drawdown, and £317,700 for an annuity.",[],{"_key":19660,"_type":127,"children":19661,"markDefs":19666,"style":135},"0c149908de75",[19662],{"_key":19663,"_type":131,"marks":19664,"text":19665},"4e550b2bec8c",[],"For a single person to reach a moderate living standard (i.e. £31,700 a year), they would need £375,600 if taking income drawdown, or £312,600 if they purchase an annuity. People who are single tend to need a bigger amount than a couple as they will have a lower state pension, lower tax-free allowance, and higher relative expenses.",[],{"_key":19668,"_type":127,"children":19669,"markDefs":19674,"style":135},"dea5a00d3886",[19670],{"_key":19671,"_type":131,"marks":19672,"text":19673},"5047f36edb78",[],"If someone is worried that they haven’t saved enough, it may be worth delaying retirement or continue working part time. This would enable them to make more pension contributions, and they would be able to take advantage of tax relief and employer contributions for longer to build up their savings. In fact, the Office for National Statistics reported that nearly 100,000 of retirees actually returned to work in the twelve months leading up to March 2023.",[],{"_key":19676,"_type":127,"children":19677,"markDefs":19681,"style":135},"6146625459a9",[19678],{"_key":19679,"_type":131,"marks":19680,"text":5093},"f2f6c697cb6b",[174],[],{"_key":19683,"_type":127,"children":19684,"markDefs":19689,"style":135},"4fb3096ed517",[19685],{"_key":19686,"_type":131,"marks":19687,"text":19688},"8e3c28c1a286",[],"Before purchasing any retirement products, it is important that people shop around. For example, income drawdown charges can vary depending on the provider, the type of charges, and the size of your pension pot. Individuals should not only check charging structures, but make sure it suits their needs, and that they can withdraw cash as and when they want it and for as long as they need it.",[],{"_key":19691,"_type":127,"children":19692,"markDefs":19696,"style":135},"b1f97bca08ee",[19693],{"_key":19694,"_type":131,"marks":19695,"text":5132},"d229d07e03c9",[174],[],{"_key":19698,"_type":127,"children":19699,"markDefs":19704,"style":135},"591b54557b39",[19700],{"_key":19701,"_type":131,"marks":19702,"text":19703},"dfee3eb55c60",[],"Unfortunately, some people don’t realise that only the first 25% (up to a maximum of £268,275) of a DC pension is tax-free, and the remaining 75% is taxed at the same rates as earned income. So, if they decide to take their pension as a cash lump sum, they may unwittingly become a higher rate taxpayer. It may be better for them to take smaller amounts each year from their pension, keeping within their tax bracket, and then top it up with withdrawals from other savings. With careful planning, it may be possible to avoid paying unnecessary taxes which means more income in retirement.",[],{"_key":19706,"_type":127,"children":19707,"markDefs":19711,"style":135},"9a5d3b0a4ab5",[19708],{"_key":19709,"_type":131,"marks":19710,"text":5155},"288d8e52932f",[174],[],{"_key":19713,"_type":127,"children":19714,"markDefs":19745,"style":135},"f9889751836b",[19715,19719,19723,19727,19732,19736,19741],{"_key":19716,"_type":131,"marks":19717,"text":19718},"6de978f23202",[],"Action Fraud found that pension scam victims lost more than £17.7m in 2023",{"_key":19720,"_type":131,"marks":19721,"text":7473},"b3c12c0d4341",[19722],"13bc8e181c89",{"_key":19724,"_type":131,"marks":19725,"text":19726},"7561566311da",[],". Whatever someone is planning to do with their retirement savings, it’s vital they check whether the company that they’re planning to use is authorised and regulated by the ",{"_key":19728,"_type":131,"marks":19729,"text":19731},"058575a8c7b7",[19730],"96d538fb615f","Financial Conduct Authority",{"_key":19733,"_type":131,"marks":19734,"text":19735},"13fbb5047bd5",[]," (FCA). They can also visit the FCA’s ",{"_key":19737,"_type":131,"marks":19738,"text":19740},"625b31dea1cc",[19739],"a7ca92e93a8a","ScamSmart website",{"_key":19742,"_type":131,"marks":19743,"text":19744},"c027102200b6",[]," which includes a warning list of companies operating without authorisation or running scams.",[19746,19747,19749],{"_key":19722,"_type":1264,"href":7480},{"_key":19739,"_type":1264,"href":19748},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.fca.org.uk\u002Fscamsmart",{"_key":19730,"_type":1264,"href":5168},{"_key":19751,"_type":127,"children":19752,"markDefs":19756,"style":135},"2c97f1171d94",[19753],{"_key":19754,"_type":131,"marks":19755,"text":5198},"a9865119c30a",[174],[],{"_key":19758,"_type":127,"children":19759,"markDefs":19764,"style":135},"e21a9741f194",[19760],{"_key":19761,"_type":131,"marks":19762,"text":19763},"24bfac2d156e",[],"It is vital that individuals fully understand their retirement options to choose what is right for them. Getting financial education, guidance and investment advice at retirement can really help. Pension Wise offer free guidance appointments to talk about someone’s pension options.",[],{"_key":19766,"_type":127,"children":19767,"markDefs":19772,"style":135},"242a837f8b2f",[19768],{"_key":19769,"_type":131,"marks":19770,"text":19771},"654e256569f1",[],"With 60% of employers offering or planning to offer pre-retirement planning for employees, the workplace is a great source of support. 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Economists warn that such steep trade barriers could weigh heavily on Indian workers, many of whom are employed in labour-intensive export facing industries. 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Economists warn that such steep trade barriers could weigh heavily on Indian workers, many of whom are employed in labour-intensive export facing industries. In response, Prime Minister Modi delivered a speech this week stressing economic self-reliance, urging greater domestic production and consumer spending. To cushion households and businesses from mounting pressures, the government is now planning a sizeable tax reform which involves lowering the goods and services tax in hopes of boosting demand and easing financial strain.",[],{"_key":19811,"_type":127,"children":19812,"markDefs":19817,"style":135},"aa4c9de793b2",[19813],{"_key":19814,"_type":131,"marks":19815,"text":19816},"512ce4cfce59",[],"In the United States, durable goods orders slipped 2.8% in July, which was a smaller decline than the sharp 9.4% fall recorded in June. The figures suggest that earlier strength in May, when firms rushed to order ahead of new tariffs, has given way to a more subdued trend. Transportation equipment was the main drag, tumbling 9.7%, while core capital goods orders - a key gauge of business investment -rose 1.1%, signalling some resilience in underlying demand. While the results point to stabilisation in business sentiment, they are unlikely on their own to alter the Federal Reserve’s policy stance, which remains shaped by broader inflation and employment conditions and has for some time meant key lending rates have remained the same.",[],{"_key":19819,"_type":127,"children":19820,"markDefs":19825,"style":135},"6d7cd3cf86bd",[19821],{"_key":19822,"_type":131,"marks":19823,"text":19824},"444a3d4da1ee",[],"Meanwhile, reports indicate that the European Union may be preparing to accelerate plans to eliminate all tariffs on U.S. industrial goods - a strategy aimed at persuading President Trump to roll back his 27.5% levy on automobiles. As a potential sweetener, Brussels is also said to be weighing tariff reductions on selected seafood and agricultural products by the end of this week. Despite the positive sentiment of the report, markets reacted cautiously, with European equities dipping slightly after the news broke.",[],{"_key":19827,"_type":127,"children":19828,"markDefs":19833,"style":135},"36a3d2481f4a",[19829],{"_key":19830,"_type":131,"marks":19831,"text":19832},"dad562e1eafc",[],"Yesterday, tech giant Nvidia had headlines calling it ‘chipped’. While the company documented a strong Q2 in terms of $60 billion stock buyback, its shares dropped after the bell due to a narrow revenue miss. The crucial data-centre segment, which includes sales of powerful chips used to develop artificial-intelligence models, moderately missed and left shares down about 3%.",[],{"_key":19835,"_type":127,"children":19836,"markDefs":19841,"style":135},"1a4843204c54",[19837],{"_key":19838,"_type":131,"marks":19839,"text":19840},"04b41c3328d5",[],"Meanwhile, over in France, the minority government headed by Francois Bayrou is at risk of a no confidence vote next month following recently political disagreements over a debt reduction initiative and austerity budget. The timing is notable, coming less than a year after Michel Barnier’s resignation over similar fiscal disagreements. Investor unease was evident on Tuesday, as French bank stocks declined and sovereign borrowing costs edged higher.",[],{"_key":19843,"_type":127,"children":19844,"markDefs":19849,"style":135},"01fb10c529d2",[19845],{"_key":19846,"_type":131,"marks":19847,"text":19848},"b038c02814eb",[],"Finally, Ireland’s Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Index inched higher in August 2025, rising to 61.1 from 59.1 in July. The improvement was modest, helped by the recently agreed US-EU trade deal, which has offered some stability to the broader outlook. Nonetheless, households remain anxious over rising grocery costs and higher utility bills, which continue to cloud sentiment. 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It's a voluntary standard that helps businesses improve performance by focusing on staff development and overall employee experience.",[],{"_key":19941,"_type":127,"children":19942,"markDefs":19946,"style":135},"8da8bbd99ef9",[19943],{"_key":19944,"_type":131,"marks":19945,"text":1006},"56dff738d7d2",[],[],{"_key":19948,"_type":127,"children":19949,"markDefs":19954,"style":135},"4235148184b4",[19950],{"_key":19951,"_type":131,"marks":19952,"text":19953},"6235694bf134",[],"To achieve the accreditation, colleagues were invited to provide feedback through a mixture of online surveys and interviews with an Investors in People Practitioner that explored leading and inspiring people, values and behaviours, managing performance, reward and recognition, development and continuous improvement. The accreditation means that the group’s people management practices are consistent, structured, and are delivering a positive impact. 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This is encapsulated in the ethos of our business that we call internally, ‘the mum and dad principle’ which simply means ‘if you wouldn’t do it for your mum and dad, then you don’t do it at all’. This is encompassed in our HR policies and can be seen in every aspect of our business from our Financial Coaches to Advisers.",[],{"_key":20078,"_type":127,"children":20079,"markDefs":20084,"style":135},"6490324954f1",[20080],{"_key":20081,"_type":131,"marks":20082,"text":20083},"83b229c4def6",[],"Our colleagues across the group, along with our valued clients, are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why this recognition means so much - it reinforces our purpose as a business and highlights how prioritising employee wellbeing creates a happier, more productive workplace.”",[],[20086],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":20087,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":20089,"blogPostMeta":20090,"content":20131,"tag":20209,"title":20130},"cdfbc635-a3c5-4b8e-9e4b-53925717dd63",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":20091,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":20126,"publishedAt":20127,"slug":20128,"title":20130},{"_type":58,"asset":20092},{"_createdAt":20093,"_id":20094,"_rev":20095,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":20093,"assetId":20096,"extension":67,"metadata":20097,"mimeType":101,"originalFilename":20121,"path":20122,"sha1hash":20096,"size":20123,"uploadId":20124,"url":20125},"2025-06-17T13:47:55Z","image-c769ceb752068765dc56b6c3c76ff321a04caccc-1623x1024-png","hYBeEarKBtmcWOrEZ8j5GX","c769ceb752068765dc56b6c3c76ff321a04caccc",{"_type":69,"blurHash":20098,"dimensions":20099,"hasAlpha":76,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":20100,"palette":20101},"VbEy}Os:X9NIt7uPWCWXWXs:A1R+V@snRk9Is.nhn$Rj",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},"data:image\u002Fpng;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAANCAYAAACpUE5eAAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAADhklEQVR4nB3GZ1ObBQDA8edzcKXVXs96J8pxCkgLlgo0BijwhIcQIItAeLJTRgLICFBWGS1DGYGSMmQoLUFICoSEvbXq6Qu\u002Fzd87f69+wi3vJvHeTW43\u002F8o9X4iEgT2+Go\u002Fy9fQhKTPHJE0e8cX4AZ+Nxvh0JMa9l1E+frHLnc5N4n1B4nzbxPm2iG8P8lHbBsJt7wZ3m4Lc922R2L\u002FDw7EIitkY+UsnKOcPyfLvkTV3QPbSGTkr52StnJPu3yO5a57kvhVSpiKk+qOkTeySMfEeIW0wROboDrn+KNL8AbpACOvCBrUbUZzz61QPjWGbX6c+ckl97AbH3iW6xS0K2oZRDfjRvjugMnxBTegEe+gYwbZ+gHfrmJ7IOf27R3S8WWBgZoy50DqzS6NM9lkILI2wfnPKwtUFPRthGqYCyC0d1A2\u002FYjgaZfLmhunrK\u002FzXlwhD+ydMH5+xdnlJILxDe18vr\u002FoaiYZfcx7s5WxKw9XbNv78a4\u002FwSYTOsSk8vm48jQ0Mvuzm\u002FVmY03+vif59wfbvJwgz+zGWD6NsnUaYXVvF8cxLh9dF5O0EH4Id\u002FOYXuV5x8uFkkbV3i5jr2yg3WHCYKxl67mU\u002FssYf\u002FxxxfL3HcnAN4YflNVY3AsR2f2QxMEidy0nzMyeBySGCkx5+7lCw2FvCL6+bGRxsJVs0kJyWi5SbT6OzhoXAOKHtFVZ\u002F8jPY14XQ2NTKeF8dm9M25l7Y6a6toru+hq7mpv\u002F\u002FvOoR7dYcups1WOUKPk9VcOduCulfPqS0QKSuth5fSwutbhtecyWCQVLh0qvw2SVa5DIGnKWMecpxV1ejFYupzE\u002FHUvYtDnMBkiqP+wnpxN1KJOGTJNJTH6PM0yAWlFP+tJCa4iIE9XfZaPIUGFVPkTXFdMkSI7VqLLpylE+KUD7OQl2oQDaKGNRFZGXkkJjwgKTEDNIeKMjMLiYzS4UypxB9SSmCWiymQirBVK7BpNUhG3Q0yHosJiPqUgNFYhmSVIKlUovdqEMvlaLKV1FUUIooapEkI0WijpzcMnJFI0JhmRm1wUJFlY0SgxVJJ2My1+B2WnE47VTLFvRV1ehM1ajLKhGL9Zh0RmotMvV2Bx6HE5dsoUBl4BulDuGR2k621o2iwomywobGZMflstH5vZu2Vg\u002FWOjcGl4sSs50nUhUK0YjDItPf7Ga4s4metibcVisqSY+yUMt\u002Fb\u002FhzbKH+klkAAAAASUVORK5CYII=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":20102,"darkVibrant":20105,"dominant":20108,"lightMuted":20109,"lightVibrant":20112,"muted":20115,"vibrant":20118},{"_type":81,"background":20103,"foreground":83,"population":20104,"title":83},"#323f5e",1.66,{"_type":81,"background":20106,"foreground":83,"population":20107,"title":83},"#1e7ab0",6.01,{"_type":81,"background":20106,"foreground":83,"population":20107,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":20110,"foreground":91,"population":20111,"title":83},"#9dc4c6",5.42,{"_type":81,"background":20113,"foreground":91,"population":20114,"title":83},"#dcc695",0.59,{"_type":81,"background":20116,"foreground":83,"population":20117,"title":83},"#957a5b",6,{"_type":81,"background":20119,"foreground":83,"population":20120,"title":83},"#3797c0",5.7,"London-skyline.png","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fc769ceb752068765dc56b6c3c76ff321a04caccc-1623x1024.png",3353685,"VhdERUKytspmnWYZ45vC6c6qBybALaV2","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fc769ceb752068765dc56b6c3c76ff321a04caccc-1623x1024.png","As you can see from the accompanying table global financial markets closed the week on a surprisingly firm footing after a volatile few sessions dominated by US technology losses, weak retail earnings, and anticipation around Federal Reserve policy.","2025-08-26T11:17:49.811Z",{"_type":9,"current":20129},"week-ending-22nd-august-2025","Week ending 22nd August 2025",[20132,20135,20139,20146,20154,20162,20170,20178,20186,20194,20202],{"_key":20133,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":20134,"width":124},"65285aca4b91","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1113203832?h=3187274fff",{"_key":20136,"_type":58,"asset":20137},"7c48a16c5a78",{"_ref":20138,"_type":107},"image-577df09a277a10dfa0a36551908da5a2fb731194-1600x2884-png",{"_key":20140,"_type":127,"children":20141,"markDefs":20145,"style":135},"a236abd3c948",[20142],{"_key":20143,"_type":131,"marks":20144,"text":20126},"0bc72ed64828",[],[],{"_key":20147,"_type":127,"children":20148,"markDefs":20153,"style":135},"bd51cf0831f0",[20149],{"_key":20150,"_type":131,"marks":20151,"text":20152},"20bda59bd673",[],"By Friday the S&P 500 in the US had looked on course for a sizeable weekly decline, but a sharp rally triggered by dovish comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at the Jackson Hole symposium lifted the index into positive territory. Markets had been braced for Powell’s remarks all week, with investors looking for clarity on the Fed’s next steps. He stopped short of promising a rate cut but struck a more cautious tone than in recent months, noting that risks to the labour market were increasing even as inflationary pressures linger. His comment that “the shifting balance of risks may warrant adjusting our policy stance” was widely read as a signal that monetary easing could come as early as September.",[],{"_key":20155,"_type":127,"children":20156,"markDefs":20161,"style":135},"d05434dbf744",[20157],{"_key":20158,"_type":131,"marks":20159,"text":20160},"023833eed4bf",[],"Powell outlined the Fed’s balancing act: tariffs are still feeding into higher prices, while tighter immigration rules are slowing labour force growth. The combination, he said, creates a difficult environment where inflation risks remain but employment could come under greater strain. Powell’s signal of potential easing amid economic headwinds was taken as a green light by markets, driving rate cut expectations to 80% and reinforcing a supportive backdrop for equities.",[],{"_key":20163,"_type":127,"children":20164,"markDefs":20169,"style":135},"70679cac1050",[20165],{"_key":20166,"_type":131,"marks":20167,"text":20168},"ddb092d78a64",[],"Also, this week Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) surveys revealed a mixed economic outlook across regions. PMI is a monthly survey-based index that gauges the health of the manufacturing and services sectors with readings above 50 signalling expansion and those below 50 indicating contraction. In the US business activity accelerated in August, with the composite PMI hitting 55.4 the strongest reading of the year and firmly in expansionary territory. Manufacturing led the way, reaching 53.3, while services growth eased slightly but remained robust at 55.4. However, input costs jumped at the fastest pace since May, driven in part by tariffs, and companies reported passing those higher costs on to consumers. Output prices rose at the quickest rate in two years.",[],{"_key":20171,"_type":127,"children":20172,"markDefs":20177,"style":135},"ef0ab272a578",[20173],{"_key":20174,"_type":131,"marks":20175,"text":20176},"444a5da3dbcb",[],"In the UK, the FTSE 100 closed at another record high on Friday, despite a hotter inflation print earlier in the week as investors were buoyed by Powell’s dovish shift. Manufacturing remained under pressure, with August’s PMI falling to 47.3 as new orders slumped and job losses mounted. By contrast, services activity accelerated to 53.6, the fastest pace in a year, supported by firmer domestic and international demand. The resilience of the services sector, coupled with sticky inflation, prompted markets to scale back expectations of near-term Bank of England rate cuts.",[],{"_key":20179,"_type":127,"children":20180,"markDefs":20185,"style":135},"46f45ee6ad6e",[20181],{"_key":20182,"_type":131,"marks":20183,"text":20184},"0b76d52a3088",[],"European equities advanced in August, supported by hopes that lower U.S. borrowing costs could bolster global growth. The eurozone’s latest data painted a mixed picture: the composite PMI rose to 51.1, its third month of expansion and the strongest manufacturing performance in over three years. Germany extended its rebound, while France showed early signs of stabilisation. Still, consumer confidence slipped back and revised GDP figures confirmed Germany’s economy contracted 0.3% in the second quarter, highlighting ongoing industrial weakness.",[],{"_key":20187,"_type":127,"children":20188,"markDefs":20193,"style":135},"ef5aeef87fbe",[20189],{"_key":20190,"_type":131,"marks":20191,"text":20192},"30abc39015ef",[],"In Asia, Japanese markets closed the week lower as investors reduced exposure to high-flying technology names. Chinese markets went in the opposite direction much of the rally has been driven by retail investors, with margin debt levels climbing to their highest since 2015.",[],{"_key":20195,"_type":127,"children":20196,"markDefs":20201,"style":135},"b7c40b693559",[20197],{"_key":20198,"_type":131,"marks":20199,"text":20200},"f11426b4c2e9",[],"UK markets are shut Monday for the bank holiday, but U.S. data and earnings will keep traders busy. Nvidia’s results on Wednesday will test the AI trade, while Thursday’s GDP revision and Friday’s core PCE inflation reading could prove decisive for September Fed expectations. Both reports will be pivotal in shaping expectations for September’s FOMC meeting.",[],{"_key":20203,"_type":127,"children":20204,"markDefs":20208,"style":135},"066583d3e524",[20205],{"_key":20206,"_type":131,"marks":20207,"text":288},"10fad7a5ea03",[174],[],[20210],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":20211,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":20213,"blogPostMeta":20214,"content":20234,"tag":20293,"title":20233},"95a4bf6d-fa7e-45ca-9db1-2e4756899026",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":20215,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":20229,"publishedAt":20230,"slug":20231,"title":20233},{"_type":58,"asset":20216},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":20217,"mimeType":225,"opt":20227,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":20218,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":20219},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":20220,"darkVibrant":20221,"dominant":20222,"lightMuted":20223,"lightVibrant":20224,"muted":20225,"vibrant":20226},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":20228},{"tags":65},"This morning’s inflation data for the UK showed inflation came in hotter than expected for July, rising to 3.8% compared with 3.6% in June. The core rate also increased to 3.8%. A sharp rise in plane ticket prices accounted for a large share of the monthly increase, with fares jumping 30% due to the timing of the summer holiday season.","2025-08-20T11:11:17.935Z",{"_type":9,"current":20232},"market-update---20th-august-2025","Market Update - 20th August 2025",[20235,20238,20246,20254,20262,20270,20278,20286],{"_key":20236,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":20237,"width":124},"035ead7a574c","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fprogressive_redirect\u002Fplayback\u002F1111622380\u002Frendition\u002F1080p\u002Ffile.mp4?loc=external&log_user=0&signature=b92298c5da9aef2a908e1455903de2627a7013124e3e0798513fcabd9f064a95",{"_key":20239,"_type":127,"children":20240,"markDefs":20245,"style":135},"5ef480803e6d",[20241],{"_key":20242,"_type":131,"marks":20243,"text":20244},"e7c104c7e076",[],"This morning’s inflation data for the UK showed inflation came in hotter than expected for July, rising to 3.8% compared with 3.6% in June. The core rate also increased to 3.8%. A sharp rise in plane ticket prices accounted for a large share of the monthly increase, with fares jumping 30% due to the timing of the summer holiday season. Meanwhile, services inflation – closely monitored by the Bank of England – accelerated to 5% in July. Although policymakers typically look for a broader pattern in the data before making decisions, economists noted that with wage growth continuing to cool, the chances of further monetary policy easing this year are fading.",[],{"_key":20247,"_type":127,"children":20248,"markDefs":20253,"style":135},"63a51963f8bd",[20249],{"_key":20250,"_type":131,"marks":20251,"text":20252},"88d9618e239c",[],"After a tense and long-awaited meeting between President Putin and President Trump, on Monday, President Trump hosted Ukrainian President Zelenskyy at the White House, where he pledged to guarantee Ukraine’s security as part of any agreement to end the conflict with Russia. Zelenskyy welcomed the commitment, describing it as an important breakthrough for his country, while noting that the finer details would be finalized over the next ten days. Later, Trump announced on social media that he had spoken with President Putin and had begun arranging a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders, to be followed by a three-way summit involving all three presidents. In response, European markets reacted cautiously, edging higher overall even while defence shares lagged at the news of a potential ceasefire.",[],{"_key":20255,"_type":127,"children":20256,"markDefs":20261,"style":135},"1ddff200e80b",[20257],{"_key":20258,"_type":131,"marks":20259,"text":20260},"3f28cdebcc09",[],"Across the Eurozone, however, there are early signs suggesting that U.S. tariffs are beginning to weigh on exports. Trade data for June showed a 2.4% month-on-month decline in exports, while imports rose by more than 3%. As a result, the seasonally adjusted trade surplus shrank sharply to €2.8 billion, down from €15.6 billion in May. Although policymakers have discussed diversifying trade relationships to reduce reliance on the U.S., shipments to alternative markets such as India and Brazil also fell by around 5% year-on-year in June.",[],{"_key":20263,"_type":127,"children":20264,"markDefs":20269,"style":135},"95946083f546",[20265],{"_key":20266,"_type":131,"marks":20267,"text":20268},"16c63191b21a",[],"Finally, tech chip giant Nvidia closed the day lower yesterday, dragging down U.S. markets despite there being no clear trigger for the selloff in technology stocks. Analysts pointed to a mix of factors informing the general dip including President Donald Trump’s growing influence over the sector and a broader mood of caution amongst investors.",[],{"_key":20271,"_type":127,"children":20272,"markDefs":20277,"style":135},"6b0806165d64",[20273],{"_key":20274,"_type":131,"marks":20275,"text":20276},"17916eda32e0",[],"The Federal Reserve will remain firmly in the spotlight this week as policymakers convene in Jackson Hole for the central bank’s annual economic symposium. Traditionally, the conference has served as a platform for Fed Chairs to signal potential policy shifts or offer comments on the economic outlook. Attention is particularly focused on the Fed’s efforts to strike a delicate balance between curbing inflation and sustaining economic growth, with recent indicators like a cooling labour market and easing inflation adding colour to the debate. Futures markets are now signalling nearly an 85% chance of a rate cut at the Fed’s September FOMC, underscoring growing expectations that the Federal Reserve is poised to loosen monetary policy following a prolonged phase of restrictive financial conditions.",[],{"_key":20279,"_type":127,"children":20280,"markDefs":20285,"style":135},"cf9681cd1a33",[20281],{"_key":20282,"_type":131,"marks":20283,"text":20284},"764f6cf71c40",[],"Still to come this week we have PMI data for the UK and Eurozone, Japan’s core inflation rate and UK retail sales.",[],{"_key":20287,"_type":127,"children":20288,"markDefs":20292,"style":135},"87ac17db8133",[20289],{"_key":20290,"_type":131,"marks":20291,"text":3105},"979e7e71dda3",[174],[],[20294],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":20295,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":20297,"blogPostMeta":20298,"content":20316,"tag":20382,"title":20315},"79bd67c8-e4fe-491a-9353-1c29356cd580",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":20299,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":20311,"publishedAt":20312,"slug":20313,"title":20315},{"_type":58,"asset":20300},{"_createdAt":20093,"_id":20094,"_rev":20095,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":20093,"assetId":20096,"extension":67,"metadata":20301,"mimeType":101,"originalFilename":20121,"path":20122,"sha1hash":20096,"size":20123,"uploadId":20124,"url":20125},{"_type":69,"blurHash":20098,"dimensions":20302,"hasAlpha":76,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":20100,"palette":20303},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":20304,"darkVibrant":20305,"dominant":20306,"lightMuted":20307,"lightVibrant":20308,"muted":20309,"vibrant":20310},{"_type":81,"background":20103,"foreground":83,"population":20104,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":20106,"foreground":83,"population":20107,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":20106,"foreground":83,"population":20107,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":20110,"foreground":91,"population":20111,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":20113,"foreground":91,"population":20114,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":20116,"foreground":83,"population":20117,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":20119,"foreground":83,"population":20120,"title":83},"As you can see from the accompanying table it was another positive week for global equities. There was plenty of economic data for investors to digest as well as key geopolitical developments on Friday in the form of talks between the US and Russia in Alaska.","2025-08-18T10:04:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":20314},"week-ending-15th-august","Week ending 15th August",[20317,20319,20322,20329,20337,20345,20353,20361,20369,20377],{"_key":20133,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":20318,"width":124},"https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fprogressive_redirect\u002Fplayback\u002F1110926464\u002Frendition\u002F1080p\u002Ffile.mp4?loc=external&log_user=0&signature=ee18265a8c609e76c880250be4f8a2c57fd3ddd6f8633f84dabe5b357831b8c0",{"_key":20136,"_type":58,"asset":20320},{"_ref":20321,"_type":107},"image-e9394d1ca0f649f9831ad94ee067cd5ed7e21ea6-1600x2884-png",{"_key":20323,"_type":127,"children":20324,"markDefs":20328,"style":135},"14a7faad4873",[20325],{"_key":20326,"_type":131,"marks":20327,"text":20311},"a8fc20b7fbb2",[],[],{"_key":20330,"_type":127,"children":20331,"markDefs":20336,"style":135},"b09372196072",[20332],{"_key":20333,"_type":131,"marks":20334,"text":20335},"616ce9cb5dd4",[],"Data wise, UK economic growth slowed to 0.3% in the second quarter, as businesses felt the pinch from US President Donald Trump's import tariffs and rising domestic costs. The latest economic growth figures mark a deceleration from the 0.7% growth seen in Q1, when firms rushed to front-load activity ahead of tariffs changes. Despite the slowdown, the result exceeded expectations of just 0.1% growth and was buoyed by a surprisingly strong June, with GDP rising 0.4% that month alone. The slowdown reflects caution from consumers and mounting pressure on employers, who faced higher national insurance contributions and increased minimum wages. With the autumn Budget approaching, attention now turns to Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ upcoming tax and spending decisions, which could shape the UK’s economic path for the rest of the year.",[],{"_key":20338,"_type":127,"children":20339,"markDefs":20344,"style":135},"f3ceed0c801c",[20340],{"_key":20341,"_type":131,"marks":20342,"text":20343},"09c365c0e577",[],"U.S. equities touched record highs earlier in the week after softer July Consumer Price Index (CPI) data reinforced expectations for Fed rate cuts, with little sign that tariffs were yet feeding into consumer prices. Later in the week, however, Producer Price Index (PPI) surprised sharply higher, rising 0.9% month-on-month in July and 3.3% year-on-year, the steepest gain in three years. The jump, driven by portfolio management fees and airfares, suggests businesses may be starting to pass on tariff-related costs. While traders largely viewed these pressures as temporary, fed funds futures still price in a September cut, though expectations for a larger 50bp move have faded.",[],{"_key":20346,"_type":127,"children":20347,"markDefs":20352,"style":135},"c7f1a15008da",[20348],{"_key":20349,"_type":131,"marks":20350,"text":20351},"6e07568c2d43",[],"PPI can offer an early signal on inflation trends the latest PPI came in stronger than expected, contrasting with relatively soft CPI figures, suggesting that businesses have so far absorbed much of the tariff-related costs rather than passing them on to consumers. However, this dynamic may be changing, with firms potentially beginning to pass those costs through, a development policymakers will be watching closely.",[],{"_key":20354,"_type":127,"children":20355,"markDefs":20360,"style":135},"352871b7ac43",[20356],{"_key":20357,"_type":131,"marks":20358,"text":20359},"16f28febf2d1",[],"In other news, European markets climbed steadily throughout the week ahead of a high stakes meeting in Anchorage, Alaska on Friday between U.S. and Russian officials. The summit marks the first encounter in six years between Presidents Trump and Putin. Trump had aimed to secure a breakthrough ceasefire in the war in Ukraine, a pledge he made to fulfil within 24 hours of taking office but has yet to deliver. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy was excluded from the talks and warned that any agreements made without Ukraine’s involvement would lack legitimacy. No deal was reached during the meeting, though both sides cited progress. Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, keeping developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict in focus.",[],{"_key":20362,"_type":127,"children":20363,"markDefs":20368,"style":135},"1e2a58f13e93",[20364],{"_key":20365,"_type":131,"marks":20366,"text":20367},"a616d2686e88",[],"Chinese stocks rose after the U.S. and China agreed to extend their tariff truce by 90 days, easing immediate trade tensions. The move boosted investor confidence that negotiations between the two economies could stabilise relations and pave the way toward a broader agreement.",[],{"_key":20370,"_type":127,"children":20371,"markDefs":20376,"style":135},"b4f757ada7dd",[20372],{"_key":20373,"_type":131,"marks":20374,"text":20375},"4b127f6e7e3e",[],"Next week, all eyes will be on the annual Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium, held from August 21 to 23 in Kansas City, where leading central bankers and economists will discuss “Labor Markets in Transition.” With recent signs of weakness in U.S. jobs and inflation data, markets will closely monitor the event for clues on future Federal Reserve policy. 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It is important that employees entering the workplace are taught about budgeting and responsible borrowing, as well as understanding the many workplace savings and benefits on offer so they can take control of their finances and build financial resilience.  ","2025-08-14T14:12:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":20430},"top-10-money-tips-for-graduates-and-school-leavers-starting-work","Top 10 money tips for graduates and school leavers starting work",[20433,20441,20449,20457,20464,20475,20482,20490,20498,20506,20514,20521,20529,20536,20548,20555,20563,20570,20578,20585,20593,20601,20609,20617,20625,20633,20641,20649,20657,20664,20672,20679,20687,20695,20702,20709,20721,20728,20736,20743,20755,20762,20774,20781,20789,20796,20804,20811,20823,20830,20841,20848,20855,20867,20874,20882,20889,20897,20904,20912,20919,20926,20938,20945,20952,20964,20971,20978,20985,20993,21000,21007,21014,21021,21028,21035],{"_key":20434,"_type":127,"children":20435,"markDefs":20440,"style":135},"a93802a11b2f",[20436],{"_key":20437,"_type":131,"marks":20438,"text":20439},"2ac3d2f44d43",[],"Starting a first job is an exciting time, though for some it can be the first time they are managing their own money. It is important that employees entering the workplace are taught about budgeting and responsible borrowing, as well as understanding the many workplace savings and benefits on offer so they can take control of their finances and build financial resilience.",[],{"_key":20442,"_type":127,"children":20443,"markDefs":20448,"style":135},"bae92ec1eb43",[20444],{"_key":20445,"_type":131,"marks":20446,"text":20447},"2f65e3133031",[],"WEALTH at work, a leading financial wellbeing and retirement specialist, runs financial education webinars for graduates and those early on in their career for some of the UKs leading companies. The webinars not only provide guidance on managing their money, but they also explain the many workplace benefits on offer which can boost graduates’ financial wellbeing.",[],{"_key":20450,"_type":127,"children":20451,"markDefs":20456,"style":135},"7ea329bc375b",[20452],{"_key":20453,"_type":131,"marks":20454,"text":20455},"2761a2945f24",[],"Below are WEALTH at work’s top 10 money tips for graduates and young people entering full-time work.",[],{"_key":20458,"_type":127,"children":20459,"markDefs":20463,"style":135},"a219ba94791d",[20460],{"_key":20461,"_type":131,"marks":20462,"text":1006},"2ef1339cd797",[],[],{"_key":20465,"_type":127,"children":20466,"markDefs":20474,"style":135},"10a07141908d",[20467,20470],{"_key":20468,"_type":131,"marks":20469,"text":8097},"56d6bcc5ed91",[174],{"_key":20471,"_type":131,"marks":20472,"text":20473},"59340cbaae14",[]," – For those starting out in the workplace, the first payslip can be very confusing, but it contains important information, including:",[],{"_key":20476,"_type":127,"children":20477,"markDefs":20481,"style":135},"5a08e8869d43",[20478],{"_key":20479,"_type":131,"marks":20480,"text":1006},"d2959d63a017",[],[],{"_key":20483,"_type":127,"children":20484,"markDefs":20489,"style":135},"02a2f8fdab38",[20485],{"_key":20486,"_type":131,"marks":20487,"text":20488},"7fd06d12decc",[],"Payroll number",[],{"_key":20491,"_type":127,"children":20492,"markDefs":20497,"style":135},"de66e6de00de",[20493],{"_key":20494,"_type":131,"marks":20495,"text":20496},"5d440827566b",[],"Gross income - the income before any taxes and deductions have been taken",[],{"_key":20499,"_type":127,"children":20500,"markDefs":20505,"style":135},"73439fc34c0d",[20501],{"_key":20502,"_type":131,"marks":20503,"text":20504},"676bb538c109",[],"Net pay - what’s left after deductions have been taken",[],{"_key":20507,"_type":127,"children":20508,"markDefs":20513,"style":135},"8a500061b59f",[20509],{"_key":20510,"_type":131,"marks":20511,"text":20512},"2c832ba9f3da",[],"A tax code",[],{"_key":20515,"_type":127,"children":20516,"markDefs":20520,"style":135},"b92536647bf6",[20517],{"_key":20518,"_type":131,"marks":20519,"text":1006},"5caadcc6096c",[],[],{"_key":20522,"_type":127,"children":20523,"markDefs":20528,"style":135},"9a4ba5ba4e91",[20524],{"_key":20525,"_type":131,"marks":20526,"text":20527},"84e42db54984",[],"It’s important to get to grips with what deductions will be made to understand how much income will be left each month. The most common deductions on payslips are tax, pensions, and Student Finance Repayments which are explained below.",[],{"_key":20530,"_type":127,"children":20531,"markDefs":20535,"style":135},"f5c5b27f5843",[20532],{"_key":20533,"_type":131,"marks":20534,"text":1006},"ae8ce4aa5be3",[],[],{"_key":20537,"_type":127,"children":20538,"markDefs":20547,"style":135},"d166d670945b",[20539,20543],{"_key":20540,"_type":131,"marks":20541,"text":20542},"ace385e0adb0",[174],"Get to grips with Tax - Income Tax",{"_key":20544,"_type":131,"marks":20545,"text":20546},"517ee104cbcd",[]," is charged on most types of income including a salary. However, people don’t usually pay Income Tax on all their income because they will typically qualify for the Personal Allowance. This is the amount of money someone can earn each tax year before they start paying Income Tax which is £12,570 for the 2025\u002F26 tax year. Income Tax is then paid at 20% on earnings above £12,570 and 40% above £50,270 and 45% above £125,140. It’s important for people to check they are on the right tax code and paying the correct amount of Income Tax. This can be done by checking www.gov.uk\u002Fcheck-income-tax-current-year.",[],{"_key":20549,"_type":127,"children":20550,"markDefs":20554,"style":135},"4d59426586b3",[20551],{"_key":20552,"_type":131,"marks":20553,"text":1006},"a6f8736bc866",[],[],{"_key":20556,"_type":127,"children":20557,"markDefs":20562,"style":135},"74fc1c8dd704",[20558],{"_key":20559,"_type":131,"marks":20560,"text":20561},"20efdb82f4f0",[],"Income Tax isn’t the only deduction taken from your salary; National Insurance contributions are also required, at a rate of 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270, and 2% on earnings above that. These payments will help build an entitlement to certain benefits including the State Pension.",[],{"_key":20564,"_type":127,"children":20565,"markDefs":20569,"style":135},"f4322c817fea",[20566],{"_key":20567,"_type":131,"marks":20568,"text":1006},"053b08d0c1cc",[],[],{"_key":20571,"_type":127,"children":20572,"markDefs":20577,"style":135},"97d2ded4f1e4",[20573],{"_key":20574,"_type":131,"marks":20575,"text":20576},"ac2334f563c7",[],"Tax can be confusing, so we’ve created an example of monthly earnings after Income Tax and National Insurance deductions.In this example a person has an annual salary of £24,000, pays 5% into their workplace pension (which is deducted from their gross income), and is on Plan 2 for their student loan.",[],{"_key":20579,"_type":127,"children":20580,"markDefs":20584,"style":135},"aed79e65a3b7",[20581],{"_key":20582,"_type":131,"marks":20583,"text":1006},"6f16bfce5a6f",[],[],{"_key":20586,"_type":127,"children":20587,"markDefs":20592,"style":135},"2b40250f1903",[20588],{"_key":20589,"_type":131,"marks":20590,"text":20591},"658c2d2dda55",[],"-Pension contribution (5%): £1,200\u002Fyear",[],{"_key":20594,"_type":127,"children":20595,"markDefs":20600,"style":135},"d03ec33f4403",[20596],{"_key":20597,"_type":131,"marks":20598,"text":20599},"8225c345cfd5",[],"-Adjusted gross income: £22,800\u002Fyear",[],{"_key":20602,"_type":127,"children":20603,"markDefs":20608,"style":135},"4a5160b1a9e9",[20604],{"_key":20605,"_type":131,"marks":20606,"text":20607},"20b5875c8dbe",[],"-Personal Allowance: £12,570\u002Fyear (tax-free)",[],{"_key":20610,"_type":127,"children":20611,"markDefs":20616,"style":135},"eb01fb363c2f",[20612],{"_key":20613,"_type":131,"marks":20614,"text":20615},"9b8ef58a4d30",[],"-Taxable income: £10,230\u002Fyear",[],{"_key":20618,"_type":127,"children":20619,"markDefs":20624,"style":135},"619abdfa0553",[20620],{"_key":20621,"_type":131,"marks":20622,"text":20623},"7634de30a0db",[],"-Income Tax (20%) on £10,230: £2,046.00",[],{"_key":20626,"_type":127,"children":20627,"markDefs":20632,"style":135},"e3271f18beb6",[20628],{"_key":20629,"_type":131,"marks":20630,"text":20631},"ee951beb83bf",[],"-National Insurance (8%) on £10,230: £818.40",[],{"_key":20634,"_type":127,"children":20635,"markDefs":20640,"style":135},"b455ffe90b3f",[20636],{"_key":20637,"_type":131,"marks":20638,"text":20639},"6aa78e3cb4ce",[],"-Total deductions: £2,864.40\u002Fyear",[],{"_key":20642,"_type":127,"children":20643,"markDefs":20648,"style":135},"987c9f113fb1",[20644],{"_key":20645,"_type":131,"marks":20646,"text":20647},"69dd6ba19a6b",[],"-Annual net pay: £19,935.60",[],{"_key":20650,"_type":127,"children":20651,"markDefs":20656,"style":135},"dadadbedde77",[20652],{"_key":20653,"_type":131,"marks":20654,"text":20655},"a4ebeb6bf019",[],"-Monthly net pay: £1,661.30",[],{"_key":20658,"_type":127,"children":20659,"markDefs":20663,"style":135},"69749eae495c",[20660],{"_key":20661,"_type":131,"marks":20662,"text":1006},"2ccd974ea37a",[],[],{"_key":20665,"_type":127,"children":20666,"markDefs":20671,"style":135},"d70710f9c1a7",[20667],{"_key":20668,"_type":131,"marks":20669,"text":20670},"ce6ceab65764",[174],"Student Loan (Plan 2):",[],{"_key":20673,"_type":127,"children":20674,"markDefs":20678,"style":135},"ca4e3981ebc4",[20675],{"_key":20676,"_type":131,"marks":20677,"text":1006},"498f0241d0a2",[],[],{"_key":20680,"_type":127,"children":20681,"markDefs":20686,"style":135},"edf6f349fe2b",[20682],{"_key":20683,"_type":131,"marks":20684,"text":20685},"e5a04c35ef4a",[],"-Threshold: £28,470\u002Fyear",[],{"_key":20688,"_type":127,"children":20689,"markDefs":20694,"style":135},"5e87cc0c9486",[20690],{"_key":20691,"_type":131,"marks":20692,"text":20693},"045f359c3807",[],"-Earnings below threshold = No repayment due",[],{"_key":20696,"_type":127,"children":20697,"markDefs":20701,"style":135},"b0f270853857",[20698],{"_key":20699,"_type":131,"marks":20700,"text":1006},"9a95381efd45",[],[],{"_key":20703,"_type":127,"children":20704,"markDefs":20708,"style":135},"2cac96631618",[20705],{"_key":20706,"_type":131,"marks":20707,"text":1006},"fcd944f1c17e",[],[],{"_key":20710,"_type":127,"children":20711,"markDefs":20720,"style":135},"d8a95a6d00f7",[20712,20716],{"_key":20713,"_type":131,"marks":20714,"text":20715},"f2962e4fea25",[174],"Make the most of pensions -",{"_key":20717,"_type":131,"marks":20718,"text":20719},"a3e6ae666a7c",[]," Auto-enrolment means that all employees between age 22 and their State Pension age with earnings of more than £10,000 annually, are automatically enrolled into their workplace pension. If employees are within the age bracket 16-21, they can opt into their pension scheme if they wish to do so.",[],{"_key":20722,"_type":127,"children":20723,"markDefs":20727,"style":135},"7838988dcf10",[20724],{"_key":20725,"_type":131,"marks":20726,"text":1006},"574e2f8808a2",[],[],{"_key":20729,"_type":127,"children":20730,"markDefs":20735,"style":135},"73f8714cd335",[20731],{"_key":20732,"_type":131,"marks":20733,"text":20734},"5ec4787a0663",[],"Currently, employers are required to make a 3% minimum contribution with employees required to pay 5% to bring the total pension contribution to 8%. Some employers pay more than the minimum contribution of 3% and employees may be able to pay less into their scheme as a result. There are also companies where some employers may match pension contributions made by employees. Contributions made into a pension are usually free of Income Tax and employers who offer a salary sacrifice arrangement are also able to save employees National Insurance costs on their contributions. This means basic rate taxpayers will usually save 20% in income tax on contributions and may save a further 8% in National Insurance costs. It is widely recognised that contributions that total 8% of salary (3% from the employer and 5% from the employee) are not enough and are unlikely to provide the quality of retirement most people imagine. If employers are willing to match additional contributions it can make a significant difference to the size of the final pension pot. For example, someone in their 20s, saving just 1% more each year into a workplace pension can boost future savings by 25% if their employers were to match this.",[],{"_key":20737,"_type":127,"children":20738,"markDefs":20742,"style":135},"c2747575b21a",[20739],{"_key":20740,"_type":131,"marks":20741,"text":1006},"6227f56cb315",[],[],{"_key":20744,"_type":127,"children":20745,"markDefs":20754,"style":135},"68acfcf82770",[20746,20750],{"_key":20747,"_type":131,"marks":20748,"text":20749},"e6e131bcd3c4",[174],"Appreciate the cost of delay",{"_key":20751,"_type":131,"marks":20752,"text":20753},"ccf0e34a6f1f",[]," - If someone aged 25 contributed a total of £2,400 per year into their pension (including both employer and employee contributions) for 30 years, they could build a pension pot worth £167,426 by age 55, assuming a 5% annual investment return. However, if they delayed saving for 10 years and only started contributing at age 35, they would need to contribute £4,825 per year for the remaining 20 years to reach a similar pension pot of £167,520 by age 55. This clearly shows the cost of delay; waiting 10 years more than doubles the annual contribution required to achieve the same outcome. For many, this higher contribution may be unaffordable, making it difficult or even impossible to catch up. Starting early allows savings to grow over time and benefit from the power of compounding.",[],{"_key":20756,"_type":127,"children":20757,"markDefs":20761,"style":135},"6c1020d7a8ce",[20758],{"_key":20759,"_type":131,"marks":20760,"text":1006},"706e325a892a",[],[],{"_key":20763,"_type":127,"children":20764,"markDefs":20773,"style":135},"7a4e4a1240a1",[20765,20769],{"_key":20766,"_type":131,"marks":20767,"text":20768},"40fc2c2e6f86",[174],"Understand payments on Student loans",{"_key":20770,"_type":131,"marks":20771,"text":20772},"5458ba6e17b6",[]," – When someone starts repaying theirloan and how much they repay depends on their repayment plan, which can be checked in their student loan repayment account.Loan repayments typically begin at the start of the tax year following the completion or withdrawal from a course.",[],{"_key":20775,"_type":127,"children":20776,"markDefs":20780,"style":135},"3ecc1c0aadfb",[20777],{"_key":20778,"_type":131,"marks":20779,"text":1006},"4ec6d4ab0f2c",[],[],{"_key":20782,"_type":127,"children":20783,"markDefs":20788,"style":135},"c99f46cade99",[20784],{"_key":20785,"_type":131,"marks":20786,"text":20787},"9dcf7f0aae88",[],"For example, if a student finishes their course in June 2025, their first student loan repayment would be deducted in the 2026\u002F27 tax year, starting from April 2026. However, repayments only start when the person is earning over the ‘repayment threshold’.For instance, a person who graduates in 2025 is likely to be on Plan 2, meaning they will only start making repayments once their income is over the repayment threshold, which is currently £28,470 (for Plan 2 loans) a year.",[],{"_key":20790,"_type":127,"children":20791,"markDefs":20795,"style":135},"a11c057d30ac",[20792],{"_key":20793,"_type":131,"marks":20794,"text":1006},"b45eb16f5406",[],[],{"_key":20797,"_type":127,"children":20798,"markDefs":20803,"style":135},"2f6efa86b25a",[20799],{"_key":20800,"_type":131,"marks":20801,"text":20802},"e0ac4dd07bc5",[],"Student loan repayments are usually collected via PAYE, with 9% of salary that exceeds the current threshold used to pay off the loan. Loans will also be cancelled after a certain period of time if they’ve not already been paid off in full – this can vary between 25 and 40 years depending on the rules at the time the loan was taken out.Some companies have student loan reimbursement schemes to help employees with their student loan repayments.The monthly repayment amount does not depend on the amount of the student loan, it is based purely on the amount earned. This means that someone with £20,000 of debt will make the same monthly repayments as someone with £50,000, if they earn the same amount.",[],{"_key":20805,"_type":127,"children":20806,"markDefs":20810,"style":135},"0f5d6a371ce4",[20807],{"_key":20808,"_type":131,"marks":20809,"text":1006},"aa342cda4496",[],[],{"_key":20812,"_type":127,"children":20813,"markDefs":20822,"style":135},"190875e6a22a",[20814,20818],{"_key":20815,"_type":131,"marks":20816,"text":20817},"a28eadac3aad",[174],"Check out workplace perks",{"_key":20819,"_type":131,"marks":20820,"text":20821},"5e8cb9258414",[]," - Many employers offer their staff various benefits, so it is important to know what is on offer. These can be anything from support with health and fitness, e.g. discounted gym memberships, health and fitness apps and devices, or discounts on shopping, support with childcare and elderly care costs and debt support. Some of these are offered through salary sacrifice which means it is paid through company payroll using pre-tax salary; meaning less Income Tax and National Insurance are paid which can offer significant savings.",[],{"_key":20824,"_type":127,"children":20825,"markDefs":20829,"style":135},"d7c6acbd43f7",[20826],{"_key":20827,"_type":131,"marks":20828,"text":1006},"a6dc272f3d89",[],[],{"_key":20831,"_type":127,"children":20832,"markDefs":20840,"style":135},"e53835cf1b1c",[20833,20837],{"_key":20834,"_type":131,"marks":20835,"text":20836},"d9df11cf6f5e",[174],"Create a monthly budget",{"_key":20838,"_type":131,"marks":20839,"text":7068},"9fcddcd9795e",[],[],{"_key":20842,"_type":127,"children":20843,"markDefs":20847,"style":135},"2394a4408ace",[20844],{"_key":20845,"_type":131,"marks":20846,"text":1006},"ddb8a200c550",[],[],{"_key":20849,"_type":127,"children":20850,"markDefs":20854,"style":135},"875d6d1ca027",[20851],{"_key":20852,"_type":131,"marks":20853,"text":1006},"4849b9367fd2",[],[],{"_key":20856,"_type":127,"children":20857,"markDefs":20866,"style":135},"db117f04ebf0",[20858,20862],{"_key":20859,"_type":131,"marks":20860,"text":20861},"3c549c149d7f",[174],"Consider Savings",{"_key":20863,"_type":131,"marks":20864,"text":20865},"85d094303939",[]," – It’s always a good idea to have a pot of money for unexpected costs and for the future. Whilst a workplace pension provides a great way to save for retirement, there are also other options for those looking to save in general.",[],{"_key":20868,"_type":127,"children":20869,"markDefs":20873,"style":135},"8e6c83942fad",[20870],{"_key":20871,"_type":131,"marks":20872,"text":1006},"833ba5f7733a",[],[],{"_key":20875,"_type":127,"children":20876,"markDefs":20881,"style":135},"166543346881",[20877],{"_key":20878,"_type":131,"marks":20879,"text":20880},"815362951865",[],"An ISA is a tax efficient savings option for those wanting to build future savings. There are several different types of ISA available, with the two most common being a ‘cash’ or a ‘stocks and shares’ ISA.£20,000 can be saved per person each tax year into an ISA without having to pay tax on any savings interest or growth in the investments. Many workplaces offer their employees access to Workplace ISAs and contributions can conveniently be taken directly from pay.",[],{"_key":20883,"_type":127,"children":20884,"markDefs":20888,"style":135},"750e183fe519",[20885],{"_key":20886,"_type":131,"marks":20887,"text":1006},"850f8d5e6b5e",[],[],{"_key":20890,"_type":127,"children":20891,"markDefs":20896,"style":135},"f42544d723e4",[20892],{"_key":20893,"_type":131,"marks":20894,"text":20895},"ae272c1ec3c7",[],"Some companies also offer employees access to Save as You Earn (SAYE) (sometimes referred to as share save plans) as a way to invest in their future. These plans run for three or five year terms, and employees can save between £5 and £500 per month.At the end of the plan’s term, if the company’s share price has fallen, employees can receive all their savings back.If the share price is higher than the fixed price agreed at the start of the plan, employees can use their savings to buy shares at a lower cost and sell them to realise any returns.",[],{"_key":20898,"_type":127,"children":20899,"markDefs":20903,"style":135},"3681dd64b277",[20900],{"_key":20901,"_type":131,"marks":20902,"text":1006},"d7d48435a4ed",[],[],{"_key":20905,"_type":127,"children":20906,"markDefs":20911,"style":135},"ef97ddcb8849",[20907],{"_key":20908,"_type":131,"marks":20909,"text":20910},"c2268f37a196",[],"The Share Incentive Plan (SIP) is another popular type of share plan, enabling employees to purchase shares in their company by making monthly contributions of between £10 and £150. Employers may also provide matching shares so that the employee can receive up to two additional shares for each share purchased. Some companies will also use the SIP to gift ‘free shares’ of up to £3,600 in any tax year to employees.",[],{"_key":20913,"_type":127,"children":20914,"markDefs":20918,"style":135},"a7ab8e19c8ce",[20915],{"_key":20916,"_type":131,"marks":20917,"text":1006},"b35496c72315",[],[],{"_key":20920,"_type":127,"children":20921,"markDefs":20925,"style":135},"c436e16c41a1",[20922],{"_key":20923,"_type":131,"marks":20924,"text":1006},"2aa472b23eeb",[],[],{"_key":20927,"_type":127,"children":20928,"markDefs":20937,"style":135},"d22bb0cb90e9",[20929,20933],{"_key":20930,"_type":131,"marks":20931,"text":20932},"a3cf00cc6242",[174],"Review spending –",{"_key":20934,"_type":131,"marks":20935,"text":20936},"d97f7dbd7efd",[]," Regular financial check ins can be a great way to become more aware and adjust spending accordingly. If, after a spending review, a person’s outgoings are more than they would like it to be, they may be able to reduce their costs by checking bank and payment services for recurring payments. This may be possible by shopping around to lower household bills such as insurance, phone and broadband providers, and cancelling unused subscriptions. Discount vouchers are also available online and many workplaces offer employee discount schemes, which can be useful for the weekly shop or big purchases, such as if a washing machine breaks, and also activities like eating out and holidays.",[],{"_key":20939,"_type":127,"children":20940,"markDefs":20944,"style":135},"a5a23713cc04",[20941],{"_key":20942,"_type":131,"marks":20943,"text":1006},"55cdce9683ef",[],[],{"_key":20946,"_type":127,"children":20947,"markDefs":20951,"style":135},"a8660e430714",[20948],{"_key":20949,"_type":131,"marks":20950,"text":1006},"ea2a35556925",[],[],{"_key":20953,"_type":127,"children":20954,"markDefs":20963,"style":135},"e9c6e70edc60",[20955,20959],{"_key":20956,"_type":131,"marks":20957,"text":20958},"1bcf1c5ce7d0",[174],"Understand good and bad debt –",{"_key":20960,"_type":131,"marks":20961,"text":20962},"292acadd0a02",[]," Debt comes in many forms such as loans, credit cards or store cards. A mortgage is a form of ‘good debt’ which should be reviewed occasionally to ensure you have a good deal. 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So, it’s important for anyone who is struggling with debt to know that there is support available from reputable sources. Many employers offer Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) that includes debt management support. This support often ranges from budgeting advice to establishing the root cause of someone’s debt issues. Free services such as MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice or National Debt Line are also available.",[],{"_key":20994,"_type":127,"children":20995,"markDefs":20999,"style":135},"1af45a51172b",[20996],{"_key":20997,"_type":131,"marks":20998,"text":1006},"b53720a828ba",[],[],{"_key":21001,"_type":127,"children":21002,"markDefs":21006,"style":135},"6654acee7d57",[21003],{"_key":21004,"_type":131,"marks":21005,"text":1006},"2b79c391e33b",[],[],{"_key":21008,"_type":127,"children":21009,"markDefs":21013,"style":135},"9dae6447fc70",[21010],{"_key":21011,"_type":131,"marks":21012,"text":1006},"4cc72962d9c1",[],[],{"_key":21015,"_type":127,"children":21016,"markDefs":21020,"style":135},"72fb65bee40b",[21017],{"_key":21018,"_type":131,"marks":21019,"text":1006},"3d764099e8fc",[],[],{"_key":21022,"_type":127,"children":21023,"markDefs":21027,"style":135},"d0d7527ca80c",[21024],{"_key":21025,"_type":131,"marks":21026,"text":5222},"1905335b4d2f",[174],[],{"_key":21029,"_type":127,"children":21030,"markDefs":21034,"style":135},"6c3ab846c44d",[21031],{"_key":21032,"_type":131,"marks":21033,"text":1006},"be5d2f8ca7e9",[],[],{"_key":21036,"_type":127,"children":21037,"markDefs":21042,"style":135},"f3809e894e27",[21038],{"_key":21039,"_type":131,"marks":21040,"text":21041},"e24a150b2cd4",[],"“Starting a first job is an exciting time. For some, it can mean the first time they are having to manage their own money. It is important that young people are taught about budgeting, savings and responsible borrowing so they take control of their finances. Anyone starting a new job should speak to their employer to find out what benefits are available and sign up if they are offering financial education. It could be one of the best financial decisions they ever make.”",[],[21044],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":21045,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":21047,"blogPostMeta":21048,"content":21072,"tag":21485,"title":21071},"8cf0d9f4-b8e4-47cd-bf7d-1a10771c16f0",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":21049,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":21067,"publishedAt":21068,"slug":21069,"title":21071},{"_type":58,"alt":21050,"asset":21051},"Woman looking at phone",{"_createdAt":20390,"_id":20391,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":20392,"extension":196,"metadata":21052,"mimeType":225,"opt":21063,"originalFilename":20422,"path":20423,"sha1hash":20392,"size":20424,"uploadId":20425,"url":20426},{"_type":69,"blurHash":20394,"dimensions":21053,"exif":21054,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":20397,"palette":21055},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},{"ColorSpace":1682,"PixelXDimension":773,"PixelYDimension":1151,"_type":499},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":21056,"darkVibrant":21057,"dominant":21058,"lightMuted":21059,"lightVibrant":21060,"muted":21061,"vibrant":21062},{"_type":81,"background":20400,"foreground":83,"population":20401,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":20403,"foreground":83,"population":20404,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":20406,"foreground":91,"population":20407,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":20406,"foreground":91,"population":20407,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":20410,"foreground":91,"population":20411,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":20413,"foreground":91,"population":20414,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":20416,"foreground":83,"population":4097,"title":83},{"media":21064},{"tags":21065},[21066],{"_key":20421,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"For those entering the workplace for the first time managing their finances can feel like an overwhelming task.  WEALTH at work shares the top 10 money tips that graduates and young people starting full-time work will need to know.\n","2025-08-14T12:47:32.810Z",{"_type":9,"current":21070},"top-10-money-tips-for-those-entering-the-workplace","Top 10 money tips for those entering the workplace",[21073,21081,21089,21096,21108,21115,21122,21129,21136,21143,21154,21161,21169,21176,21183,21190,21197,21204,21211,21218,21225,21232,21239,21246,21253,21260,21267,21278,21286,21294,21301,21311,21318,21330,21337,21345,21352,21362,21369,21379,21386,21396,21403,21410,21417,21424,21435,21442,21453,21460,21467,21474],{"_key":21074,"_type":127,"children":21075,"markDefs":21080,"style":135},"42b063a4fd72",[21076],{"_key":21077,"_type":131,"marks":21078,"text":21079},"c6d70a758eee",[],"For those entering the workplace for the first time managing their finances can feel like an overwhelming task.",[],{"_key":21082,"_type":127,"children":21083,"markDefs":21088,"style":135},"174a98f68929",[21084],{"_key":21085,"_type":131,"marks":21086,"text":21087},"b2eb92f5e4e1",[],"WEALTH at work shares the top 10 money tips that graduates and young people starting full-time work will need to know.",[],{"_key":21090,"_type":127,"children":21091,"markDefs":21095,"style":135},"6fdc565a29e4",[21092],{"_key":21093,"_type":131,"marks":21094,"text":1006},"51c4a5ac3976",[174],[],{"_key":21097,"_type":127,"children":21098,"markDefs":21107,"style":135},"a13817f6e9c2",[21099,21103],{"_key":21100,"_type":131,"marks":21101,"text":21102},"e1686ed2e363",[174],"1. 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Make the most of pensions -",{"_key":21275,"_type":131,"marks":21276,"text":20719},"c2bf83e14732",[],[],{"_key":21279,"_type":127,"children":21280,"markDefs":21285,"style":135},"bf5f0ac40930",[21281],{"_key":21282,"_type":131,"marks":21283,"text":21284},"8a7e33c57974",[],"Currently, employers are required to make a 3% minimum contribution with employees required to pay 5% to bring the total pension contribution to 8%. Some employers pay more than the minimum contribution of 3% and employees may be able to pay less into their scheme as a result. There are also companies where some employers may match pension contributions made by employees. Contributions made into a pension are usually free of Income Tax and employers who offer a salary sacrifice arrangement are also able to save employees National Insurance costs on their contributions. This means basic rate taxpayers will usually save 20% in income tax on contributions and may save a further 8% in National Insurance costs. It is widely recognised that contributions that total 8% of salary (3% from the employer and 5% from the employee) are not enough and are unlikely to provide the quality of retirement most people imagine. ",[],{"_key":21287,"_type":127,"children":21288,"markDefs":21293,"style":135},"8c8fb5b36daf",[21289],{"_key":21290,"_type":131,"marks":21291,"text":21292},"922174b0addc",[],"If employers are willing to match additional contributions it can make a significant difference to the size of the final pension pot. For example, someone in their 20s, saving just 1% more each year into a workplace pension can boost future savings by 25% if their employers were to match this.",[],{"_key":21295,"_type":127,"children":21296,"markDefs":21300,"style":135},"33feab492298",[21297],{"_key":21298,"_type":131,"marks":21299,"text":1006},"41c51c03423f",[],[],{"_key":21302,"_type":127,"children":21303,"markDefs":21310,"style":135},"8d9452121277",[21304,21307],{"_key":21305,"_type":131,"marks":21306,"text":7020},"e9bf434551ec",[174],{"_key":21308,"_type":131,"marks":21309,"text":20753},"510dd6db65cd",[],[],{"_key":21312,"_type":127,"children":21313,"markDefs":21317,"style":135},"90704d484c4f",[21314],{"_key":21315,"_type":131,"marks":21316,"text":1006},"dfc08b1e517a",[],[],{"_key":21319,"_type":127,"children":21320,"markDefs":21329,"style":135},"28784b04384c",[21321,21325],{"_key":21322,"_type":131,"marks":21323,"text":21324},"df2d913c4f33",[174],"5. 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Loans will also be cancelled after a certain period of time if they’ve not already been paid off in full – this can vary between 25 and 40 years depending on the rules at the time the loan was taken out. Some companies have student loan reimbursement schemes to help employees with their student loan repayments. The monthly repayment amount does not depend on the amount of the student loan, it is based purely on the amount earned. This means that someone with £20,000 of debt will make the same monthly repayments as someone with £50,000, if they earn the same amount.",[],{"_key":21346,"_type":127,"children":21347,"markDefs":21351,"style":135},"3333f53bbd08",[21348],{"_key":21349,"_type":131,"marks":21350,"text":1006},"1bcdb6215bcb",[],[],{"_key":21353,"_type":127,"children":21354,"markDefs":21361,"style":135},"bfb3d8806d25",[21355,21358],{"_key":21356,"_type":131,"marks":21357,"text":7052},"149224b49387",[174],{"_key":21359,"_type":131,"marks":21360,"text":20821},"b3fe9b5c6dda",[],[],{"_key":21363,"_type":127,"children":21364,"markDefs":21368,"style":135},"6d106f7aa3a5",[21365],{"_key":21366,"_type":131,"marks":21367,"text":1006},"bec1b82c01d3",[],[],{"_key":21370,"_type":127,"children":21371,"markDefs":21378,"style":135},"046f4132364e",[21372,21375],{"_key":21373,"_type":131,"marks":21374,"text":7064},"2b18a477040a",[174],{"_key":21376,"_type":131,"marks":21377,"text":7068},"0d8c5a75a197",[],[],{"_key":21380,"_type":127,"children":21381,"markDefs":21385,"style":135},"9c2792309b61",[21382],{"_key":21383,"_type":131,"marks":21384,"text":1006},"53a1c63d621e",[],[],{"_key":21387,"_type":127,"children":21388,"markDefs":21395,"style":135},"51d4add4e729",[21389,21392],{"_key":21390,"_type":131,"marks":21391,"text":7076},"a82a7607c46b",[174],{"_key":21393,"_type":131,"marks":21394,"text":20865},"37973ac141b1",[],[],{"_key":21397,"_type":127,"children":21398,"markDefs":21402,"style":135},"541bf46fafde",[21399],{"_key":21400,"_type":131,"marks":21401,"text":20880},"33f84904fcd2",[],[],{"_key":21404,"_type":127,"children":21405,"markDefs":21409,"style":135},"912228ea86f6",[21406],{"_key":21407,"_type":131,"marks":21408,"text":20895},"7af76e52a3a8",[],[],{"_key":21411,"_type":127,"children":21412,"markDefs":21416,"style":135},"eb5a9bcaa556",[21413],{"_key":21414,"_type":131,"marks":21415,"text":20910},"41009cff7ed8",[],[],{"_key":21418,"_type":127,"children":21419,"markDefs":21423,"style":135},"e3acbbdf1e3f",[21420],{"_key":21421,"_type":131,"marks":21422,"text":1006},"2c4f760e7b23",[],[],{"_key":21425,"_type":127,"children":21426,"markDefs":21434,"style":135},"b10beb62cddc",[21427,21431],{"_key":21428,"_type":131,"marks":21429,"text":21430},"5b4ecb33a70e",[174],"9. Review spending –",{"_key":21432,"_type":131,"marks":21433,"text":20936},"672ea88de1e8",[],[],{"_key":21436,"_type":127,"children":21437,"markDefs":21441,"style":135},"7744533aad6a",[21438],{"_key":21439,"_type":131,"marks":21440,"text":1006},"70dc5b07157e",[],[],{"_key":21443,"_type":127,"children":21444,"markDefs":21452,"style":135},"50e0bfac35c5",[21445,21449],{"_key":21446,"_type":131,"marks":21447,"text":21448},"645c663a57b9",[174],"10. Understand good and bad debt –",{"_key":21450,"_type":131,"marks":21451,"text":20962},"70d1bf5292a0",[],[],{"_key":21454,"_type":127,"children":21455,"markDefs":21459,"style":135},"bb400171c518",[21456],{"_key":21457,"_type":131,"marks":21458,"text":7112},"5dcc6b806187",[],[],{"_key":21461,"_type":127,"children":21462,"markDefs":21466,"style":135},"2fe47c80aa40",[21463],{"_key":21464,"_type":131,"marks":21465,"text":7120},"66f41532a09e",[],[],{"_key":21468,"_type":127,"children":21469,"markDefs":21473,"style":135},"b523336381bc",[21470],{"_key":21471,"_type":131,"marks":21472,"text":1006},"113bc46dc53e",[174],[],{"_key":21475,"_type":127,"children":21476,"markDefs":21484,"style":135},"98a75463027a",[21477,21480],{"_key":21478,"_type":131,"marks":21479,"text":8334},"6661007fd2f5",[174],{"_key":21481,"_type":131,"marks":21482,"text":21483},"823910d922ce",[],"“Starting a first job is an exciting time. For some, it can mean the first time they are having to manage their own money.It is important that employees entering the workplace are taught about budgeting, savings and responsible borrowing so they can take control of their finances. Many leading employers provide financial education in the workplace to help employees at the start of their career learn the basic principles of money management, as well as to understand all the savings and benefits on offer to build financial resilience.”",[],[21486],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":21487,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":21489,"blogPostMeta":21490,"content":21510,"tag":21561,"title":21509},"e4744bcd-547c-4b4f-8b85-5aff4ebe877c",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":21491,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":21505,"publishedAt":21506,"slug":21507,"title":21509},{"_type":58,"asset":21492},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":21493,"mimeType":225,"opt":21503,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":21494,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":21495},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":21496,"darkVibrant":21497,"dominant":21498,"lightMuted":21499,"lightVibrant":21500,"muted":21501,"vibrant":21502},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":21504},{"tags":65},"On Monday, the UK unemployment rate held steady at 4.7% in the three months to June. While the headline figure suggests stability, underlying data points to a gradual softening in the labour market, with payrolls falling for six consecutive months and job vacancies continuing to decline. ","2025-08-13T10:31:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":21508},"market-update-13th-august-2025","Market Update - 13th August 2025",[21511,21514,21522,21530,21538,21546,21554],{"_key":21512,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":21513,"width":124},"b159d5fe1524","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1109627761",{"_key":21515,"_type":127,"children":21516,"markDefs":21521,"style":135},"d53c5aec579b",[21517],{"_key":21518,"_type":131,"marks":21519,"text":21520},"af236112b7b0",[],"\nOn Monday, the UK unemployment rate held steady at 4.7% in the three months to June. While the headline figure suggests stability, underlying data points to a gradual softening in the labour market, with payrolls falling for six consecutive months and job vacancies continuing to decline. Economists note that although there is no widespread wave of redundancies, businesses are slowing recruitment in response to economic uncertainty and rising cost pressures, including the recent increase in Employer National Insurance Contributions. Meanwhile, private-sector wage growth (closely monitored by the Bank of England for its inflationary potential) eased to 4.8% in the three months to June, while overall average weekly earnings excluding bonuses were flat at 5%. With both measures still outpacing inflation, the case for further interest rate cuts is complicated.",[],{"_key":21523,"_type":127,"children":21524,"markDefs":21529,"style":135},"89e61ce79f46",[21525],{"_key":21526,"_type":131,"marks":21527,"text":21528},"47dd5459b9a5",[],"TACO strikes again! In a late-stage reversal, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he had signed an executive order pushing back the planned hike in tariffs on Chinese imports until 10th November, leaving existing truce arrangements intact. Beijing, in a reciprocal move, declared a 90-day freeze on new tariffs of its own and deferred planned restrictions on selected U.S. companies. The delay offers a crucial window before the seasonal rush of Christmas-bound imports. By holding Chinese import duties at 30% and U.S. export tariffs at 10%, the move heads off a sharp escalation that might otherwise have brought trade flows to a standstill. Financial markets welcomed the development, with Asian equities climbing and regional currencies firming, as optimism grew over the possibility of fresh negotiations and a potential Trump–Xi summit later this year.",[],{"_key":21531,"_type":127,"children":21532,"markDefs":21537,"style":135},"5712dd073fc3",[21533],{"_key":21534,"_type":131,"marks":21535,"text":21536},"ef0f70647804",[],"On Tuesday, the annual inflation rate in the U.S. held steady at 2.7% for July, matching June’s figure. Price increases accelerated in several categories, notably used cars and trucks and transportation services. Conversely, inflation eased slightly in the shelter category, dipping to 3.7% from 3.8%, while energy costs fell more sharply, down 1.6% compared to June’s 0.8% decline. The core Consumer Price Index rose by 0.3% month-on-month, in line with expectations and marking its strongest increase in half a year, following a 0.2% gain in June. The data release reassured investors, easing concerns that President Trump’s tariffs policies might drive up prices. Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite closed at fresh record highs on Tuesday.",[],{"_key":21539,"_type":127,"children":21540,"markDefs":21545,"style":135},"ac0fc7ac2adf",[21541],{"_key":21542,"_type":131,"marks":21543,"text":21544},"ff71968830f1",[],"Investors are eyeing Friday’s planned meeting between Presidents Putin and Trump in Alaska, aimed at ending Russia’s war with Ukraine. While no Ukrainian officials will be in attendance, Trump - despite months of criticising Putin’s refusal to halt attacks - says progress is likely this time, with the potential of some swapping of land between the two countries. With Russia struggling under international sanctions and inflation at 9.4%, economists see the meeting as not only a symbolic win for Putin, but as having the potential to include the easing of such sanctions with a ceasefire deal. Markets welcomed the announcement, with European and U.S. equities rising, while European defence stocks fell on expectations that peace could curb NATO military spending.",[],{"_key":21547,"_type":127,"children":21548,"markDefs":21553,"style":135},"3dcabc172ec0",[21549],{"_key":21550,"_type":131,"marks":21551,"text":21552},"ca1a64f43685",[],"Still to come this week we have UK GDP and balance of trade, EU GDP, U.S. PPI and Chinese retail sales.",[],{"_key":21555,"_type":127,"children":21556,"markDefs":21560,"style":135},"8792b85012c7",[21557],{"_key":21558,"_type":131,"marks":21559,"text":288},"caf80e7980af",[174],[],[21562],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":21563,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":21565,"blogPostMeta":21566,"content":21588,"tag":21663,"title":21587},"c0759ba3-ebdf-4008-8e88-feb4f28b9d0f",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":21567,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":21583,"publishedAt":21584,"slug":21585,"title":21587},{"_type":58,"asset":21568},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":21569,"mimeType":225,"opt":21579,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":21570,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":21571},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":21572,"darkVibrant":21573,"dominant":21574,"lightMuted":21575,"lightVibrant":21576,"muted":21577,"vibrant":21578},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":21580},{"tags":21581},[21582],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As you can see from the accompanying table markets closed the week on a strong note, buoyed by a weak US July jobs report, a surge in tech stocks, solid quarterly earnings, and optimism over potential progress in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.","2025-08-11T10:57:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":21586},"week-ending-8th-august-2025","Week ending 8th August 2025",[21589,21592,21596,21604,21612,21620,21628,21640,21648,21656],{"_key":21590,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":21591,"width":124},"c75bc2042939","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1109011318",{"_key":21593,"_type":58,"asset":21594},"3a952b6c668e",{"_ref":21595,"_type":107},"image-92b7912dacf50596208ef3fe99cbab6dc69e9d48-1600x2884-png",{"_key":21597,"_type":127,"children":21598,"markDefs":21603,"style":135},"c3ac26ef83b0",[21599],{"_key":21600,"_type":131,"marks":21601,"text":21602},"792aa3db3dad",[],"\nAs you can see from the accompanying table markets closed the week on a strong note, buoyed by a weak US July jobs report, a surge in tech stocks, solid quarterly earnings, and optimism over potential progress in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.",[],{"_key":21605,"_type":127,"children":21606,"markDefs":21611,"style":135},"50dc9af9cab2",[21607],{"_key":21608,"_type":131,"marks":21609,"text":21610},"e29c88641d25",[],"In the US, equities recovered from the prior week’s sell-off, led by the Nasdaq Composite, which hit a new record. Gains were driven in part by Apple shares, which rallied after the company pledged an additional $100bn toward US-based manufacturing on top of a previous $500bn commitment helping it avoid steep semiconductor tariffs.",[],{"_key":21613,"_type":127,"children":21614,"markDefs":21619,"style":135},"a6e3e07d25ef",[21615],{"_key":21616,"_type":131,"marks":21617,"text":21618},"478f5faf1f80",[],"The market reaction to President Donald Trump’s latest tariffs was muted. The measures, which took effect Thursday, were largely anticipated, with major trade deals already in place. Trump also doubled tariffs on India to 50% in response to its Russian oil purchases (effective 27 August) and maintained 39% tariffs on Switzerland after negotiations failed. Investors appear increasingly indifferent to tariff developments, or confident any economic fallout will be contained.",[],{"_key":21621,"_type":127,"children":21622,"markDefs":21627,"style":135},"bbe665943b0c",[21623],{"_key":21624,"_type":131,"marks":21625,"text":21626},"7803985cf4f8",[],"In the UK, the Bank of England cut interest rates to 4% the lowest level in over two years in an effort to support growth as inflationary pressures ease. The widely expected move marked the fifth cut since last August, though the Monetary Policy Committee was split, with five members in favour, four against, and one advocating for a larger 0.5% cut. While inflation remains above target, the Bank cited signs of disinflation as last year’s energy price surge fades. Governor Andrew Bailey struck a hawkish tone, stressing that any further cuts will depend on the inflation outlook. Lower interest rates reduce borrowing costs on mortgages, loans, and credit cards, easing financial pressure and making homeownership more attainable. With smaller repayments, households often have more disposable income, which can boost spending and help stimulate the economy. This often creates a supportive backdrop for equity markets, as stronger consumer demand and reduced corporate financing costs tend to bolster earnings, which can, in turn lift share prices",[],{"_key":21629,"_type":127,"children":21630,"markDefs":21639,"style":135},"686b32c6ec52",[21631,21635],{"_key":21632,"_type":131,"marks":21633,"text":21634},"100dd62d1dc3",[4468],"European stocks ticked higher late in the week amid growing optimism over diplomatic efforts between Russia and Ukraine.",{"_key":21636,"_type":131,"marks":21637,"text":21638},"18c359d888c2",[]," President Donald Trump reported “very good talks” with Russian President Vladimir Putin and hinted at a possible meeting, while media sources suggested he was working to arrange a joint discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The main event on Friday will be a scheduled meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska, where hopes for a truce are expected to take centre stage. Trump has floated the idea of “some swapping of territories” as part of a potential resolution an approach that Zelenskyy has firmly contested.",[],{"_key":21641,"_type":127,"children":21642,"markDefs":21647,"style":135},"10f03682faf7",[21643],{"_key":21644,"_type":131,"marks":21645,"text":21646},"b47e19f023b3",[],"Mainland Chinese stock markets posted weekly gains, buoyed by robust trade data that highlighted resilient global demand for Chinese goods despite ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. In July 2025, exports surged 7.2% year-over-year to USD 321.8 billion, surpassing forecasts of a 5.4% rise. This marked the fastest growth in outbound shipments since April, driven in part by a temporary reprieve from tariff pressures ahead of the looming August deadline.",[],{"_key":21649,"_type":127,"children":21650,"markDefs":21655,"style":135},"e5c3ca40ea0e",[21651],{"_key":21652,"_type":131,"marks":21653,"text":21654},"06668bd2880f",[],"Looking ahead, next week’s key data releases include UK unemployment, US inflation, UK retail sales, Q2 UK GDP, US PPI, and initial jobless claims. Later in the week, attention will turn to Chinese industrial production and retail sales, Japan’s Q2 GDP, UK industrial production, and US retail and industrial production figures.",[],{"_key":21657,"_type":127,"children":21658,"markDefs":21662,"style":135},"dbfb46db2d75",[21659],{"_key":21660,"_type":131,"marks":21661,"text":288},"4d776f7862ee",[174],[],[21664],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":21665,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":21667,"blogPostMeta":21668,"content":21688,"tag":21831,"title":21687},"d37b6df0-a810-4d16-847f-58484af1c1f8",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":21669,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":21683,"publishedAt":21684,"slug":21685,"title":21687},{"_type":58,"asset":21670},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":21671,"mimeType":225,"opt":21681,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":21672,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":21673},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":21674,"darkVibrant":21675,"dominant":21676,"lightMuted":21677,"lightVibrant":21678,"muted":21679,"vibrant":21680},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":21682},{"tags":65},"The Bank of England has lowered interest rates to 4%, the lowest level in over two years, in a bid to support the economy as inflationary pressures begin to ease.","2025-08-07T15:22:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":21686},"bank-of-england-cuts-interest-rates-to-4","Bank of England Cuts Interest Rates to 4%",[21689,21697,21705,21712,21720,21728,21735,21743,21755,21762,21774,21781,21793,21800,21808,21816,21823],{"_key":21690,"_type":127,"children":21691,"markDefs":21696,"style":135},"cef21c3dd576",[21692],{"_key":21693,"_type":131,"marks":21694,"text":21695},"f82039a94566",[],"The Bank of England has lowered interest rates to 4%, the lowest level in over two years, in a bid to support the economy as inflationary pressures begin to ease. The reduction from 4.25% marks the fifth rate cut since last August.",[],{"_key":21698,"_type":127,"children":21699,"markDefs":21704,"style":135},"539440fd506a",[21700],{"_key":21701,"_type":131,"marks":21702,"text":21703},"8fdeca365eef",[],"While the move was widely expected, the vote was notably divided. Five of the nine Monetary Policy Committee members supported the cut, while four dissented, including one who advocated for a larger 0.5% reduction. The Bank acknowledged that inflation remains above its 2% target but highlighted signs of disinflation, particularly as the effects of last year’s energy price surge continue to fade.",[],{"_key":21706,"_type":127,"children":21707,"markDefs":21711,"style":135},"848743abba55",[21708],{"_key":21709,"_type":131,"marks":21710,"text":1006},"644fb6f617d1",[],[],{"_key":21713,"_type":127,"children":21714,"markDefs":21719,"style":135},"8dbc2a2337c7",[21715],{"_key":21716,"_type":131,"marks":21717,"text":21718},"7afbc0a23238",[174],"What does this mean for consumers?",[],{"_key":21721,"_type":127,"children":21722,"markDefs":21727,"style":135},"f52a5c6a6a0b",[21723],{"_key":21724,"_type":131,"marks":21725,"text":21726},"13b6a6e7c6cd",[],"Lower interest rates reduce borrowing costs on mortgages, loans, and credit cards, easing financial pressure and making homeownership more attainable. With smaller repayments, households often have more disposable income, which can boost spending and help stimulate the economy. This often creates a supportive backdrop for equity markets, as stronger consumer demand and reduced corporate financing costs tend to bolster earnings, which can - in turn - lift share prices.",[],{"_key":21729,"_type":127,"children":21730,"markDefs":21734,"style":135},"4c049daebe95",[21731],{"_key":21732,"_type":131,"marks":21733,"text":1006},"655d87cf3212",[],[],{"_key":21736,"_type":127,"children":21737,"markDefs":21742,"style":135},"1f7be075ca35",[21738],{"_key":21739,"_type":131,"marks":21740,"text":21741},"538e9bd09164",[174],"What does this mean for investors?",[],{"_key":21744,"_type":127,"children":21745,"markDefs":21754,"style":135},"07b1cd4ab7d8",[21746,21750],{"_key":21747,"_type":131,"marks":21748,"text":21749},"1b18105189b4",[174],"- Equities",{"_key":21751,"_type":131,"marks":21752,"text":21753},"d41e42e72349",[],": Cheaper borrowing costs can boost business investment, consumer spending and corporate earnings, which often contribute to stronger equity performance.",[],{"_key":21756,"_type":127,"children":21757,"markDefs":21761,"style":135},"6dd9f27ae30e",[21758],{"_key":21759,"_type":131,"marks":21760,"text":1006},"b783114b44eb",[],[],{"_key":21763,"_type":127,"children":21764,"markDefs":21773,"style":135},"7978dc6796f1",[21765,21769],{"_key":21766,"_type":131,"marks":21767,"text":21768},"8a4bc3164227",[174],"- Fixed Income:",{"_key":21770,"_type":131,"marks":21771,"text":21772},"6555c584ec38",[]," Falling interest rates typically lead to higher bond prices, especially for longer-dated bonds. This is because their fixed interest payments become more attractive relative to the lower yields available on newly issued bonds. In a declining rate environment, the relative appeal of these fixed payments also increases compared to cash, which tends to generate lower returns.",[],{"_key":21775,"_type":127,"children":21776,"markDefs":21780,"style":135},"7621afcb7e07",[21777],{"_key":21778,"_type":131,"marks":21779,"text":1006},"37f65752b7a7",[],[],{"_key":21782,"_type":127,"children":21783,"markDefs":21792,"style":135},"6414382fc9a5",[21784,21788],{"_key":21785,"_type":131,"marks":21786,"text":21787},"89c72f94c57d",[174],"- Cash:",{"_key":21789,"_type":131,"marks":21790,"text":21791},"4cc44c3a23b9",[]," Yields on cash savings and deposit accounts are likely to decline, as banks typically adjust rates in line with the Bank of England’s base rate.",[],{"_key":21794,"_type":127,"children":21795,"markDefs":21799,"style":135},"d56900026a4a",[21796],{"_key":21797,"_type":131,"marks":21798,"text":1006},"8d1db03dbb52",[],[],{"_key":21801,"_type":127,"children":21802,"markDefs":21807,"style":135},"b4ca34f3cd8b",[21803],{"_key":21804,"_type":131,"marks":21805,"text":21806},"78a91973bdc6",[174],"Our Liquidity Portfolio Service",[],{"_key":21809,"_type":127,"children":21810,"markDefs":21815,"style":135},"69da12051b89",[21811],{"_key":21812,"_type":131,"marks":21813,"text":21814},"efdf900d4adb",[],"In a declining interest rate environment, traditional savings accounts typically offer diminished returns. For investors seeking low-risk yields, our Liquidity Portfolio Service may be a suitable option. The liquidity portfolio is designed to maximise returns by investing in money market funds, keeping your cash actively deployed and generating competitive yields (often higher than those available from standard deposit accounts).",[],{"_key":21817,"_type":127,"children":21818,"markDefs":21822,"style":135},"dbef21d9c018",[21819],{"_key":21820,"_type":131,"marks":21821,"text":1006},"2d980cd5b637",[],[],{"_key":21824,"_type":127,"children":21825,"markDefs":21830,"style":135},"a67007ec945b",[21826],{"_key":21827,"_type":131,"marks":21828,"text":21829},"b91311549964",[4468],"\nInvestments can go down as well as up in value. Monies held in liquidity funds are considered low risk and when held within a portfolio management service (the investment is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000 per person). Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.",[],[21832],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":21833,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":21835,"blogPostMeta":21836,"content":21884,"tag":21888,"title":21883},"f64475e5-7469-45f3-ad0e-3f1cc5264704",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":21837,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":21880,"slug":21881,"title":21883},{"_type":58,"asset":21838,"crop":21874,"hotspot":21877},{"_createdAt":21839,"_id":21840,"_rev":21841,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":21839,"assetId":21842,"extension":67,"metadata":21843,"mimeType":101,"originalFilename":21869,"path":21870,"sha1hash":21842,"size":21871,"uploadId":21872,"url":21873},"2025-08-06T11:27:03Z","image-2a7db082a22988f61b012e78dd9b1e7e654d5b93-1828x970-png","S0Hew6m0uENNHcyNRN5ai9","2a7db082a22988f61b012e78dd9b1e7e654d5b93",{"_type":69,"blurHash":21844,"dimensions":21845,"exif":21849,"hasAlpha":76,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":21850,"palette":21851},"MFIhpg00xx~49[^foYrrvxS}0O-Oo#b_xT",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":21846,"height":21847,"width":21848},1.8845360824742268,970,1828,{"PixelXDimension":21848,"PixelYDimension":21847,"_type":499},"data:image\u002Fpng;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAALCAYAAAB\u002FCa1DAAAACXBIWXMAABYlAAAWJQFJUiTwAAAC8UlEQVR4nAXBe1tSBwDA4fOdtj17tj+0HmtuMxkm6cpcLjmQnrQQcGrSMRDxEqjcLxIQMBQQ5RJKSCIybzS12ff57X2Ft\u002FZZ3vlk8nEzu4k32Jen0GgsPHkUprffTJeml6dmBba1YTJJB9v5Aslik3jpkmjpmnDxinDxmsDOZ5ZjBwj+FQ1pl4ZGYoxWRkfUIaLV6Bh6HGD4mQOtTc1k4AEO50OKGxKHSQP7m1byuTiZYpW\u002FyxckK1+Jlm9wbjUQbMZ7+Gd+pbKuohUZJG7rxTChxjjtwLDgYcQvo3WKWO3D7MUmuEgMcxZ7yHFcTS01SzkXpLBXIV05J7jbRDA8+4U56S6hV11kFntxy32svjUSjnkxRaP0J3dQut2YHNPU0hauCm+4yE5ytvmck5REMzVBI7fA3octEqVDhAf9nfwx0MkLsQv9iILRERXyvJ5ltxVxZQllJE9fZBuLz8bRziI31TUu9+xclJY4L63QKi3SKtupH2yS\u002FfgJoe23nxjUDjI5M87ISzU9T1SI+lGmrLOI03oGTCY0VjMOt0xjd4Wvn9zc1DxcH4a4aiS4Os1x2arQbDUp1I8Q1EYJV8hJKvueYMyH0TLNlHkWl8uOdW6KMfExkvoRTvs0jf0g\u002F51s8uUsx3Vrj8vLOq3rU86+\u002FEv9c4udWg1h1RNiIxFhNbJCMB7C6Q0gm0wsz+gxvxCRBnp4+vt9FhbnKFfzHJ\u002FXOTxrcHDapHJywofjEwpH\u002F5Cp1gll8wiyOYq8EEJnNWOy+Xg962N8UER3X8loTxd9P3eg7O7CIL8mViiQrR2SqhyQLFdJlKu8L37kXX4ff7rIUjiJMKSfQdJ5GNdtMKYPIkqvGOpWor19l4H2dtq+\u002F4ZbHbeRpv5iPZEgsJ3Dl87i2crgTWfxbmVxpTLYo0lklw+h87mCHnGMvkELKrURhdiHovsOqlsd3Gtv59sfv+OHO238+VLCtO7A4vcx7\u002Fdi8XuwBDzM+z3M+zzIzjUmbBb+B8j1SOxDJlsCAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":21852,"darkVibrant":21855,"dominant":21857,"lightMuted":21858,"lightVibrant":21861,"muted":21864,"vibrant":21867},{"_type":81,"background":21853,"foreground":83,"population":21854,"title":83},"#203e32",8.21,{"_type":81,"background":21856,"foreground":83,"population":19901,"title":83},"#093e3d",{"_type":81,"background":21853,"foreground":83,"population":21854,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":21859,"foreground":91,"population":21860,"title":83},"#a7b9c8",3.07,{"_type":81,"background":21862,"foreground":91,"population":21863,"title":83},"#a5bad6",5.59,{"_type":81,"background":21865,"foreground":83,"population":21866,"title":83},"#678aaf",6.36,{"_type":81,"background":21868,"foreground":83,"population":2959,"title":83},"#bb8c35","Screenshot 2025-08-06 at 12.26.40.png","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F2a7db082a22988f61b012e78dd9b1e7e654d5b93-1828x970.png",1693776,"HTYmR0AzvodmZIQSEJrfUdrgiRTaoRNc","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F2a7db082a22988f61b012e78dd9b1e7e654d5b93-1828x970.png",{"_type":1179,"bottom":1159,"left":21875,"right":21876,"top":1159},0.006125511869266492,0.005439281176365176,{"_type":1183,"height":1228,"width":21878,"x":21879,"y":2970},0.9884352069543684,0.5003431153464506,"2025-08-06T11:24:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":21882},"market-outlook-summer-2025","Market Outlook - Summer 2025",[21885],{"_key":21886,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":21887,"width":124},"588a7033c505","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.flipsnack.com?hash=OUNCQjhCQjhCN0ErN2phN3FsbHBtYQ==",[21889],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":21890,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":21892,"blogPostMeta":21893,"content":21913,"tag":21965,"title":21912},"2a404a98-f31d-46bf-bd3b-2076253d7744",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":21894,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":21908,"publishedAt":21909,"slug":21910,"title":21912},{"_type":58,"asset":21895},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":21896,"mimeType":225,"opt":21906,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":21897,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":21898},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":21899,"darkVibrant":21900,"dominant":21901,"lightMuted":21902,"lightVibrant":21903,"muted":21904,"vibrant":21905},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":21907},{"tags":65},"Some encouraging PMI data emerged from Asia this week. In Japan, services sector activity picked up pace in July, with the Services PMI rising to 53.6 from 51.7 in June, which marks the strongest expansion since February. ","2025-08-06T09:59:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":21911},"market-update-6th-august-2025","Market Update - 6th August 2025",[21914,21917,21925,21933,21941,21949,21957],{"_key":21915,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":21916,"width":124},"8cdf7bd0f714","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1107688308",{"_key":21918,"_type":127,"children":21919,"markDefs":21924,"style":135},"d821310d80fb",[21920],{"_key":21921,"_type":131,"marks":21922,"text":21923},"7074a81e1385",[],"Some encouraging PMI data emerged from Asia this week. In Japan, services sector activity picked up pace in July, with the Services PMI rising to 53.6 from 51.7 in June, which marks the strongest expansion since February. As a reminder, a reading above 50 signals growth, while anything below indicates contraction. The improvement was largely driven by stronger domestic demand, reflected in a rise in new business orders. However, export orders fell at the sharpest rate in three years, weighed down by a decline in tourist numbers amid renewed earthquake concerns in the region. Economists suggest that business sentiment could improve further, supported by the recent U.S.-Japan trade deal, which is expected to help lift consumption and offer a much-needed boost to Japan’s struggling manufacturing sector.",[],{"_key":21926,"_type":127,"children":21927,"markDefs":21932,"style":135},"a08fb221b930",[21928],{"_key":21929,"_type":131,"marks":21930,"text":21931},"61c06fe6e25b",[],"In China, the Caixin General Services PMI climbed to 52.6 in July 2025, up from June’s nine-month low of 50.6. This marks the sector’s fastest rate of expansion since May 2024. The rebound was driven primarily by a surge in new business (particularly from overseas clients) highlighting a modest recovery in foreign demand. Employment also improved, rising at its quickest pace since July last year after a dip in the previous month.",[],{"_key":21934,"_type":127,"children":21935,"markDefs":21940,"style":135},"e4b9c4a77ffc",[21936],{"_key":21937,"_type":131,"marks":21938,"text":21939},"042cd83119ba",[],"Meanwhile, global trade developments remain in focus. On Monday, the European Union announced a six-month suspension of its planned retaliatory tariffs against the United States, which had been due to take effect this week. The pause allows time for continued negotiations aimed at finalising a Joint Statement, following an agreement reached on July 27th. Last month, President Trump announced a trade deal with the EU that included 15% tariffs on a broad range of European goods entering the U.S., including automobiles. In exchange, the EU agreed to remove several tariffs on American industrial exports and committed to purchasing $750 billion worth of U.S. energy.",[],{"_key":21942,"_type":127,"children":21943,"markDefs":21948,"style":135},"85b1d0787487",[21944],{"_key":21945,"_type":131,"marks":21946,"text":21947},"877473963571",[],"Also on Monday, President Trump signalled that additional tariffs on Indian goods may be on the table, citing India’s ongoing purchases of Russian oil. India, which already faces 25% U.S. tariffs on select imports, responded by reaffirming its commitment to national interests and economic security. Reports indicate India intends to maintain its energy trade relationship with Russia despite potential repercussions.",[],{"_key":21950,"_type":127,"children":21951,"markDefs":21956,"style":135},"b6ed5966bd9d",[21952],{"_key":21953,"_type":131,"marks":21954,"text":21955},"d730db90143c",[],"Looking ahead, investors are turning their attention to the Bank of England’s upcoming policy meeting later this week, where a rate cut from the current 4.25% is widely anticipated. Also on the radar: China’s latest trade balance figures and key U.S. jobs data, both of which could help shape the near-term outlook for global markets.",[],{"_key":21958,"_type":127,"children":21959,"markDefs":21964,"style":135},"db3e259d6064",[21960],{"_key":21961,"_type":131,"marks":21962,"text":21963},"8f2972d8f4d7",[174],"Nicola Tune Portfolio Specialist",[],[21966],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":21967,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":21969,"blogPostMeta":21970,"content":21992,"tag":22087,"title":21991},"9dd56e71-75a2-448a-8340-89772ba55c84",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":21971,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":21987,"publishedAt":21988,"slug":21989,"title":21991},{"_type":58,"asset":21972},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":21973,"mimeType":225,"opt":21983,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":21974,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":21975},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":21976,"darkVibrant":21977,"dominant":21978,"lightMuted":21979,"lightVibrant":21980,"muted":21981,"vibrant":21982},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":21984},{"tags":21985},[21986],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As you can see from the accompanying table, markets lost momentum at the end of the week. ","2025-08-04T10:34:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":21990},"week-ending-1st-august-2025","Week ending 1st August 2025",[21993,21996,22000,22008,22016,22024,22032,22040,22048,22056,22064,22072,22080],{"_key":21994,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":21995,"width":124},"03b7b5ddfe8c","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1107070710?h=5b8e74ed7e",{"_key":21997,"_type":58,"asset":21998},"34783dad8efa",{"_ref":21999,"_type":107},"image-1951b2cea83870edf982d9fee8cb973246ed0fad-1600x2884-png",{"_key":22001,"_type":127,"children":22002,"markDefs":22007,"style":135},"437adff5b21e",[22003],{"_key":22004,"_type":131,"marks":22005,"text":22006},"4137d815983f",[],"\nAs you can see from the accompanying table, markets lost momentum at the end of the week. It was a week of mixed messages for markets as strong US data, solid tech earnings, and a steady Federal Reserve were overshadowed by geopolitics. President Trump reignited trade tensions with a fresh wave of tariffs, catching investors off guard and sending global equities lower by the end of the week.",[],{"_key":22009,"_type":127,"children":22010,"markDefs":22015,"style":135},"e3848ac8643a",[22011],{"_key":22012,"_type":131,"marks":22013,"text":22014},"3eafea5cd623",[],"The US economy showed surprising resilience in Q2, with GDP rebounding 3% on an annualised basis, far outpacing expectations and reversing the 0.5% contraction seen in Q1, which was heavily distorted by tariff front running causing a surge in imports. Inflation data was broadly in line with forecasts, with the Fed’s preferred core PCE index rising 0.3% month-on-month in June.",[],{"_key":22017,"_type":127,"children":22018,"markDefs":22023,"style":135},"27a276304ced",[22019],{"_key":22020,"_type":131,"marks":22021,"text":22022},"0149aee65014",[],"Also in the US, the Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged at 4.25%–4.50% for the fifth consecutive meeting. While this was widely expected, two dissenting votes in favour of a cut signalled growing unease within the committee. Chair Powell maintained a data-dependent stance, acknowledging a moderation in growth and inflation still “somewhat elevated.”",[],{"_key":22025,"_type":127,"children":22026,"markDefs":22031,"style":135},"2607cb953c0d",[22027],{"_key":22028,"_type":131,"marks":22029,"text":22030},"181878a02dff",[],"US Labour market data, however, told a different story. July’s nonfarm payrolls rose by just 73K, well short of expectations, and the previous two months were sharply revised lower by a combined 258K. The unemployment rate ticked up to 4.2% in July 2025, adding to speculation that the Fed may need to ease policy sooner than anticipated. Rate cut odds for September jumped back above 80% following the report.",[],{"_key":22033,"_type":127,"children":22034,"markDefs":22039,"style":135},"a98dba64b229",[22035],{"_key":22036,"_type":131,"marks":22037,"text":22038},"12c1aaa45594",[],"Earnings headlines were another major focal point during the week. By Friday morning, earnings had rolled in from 66% of S&P 500 companies and 82% of those have outpaced Wall Street expectations. Big tech provided a temporary lift midweek. Microsoft impressed across the board, with revenue guidance and cloud computing growth both beating expectations. Microsoft is set to spend in excess of $30bn to build out the data centres powering its AI services. Meta also delivered, sending shares up more than 10% on the day. Amazon outperformed on both earnings and revenue but not enough to impress investors, while Apple’s report landed broadly in line with expectations. Despite macro headwinds, the sector’s earnings resilience remains a key support for equities.",[],{"_key":22041,"_type":127,"children":22042,"markDefs":22047,"style":135},"2931fd64075e",[22043],{"_key":22044,"_type":131,"marks":22045,"text":22046},"fe50371c7a7f",[],"In the Eurozone, GDP rose just 0.1% in Q2, a significant slowdown from Q1’s 0.6% pace and the weakest quarterly growth since late 2023. While the print was slightly better than expectations for zero growth, it reflected growing caution from both businesses and consumers.",[],{"_key":22049,"_type":127,"children":22050,"markDefs":22055,"style":135},"431dfb72fbdb",[22051],{"_key":22052,"_type":131,"marks":22053,"text":22054},"e7b5e6bf483a",[],"Markets pulled back sharply on Friday as President Trump announced a broad set of tariffs affecting over 90 countries. Yet, in a familiar pattern, implementation has once again been postponed following the 1st August deadline. While the headlines felt dramatic, the substance was less severe than many economies had feared. Blanket tariffs of 10–15% were applied to most economies with trade surpluses with the US, with some countries negotiating exemptions or softer terms.",[],{"_key":22057,"_type":127,"children":22058,"markDefs":22063,"style":135},"5588147a52ea",[22059],{"_key":22060,"_type":131,"marks":22061,"text":22062},"164cbb62a002",[],"Separate agreements with Canada, Mexico, and China, alongside ongoing diplomatic discussions. The UK secured a relatively favourable outcome, with a 10% levy lighter than the 15% imposed on the EU and Japan. India, meanwhile, saw a targeted 25% tariff for some goods in response to Russian oil imports.",[],{"_key":22065,"_type":127,"children":22066,"markDefs":22071,"style":135},"9917e7827ac9",[22067],{"_key":22068,"_type":131,"marks":22069,"text":22070},"706b03c6bc69",[],"While the announcement rattled sentiment, the market reaction felt more like déjà vu than panic. We’ve seen this playbook before bold rhetoric followed by rounds of negotiations, exemptions, and ultimately, in many cases a more measured outcome. Markets will likely adjust quickly just as they did during previous trade flare-ups.",[],{"_key":22073,"_type":127,"children":22074,"markDefs":22079,"style":135},"42a40493aa55",[22075],{"_key":22076,"_type":131,"marks":22077,"text":22078},"a03a896a2eeb",[],"Next week brings fresh data on global services activity (including US and Chinese PMIs), European retail sales, and China’s balance of trade. The Bank of England meets on Thursday with a rate cut expected, marking a potential turning point in UK monetary policy.",[],{"_key":22081,"_type":127,"children":22082,"markDefs":22086,"style":135},"d583f77fc169",[22083],{"_key":22084,"_type":131,"marks":22085,"text":288},"021ad2c31088",[174],[],[22088],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":22089,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":22091,"blogPostMeta":22092,"content":22112,"tag":22171,"title":22111},"0eae2e18-d65e-4203-bdd8-53d21011b81e",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":22093,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":22107,"publishedAt":22108,"slug":22109,"title":22111},{"_type":58,"asset":22094},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":22095,"mimeType":225,"opt":22105,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":22096,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":22097},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":22098,"darkVibrant":22099,"dominant":22100,"lightMuted":22101,"lightVibrant":22102,"muted":22103,"vibrant":22104},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":22106},{"tags":65},"It has been a week of little economic data for markets to process. Euro area inflation currently stands at 2% - matching the ECB’s target.","2025-07-30T11:01:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":22110},"market-update-30th-july-2025","Market Update - 30th July 2025",[22113,22116,22124,22132,22140,22148,22156,22164],{"_key":22114,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":22115,"width":124},"fd7666ffbbc5","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1105742113",{"_key":22117,"_type":127,"children":22118,"markDefs":22123,"style":135},"def4bcd88df1",[22119],{"_key":22120,"_type":131,"marks":22121,"text":22122},"383e2ade6baf",[],"\nIt has been a week of little economic data for markets to process. Euro area inflation currently stands at 2% - matching the ECB’s target. A Tuesday report showed short-term consumer expectations edging up to 2.6%, the lowest in four months, hinting at growing confidence in ECB policy. The findings follow last week’s decision to hold interest rates steady amid cited signs of easing price growth, even while ECB President Christine Lagarde acknowledged that uncertainty persists particularly around the inflationary impact of recent U.S. trade tariffs on the region.",[],{"_key":22125,"_type":127,"children":22126,"markDefs":22131,"style":135},"aab247689481",[22127],{"_key":22128,"_type":131,"marks":22129,"text":22130},"5ebc8dcf5672",[],"Meanwhile, U.S. labour market data released this week pointed to a gradual cooling of economic activity. The June Job Openings and Labour Turnover Survey (JOLTS) reported that job vacancies dipped to just under 7.5 million, which fell short of forecasts and prompted some economists to reconsider the Federal Reserve’s next policy move. However, hiring remained steady at 5.2 million, and the quits rate held firm at 3.1 million, consistent with the previous month. Taken together, the data suggests a labour market that is no longer excessively tight, with the decline in vacancies also potentially helping to temper wage growth and reduce inflationary pressures. With unemployment still near 4%, the Fed possibly now has the flexibility to ease interest rates without reigniting inflation. Markets are currently expecting no rate change at today’s Fed interest rate meeting but are pricing in the possibility of a 25-basis point cut in September.",[],{"_key":22133,"_type":127,"children":22134,"markDefs":22139,"style":135},"71cbe3cb38e6",[22135],{"_key":22136,"_type":131,"marks":22137,"text":22138},"e26ca1b951d0",[],"A combination of stronger-than-expected economic performance in the first half of the year and improved sentiment around trade tariffs led the IMF to upgrade its outlook for China on Tuesday. The 2025 growth forecast was raised from 4.0% to 4.8%, reflecting both the resilience of recent activity and the assumption that previously high tariffs have eased significantly. The IMF also factored in the likelihood that paused tariffs will remain suspended beyond the current deadline of 1 August, and that no new tariffs will be introduced.",[],{"_key":22141,"_type":127,"children":22142,"markDefs":22147,"style":135},"808b43f96093",[22143],{"_key":22144,"_type":131,"marks":22145,"text":22146},"746af35a3b50",[],"Also, this week senior U.S. and Chinese representatives concluded two days of productive trade talks in Stockholm, with both parties reportedly agreeing to keep working toward a possible extension of the current 90-day tariff pause set to expire on August 12th. Although the tone was largely positive, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted that any decision to prolong the truce ultimately depends on consensus from President Trump.",[],{"_key":22149,"_type":127,"children":22150,"markDefs":22155,"style":135},"62c9425c77d6",[22151],{"_key":22152,"_type":131,"marks":22153,"text":22154},"55817e6532dd",[],"Ireland’s economy contracted by 1% in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the previous quarter, according to early estimates, marking a sharp reversal from the strong 7.4% expansion seen in Q1. This decline broke a five-month run of growth and was largely attributed to a slowdown in the industrial sector, which is heavily influenced by multinational corporations. On an annual basis, GDP growth decelerated to 12.5%, down from the impressive 20% recorded in the previous quarter.",[],{"_key":22157,"_type":127,"children":22158,"markDefs":22163,"style":135},"30cc0dd36364",[22159],{"_key":22160,"_type":131,"marks":22161,"text":22162},"f4ab514ac0ac",[],"Still to come this week we have Eurozone and U.S. GDP, the Fed’s interest rate decision and also an interest rate decision from the Bank of Japan.",[],{"_key":22165,"_type":127,"children":22166,"markDefs":22170,"style":135},"17fe7759a941",[22167],{"_key":22168,"_type":131,"marks":22169,"text":175},"0c2e9beb0872",[174],[],[22172],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":22173,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":22175,"blogPostMeta":22176,"content":22218,"tag":22299,"title":22217},"210523cf-94ec-479e-b7f2-36d89273aca6",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":22177,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":22213,"publishedAt":22214,"slug":22215,"title":22217},{"_type":58,"asset":22178},{"_createdAt":22179,"_id":22180,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":22181,"extension":67,"metadata":22182,"mimeType":101,"opt":22203,"originalFilename":22208,"path":22209,"sha1hash":22181,"size":22210,"uploadId":22211,"url":22212},"2025-07-24T12:56:57Z","image-335cafcd5417b1163f59dc3987aafd00aecf13d4-1200x800-png","335cafcd5417b1163f59dc3987aafd00aecf13d4",{"_type":69,"blurHash":22183,"dimensions":22184,"hasAlpha":76,"isOpaque":4,"lqip":22186,"palette":22187},"VUHdvp-AEhNaM|~poft5R*V@-;s:xEoLR*tSt7RjoMs:",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":495,"height":124,"width":22185},1200,"data:image\u002Fpng;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAANCAYAAACpUE5eAAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAADjklEQVR4nBXPaU+aBwDAcb5Ik6XJ3njhBQ8CwgNy1xMv8KpamNc8GB54ok5F64FUrNe0Oq1YlCpF42Ji1i6zW7vseNO4pMs+yvNf9vsGP9nl+SF\u002FvUtyf77CfWqNfz995PM\u002Fn\u002Flwm+Kn+HN+vTzk47trblKvOI3tc3aeIHERJxnfIHUSIRl7Rvz7FQ625tiIBJG9jIzyc3yVT6ch7l8v8Pf7S357e8Xt9hQf1nu52wrwZmOSk2iQ2PZTEqeHJBJHvIlHuTmPcnOxSSoe5dXhCvvbIWTLfhfxpV7uXozwx\u002FEEf17tcnsU4frbJn4P1fJ+rp7TsToOJlvZf9rHdmSCjcg4se8muHkd5serLX5IbpI8W+f0eBXZRKuRaMBFfKGZVPgJb18ucLk+RmqonF9GHNyNFpMcLGUvUM2ir4LhNgeBdgfR6UYSuwNcHk9zEZvnNLZM7GgRWX9NGjPtGsJ9CiI+FcfLHRzNtrPn0ZPyCqQ61Ox3iTzrMTH9lRZ\u002FgwJ\u002Fg5IFn4WD+Vp2593Mj9QwPtjA2FAzsibrAzrKHzLofsBw\u002FRcs+8xE\u002FBWE3AIHHg1xn5WNLpFot4pwTwFTbWqGmwWCbYVEAnamuotwFedgFjMxi9nISsRM3LYsOp1y+muyWW7Ts+mzs+g18CJQxXW4g7Ppag4DJjYHLEx3WvA1GehtNNDfYsJTq8duzEOjTEetSEPmMOhw2kSqrWoabALBJj17fhsbPSZ2B8u4XGrlKuQmMV5CbNzJfI8TT42VulITdaVGqhwiZRYddqMGi16FzGIw4jDqMQlZ6LIe4jKkM9tSyKpXw8oTgZ1uA0d+KyeDFi4mSlj3V9DiNFNsLMQharHpNVj1Goq0KgqFfGSiRkupqOWJMQev9ks6jWnMuNVEvDoWm\u002FIJuXNYalSy1aHheKCIHf8jOmvN2PVqjGoBUaWgUJmPkCsnJyMdWYFCQYmugNFSgedOOVtV2ew+VrPlEZl1KxlwpDFals5CYy7bX2vZ63cw9NhGuVmHRaemSCOgU+ahypWjzMlCpsyRY9MqGCgTWKuUs12dzX6jwFq9iomKXPrsGfSXpjFWnUnYq2LnGytBj52GcjOVDhNlFhGbqEUsUKL7v6zIzpQe6RXSUI1WCrlU0kxFnjRXni0FizOlyUqFNNmgkYZdedKAM0OabcyTol2iNOW1SZ4ah+Qud0hOe5FkN2glnZAnKeQZ0n9J6U7TX0E9uQAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":22188,"darkVibrant":22191,"dominant":22194,"lightMuted":22195,"lightVibrant":22197,"muted":22199,"vibrant":22201},{"_type":81,"background":22189,"foreground":83,"population":22190,"title":83},"#463e39",8.53,{"_type":81,"background":22192,"foreground":83,"population":22193,"title":83},"#6d470c",3.88,{"_type":81,"background":22189,"foreground":83,"population":22190,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":11958,"foreground":91,"population":22196,"title":91},7.96,{"_type":81,"background":22198,"foreground":91,"population":100,"title":83},"#e6c17d",{"_type":81,"background":22200,"foreground":83,"population":6919,"title":83},"#9b7e62",{"_type":81,"background":22202,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},"#b56b17",{"media":22204},{"tags":22205},[22206],{"_key":22207,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"n_nxu9X9zFpZhOtJgp4fL","Key things to understand if your workplace offers share plans - Image.png","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F335cafcd5417b1163f59dc3987aafd00aecf13d4-1200x800.png",1533054,"V9yJJlF3hDXPNvur2K6LOKypec0FMAXe","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F335cafcd5417b1163f59dc3987aafd00aecf13d4-1200x800.png","Share plans play an integral part in any reward and benefits strategy. They are designed to encourage longer term saving which can result in greater financial wellbeing. ","2025-07-29T12:55:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":22216},"key-things-to-understand-if-your-workplace-offers-share-plans","Key things to understand if your workplace offers share plans",[22219,22227,22235,22243,22251,22259,22267,22275,22283,22291],{"_key":22220,"_type":127,"children":22221,"markDefs":22226,"style":135},"5d392acc24d7",[22222],{"_key":22223,"_type":131,"marks":22224,"text":22225},"7ce4935e2f9e",[],"Share plans play an integral part in any reward and benefits strategy. They are designed to encourage longer term saving which can result in greater financial wellbeing. Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work answers some questions on the key things to understand if your workplace offers share plans.",[],{"_key":22228,"_type":127,"children":22229,"markDefs":22234,"style":135},"eb88d2b92d9b",[22230],{"_key":22231,"_type":131,"marks":22232,"text":22233},"2a87cbd284fe",[174],"What are the different types of share plans available?",[],{"_key":22236,"_type":127,"children":22237,"markDefs":22242,"style":135},"daab5da99f28",[22238],{"_key":22239,"_type":131,"marks":22240,"text":22241},"107f87ee5123",[],"Watts-Lay comments; “To encourage employees to save more, many companies offer share plans, one of the most popular being Save As You Earn (SAYE) often known as Sharesave. Employees are invited to save between £5 and £500 per month over a three or five-year period, at the end of which they can then use the savings to buy shares in the company at a fixed ‘option price’ set at the start of the plan. Many employers offer a fixed ‘option price’ which is set at a discount of up to 20% of the actual share price at the start of the plan. In essence, there is no investment risk involved for the employee as at the end of the period, if the share price has fallen below the ‘option price’, the employee can receive all of their savings back. If the share price is higher than the option price at the end of the share plan’s term, the employee will be able to buy the shares below their market value, enabling them to generate a return on their money.",[],{"_key":22244,"_type":127,"children":22245,"markDefs":22250,"style":135},"45161cf19689",[22246],{"_key":22247,"_type":131,"marks":22248,"text":22249},"d05b1a98191e",[],"A SAYE also allows employees to have up to a 12-month payment holiday. Anyone can use this in order to suspend their contributions temporarily, whilst not losing the right to exercise their share option.",[],{"_key":22252,"_type":127,"children":22253,"markDefs":22258,"style":135},"c39a8b0115b0",[22254],{"_key":22255,"_type":131,"marks":22256,"text":22257},"6ab50b0c265e",[],"The Share Incentive Plan (SIP) is another popular all employee share plan enabling employees to purchase up to £1,800 of shares each year (or 10% of salary if less) typically by monthly contributions, from pre-tax salary. Employers may also provide matching shares so that the employee can receive up to two additional shares for each share purchased. Some companies will also use the SIP to gift ‘free shares’ of up to £3,600 in any tax year to employees.”",[],{"_key":22260,"_type":127,"children":22261,"markDefs":22266,"style":135},"ccf85065de7b",[22262],{"_key":22263,"_type":131,"marks":22264,"text":22265},"c2bb16d92079",[174],"What needs to be considered?",[],{"_key":22268,"_type":127,"children":22269,"markDefs":22274,"style":135},"21625e9bd040",[22270],{"_key":22271,"_type":131,"marks":22272,"text":22273},"9e0cb33bff7b",[],"Watts-Lay comments; “Both SAYE and SIP have attractive tax benefits. With SAYE, any gain realised when selling the shares bought through the plan is free from income tax but is instead chargeable to Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Gains chargeable to CGT are exempt up to the annual exempt amount, and any gains above this level are taxed at a maximum rate of 24%. With the SIP there is the National Insurance contribution and income tax saving, as a result of making contributions from pre-tax income. Any gain on shares held in a SIP are also free from income tax and Capital Gains Tax as long as they are held in the plan for at least 5 years. Tax efficiency can also be maximised by linking shares coming out of a SAYE to an ISA, which can mitigate a participant’s capital gains tax liability.",[],{"_key":22276,"_type":127,"children":22277,"markDefs":22282,"style":135},"4c9d5f2cdcc8",[22278],{"_key":22279,"_type":131,"marks":22280,"text":22281},"0887bcb76c33",[],"Participants need to be well informed to make the right decisions as to whether they should sell shares or continue to hold on to them. An understanding of the value dividends may provide in the future as well as the importance of not putting all their eggs in one basket and diversifying their investment, are all things employees should consider.”",[],{"_key":22284,"_type":127,"children":22285,"markDefs":22290,"style":135},"2c690b3549a9",[22286],{"_key":22287,"_type":131,"marks":22288,"text":22289},"298c255b9af2",[174],"What support is available?",[],{"_key":22292,"_type":127,"children":22293,"markDefs":22298,"style":135},"1e388af220aa",[22294],{"_key":22295,"_type":131,"marks":22296,"text":22297},"88c958ec8965",[],"Watts-Lay comments; “Many leading employers now provide financial education and guidance on the different share plans available, and the choices of what to do when the shares are released from the plan. As well as this, some also provide access to Workplace ISAs to mitigate tax. This can all make a huge difference in enabling employees to build an understanding of the of the real value of the plans on offer and in turn, improve financial resilience and wellbeing.”",[],[22300],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":22301,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":22303,"blogPostMeta":22304,"content":22326,"tag":22437,"title":22325},"32b569ef-147c-4e4b-b4d0-1b238854d2a6",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":22305,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":22321,"publishedAt":22322,"slug":22323,"title":22325},{"_type":58,"asset":22306},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":22307,"mimeType":225,"opt":22317,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":22308,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":22309},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":22310,"darkVibrant":22311,"dominant":22312,"lightMuted":22313,"lightVibrant":22314,"muted":22315,"vibrant":22316},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":22318},{"tags":22319},[22320],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As shown in the accompanying table, equities rallied last week, buoyed by solid corporate earnings and growing optimism on the global trade front.","2025-07-28T10:44:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":22324},"week-ending-25th-july-2025","Week ending 25th July 2025",[22327,22330,22334,22342,22350,22358,22366,22374,22382,22390,22398,22406,22414,22422,22430],{"_key":22328,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":22329,"width":124},"0b3d1dda6551","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1105099228?badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479",{"_key":22331,"_type":58,"asset":22332},"d39c5a909787",{"_ref":22333,"_type":107},"image-a02d9614f55fd3231e130f96a8282018a314dde7-1600x2884-png",{"_key":22335,"_type":127,"children":22336,"markDefs":22341,"style":135},"c462d1503cb8",[22337],{"_key":22338,"_type":131,"marks":22339,"text":22340},"2d191d14126b",[],"\nAs shown in the accompanying table, equities rallied last week, buoyed by solid corporate earnings and growing optimism on the global trade front.",[],{"_key":22343,"_type":127,"children":22344,"markDefs":22349,"style":135},"ea0422e494ae",[22345],{"_key":22346,"_type":131,"marks":22347,"text":22348},"22e0ee35b95b",[],"In the U.S., both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite reached fresh record highs for the second week running. Market sentiment was lifted by announcements of new U.S. trade deals ahead of the 1st of August deadline. The Trump administration secured agreements with Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, while signs of progress in EU–U.S. trade talks added to the upbeat tone.",[],{"_key":22351,"_type":127,"children":22352,"markDefs":22357,"style":135},"945db3eb2484",[22353],{"_key":22354,"_type":131,"marks":22355,"text":22356},"da115e3551b5",[],"Importantly, and as we expected, President Trump’s initial high tariffs and tight deadlines have led to more moderate, negotiated outcomes. The new agreement with Japan, for example, sets tariffs at 15%, well below early projections. The deal also includes increased U.S. access to Japanese markets and significant Japanese investment into the U.S.",[],{"_key":22359,"_type":127,"children":22360,"markDefs":22365,"style":135},"17c7806d2633",[22361],{"_key":22362,"_type":131,"marks":22363,"text":22364},"83f3946d8f57",[],"Earnings season also remained in focus. Among the Magnificent Seven, Google’s parent company, Alphabet beat expectations, supported by investor optimism around its AI strategy. In contrast, Tesla missed estimates and saw its share price decline over the week.",[],{"_key":22367,"_type":127,"children":22368,"markDefs":22373,"style":135},"cf0f90e2f54d",[22369],{"_key":22370,"_type":131,"marks":22371,"text":22372},"438246f481fa",[],"On the economic front, flash PMI data pointed to a pick-up in U.S. business activity, led by the services sector. The composite PMI rose to 54.6, while manufacturing slipped back into contraction at 49.5. The upturn was driven by strong services activity, manufacturing output also increased, but at a modest pace, showing a divergence in momentum between sectors.",[],{"_key":22375,"_type":127,"children":22376,"markDefs":22381,"style":135},"c941d636d504",[22377],{"_key":22378,"_type":131,"marks":22379,"text":22380},"aad5393571be",[],"In Europe, equities were marginally higher, small gains were underpinned by cautious optimism around EU–U.S. trade discussions with the 1st of August deadline approaching. On Thursday, the European Central Bank left rates unchanged but struck a slightly hawkish tone. President Lagarde reiterated the ECB’s 2% inflation target and reinforced the central bank’s data-driven approach. Over the weekend, a long-anticipated agreement was reached, with most European exports to the U.S., including automobiles, set to face a 15% tariff. While higher than hoped, the deal provides businesses with clarity and avoids the risk of a broader trade dispute.",[],{"_key":22383,"_type":127,"children":22384,"markDefs":22389,"style":135},"4cc8234eea22",[22385],{"_key":22386,"_type":131,"marks":22387,"text":22388},"d0f70fd440a7",[],"UK equities hit record highs this week, with the FTSE 100 up 1.4% as markets grew optimistic that governments will reach deals with the U.S. to avoid Trump’s proposed tariffs ahead of next Friday’s deadline. The UK has performed well relative to peers, securing a 10% tariff agreement on exports a notable win given earlier fears of steeper duties.",[],{"_key":22391,"_type":127,"children":22392,"markDefs":22397,"style":135},"47599a99dcd9",[22393],{"_key":22394,"_type":131,"marks":22395,"text":22396},"6d45bac3bb1a",[],"On the data front, retail sales rose 0.9% in June, rebounding from May’s drop but slightly missing expectations. Warmer weather boosted food and drink sales. Meanwhile, the composite PMI pointed to continued labour market weakness, especially in services. Consumer confidence dipped in July amid inflation worries and potential tax hikes in the Autumn Budget.",[],{"_key":22399,"_type":127,"children":22400,"markDefs":22405,"style":135},"c1ecaf66c0f1",[22401],{"_key":22402,"_type":131,"marks":22403,"text":22404},"466fb199d24d",[],"Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet Donald Trump in Scotland early next week to discuss the remaining details of the UK–U.S. trade agreement and push for further progress on geopolitical issues, including a Gaza ceasefire.",[],{"_key":22407,"_type":127,"children":22408,"markDefs":22413,"style":135},"43da79b8380a",[22409],{"_key":22410,"_type":131,"marks":22411,"text":22412},"ee9fc55419a6",[],"Chinese equities also advanced, lifted by expectations of further easing in U.S.–China trade tensions. Earlier talks in Geneva and London helped pause tariff increases and ease export restrictions, and markets are hopeful that next week’s meeting will build on that progresses. Chinese officials are preparing for the third round of trade talks in Stockholm, where hopes are high for an extension to the current tariff truce ahead of the mid-August deadline.",[],{"_key":22415,"_type":127,"children":22416,"markDefs":22421,"style":135},"3fe8e00f1aee",[22417],{"_key":22418,"_type":131,"marks":22419,"text":22420},"afe5fe97ab43",[],"Next week, Wednesday’s initial estimate of second-quarter GDP will show whether the U.S. economy bounced back after a 0.5% annualised contraction in the first quarter, partly driven by a surge in imports ahead of tariff hikes.",[],{"_key":22423,"_type":127,"children":22424,"markDefs":22429,"style":135},"0e30e4512070",[22425],{"_key":22426,"_type":131,"marks":22427,"text":22428},"cb437e9be9ad",[],"The week is packed with economic data and central bank decisions. U.S. consumer confidence and job openings kick things off, followed by the Fed’s meeting on July 30th, where rates are expected to remain at 4.25 to 4.50%. Later in the week, investors will focus on PCE inflation and labour market data. China’s PMI readings will provide a pulse check on manufacturing, while the Bank of Japan’s rate decision may signal its next policy move. Earnings from Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft are also in focus as investors look to Big Tech to support broader market sentiment.",[],{"_key":22431,"_type":127,"children":22432,"markDefs":22436,"style":135},"515ba785e9fb",[22433],{"_key":22434,"_type":131,"marks":22435,"text":175},"c4d172fb1a6f",[174],[],[22438],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":22439,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":22441,"blogPostMeta":22442,"content":22462,"tag":22524,"title":22461},"29d68126-5def-42dd-ad89-4586bea54e3c",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":22443,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":22457,"publishedAt":22458,"slug":22459,"title":22461},{"_type":58,"asset":22444},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":22445,"mimeType":225,"opt":22455,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":22446,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":22447},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":22448,"darkVibrant":22449,"dominant":22450,"lightMuted":22451,"lightVibrant":22452,"muted":22453,"vibrant":22454},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":22456},{"tags":65},"Market performance has been mixed this week as earnings season gets underway and President Donald Trump’s 1 August trade deadline approaches.","2025-07-23T11:30:30.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":22460},"market-update-23rd-july-2025","Market Update - 23rd July 2025",[22463,22466,22474,22482,22490,22498,22506,22514],{"_key":22464,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":22465,"width":124},"f251990b29ba","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1103753347",{"_key":22467,"_type":127,"children":22468,"markDefs":22473,"style":135},"457e257d6262",[22469],{"_key":22470,"_type":131,"marks":22471,"text":22472},"e1081ae377e7",[],"Market performance has been mixed this week as earnings season gets underway and President Donald Trump’s 1 August trade deadline approaches. While last-minute deals have been struck with some economies, others remain in limbo, keeping investors on edge.",[],{"_key":22475,"_type":127,"children":22476,"markDefs":22481,"style":135},"8efbd981f646",[22477],{"_key":22478,"_type":131,"marks":22479,"text":22480},"235bf9766078",[],"In Japan, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s ruling coalition lost ground in Sunday’s upper house elections, leaving it without a majority in either chamber of parliament. The result means it must now work with opposition parties advocating for tax cuts and increased public spending. The political setback comes amid persistent inflation now above the Bank of Japan’s 2% target for over three years and a shrinking economy in Q1. Some BOJ officials have warned of ongoing price pressures. With leadership speculation mounting, the outcome adds to regional uncertainty. That said, the yen strengthened against the dollar following the election, suggesting markets had already priced in the result. The Tokyo Stock Exchange was closed Monday for a public holiday.",[],{"_key":22483,"_type":127,"children":22484,"markDefs":22489,"style":135},"553f822d5725",[22485],{"_key":22486,"_type":131,"marks":22487,"text":22488},"b13631bd300c",[],"Providing some relief, a long-awaited U.S.–Japan trade deal was announced overnight. President Trump revealed a $550 billion Japanese investment in the U.S. and a 15% tariff on Japanese goods, lower than the 25% previously threatened. The agreement opens Japan’s markets to U.S. exports, including cars, trucks, rice, and agricultural products. Although Japan did not offer reciprocal tariff reductions, the markets reacted favourably, and Prime Minister Ishiba praised the agreement for delivering the lowest tariff rate among trade-surplus nations.",[],{"_key":22491,"_type":127,"children":22492,"markDefs":22497,"style":135},"907b451d9dcf",[22493],{"_key":22494,"_type":131,"marks":22495,"text":22496},"ba9b7bc96c00",[],"Attention is now shifting to rising tensions between the U.S. and European Union. European shares extended losses on Tuesday, with investor nerves rattled by Trump’s 1 August deadline, after which a 30% tariff on EU imports could be imposed if no agreement is reached. In response, the EU is weighing broader retaliatory measures under its new “anti-coercion” instrument (ACI), which could restrict U.S. access to public tenders or target specific services. A previously discussed compromise of 10% tariffs on most EU exports in exchange for certain trade-offs now appears unlikely.",[],{"_key":22499,"_type":127,"children":22500,"markDefs":22505,"style":135},"bc76aa76b6b1",[22501],{"_key":22502,"_type":131,"marks":22503,"text":22504},"7dc970a2bc95",[],"Market performance in the U.S. has been mixed, however the S&P 500 narrowly posted another fresh record close on Tuesday, as traders weighed the latest earnings reports and new trade developments. Nearly 90 S&P 500 companies have reported so far, with almost 85% of those topping analysts’ estimates. Eyes are on commentary from companies about macroeconomic certainty, the impact of tariffs and details on demand, and spending related to AI.",[],{"_key":22507,"_type":127,"children":22508,"markDefs":22513,"style":135},"0b3ccb0abffd",[22509],{"_key":22510,"_type":131,"marks":22511,"text":22512},"da74340d308a",[],"Looking ahead, earnings reports from Google parent Alphabet and Tesla are due after the bell on Wednesday. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite hit new highs last week and again on Monday, suggesting optimism around tech sector results. Also on the radar: Eurozone consumer confidence, UK PMI data, the ECB’s interest rate decision, UK consumer confidence, and retail sales.",[],{"_key":22515,"_type":127,"children":22516,"markDefs":22523,"style":135},"a0c1fff6f80f",[22517,22520],{"_key":22518,"_type":131,"marks":22519,"text":288},"a57abc13931d",[174],{"_key":22521,"_type":131,"marks":22522,"text":1899},"fde5a4c31adb",[],[],[22525],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":22526,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":22528,"blogPostMeta":22529,"content":22570,"tag":22657,"title":22569},"65d6dcaa-3854-4b90-85f1-c3dbe4a66cee",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":22530,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":22565,"publishedAt":22566,"slug":22567,"title":22569},{"_type":58,"alt":21050,"asset":22531},{"_createdAt":22532,"_id":22533,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":22534,"extension":196,"metadata":22535,"mimeType":225,"opt":22555,"originalFilename":22560,"path":22561,"sha1hash":22534,"size":22562,"uploadId":22563,"url":22564},"2025-07-23T09:21:31Z","image-54c41fbcd3eaf90d649b56da114e1412e63fc13d-1000x667-jpg","54c41fbcd3eaf90d649b56da114e1412e63fc13d",{"_type":69,"blurHash":22536,"dimensions":22537,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":22538,"palette":22539},"VUHdvo-AEhNaM|~pofxYR*V@-;s:xEoLR*tSt7RjoMs:",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUHBP\u002FEACYQAAIBBAAEBwEAAAAAAAAAAAECBAADBREGEhNBBxQhIjFRYWL\u002FxAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAF\u002F8QAHBEBAAEEAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQACAxEhEjFh\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwDTiuOJErGNYQMbvsDEHRI33olcRzYUpDL10S2m5zs6+hU8wYS3DtyAg61xdFt\u002FtMZbPKxN21fctyMCG70RsucR11FWkbWU9j+Z4gY7zDg4+82vTY+DRUpmDpyGXbnX9UUgWiH5n\u002F\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":22540,"darkVibrant":22542,"dominant":22544,"lightMuted":22545,"lightVibrant":22548,"muted":22551,"vibrant":22553},{"_type":81,"background":22189,"foreground":83,"population":22541,"title":83},8.41,{"_type":81,"background":11954,"foreground":83,"population":22543,"title":83},4,{"_type":81,"background":22189,"foreground":83,"population":22541,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":22546,"foreground":91,"population":22547,"title":91},"#d7cbb1",7.53,{"_type":81,"background":22549,"foreground":91,"population":22550,"title":83},"#e8c485",0.78,{"_type":81,"background":22552,"foreground":83,"population":495,"title":83},"#9b7f62",{"_type":81,"background":22554,"foreground":83,"population":2563,"title":83},"#b66917",{"media":22556},{"tags":22557},[22558],{"_key":22559,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"vqpz0gfGNhBHh7tS1Bq_H","woman-checking-phone.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F54c41fbcd3eaf90d649b56da114e1412e63fc13d-1000x667.jpg",227276,"Rc3XriVDegXN0wVqilD9psU5Qil0gW4n","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F54c41fbcd3eaf90d649b56da114e1412e63fc13d-1000x667.jpg","Share plans play an integral part in any reward and benefits strategy. They are designed to encourage longer term saving which can result in greater financial wellbeing, and in turn, improve employee retention. Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work answers some questions on the key things employers who offer share plans should help their employees understand. ","2025-07-23T09:17:38.017Z",{"_type":9,"current":22568},"key-things-employers-who-offer-share-plans-should-help-their-employees-understand","Key things employers who offer share plans should help their employees understand",[22571,22579,22586,22593,22600,22611,22618,22626,22634,22642,22649],{"_key":22572,"_type":127,"children":22573,"markDefs":22578,"style":135},"1f3b0ca7305c",[22574],{"_key":22575,"_type":131,"marks":22576,"text":22577},"c23b0d2c2414",[],"Share plans play an integral part in any reward and benefits strategy. They are designed to encourage longer term saving which can result in greater financial wellbeing, and in turn, improve employee retention. Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work answers some questions on the key things employers who offer share plans should help their employees understand.",[],{"_key":22580,"_type":127,"children":22581,"markDefs":22585,"style":135},"85e86f50a24a",[22582],{"_key":22583,"_type":131,"marks":22584,"text":22233},"6e23bb49f8a2",[174],[],{"_key":22587,"_type":127,"children":22588,"markDefs":22592,"style":135},"47c976fc0085",[22589],{"_key":22590,"_type":131,"marks":22591,"text":22241},"f7ec2069aab5",[],[],{"_key":22594,"_type":127,"children":22595,"markDefs":22599,"style":135},"f860c70d1ab5",[22596],{"_key":22597,"_type":131,"marks":22598,"text":22249},"b61bbb8cb2d2",[],[],{"_key":22601,"_type":127,"children":22602,"markDefs":22610,"style":135},"6b52d55b59a0",[22603,22607],{"_key":22604,"_type":131,"marks":22605,"text":22606},"21fc5ddcb6df",[],"The Share Incentive Plan (SIP) is another popular all employee share plan enabling employees to purchase up to £1,800 of shares each year (or 10% of salary if less) typically by monthly contributions, from pre-tax salary. Employers may also provide matching shares so that the employee can receive up to two additional shares for each share purchased. Some companies will also use the SIP to gift ‘free shares’ of up to £3,600 in any tax year to employees.”\n\n",{"_key":22608,"_type":131,"marks":22609,"text":22265},"57ab17ddda95",[174],[],{"_key":22612,"_type":127,"children":22613,"markDefs":22617,"style":135},"91c6dee0892c",[22614],{"_key":22615,"_type":131,"marks":22616,"text":22273},"d6f4c36be775",[],[],{"_key":22619,"_type":127,"children":22620,"markDefs":22625,"style":135},"d2fb1a84deb9",[22621],{"_key":22622,"_type":131,"marks":22623,"text":22624},"a77df4c0699d",[],"A lack of understanding of how a share plan works can be a barrier to employees joining a plan. It also means that employees who do join may not be fully aware of how they can best mitigate any tax charges and use the share plan as a way of boosting their long-term savings.\nParticipants need to be well informed to make the right decisions as to whether they should sell shares or continue to hold on to them. An understanding of the value dividends may provide in the future as well as the importance of not putting all their eggs in one basket and diversifying their investment, are all things employees should consider.”",[],{"_key":22627,"_type":127,"children":22628,"markDefs":22633,"style":135},"344b8a3a5896",[22629],{"_key":22630,"_type":131,"marks":22631,"text":22632},"28f1907b9bfb",[174],"Do share plans act as a motivational tool?",[],{"_key":22635,"_type":127,"children":22636,"markDefs":22641,"style":135},"630fdeee5bce",[22637],{"_key":22638,"_type":131,"marks":22639,"text":22640},"defa54604fa9",[],"Watts-Lay comments; “By aligning the interests of employees to the future share price in their company, employee share plans can offer a great way to motivate and incentivise employees, as well as potentially building greater financial resilience. They can be a valuable part of an employee benefits offering, with businesses seeing share plans as important tools for recruiting and retaining staff, a way of engaging the workforce, and drive workplace performance.”",[],{"_key":22643,"_type":127,"children":22644,"markDefs":22648,"style":135},"2f82668c11ff",[22645],{"_key":22646,"_type":131,"marks":22647,"text":22289},"d09b657f4aae",[174],[],{"_key":22650,"_type":127,"children":22651,"markDefs":22656,"style":135},"ee57e1e86436",[22652],{"_key":22653,"_type":131,"marks":22654,"text":22655},"a76b2dd484d8",[],"Watts-Lay comments; “Many leading employers now provide financial education and guidance on the different share plans available, and the choices of what to do when the shares are released from the plan. As well as this, some also provide access to Workplace ISAs to mitigate tax. This can all make a huge difference in enabling employees to build an understanding of the real value of the plans on offer and in turn, improve financial resilience and wellbeing.”",[],[22658,22660],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":22659,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_createdAt":22661,"_id":22662,"_rev":22663,"_system":22664,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":22667,"brandSpecific":76,"slug":22668,"title":22670},"2025-06-17T11:14:00Z","2d1e22be-023d-46ae-ab71-203a462bf164","1yjCVc2ItXv3rfnVh8g1NC",{"base":22665},{"id":22662,"rev":22666},"S0dlWoBrdhrrX4wpe1qe0g","2025-08-11T15:27:23Z",{"_type":9,"current":22669},"wealth-at-work","Wealth at Work Corporate",{"_id":22672,"blogPostMeta":22673,"content":22696,"tag":23189,"title":22695},"82c95857-bf15-41aa-b88f-461a870d7739",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":22674,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":22691,"publishedAt":22692,"slug":22693,"title":22695},{"_type":58,"alt":22675,"asset":22676},"young woman working at her desk with laptop open",{"_createdAt":8565,"_id":8566,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":8567,"extension":196,"metadata":22677,"mimeType":225,"opt":22687,"originalFilename":8593,"path":8594,"sha1hash":8567,"size":8595,"uploadId":8596,"url":8597},{"_type":69,"blurHash":8569,"dimensions":22678,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":8571,"palette":22679},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":22680,"darkVibrant":22681,"dominant":22682,"lightMuted":22683,"lightVibrant":22684,"muted":22685,"vibrant":22686},{"_type":81,"background":6198,"foreground":83,"population":5949,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":8575,"foreground":83,"population":8576,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":8578,"foreground":83,"population":8579,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":6207,"foreground":91,"population":8581,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":8583,"foreground":91,"population":6211,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":8585,"foreground":83,"population":8586,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":8578,"foreground":83,"population":8579,"title":83},{"media":22688},{"tags":22689},[22690],{"_key":8592,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"Many companies in the UK operate a Save As You Earn (SAYE) share plan often known as Sharesave, which provides employees with a tax efficient way to invest in their company’s shares.","2025-07-22T10:15:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":22694},"how-save-as-you-earn-share-plan-savers-can-avoid-an-unnecessary-tax-bill","How ‘Save As You Earn’ share plan savers can avoid an unnecessary tax bill",[22697,22704,22712,22719,22727,22735,22743,22751,22759,22767,22775,22783,22791,22799,22807,22815,22823,22831,22839,22847,22855,22863,22871,22878,22886,22894,22906,22918,22930,22942,22954,22966,22974,22982,22990,22998,23006,23014,23022,23029,23037,23045,23053,23061,23068,23076,23084,23091,23099,23106,23114,23121,23128,23136,23143,23151,23159,23167,23175,23183],{"_key":22698,"_type":127,"children":22699,"markDefs":22703,"style":135},"8e81727eefe3",[22700],{"_key":22701,"_type":131,"marks":22702,"text":22691},"44b36a22640d",[],[],{"_key":22705,"_type":127,"children":22706,"markDefs":22711,"style":135},"f055edf8a441",[22707],{"_key":22708,"_type":131,"marks":22709,"text":22710},"92cc98a933d9",[],"Many of these Sharesave plans are due to mature in the coming months and years, with some people likely to have doubled, or even tripled, the amount of money they saved due to favourable market conditions since the pandemic. However, without expert guidance many participants may not understand their choices once their share plan matures and could be at risk of paying unnecessary tax.",[],{"_key":22713,"_type":127,"children":22714,"markDefs":22718,"style":135},"1ab08099d3b8",[22715],{"_key":22716,"_type":131,"marks":22717,"text":1502},"6a349dcf89cb",[174],[],{"_key":22720,"_type":127,"children":22721,"markDefs":22726,"style":135},"fafc83dfb3ac",[22722],{"_key":22723,"_type":131,"marks":22724,"text":22725},"12ff8739b255",[],"“Save As You Earn plans can be an attractive way for employees to invest in their future. These plans run for 3 or 5 years, and participants can decide how much to save each month (up to £500 a month) from their net pay.At the end of the plan, if the share price has fallen, individuals can receive all their savings back (along with the tax-free bonus if applicable). If the share price is higher than the fixed ‘option’ price agreed at the start of the plan, individuals can use their savings to buy shares in the company they work for and realise any returns.”",[],{"_key":22728,"_type":127,"children":22729,"markDefs":22734,"style":135},"a656e14a0e17",[22730],{"_key":22731,"_type":131,"marks":22732,"text":22733},"dc0d2611d564",[],"He adds; “Every year hundreds of thousands of employees benefit from significant gains at the maturity of their SAYE plans. It is not uncommon for employees to potentially double or even triple the money they saved.",[],{"_key":22736,"_type":127,"children":22737,"markDefs":22742,"style":135},"ac44b9ee2a63",[22738],{"_key":22739,"_type":131,"marks":22740,"text":22741},"261aca00c32b",[],"However, whilst a financial windfall may seem like a dream to most, participants need to be well informed to make the right decisions as to whether they should sell shares or continue to hold on to them. Participants should also understand the value that dividends may provide in the future, and the importance of diversifying their investment and not putting all their eggs in one basket.”",[],{"_key":22744,"_type":127,"children":22745,"markDefs":22750,"style":135},"2436126d7a85",[22746],{"_key":22747,"_type":131,"marks":22748,"text":22749},"788f42f9064b",[],"Watts-Lay comments; “For those who are thinking about selling their shares, it’s important to understand what they can do to reduce or even eliminate a potential Capital Gains Tax (CGT) charge.”",[],{"_key":22752,"_type":127,"children":22753,"markDefs":22758,"style":135},"a5d790dac465",[22754],{"_key":22755,"_type":131,"marks":22756,"text":22757},"b4269744dcc0",[],"He explains; “CGT only has to be paid on overall gains that exceed the CGT allowance, which is £3,000 for the current tax year. Where gains from a SAYE plan exceed the available allowance, CGT is charged at 18% if the gain falls within the basic rate tax band, or 24% for anyone who pays tax at a higher rate. There are, however, a number of ways of maximising tax allowances to help reduce or eliminate a CGT charge.”",[],{"_key":22760,"_type":127,"children":22761,"markDefs":22766,"style":135},"0cf909adaf52",[22762],{"_key":22763,"_type":131,"marks":22764,"text":22765},"fd69f6f89918",[],"To help share plan participants understand what they can do to mitigate their tax liability when their shares mature, WEALTH at work has put together some tips.",[],{"_key":22768,"_type":127,"children":22769,"markDefs":22774,"style":135},"a505da9ac5d7",[22770],{"_key":22771,"_type":131,"marks":22772,"text":22773},"40709ff9f47c",[174],"WEALTH at work’s tips to reduce a CGT charge",[],{"_key":22776,"_type":127,"children":22777,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":22782,"style":135},"ff6181b81038",[22778],{"_key":22779,"_type":131,"marks":22780,"text":22781},"02fb62694d85",[174],"Transfer to an ISA within 90 days",[],{"_key":22784,"_type":127,"children":22785,"markDefs":22790,"style":135},"23a20425baf5",[22786],{"_key":22787,"_type":131,"marks":22788,"text":22789},"e8e0ff63a745",[],"Shares from SAYE plans can be transferred directly into an ISA up to the value of £20,000 each tax year (the current ISA allowance). However, whilst there are many ISA providers on the market, only a small number have been designed to accept transfers from shares coming from an employee share plan – known as an ‘in-specie transfer’. Therefore, it is important for participants to find a provider who offers this.",[],{"_key":22792,"_type":127,"children":22793,"markDefs":22798,"style":135},"e7391ea54200",[22794],{"_key":22795,"_type":131,"marks":22796,"text":22797},"62430ea66374",[],"Sometimes people look to sell shares and repurchase them within an ISA so they grow tax-free in the future, however, unlike an in-specie transfer, this will create a Capital Gains Tax Charge (assuming gain for year is over £3,000) as the shares have been sold.",[],{"_key":22800,"_type":127,"children":22801,"markDefs":22806,"style":135},"a9b846e5b4a0",[22802],{"_key":22803,"_type":131,"marks":22804,"text":22805},"9de14d5bebf6",[],"Shares must be transferred within 90 days of the date that an individual exercises their option to buy shares from an SAYE plan for this route to be available. The transfer is then not a chargeable event for CGT purposes. They can then sell their shares immediately free of CGT, or keep them in the ISA, which is useful for those considering holding shares, sheltering future returns from tax, or diversifying their shareholding into other stocks and shares.",[],{"_key":22808,"_type":127,"children":22809,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":22814,"style":135},"61b4bf15a8d5",[22810],{"_key":22811,"_type":131,"marks":22812,"text":22813},"af9e31d4fc3f",[174],"Spread the sale of shares over two tax years",[],{"_key":22816,"_type":127,"children":22817,"markDefs":22822,"style":135},"85c8f6d355b6",[22818],{"_key":22819,"_type":131,"marks":22820,"text":22821},"fe5cad090017",[],"The CGT tax-free allowance of £3,000, is available to individuals each tax year which runs until 5 April. If a participant realises a gain of £3,000 this tax year, they could hold on to the remaining shares and sell a further amount to make use of the £3,000 CGT allowance in the next tax year. However, they must be aware that if the value of the shares fell during this time, this could reduce their overall return",[],{"_key":22824,"_type":127,"children":22825,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":22830,"style":135},"f0365206c786",[22826],{"_key":22827,"_type":131,"marks":22828,"text":22829},"11e02103ead5",[174],"Transfer to a spouse or civil partner",[],{"_key":22832,"_type":127,"children":22833,"markDefs":22838,"style":135},"16d9b228ae91",[22834],{"_key":22835,"_type":131,"marks":22836,"text":22837},"e88865be1064",[],"Those at risk of breaching the Capital Gains Tax allowance limit could transfer some shares to their spouse or civil partner to benefit from any unused CGT allowance. They must be married or in a civil partnership for this option to apply.",[],{"_key":22840,"_type":127,"children":22841,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":22846,"style":135},"1d326f54f997",[22842],{"_key":22843,"_type":131,"marks":22844,"text":22845},"dd0e16b67dec",[174],"Bring these strategies together",[],{"_key":22848,"_type":127,"children":22849,"markDefs":22854,"style":135},"a27ecd90be37",[22850],{"_key":22851,"_type":131,"marks":22852,"text":22853},"1a90b94c836a",[],"Those with larger gains may benefit from combining the strategies above. For example, an individual who saved £18,000 into a share plan with an option price of £1 would be able to buy 18,000 shares at maturity. If we assume the share price at maturity has risen to £2.29, their shares could be worth £41,220 at maturity, meaning they have a gain of £23,220. Selling all these shares at once and using only their own £3,000 CGT allowance could lead to a higher rate tax charge of £4,853, or £3,640 if the gains fall into the basic rate tax band. Combining the above tax planning strategies could potentially reduce their tax charge to zero.*",[],{"_key":22856,"_type":127,"children":22857,"markDefs":22862,"style":135},"bc2c80a4026b",[22858],{"_key":22859,"_type":131,"marks":22860,"text":22861},"32647cd6ef8d",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, comments; “SAYE plans are used by many companies to motivate and reward their hard-working employees, as well as help them to build their financial resilience. It is a low-risk way to save for the future, with the possibility of a very good return on investment. However, it is important that after many years of saving, share plan participants don’t end up paying unnecessary tax. For instance, even those who have saved modest amounts can find that they are at risk of a tax bill if the share price has gone up and they exercise their option to sell.”",[],{"_key":22864,"_type":127,"children":22865,"markDefs":22870,"style":135},"4c99a96c8c4a",[22866],{"_key":22867,"_type":131,"marks":22868,"text":22869},"d718a4b3b1d4",[],"He continues, “We have worked with many organisations with share plans to provide their employees with financial education and guidance, as well as access to a Workplace ISA to help protect any gains from Capital Gains Tax, and investment advice for those with complex circumstances. This ensures participants understand the benefits of taking part and what steps they need to take when their plan matures.”",[],{"_key":22872,"_type":127,"children":22873,"markDefs":22877,"style":135},"d7e777986cde",[22874],{"_key":22875,"_type":131,"marks":22876,"text":1006},"e56b5770520d",[],[],{"_key":22879,"_type":127,"children":22880,"markDefs":22885,"style":135},"92bdc239677a",[22881],{"_key":22882,"_type":131,"marks":22883,"text":22884},"dccd51801ff1",[174],"Notes to editors:",[],{"_key":22887,"_type":127,"children":22888,"markDefs":22893,"style":135},"80edf741849a",[22889],{"_key":22890,"_type":131,"marks":22891,"text":22892},"9b9c559ffa32",[174],"Plan Details (illustrative):",[],{"_key":22895,"_type":127,"children":22896,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":22905,"style":135},"51ee67285776",[22897,22901],{"_key":22898,"_type":131,"marks":22899,"text":22900},"6c61d1f78ede",[174],"Option price",{"_key":22902,"_type":131,"marks":22903,"text":22904},"e9f8bba97f83",[],": £1.00",[],{"_key":22907,"_type":127,"children":22908,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":22917,"style":135},"43fc4fb836fe",[22909,22913],{"_key":22910,"_type":131,"marks":22911,"text":22912},"99b2dc6add3e",[174],"Share price at maturity:",{"_key":22914,"_type":131,"marks":22915,"text":22916},"973e16853afe",[]," £2.29",[],{"_key":22919,"_type":127,"children":22920,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":22929,"style":135},"5d2e715dad84",[22921,22925],{"_key":22922,"_type":131,"marks":22923,"text":22924},"340905802012",[174],"Savings:",{"_key":22926,"_type":131,"marks":22927,"text":22928},"2f97ed9964ad",[]," £18,000 (£500\u002Fmonth for 3 years)",[],{"_key":22931,"_type":127,"children":22932,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":22941,"style":135},"c95d54151f7d",[22933,22937],{"_key":22934,"_type":131,"marks":22935,"text":22936},"fba889b25e77",[174],"Shares purchased",{"_key":22938,"_type":131,"marks":22939,"text":22940},"62df16ad6597",[],": 18,000",[],{"_key":22943,"_type":127,"children":22944,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":22953,"style":135},"d5ae7b029898",[22945,22949],{"_key":22946,"_type":131,"marks":22947,"text":22948},"53a1b1cdd41e",[174],"Total market value:",{"_key":22950,"_type":131,"marks":22951,"text":22952},"97facebb9dd3",[]," £41,220",[],{"_key":22955,"_type":127,"children":22956,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":22965,"style":135},"96655d4dd9a8",[22957,22961],{"_key":22958,"_type":131,"marks":22959,"text":22960},"f0f13a73e975",[174],"Total capital gain:",{"_key":22962,"_type":131,"marks":22963,"text":22964},"56d4d9f1d9fa",[]," £23,220",[],{"_key":22967,"_type":127,"children":22968,"markDefs":22973,"style":135},"ffe122ba087b",[22969],{"_key":22970,"_type":131,"marks":22971,"text":22972},"181ae75f4e37",[4468],"Assumes no other capital gains in the tax year and that the share price remains constant.",[],{"_key":22975,"_type":127,"children":22976,"markDefs":22981,"style":135},"b8e789e4307b",[22977],{"_key":22978,"_type":131,"marks":22979,"text":22980},"786ccdd96d1b",[174],"CGT Mitigation Strategy (illustrative)",[],{"_key":22983,"_type":127,"children":22984,"markDefs":22989,"style":135},"c086e60b8b8b",[22985],{"_key":22986,"_type":131,"marks":22987,"text":22988},"26e6eee4a130",[174],"Step 1: Use ISA Allowance (2025\u002F26)",[],{"_key":22991,"_type":127,"children":22992,"markDefs":22997,"style":135},"99256c32233c",[22993],{"_key":22994,"_type":131,"marks":22995,"text":22996},"5ec97dc9d604",[],"Transfer 8,733 shares into an ISA",[],{"_key":22999,"_type":127,"children":23000,"markDefs":23005,"style":135},"211177e2c403",[23001],{"_key":23002,"_type":131,"marks":23003,"text":23004},"a86a97dbca02",[],"Value: £19,998.57",[],{"_key":23007,"_type":127,"children":23008,"markDefs":23013,"style":135},"718cec890982",[23009],{"_key":23010,"_type":131,"marks":23011,"text":23012},"f09996c9faa2",[],"Gain sheltered: £11,265.57",[],{"_key":23015,"_type":127,"children":23016,"markDefs":23021,"style":135},"43729fe4ccfc",[23017],{"_key":23018,"_type":131,"marks":23019,"text":23020},"2362355c26f2",[],"Remaining shares: 9,267",[],{"_key":23023,"_type":127,"children":23024,"markDefs":23028,"style":135},"dcb77ad64555",[23025],{"_key":23026,"_type":131,"marks":23027,"text":1006},"5a4b46dc52dc",[],[],{"_key":23030,"_type":127,"children":23031,"markDefs":23036,"style":135},"8403fbd29e33",[23032],{"_key":23033,"_type":131,"marks":23034,"text":23035},"5f9fa9ccde28",[174],"Step 2: Use Individual’s CGT Allowance (2025\u002F26)",[],{"_key":23038,"_type":127,"children":23039,"markDefs":23044,"style":135},"f62aa6a378f7",[23040],{"_key":23041,"_type":131,"marks":23042,"text":23043},"14948a7f31ed",[],"Sell 2,325 shares",[],{"_key":23046,"_type":127,"children":23047,"markDefs":23052,"style":135},"1d385f451da7",[23048],{"_key":23049,"_type":131,"marks":23050,"text":23051},"0cadd309e3f3",[],"Gain: £2,999.25",[],{"_key":23054,"_type":127,"children":23055,"markDefs":23060,"style":135},"dd56b36cf3c1",[23056],{"_key":23057,"_type":131,"marks":23058,"text":23059},"d9d48225373c",[],"Remaining shares: 6,942",[],{"_key":23062,"_type":127,"children":23063,"markDefs":23067,"style":135},"c87a877c1eec",[23064],{"_key":23065,"_type":131,"marks":23066,"text":1006},"ba97a94ad77d",[],[],{"_key":23069,"_type":127,"children":23070,"markDefs":23075,"style":135},"7af28c7b9b23",[23071],{"_key":23072,"_type":131,"marks":23073,"text":23074},"68857cda2cec",[174],"Step 3: Use Spouse’s CGT Allowance (2025\u002F26)",[],{"_key":23077,"_type":127,"children":23078,"markDefs":23083,"style":135},"2faf0d5abc18",[23079],{"_key":23080,"_type":131,"marks":23081,"text":23082},"ab9e6a9df242",[],"Transfer and sell 2,325 shares",[],{"_key":23085,"_type":127,"children":23086,"markDefs":23090,"style":135},"bcfde322888b",[23087],{"_key":23088,"_type":131,"marks":23089,"text":23051},"54ab1fdf6fd9",[],[],{"_key":23092,"_type":127,"children":23093,"markDefs":23098,"style":135},"0e95c4b0453c",[23094],{"_key":23095,"_type":131,"marks":23096,"text":23097},"d4d6afee55b4",[],"Remaining shares: 4,617",[],{"_key":23100,"_type":127,"children":23101,"markDefs":23105,"style":135},"109f60e77462",[23102],{"_key":23103,"_type":131,"marks":23104,"text":1006},"2646c2ba9bf6",[],[],{"_key":23107,"_type":127,"children":23108,"markDefs":23113,"style":135},"1136b1feb977",[23109],{"_key":23110,"_type":131,"marks":23111,"text":23112},"2f2bc4c707e4",[174],"Step 4: Use Individual’s CGT Allowance (2026\u002F27)",[],{"_key":23115,"_type":127,"children":23116,"markDefs":23120,"style":135},"83b7ed87f476",[23117],{"_key":23118,"_type":131,"marks":23119,"text":23043},"2f8e28c9e971",[],[],{"_key":23122,"_type":127,"children":23123,"markDefs":23127,"style":135},"f957a80b79e1",[23124],{"_key":23125,"_type":131,"marks":23126,"text":23051},"c71b91ad7d75",[],[],{"_key":23129,"_type":127,"children":23130,"markDefs":23135,"style":135},"e5eeb5e7555f",[23131],{"_key":23132,"_type":131,"marks":23133,"text":23134},"064b14577fcf",[],"Remaining shares: 2,292",[],{"_key":23137,"_type":127,"children":23138,"markDefs":23142,"style":135},"4f8a138d15e8",[23139],{"_key":23140,"_type":131,"marks":23141,"text":1006},"6a942455672b",[],[],{"_key":23144,"_type":127,"children":23145,"markDefs":23150,"style":135},"392c966af481",[23146],{"_key":23147,"_type":131,"marks":23148,"text":23149},"08c6c3d8c47b",[174],"Step 5: Use Spouse’s CGT Allowance (2026\u002F27)",[],{"_key":23152,"_type":127,"children":23153,"markDefs":23158,"style":135},"cf5f97aa333d",[23154],{"_key":23155,"_type":131,"marks":23156,"text":23157},"8f7e5679ffb3",[],"Transfer and sell 2,292 shares",[],{"_key":23160,"_type":127,"children":23161,"markDefs":23166,"style":135},"f9e8749d7687",[23162],{"_key":23163,"_type":131,"marks":23164,"text":23165},"c1480da9dc32",[],"Gain: £2,956.68",[],{"_key":23168,"_type":127,"children":23169,"markDefs":23174,"style":135},"089453c078cc",[23170],{"_key":23171,"_type":131,"marks":23172,"text":23173},"c14fc07be6f4",[],"Unused CGT allowance remaining: £43.32",[],{"_key":23176,"_type":127,"children":23177,"markDefs":23182,"style":135},"aded84e05d89",[23178],{"_key":23179,"_type":131,"marks":23180,"text":23181},"8b824d8ae849",[4468],"All 18,000 shares sold tax-free.",[],{"_key":22572,"_type":127,"children":23184,"markDefs":23188,"style":135},[23185],{"_key":22575,"_type":131,"marks":23186,"text":23187},[],"\n*Capital Gains Tax is charged at your marginal rate. For the 2025\u002F26 tax year, gains are taxed at 18% for basic rate taxpayers and 24% for higher or additional rate taxpayers. These rates apply after using your £3,000 annual CGT exemption. Figures in this example are rounded and for illustrative purposes only. The actual tax due may vary depending on the share price at the time of sale and whether you have other chargeable gains in the same tax year.",[],[23190],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":23191,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":23193,"blogPostMeta":23194,"content":23212,"tag":23307,"title":23211},"4c31957e-0e32-4743-b5a2-d47cf3388560",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":23195,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":23207,"publishedAt":23208,"slug":23209,"title":23211},{"_type":58,"asset":23196},{"_createdAt":20093,"_id":20094,"_rev":20095,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":20093,"assetId":20096,"extension":67,"metadata":23197,"mimeType":101,"originalFilename":20121,"path":20122,"sha1hash":20096,"size":20123,"uploadId":20124,"url":20125},{"_type":69,"blurHash":20098,"dimensions":23198,"hasAlpha":76,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":20100,"palette":23199},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":23200,"darkVibrant":23201,"dominant":23202,"lightMuted":23203,"lightVibrant":23204,"muted":23205,"vibrant":23206},{"_type":81,"background":20103,"foreground":83,"population":20104,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":20106,"foreground":83,"population":20107,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":20106,"foreground":83,"population":20107,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":20110,"foreground":91,"population":20111,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":20113,"foreground":91,"population":20114,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":20116,"foreground":83,"population":20117,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":20119,"foreground":83,"population":20120,"title":83},"As shown in the accompanying table, global financial markets had a broadly positive week, although European markets lagged behind their international peers.","2025-07-21T10:48:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":23210},"week-ending-18th-july-2025","Week ending 18th July 2025",[23213,23216,23220,23228,23236,23244,23252,23260,23268,23276,23284,23292,23300],{"_key":23214,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":23215,"width":124},"775e2af6e444","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1103092841?badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479",{"_key":23217,"_type":58,"asset":23218},"b4fc90c8e8e2",{"_ref":23219,"_type":107},"image-df7cd6a521cae05203abfb52f0aca502d8b09049-1600x2884-png",{"_key":23221,"_type":127,"children":23222,"markDefs":23227,"style":135},"263b12908f8a",[23223],{"_key":23224,"_type":131,"marks":23225,"text":23226},"68d2e865a018",[],"\nAs shown in the accompanying table, global financial markets had a broadly positive week, although European markets lagged behind their international peers. It was a busy week economic data wise and thankfully unwanted surprises were at a minimum whilst strong corporate earnings, steady consumer spending all helped keep investor sentiment buoyant.",[],{"_key":23229,"_type":127,"children":23230,"markDefs":23235,"style":135},"b1f7e846ea06",[23231],{"_key":23232,"_type":131,"marks":23233,"text":23234},"c91b4a1a09cc",[],"U.S. equity markets climbed to fresh highs, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite both setting new records. The rally was supported by better-than-expected second-quarter earnings from major U.S. companies, suggesting that corporate fundamentals remain solid despite concerns about inflation and rates.Large banks including JP Morgan Chase and Citigroup surprised to the upside, indicating continued resilience in the financial sector. Strong results from consumer-facing firms like PepsiCo, United Airlines and Netflix pointed to healthy demand and stable margins. The high beat rate is notable given that expectations had been scaled back in recent months, leaving room for companies to outperform.",[],{"_key":23237,"_type":127,"children":23238,"markDefs":23243,"style":135},"2d69bb4846e9",[23239],{"_key":23240,"_type":131,"marks":23241,"text":23242},"83d85af0503b",[],"U.S. economic data painted a mixed picture this week with inflation figures stable and the consumer still spending. We saw some noise surrounding Donald Trump, with speculation swirling over Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s future, with reports that Donald Trump had drafted a dismissal letter - a move he later downplayed.",[],{"_key":23245,"_type":127,"children":23246,"markDefs":23251,"style":135},"d02d8ec2c872",[23247],{"_key":23248,"_type":131,"marks":23249,"text":23250},"f211aaac80be",[],"U.S. retail sales rose a better-than-expected 0.6% in June, offering reassurance about the resilience of the consumer. The gains were broad-based, led by autos and discretionary spending. The report tempered concerns about a slowdown in household demand, even as inflation pressures persist. ",[],{"_key":23253,"_type":127,"children":23254,"markDefs":23259,"style":135},"2d5853637d00",[23255],{"_key":23256,"_type":131,"marks":23257,"text":23258},"875565239453",[],"U.S. producer price inflation, a precursor of the CPI, was flat month-on-month, and the annual core rate fell to 2.6%. Applications for unemployment benefits dropped again, signalling continued labour market strength. Markets responded positively, with high tariffs seemingly not yet filtering through into economic data.",[],{"_key":23261,"_type":127,"children":23262,"markDefs":23267,"style":135},"6a5c0bed2802",[23263],{"_key":23264,"_type":131,"marks":23265,"text":23266},"726770ddf1b7",[],"In the UK fresh data showed the labour market continues to weaken. The unemployment rate rose to 4.7% in the March–May quarter, up from 4.5% previously and above expectations. Vacancies also declined by 56,000, and wage growth slowed to 5.0%, down from 5.3% the prior months. With inflation rising to 3.6%, the cost-of-living squeeze has intensified.",[],{"_key":23269,"_type":127,"children":23270,"markDefs":23275,"style":135},"0157b00ed46f",[23271],{"_key":23272,"_type":131,"marks":23273,"text":23274},"b121f4ee8877",[],"The softer labour data has reinforced expectations that the Bank of England policymakers may feel comfortable cutting interest rates from 4.25% to 4.00% at its next meeting. Governor Andrew Bailey earlier signalled that a weaker labour market could justify a more aggressive easing path. However, the data wasn’t as weak as anticipated, and the Bank remains cautious, noting the persistence of underlying inflation and mixed pay trends.",[],{"_key":23277,"_type":127,"children":23278,"markDefs":23283,"style":135},"357b7274b7dc",[23279],{"_key":23280,"_type":131,"marks":23281,"text":23282},"df5c7dc59046",[],"In Europe, early-week momentum lost steam by Friday’s close, as markets reacted to the announcement of 30% tariffs on EU imports into the U.S. Investors are now shifting their attention to fresh trade developments, including the upcoming two-day EU-China summit in Beijing, set to begin on July 24th, where leaders will discuss the future of bilateral relations and trade ties.",[],{"_key":23285,"_type":127,"children":23286,"markDefs":23291,"style":135},"cc8f0b255ca9",[23287],{"_key":23288,"_type":131,"marks":23289,"text":23290},"de8dd114f948",[],"Asian equity markets moved higher last week, supported by modest gains in Japan and stronger performance in China and Hong Kong. Japan’s trade surplus shrank more than expected in June, as exports fell 0.5% year-on-year, led by sharp declines in shipments to the U.S. Automobiles, auto parts, and pharmaceuticals all saw double-digit drops. The weak data, combined with the failure to renew a tariff truce with the U.S., has raised concerns over export headwinds and broader economic fragility. 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Days That Shook the World’ is the famous title of John Reed's eyewitness account of the 1917 Russian Revolution, but not to be outdone, Donald Trump shook the world in 7 days with his ‘Liberation Day’ trade tariffs announcement on Wednesday 2 April 2025.This immediately sent financial markets sharply lower.For example, the S&P 500 index quickly fell just over 15% – and was at one point down over 21% from its February high.",[],{"_key":23446,"_type":127,"children":23447,"markDefs":23451,"style":135},"d2d3a83ac4fa",[23448],{"_key":23449,"_type":131,"marks":23450,"text":1006},"b1a6e858ed80",[],[],{"_key":23453,"_type":127,"children":23454,"markDefs":23459,"style":135},"87097e781962",[23455],{"_key":23456,"_type":131,"marks":23457,"text":23458},"6cbd537196a0",[],"But what headlines taketh, headlines giveth, and on Wednesday 9 June 2025 Donald Trump announced a 90-day tariff pause.This climbdown unsurprisingly reignited financial 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markets.",[],{"_key":23476,"_type":127,"children":23477,"markDefs":23481,"style":135},"0d85d49c2076",[23478],{"_key":23479,"_type":131,"marks":23480,"text":1006},"ad8723c9e43e",[],[],{"_key":23483,"_type":127,"children":23484,"markDefs":23489,"style":135},"e1c8f8de3752",[23485],{"_key":23486,"_type":131,"marks":23487,"text":23488},"4b6fd0b32470",[],"In fact, three months ago it would have been easy to brace for the worse, but we stated that it was our belief the headline-driven panic of early April was a classic over-the-top reaction to a new uncertainty, and that when sentiment was that negative, financial markets wouldn’t need unequivocal good news to have a strong positive response, simply less negativity would be enough – and boy did we get that positive response!",[],{"_key":23491,"_type":127,"children":23492,"markDefs":23496,"style":135},"bbcf0405c137",[23493],{"_key":23494,"_type":131,"marks":23495,"text":1006},"47a29b382ff5",[],[],{"_key":23498,"_type":127,"children":23499,"markDefs":23504,"style":135},"07233eaba107",[23500],{"_key":23501,"_type":131,"marks":23502,"text":23503},"e1377aaac4ed",[],"To be honest, just how quickly or powerfully financial markets would rally from those April lows wasn’t on our bingo card, but while this caught many money managers off guard, in line with our core principle (the best way to maximise returns is not by trying to time the market, but by maximising the time you are invested in it), we remained invested and as such portfolio values have broadly recovered.",[],{"_key":23506,"_type":127,"children":23507,"markDefs":23511,"style":135},"c0899c5e22f3",[23508],{"_key":23509,"_type":131,"marks":23510,"text":1006},"eac5245710a6",[],[],{"_key":23513,"_type":127,"children":23514,"markDefs":23519,"style":135},"e5ab7f030c4f",[23515],{"_key":23516,"_type":131,"marks":23517,"text":23518},"943e9f590a3c",[],"In fact, the rally has been relentless:even the recent conflict between Israel and Iran, the Indian\u002FPakistan confrontation, the continuing war in Ukraine, a downgrade of the U.S. credit rating, an unpresidential social media tiff between Donald Trump and his former sidekick, Elon Musk, the testing of the Fed’s independence (the U.S. central bank), or this week’s emotional appearance by Rachel Reeves during the Prime Minister’s Questions, left financial markets largely 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remember the best way to maximise returns is not by trying to time the market, but by maximising the time you are invested in it.",[],{"_key":23581,"_type":127,"children":23582,"markDefs":23586,"style":135},"ee20c1444a3e",[23583],{"_key":23584,"_type":131,"marks":23585,"text":1006},"7ed041fd2cf5",[],[],{"_key":23588,"_type":127,"children":23589,"markDefs":23594,"style":135},"9571540151b2",[23590],{"_key":23591,"_type":131,"marks":23592,"text":23593},"6aaea0a26ff7",[],"And while assembly instructions can be complex (economic data, company valuations, market sentiment, tariff and geopolitical uncertainty, inflation and interest rates, etc) and it’s not altogether clear which are the most important pieces or how they should go together – not to mention that some of the pieces will be superfluous and it isn’t altogether clear why – it is important to take an unemotional and detached perspective when looking at the pieces sprawled across the floor.",[],{"_key":23596,"_type":127,"children":23597,"markDefs":23601,"style":135},"1cb48fbd8496",[23598],{"_key":23599,"_type":131,"marks":23600,"text":1006},"3ab9b3f2e627",[],[],{"_key":23603,"_type":127,"children":23604,"markDefs":23609,"style":135},"8b1e3f659a5b",[23605],{"_key":23606,"_type":131,"marks":23607,"text":23608},"ee88d4824785",[],"Moreover, markets are currently in fine fettle reflecting faith in Donald Trump’s priorities of deregulation and fiscal stimulus, and appear to be growing more comfortable with the current uncertainties (not because they have disappeared but because they now appear manageable).",[],{"_key":23611,"_type":127,"children":23612,"markDefs":23616,"style":135},"88595bbfece9",[23613],{"_key":23614,"_type":131,"marks":23615,"text":1006},"817e990e3b34",[],[],{"_key":23618,"_type":127,"children":23619,"markDefs":23629,"style":135},"7def81f9608f",[23620,23624],{"_key":23621,"_type":131,"marks":23622,"text":23623},"1d74a3e54823",[],"However, given the time it takes to produce this valuation statement, the tariff pauses may have come to an end.Consequently, please make sure you are subscribed to receive our regular Market Summary emails and videos, which will keep you up to date with our thoughts and views.If you don’t already receive these, please sign up at ",{"_key":23625,"_type":131,"marks":23626,"text":23628},"089bfe33dcd9",[23627],"40f2f1ff9f51","https:\u002F\u002Fmywealthprivate.co.uk\u002Fget-in-touch",[23630],{"_key":23627,"_type":1264,"href":23628},{"_key":23632,"_type":127,"children":23633,"markDefs":23637,"style":135},"33ac57e6c4a6",[23634],{"_key":23635,"_type":131,"marks":23636,"text":1006},"7da6bbe23246",[],[],{"_key":23639,"_type":127,"children":23640,"markDefs":23644,"style":135},"270a35e7475d",[23641],{"_key":23642,"_type":131,"marks":23643,"text":3930},"292d89d1011f",[174],[],{"_key":23646,"_type":127,"children":23647,"markDefs":23651,"style":135},"4625eed21078",[23648],{"_key":23649,"_type":131,"marks":23650,"text":1006},"df4bb4f52b29",[],[],{"_key":23653,"_type":127,"children":23654,"markDefs":23659,"style":135},"52cad92aed88",[23655],{"_key":23656,"_type":131,"marks":23657,"text":23658},"baf43a8f92e9",[],"Fixed Interest securities have struggled over the valuation period, thanks to Donald Trump’s tariffs and concerns over the UK government’s fiscal position, not to mention this week’s gilt market volatility after Rachel Reeves was seen crying in parliament.",[],{"_key":23661,"_type":127,"children":23662,"markDefs":23666,"style":135},"e1d6b89f5a66",[23663],{"_key":23664,"_type":131,"marks":23665,"text":1006},"625fb457e9e2",[],[],{"_key":23668,"_type":127,"children":23669,"markDefs":23674,"style":135},"4bbb3962102e",[23670],{"_key":23671,"_type":131,"marks":23672,"text":23673},"e80243ab3cb2",[],"However, we believe that financial markets are underestimating how aggressive the Bank of England will be when reducing interest rates given recent economic data readings.As such, our strategy of holding a diversified spread of financially secure companies with investment-grade credit ratings and stable income until they mature means that this price volatility, while understandably unsettling, should be less concerning, as maturity dates and values are known.",[],{"_key":23676,"_type":127,"children":23677,"markDefs":23681,"style":135},"41a425cbee71",[23678],{"_key":23679,"_type":131,"marks":23680,"text":1006},"861aef9076f1",[],[],{"_key":23683,"_type":127,"children":23684,"markDefs":23688,"style":135},"5caee71e33b2",[23685],{"_key":23686,"_type":131,"marks":23687,"text":3961},"4c49d1f0f822",[174],[],{"_key":23690,"_type":127,"children":23691,"markDefs":23695,"style":135},"da352ddff602",[23692],{"_key":23693,"_type":131,"marks":23694,"text":1006},"37db11d66c2a",[],[],{"_key":23697,"_type":127,"children":23698,"markDefs":23703,"style":135},"4e7ab4d7e836",[23699],{"_key":23700,"_type":131,"marks":23701,"text":23702},"90b0a40b7948",[],"Although tariffs remain front and centre for equity markets, given the breathtaking recovery in equity markets it is easy to forget that there was any tariff turmoil at all in global equity markets just three months ago.",[],{"_key":23705,"_type":127,"children":23706,"markDefs":23710,"style":135},"bd664adf35c2",[23707],{"_key":23708,"_type":131,"marks":23709,"text":1006},"39547ad3480e",[],[],{"_key":23712,"_type":127,"children":23713,"markDefs":23718,"style":135},"09fa18ca1b80",[23714],{"_key":23715,"_type":131,"marks":23716,"text":23717},"c8d9cac8b192",[],"Unfortunately, the capriciousness of the world’s most important person, coupled with the current fluid geopolitical environment, means equity markets are likely to stay on edge, with volatility the new normal.",[],{"_key":23720,"_type":127,"children":23721,"markDefs":23725,"style":135},"73145e2c5096",[23722],{"_key":23723,"_type":131,"marks":23724,"text":1006},"7a5604f43cd0",[],[],{"_key":23727,"_type":127,"children":23728,"markDefs":23733,"style":135},"f4e0689eed3a",[23729],{"_key":23730,"_type":131,"marks":23731,"text":23732},"6b6c26016150",[],"In the UK, notable adjustments within portfolios during the valuation period included adding to 3i (a private equity and venture capital company).3i’s core private equity holding, Action (a non-food discount retailer operating across continental Europe), is benefiting from the continuing inflationary pressures influencing consumer behaviour, by growing its market-share as shoppers increasingly seek value.",[],{"_key":23735,"_type":127,"children":23736,"markDefs":23740,"style":135},"6f37fae0a683",[23737],{"_key":23738,"_type":131,"marks":23739,"text":1006},"ce9e3a0a0e4a",[],[],{"_key":23742,"_type":127,"children":23743,"markDefs":23748,"style":135},"c531283335de",[23744],{"_key":23745,"_type":131,"marks":23746,"text":23747},"ed30dd3cf977",[],"Within the Asian & Emerging Market regions, we took advantage of the disproportionate sell-off in Chinese and Indian equities at the start of April by adding to funds with exposure to these countries.These purchases were predominately funded by the temporary trimming of the Liontrust Latin America Fund.Some of these funds were trimmed later in the valuation period to fund the purchase of a new holding, Ninety One Asia Pacific, to provide greater exposure to large and mid-cap companies within the Asian region.",[],{"_key":23750,"_type":127,"children":23751,"markDefs":23755,"style":135},"b765a305130c",[23752],{"_key":23753,"_type":131,"marks":23754,"text":1006},"daacf181820d",[],[],{"_key":23757,"_type":127,"children":23758,"markDefs":23763,"style":135},"08da3d57cf94",[23759],{"_key":23760,"_type":131,"marks":23761,"text":23762},"0afaae1c2db7",[],"Elsewhere we also took advantage of the sell-off in U.S. equities by initially adding to the region.Then after Donald Trump’s 90-day tariff climbdown and markets started to rally, we trimmed holdings back again.While this realised some gains, as we said in the ‘overview’ while we expected equity markets to bounce, we didn’t appreciate how relentless the rally would be and with hindsight we trimmed these holdings too early.",[],{"_key":23765,"_type":127,"children":23766,"markDefs":23770,"style":135},"f39607b81057",[23767],{"_key":23768,"_type":131,"marks":23769,"text":1006},"ff7852f48839",[],[],{"_key":23772,"_type":127,"children":23773,"markDefs":23778,"style":135},"0882abf5c8af",[23774],{"_key":23775,"_type":131,"marks":23776,"text":23777},"4bb19d41a664",[],"For clients with Ethical portfolios, thankfully returns from socially responsible investing showed a marked change from prior valuation periods, despite headwinds such as NATO’s commitment to increase defence expenditure (which benefitted shares in defence companies) and a growing sceptical attitude towards renewables (for example, the blackout in Spain and Portugal in April wasn’t helped by the fluctuation of renewable generation on their outdated grid system).",[],{"_key":23780,"_type":127,"children":23781,"markDefs":23785,"style":135},"65fa293d5e6f",[23782],{"_key":23783,"_type":131,"marks":23784,"text":1006},"07de879f980e",[],[],{"_key":23787,"_type":127,"children":23788,"markDefs":23793,"style":135},"2cb561add2e1",[23789],{"_key":23790,"_type":131,"marks":23791,"text":23792},"4b7a82a5a37f",[],"All the very best,",[],{"_key":23795,"_type":127,"children":23796,"markDefs":23800,"style":135},"b3496370fc5a",[23797],{"_key":23798,"_type":131,"marks":23799,"text":1006},"779551e20fa1",[],[],{"_key":23802,"_type":127,"children":23803,"markDefs":23808,"style":135},"517c4f1a2535",[23804],{"_key":23805,"_type":131,"marks":23806,"text":23807},"f3e5f5ddfe28",[],"The Investment Management Team",[],{"_key":23810,"_type":127,"children":23811,"markDefs":23816,"style":135},"c75f61905423",[23812],{"_key":23813,"_type":131,"marks":23814,"text":23815},"4dfd8cc05767",[174],"my wealth",[],{"_key":23818,"_type":127,"children":23819,"markDefs":23824,"style":135},"eeb23fb99de3",[23820],{"_key":23821,"_type":131,"marks":23822,"text":23823},"7a6b434f229a",[],"5 July 2025",[],[23826],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":23827,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":23829,"blogPostMeta":23830,"content":23850,"tag":23915,"title":23849},"9b414a24-2475-4cc4-ad37-2a3291e760c9",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":23831,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":23845,"publishedAt":23846,"slug":23847,"title":23849},{"_type":58,"asset":23832},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":23833,"mimeType":225,"opt":23843,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":23834,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":23835},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":23836,"darkVibrant":23837,"dominant":23838,"lightMuted":23839,"lightVibrant":23840,"muted":23841,"vibrant":23842},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":23844},{"tags":65},"Market performance thus far this week has been fairly muted with investors waiting in anticipation to digest a slew of economic data.","2025-07-16T11:09:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":23848},"market-update-16th-july-2025","Market Update - 16th July 2025",[23851,23854,23860,23868,23876,23884,23892,23900,23908],{"_key":23852,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":23853,"width":124},"cacb039c85c6","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1101828012",{"_key":22467,"_type":127,"children":23855,"markDefs":23859,"style":135},[23856],{"_key":22470,"_type":131,"marks":23857,"text":23858},[],"\nMarket performance thus far this week has been fairly muted with investors waiting in anticipation to digest a slew of economic data.",[],{"_key":23861,"_type":127,"children":23862,"markDefs":23867,"style":135},"3820e661ceb4",[23863],{"_key":23864,"_type":131,"marks":23865,"text":23866},"10a640005d92",[],"Over in Asia, Chinese exporters picked up pace in June as firms rushed to take advantage of a recent and tenuous tariff agreements between China and the United States, which saw both countries reduce tariffs at the end of the month. Customs data released on Monday showed outbound shipments from China rose by 5.8% year-on-year, exceeding the forecast of 5%, suggesting a short-term spike in external demand.",[],{"_key":23869,"_type":127,"children":23870,"markDefs":23875,"style":135},"078666a3fc18",[23871],{"_key":23872,"_type":131,"marks":23873,"text":23874},"91f679fabe41",[],"‘Reciprocal’ tariffs proposed by President Trump are set to take effect on 1st August, potentially impacting China through rules of origin complications, as goods exported via third-party countries may still face duties. Despite global trade headwinds, China’s Q2 GDP rose by 5.2%, beating forecasts and signalling resilient output. Strong growth in the first half gives authorities scope to absorb potential demand-side shocks. Retail sales, also released on Monday, showed a modest drop in household consumption versus May, suggesting softer domestic demand, although possibly also shaped by seasonal factors.",[],{"_key":23877,"_type":127,"children":23878,"markDefs":23883,"style":135},"3288fe079b12",[23879],{"_key":23880,"_type":131,"marks":23881,"text":23882},"835307e7466f",[],"The data point everyone was watching, U.S. CPI for the month of June, showed a subdued increase in prices of 0.3%, with the 12-month inflation rate ticking up to 2.7%. Excluding volatile food and energy components, core inflation rose just 0.2% on the month, lifting the annual rate to 2.9%. Despite some headlines touting this uptick as evidence of tariffs filtering into consumer prices, the broader consensus is that this report, as a lone data point, is insufficient to support such sweeping conclusions. Notably, it still offers no clear guidance on the path of interest rates. For President Trump, the figures were soft enough to prompt a public call via social media for the Fed to cut rates. Yet the market, largely anticipating a rate hold at the Fed’s upcoming July meeting, responded ambiguously resulting in a fairly muted market reaction.",[],{"_key":23885,"_type":127,"children":23886,"markDefs":23891,"style":135},"25f0338404a1",[23887],{"_key":23888,"_type":131,"marks":23889,"text":23890},"0304520e4305",[],"Meanwhile, a semiconductor stock rally proceeded in earnest on Wednesday following Nvidia announcing that they would resume sale of their H20 GPUs in China after U.S. policymakers suggested that export licenses would be granted. The company’s mid-tier H20 chip had previously been restricted under export rules introduced in April by President Trump’s government. By the close of trading, Nvidia shares had risen by 4%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq finished at a fresh high.",[],{"_key":23893,"_type":127,"children":23894,"markDefs":23899,"style":135},"f813c32488bf",[23895],{"_key":23896,"_type":131,"marks":23897,"text":23898},"f0b9477a6349",[],"UK headline inflation for the month of June revealed a 3.6% rise in prices versus a 3.4% growth in May. The main contributions to this figure were fuel, which did not have as big a drop as during the same period last year, and food, which increased for the 3rd consecutive month. Core inflation increased to 3.7% from 3.5%, while services inflation – which is closely watched by the Bank of England as an indicator of domestic demand shaping price pressures – held steady at 4.7%. Given that policymakers had already forecast a rise in inflation to 3.7% in the latter half of the year, it is perhaps unsurprising that UK markets opened on steady footing this morning. The FTSE 100 began the day 4.5 points higher, while gilt yields have edged upward across the curve following the announcement.",[],{"_key":23901,"_type":127,"children":23902,"markDefs":23907,"style":135},"dd0eb0b4da2e",[23903],{"_key":23904,"_type":131,"marks":23905,"text":23906},"46f01275f801",[],"Still to come this week we have U.S. PPI, industrial production and retail sales, and UK unemployment data.",[],{"_key":23909,"_type":127,"children":23910,"markDefs":23914,"style":135},"b04862936ff7",[23911],{"_key":23912,"_type":131,"marks":23913,"text":175},"c2c9b91d4fa5",[174],[],[23916],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":23917,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":23919,"blogPostMeta":23920,"content":23959,"tag":24128,"title":23958},"d9a2f8a7-32ed-4741-a8e2-00c11e3e8d50",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":23921,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":23954,"publishedAt":23955,"slug":23956,"title":23958},{"_type":58,"alt":23922,"asset":23923},"Young woman at home, looking at her phone",{"_createdAt":23924,"_id":23925,"_rev":23926,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":23924,"assetId":23927,"extension":196,"metadata":23928,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":23949,"path":23950,"sha1hash":23927,"size":23951,"uploadId":23952,"url":23953},"2025-07-15T09:17:47Z","image-0f5e3063b7ed0399f857ec432410934b4125714c-1000x667-jpg","0EAicdrjWk5jPGJr7QkWOz","0f5e3063b7ed0399f857ec432410934b4125714c",{"_type":69,"blurHash":23929,"dimensions":23930,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":23931,"palette":23932},"VFG*sM~9EMDi4nAIE2xZE1tRwaROX9bb-pbwNHs.t7NG",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYHAgX\u002FxAAlEAACAQMDAwUBAAAAAAAAAAABAgMABAUGESETIjEHEhQyYXH\u002FxAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEBf\u002FEABoRAQADAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAgMEESH\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FANenmGlXSNuwiLIq8tSxfCfJ5XJW1u0rCJhH0x9NvO5qh2GGkmxFvFaX89pHCD2x+G\u002FopfmiaxywSB1Usd3YJsXP7U7PkVUJRtggs50es1sh8eSyUOnaQX5oqWawyd1jtSX8COsg6hb3MvPNFN9gu6z\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":23933,"darkVibrant":23936,"dominant":23938,"lightMuted":23941,"lightVibrant":23944,"muted":23946,"vibrant":23948},{"_type":81,"background":23934,"foreground":83,"population":23935,"title":83},"#3a2a21",4.39,{"_type":81,"background":23937,"foreground":83,"population":19257,"title":83},"#553623",{"_type":81,"background":23939,"foreground":83,"population":23940,"title":83},"#9b6e49",6.08,{"_type":81,"background":23942,"foreground":91,"population":23943,"title":91},"#dfcdb6",3.05,{"_type":81,"background":23945,"foreground":91,"population":23940,"title":83},"#ddb796",{"_type":81,"background":23947,"foreground":83,"population":12437,"title":83},"#9f7b60",{"_type":81,"background":23939,"foreground":83,"population":23940,"title":83},"targetted support header image.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F0f5e3063b7ed0399f857ec432410934b4125714c-1000x667.jpg",546992,"48dykGeBHkXYztZBEuxhxtOkeIC1OY8j","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F0f5e3063b7ed0399f857ec432410934b4125714c-1000x667.jpg","The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced plans to allow firms to offer targeted support to help individuals with their pensions and investment decisions by providing ‘suggestions to groups of consumers with common characteristics’. ","2025-07-15T09:17:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":23957},"targeted-support-could-offer-great-support-for-savers","Targeted support could offer great support for savers",[23960,23968,23976,23984,23995,24003,24011,24019,24030,24038,24046,24054,24062,24070,24081,24089,24097,24108,24120],{"_key":23961,"_type":127,"children":23962,"markDefs":23967,"style":135},"869cffaeb416",[23963],{"_key":23964,"_type":131,"marks":23965,"text":23966},"183784eee6a0",[],"The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced plans to allow firms to offer targeted support to help individuals with their pensions and investment decisions by providing ‘suggestions to groups of consumers with common characteristics’.",[],{"_key":23969,"_type":127,"children":23970,"markDefs":23975,"style":135},"dc08673df414",[23971],{"_key":23972,"_type":131,"marks":23973,"text":23974},"4c577493d7c8",[],"As outlined in the paper, typical users which may benefit from targeted support for consumer investments include; ‘under investors’ – those with significant savings held in cash, ‘misaligned investors’ – those with a misalignment in risk appetite, ‘disengaged investors’ – those disengaged with poor value products, and ‘over investors’ – those who may struggle to deal with every day or emergency expenses with their liquid savings.",[],{"_key":23977,"_type":127,"children":23978,"markDefs":23983,"style":135},"8fc292f2e97f",[23979],{"_key":23980,"_type":131,"marks":23981,"text":23982},"7255e048462e",[],"Typical users which may benefit from targeted support for pensions include ‘under accumulators’ - those not saving enough, ‘disengaged accumulators’ - those not engaged with their pensions, ‘uninformed accessors’ – those who need help to make the right access decisions when they first access their pension, and ‘over decumulators’ – those withdrawing at a rate which is unlikely to provide a sustainable income through retirement.",[],{"_key":23985,"_type":127,"children":23986,"markDefs":23994,"style":135},"ef9966fdc4a2",[23987,23990],{"_key":23988,"_type":131,"marks":23989,"text":5222},"f33098e640d4",[174],{"_key":23991,"_type":131,"marks":23992,"text":23993},"42c56e7b2f42",[]," “This news has been welcomed by many, but we believe further consideration is necessary to ensure the right support is provided to help all individuals.”",[],{"_key":23996,"_type":127,"children":23997,"markDefs":24002,"style":135},"cdf0b5cc6adc",[23998],{"_key":23999,"_type":131,"marks":24000,"text":24001},"8764b64c50e1",[174],"Building financial resilience",[],{"_key":24004,"_type":127,"children":24005,"markDefs":24010,"style":135},"502e93cb5510",[24006],{"_key":24007,"_type":131,"marks":24008,"text":24009},"fe4a639ae6ae",[],"It’s well recognised that people need more support to invest for their future. Recent research from WEALTH at work found that42% of workers are worried about not having enough savings for unexpected costs. However, there does seem to be an appetite to save, with the survey also revealing that if people had spare cash, more than two-fifths (42%) would save it for a rainy day i.e. such as in an ISA.",[],{"_key":24012,"_type":127,"children":24013,"markDefs":24018,"style":135},"ce7a7e98d1cf",[24014],{"_key":24015,"_type":131,"marks":24016,"text":24017},"406b888838fd",[],"Employers also recognise the need to help the workforce with their future savings. Research conducted by Reba found that the number of employers that will offer savings via tax-free wrappers including Workplace ISAs is set to grow by 114%.",[],{"_key":24020,"_type":127,"children":24021,"markDefs":24029,"style":135},"84d277d73bc9",[24022,24025],{"_key":24023,"_type":131,"marks":24024,"text":5222},"6fb60f5c8c44",[174],{"_key":24026,"_type":131,"marks":24027,"text":24028},"9f3cfd998789",[]," “Many people don’t know where to start when investing and often can’t access advice either due to cost or insufficient monies to invest. Targeted support may help savers to get started out and could be helpful to bridge the advice gap. Not only this but targeted support could be a great way to help disengaged investors make active choices and get better value from their investments.”",[],{"_key":24031,"_type":127,"children":24032,"markDefs":24037,"style":135},"f367f4544526",[24033],{"_key":24034,"_type":131,"marks":24035,"text":24036},"6ae2f872af49",[],"The FCA suggest that firms would need to pre-define scenarios to provide targeted support and pre-define consumer segments, and ready-made solutions in these scenarios. ",[],{"_key":24039,"_type":127,"children":24040,"markDefs":24045,"style":135},"a9eb69699ff6",[24041],{"_key":24042,"_type":131,"marks":24043,"text":24044},"ae72a16c66e4",[174],"Preparing for retirement",[],{"_key":24047,"_type":127,"children":24048,"markDefs":24053,"style":135},"59eeefee54e2",[24049],{"_key":24050,"_type":131,"marks":24051,"text":24052},"514e21246890",[],"It’s clear that many people also need support to make better decisions and achieve more positive outcomes for retirement.",[],{"_key":24055,"_type":127,"children":24056,"markDefs":24061,"style":135},"5500674347ca",[24057],{"_key":24058,"_type":131,"marks":24059,"text":24060},"5247cb4588ec",[],"Our most recent research found that due to the impact of the increased cost of living almost half (45%) of workers claim they will never be able to afford to retire, which is up from two fifths (39%) twelve months ago, and a third (33%) in 2023.",[],{"_key":24063,"_type":127,"children":24064,"markDefs":24069,"style":135},"981e1b5b05ce",[24065],{"_key":24066,"_type":131,"marks":24067,"text":24068},"b1e7f779f757",[],"The majority (81%) of those surveyed are also concerned the increased cost of living means they will be less comfortable in retirement due to a shortfall in pension savings. Moreover, the same amount (80%) say they are concerned they will have to work longer to make up for it. In fact, almost a third (32%) say they will look to delay retirement.",[],{"_key":24071,"_type":127,"children":24072,"markDefs":24080,"style":135},"a2bf014e59ae",[24073,24076],{"_key":24074,"_type":131,"marks":24075,"text":5222},"2e32e105988c",[174],{"_key":24077,"_type":131,"marks":24078,"text":24079},"18eb472d0284",[]," “Targeted support could play a key role in helping people plan ahead and understand if they are saving enough to create the kind of retirement they may like, and what the options are if they find they don’t have enough. This could lead to improved pensions engagement and increases in contributions. Not only this, but it could help people to understand what is required to generate a desired level of income throughout retirement.",[],{"_key":24082,"_type":127,"children":24083,"markDefs":24088,"style":135},"05ea18db472a",[24084],{"_key":24085,"_type":131,"marks":24086,"text":24087},"550e31ceb633",[],"However, by design, targeted support is not holistic and therefore will not consider all of someone’s accumulated wealth as well as their personal circumstances and needs. So, for many with larger sums of money, regulated advice will still remain the best option, especially when planning for retirement or considering retirement income options as this can be complex. Therefore, targeted support may not be a solution for everyone, although it could possibly offer a gateway to advice for some.”",[],{"_key":24090,"_type":127,"children":24091,"markDefs":24096,"style":135},"453021c02e64",[24092],{"_key":24093,"_type":131,"marks":24094,"text":24095},"f7455c0140cc",[174],"The challenges and how we can help",[],{"_key":24098,"_type":127,"children":24099,"markDefs":24107,"style":135},"1f7f9c5458b5",[24100,24103],{"_key":24101,"_type":131,"marks":24102,"text":5222},"48586c6ace6d",[174],{"_key":24104,"_type":131,"marks":24105,"text":24106},"d4af3de5aa03",[]," “Understandably some are concerned and believe targeted support could mean targeted sales, therefore consumer protection is key, and we look forward to reviewing the regulatory framework because, as ever, the devil will be in the detail. Another challenge within this new framework will be the balance between consumer protection and regulation, as if the regulation is too stringent few firms may sign-up to offer the service - whereas if it is too relaxed there are concerns around potential mis-selling. So, the definitions of how the characteristics define the solutions are key and could become a legal minefield which Pension Trustees may be uncomfortable with.”",[],{"_key":24109,"_type":127,"children":24110,"markDefs":24119,"style":135},"482d21719bd8",[24111,24115],{"_key":24112,"_type":131,"marks":24113,"text":24114},"28d78d57625d",[174],"Watts-Lay explains;",{"_key":24116,"_type":131,"marks":24117,"text":24118},"9819cc3865e7",[]," “At WEALTH at work, we already help hundreds of organisations to support their employees to improve their financial future through financial education, one-to-one guidance and investment advice. We find that once people are informed about their finances, they are more likely to make informed decisions and take steps to improve their financial situation. This includes better engaging with pensions and increasing contributions, building financial resilience through Workplace ISAs, and taking investment advice at retirement.”",[],{"_key":24121,"_type":127,"children":24122,"markDefs":24127,"style":135},"e4f1919437e4",[24123],{"_key":24124,"_type":131,"marks":24125,"text":24126},"6237002882f7",[],"We look forward to the full details from the consultation which will close at the end of August and reviewing how targeted support could help us support even more people improve their financial future.”",[],[24129],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":24130,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":24132,"blogPostMeta":24133,"content":24155,"tag":24282,"title":24154},"62f6d520-1da3-44bb-b3af-ceceb0a9f93d",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":24134,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":24150,"publishedAt":24151,"slug":24152,"title":24154},{"_type":58,"asset":24135},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":24136,"mimeType":225,"opt":24146,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":24137,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":24138},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":24139,"darkVibrant":24140,"dominant":24141,"lightMuted":24142,"lightVibrant":24143,"muted":24144,"vibrant":24145},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":24147},{"tags":24148},[24149],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As shown in the accompanying table, markets posted a mixed performance this week. Investors largely took fresh tariff headlines and policy speculation in stride, with some indices even reaching record highs before ending the week on a more subdued note.","2025-07-14T10:46:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":24153},"week-ending-11th-july-2025","Week ending 11th July 2025",[24156,24159,24163,24171,24179,24187,24195,24203,24211,24219,24227,24235,24243,24251,24259,24267,24275],{"_key":24157,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":24158,"width":124},"6614ff624abe","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1101179158",{"_key":24160,"_type":58,"asset":24161},"e9606a16b383",{"_ref":24162,"_type":107},"image-d93a609358b70ade45c07896f7465e311e9c6223-3928x4296-png",{"_key":24164,"_type":127,"children":24165,"markDefs":24170,"style":135},"7c54d0ba741a",[24166],{"_key":24167,"_type":131,"marks":24168,"text":24169},"a1fe725df307",[],"\nAs shown in the accompanying table, markets posted a mixed performance this week. Investors largely took fresh tariff headlines and policy speculation in stride, with some indices even reaching record highs before ending the week on a more subdued note.",[],{"_key":24172,"_type":127,"children":24173,"markDefs":24178,"style":135},"9261112cb235",[24174],{"_key":24175,"_type":131,"marks":24176,"text":24177},"474337658c48",[],"While trade tensions once again made their way into the spotlight, markets again took it in stride.",[],{"_key":24180,"_type":127,"children":24181,"markDefs":24186,"style":135},"e0641e1b4590",[24182],{"_key":24183,"_type":131,"marks":24184,"text":24185},"b165016f80df",[],"U.S. President Donald Trump proposed a new round of tariffs, including 25% levies on imports from South Korea and Japan, as well as targeted measures affecting Canada, South Africa, Thailand, and Malaysia. Brazil was singled out with a proposed increase to a 50% tariff, a move widely interpreted as politically motivated amid domestic legal proceedings against its former president.",[],{"_key":24188,"_type":127,"children":24189,"markDefs":24194,"style":135},"7d1b3bdc69e5",[24190],{"_key":24191,"_type":131,"marks":24192,"text":24193},"0df235a56b2d",[],"In addition, Trump announced a 50% tariff on copper imports, which prompted a temporary spike in U.S. copper futures, while global prices outside the U.S. saw little to no reaction. While these headlines were significant, markets showed little volatility. Investors appear to be taking a “wait and see” approach this time around, choosing patience over panic as they wait for concrete policy details before pricing in any long-term implications.",[],{"_key":24196,"_type":127,"children":24197,"markDefs":24202,"style":135},"4db81300f075",[24198],{"_key":24199,"_type":131,"marks":24200,"text":24201},"aaf9ddec9a82",[],"Investors focus also turned to the release of minutes from the Federal Reserve’s June meeting, highlighting a degree of division among members about the path forward. While most policymakers still expect to see lower rates before year-end, a few signalled a willingness to act as early as the late July meeting.",[],{"_key":24204,"_type":127,"children":24205,"markDefs":24210,"style":135},"98781d26be8f",[24206],{"_key":24207,"_type":131,"marks":24208,"text":24209},"af0d95956f50",[],"Markets responded calmly, suggesting that the range of views within the Fed is already priced in, with investors trusting the Fed to adapt to economic conditions as needed.",[],{"_key":24212,"_type":127,"children":24213,"markDefs":24218,"style":135},"04d851564508",[24214],{"_key":24215,"_type":131,"marks":24216,"text":24217},"1705f692b020",[],"Data wise in the U.S., jobless claims fell to 227,000 in the week ending 5 July, the lowest in seven weeks. This marks the fourth consecutive decline, suggesting the labour market remains relatively resilient despite high interest rates.",[],{"_key":24220,"_type":127,"children":24221,"markDefs":24226,"style":135},"ae500a75fa82",[24222],{"_key":24223,"_type":131,"marks":24224,"text":24225},"aaa0df1392e1",[],"In Europe, the STOXX Europe 600 Index rose over the week, supported by optimism over future trade negotiations. However, gains moderated toward the week’s end following signals from the U.S. that tariffs on European goods may be under consideration.",[],{"_key":24228,"_type":127,"children":24229,"markDefs":24234,"style":135},"66071d169a7d",[24230],{"_key":24231,"_type":131,"marks":24232,"text":24233},"851b88bb778d",[],"UK GDP slipped by 0.1% in May, following a 0.3% decline in April, with softness in the production and construction sectors weighing on output. That said, over the three months to May, the economy expanded by 0.5%, indicating some resilience beneath the monthly fluctuations.",[],{"_key":24236,"_type":127,"children":24237,"markDefs":24242,"style":135},"299c910d8a75",[24238],{"_key":24239,"_type":131,"marks":24240,"text":24241},"6efc232a9404",[],"Despite signs of a slowing backdrop, markets showed little reaction, likely reflecting expectations that policy support would be forthcoming if weakness persists.",[],{"_key":24244,"_type":127,"children":24245,"markDefs":24250,"style":135},"903cfedfe60b",[24246],{"_key":24247,"_type":131,"marks":24248,"text":24249},"ac5444063aad",[],"A rate cut is now firmly priced in for August, with the possibility of further easing later in the year. These moves could provide a boost to the UK’s growth outlook.",[],{"_key":24252,"_type":127,"children":24253,"markDefs":24258,"style":135},"856fcb10905b",[24254],{"_key":24255,"_type":131,"marks":24256,"text":24257},"5df168b27749",[],"Attention will begin to shift to the second-quarter earnings season, which kicks off with results from major banks and other well-known names. That said, trade developments will remain in focus, particularly after Trump extended tariff threats to the European Union and Mexico over the weekend.",[],{"_key":24260,"_type":127,"children":24261,"markDefs":24266,"style":135},"3a1e3dcf5e24",[24262],{"_key":24263,"_type":131,"marks":24264,"text":24265},"3d962b786ae4",[],"Arguably more important for markets in the week ahead will be the release of U.S. CPI. So far, tariffs have had a limited impact on inflation, as cost pressures have often been absorbed along the supply chain, or avoided altogether through pre-emptive inventory stockpiling.",[],{"_key":24268,"_type":127,"children":24269,"markDefs":24274,"style":135},"cddcffbd82ce",[24270],{"_key":24271,"_type":131,"marks":24272,"text":24273},"15b6a4edb0c8",[],"It’s also a busy week for global data releases. Alongside U.S. and UK inflation figures, markets will be watching China’s GDP and trade data, UK unemployment, and Japan’s trade balance and inflation.",[],{"_key":24276,"_type":127,"children":24277,"markDefs":24281,"style":135},"14f601464153",[24278],{"_key":24279,"_type":131,"marks":24280,"text":288},"5fa733e89de3",[174],[],[24283],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":24284,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":24286,"blogPostMeta":24287,"content":24307,"tag":24374,"title":24306},"295c9fd7-1a93-47d2-b302-7c59e8bad910",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":24288,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":24302,"publishedAt":24303,"slug":24304,"title":24306},{"_type":58,"asset":24289},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":24290,"mimeType":225,"opt":24300,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":24291,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":24292},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":24293,"darkVibrant":24294,"dominant":24295,"lightMuted":24296,"lightVibrant":24297,"muted":24298,"vibrant":24299},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":24301},{"tags":65},"Global equities began the week on a cautious footing, with markets retreating modestly on Monday amid renewed trade tensions. ","2025-07-09T10:43:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":24305},"market-update-9th-july-2025","Market Update - 9th July 2025",[24308,24311,24319,24327,24335,24343,24351,24359,24367],{"_key":24309,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":24310,"width":124},"deb9f5506adc","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1099943240",{"_key":24312,"_type":127,"children":24313,"markDefs":24318,"style":135},"dcb610434dec",[24314],{"_key":24315,"_type":131,"marks":24316,"text":24317},"4dd3924cba45",[],"\nGlobal equities began the week on a cautious footing, with markets retreating modestly on Monday amid renewed trade tensions. Despite the headlines, market conditions remained orderly, reflecting a growing investor perception that tariff threats from Washington are primarily tactical rather than indicative of imminent policy shifts.",[],{"_key":24320,"_type":127,"children":24321,"markDefs":24326,"style":135},"fc6128e32149",[24322],{"_key":24323,"_type":131,"marks":24324,"text":24325},"13093dc57efb",[],"U.S. equities declined on Monday as investors returned from the Independence Day holiday to fresh tariff rhetoric. In a familiar pattern, the White House quickly softened its stance by issuing a temporary extension, shifting the implementation date for the duties from 9th July to 1st August. However, stocks declined when Donald Trump announced the latest salvo on trade; a new round of proposed tariffs targeting imports from 14 countries. Under the updated plan, goods from countries such as Japan, South Korea, and South Africa could face tariffs ranging from 25% to 40%, although Trump confirmed that no new increases would take effect this week as initially anticipated. Additional levies were also floated for BRICS nations such as China, India, Brazil, and Russia.",[],{"_key":24328,"_type":127,"children":24329,"markDefs":24334,"style":135},"59bbe6a0a8f1",[24330],{"_key":24331,"_type":131,"marks":24332,"text":24333},"74d2bea970d5",[],"Markets stabilised on Tuesday as investors remained largely unperturbed by the latest tariff headlines, a marked contrast to the sharp sell-off seen when broad duties were first threatened. President Trump signalled flexibility, describing the August 1 deadline as final but expressed openness to further negotiations. The administration also confirmed that any new levies would replace existing duties especially in sensitive sectors such as automotive rather than stack additional costs. That clarification helped underpin the muted market reaction.",[],{"_key":24336,"_type":127,"children":24337,"markDefs":24342,"style":135},"06c51e5652ca",[24338],{"_key":24339,"_type":131,"marks":24340,"text":24341},"1fe091e302cb",[],"Trump’s unpredictable approach to trade policy has become so familiar that it’s earned its own acronym: TACO – “Trump Always Chickens Out”.\nAlso on Tuesday, President Trump announced a 50% tariff on copper imports into the U.S., delivering on an earlier threat linked to a national security investigation. The move reflects concerns that foreign copper shipments may pose a strategic risk, given the metal’s critical role in military equipment, electric vehicles, and construction. Similar reviews are underway in pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and timber—underscoring the administration’s broader use of tariffs to protect and promote domestic industry.",[],{"_key":24344,"_type":127,"children":24345,"markDefs":24350,"style":135},"3e97a397b94b",[24346],{"_key":24347,"_type":131,"marks":24348,"text":24349},"b5cfe73f77e8",[],"Across Asia-Pacific, markets traded mixed to slightly higher as investors assessed the implications of the U.S. announcements. Many regional indices have recovered from April lows, supported by the belief that U.S. trade policy remains fluid and subject to delay.",[],{"_key":24352,"_type":127,"children":24353,"markDefs":24358,"style":135},"2a06c03b8049",[24354],{"_key":24355,"_type":131,"marks":24356,"text":24357},"ea8ac6fb8087",[],"Equities in the UK and Europe closed modestly higher on Tuesday. With UK stocks remaining isolated from tariff noise, sentiment also improved in Europe following reports that the U.S. had proposed maintaining a 10% baseline tariff on EU goods. However, caution persisted ahead of any formal agreement. German export data for May showed a larger-than-expected decline of 1.4%, with shipments to the U.S. down 7.7% as earlier front-loading faded. Meanwhile, Eurozone retail sales fell 0.7% in the same month, suggesting a shift in consumer behaviour towards saving. Nonetheless, purchasing power remains underpinned by recent ECB rate cuts and continued wage growth. Market attention now turns to the upcoming release of second-quarter GDP figures, which are expected to confirm a contraction, particularly in light of April’s 0.3% decline in services output.",[],{"_key":24360,"_type":127,"children":24361,"markDefs":24366,"style":135},"a74daf0a7b53",[24362],{"_key":24363,"_type":131,"marks":24364,"text":24365},"31819f21e5b0",[],"Still to come this week, China inflation, U.S. initial jobless claims. UK GDP, industrial production and manufacturing production.",[],{"_key":24368,"_type":127,"children":24369,"markDefs":24373,"style":135},"6a67cfc38810",[24370],{"_key":24371,"_type":131,"marks":24372,"text":288},"946300e9a921",[174],[],[24375],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":24376,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":24378,"blogPostMeta":24379,"content":24401,"tag":24464,"title":24400},"589faefd-e8f2-44ab-a6e8-3e817a45380c",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":24380,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":24396,"publishedAt":24397,"slug":24398,"title":24400},{"_type":58,"asset":24381},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":24382,"mimeType":225,"opt":24392,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":24383,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":24384},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":24385,"darkVibrant":24386,"dominant":24387,"lightMuted":24388,"lightVibrant":24389,"muted":24390,"vibrant":24391},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":24393},{"tags":24394},[24395],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As you can see from the accompanying table, markets were mixed this week. It was relatively quiet, with only a few pieces of economic data to digest and U.S. traders off for the Fourth of July holiday on Friday. ","2025-07-07T11:16:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":24399},"week-ending-4th-july-2025","Week ending 4th July 2025",[24402,24405,24409,24417,24425,24433,24441,24449,24457],{"_key":24403,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":24404,"width":124},"c37d71c897a3","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1099324392",{"_key":24406,"_type":58,"asset":24407},"00a1f08d15ad",{"_ref":24408,"_type":107},"image-95311722c8fb84e33e9e1a0e8bb5af44c4572533-3928x4296-png",{"_key":24410,"_type":127,"children":24411,"markDefs":24416,"style":135},"c94ba9ef42de",[24412],{"_key":24413,"_type":131,"marks":24414,"text":24415},"fb34329a45a7",[],"\nAs you can see from the accompanying table, markets were mixed this week. It was relatively quiet, with only a few pieces of economic data to digest and U.S. traders off for the Fourth of July holiday on Friday. US stocks rose strongly on Thursday ahead of the long weekend and after labour market data came in above expectations. Also, after market closed on Thursday, President Trump signed into law a sizable package of spending and tax cuts after the so called “Big Beautiful Bill” was approved at the House of Representatives by narrow margins. The bill, which will solidify the implementation of his 2017 tax cuts, is heralded by Republicans as essential for economic growth.",[],{"_key":24418,"_type":127,"children":24419,"markDefs":24424,"style":135},"0983dba58571",[24420],{"_key":24421,"_type":131,"marks":24422,"text":24423},"4a62aacb8305",[],"On Thursday, U.S. jobs data presented a mixed picture. The latest reports highlighted that the US is still an economy in which businesses are willing to hire, with 147,000 jobs being added in June. However, nearly half of these gains came from the government sector, suggesting that headwinds are currently present within certain facets of the private sector. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate edged down to 4.1% from 4.2% in May, a positive figure though partly shaped by people leaving the labour force. In response, market participants have scaled back expectations for an interest rate cut at the Federal Reserve’s July meeting, with the probability falling from 24% to just 5%.",[],{"_key":24426,"_type":127,"children":24427,"markDefs":24432,"style":135},"223e52188acf",[24428],{"_key":24429,"_type":131,"marks":24430,"text":24431},"5c9de09bfbb2",[],"There was also labour market data from the Euro area. Unemployment in the Eurozone rose slightly in May to 6.3%, up from a record low of 6.2% in April. However, this represents only a modest increase in a region that has not, historically, faced significant difficulties in filling job vacancies. While solid wage growth has remained a persistent concern for inflationary pressures, economists expect it to moderate by the end of the year. For now, though, labour market tightness continues to be a point of contention. This comes at a time when businesses are already contending with uncertainty stemming from ongoing trade tensions and ambiguity around tariffs, complicating planning and investment decisions.",[],{"_key":24434,"_type":127,"children":24435,"markDefs":24440,"style":135},"2b9c86d7b87d",[24436],{"_key":24437,"_type":131,"marks":24438,"text":24439},"c783fb1978cb",[],"Adding to the picture industrial producer prices in the Eurozone fell by 0.6% in May, following a sharper 2.2% drop in April. While energy prices were the main driver of the decline, producer prices excluding energy edged up by 0.1%, signalling subtle underlying cost pressures. Taken together with labour market data, this suggests that while headline inflation may be easing, underlying domestic cost dynamics remain mixed. The European Central Bank is therefore likely to view the latest figures as further evidence that inflation is on the right path, but not yet fully tamed.",[],{"_key":24442,"_type":127,"children":24443,"markDefs":24448,"style":135},"ff667074e9fe",[24444],{"_key":24445,"_type":131,"marks":24446,"text":24447},"6e060dd321f8",[],"President Donald Trump’s 9th July trade deadline is drawing near, with negotiations intensifying as economies race to finalise trade agreements. However, markets appear relatively calm in the face of the looming deadline. This is largely because investors have witnessed a pattern in Trump’s approach to trade policy: initial threats of sweeping tariffs followed by partial concessions, delays, or reversals. As a result, a degree of policy retreat is already priced into market with markets less reactive to brinkmanship and more focused on the eventual policy path, which many still expect to be less extreme.",[],{"_key":24450,"_type":127,"children":24451,"markDefs":24456,"style":135},"9722b0b73bcb",[24452],{"_key":24453,"_type":131,"marks":24454,"text":24455},"919d0991cd4b",[],"Still to come this week we have Eurozone retail sales, China’s CPI reading and Fed meeting minutes.",[],{"_key":24458,"_type":127,"children":24459,"markDefs":24463,"style":135},"06c2bbf7e00d",[24460],{"_key":24461,"_type":131,"marks":24462,"text":175},"ad7ee9abf176",[174],[],[24465],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":24466,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":24468,"blogPostMeta":24469,"content":24489,"tag":24548,"title":24488},"1ee9c6ba-8eda-45e4-8ecc-178a9da20b20",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":24470,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":24484,"publishedAt":24485,"slug":24486,"title":24488},{"_type":58,"asset":24471},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":24472,"mimeType":225,"opt":24482,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":24473,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":24474},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":24475,"darkVibrant":24476,"dominant":24477,"lightMuted":24478,"lightVibrant":24479,"muted":24480,"vibrant":24481},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":24483},{"tags":65},"Market attention was beginning to shift toward the 9th of July deadline for President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs to take effect, amid continued mixed signals from the White House. ","2025-07-02T11:11:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":24487},"market-update-2nd-july-2025","Market Update - 2nd July 2025",[24490,24493,24501,24509,24517,24525,24533,24541],{"_key":24491,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":24492,"width":124},"653a3b0b0ea2","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1098144400?h=67c9a00a57",{"_key":24494,"_type":127,"children":24495,"markDefs":24500,"style":135},"66e8c7d94c84",[24496],{"_key":24497,"_type":131,"marks":24498,"text":24499},"8482a163bce3",[],"Market attention was beginning to shift toward the 9th of July deadline for President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs to take effect, amid continued mixed signals from the White House. While some officials hinted at potential flexibility around the timeline, concerns persisted that Trump may proceed with unilateral tariffs despite ongoing negotiations.",[],{"_key":24502,"_type":127,"children":24503,"markDefs":24508,"style":135},"03cb4eecee47",[24504],{"_key":24505,"_type":131,"marks":24506,"text":24507},"6b44f5868ea1",[],"After an extended period of revisions, Trump’s tax and spending package has narrowly cleared a key hurdle and is now headed back to the House for final approval. The bill proposes increases in funding for border security, defence, and energy development, while also extending tax cuts. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the measure is projected to add nearly $3.3 trillion to the federal deficit over the next ten years. One thing we know about markets is that they hate uncertainty which is why, having perhaps largely anticipated the bill’s passage, it is likely that traders responded in muted tones.",[],{"_key":24510,"_type":127,"children":24511,"markDefs":24516,"style":135},"eba9096370e7",[24512],{"_key":24513,"_type":131,"marks":24514,"text":24515},"99dbbaef8e93",[],"Although China’s official PMI indicated that manufacturing activity contracted in June, the Caixin PMI survey painted a more optimistic picture, revealing a rebound in the sector. The Caixin China General Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (focused primarily on smaller, privately-owned firms in southern China) rose to 50.4 from 48.3 the previous month. Since any reading above 50 signals growth and anything below suggests contraction, this increase suggests a modest recovery. Despite lingering trade tensions, stronger demand from promotional campaigns and better trading conditions were cited as key factors driving the improvement in new orders and overall sentiment.",[],{"_key":24518,"_type":127,"children":24519,"markDefs":24524,"style":135},"1b3208cbd2e5",[24520],{"_key":24521,"_type":131,"marks":24522,"text":24523},"e3144a2120b5",[],"This week, markets have also been made aware that the European Union is said to be open to a trade deal with the United States that would apply a flat 10% tariff to many of its exports. However, EU policymakers are seeking U.S. concessions in return in the form of reduced tariffs on critical sectors, pushing for easing the current 25% U.S. duties on vehicles and auto parts, as well as the steep 50% tariffs on steel and aluminium. While still speculative in nature, such negotiations could influence terms of trade and future cross-border capital flows.",[],{"_key":24526,"_type":127,"children":24527,"markDefs":24532,"style":135},"5c3320ba4570",[24528],{"_key":24529,"_type":131,"marks":24530,"text":24531},"d5c2eaaa478d",[],"Other market drivers included the latest Eurozone CPI data, which edged up to 2%, a slight increase from May’s 1.9%. While signalling a steady upward trend, the figure yet remains within the European Central Bank’s inflation target. Core CPI, which excludes food and energy, held steady at 2.3%, while services inflation rose to 3.3%. Although policymakers are expected to keep rates unchanged at their upcoming meeting later this month, the latest figures may offer encouragement as they suggest a delicate but promising balance between supporting aggregate demand amongst consumers and keeping inflation in check.",[],{"_key":24534,"_type":127,"children":24535,"markDefs":24540,"style":135},"6c2938294c37",[24536],{"_key":24537,"_type":131,"marks":24538,"text":24539},"9d2eb7bb4ad7",[],"Still to come this week we have a closure in US markets on Friday for the 4th of July holiday, Eurozone unemployment rate, US jobs data and Eurozone PPI.",[],{"_key":24542,"_type":127,"children":24543,"markDefs":24547,"style":135},"ead4133b0ae4",[24544],{"_key":24545,"_type":131,"marks":24546,"text":175},"c31da5d86045",[174],[],[24549],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":24550,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":24552,"blogPostMeta":24553,"content":24575,"tag":24669,"title":24574},"d4adf681-f614-47ae-ac22-67529cf45474",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":24554,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":24570,"publishedAt":24571,"slug":24572,"title":24574},{"_type":58,"asset":24555},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":24556,"mimeType":225,"opt":24566,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":24557,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":24558},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":24559,"darkVibrant":24560,"dominant":24561,"lightMuted":24562,"lightVibrant":24563,"muted":24564,"vibrant":24565},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":24567},{"tags":24568},[24569],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"Markets were lifted by a wave of optimism following news that the US and China have officially signed a trade agreement. ","2025-06-30T11:19:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":24573},"week-ending-27th-june-2025","Week ending 27th June 2025",[24576,24579,24583,24591,24599,24607,24615,24623,24631,24639,24647,24655,24662],{"_key":24577,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":24578,"width":124},"2e3b10cb2aff","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1097486840?h=e9761c7c56",{"_key":24580,"_type":58,"asset":24581},"fb14999ce52c",{"_ref":24582,"_type":107},"image-1d4c3847e4469cf708b145924972166a765a2194-1200x1312-jpg",{"_key":24584,"_type":127,"children":24585,"markDefs":24590,"style":135},"53d64446e378",[24586],{"_key":24587,"_type":131,"marks":24588,"text":24589},"d5fd55444362",[],"\nAs you can see from the accompanying table financial markets wrapped up the week on a positive note and in some cases hit record highs.",[],{"_key":24592,"_type":127,"children":24593,"markDefs":24598,"style":135},"1f20b3ce3996",[24594],{"_key":24595,"_type":131,"marks":24596,"text":24597},"8d810f8f136e",[],"Markets were lifted by a wave of optimism following news that the US and China have officially signed a trade agreement. While details remain light, reports suggest the deal includes progress on tech restrictions and rare earth exports. That was enough for investors, who welcomed signs that the world’s two largest economies are finding common ground after weeks of tension. Sentiment was further boosted after Donald Trump hinted at a possible separate agreement with India that could “open up” trade between the two nations. However, stocks pulled back from session highs after Trump said he was abandoning trade talks with Canada.",[],{"_key":24600,"_type":127,"children":24601,"markDefs":24606,"style":135},"f13da5e8a0c8",[24602],{"_key":24603,"_type":131,"marks":24604,"text":24605},"f8c2491dccb8",[],"In the US, equity markets surged. The S&P 500 climbed 3.44% and the Nasdaq rose an impressive 4.25%, both closing at record highs. Market sentiment was further buoyed by dovish remarks from several Federal Reserve officials, indicating rate cuts could be on the table sooner than many have been anticipating.",[],{"_key":24608,"_type":127,"children":24609,"markDefs":24614,"style":135},"1808da25ff11",[24610],{"_key":24611,"_type":131,"marks":24612,"text":24613},"b5e2fede3a9d",[],"US data showed the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, ticked slightly higher in May, rising 0.1% for the month and 2.3% year on year. The core PCE, which strips out food and energy, came in at 0.2% monthly and 2.7% annually, both a touch higher than forecast. While inflation remains above target, the modest increases are unlikely to shift the Fed’s policy stance dramatically in the near term.",[],{"_key":24616,"_type":127,"children":24617,"markDefs":24622,"style":135},"b8f95d2e022c",[24618],{"_key":24619,"_type":131,"marks":24620,"text":24621},"b9f9b10c0545",[],"Less welcome was the final read on Q1 GDP, which showed the US economy contracted by 0.5%. Consumer spending, slowed more sharply than previously estimated, rising just 0.5%. Still, markets largely shrugged off the data, focusing instead on trade developments and the possibility of easier monetary policy ahead.",[],{"_key":24624,"_type":127,"children":24625,"markDefs":24630,"style":135},"f74361deedeb",[24626],{"_key":24627,"_type":131,"marks":24628,"text":24629},"28e1a17cca4e",[],"Adding to the upbeat tone, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East appeared to ease with a ceasefire between Israel and Iran holding steady this week, offering a further boost to investor confidence. Oil prices also settled back down to where they were prior to escalations, Brent crude closing the week out at $66.77 pb.",[],{"_key":24632,"_type":127,"children":24633,"markDefs":24638,"style":135},"a55745f6c6f5",[24634],{"_key":24635,"_type":131,"marks":24636,"text":24637},"986689d0fa62",[],"Over in Europe, the STOXX Europe 600 Index rose 1.32%. The UK’s FTSE 100 edged up 0.28%, as global rather than domestic factors dominated the mood.",[],{"_key":24640,"_type":127,"children":24641,"markDefs":24646,"style":135},"7ae5d750578c",[24642],{"_key":24643,"_type":131,"marks":24644,"text":24645},"3592a752d33d",[],"Mainland Chinese markets also posted strong gains on the back of the trade breakthrough, with investors welcoming the prospect of smoother US China economic relations.",[],{"_key":24648,"_type":127,"children":24649,"markDefs":24654,"style":135},"9779e1156d66",[24650],{"_key":24651,"_type":131,"marks":24652,"text":24653},"ae2637f50289",[],"Next week’s data highlights include Eurozone inflation, US ISM manufacturing and services, non-farm payrolls and the unemployment rate, as well as China’s manufacturing PMI.",[],{"_key":24656,"_type":127,"children":24657,"markDefs":24661,"style":135},"705b8700d92c",[24658],{"_key":24659,"_type":131,"marks":24660,"text":1006},"fc8c2ded3b91",[],[],{"_key":24663,"_type":127,"children":24664,"markDefs":24668,"style":135},"750fefc4c5ee",[24665],{"_key":24666,"_type":131,"marks":24667,"text":288},"dfacd0701a69",[174],[],[24670],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":24671,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":24673,"blogPostMeta":24674,"content":24718,"tag":24873,"title":24717},"0a705fbf-3f9c-46e6-9395-2c5b97ad81f2",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":24675,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":24713,"publishedAt":24714,"slug":24715,"title":24717},{"_type":58,"alt":24676,"asset":24677},"woman using laptop at her kitchen table",{"_createdAt":24678,"_id":24679,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":24680,"extension":196,"metadata":24681,"mimeType":225,"opt":24703,"originalFilename":24708,"path":24709,"sha1hash":24680,"size":24710,"uploadId":24711,"url":24712},"2025-07-15T14:51:10Z","image-3c321ac853d93d2e7c3da6d906c9654c1506e108-1000x667-jpg","3c321ac853d93d2e7c3da6d906c9654c1506e108",{"_type":69,"blurHash":24682,"dimensions":24683,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":24684,"palette":24685},"VHLNSs~q%h9ZIoF}slaJMxV[^*R-IUxvjsK7WB%MxaoJ",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAcDBAb\u002FxAAhEAACAgIBBAMAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEABEFBhIxQRMhMv\u002FEABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQAAv\u002FEABsRAAIBBQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACEQEDEhRh\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwBpVHdUcND8o9Het4u+d6jkh60pRQRE1yxhki+v0cZc1FOQhO3aIr4KZlbHS9GnErEGayrllmfyCfeCe7jWJGJaypMEF2S0Jz28Z3DXkuBhlwlgFDOzEDW8MztL0tZuH\u002F\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":24686,"darkVibrant":24689,"dominant":24692,"lightMuted":24695,"lightVibrant":24697,"muted":24699,"vibrant":24700},{"_type":81,"background":24687,"foreground":83,"population":24688,"title":83},"#3a291c",5.98,{"_type":81,"background":24690,"foreground":83,"population":24691,"title":83},"#6c482c",3.95,{"_type":81,"background":24693,"foreground":83,"population":24694,"title":83},"#ae8a6a",6.41,{"_type":81,"background":24696,"foreground":91,"population":18245,"title":83},"#d7c2af",{"_type":81,"background":24698,"foreground":91,"population":8047,"title":91},"#e9c9ab",{"_type":81,"background":24693,"foreground":83,"population":24694,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":24701,"foreground":83,"population":24702,"title":83},"#9c6c39",2.44,{"media":24704},{"tags":24705},[24706],{"_key":24707,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"IsaS8ppg-HmraK1PRT_Kh","shutterstock_1976093087.jpeg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F3c321ac853d93d2e7c3da6d906c9654c1506e108-1000x667.jpg",104952,"kdGbhOW43FDIdedMYtIbJFt1ZCx4US9y","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F3c321ac853d93d2e7c3da6d906c9654c1506e108-1000x667.jpg","The number of working people who believe they will never be able to afford to retire is on the rise according to research by WEALTH at work. ","2025-06-25T14:51:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":24716},"new-research-reveals-increasing-concerns-over-retirement-affordability-alongside-a-general-lack-of-pensions-understanding","New research reveals increasing concerns over retirement affordability alongside a general lack of pensions understanding",[24719,24727,24735,24743,24751,24762,24770,24778,24786,24794,24802,24810,24818,24826,24834,24845,24853,24861],{"_key":24720,"_type":127,"children":24721,"markDefs":24726,"style":135},"b9d0709e18e9",[24722],{"_key":24723,"_type":131,"marks":24724,"text":24725},"0f14abb7bedc",[174],"Retirement feels out of reach for many",[],{"_key":24728,"_type":127,"children":24729,"markDefs":24734,"style":135},"af9d787a0e17",[24730],{"_key":24731,"_type":131,"marks":24732,"text":24733},"0eff63f2dfe8",[],"The number of working people who believe they will never be able to afford to retire is on the rise according to research by WEALTH at work. It found that due to the impact of the increased cost of living almost half (45%) of workers claim they will never be able to afford to retire which is up from two fifths (39%) twelve months ago, and a third (33%) in 2023.",[],{"_key":24736,"_type":127,"children":24737,"markDefs":24742,"style":135},"7b0771798fae",[24738],{"_key":24739,"_type":131,"marks":24740,"text":24741},"24abd829a277",[],"Those workers aged 35-44 years are the age group most likely to believe they will never be able to afford to retire, with over half of all these workers (51%) expressing this concern.",[],{"_key":24744,"_type":127,"children":24745,"markDefs":24750,"style":135},"0648310b4f98",[24746],{"_key":24747,"_type":131,"marks":24748,"text":24749},"b08edf98fc9f",[],"The majority (81%) of those surveyed are also concerned the increased cost of living means they will be less comfortable in retirement due to a shortfall in pension savings. Moreover, the same amount (80%) say they are concerned they will have to work longer to make up for it. In fact, almost a third (32%) say they will look to delay retirement which is higher (35%) for those approaching retirement aged 55+.",[],{"_key":24752,"_type":127,"children":24753,"markDefs":24761,"style":135},"904b498f51de",[24754,24757],{"_key":24755,"_type":131,"marks":24756,"text":1502},"985f0aab58d2",[174],{"_key":24758,"_type":131,"marks":24759,"text":24760},"1c9f681470ac",[]," “Workers are getting increasingly concerned that they’ll never be able to afford to retire, with the research finding this peaks for those aged 35-44. Most of this group will not have benefited from a full working life of automatic enrolment and are less likely to reach retirement with generous defined benefit (or final salary) pensions than some older generations. In fact, pre-auto-enrolment, many in this age group may not have saved into pensions at all, therefore missing a number of years of contributions and growth.”",[],{"_key":24763,"_type":127,"children":24764,"markDefs":24769,"style":135},"9e2197028066",[24765],{"_key":24766,"_type":131,"marks":24767,"text":24768},"d88ee997a217",[],"He adds; “For people to better prepare for their financial future, it’s vital that they engage with their pensions as early as possible. Many don’t realise the significant difference a small increase to their pension savings can make. For example, someone in their 20s, saving just 1% more each year into a workplace pension can boost future savings by 25%. This may not feel affordable but making small changes such as setting a household budget, shopping around and not auto-renewing on things like car insurance, as well as utilising workplace benefits i.e. discount schemes, really can make a huge difference when trying to find that bit of extra cash.”",[],{"_key":24771,"_type":127,"children":24772,"markDefs":24777,"style":135},"2a9ca3d5b2db",[24773],{"_key":24774,"_type":131,"marks":24775,"text":24776},"605cffc9671c",[],"Watts-Lay explains ; “Those who are approaching retirement should work out a financial plan, starting by carefully looking at what pensions, savings and investments they have, and then how much they think they will need. This can be difficult to estimate but the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) have this month updated their guidance around this. It estimates that despite the concerns we found over retirement affordability, the cost of a Minimum Retirement Living Standard for a one-person household has decreased slightly by £1,000 per year to £13,400, while for a two-person household it is £21,600. This is due to the current impact of lower energy prices, although we know that this could change again. Moderate standards have increased slightly to £31,700 for a one-person household and £43,900 for a two-person household. Comfortable standards have also risen to £43,900 and £60,600 for two-person households.”",[],{"_key":24779,"_type":127,"children":24780,"markDefs":24785,"style":135},"2d5296978c17",[24781],{"_key":24782,"_type":131,"marks":24783,"text":24784},"db128515adca",[],"He explains; “If people find what they have saved isn’t going to be enough, it may be worth delaying retirement or continuing working part-time if able. Although this may not be a prospect many want to face, it would enable people to make more pension contributions whilst taking advantage of tax relief and employer contributions for longer and ultimately build up their savings for a more prosperous retirement.”",[],{"_key":24787,"_type":127,"children":24788,"markDefs":24793,"style":135},"dab7ef7ddcdd",[24789],{"_key":24790,"_type":131,"marks":24791,"text":24792},"9e43dbb9dbb4",[174],"A general lack of pension understanding",[],{"_key":24795,"_type":127,"children":24796,"markDefs":24801,"style":135},"97674b5235ce",[24797],{"_key":24798,"_type":131,"marks":24799,"text":24800},"7bbb3d60ef83",[],"As well as the challenges faced due to rising costs, the research also looked at workers’ understanding of pensions. It found that 21% are unaware that their pension is invested, and 30% are unaware that their pension has a choice of investment funds to choose from which increases to 38% for those aged 55+.",[],{"_key":24803,"_type":127,"children":24804,"markDefs":24809,"style":135},"02c67fdecfe2",[24805],{"_key":24806,"_type":131,"marks":24807,"text":24808},"9a6061c9a197",[],"Additionally, 39% are unaware of what their pension is invested in and 25% are unaware that if they don’t choose what their pension is invested in, it will automatically be done for them by their pension provider (into the default investment fund).",[],{"_key":24811,"_type":127,"children":24812,"markDefs":24817,"style":135},"7c38ddbfde00",[24813],{"_key":24814,"_type":131,"marks":24815,"text":24816},"73972057bedd",[],"Interestingly, over half of workers (54%) have considered choosing pension investments based on their values and beliefs (such as environmental, social or religious).Yet only a quarter (24%) have done so.",[],{"_key":24819,"_type":127,"children":24820,"markDefs":24825,"style":135},"000e9e835a23",[24821],{"_key":24822,"_type":131,"marks":24823,"text":24824},"e0e7bef13135",[],"Encouragingly, despite the current cost of living challenges, 41% would consider increasing their contributions if they knew their pension was investing in funds that aligned with their values and beliefs. This increases to over half (53%) of workers aged 25-34.",[],{"_key":24827,"_type":127,"children":24828,"markDefs":24833,"style":135},"107426a40c99",[24829],{"_key":24830,"_type":131,"marks":24831,"text":24832},"2ddc48ea35db",[],"Alongside these findings, the research found that 26% feel unsupported by the workplace to understand their pensions. When asked who they mostly seek pension guidance from, only 16% chose their employer and 10% said no one at all.",[],{"_key":24835,"_type":127,"children":24836,"markDefs":24844,"style":135},"c10426befa99",[24837,24840],{"_key":24838,"_type":131,"marks":24839,"text":1502},"657e09073aa6",[174],{"_key":24841,"_type":131,"marks":24842,"text":24843},"7d762c49b7cc",[]," “Pensions may not be the most exciting topic, and the jargon around them can be confusing. However, it’s really important that people are educated about their choices and are able to make informed decisions to make the most of their retirement savings. What is particularly concerning is that almost two-fifths of those approaching retirement (aged 55+) are unaware that they have a choice of investment funds to choose from. At this point of their life, people need to start considering how they plan to generate a retirement income (i.e. take it as cash, buy an annuity, go into drawdown or a combination of options) and ensure their pension investments or ‘glide path’ is aligned with this.”",[],{"_key":24846,"_type":127,"children":24847,"markDefs":24852,"style":135},"145b5ee40371",[24848],{"_key":24849,"_type":131,"marks":24850,"text":24851},"8e1e9ad60e2d",[],"He adds; “However, it’s also really interesting that our research indicated that many people would increase their pension contributions if they knew it was invested in funds that aligned with their values and beliefs. In recent years there has been a significant expansion of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations, with people wanting to align their pension investments with their values and beliefs. ESG is a broad category, and it means different things to different people. But simply knowing that pensions can be used to make a difference can be a powerful way to switch people on to better engage with their long-term savings.”",[],{"_key":24854,"_type":127,"children":24855,"markDefs":24860,"style":135},"051a2aa4f1f5",[24856],{"_key":24857,"_type":131,"marks":24858,"text":24859},"43c04dfe474f",[],"Watts-Lay summarises; “For people to achieve better outcomes at retirement, they need support to understand not only their pensions but their general finances including ways to save and invest money, budget and manage debt. Many leading employers recognise this and provide financial wellbeing support in the workplace. This could include financial education and guidance programmes, access to savings such as Workplace ISAs, pension consolidation services to help people manage their pension savings effectively, as well as access to investment advice. It is important people speak to their employer to find out what help is available.”",[],{"_key":24862,"_type":127,"children":24863,"markDefs":24872,"style":135},"97a4cc0cfc94",[24864,24868],{"_key":24865,"_type":131,"marks":24866,"text":24867},"eec615245d80",[174],"About the survey:",{"_key":24869,"_type":131,"marks":24870,"text":24871},"414b7d4748fc",[],"\nResearch for WEALTH at work was carried out by Opinion Matters throughout 08\u002F05\u002F25 – 13\u002F05\u002F25 amongst a panel of 2,000 UK workers, aged 18+ who have a defined contribution workplace pension.",[],[24874],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":24875,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":24877,"blogPostMeta":24878,"content":24898,"tag":24949,"title":24897},"079a1617-96d7-4283-a0c3-d936a56b3c4b",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":24879,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":24893,"publishedAt":24894,"slug":24895,"title":24897},{"_type":58,"asset":24880},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":24881,"mimeType":225,"opt":24891,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":24882,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":24883},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":24884,"darkVibrant":24885,"dominant":24886,"lightMuted":24887,"lightVibrant":24888,"muted":24889,"vibrant":24890},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":24892},{"tags":65},"A relatively quiet week on the economic calendar had investors looking mainly to what was coming out of the US to make their next moves. ","2025-06-25T11:19:04.942Z",{"_type":9,"current":24896},"market-update-25th-june-2025","Market Update – 25th June 2025",[24899,24906,24909,24917,24925,24933,24941],{"_key":24900,"_type":127,"children":24901,"markDefs":24905,"style":135},"bb413622e27d",[24902],{"_key":24903,"_type":131,"marks":24904,"text":1006},"b3eea57d0790",[],[],{"_key":24907,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":24908,"width":124},"e706b3fe0797","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1096217328?h=81d20cc437&badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479",{"_key":24910,"_type":127,"children":24911,"markDefs":24916,"style":135},"ed9e2cd7444a",[24912],{"_key":24913,"_type":131,"marks":24914,"text":24915},"a215b2ccf222",[],"On Monday, President Trump announced a “complete and total ceasefire” between Israel and Iran following 12 days of conflict, a statement later confirmed by the Israeli Prime Minister. Although there have since been allegations of Iranian breaches, other reports indicate the ceasefire largely held through Tuesday. While any conflict involving loss of life is undeniably tragic, financial markets responded positively to the announcement and investor sentiment was boosted by the uneasy truce between the two sides. Markets appeared to interpret the ceasefire not as a resolution, but as a welcome de-escalation in a region where tensions often oscillate between flare-ups and temporary calm. Oil prices fell 6% following the news, with Brent Crude Oil pricing in at $67.14 per barrel - reflecting eased supply concerns and a broader sense of relief.",[],{"_key":24918,"_type":127,"children":24919,"markDefs":24924,"style":135},"ec9ac4318190",[24920],{"_key":24921,"_type":131,"marks":24922,"text":24923},"5dce271bef94",[],"And it seems like tariff uncertainty is still at the forefront of US consumers' minds. On Tuesday, U.S. consumer confidence was shown to have declined in June, with the Conference Board reporting a drop to 93.0, down from 98.4 in May. The decline was broad-based, affecting both consumers’ views of current conditions and future expectations. This comes despite signs of resilience in the U.S. economy, including a still relatively tight labour market and moderate wage growth.",[],{"_key":24926,"_type":127,"children":24927,"markDefs":24932,"style":135},"6e5ebbe84379",[24928],{"_key":24929,"_type":131,"marks":24930,"text":24931},"9262ad0ac3d7",[],"The latter point was addressed by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell in remarks delivered on Tuesday. Ignoring Trump’s criticism of him as “Mr. Too Late,” Powell emphasised that although the economy is showing signs of strength, the Fed must maintain a data-dependent, wait-and-see approach until the full impact of Trump’s tariffs becomes materially evident in the broader economy. He also indicated that key interest rates would remain on hold for the time being.",[],{"_key":24934,"_type":127,"children":24935,"markDefs":24940,"style":135},"58117a8303bc",[24936],{"_key":24937,"_type":131,"marks":24938,"text":24939},"89ff16c47dfd",[],"Still to come this week we have Japan’s unemployment rate, Tokyo CPI, Eurozone sentiment index and US PCE data.",[],{"_key":24942,"_type":127,"children":24943,"markDefs":24948,"style":135},"06c3b040cee1",[24944],{"_key":24945,"_type":131,"marks":24946,"text":24947},"4f417dd2fa93",[174],"Nicola Tune, Portfolio 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worries research 2025",[24993,24995,25003,25018,25027,25035,25042,25050],{"_key":1195,"_type":121,"height":1196,"url":24994,"width":773},"https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.flipsnack.com?hash=OUNCQjhCQjhCN0ErZHpubHR1aGJkYw==",{"_key":24996,"_type":127,"children":24997,"markDefs":25002,"style":135},"daee1f1ef9e8",[24998],{"_key":24999,"_type":131,"marks":25000,"text":25001},"06d32d9215f1",[],"Our latest research shows the number of working people who believe they will never be able to afford to retire is on the rise.",[],{"_key":25004,"_type":127,"children":25005,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":25017,"style":135},"ee3a4dbc26c9",[25006,25010,25013],{"_key":25007,"_type":131,"marks":25008,"text":25009},"94bef05f8c04",[],"45%",{"_key":25011,"_type":131,"marks":25012,"text":5435},"ba6db4d2c735",[174],{"_key":25014,"_type":131,"marks":25015,"text":25016},"40d51dbd78e2",[],"of workers claim they will never be able to afford to retire which is up 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understand their pensions.",[],{"_key":1275,"_type":127,"children":25051,"markDefs":25058,"style":135},[25052,25054,25056],{"_key":1278,"_type":131,"marks":25053,"text":1280},[],{"_key":1282,"_type":131,"marks":25055,"text":1285},[1284],{"_key":1287,"_type":131,"marks":25057,"text":1289},[],[25059],{"_key":1284,"_type":1264,"href":1292},[25061],{"_createdAt":1295,"_id":1296,"_rev":1297,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":1298,"brandSpecific":76,"slug":25062,"title":1301},{"_type":9,"current":1300},{"_id":25064,"blogPostMeta":25065,"content":25105,"tag":25109,"title":25067},"c03aba9d-e355-4917-9bac-92affac6a912",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":25066,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":25102,"slug":25103,"title":25067},{"_type":58,"alt":25067,"asset":25068},"WEALTH at work reveals a bold new 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Many leading employers recognise this and provide financial wellbeing support in the workplace. This could include financial education and guidance programmes, access to savings such as Workplace ISAs, pension consolidation services to help people manage their pension savings effectively, as well as access to investment advice. An increasing number of employers are turning to specialist workplace providers to bring all this support together. Taking an active approach and supporting employees with the help of reputable firms will make the whole process far more robust and will lead to more positive outcomes for all.”",[],{"_key":25276,"_type":127,"children":25277,"markDefs":25290,"style":135},"641f7260c8c9",[25278,25282,25286],{"_key":25279,"_type":131,"marks":25280,"text":25281},"91f45c33e04c",[],"About the survey: ",{"_key":25283,"_type":131,"marks":25284,"text":1301},"a25e4f35f9d9",[25285,174],"c32d26fb1e50",{"_key":25287,"_type":131,"marks":25288,"text":25289},"524e034d95f6",[]," for WEALTH at work was carried out by Opinion Matters throughout 08\u002F05\u002F25 – 13\u002F05\u002F25 amongst a panel of 2,000 UK workers, aged 18+ who have a defined contribution workplace pension.",[25291],{"_key":25285,"_type":1264,"href":25292},"https:\u002F\u002Fwealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fnews\u002Farticle\u002Fretirement-worries-research-2025",[25294],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":25295,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":25297,"blogPostMeta":25298,"content":25320,"tag":25343,"title":25319},"7c50b90b-d24f-4103-84ab-3f218062454f",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":25299,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":25315,"publishedAt":25316,"slug":25317,"title":25319},{"_type":58,"asset":25300},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":25301,"mimeType":225,"opt":25311,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":25302,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":25303},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":25304,"darkVibrant":25305,"dominant":25306,"lightMuted":25307,"lightVibrant":25308,"muted":25309,"vibrant":25310},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":25312},{"tags":25313},[25314],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"Markets closed the week on a mixed note, with geopolitical tensions in the Middle East weighing on sentiment.","2025-06-23T10:18:44.165Z",{"_type":9,"current":25318},"week-ending-20th-june-2025","Week ending 20th June 2025",[25321,25324,25332,25339],{"_key":25322,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":25323,"width":124},"7d9c3fa5634c","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1095592583?h=95aab35122",{"_key":25325,"_type":127,"children":25326,"markDefs":25331,"style":135},"3a39fe49779c",[25327],{"_key":25328,"_type":131,"marks":25329,"text":25330},"7accdbf16061",[],"Markets closed the week on a mixed note, with geopolitical tensions in the Middle East weighing on sentiment.\n\nWhile global investors are cautious amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, markets showed a degree of resilience, especially in the UK, where the FTSE 100 fell 0.86% on the week. That compares favourably with wider European indices, such as the STOXX Europe 600, down 1.54%. The FTSE’s relatively muted decline is a reminder of its defensive composition, with strong representation from energy and consumer staples sectors that tend to hold up during periods of volatility. As always, diversification and a long-term perspective remain essential in navigating periods of uncertainty.\n\nIn the U.S., markets were mixed in a holiday-shortened trading week. The S&P 500 slipped modestly. Central banks remain in a holding pattern. The Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady at 4.25–4.5%, as expected, and Fed Chair Jerome Powell reiterated the economy is in a “solid position,” though uncertainty remains elevated.\n\nOn the economic front, U.S. retail sales fell for a second consecutive month in May, suggesting a softening consumer backdrop. However, core sales used in GDP calculations rose 0.4%, offering some reassurance.\n\nThe Bank of England held interest rates at 4.25% on Thursday, as expected. Governor Andrew Bailey noted that rates remain on a “gradual downward path,” but cautioned that “the world is highly unpredictable”. Markets and economists had largely ruled out a cut amid mixed global signals. Bailey highlighted early signs of a cooling labour market in the UK, adding: “We will be looking carefully at the extent to which those signs feed through to consumer price inflation.”\n\nUK retail sales fell 2.7% in May, the sharpest monthly decline since 2023, driven by a 5% drop in food sales and broader sector weakness. While this suggests a possible pause in the UK’s economic momentum after a strong start to the year, markets may interpret the data as a sign that the Bank of England could take a more measured approach to rate cuts.\n\nNews that the U.S. joined Israel in a direct strike on Iranian nuclear sites marked a sharp escalation in regional tensions. Iran’s parliament has reportedly voted to close the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route, but the move still requires approval from the Supreme National Security Council. Shutting the Strait would be a last resort, as it is vital to Iran’s struggling economy and risks straining ties with China, its main oil buyer. What happens next is uncertain, but our diversified portfolios are built to withstand geopolitical shocks. Markets are forward-looking, and recent volatility reflects headline-driven reactions more than a shift in global economic fundamentals.\n\nBrent crude has edged higher in recent weeks, trading around $77 a barrel on Friday—up more than 10% since mid-June. The lack of a sustained sharp spike this morning suggests markets had already priced in the possibility of a U.S. military response, helping to temper the reaction. Attention now turns to whether the conflict spreads beyond Iran, as any regional spillover could reignite volatility.\n\nLooking ahead, markets will be watching developments in the Middle East closely, particularly in relation to oil supply and global trade routes. Political and diplomatic signals will also be under scrutiny, with NATO leaders meeting in The Hague. Trade discussions at Summer Davos in China may provide further market direction.\n\nData wise next week, PMI data for the UK, U.S., and Europe. Fed chair Jerome Powell’s testimony. U.S. durable goods orders, initial jobless claims. U.S. Core PCE is due at the end of the week, the Federal reserve’s preferred measure of inflation.",[],{"_key":25333,"_type":127,"children":25334,"markDefs":25338,"style":135},"b000c93c6267",[25335],{"_key":25336,"_type":131,"marks":25337,"text":288},"8ebe96532959",[174],[],{"_key":25340,"_type":58,"asset":25341},"a939be0d6420",{"_ref":25342,"_type":107},"image-0027ef6e678dc7855a3906e38c043eb30f28204e-1000x1094-png",[25344],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":25345,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":25347,"blogPostMeta":25348,"content":25386,"tag":25445,"title":25067},"27ccbd41-0258-4576-b1cd-65c4e62c302e",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":25349,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":25382,"publishedAt":25383,"slug":25384,"title":25067},{"_type":58,"asset":25350},{"_createdAt":25351,"_id":25352,"_rev":25353,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":25351,"assetId":25354,"extension":196,"metadata":25355,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":25377,"path":25378,"sha1hash":25354,"size":25379,"uploadId":25380,"url":25381},"2025-06-23T09:16:02Z","image-cb95e6d6445a3031a1f3d575cf6acae18f8d8480-1000x667-jpg","xJcNa43GmqQ7Beq5jg1IAU","cb95e6d6445a3031a1f3d575cf6acae18f8d8480",{"_type":69,"blurHash":25356,"dimensions":25357,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":25358,"palette":25359},"VcPP=hEP_N-T.8S%MxaJxutRyYs,rWSONGxZt7bbRjae",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYDBQf\u002FxAAjEAACAgICAgEFAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEABEFEgYTBxUxQVFx\u002F8QAFgEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgAB\u002F8QAHREBAAICAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQMRAAIhQQQSMf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AfPlia9B5VVlqXpoikidUXegD98tq3Omu\u002FW7fuSzRykjSkDX6x48l46K0YnIVXB7E9QSdfjEqDx94eans\u002FUJm9ysfWygqv8weRvL6VGgd8X1igjhd7kFT5zXeadSnSzVimjJ6OoI3hkfGIY6ECk9iFA3rW8M3VXUXLYpaz\u002F\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":25360,"darkVibrant":25363,"dominant":25366,"lightMuted":25367,"lightVibrant":25370,"muted":25372,"vibrant":25375},{"_type":81,"background":25361,"foreground":83,"population":25362,"title":83},"#3d2d26",4.66,{"_type":81,"background":25364,"foreground":83,"population":25365,"title":83},"#0875bb",4.86,{"_type":81,"background":25364,"foreground":83,"population":25365,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":25368,"foreground":91,"population":25369,"title":83},"#cfad91",1.96,{"_type":81,"background":25371,"foreground":91,"population":1159,"title":83},"#fcb45c",{"_type":81,"background":25373,"foreground":83,"population":25374,"title":83},"#907f82",3.51,{"_type":81,"background":25376,"foreground":83,"population":2080,"title":83},"#ed7a09","pr-social-media-rebrand-image.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fcb95e6d6445a3031a1f3d575cf6acae18f8d8480-1000x667.jpg",318597,"moo72aUskhcWzuqInwY7FrU288oNDztS","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fcb95e6d6445a3031a1f3d575cf6acae18f8d8480-1000x667.jpg","As part of its 20-year anniversary celebrations, WEALTH at work has announced the launch of a bold new look.","2025-06-23T08:13:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":25385},"wealth-at-work-reveals-a-bold-new-look",[25387,25394,25402,25410,25418,25426,25429,25437],{"_key":25388,"_type":127,"children":25389,"markDefs":25393,"style":135},"27ba84d53fcc",[25390],{"_key":25391,"_type":131,"marks":25392,"text":25382},"803510e11643",[],[],{"_key":25395,"_type":127,"children":25396,"markDefs":25401,"style":135},"aab57662a01c",[25397],{"_key":25398,"_type":131,"marks":25399,"text":25400},"9c87bf96d264",[],"Since the business first traded in 2005, it has gone through considerable growth and carried out several acquisitions which now form the Wealth at Work group. Today, it employs over 450 staff and works with hundreds of organisations across the private and public sector in the UK and Ireland, reaching millions of employees around the world.",[],{"_key":25403,"_type":127,"children":25404,"markDefs":25409,"style":135},"9c57fe3d612c",[25405],{"_key":25406,"_type":131,"marks":25407,"text":25408},"1d316e01014b",[],"The new look has been created by design and digital communications agency, Landscape (also part of the Wealth at Work group) and includes a vibrant colour palette and new fonts as well as a new website.",[],{"_key":25411,"_type":127,"children":25412,"markDefs":25417,"style":135},"a5962690173e",[25413],{"_key":25414,"_type":131,"marks":25415,"text":25416},"fb970eb6d762",[],"The new design reflects the next step in the company’s growth plans to communicate with and support even more employers and employees to make confident financial choices.",[],{"_key":25419,"_type":127,"children":25420,"markDefs":25425,"style":135},"96f7a77dfca9",[25421],{"_key":25422,"_type":131,"marks":25423,"text":25424},"2868f1ea0570",[174],"Find out more in the film here:",[],{"_key":25427,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":25428,"width":124},"19d32aa3b95a","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FvVe0NS91Df8?si=DJOG12PiF7SyXiEE",{"_key":25430,"_type":127,"children":25431,"markDefs":25436,"style":135},"10d03de9502c",[25432],{"_key":25433,"_type":131,"marks":25434,"text":25435},"5abcbee7701d",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Co-founder & Director, WEALTH at work, comments; “Our business is constantly evolving as the requirements of our clients change and this needs to be reflected in the way we present the Wealth at Work group. As this is our 20th anniversary year, it is humbling to think that we have led the financial wellbeing agenda for two decades. This is only possible because of the support of our clients, many of whom have been with us on this journey, for many years. In fact, our clients helped us with the initial focus groups at the start of our re-branding process.”",[],{"_key":25438,"_type":127,"children":25439,"markDefs":25444,"style":135},"c0c60c65ba33",[25440],{"_key":25441,"_type":131,"marks":25442,"text":25443},"2d714854606b",[],"He adds; “As we continue to build recognition and trust with leading companies, our brand is integral to shaping how we are perceived.”",[],[25446],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":25447,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":25449,"blogPostMeta":25450,"content":25488,"tag":25500,"title":25487},"7689e042-d59e-45ab-8450-0dd4c3f863e5",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":25451,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":25483,"publishedAt":25484,"slug":25485,"title":25487},{"_type":58,"asset":25452},{"_createdAt":25453,"_id":25454,"_rev":25455,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":25453,"assetId":25456,"extension":196,"metadata":25457,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":25478,"path":25479,"sha1hash":25456,"size":25480,"uploadId":25481,"url":25482},"2025-06-20T10:01:38Z","image-1c26c9d242b7a289d2bb6e34506c809776ee04a1-1000x667-jpg","QkuvqQ0LD7SNRTBiaxYM2K","1c26c9d242b7a289d2bb6e34506c809776ee04a1",{"_type":69,"blurHash":25458,"dimensions":25459,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":25460,"palette":25461},"VFHC4R~qtSITD%ROM{IU?b%MIVD%t6xux]x]-;E1R%M{",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGBAf\u002FxAAlEAABAwMDAwUAAAAAAAAAAAACAQMEAAUSBhEhFSJBByNDYXH\u002FxAAWAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADAQL\u002FxAAYEQADAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARESMf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AaXHTS3W0NPRI+ItFlmCInKLWC6XEoz3SXRcB+WOLbm+2Jfa+KeWfURDYHY8eOjQLv8ikvNcrkX2W7qU48hG3QQ0TIk7v3ejl4SwpenRI\u002FtE8iGPBbn5oqqj+m9nmMhIdck5uIhL30VvIbZ\u002F\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":25462,"darkVibrant":25465,"dominant":25468,"lightMuted":25469,"lightVibrant":25471,"muted":25473,"vibrant":25476},{"_type":81,"background":25463,"foreground":83,"population":25464,"title":83},"#3c4b43",5.55,{"_type":81,"background":25466,"foreground":83,"population":25467,"title":83},"#071210",9.44,{"_type":81,"background":25466,"foreground":83,"population":25467,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":25470,"foreground":91,"population":87,"title":83},"#a4c4cc",{"_type":81,"background":25472,"foreground":91,"population":315,"title":91},"#e5cdb7",{"_type":81,"background":25474,"foreground":83,"population":25475,"title":83},"#84897f",9.16,{"_type":81,"background":25477,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#47b7a3","shutterstock_1979726198.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F1c26c9d242b7a289d2bb6e34506c809776ee04a1-1000x667.jpg",564369,"mG9Sc0UXWlUj9Dnk44B4bQlEGekpJItc","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F1c26c9d242b7a289d2bb6e34506c809776ee04a1-1000x667.jpg","Jonathan Watts-Lay recently appeared on the Voice of Islam Radio breakfast show.\n\n","2025-06-19T10:01:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":25486},"an-interview-with-the-voice-of-islam-radio","An Interview with the Voice of Islam Radio",[25489,25492],{"_key":25490,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":25491,"width":124},"dddb2c136aeb","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FRQ_CD7USzoQ?si=1FENvPxrE5G_Jyz7",{"_key":25493,"_type":127,"children":25494,"markDefs":25499,"style":135},"e4f139d81f60",[25495],{"_key":25496,"_type":131,"marks":25497,"text":25498},"6a434376d144",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay recently appeared on the Voice of Islam Radio breakfast show discussing how people can improve their financial wellbeing in the current financial climate. He highlights how to best understand spending budgets and planning for retirement with some simple steps. Listen to the interview in full.",[],[25501],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":25502,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":25504,"blogPostMeta":25505,"content":25525,"tag":25605,"title":25524},"eb1e45d2-818e-42df-8c3a-5e77537def18",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":25506,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":25520,"publishedAt":25521,"slug":25522,"title":25524},{"_type":58,"asset":25507},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":25508,"mimeType":225,"opt":25518,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":25509,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":25510},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":25511,"darkVibrant":25512,"dominant":25513,"lightMuted":25514,"lightVibrant":25515,"muted":25516,"vibrant":25517},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":25519},{"tags":65},"Global financial markets began the week on firmer footing, as investors welcomed a brief lull in geopolitical tensions following heightened fears over the Israel-Iran conflict. ","2025-06-18T13:00:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":25523},"market-update-18th-june-2025","Market Update – 18th June 2025",[25526,25528,25536,25544,25552,25560,25568,25576,25584,25592,25600],{"_key":24907,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":25527,"width":124},"https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1094360785?h=5114c9ee51",{"_key":25529,"_type":127,"children":25530,"markDefs":25535,"style":135},"dc585200b14a",[25531],{"_key":25532,"_type":131,"marks":25533,"text":25534},"84427728cb08",[],"Global financial markets began the week on firmer footing, as investors welcomed a brief lull in geopolitical tensions following heightened fears over the Israel-Iran conflict. Risk appetite rebounded after Friday’s volatility, with sentiment buoyed by hopes that the conflict would remain contained.",[],{"_key":25537,"_type":127,"children":25538,"markDefs":25543,"style":135},"6cb39d1b59a1",[25539],{"_key":25540,"_type":131,"marks":25541,"text":25542},"20b4e80a8bd9",[],"However, the relief was short-lived. U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for the evacuation of Tehran and his early departure from the G7 summit dampened sentiment into Tuesday, reviving concerns about escalating tensions in the Middle East. Equity markets lost ground by midday, with investors turning more cautious as they assessed the latest developments. Donald Trump’s absence may put additional strain on NATO discussions at the upcoming summit later this month with tension already among member states.",[],{"_key":25545,"_type":127,"children":25546,"markDefs":25551,"style":135},"2f41ef4aa31b",[25547],{"_key":25548,"_type":131,"marks":25549,"text":25550},"6aed790f9cf5",[],"Despite the pullback, London’s FTSE 100 outperformed its European counterparts, supported by its strong exposure to oil majors, which benefited from elevated energy prices amid geopolitical uncertainty.",[],{"_key":25553,"_type":127,"children":25554,"markDefs":25559,"style":135},"0381d384326f",[25555],{"_key":25556,"_type":131,"marks":25557,"text":25558},"a9bfc99f2f23",[],"While markets remain sensitive to geopolitical developments, recent movements serve as a timely reminder of how quickly sentiment and markets can rebound. Periods of volatility often give way to renewed optimism, underscoring the importance of staying invested and focused on long-term objectives amid short-term uncertainty.",[],{"_key":25561,"_type":127,"children":25562,"markDefs":25567,"style":135},"6efc3a57058d",[25563],{"_key":25564,"_type":131,"marks":25565,"text":25566},"4ca9cbc8c3cb",[],"In Asia, Chinese economic data provided a more supportive backdrop. Industrial production rose 5.8% year on year in May, beating expectations, while retail sales accelerated to 6.4%, the strongest pace since December 2023. Consumer demand was buoyed by holiday-related spending around Labor Day and the Dragon Boat Festival, alongside targeted government support, including subsidies for electronics. The figures suggest Beijing’s efforts to cushion the impact of U.S. tariff pressures may be gaining traction.",[],{"_key":25569,"_type":127,"children":25570,"markDefs":25575,"style":135},"923e6618195d",[25571],{"_key":25572,"_type":131,"marks":25573,"text":25574},"71dad00f5f43",[],"Attention now shifts to central banks. The U.S. Federal Reserve is due to announce its latest interest rate decision, with no changes expected. Policymakers are likely to hold rates steady amid stable inflation and a resilient labour market, maintaining a cautious stance as they await further data.",[],{"_key":25577,"_type":127,"children":25578,"markDefs":25583,"style":135},"49a729103ca8",[25579],{"_key":25580,"_type":131,"marks":25581,"text":25582},"70c23355ab7b",[],"In the UK, headline inflation came in at 3.4% in May, in line with forecasts. A decline in airfares, largely due to the timing of Easter and school holidays as well as falling fuel prices helped ease overall pressure. Core inflation, which excludes food, energy, alcohol, and tobacco, dropped to 3.5% from 3.8%, an encouraging sign for the Bank of England that underlying inflation may be softening.",[],{"_key":25585,"_type":127,"children":25586,"markDefs":25591,"style":135},"0168eefba589",[25587],{"_key":25588,"_type":131,"marks":25589,"text":25590},"3e7526869200",[],"Nonetheless, services inflation remains elevated, a key concern for the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). The Bank is widely expected to keep interest rates on hold at 4.25% when it meets on Thursday, seeking more definitive evidence that inflation is sustainably returning to its 2% target. Although the MPC has delivered four rate cuts since last summer, the pace has slowed with inflation still above target. The Bank has warned that inflation may rise temporarily to 3.7% between July and September before falling back.",[],{"_key":25593,"_type":127,"children":25594,"markDefs":25599,"style":135},"c29948246019",[25595],{"_key":25596,"_type":131,"marks":25597,"text":25598},"1a4d9a0ad541",[],"Still to come this week, U.S. initial jobless claims, UK retail sales, and consumer confidence. 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While we carefully monitor geopolitical developments, we remain focused on long-term strategy rather than reacting to short-term headline-driven fluctuations",[],{"_key":25944,"_type":127,"children":25945,"markDefs":25950,"style":135},"bea99ccc632f",[25946],{"_key":25947,"_type":131,"marks":25948,"text":25949},"b777cc7355cd",[],"While equity markets in Europe and Asia have come under some pressure, the UK’s FTSE 100, a key allocation within our portfolios, has remained more resilient. Its performance has been supported by gains in the energy sector, reflecting the index’s substantial exposure to oil majors.",[],{"_key":25952,"_type":127,"children":25953,"markDefs":25958,"style":135},"6eac4e1a05ad",[25954],{"_key":25955,"_type":131,"marks":25956,"text":25957},"73341e1ff8d8",[],"Data-wise next week, we will see key releases including Chinese industrial production and unemployment rates, US retail sales and industrial production, UK CPI and inflation figures, as well as Japan’s balance of trade and the Bank of Japan’s interest rate decision. The Federal Reserve and the Bank of England are both expected to announce their interest rate decisions, with policymakers widely anticipated to hold rates steady at 4.5% and 4.25% respectively.",[],{"_key":25960,"_type":127,"children":25961,"markDefs":25965,"style":135},"45d47b6106f5",[25962],{"_key":25963,"_type":131,"marks":25964,"text":288},"8896545e3c21",[174],[],[25967],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":25968,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":25970,"blogPostMeta":25971,"content":25991,"tag":26074,"title":25990},"907a74c3-499e-424d-928d-5a2f11cc5aa8",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":25972,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":25986,"publishedAt":25987,"slug":25988,"title":25990},{"_type":58,"asset":25973},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":25974,"mimeType":225,"opt":25984,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":25975,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":25976},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":25977,"darkVibrant":25978,"dominant":25979,"lightMuted":25980,"lightVibrant":25981,"muted":25982,"vibrant":25983},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":25985},{"tags":65},"Global equity markets have had a quiet start to the week as investors await a key U.S. inflation reading due later today.","2025-06-11T12:24:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":25989},"market-update-11th-june-2025","Market Update – 11th June 2025",[25992,25995,26003,26011,26019,26027,26035,26043,26051,26059,26067],{"_key":25993,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":25994,"width":124},"87a974d41445","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1092418744?h=137ce04073",{"_key":25996,"_type":127,"children":25997,"markDefs":26002,"style":135},"db61ffde32c2",[25998],{"_key":25999,"_type":131,"marks":26000,"text":26001},"4037c2268247",[],"Global equity markets have had a quiet start to the week as investors await a key U.S. inflation reading due later today. Despite ongoing geopolitical concerns and soft data from China, market volatility remains low and investor sentiment broadly steady.",[],{"_key":26004,"_type":127,"children":26005,"markDefs":26010,"style":135},"02ed45a1354a",[26006],{"_key":26007,"_type":131,"marks":26008,"text":26009},"320d201cd611",[],"The main headline earlier this week was renewed dialogue between the U.S. and China, with trade officials meeting in London to ease tensions. While details remain limited, early reports suggest progress on several trade issues, including the supply of rare earth materials. This followed a U.S. appeals court decision allowing existing global tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump to remain in place for now. The market reaction has been muted. Given the ongoing back-and-forth on trade policy in recent months, investors appear to be waiting for more concrete developments before adjusting their outlook.",[],{"_key":26012,"_type":127,"children":26013,"markDefs":26018,"style":135},"9b10b63832ea",[26014],{"_key":26015,"_type":131,"marks":26016,"text":26017},"1b698b7ba14d",[],"Chinese data released this week painted a subdued picture. Consumer prices fell for a fourth consecutive month, producer prices also declined, and export growth slowed—highlighting ongoing challenges in both global demand and domestic activity. The weakness likely reflects the impact of U.S. tariffs introduced. However, if trade talks progress positively, the data could improve quickly. The latest figures also reinforce expectations of further stimulus from policymakers.",[],{"_key":26020,"_type":127,"children":26021,"markDefs":26026,"style":135},"949cbd2887d2",[26022],{"_key":26023,"_type":131,"marks":26024,"text":26025},"7e499f94ff2b",[],"Closer to home, UK stocks remained fairly muted as investors absorbed signs of a gradual weakening in the labour market. The unemployment rate edged up to 4.6% in the three months to April, from 4.5% in the previous period, in line with market expectations. This marks the highest level since mid-2021 and reflects a moderation in wage growth, likely linked to recent policy changes and rising employment costs. In April, employers faced an increase in National Insurance Contributions alongside a 6.7% rise in the national minimum wage. As anticipated, these cost pressures appear to be prompting businesses to reassess hiring plans—slowing recruitment activity and, in some cases, reducing headcount to manage margins more carefully.",[],{"_key":26028,"_type":127,"children":26029,"markDefs":26034,"style":135},"b264e786781e",[26030],{"_key":26031,"_type":131,"marks":26032,"text":26033},"2c63101d984f",[],"Wage growth also moderated during the period. Total average weekly earnings, excluding bonuses, increased by 5.2%—down from 5.6% previously. While pay growth remains robust compared to historical levels, it is showing early signs of easing. Public sector wages are now rising slightly faster than those in the private sector, indicating a shift in pay dynamics across different parts of the economy.",[],{"_key":26036,"_type":127,"children":26037,"markDefs":26042,"style":135},"5462f596f03c",[26038],{"_key":26039,"_type":131,"marks":26040,"text":26041},"7297bb8a1850",[],"The softening in employment and earnings data, alongside easing inflation, could prompt the Bank of England to adopt a more dovish stance. If these trends continue, interest rate cuts this year become more likely, supporting borrowing, consumer spending, and corporate margins—all of which tend to be positive for financial markets.",[],{"_key":26044,"_type":127,"children":26045,"markDefs":26050,"style":135},"a97165c85e4d",[26046],{"_key":26047,"_type":131,"marks":26048,"text":26049},"e22c38b1b2fd",[],"Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to outline the government’s latest spending review later today, including a focus on infrastructure investment over the coming years. The NHS and defence are expected to receive the largest boosts. Markets will be looking for details on how new spending will be managed alongside a commitment to fiscal discipline, ensuring a sustainable approach amid current economic challenges.",[],{"_key":26052,"_type":127,"children":26053,"markDefs":26058,"style":135},"90127fa1d3ac",[26054],{"_key":26055,"_type":131,"marks":26056,"text":26057},"1dc821591311",[],"All eyes now turn to the May U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) release due today. Economists expect a slight uptick in the headline inflation rate to 2.5%, reflecting early impacts of the new tariffs. The Federal Reserve has held rates steady in recent months, and any signs that inflation is proving persistent could delay the timeline for potential rate cuts.",[],{"_key":26060,"_type":127,"children":26061,"markDefs":26066,"style":135},"4f314b42a1b9",[26062],{"_key":26063,"_type":131,"marks":26064,"text":26065},"767ec06f5e63",[],"Later this week, market attention will also focus on UK GDP and industrial production data, the Eurozone balance of trade, U.S. initial jobless claims, and University of Michigan consumer sentiment.",[],{"_key":26068,"_type":127,"children":26069,"markDefs":26073,"style":135},"a5a22ee255cd",[26070],{"_key":26071,"_type":131,"marks":26072,"text":288},"a83be232f7e1",[174],[],[26075],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":26076,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":26078,"blogPostMeta":26079,"content":26101,"tag":26196,"title":26100},"1e3514ee-d364-4f0d-8664-0fdc65403922",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":26080,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":26096,"publishedAt":26097,"slug":26098,"title":26100},{"_type":58,"asset":26081},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":26082,"mimeType":225,"opt":26092,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":26083,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":26084},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":26085,"darkVibrant":26086,"dominant":26087,"lightMuted":26088,"lightVibrant":26089,"muted":26090,"vibrant":26091},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":26093},{"tags":26094},[26095],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As you can see from the accompanying table it was broadly a positive week for global financial markets. Major U.S. stock indexes closed higher for the second week in a row. ","2025-06-09T12:54:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":26099},"week-ending-6th-june-2025","Week ending 6th June 2025",[26102,26105,26109,26117,26125,26133,26141,26149,26157,26165,26173,26181,26189],{"_key":26103,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":26104,"width":124},"623ec8b59e61","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1091775248?h=1be391c11f",{"_key":26106,"_type":58,"asset":26107},"e40a8541b606",{"_ref":26108,"_type":107},"image-2b45b6d178da44677b90cc3c4cc31d4dbb71212d-602x477-png",{"_key":26110,"_type":127,"children":26111,"markDefs":26116,"style":135},"2675dda9e166",[26112],{"_key":26113,"_type":131,"marks":26114,"text":26115},"4e6c8a0acff0",[],"As you can see from the accompanying table it was broadly a positive week for global financial markets.",[],{"_key":26118,"_type":127,"children":26119,"markDefs":26124,"style":135},"b6910574313e",[26120],{"_key":26121,"_type":131,"marks":26122,"text":26123},"7c149856077c",[],"Major U.S. stock indexes closed higher for the second week in a row. At the sector level, information technology stocks outperformed, due in part to upbeat sentiment around artificial intelligence (AI)-related stocks in the wake of several positive corporate earnings reports. News that Facebook parent Meta Platforms is entering a 20-year contract with Constellation Energy to power its AI operations also appeared to help boost sentiment in the space.",[],{"_key":26126,"_type":127,"children":26127,"markDefs":26132,"style":135},"1003e59b1a26",[26128],{"_key":26129,"_type":131,"marks":26130,"text":26131},"a21f6881b077",[],"U.S. labour market data released this week showed that job growth slowed in May but remained stronger than expected. The headline nonfarm payrolls report, released on Friday, was a key focus for investors. It indicated that while the labour market is continuing to cool, the pace of deceleration is milder than many had anticipated.",[],{"_key":26134,"_type":127,"children":26135,"markDefs":26140,"style":135},"9769131db54f",[26136],{"_key":26137,"_type":131,"marks":26138,"text":26139},"f8abaf04d3ef",[],"The U.S. economy added 139,000 jobs in May, down from April’s downwardly revised total of 147,000, but still comfortably ahead of expectations for a 130,000 gain. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%.",[],{"_key":26142,"_type":127,"children":26143,"markDefs":26148,"style":135},"02155273ee7d",[26144],{"_key":26145,"_type":131,"marks":26146,"text":26147},"6cc1c893d1f0",[],"Stocks moved higher following the release, supported by signs of continued strength in the labour market. The data suggests that demand for workers has remained resilient, even amidst the Trump administration’s tariff uncertainty.",[],{"_key":26150,"_type":127,"children":26151,"markDefs":26156,"style":135},"43fa37411d3f",[26152],{"_key":26153,"_type":131,"marks":26154,"text":26155},"727013eb8c47",[],"A public disagreement between Elon Musk and Donald Trump unfolded this week across X and Truth Social, drawing widespread attention but limited market impact. The row escalated after Musk criticized Trump’s proposed tax bill, which includes plans to phase out the $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit by the end of 2025. In response, Trump suggested the government should reconsider its contracts with Musk’s companies, including SpaceX. Tesla shares initially dropped sharply—wiping out $152 billion in market value—but later recouped some of those losses as the spat appeared to cool off. For now, markets seem largely indifferent to the political back-and-forth, suggesting investors are either tuning out the rhetoric or have grown accustomed to headline-driven volatility.",[],{"_key":26158,"_type":127,"children":26159,"markDefs":26164,"style":135},"dbce6389923b",[26160],{"_key":26161,"_type":131,"marks":26162,"text":26163},"817e27f52255",[],"UK and European markets ended the week higher with investors reacting to stronger-than-expected US labour market data.",[],{"_key":26166,"_type":127,"children":26167,"markDefs":26172,"style":135},"a1e8fe380a4c",[26168],{"_key":26169,"_type":131,"marks":26170,"text":26171},"b96ae711eb69",[],"As expected, the European Central Bank lowered its deposit rate by 0.25 percentage points to 2%, marking the lowest level since 2022. The decision follows a decline in May’s headline inflation to 1.9%, slipping just below the ECB’s 2% target. President Christine Lagarde indicated the rate-cutting cycle—eight reductions since July 2024—may be nearing completion, stating the current stance is in a “good place” and emphasising that future moves would be guided by incoming economic data rather than a pre-set path. Policymakers need time to better assess the impact of recent global trade tensions—particularly tariffs introduced by the Trump administration—on growth and inflation. The cut provides some support to the region, which still faces structural challenges, slow GDP growth, cautious consumer spending, and modest producer price trends, indicating ongoing economic fragility.",[],{"_key":26174,"_type":127,"children":26175,"markDefs":26180,"style":135},"baff2781db96",[26176],{"_key":26177,"_type":131,"marks":26178,"text":26179},"688427c0239b",[],"Trade remained a key focus this week as tensions between the U.S. and China briefly re-escalated following comments from President Donald Trump. However, a phone call on Thursday between Trump and President Xi Jinping ended on a very positive note, with Trump describing the outcome as beneficial for both countries. This development helped lift investor sentiment and raised hopes for progress in resolving ongoing issues. Mainland Chinese stock markets advanced, buoyed by weaker-than-expected economic data that increased expectations for additional government stimulus measures.",[],{"_key":26182,"_type":127,"children":26183,"markDefs":26188,"style":135},"90ee095936c0",[26184],{"_key":26185,"_type":131,"marks":26186,"text":26187},"72ff3cee45a3",[],"Coming up next week data wise, Chinese inflation, balance of trade. UK labour market data, retail sales and GDP. Investors will be keeping a keen eye on US consumer and producer inflation for May. Earnings season next week with Apple kicking off the earnings on Monday.",[],{"_key":26190,"_type":127,"children":26191,"markDefs":26195,"style":135},"0eb4f8dfcc2f",[26192],{"_key":26193,"_type":131,"marks":26194,"text":288},"808306a6d95b",[174],[],[26197],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":26198,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":26200,"blogPostMeta":26201,"content":26238,"tag":26357,"title":26237},"e82b7abc-46bf-47d6-bab0-8663b247d5a8",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":26202,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":26233,"publishedAt":26234,"slug":26235,"title":26237},{"_type":58,"asset":26203},{"_createdAt":26204,"_id":26205,"_rev":26206,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":26204,"assetId":26207,"extension":196,"metadata":26208,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":26228,"path":26229,"sha1hash":26207,"size":26230,"uploadId":26231,"url":26232},"2025-06-20T08:36:21Z","image-e07729b860dddc5d073c9f9dd2c8345867b15356-1000x667-jpg","xJcNa43GmqQ7Beq5jWIQKm","e07729b860dddc5d073c9f9dd2c8345867b15356",{"_type":69,"blurHash":26209,"dimensions":26210,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":26211,"palette":26212},"VOKdVl_N%M_3NH?w-;RPxuWV?bRkITM|t6x]a|RjV@t7",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYDBQf\u002FxAAiEAABBAIBBAMAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEBQAREgYHMVETIkH\u002FxAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACBP\u002FEABkRAAMAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMRIf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8A0zuFbS4tMI9VMVGsH3hxUkDfEecU6XrSbZwZMG1KXnkEpS6hOvH4fZyS4hrmWDzkqQtxYOmzrXAesq67p8MyFONzHRolQToaB96yKsjb0i2ccqdtCZaW7jc51KWyQD51hj9MokS3vldfWFEa+qQBhg4Pp\u002F\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":26213,"darkVibrant":26215,"dominant":26217,"lightMuted":26220,"lightVibrant":26221,"muted":26223,"vibrant":26226},{"_type":81,"background":26214,"foreground":83,"population":22547,"title":83},"#412a1c",{"_type":81,"background":26216,"foreground":83,"population":1169,"title":83},"#1d4c69",{"_type":81,"background":26218,"foreground":91,"population":26219,"title":83},"#c7baaf",7.87,{"_type":81,"background":26218,"foreground":91,"population":26219,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":26222,"foreground":91,"population":13499,"title":83},"#e1b69a",{"_type":81,"background":26224,"foreground":83,"population":26225,"title":83},"#9b816b",7.42,{"_type":81,"background":26227,"foreground":83,"population":4107,"title":83},"#28a7bc","shutterstock_1702499908.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fe07729b860dddc5d073c9f9dd2c8345867b15356-1000x667.jpg",61899,"RQs37xlCUWAc0QttLN9iopctnelDZIWG","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fe07729b860dddc5d073c9f9dd2c8345867b15356-1000x667.jpg","As the cost of living has risen, so has the financial strain on employees balancing work with caring responsibilities.","2025-06-09T10:12:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":26236},"the-cost-of-caring-and-why-employees-need-more-support","The cost of caring and why employees need more support",[26239,26246,26254,26262,26270,26278,26285,26293,26301,26309,26321,26333,26345],{"_key":26240,"_type":127,"children":26241,"markDefs":26245,"style":135},"d5b882f7e30e",[26242],{"_key":26243,"_type":131,"marks":26244,"text":26233},"739a7dd8d5f9",[],[],{"_key":26247,"_type":127,"children":26248,"markDefs":26253,"style":135},"149d34cb2aed",[26249],{"_key":26250,"_type":131,"marks":26251,"text":26252},"c45f0c72f9da",[],"WEALTH at work’s Financial Wellbeing Research 2024 with REBA[1] highlights that just over one-quarter of parents believe that the cost of childcare is more than 75% of their take-home pay. Also, 76% of mothers who pay for childcare say that it does not make financial sense for them to go to work.[2]",[],{"_key":26255,"_type":127,"children":26256,"markDefs":26261,"style":135},"157653dc34ce",[26257],{"_key":26258,"_type":131,"marks":26259,"text":26260},"ccedff977b95",[],"Carers are also facing similar pressures. Figures[3] reveal that of the 10.6 million carers in the UK, 16% of unpaid carers are in debt due to their caring role. This rises to 40% for those in receipt of Carer’s Allowance.",[],{"_key":26263,"_type":127,"children":26264,"markDefs":26269,"style":135},"b97590711f97",[26265],{"_key":26266,"_type":131,"marks":26267,"text":26268},"5c9a60b61c76",[],"Employers are becoming more aware of the financial pressures caused by caring responsibilities. Almost 3 out of 4 (73%) believe costs affecting working parents (e.g. childcare and maternity leave) is a financial wellbeing risk. Almost half (46%) of employers also recognise that costs affecting carers in the workplace (including eldercare) is a risk to financial wellbeing.",[],{"_key":26271,"_type":127,"children":26272,"markDefs":26277,"style":135},"026cee861457",[26273],{"_key":26274,"_type":131,"marks":26275,"text":26276},"cf1abf69050f",[],"Many employers are now looking to take action to better support this cohort of employees. Over two-fifths (41%) of employers have agreed that costs affecting carers (including eldercare and childcare) is a driver to improve financial wellbeing offerings in the future. As well as this, 50% of employers are currently offering or are looking to offer enhanced financial support above statutory minimums for working carers.",[],{"_key":26279,"_type":127,"children":26280,"markDefs":26284,"style":135},"2c3d046113f5",[26281],{"_key":26282,"_type":131,"marks":26283,"text":9960},"d6afe1e88310",[174],[],{"_key":26286,"_type":127,"children":26287,"markDefs":26292,"style":135},"b7a67147d3b1",[26288],{"_key":26289,"_type":131,"marks":26290,"text":26291},"c2d9eaacc3c3",[],"“The spiraling cost of caring for children, elderly relatives or others is having an increased impact on workplace financial wellbeing strategies. It’s good news that employers are acting on the need to provide support for this cohort.”",[],{"_key":26294,"_type":127,"children":26295,"markDefs":26300,"style":135},"86048aa83d09",[26296],{"_key":26297,"_type":131,"marks":26298,"text":26299},"791316055aad",[],"He adds; “It’s really important that employers check that any support provided is suitable and effective for their workforce and that employees know how to access it. Financial education is the key element which underpins it all. After all, financial wellbeing is about being able to make informed choices about your finances, whether you are a new parent managing childcare costs, struggling to pay the monthly bills, saving for a first home, or planning for retirement. Ultimately, helping the workforce to become more financially resilient throughout their career, is a win for employers and employees alike.”",[],{"_key":26302,"_type":127,"children":26303,"markDefs":26308,"style":135},"d003d95b7739",[26304],{"_key":26305,"_type":131,"marks":26306,"text":26307},"448676ff7724",[],"To help, see our tips on how to support employees to improve their financial wellbeing, no matter what life event they may be experiencing:",[],{"_key":26310,"_type":127,"children":26311,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":26320,"style":135},"3055e3617f46",[26312,26316],{"_key":26313,"_type":131,"marks":26314,"text":26315},"a584a663f1a6",[174],"Help employees build financial resilience:",{"_key":26317,"_type":131,"marks":26318,"text":26319},"87cbcd87c5f2",[]," Employees should be supported to navigate challenges such as how to manage debt and create a budget when finances may be tight. Positive savings habits can also be encouraged through offering saving vehicles such as a Workplace ISA.",[],{"_key":26322,"_type":127,"children":26323,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":26332,"style":135},"62e6a774ec71",[26324,26328],{"_key":26325,"_type":131,"marks":26326,"text":26327},"217db956f8e6",[174],"Empower your people with engaging education:",{"_key":26329,"_type":131,"marks":26330,"text":26331},"c49d2e8e572b",[]," Many leading employers recognise the need to help their people improve the way they manage their money, build financial resilience and navigate life events, and provide financial education and guidance in the workplace to help.",[],{"_key":26334,"_type":127,"children":26335,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":26344,"style":135},"4af5845b2a4f",[26336,26340],{"_key":26337,"_type":131,"marks":26338,"text":26339},"3a4f27300ef0",[174],"Offer tailored support:",{"_key":26341,"_type":131,"marks":26342,"text":26343},"d77f4fa4cc7e",[]," To make it meaningful, financial education should be tailored to each demographic in the workplace. For example, this could be by career stage or based on life events such as becoming a new parent.",[],{"_key":26346,"_type":127,"children":26347,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":26356,"style":135},"171cc3943d09",[26348,26352],{"_key":26349,"_type":131,"marks":26350,"text":26351},"f4434e75bb89",[174],"Bring in a provider:",{"_key":26353,"_type":131,"marks":26354,"text":26355},"b1f36a5c81d8",[]," Taking a proactive approach and working with financial wellbeing specialists is a great way to help people engage with their finances throughout their career.",[],[26358],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":26359,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":26361,"blogPostMeta":26362,"content":26382,"tag":26433,"title":26381},"e0ece50d-45a0-476b-8124-3f9124f46609",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":26363,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":26377,"publishedAt":26378,"slug":26379,"title":26381},{"_type":58,"asset":26364},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":26365,"mimeType":225,"opt":26375,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":26366,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":26367},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":26368,"darkVibrant":26369,"dominant":26370,"lightMuted":26371,"lightVibrant":26372,"muted":26373,"vibrant":26374},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":26376},{"tags":65},"Eurozone inflation slowed to 1.9% in May, down from 2.2% in April, marking the first time since September 2023 that price growth has dipped below the European Central Bank’s 2% target.","2025-06-04T12:10:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":26380},"market-update-4th-june-2025","Market Update – 4th June 2025",[26383,26386,26394,26402,26410,26418,26426],{"_key":26384,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":26385,"width":124},"9be3da0254c3","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1090427797?h=2b42ed6c47",{"_key":26387,"_type":127,"children":26388,"markDefs":26393,"style":135},"d51d46e20872",[26389],{"_key":26390,"_type":131,"marks":26391,"text":26392},"d1220019a9f0",[],"Eurozone inflation slowed to 1.9% in May, down from 2.2% in April, marking the first time since September 2023 that price growth has dipped below the European Central Bank’s 2% target. Core inflation, which excludes volatile items such as food and energy, also declined to 2.4%, compared to 2.7% the month before. Policymakers are likely to welcome the news that services inflation eased to 3.2%, a significant drop from April’s 4%. These weaker figures have fuelled expectations that the ECB may cut interest rates at its meeting on Thursday. The case for a reduction is further supported by weak wage growth, falling energy costs, a strong euro, and an overall lacklustre economic performance across the region. After the data was published, the euro briefly lost ground against the U.S. dollar.",[],{"_key":26395,"_type":127,"children":26396,"markDefs":26401,"style":135},"cba4b1608baa",[26397],{"_key":26398,"_type":131,"marks":26399,"text":26400},"2c3a89d26ab2",[],"Last Friday, President Trump accused Chinese officials of backtracking on the trade agreement reached in Geneva, which had included plans to ease certain tariffs and restrictions on critical minerals. His administration specifically alleged that China has been delaying new shipments of rare earth magnets and other vital materials. President Trump also remarked that arranging direct talks with Xi Jinping has proven difficult. Highlighting that misunderstandings and mismatched expectations are currently littered throughout the recent negotiations process, Chinese policymakers dismissed the claims as unfounded and stated that they would take necessary steps to defend their national interests.",[],{"_key":26403,"_type":127,"children":26404,"markDefs":26409,"style":135},"3e198ecb271a",[26405],{"_key":26406,"_type":131,"marks":26407,"text":26408},"29ddf6811878",[],"A survey released earlier showed an unexpected contraction in China’s manufacturing sector in May. The Caixin Global manufacturing PMI dropped to 48.3 from 50.4 in April, below expectations of 50.7 and marking the lowest level since September 2022. A reading below 50 indicates contraction.",[],{"_key":26411,"_type":127,"children":26412,"markDefs":26417,"style":135},"a3aebe07682e",[26413],{"_key":26414,"_type":131,"marks":26415,"text":26416},"369cdc72aadf",[],"On Tuesday, Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda said that the central bank would consider increasing interest rates once it becomes confident that both economic activity and inflation are set to pick up again following a phase of sluggish growth. He noted, however, that higher U.S. tariffs could create challenges for Japanese firms and might make next year’s wage talks with labour unions more difficult. Ueda also reiterated the Bank’s intention to steadily reduce its large-scale bond buying program. This move, which is aimed at moving away from years of aggressive monetary stimulus easing, will extend past March as part of a gradual policy shift.",[],{"_key":26419,"_type":127,"children":26420,"markDefs":26425,"style":135},"422e65b87981",[26421],{"_key":26422,"_type":131,"marks":26423,"text":26424},"a8b7a8351a66",[],"Still to come this week we have the ECB’s interest rate decision, Eurozone PPI data and retail sales and U.S. jobs data.",[],{"_key":26427,"_type":127,"children":26428,"markDefs":26432,"style":135},"6ef58d2cae36",[26429],{"_key":26430,"_type":131,"marks":26431,"text":175},"95badacae456",[174],[],[26434],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":26435,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":26437,"blogPostMeta":26438,"content":26460,"tag":26555,"title":26459},"9d301bc7-0933-4e82-95a7-42f877fc4668",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":26439,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":26455,"publishedAt":26456,"slug":26457,"title":26459},{"_type":58,"asset":26440},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":26441,"mimeType":225,"opt":26451,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":26442,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":26443},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":26444,"darkVibrant":26445,"dominant":26446,"lightMuted":26447,"lightVibrant":26448,"muted":26449,"vibrant":26450},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":26452},{"tags":26453},[26454],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As you can see from the accompanying table global equity closed out May on a broadly positive footing, with strong gains in the U.S. and Asia helping offset softer performances in parts of Europe and emerging markets.","2025-06-02T08:29:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":26458},"week-ending-30th-may-2025","Week ending 30th May 2025",[26461,26464,26468,26476,26484,26492,26500,26508,26516,26524,26532,26540,26548],{"_key":26462,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":26463,"width":124},"821a9c0b6f0d","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1089669374?h=bc6ed12b17",{"_key":26465,"_type":58,"asset":26466},"57ddcc0621a8",{"_ref":26467,"_type":107},"image-10637f64162579edeea15d0ba4b995b80cf4424e-602x477-png",{"_key":26469,"_type":127,"children":26470,"markDefs":26475,"style":135},"f097bf0842db",[26471],{"_key":26472,"_type":131,"marks":26473,"text":26474},"5cec8e02a0fe",[],"As you can see from the accompanying table global equity closed out May on a broadly positive footing, with strong gains in the U.S. and Asia helping offset softer performances in parts of Europe and emerging markets. Equities were supported by encouraging inflation data and evolving trade policy developments. Despite a shortened trading schedule due to Memorial Day in the U.S. and the Spring Bank Holiday in the U.K., risk appetite remained intact, allowing investors to extend gains from an already strong May.",[],{"_key":26477,"_type":127,"children":26478,"markDefs":26483,"style":135},"c5732109b33a",[26479],{"_key":26480,"_type":131,"marks":26481,"text":26482},"fd7a71d9c35a",[],"In the U.S., all major indices advanced over the week, capping a solid month for equities. The S&P 500 delivered a total return of over 5% in GBP terms in May—a marked recovery from April’s softer performance.",[],{"_key":26485,"_type":127,"children":26486,"markDefs":26491,"style":135},"3199b2f5a61c",[26487],{"_key":26488,"_type":131,"marks":26489,"text":26490},"72e2adebd46a",[],"Sentiment received an early lift from news that President Trump would delay implementation of a proposed 50% tariff on EU imports until 9 July, providing a window for renewed negotiations. Markets reacted positively again midweek when the U.S. Court of International Trade struck down most of the Trump-era global tariffs. While equities initially rallied, gains were trimmed after an appeals court temporarily paused the ruling, pending further review.",[],{"_key":26493,"_type":127,"children":26494,"markDefs":26499,"style":135},"404d5f05b942",[26495],{"_key":26496,"_type":131,"marks":26497,"text":26498},"7d3ab0032784",[],"Although trade headlines continued to inject volatility, markets digested developments with relative composure. A modest pullback on Friday followed renewed tensions between the U.S. and China, with both sides exchanging accusations. In such an environment, policy shifts can occur rapidly. While near-term volatility is to be expected, our investment teams remain focused on fundamentals and are prepared to act on opportunities arising from short-term dislocations in sentiment.",[],{"_key":26501,"_type":127,"children":26502,"markDefs":26507,"style":135},"6d51a2bc8200",[26503],{"_key":26504,"_type":131,"marks":26505,"text":26506},"efa572a41868",[],"Though the broader narrative was one of cautious optimism—underpinned by more favourable data and a degree of flexibility in policy discussions.",[],{"_key":26509,"_type":127,"children":26510,"markDefs":26515,"style":135},"c85055ac5563",[26511],{"_key":26512,"_type":131,"marks":26513,"text":26514},"0e5c085f70c2",[],"Economic indicators broadly supported this constructive tone. The U.S. Core PCE inflation rate—the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure—slowed to 2.5% year-on-year in April, its lowest reading since 2021. While still above the Fed’s 2% target, the downward trajectory suggests inflationary pressures may be gradually easing.",[],{"_key":26517,"_type":127,"children":26518,"markDefs":26523,"style":135},"01f27e31f558",[26519],{"_key":26520,"_type":131,"marks":26521,"text":26522},"899f0707454f",[],"The US Labour market data also pointed to a modest cooling, with initial jobless claims rising to 240,000—the highest level in a month—and continuing claims edging higher. Taken together, these trends could support the case for a more dovish stance from the Fed over the coming quarters.",[],{"_key":26525,"_type":127,"children":26526,"markDefs":26531,"style":135},"ac091afdaca1",[26527],{"_key":26528,"_type":131,"marks":26529,"text":26530},"b3651c91755c",[],"Meanwhile, U.S. consumer sentiment showed signs of stabilisation. The University of Michigan’s final May reading held steady at 52.2, ending a four-month streak of declines. Sentiment improved particularly in the latter half of the month, aligning with a temporary pause in U.S.-China trade tensions—a timely reminder of the market’s sensitivity to geopolitical developments.",[],{"_key":26533,"_type":127,"children":26534,"markDefs":26539,"style":135},"d52b1f40c5a0",[26535],{"_key":26536,"_type":131,"marks":26537,"text":26538},"dfa833b5ac5c",[],"In the U.K. and across Europe, equities also moved higher, largely mirroring the relief rally seen in U.S. markets. The delay in tariff implementation was welcomed by investors as a potential step towards more constructive trade dialogue.",[],{"_key":26541,"_type":127,"children":26542,"markDefs":26547,"style":135},"2d8602ac95e1",[26543],{"_key":26544,"_type":131,"marks":26545,"text":26546},"d61f1479e7a3",[],"Looking ahead, attention will turn to eurozone inflation data and the upcoming European Central Bank meeting for further insight into the region’s monetary policy trajectory. While trade policy remains a key driver of short-term market direction, the combination of easing inflationary pressure and resilient equity markets provides a constructive backdrop as we head into the summer months.",[],{"_key":26549,"_type":127,"children":26550,"markDefs":26554,"style":135},"63abf44f9046",[26551],{"_key":26552,"_type":131,"marks":26553,"text":288},"ec82440eaaae",[174],[],[26556],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":26557,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":26559,"blogPostMeta":26560,"content":26592,"tag":26750,"title":26591},"72ac619e-ed70-42a0-a563-aa29b3158f3b",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":26561,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":26587,"publishedAt":26588,"slug":26589,"title":26591},{"_type":58,"alt":18010,"asset":26562},{"_createdAt":26563,"_id":26564,"_rev":26565,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":26563,"assetId":26566,"extension":196,"metadata":26567,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":26582,"path":26583,"sha1hash":26566,"size":26584,"uploadId":26585,"url":26586},"2025-06-20T07:54:25Z","image-74fcec4cc92833471646ddd69efaa2b55c46ebcd-1000x667-jpg","QkuvqQ0LD7SNRTBiawmQvo","74fcec4cc92833471646ddd69efaa2b55c46ebcd",{"_type":69,"blurHash":26568,"dimensions":26569,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":26570,"palette":26571},"VFG*sM~9EMDi4nAIE2xZE1tRwHROX9bb-pg4NHs.t7NG",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYHAgX\u002FxAAlEAACAQMDAwUBAAAAAAAAAAABAgMABAUGESETUWEHEhQiMTL\u002FxAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEBf\u002FEABkRAAMBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAhEDBP\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8A16eYaVdI27CIsiry1LF8J8nlclbW7SsImEfTH8d9z5qh2GGkmxFvFaX89pHCD9Y\u002Fxt+4pfmiaxywSB1Usd3YJsXPmp0eiW0ijXCkmznR6zWyHx5LJQ6cEF+RRUs1hk7rHakv4EdZB1C3uZeeaKbrBbJ\u002F\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":26572,"darkVibrant":26573,"dominant":26574,"lightMuted":26575,"lightVibrant":26577,"muted":26578,"vibrant":26579},{"_type":81,"background":23934,"foreground":83,"population":25091,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":23937,"foreground":83,"population":20404,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":23945,"foreground":91,"population":2074,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":23942,"foreground":91,"population":26576,"title":91},3.02,{"_type":81,"background":23945,"foreground":91,"population":2074,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":23947,"foreground":83,"population":8210,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":26580,"foreground":83,"population":26581,"title":83},"#9c6e49",6.16,"shutterstock_1912253137.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F74fcec4cc92833471646ddd69efaa2b55c46ebcd-1000x667.jpg",56511,"xOwu06QHsoFLuzd6BB95ADJUW2g3Jhcd","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F74fcec4cc92833471646ddd69efaa2b55c46ebcd-1000x667.jpg","The beginning of 2025 has brought a sense of uncertainty for many. Developments such as new trade tariffs under Donald Trump and the rise in National Insurance have placed added pressure on businesses, with some facing difficult decisions including the possibility of redundancies.","2025-05-30T10:11:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":26590},"10-tips-to-help-employees-take-control-of-their-finances","10 tips to help employees take control of their finances during uncertain times",[26593,26601,26609,26624,26636,26648,26660,26672,26684,26696,26708,26719,26731,26742],{"_key":26594,"_type":127,"children":26595,"markDefs":26600,"style":135},"de8c18029b04",[26596],{"_key":26597,"_type":131,"marks":26598,"text":26599},"f9cc5af6af05",[],"The beginning of 2025 has brought a sense of uncertainty for many. Developments such as new trade tariffs under Donald Trump and the rise in National Insurance have placed added pressure on businesses, with some facing difficult decisions including the possibility of redundancies. At the same time, ongoing global conflicts continue to contribute to wider concerns about the future.",[],{"_key":26602,"_type":127,"children":26603,"markDefs":26608,"style":135},"cedfc7f57563",[26604],{"_key":26605,"_type":131,"marks":26606,"text":26607},"b7b07ef93b95",[],"These factors combined with the high cost of living, can make it difficult for people to gain control over their finances. WEALTH at work’s research of over 2,000 UK workers found that the biggest financial concerns for the year include not having enough savings for unexpected costs (42%), not being able to save enough for the future (37%), not being able to pay basic living costs such as rent, mortgage payments, energy bills, food etc. (34%) and being in debt (29%).\nHowever, there are steps people can take to improve their financial situation. To help, WEALTH at work, a leading financial wellbeing, retirement and workplace savings specialist, has listed 10 tips for employers to share with their employees to help them take control of their finances.",[],{"_key":26610,"_type":127,"children":26611,"markDefs":26623,"style":135},"7b2c7cf0e20d",[26612,26615,26619],{"_key":26613,"_type":131,"marks":26614,"text":10038},"dfba3d79d48d",[],{"_key":26616,"_type":131,"marks":26617,"text":26618},"4b31e6d782d7",[174],"Create a budget",{"_key":26620,"_type":131,"marks":26621,"text":26622},"489e5e0d6e50",[]," – The first step is to create a budget. This means working out exactly what your income is, and what outgoings you have e.g. mortgage, debt, childcare, insurance and utility bills. If the amount of money needed each month is more than the amount coming in, you can then work out what action needs to be taken to cover the costs. MoneyHelper has a great budget planner: moneyhelper.org.uk\u002Fen\u002Feveryday-money\u002Fbudgeting\u002Fbudget-planner",[],{"_key":26625,"_type":127,"children":26626,"markDefs":26635,"style":135},"ad326bb6f87d",[26627,26631],{"_key":26628,"_type":131,"marks":26629,"text":26630},"8b493752b408",[174],"2. Track finances",{"_key":26632,"_type":131,"marks":26633,"text":26634},"bdfe76a8b589",[]," – After creating a budget it is important to keep track of spending. Small changes such as ditching takeaways, taking lunch to work and learning to budget can make a huge difference. For example, the average household in the UK spends £1,278 on food at takeaways and restaurants each year. There are many free budgeting apps available which will help to track spending on groceries, eating out, entertainment etc.",[],{"_key":26637,"_type":127,"children":26638,"markDefs":26647,"style":135},"774985d6c170",[26639,26643],{"_key":26640,"_type":131,"marks":26641,"text":26642},"33fc7460869c",[174],"3. Make managing debt a priority",{"_key":26644,"_type":131,"marks":26645,"text":26646},"d86bb33ff16b",[]," – There are many different types of debt with varying rates of interest. For example, credit cards and overdrafts can have rates of 18% – 40%. It is often a good idea to make paying off expensive debts a priority. For instance, a debt of £3,000 with a rate of 18% APR, could take 10 years and 10 months to pay off, if paying £50 a month, with a total interest paid of £3,495. If that monthly payment was increased to £100 a month, the debt would be paid off in 3 years and 4 months, and interest paid would be only £908. A good option could be to consolidate any debts into a 0% or low interest balance transfer card, as more money will go towards paying the debt off. This would allow it to be cleared over a shorter time period.",[],{"_key":26649,"_type":127,"children":26650,"markDefs":26659,"style":135},"b2642be1f74e",[26651,26655],{"_key":26652,"_type":131,"marks":26653,"text":26654},"6d1604b2816b",[174],"4. Shop wisely",{"_key":26656,"_type":131,"marks":26657,"text":26658},"167e39a741c7",[]," – By switching brands it might be possible to significantly reduce the price of a regular shop. In addition, by planning for the weekly shop in advance, it may help to search for deals and reduce expenditure on non-essential items. Discount vouchers are often available through voucher and discount websites, and some people have access to discount vouchers through their employer. This could mean big savings for those who need to make a costly purchase, such as if the washing machine breaks.",[],{"_key":26661,"_type":127,"children":26662,"markDefs":26671,"style":135},"9a9cefd53e0e",[26663,26667],{"_key":26664,"_type":131,"marks":26665,"text":26666},"8f1c36d9c53b",[174],"5. Check for savings on household bills",{"_key":26668,"_type":131,"marks":26669,"text":26670},"01c3c17d0bb0",[]," – When shopping around, it is possible to make significant savings on a range of household bills such as car, home and pet insurance, and broadband and mobile suppliers. Price comparison websites can help to make it easier to compare the different deals available.",[],{"_key":26673,"_type":127,"children":26674,"markDefs":26683,"style":135},"bd9456637b1a",[26675,26679],{"_key":26676,"_type":131,"marks":26677,"text":26678},"49eb362ae1d5",[174],"6. Start an emergency fund –",{"_key":26680,"_type":131,"marks":26681,"text":26682},"0d2ec3f5bc7a",[]," Having money put aside for emergencies can reduce reliance on debt for unexpected costs such as car repairs, house maintenance or a reduction in household income. As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to aim for an emergency fund that can cover several months of bills. People should work out if they can afford to put some money aside each month, as even small amounts can add up. Setting up a regular transfer to a savings account can be a useful way of separating this money from regular expenditure. MoneyHelper offers a savings calculator to help determine how long it will take to reach a savings goal: https:\u002F\u002Fwww.moneyhelper.org.uk\u002Fen\u002Fsavings\u002Fhow-to-save\u002Fsavings-calculator",[],{"_key":26685,"_type":127,"children":26686,"markDefs":26695,"style":135},"d7c005973591",[26687,26691],{"_key":26688,"_type":131,"marks":26689,"text":26690},"c448e8a7ee7a",[174],"7. Set up a savings standing order",{"_key":26692,"_type":131,"marks":26693,"text":26694},"66dd2ae2f9d2",[]," – If people are able to save it is often a good idea to set up a standing order for saving into an ISA, often this means that they don’t notice that the money is going into their savings.",[],{"_key":26697,"_type":127,"children":26698,"markDefs":26707,"style":135},"83c8e450bfd3",[26699,26703],{"_key":26700,"_type":131,"marks":26701,"text":26702},"4223bd120300",[174],"8. Start saving early",{"_key":26704,"_type":131,"marks":26705,"text":26706},"0c1babf8aadb",[]," – Saving from a younger age means that money has more time to grow. ISAs are a great way to start saving and provide a tax efficient way to create an emergency fund, or for something you may want in the future. It is important to make sure that you’re saving into a pension from early on and aren’t tempted to opt out. Many are already paying 5% of their salary into their workplace pension through auto-enrolment, with an additional 3% employer contribution. However, we know that many employers will match any additional contributions (up to certain limits). In fact, if an employee is in their 20s, by saving an extra 1% a year with their employer matching this, it is possible to increase their pension pot in retirement by 25%.",[],{"_key":26709,"_type":127,"children":26710,"markDefs":26718,"style":135},"daa231eeed71",[26711,26714],{"_key":26712,"_type":131,"marks":26713,"text":5155},"bb2521a62f4e",[174],{"_key":26715,"_type":131,"marks":26716,"text":26717},"06251be12b53",[]," – Scammers can often prey on people when they may be more vulnerable such as if they are struggling financially. Fraudsters can sound completely legitimate and it’s easy to see why so many are fooled. Research from WEALTH at work found that 12% of UK adults have admitted to losing money to a financial scam between 2023 and 2024. This could potentially equate to 6.2 million adults across the UK. If someone contacts an individual with an offer which seems too good to be true, it’s vital they check whether the company is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA’s ScamSmart website is also a good site to visit as it includes a warning list of companies operating without authorisation or running scams.",[],{"_key":26720,"_type":127,"children":26721,"markDefs":26730,"style":135},"8a38ea469364",[26722,26726],{"_key":26723,"_type":131,"marks":26724,"text":26725},"3785c447ee2d",[174],"10. Take action",{"_key":26727,"_type":131,"marks":26728,"text":26729},"064b0c027bb5",[]," – People shouldn’t worry if they don’t know where to start, as there is plenty of help available. It’s always worth speaking to lenders too as they may be able to help those struggling with repayments and Citizens Advice can help with understanding on how to deal with any debts. Many leading employers are also a great source of support and offer financial education and guidance to help with a full range of money matters, as well as providing access to savings vehicles such as ISAs and Share Plans to help build financial resilience.",[],{"_key":26732,"_type":127,"children":26733,"markDefs":26741,"style":135},"23edc6c10596",[26734,26737],{"_key":26735,"_type":131,"marks":26736,"text":8697},"3f568856604b",[174],{"_key":26738,"_type":131,"marks":26739,"text":26740},"ee41510eb1b6",[],"; “Many people are continuing to feel the financial squeeze on household income. However, it’s important for people to not bury their heads in the sand and access the support available to get on top of their finances.",[],{"_key":26743,"_type":127,"children":26744,"markDefs":26749,"style":135},"03851045e2e6",[26745],{"_key":26746,"_type":131,"marks":26747,"text":26748},"a5340886cd11",[],"He adds; “Most would benefit from having a better understanding of money but are confused where to start. Proactive employers are actively working to help employees improve their financial future by providing a range of financial wellbeing support. This includes financial education and guidance through financial coaches, as well as access to savings vehicles such as Workplace ISAs or Share Plans to build financial resilience. This can make a huge difference by giving people the opportunity to understand their finances, including ways to save money, learn about budgeting, manage debt, and how to boost savings and prepare for retirement. After all, when employees feel in control of their finances, overall wellbeing is improved which in turn can lead to increased productivity and less absenteeism in the workplace.”",[],[26751],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":26752,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":26754,"blogPostMeta":26755,"content":26775,"tag":26850,"title":26774},"56ac3d5f-b2d6-47ce-b6c7-e629f45179f3",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":26756,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":26770,"publishedAt":26771,"slug":26772,"title":26774},{"_type":58,"asset":26757},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":26758,"mimeType":225,"opt":26768,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":26759,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":26760},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":26761,"darkVibrant":26762,"dominant":26763,"lightMuted":26764,"lightVibrant":26765,"muted":26766,"vibrant":26767},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":26769},{"tags":65},"Tentative signs of improvement have surfaced in China’s industrial sector. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that industrial profits rose 1.4% year-on-year between January and April, which is an improvement from the 0.8% growth recorded in the first quarter. ","2025-05-29T12:15:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":26773},"market-update-29th-may-2025","Market update – 29th May 2025",[26776,26779,26787,26795,26803,26811,26819,26827,26835,26843],{"_key":26777,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":26778,"width":124},"6db3a0815366","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1088719670?h=c0e00dd06c",{"_key":26780,"_type":127,"children":26781,"markDefs":26786,"style":135},"9de81d2b88c8",[26782],{"_key":26783,"_type":131,"marks":26784,"text":26785},"71df134180ea",[],"Tentative signs of improvement have surfaced in China’s industrial sector. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that industrial profits rose 1.4% year-on-year between January and April, which is an improvement from the 0.8% growth recorded in the first quarter. This provides some confidence for traders that the recent stimulus measures put forward by Chinese policymakers are beginning to filter through the economy. Since September, the authorities have been gradually introducing initiatives aimed at boosting domestic demand and investor sentiment – with the latest announcement this month referring to planned cuts to their loan prime rates.",[],{"_key":26788,"_type":127,"children":26789,"markDefs":26794,"style":135},"be6289406550",[26790],{"_key":26791,"_type":131,"marks":26792,"text":26793},"446ddb0b6171",[],"Markets were already breathing a sigh of relief after President Trump announced a pause on new tariffs targeting European imports. That optimism surged further on Wednesday when the U.S. Court of International Trade blocked all reciprocal tariffs that had been imposed by the President, ruling that he had exceeded his authority.",[],{"_key":26796,"_type":127,"children":26797,"markDefs":26802,"style":135},"f7b686f40574",[26798],{"_key":26799,"_type":131,"marks":26800,"text":26801},"34e2037ea725",[],"The Court also prohibited any further changes to the contested tariffs and gave the administration 10 days to remove what it called illegal duties – although most are currently suspended anyway.",[],{"_key":26804,"_type":127,"children":26805,"markDefs":26810,"style":135},"61ff03f7ec9b",[26806],{"_key":26807,"_type":131,"marks":26808,"text":26809},"23b8d34d41a5",[],"This ruling is a serious blow to one of President Trump’s key economic policies that he has aggressively pursued for the last two months. The Trump administration responded almost immediately by filing an appeal, which sets the stage for a legal fight in higher courts. This will ultimately determine whether the President has the authority to act on trade policy without legislative backing.",[],{"_key":26812,"_type":127,"children":26813,"markDefs":26818,"style":135},"d1886cbecd85",[26814],{"_key":26815,"_type":131,"marks":26816,"text":26817},"6114580a845a",[],"Asian markets responded enthusiastically, with Japan’s Nikkei climbing 1.9% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gaining 1.1%. UK and European markets are also set to open (unsurprisingly) in the green.",[],{"_key":26820,"_type":127,"children":26821,"markDefs":26826,"style":135},"c1d42b82c023",[26822],{"_key":26823,"_type":131,"marks":26824,"text":26825},"bbdc3d6da17f",[],"So, what comes next? For now, the White House must begin the process of dismantling the contested tariffs within the Court’s 10-day deadline – unless the appeal results in a stay. If the administration fails to comply, it could face additional legal pressure. The outcome of the appeal will determine how much power the U.S. Court of International Trade truly has over trade measures. The appeal sets up a potentially lengthy court battle, injecting further uncertainty into trade policy. In the meantime, companies affected by the tariffs are likely to rework supply chains and pricing strategies, while trade partners assess the new legal landscape. The uncertainty is far from over – but for now, markets are breathing a little easier.",[],{"_key":26828,"_type":127,"children":26829,"markDefs":26834,"style":135},"30287587f6dd",[26830],{"_key":26831,"_type":131,"marks":26832,"text":26833},"0ba1092fd301",[],"Finally, the US consumer also showed signs of renewed optimism this month. The Conference Board reported on Tuesday its Consumer Confidence Index increased to 98 from 85.7 in April after 5 straight months of decline.",[],{"_key":26836,"_type":127,"children":26837,"markDefs":26842,"style":135},"738686437feb",[26838],{"_key":26839,"_type":131,"marks":26840,"text":26841},"7498c2a6920b",[],"Still to come this week we have US PCE data and Chinese manufacturing and non-manufacturing PMI.",[],{"_key":26844,"_type":127,"children":26845,"markDefs":26849,"style":135},"0b876de20424",[26846],{"_key":26847,"_type":131,"marks":26848,"text":175},"cbfa6c993fc7",[174],[],[26851],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":26852,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":26854,"blogPostMeta":26855,"content":26894,"tag":27089,"title":26893},"a056ac7e-e68b-4086-99ec-445b0d807bbb",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":26856,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":26889,"publishedAt":26890,"slug":26891,"title":26893},{"_type":58,"asset":26857},{"_createdAt":26858,"_id":26859,"_rev":26860,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":26858,"assetId":26861,"extension":196,"metadata":26862,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":26884,"path":26885,"sha1hash":26861,"size":26886,"uploadId":26887,"url":26888},"2025-06-20T09:02:00Z","image-dfb48e2315c3d380c7f840a3091a3f94fe749077-1000x667-jpg","xJcNa43GmqQ7Beq5jWT56C","dfb48e2315c3d380c7f840a3091a3f94fe749077",{"_type":69,"blurHash":26863,"dimensions":26864,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":26865,"palette":26866},"VXJRU5?Gx[OsSjpdR*%Nxan$_NS6sls8xanNjERjRjj[",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGB\u002F\u002FEACMQAAEDBAEEAwAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQABQYRIQcSE2EUMTL\u002FxAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAP\u002FEABsRAAICAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAQMSEzEU\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwCzye+u3Jm\u002FqgPra+QU+B1v9DQ51UXbMqkxzZGrq64\u002FKiLXtahyrf1utBgYrAhKYht+QpaAT3k8qHul+WYpEfu8V7vUgt8hKUgDijW1mTS3BWUpgsL0T3nqmzEuTzS4gJBB2T6opTdsDtsye4++twuL5Joq3oDzOf\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":26867,"darkVibrant":26870,"dominant":26873,"lightMuted":26874,"lightVibrant":26877,"muted":26880,"vibrant":26882},{"_type":81,"background":26868,"foreground":83,"population":26869,"title":83},"#313f46",7.52,{"_type":81,"background":26871,"foreground":83,"population":26872,"title":83},"#0d303d",1.04,{"_type":81,"background":26868,"foreground":83,"population":26869,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":26875,"foreground":91,"population":26876,"title":83},"#c9b19e",7.5,{"_type":81,"background":26878,"foreground":91,"population":26879,"title":91},"#f0c19a",1.24,{"_type":81,"background":26881,"foreground":83,"population":1400,"title":83},"#a3765c",{"_type":81,"background":26883,"foreground":91,"population":1159,"title":91},"#fcd454","10-tips-to-take-control-of-your-finances-images.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fdfb48e2315c3d380c7f840a3091a3f94fe749077-1000x667.jpg",73955,"X99fdYOBFEmPsmqaXZ5CnfIdZoHIknQC","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fdfb48e2315c3d380c7f840a3091a3f94fe749077-1000x667.jpg","Recent market turbulence has been unsettling for many, especially those considering investing. It is natural for people to feel a level of uncertainty, and many new investors may be tempted to hold their funds in cash. ","2025-05-29T10:10:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":26892},"investing-in-turbulent-times-what-employees-should-consider","Investing in turbulent times: what employees should consider",[26895,26903,26911,26919,26927,26935,26943,26951,26959,26967,26975,26983,26991,26999,27007,27015,27023,27031,27039,27047,27055,27065,27073,27081],{"_key":26896,"_type":127,"children":26897,"markDefs":26902,"style":135},"e9b97eb97303",[26898],{"_key":26899,"_type":131,"marks":26900,"text":26901},"6a2290b24a14",[],"Recent market turbulence has been unsettling for many, especially those considering investing. It is natural for people to feel a level of uncertainty, and many new investors may be tempted to hold their funds in cash. However, it’s important to remember that investing is a long-term commitment and resisting reactive decisions is crucial.",[],{"_key":26904,"_type":127,"children":26905,"markDefs":26910,"style":135},"9a55b97e0be5",[26906],{"_key":26907,"_type":131,"marks":26908,"text":26909},"1943ebd3c7fe",[],"WEALTH at work, a leading financial wellbeing, retirement and workplace savings specialist, outlines below what employees should consider when investing.",[],{"_key":26912,"_type":127,"children":26913,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":26918,"style":135},"15ae66f9cb45",[26914],{"_key":26915,"_type":131,"marks":26916,"text":26917},"653007b21329",[174],"Make the most of tax-free allowances",[],{"_key":26920,"_type":127,"children":26921,"markDefs":26926,"style":135},"7ea3de47ab17",[26922],{"_key":26923,"_type":131,"marks":26924,"text":26925},"01a2ad206757",[],"Over the past three years, the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) allowance has been reduced dramatically from £12,300 a year, down to just £3,000.",[],{"_key":26928,"_type":127,"children":26929,"markDefs":26934,"style":135},"0d29f8db79d5",[26930],{"_key":26931,"_type":131,"marks":26932,"text":26933},"5cb261ad6455",[],"In addition, in last year’s Autumn Budget, the government increased the rate at which people pay CGT from 10% to 18% for basic rate taxpayers, and from 20% to 24% for higher rate taxpayers.",[],{"_key":26936,"_type":127,"children":26937,"markDefs":26942,"style":135},"a446e58b5aa2",[26938],{"_key":26939,"_type":131,"marks":26940,"text":26941},"ce96bd291a6d",[],"One of the best ways for investors to reduce their CGT liability is to hold investments within a tax-efficient ‘wrapper’ such as an ISA. Investments (or ‘assets’) within an ISA wrapper are not subject to CGT, meaning any increase in value is tax free.",[],{"_key":26944,"_type":127,"children":26945,"markDefs":26950,"style":135},"44ea5d628f57",[26946],{"_key":26947,"_type":131,"marks":26948,"text":26949},"f092f9c914d2",[174],"2. Maximise your ISA allowance – use it or lose it",[],{"_key":26952,"_type":127,"children":26953,"markDefs":26958,"style":135},"03e64808cd86",[26954],{"_key":26955,"_type":131,"marks":26956,"text":26957},"fdcaa5d005cb",[],"For the 2025-26 tax year individuals have the opportunity to invest up to £20,000 in ISAs with all growth remaining tax-free. However, if people don’t take advantage of this limit by 5 April 2026, they will lose it as it does not carry over to the next year.",[],{"_key":26960,"_type":127,"children":26961,"markDefs":26966,"style":135},"21265027f1b0",[26962],{"_key":26963,"_type":131,"marks":26964,"text":26965},"6075a0a85ba1",[],"Many workplaces now offer a Workplace ISA which can provide employees with a tax efficient way to invest and with the benefit of preferential rates compared to what is available on the high street. Individuals who are looking to maximise savings should speak to their employer to find out what support they offer.",[],{"_key":26968,"_type":127,"children":26969,"markDefs":26974,"style":135},"f572eefd7386",[26970],{"_key":26971,"_type":131,"marks":26972,"text":26973},"a270013a3481",[174],"3. Stay focused on longevity",[],{"_key":26976,"_type":127,"children":26977,"markDefs":26982,"style":135},"dd00eb9a25dd",[26978],{"_key":26979,"_type":131,"marks":26980,"text":26981},"764697f670e7",[],"The ups and downs of the stock market are affected by many political and economic factors. However, when investing it is essential to stay focused on long-term goals which can be a challenge when faced with short-term volatility. These ups and downs are a natural part of investing and don’t always reflect the strength of the companies invested in.",[],{"_key":26984,"_type":127,"children":26985,"markDefs":26990,"style":135},"ba4873758e8f",[26986],{"_key":26987,"_type":131,"marks":26988,"text":26989},"deb340e8e3df",[],"Predicting the perfect time to invest is nearly impossible, even for experienced professionals. During turbulent times, it can be tempting to make hasty changes. However, market dips are often followed by rebounds, and if money is kept on the sidelines, significant growth may be missed out on.",[],{"_key":26992,"_type":127,"children":26993,"markDefs":26998,"style":135},"607335cf74c8",[26994],{"_key":26995,"_type":131,"marks":26996,"text":26997},"972eef059732",[],"Of course, there are risks and investments could go down as well as up. But over long periods, shares tend to rise and generally offer better returns than holding cash. History has shown that the market has faced various sell-offs, such as global financial crisis or COVID-19. But these periods of short-term volatility often pave the way for long-term opportunities and growth.",[],{"_key":27000,"_type":127,"children":27001,"markDefs":27006,"style":135},"742df9b9f948",[27002],{"_key":27003,"_type":131,"marks":27004,"text":27005},"07f04b62236c",[174],"4. Ensure investments suit your goals and attitude to risk",[],{"_key":27008,"_type":127,"children":27009,"markDefs":27014,"style":135},"78099f628f33",[27010],{"_key":27011,"_type":131,"marks":27012,"text":27013},"66adfcc86c49",[],"Investing can feel like a big decision, but it’s easier to stay on track when someone’s investments align with what they’re aiming for and how much risk what they’re comfortable with.",[],{"_key":27016,"_type":127,"children":27017,"markDefs":27022,"style":135},"b4aec8d4c551",[27018],{"_key":27019,"_type":131,"marks":27020,"text":27021},"8ed899d45615",[],"People should consider their goals such as, are they saving for a house, retirement, or something else? Investment choices should match the timeline and purpose behind someone’s savings. Also, attitude to risk is one of the most important factors to consider. In general, high-risk investments can offer higher return potential but pose a greater chance of losing value. Whereas low-risk investments may offer potentially lower returns but pose less probability of decreasing in value.",[],{"_key":27024,"_type":127,"children":27025,"markDefs":27030,"style":135},"3ebfc1ca2798",[27026],{"_key":27027,"_type":131,"marks":27028,"text":27029},"a4440e90c23a",[],"By considering both goals and attitude towards risk, individuals would be more likely to build a portfolio that works for them and allows them to stay committed to their investment plan during turbulent times.",[],{"_key":27032,"_type":127,"children":27033,"markDefs":27038,"style":135},"eb8e1e37b4ca",[27034],{"_key":27035,"_type":131,"marks":27036,"text":27037},"a177b35abaca",[174],"5. Build a Portfolio with Global Reach",[],{"_key":27040,"_type":127,"children":27041,"markDefs":27046,"style":135},"6451156fc0c6",[27042],{"_key":27043,"_type":131,"marks":27044,"text":27045},"5837ba0100cb",[],"Globally diversified investment portfolios across various sectors, regions, and asset classes, are built to weather volatility. Diversifying globally can open the door to growth opportunities in different markets, while reducing the impact from downturns in specific areas. This approach can help avoid big losses and potentially keeps returns more consistent in the long run.",[],{"_key":27048,"_type":127,"children":27049,"markDefs":27054,"style":135},"6a31b5f93234",[27050],{"_key":27051,"_type":131,"marks":27052,"text":27053},"1bb166b6ca9d",[],"ISAs allow you to hold a wide range of investments such as cash, bonds, and shares from the UK and around the world without paying any tax on the returns. Since your savings and investments can grow free from income tax and Capital Gains Tax within an ISA, it makes sense to take full advantage of this tax-efficient option.",[],{"_key":27056,"_type":127,"children":27057,"markDefs":27064,"style":135},"17fea5b9263b",[27058,27061],{"_key":27059,"_type":131,"marks":27060,"text":8697},"d026082a498b",[174],{"_key":27062,"_type":131,"marks":27063,"text":7653},"aeaa8fc7e51d",[],[],{"_key":27066,"_type":127,"children":27067,"markDefs":27072,"style":135},"b65a83b15538",[27068],{"_key":27069,"_type":131,"marks":27070,"text":27071},"89ce8c878ad3",[],"“There have been many reductions in tax allowances and increases in tax rates over recent times, so maximising ISA contributions and making the most of allowances such as CGT is more important than ever.",[],{"_key":27074,"_type":127,"children":27075,"markDefs":27080,"style":135},"86cee3b4bb5c",[27076],{"_key":27077,"_type":131,"marks":27078,"text":27079},"cf05d45d7281",[],"If people are considering investing, maintaining a long-term investment strategy can help lead to favourable returns, especially when markets are volatile. After all, successful investing is about time in the market, not timing the market.",[],{"_key":27082,"_type":127,"children":27083,"markDefs":27088,"style":135},"7c6d65fd4a02",[27084],{"_key":27085,"_type":131,"marks":27086,"text":27087},"deac86e42561",[],"Many employers offer financial education to help people understand savings methods, as well as access to savings vehicles like Workplace ISAs that provide a tax efficient way to invest. Providing financial wellbeing support in the workplace to help people improve their financial future can only be a good thing.”",[],[27090],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":27091,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":27093,"blogPostMeta":27094,"content":27133,"tag":27359,"title":27132},"3708c979-fbeb-4be0-b147-15612c1fe123",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":27095,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":27128,"publishedAt":27129,"slug":27130,"title":27132},{"_type":58,"alt":27096,"asset":27097},"Woman with grey hair works on paperwork",{"_createdAt":27098,"_id":27099,"_rev":27100,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":27098,"assetId":27101,"extension":196,"metadata":27102,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":27123,"path":27124,"sha1hash":27101,"size":27125,"uploadId":27126,"url":27127},"2025-06-19T14:41:05Z","image-df4c1cf0275f6a0d0251b700cb33c94beb6167a9-1000x667-jpg","QkuvqQ0LD7SNRTBiatW19c","df4c1cf0275f6a0d0251b700cb33c94beb6167a9",{"_type":69,"blurHash":27103,"dimensions":27104,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":27105,"palette":27106},"VWM7or?c?uMyRP~ps:M|kCf8ngkWRjxukWNJn$VsWCoe",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwABAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABwAEBv\u002FEACQQAAICAgEDBAMAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQAEQUGEjETFSFRYXGh\u002F8QAFgEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQID\u002F8QAGhEAAwADAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAxESIf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AfbFmGWxYSGRVZnA7if5h1Y6pQ9fe1WrMYqLtFbx2t+809SMlTg7csCFfV+SAx2D9g4RcIsFq5PuJg0SmQMz9xJ\u002FJwahe2yoVU9SO1vialqYyFo3Pje8s5vi70b0IXNfTMoJ1IRs\u002FeWY9SLx0j\u002F\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":27107,"darkVibrant":27110,"dominant":27112,"lightMuted":27114,"lightVibrant":27115,"muted":27117,"vibrant":27120},{"_type":81,"background":27108,"foreground":83,"population":27109,"title":83},"#333f58",0.33,{"_type":81,"background":27111,"foreground":83,"population":2637,"title":83},"#071c58",{"_type":81,"background":27113,"foreground":91,"population":6199,"title":83},"#c9c6b9",{"_type":81,"background":27113,"foreground":91,"population":6199,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":27116,"foreground":91,"population":2080,"title":91},"#f2d7c4",{"_type":81,"background":27118,"foreground":83,"population":27119,"title":83},"#956a55",3.14,{"_type":81,"background":27121,"foreground":83,"population":27122,"title":83},"#547dbc",0.35,"shutterstock_1824965774.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fdf4c1cf0275f6a0d0251b700cb33c94beb6167a9-1000x667.jpg",75259,"hlSliADZrnZEPCzMjiLNpKfMBEnolNYE","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fdf4c1cf0275f6a0d0251b700cb33c94beb6167a9-1000x667.jpg","Recent market turbulence has been unsettling for many, especially for those planning to retire.","2025-05-29T10:09:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":27131},"retiring-in-turbulent-times-what-employees-should-consider","Retiring in turbulent times: what employees should consider",[27134,27141,27149,27156,27164,27172,27180,27188,27195,27228,27236,27244,27252,27260,27268,27276,27284,27292,27300,27308,27316,27332,27339,27347],{"_key":27135,"_type":127,"children":27136,"markDefs":27140,"style":135},"3c5b15e7904e",[27137],{"_key":27138,"_type":131,"marks":27139,"text":27128},"a3094860191f",[],[],{"_key":27142,"_type":127,"children":27143,"markDefs":27148,"style":135},"75c4784914d9",[27144],{"_key":27145,"_type":131,"marks":27146,"text":27147},"6a0e8b03e27c",[],"WEALTH at work, a leading financial wellbeing, retirement and workplace savings specialist, has outlined what employees who are approaching retirement will need to consider.",[],{"_key":27150,"_type":127,"children":27151,"markDefs":27155,"style":135},"607aaabd61eb",[27152],{"_key":27153,"_type":131,"marks":27154,"text":4842},"6681ce37e5ef",[174],[],{"_key":27157,"_type":127,"children":27158,"markDefs":27163,"style":135},"e22cacc0dfab",[27159],{"_key":27160,"_type":131,"marks":27161,"text":27162},"7616e736b05e",[],"A good place to start is to work out how much will be needed to meet day-to-day living expenses (such as household bills) and discretionary expenditures (such as holidays and hobbies) in retirement. According to the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA ), a single person will need about £14,400 a year to achieve the minimum standard of living (this would cover all a retiree’s needs plus enough for some leisure activities such as a week’s holiday in the UK and eating out occasionally); £31,300 a year for a moderate standard of living (one foreign holiday a year and more frequent eating out); and £43,100 a year for a comfortable standard of living (this would cover all a retiree’s needs plus two foreign holidays a year and some luxuries such as regular beauty treatments). For couples, it’s £22,400, £43,100 and £59,000, respectively.",[],{"_key":27165,"_type":127,"children":27166,"markDefs":27171,"style":135},"4dfdc707b6b4",[27167],{"_key":27168,"_type":131,"marks":27169,"text":27170},"3ba849c63281",[174],"2. Is retirement affordable?",[],{"_key":27173,"_type":127,"children":27174,"markDefs":27179,"style":135},"858cda58f710",[27175],{"_key":27176,"_type":131,"marks":27177,"text":27178},"06c5f53a169c",[],"People then need to think about if they have enough put aside to afford retirement. Or do they need to work a little longer or perhaps part-time? Many may be questioning this right now, especially if their pension has fallen in value due to market volatility. When doing your sums, don’t forget to consider longevity, in terms of how long you think you will live, as research has found that most people live longer than they expect. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates that average life expectancy in the UK for people aged 65 will be 85 years for men and 88 years for women. Also, it’s important to keep in mind that when you retire, you are likely to be paying less income tax, no National Insurance (NI), mortgages and loans may be paid off, there will be no more pension contributions, and any children are likely to be financially independent. With these reductions in costs, the income needed in retirement is likely to be less than required during working life.",[],{"_key":27181,"_type":127,"children":27182,"markDefs":27187,"style":135},"0a22df5c4709",[27183],{"_key":27184,"_type":131,"marks":27185,"text":27186},"16245969f7f8",[174],"3. Track down all pensions",[],{"_key":27189,"_type":127,"children":27190,"markDefs":27194,"style":135},"42d029679c56",[27191],{"_key":27192,"_type":131,"marks":27193,"text":19549},"0078956e41a9",[],[],{"_key":27196,"_type":127,"children":27197,"markDefs":27224,"style":135},"40535e4eb0bb",[27198,27201,27205,27209,27213,27216,27220],{"_key":27199,"_type":131,"marks":27200,"text":5451},"45bf389b52ad",[],{"_key":27202,"_type":131,"marks":27203,"text":5456},"634a1ffa9ccc",[27204],"cab07f071290",{"_key":27206,"_type":131,"marks":27207,"text":27208},"769b89e6ca67",[],"). If the company no longer exists, contact Companies House (",{"_key":27210,"_type":131,"marks":27211,"text":4917},"95065d903158",[27212],"0a50fd14cfd5",{"_key":27214,"_type":131,"marks":27215,"text":5468},"9d355b45f303",[],{"_key":27217,"_type":131,"marks":27218,"text":4915},"70a34092bfe3",[27219],"191492e2ba8b",{"_key":27221,"_type":131,"marks":27222,"text":27223},"2776b67e2941",[],"). People should ask for up-to-date statements, so it is clear how much pensions are worth, whilst those with several schemes might also want to consider consolidating them.",[27225,27226,27227],{"_key":27204,"_type":1264,"href":5479},{"_key":27212,"_type":1264,"href":4917},{"_key":27219,"_type":1264,"href":4915},{"_key":27229,"_type":127,"children":27230,"markDefs":27235,"style":135},"28a8783c0cdc",[27231],{"_key":27232,"_type":131,"marks":27233,"text":27234},"a7bd80c25628",[174],"4. Calculate all sources of retirement income",[],{"_key":27237,"_type":127,"children":27238,"markDefs":27243,"style":135},"c40e7481b697",[27239],{"_key":27240,"_type":131,"marks":27241,"text":27242},"0900b3d86972",[],"It’s important to work out the value of all savings and investments. Many people think of their pension as the only source of income in retirement. However, there are many assets such as ISAs and general cash savings, as well as other investments which can be used.",[],{"_key":27245,"_type":127,"children":27246,"markDefs":27251,"style":135},"b98ee8a2a1b2",[27247],{"_key":27248,"_type":131,"marks":27249,"text":27250},"5ffa59fc071c",[174],"5. Check state pension entitlement",[],{"_key":27253,"_type":127,"children":27254,"markDefs":27259,"style":135},"d5aef442a32a",[27255],{"_key":27256,"_type":131,"marks":27257,"text":27258},"0c91c92b7f51",[],"Some people don’t realise that you need a minimum of 35 years of NI (National Insurance) contributions to get the full State Pension payment. This can be difficult for those who may have taken a career break or time off for child or elderly care. It is possible to purchase NI credits to boost your State Pension income at a cost of £17.45 per week or £907.40 to fill a full year’s gap in your record*. But as of 5 April 2025, individuals will only be able to claim for 6 years of NI credit. Those who are approaching retirement can make an enquiry to find out what they are going to receive by requesting a State Pension statement using a form called a BR19, which is available online or by calling the government helpline on 0345 3000 168. Alternatively, if you have a Government Gateway account these details can be accessed online.",[],{"_key":27261,"_type":127,"children":27262,"markDefs":27267,"style":135},"9373eeabcc02",[27263],{"_key":27264,"_type":131,"marks":27265,"text":27266},"e428de00a5b4",[174],"6. Consider delaying retirement or working part time",[],{"_key":27269,"_type":127,"children":27270,"markDefs":27275,"style":135},"55974b4816be",[27271],{"_key":27272,"_type":131,"marks":27273,"text":27274},"19ce69461388",[],"For those who are worried about the value of their pension falling due to market volatility, it could be beneficial to give their pension time to recover. So, it may be worth delaying retirement if this is an option. People could also consider making further pension contributions to boost their pot and taking advantage of tax relief while they can. However, if someone has already taken taxable withdrawals from their defined contribution pension beyond the 25% tax-free lump sum, the ‘Money Purchase Annual Allowance’ (MPAA) is triggered. This reduces the amount they can contribute to defined contribution pensions to £10,000 a year before incurring a tax charge.",[],{"_key":27277,"_type":127,"children":27278,"markDefs":27283,"style":135},"e51acfac7dda",[27279],{"_key":27280,"_type":131,"marks":27281,"text":27282},"accfb8a237b9",[174],"7. Don’t pay unnecessary tax",[],{"_key":27285,"_type":127,"children":27286,"markDefs":27291,"style":135},"ef4441851f77",[27287],{"_key":27288,"_type":131,"marks":27289,"text":27290},"f601583dba3a",[],"Usually, only the first 25% of a defined contribution (DC) pension is tax free (the calculation for a defined benefit scheme will be different); the remaining 75% is taxed as earned income. Unfortunately, in recent years many have found themselves paying more tax than they need to. For example, some have taken their pension as a cash lump sum, not realising that it made them a higher rate taxpayer! People may be better off taking a smaller amount each year from their pension, keeping within their tax bracket, and then topping it up with withdrawals from an ISA, as this is paid tax-free.",[],{"_key":27293,"_type":127,"children":27294,"markDefs":27299,"style":135},"d43dcc2d825f",[27295],{"_key":27296,"_type":131,"marks":27297,"text":27298},"92cef64c28a2",[174],"8. Shop around",[],{"_key":27301,"_type":127,"children":27302,"markDefs":27307,"style":135},"c898684f42c6",[27303],{"_key":27304,"_type":131,"marks":27305,"text":27306},"838ac27d87d2",[],"Before purchasing any retirement products, it is important that people shop around. For example, income drawdown charges can vary depending on the provider, the type of charges, and the size of your pension pot. Individuals should not only check charging structures, but make sure it suits their needs, and that they can withdraw cash as and when they need it.",[],{"_key":27309,"_type":127,"children":27310,"markDefs":27315,"style":135},"e29c9de65c79",[27311],{"_key":27312,"_type":131,"marks":27313,"text":27314},"1e65b844f5c0",[174],"9. Watch out for scams",[],{"_key":27317,"_type":127,"children":27318,"markDefs":27330,"style":135},"0b24990b4b2c",[27319,27323,27327],{"_key":27320,"_type":131,"marks":27321,"text":27322},"140e647ffce2",[],"Research from WEALTH at work identified the common financial scams that people lost money to between 2023 and 2024[1]. It found that 13% fell victim to a pension scam which offered fake promises of guaranteed returns or early access to their pension. Regulations came into force in November 2021 which means suspicious transfers can be stopped from ending up in the hands of a fraudster, as pension trustees and scheme managers now have new powers to intervene, but you still need to be on your guard. Whatever you’re planning to do with your retirement savings, it’s vital to check whether the company that you’re planning to use is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) https:\u002F\u002Fregister.fca.org.uk\u002F. You can also visit the FCA’s ScamSmart website which includes a warning list of companies operating without authorisation or running scams ",{"_key":27324,"_type":131,"marks":27325,"text":5177},"07fcb4c9fcca",[27326],"eb36cec54b6f",{"_key":27328,"_type":131,"marks":27329,"text":1289},"316e9b793155",[],[27331],{"_key":27326,"_type":1264,"href":5184},{"_key":27333,"_type":127,"children":27334,"markDefs":27338,"style":135},"4ac2f5a38911",[27335],{"_key":27336,"_type":131,"marks":27337,"text":5198},"8a5d07fdda5b",[174],[],{"_key":27340,"_type":127,"children":27341,"markDefs":27346,"style":135},"e53620506d02",[27342],{"_key":27343,"_type":131,"marks":27344,"text":27345},"e43715b18734",[],"It is vital that individuals fully understand their retirement options and are able to choose what is right for them. Getting financial education, guidance and investment advice at retirement can really help. Pension Wise, which is a service from MoneyHelper, and backed by government, offer free guidance appointments for those over age 50 to talk about their pension options. With 60% of employers offering or planning to offer pre-retirement planning for employees, the workplace is a great source of support. They may also offer access to an investment adviser which can be especially beneficial at retirement, as they will help someone look at all assets and work out the most tax efficient way for them to fund their retirement, before putting a bespoke plan in place.",[],{"_key":27348,"_type":127,"children":27349,"markDefs":27358,"style":135},"e314f9e3c0e2",[27350,27354],{"_key":27351,"_type":131,"marks":27352,"text":27353},"3d97c9a5aed7",[174],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director at WEALTH at work, comments;",{"_key":27355,"_type":131,"marks":27356,"text":27357},"c03241451bc0",[]," “The market turbulence is understandably concerning, especially for those who are due to retire soon. We spend many years saving for our retirement, so it’s important that employees receive the support needed for them to be able to make informed choices about their retirement plans. Many leading companies provide financial education, guidance and investment advice for their retiring employees to help them understand the key issues affecting them. This support is going to be needed now more than ever to ensure that people are able to retire with confidence.” ",[],[27360],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":27361,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":27363,"blogPostMeta":27364,"content":27386,"tag":27473,"title":27385},"b7bb9497-dd06-4482-ac9a-97ed18ebb913",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":27365,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":27381,"publishedAt":27382,"slug":27383,"title":27385},{"_type":58,"asset":27366},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":27367,"mimeType":225,"opt":27377,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":27368,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":27369},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":27370,"darkVibrant":27371,"dominant":27372,"lightMuted":27373,"lightVibrant":27374,"muted":27375,"vibrant":27376},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":27378},{"tags":27379},[27380],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"Global equity markets pulled back this week amid a spike in U.S. Treasury yields, renewed trade tensions, and concerns over fiscal policy. ","2025-05-27T12:39:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":27384},"week-ending-23rd-may-2025","Week ending 23rd May 2025",[27387,27390,27394,27402,27410,27418,27426,27434,27442,27450,27458,27466],{"_key":27388,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":27389,"width":124},"6544242b0ae1","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1088010671?h=ddc4d8cdf3",{"_key":27391,"_type":58,"asset":27392},"034301a9c663",{"_ref":27393,"_type":107},"image-7baa57df114e02fed41561d4b88588d6358133d3-924x733-png",{"_key":27395,"_type":127,"children":27396,"markDefs":27401,"style":135},"a7a4e61106e4",[27397],{"_key":27398,"_type":131,"marks":27399,"text":27400},"64c268c667b6",[],"Global equity markets pulled back this week amid a spike in U.S. Treasury yields, renewed trade tensions, and concerns over fiscal policy. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average fell back into negative territory for the year, while the Nasdaq, though more resilient, still declined by 2.5%. In Europe, markets followed suit, though the UK’s FTSE 100 ended modestly higher, up 0.4%.",[],{"_key":27403,"_type":127,"children":27404,"markDefs":27409,"style":135},"f74417d06e53",[27405],{"_key":27406,"_type":131,"marks":27407,"text":27408},"cc7cb36c2e68",[],"Adding to market activity, the U.S. House of Representatives passed President Trump’s new tax cut bill, which extends existing cuts and introduces additional measures aimed at supporting economic growth. The bill now moves to the Senate for further discussion and potential amendments. While some concerns were raised about the bill’s long-term fiscal impact—particularly its effect on the U.S. deficit—longer-dated Treasury yields edged higher, a move that also followed a recent Moody’s downgrade. Although the downgrade drew attention earlier in the week, it does not signal an immediate risk to U.S. creditworthiness or alter the key fundamentals underpinning the economy and markets. Treasuries remain a core global safe haven, and yields eased back later in the week.",[],{"_key":27411,"_type":127,"children":27412,"markDefs":27417,"style":135},"6b77f689755e",[27413],{"_key":27414,"_type":131,"marks":27415,"text":27416},"5d4214ba67fa",[],"While some are wary of the proposed tax cuts and the potential impact on the deficit, others view it as a pro-growth measure that could support consumer spending and corporate investment over time.",[],{"_key":27419,"_type":127,"children":27420,"markDefs":27425,"style":135},"7c13c777a09d",[27421],{"_key":27422,"_type":131,"marks":27423,"text":27424},"50772fa6c804",[],"Markets were further unsettled on Friday after President Trump announced plans for a 50% tariff on imports from the European Union, citing stalled negotiations and accusing the bloc of being “very difficult to deal with.” However, as expected, Trump later walked back the timeline. On Sunday, he said the tariffs would be delayed until 9 July following a call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The delay eased immediate concerns and gave markets some breathing room as diplomatic talks continue.",[],{"_key":27427,"_type":127,"children":27428,"markDefs":27433,"style":135},"2cbea775e23c",[27429],{"_key":27430,"_type":131,"marks":27431,"text":27432},"7db1070a5614",[],"Against this backdrop, economic data offered a more encouraging tone. Business activity in the US rebounded in May, with both manufacturing and services PMIs beating expectations. Encouragingly, business sentiment improved to its highest level in four months, supported by stronger demand and a temporary pause in tariff escalations.",[],{"_key":27435,"_type":127,"children":27436,"markDefs":27441,"style":135},"390b0100fc45",[27437],{"_key":27438,"_type":131,"marks":27439,"text":27440},"1c019547d1dd",[],"European data was mixed: the eurozone composite PMI fell into contraction, but Germany’s first-quarter GDP was revised up to 0.4%. In the UK, inflation ticked up to 3.5% in April, but retail sales and consumer confidence both exceeded expectations, suggesting households remain relatively resilient.",[],{"_key":27443,"_type":127,"children":27444,"markDefs":27449,"style":135},"10c95cd121a5",[27445],{"_key":27446,"_type":131,"marks":27447,"text":27448},"570635941935",[],"In China, industrial production data was stronger than expected, helping offset weaker retail sales. While uncertainty remains, expectations for additional fiscal support from Beijing are growing.",[],{"_key":27451,"_type":127,"children":27452,"markDefs":27457,"style":135},"12a93d4a9a91",[27453],{"_key":27454,"_type":131,"marks":27455,"text":27456},"ac6cd6d09941",[],"Despite recent volatility, the economic outlook remains positive, with improving business activity, stabilising sentiment, and support from stimulus measures.",[],{"_key":27459,"_type":127,"children":27460,"markDefs":27465,"style":135},"46a233315617",[27461],{"_key":27462,"_type":131,"marks":27463,"text":27464},"33e336c84768",[],"UK and U.S. markets will be closed on Monday, 26th May, for the Spring Bank Holiday and Memorial Day, respectively. European and markets across Asia will remain open. Data wise next week, we can expect US durable goods, consumer confidence and PCE. 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","2025-05-23T10:07:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":27515},"wealth-at-work-is-listed-in-the-sunday-times-best-places-to-work","WEALTH at work is listed in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work and also wins The Best Company within Financial Services 2025",[27518,27526,27538,27546,27554,27562,27570,27578,27586,27594,27602,27610,27618,27626,27634,27642],{"_key":27519,"_type":127,"children":27520,"markDefs":27525,"style":135},"53cd9c284c6c",[27521],{"_key":27522,"_type":131,"marks":27523,"text":27524},"ef94750deffd",[],"We are absolutely delighted to announce that we have been named as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025 and are proud to have been listed amongst the best ‘Big Organisations in the UK’. This is the second time WEALTH at work have won this accolade, having won it in 2024 also. In addition, we have also won a spotlight award for The Best Company within Financial Services.",[],{"_key":27527,"_type":127,"children":27528,"markDefs":27537,"style":135},"7fb48f1df03a",[27529,27533],{"_key":27530,"_type":131,"marks":27531,"text":27532},"9d7b109f40da",[174],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work comments",{"_key":27534,"_type":131,"marks":27535,"text":27536},"3e83dec12916",[],", “This is extremely exciting news, especially because employee wellbeing is so very important and we have been lucky enough to be listed for a second year in a row.",[],{"_key":27539,"_type":127,"children":27540,"markDefs":27545,"style":135},"b66b90797905",[27541],{"_key":27542,"_type":131,"marks":27543,"text":27544},"f0016ef1b42b",[],"As a people-centric business providing financial wellbeing services to many UK companies, we are particularly thrilled to have been recognised for our approach and ethos to ensuring we are doing the best for our own staff right across the group and making WEALTH at work a business that people want to work in.",[],{"_key":27547,"_type":127,"children":27548,"markDefs":27553,"style":135},"db8b635ae42c",[27549],{"_key":27550,"_type":131,"marks":27551,"text":27552},"54bbc140b568",[],"We are also especially delighted to have won a second award for being ‘The Best Company within Financial Services’. Working in the financial services industry and as leaders in the market, our standards are already high, so it is great to have such high-profile recognition.”",[],{"_key":27555,"_type":127,"children":27556,"markDefs":27561,"style":135},"8c33bc821f39",[27557],{"_key":27558,"_type":131,"marks":27559,"text":27560},"600858ea2d10",[174],"Notes about the survey: The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025.",[],{"_key":27563,"_type":127,"children":27564,"markDefs":27569,"style":135},"f4b8d2f4aa12",[27565],{"_key":27566,"_type":131,"marks":27567,"text":27568},"bb65de568925",[],"WEALTH at work is listed in the Big Organisations category employing between 250-1,999 employees.",[],{"_key":27571,"_type":127,"children":27572,"markDefs":27577,"style":135},"3ca129542eb2",[27573],{"_key":27574,"_type":131,"marks":27575,"text":27576},"54ceaa7a1312",[],"The Sunday Times Best Places to Work awards survey uses 31 core questions from WorkL’s employee engagement survey, developed by behavioural scientists, data analysts, psychologists, business leaders, academics and other independent parties to most accurately monitor employee engagement, wellbeing and discretionary effort in the workplace.",[],{"_key":27579,"_type":127,"children":27580,"markDefs":27585,"style":135},"5031378ac8cd",[27581],{"_key":27582,"_type":131,"marks":27583,"text":27584},"5a856c10b665",[],"To achieve a high overall engagement score, an organisation must score well across WorkL’s six-step framework;",[],{"_key":27587,"_type":127,"children":27588,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":27593,"style":135},"4de75afcde21",[27589],{"_key":27590,"_type":131,"marks":27591,"text":27592},"ed61da27d08b",[],"Reward and Recognition",[],{"_key":27595,"_type":127,"children":27596,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":27601,"style":135},"1d3fd87903ef",[27597],{"_key":27598,"_type":131,"marks":27599,"text":27600},"447b624079b9",[],"Instilling Pride",[],{"_key":27603,"_type":127,"children":27604,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":27609,"style":135},"e100bb5ce38f",[27605],{"_key":27606,"_type":131,"marks":27607,"text":27608},"5df5ecfe6c4a",[],"Information Sharing",[],{"_key":27611,"_type":127,"children":27612,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":27617,"style":135},"2a5d9ea3eaaa",[27613],{"_key":27614,"_type":131,"marks":27615,"text":27616},"685ee6104850",[],"Empowerment",[],{"_key":27619,"_type":127,"children":27620,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":27625,"style":135},"819e6e541fb0",[27621],{"_key":27622,"_type":131,"marks":27623,"text":27624},"97c0e55e9369",[],"Wellbeing",[],{"_key":27627,"_type":127,"children":27628,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":27633,"style":135},"ad1225b009b4",[27629],{"_key":27630,"_type":131,"marks":27631,"text":27632},"d3823cc05306",[],"Job Satisfaction",[],{"_key":27635,"_type":127,"children":27636,"markDefs":27641,"style":135},"5569d00c6493",[27637],{"_key":27638,"_type":131,"marks":27639,"text":27640},"716b38bd8323",[],"In a highly engaged workplace all six steps will be seen positively by employees, albeit in varying degrees. Each of WorkL’s steps consist of between three and five key elements which are measured on a 0-10 scale. An organisation’s overall engagement score is the sum of all question responses divided by the maximum possible values as a percentage.",[],{"_key":27643,"_type":127,"children":27644,"markDefs":27649,"style":135},"4c840eca83c7",[27645],{"_key":27646,"_type":131,"marks":27647,"text":27648},"20cab564355e",[],"To be successfully accredited, organisations must achieve a minimum of 70 per cent overall engagement score. Banding threshold is based on both independent and WorkL’s commissioned research on employee engagement initiatives and is reinforced by WorkL’s benchmarking data of more than 70,000 organisations. For an accurate representation of employee sentiment, organisations were required to send the survey to as many current employees as possible. 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This is the second time WEALTH at work have won this award, having also won it in 2024.",[],{"_key":27705,"_type":127,"children":27706,"markDefs":27711,"style":135},"d312a00d5276",[27707],{"_key":27708,"_type":131,"marks":27709,"text":27710},"006f1c1005f8",[],"In addition, we have also won a spotlight award for The Best Company within Financial Services – a new accolade for 2025 which we are extremely proud of.",[],{"_key":27713,"_type":127,"children":27714,"markDefs":27723,"style":135},"08d188cd94eb",[27715,27719],{"_key":27716,"_type":131,"marks":27717,"text":27718},"1ae2d81305e0",[174],"David Cassidy, Chief Executive Officer, WEALTH at work comments,",{"_key":27720,"_type":131,"marks":27721,"text":27722},"31d4b646a637",[]," “As leaders in the field of financial wellbeing in the workplace, we are thrilled to be listed and thought of so highly by our colleagues, especially given this is the second year in a row we have been listed. We hold very high standards when it comes to our company values. This is encapsulated in the ethos of our business that we call internally, ‘the mum and dad principle’ which simply means ‘if you wouldn’t do it for your mum and dad, then you don’t do it at all’. This is encompassed in our HR policies and can be seen in every aspect of our business from our Financial Coaches to Advisers.",[],{"_key":27725,"_type":127,"children":27726,"markDefs":27731,"style":135},"cf3bfa383f8d",[27727],{"_key":27728,"_type":131,"marks":27729,"text":27730},"7cf690d9b9cb",[],"Our colleagues from right across the group are very important to us, as are our clients, so this recognition means a great deal to us and cements what we do as a business and proves that a high level of employee wellbeing results in a happy workplace.",[],{"_key":27733,"_type":127,"children":27734,"markDefs":27739,"style":135},"d0eddb1e9778",[27735],{"_key":27736,"_type":131,"marks":27737,"text":27738},"6863280cdc25",[],"We are also extremely proud to have won a second award for being The Best Company within Financial Services in 2025. Working in the Financial Services sector, our standards are already high, so it is great to have this recognition – not only for our clients but for the good work our colleagues do for those clients.”",[],{"_key":27741,"_type":127,"children":27742,"markDefs":27746,"style":135},"30fcfb58db43",[27743],{"_key":27744,"_type":131,"marks":27745,"text":27560},"a69ca38709ed",[174],[],{"_key":27748,"_type":127,"children":27749,"markDefs":27753,"style":135},"e882c4051732",[27750],{"_key":27751,"_type":131,"marks":27752,"text":27568},"24193b59ecd1",[],[],{"_key":27755,"_type":127,"children":27756,"markDefs":27760,"style":135},"5f9b7e11facc",[27757],{"_key":27758,"_type":131,"marks":27759,"text":27576},"1c149ecb2ba2",[],[],{"_key":27762,"_type":127,"children":27763,"markDefs":27767,"style":135},"2be8f6169eac",[27764],{"_key":27765,"_type":131,"marks":27766,"text":27584},"3fe45f37397e",[],[],{"_key":27769,"_type":127,"children":27770,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":27774,"style":135},"037be70eeb55",[27771],{"_key":27772,"_type":131,"marks":27773,"text":27592},"59c5d9bbef85",[],[],{"_key":27776,"_type":127,"children":27777,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":27781,"style":135},"36a596dc33d6",[27778],{"_key":27779,"_type":131,"marks":27780,"text":27600},"470df1001620",[],[],{"_key":27783,"_type":127,"children":27784,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":27788,"style":135},"a4b24596d919",[27785],{"_key":27786,"_type":131,"marks":27787,"text":27608},"e366d674b8a8",[],[],{"_key":27790,"_type":127,"children":27791,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":27795,"style":135},"be94a86214d1",[27792],{"_key":27793,"_type":131,"marks":27794,"text":27616},"f00d2136c0e7",[],[],{"_key":27797,"_type":127,"children":27798,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":27802,"style":135},"7aa4d6068c71",[27799],{"_key":27800,"_type":131,"marks":27801,"text":27624},"c2cfb7255175",[],[],{"_key":27804,"_type":127,"children":27805,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":27809,"style":135},"ae413e79e95a",[27806],{"_key":27807,"_type":131,"marks":27808,"text":27632},"4b3b12bd06ef",[],[],{"_key":27811,"_type":127,"children":27812,"markDefs":27816,"style":135},"6a37b170ebcc",[27813],{"_key":27814,"_type":131,"marks":27815,"text":27640},"7ca7e6d909f9",[],[],{"_key":27818,"_type":127,"children":27819,"markDefs":27823,"style":135},"0325d31c6f9f",[27820],{"_key":27821,"_type":131,"marks":27822,"text":27648},"68bf2911b5d9",[],[],[27825],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":27826,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},"Liverpool based company WEALTH at work is listed in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work and also wins The Best Company within Financial Services 2025",{"_id":27829,"blogPostMeta":27830,"content":27850,"tag":27925,"title":27849},"15174c99-3024-4dc9-8ecd-cc914516aabe",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":27831,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":27845,"publishedAt":27846,"slug":27847,"title":27849},{"_type":58,"asset":27832},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":27833,"mimeType":225,"opt":27843,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":27834,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":27835},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":27836,"darkVibrant":27837,"dominant":27838,"lightMuted":27839,"lightVibrant":27840,"muted":27841,"vibrant":27842},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":27844},{"tags":65},"UK inflation came in higher than expected for April, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rising to 3.5%, up from the 2.6% rise in prices in March. ","2025-05-21T12:31:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":27848},"market-update-21st-may-2025","Market Update – 21st May 2025",[27851,27854,27862,27870,27878,27886,27894,27902,27910,27918],{"_key":27852,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":27853,"width":124},"5024355a827e","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1086363023?h=f2c37be023",{"_key":27855,"_type":127,"children":27856,"markDefs":27861,"style":135},"0f4c776f98e3",[27857],{"_key":27858,"_type":131,"marks":27859,"text":27860},"5f0484fa83f4",[],"UK inflation came in higher than expected for April, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rising to 3.5%, up from the 2.6% rise in prices in March. Core inflation—which strips out the more volatile categories of energy, food, alcohol, and tobacco—also climbed, reaching 3.8% in the 12 months to April, compared to 3.4% in the previous period.",[],{"_key":27863,"_type":127,"children":27864,"markDefs":27869,"style":135},"adda84d29c45",[27865],{"_key":27866,"_type":131,"marks":27867,"text":27868},"58a8f76e3799",[],"The increase wasn’t entirely surprising. A key factor was the rise in the energy price cap, which took effect in April and allowed suppliers to charge consumers more. Airfares also appeared to spike, though comparisons are tricky. The Easter holidays fell at the end of April this year, whereas in 2024 they were split between March and April—making year-on-year analysis less clear-cut. Nevertheless, holiday travel tends to be costly, and airfares are often a significant driver of inflation during this period.",[],{"_key":27871,"_type":127,"children":27872,"markDefs":27877,"style":135},"9b59987e3105",[27873],{"_key":27874,"_type":131,"marks":27875,"text":27876},"35ee1bfe9a52",[],"While the latest inflation reading is above recent levels, it’s unlikely to raise concerns at the Bank of England. Policymakers had already forecast inflation to reach around 3.7% in 2025, though they anticipated that happening later in the year. Importantly, this is just one data point. The Bank will now be watching closely to see whether it signals the start of a broader trend or simply reflects temporary pressures.",[],{"_key":27879,"_type":127,"children":27880,"markDefs":27885,"style":135},"a32e9c7b01aa",[27881],{"_key":27882,"_type":131,"marks":27883,"text":27884},"0159e9cde888",[],"Chinese consumer activity has been gradually rebounding in the wake of the country’s post-COVID reopening and the downturn in the property sector, which had previously been a major source of household wealth. On Monday, new retail sales figures revealed a 5.1% year-on-year increase for April—slightly down from March’s 5.5% rise—likely reflecting the impact of recent trade tensions with the United States.",[],{"_key":27887,"_type":127,"children":27888,"markDefs":27893,"style":135},"7a9dc64b7194",[27889],{"_key":27890,"_type":131,"marks":27891,"text":27892},"98b36aa08d26",[],"Despite this modest deceleration, the data suggests that Chinese consumer spending continues to grow at a steady pace. This resilience is largely attributed to government efforts to stimulate demand, including a campaign promoting widespread upgrades of industrial equipment and incentivising the replacement of household goods.",[],{"_key":27895,"_type":127,"children":27896,"markDefs":27901,"style":135},"b49992170bec",[27897],{"_key":27898,"_type":131,"marks":27899,"text":27900},"d2f4e796bead",[],"Adding to the supportive policy measures, the People’s Bank of China announced on Tuesday a 10-basis point cut to key lending rates to inject liquidity into the economy. These steps align with Beijing’s broader goal of achieving an economic growth rate of approximately 5% for the year. In response, the Hang Seng Index (China’s key stock market benchmark) rallied at the opening bell.",[],{"_key":27903,"_type":127,"children":27904,"markDefs":27909,"style":135},"fcbe58261d96",[27905],{"_key":27906,"_type":131,"marks":27907,"text":27908},"2603b1ede934",[],"Yesterday, what began as highly anticipated peace talks between President Trump and President Putin (intended to advance an end to the Russia-Ukraine war) ended with little progress. Following a two-hour phone call, President Trump concluded that a resolution would immediately get underway, but a ceasefire could ultimately only be achieved through direct negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian leaders themselves. Markets reacted little to the news, likely awaiting the announcement of more concrete plans of action.",[],{"_key":27911,"_type":127,"children":27912,"markDefs":27917,"style":135},"7364de0496b5",[27913],{"_key":27914,"_type":131,"marks":27915,"text":27916},"86107d1a70aa",[],"Still to come this week we have US PMI data, Japanese CPI and UK retail sales.",[],{"_key":27919,"_type":127,"children":27920,"markDefs":27924,"style":135},"0f2e8ce951d7",[27921],{"_key":27922,"_type":131,"marks":27923,"text":175},"c934df353a2c",[174],[],[27926],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":27927,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":27929,"blogPostMeta":27930,"content":27952,"tag":28038,"title":27951},"81910400-a050-41e1-aa9e-ed040f18e509",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":27931,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":27947,"publishedAt":27948,"slug":27949,"title":27951},{"_type":58,"asset":27932},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":27933,"mimeType":225,"opt":27943,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":27934,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":27935},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":27936,"darkVibrant":27937,"dominant":27938,"lightMuted":27939,"lightVibrant":27940,"muted":27941,"vibrant":27942},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":27944},{"tags":27945},[27946],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As you can see from the accompanying table it was a broadly positive week for financial markets. Stocks rallied as optimism round global trade helped lift sentiment and push indexes sharply higher.","2025-05-19T12:18:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":27950},"week-ending-16th-may-2025","Week ending 16th May 2025",[27953,27956,27960,27967,27975,27983,27991,27999,28007,28015,28023,28031],{"_key":27954,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":27955,"width":124},"713b5f0295e2","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1085645819?h=dae8b7a0aa",{"_key":27957,"_type":58,"asset":27958},"38d142c7929d",{"_ref":27959,"_type":107},"image-cea287c18b9e62737b44073fb7fa57f0e5033f16-602x477-png",{"_key":27961,"_type":127,"children":27962,"markDefs":27966,"style":135},"bbfdfa4b8856",[27963],{"_key":27964,"_type":131,"marks":27965,"text":27947},"53512172087d",[],[],{"_key":27968,"_type":127,"children":27969,"markDefs":27974,"style":135},"bfeee4a5f334",[27970],{"_key":27971,"_type":131,"marks":27972,"text":27973},"a5d0485b7460",[],"A breakthrough in trade talks between the U.S. and China over the weekend set the tone early, with all major indexes posting strong gains. Chinese and U.S. stocks rallied, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite leading the charge, up 7.15%, supported by strength in the technology sector. The S&P 500 gained 5.27%, thanks to broad-based buying and a major AI chip deal between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, which further lifted sentiment.",[],{"_key":27976,"_type":127,"children":27977,"markDefs":27982,"style":135},"d87618deef36",[27978],{"_key":27979,"_type":131,"marks":27980,"text":27981},"112adbec3c6d",[],"Towards the end of the week, momentum moderated slightly as the focus shifted from geopolitics to economic fundamentals. U.S. equities pulled back modestly from the week’s highs following a wave of economic data and comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Speaking on the Fed’s updated policy framework, Powell noted that interest rates may need to remain higher over the longer term due to more persistent global supply shocks—a signal that monetary policy could stay tighter for longer.",[],{"_key":27984,"_type":127,"children":27985,"markDefs":27990,"style":135},"54e604c26540",[27986],{"_key":27987,"_type":131,"marks":27988,"text":27989},"241ddc570873",[],"Powell said the economic environment “has changed significantly” since then and the central bank’s stance would “reflect our assessment of those changes”.",[],{"_key":27992,"_type":127,"children":27993,"markDefs":27998,"style":135},"c7219eb82c86",[27994],{"_key":27995,"_type":131,"marks":27996,"text":27997},"1a718daf5fc8",[],"Economic data painted a mixed, but generally stable picture. The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index edged down to 50.8 in May, slightly below expectations, reflecting lingering concerns about inflation and trade uncertainty. While sentiment remains subdued, the underlying economy continues to show resilience.",[],{"_key":28000,"_type":127,"children":28001,"markDefs":28006,"style":135},"aed8d69203e8",[28002],{"_key":28003,"_type":131,"marks":28004,"text":28005},"aceb19770224",[],"Moody’s downgrade of the U.S. credit rating from Aaa to Aa1 over the weekend attracted attention, citing concerns about debt levels and refinancing risks in a higher-rate environment. However, this move mainly brings Moody’s in line with Fitch and S&P, which made similar adjustments some time ago. Importantly, U.S. Treasuries remain the world’s benchmark for safety and liquidity, with no immediate threat to their trusted status.",[],{"_key":28008,"_type":127,"children":28009,"markDefs":28014,"style":135},"a66d36756069",[28010],{"_key":28011,"_type":131,"marks":28012,"text":28013},"68abed0487b6",[],"Across the Atlantic, preliminary figures showed the UK economy delivered an upside surprise, growing 0.7% in the first quarter—its fastest pace in nearly a year. The expansion was driven by strength in services, investment, and exports, as businesses front-loaded activity ahead of U.S. tariffs introduced in early April. The result exceeded expectations and marked a notable pick up from just 0.1% growth in Q4 2024.",[],{"_key":28016,"_type":127,"children":28017,"markDefs":28022,"style":135},"07c8556e16d8",[28018],{"_key":28019,"_type":131,"marks":28020,"text":28021},"0d9edb2ee126",[],"There was more economic growth data to digest at the end of the week. Data revealed Japan’s economy contracted by 0.2% in the first quarter of 2025, slightly worse than the expected 0.1% decline and marking the first quarterly contraction in a year. The slowdown follows 0.6% growth in Q4 and reflects growing concerns over the impact of U.S. trade policies under President Trump, as well as softer external demand—particularly from key partners like China. The weaker-than-expected GDP print highlights Japan’s vulnerability to global trade dynamics and may increase pressure on policymakers to support growth.",[],{"_key":28024,"_type":127,"children":28025,"markDefs":28030,"style":135},"6c6c38ac9709",[28026],{"_key":28027,"_type":131,"marks":28028,"text":28029},"43da7c419276",[],"This week’s data highlights include Chinese retail sales, industrial production, and the unemployment rate. In the Eurozone, we’ll see consumer confidence figures, while Japan releases its trade balance. The UK reports April’s inflation rate, along with consumer confidence and retail sales. PMI data from the U.S. and across Europe will also be in focus.",[],{"_key":28032,"_type":127,"children":28033,"markDefs":28037,"style":135},"149d3d90a227",[28034],{"_key":28035,"_type":131,"marks":28036,"text":288},"11bf90005d22",[174],[],[28039],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":28040,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":28042,"blogPostMeta":28043,"content":28048,"tag":28059,"title":28047},"f378a3c9-1c7b-4f52-8a80-8829780bf1ed",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":65,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":28044,"slug":28045,"title":28047},"2025-05-16T13:32:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":28046},"how-the-workplace-is-key-to-improving-your-employee’s-financial-future","How the workplace is key to improving your employee’s financial future",[28049,28052],{"_key":28050,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":28051,"width":124},"794321ac526f","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002F3OeekzGufDM",{"_key":28053,"_type":127,"children":28054,"markDefs":28058,"style":135},"09b79ac58094",[28055],{"_key":28056,"_type":131,"marks":28057,"text":1006},"d34916d6a61c",[],[],[28060],{"_createdAt":4751,"_id":4752,"_rev":4753,"_system":28061,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":4758,"brandSpecific":76,"slug":28063,"title":4761},{"base":28062},{"id":4756,"rev":4757},{"_type":9,"current":4760},{"_id":28065,"blogPostMeta":28066,"content":28071,"tag":28082,"title":28070},"7da9b1a5-d030-4b68-8592-d0cc1936fc12",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":65,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":28067,"slug":28068,"title":28070},"2025-05-16T13:31:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":28069},"making-the-connection-how-the-workplace-is-key-to-improving-your-employee’s-financial-future","Making the Connection: How the workplace is key to improving your employee’s financial future",[28072,28075],{"_key":28073,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":28074,"width":124},"4ac2bc6284d8","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002F969MCYEhkjo",{"_key":28076,"_type":127,"children":28077,"markDefs":28081,"style":135},"6541251649bc",[28078],{"_key":28079,"_type":131,"marks":28080,"text":1006},"4fc53b637fea",[],[],[28083],{"_createdAt":4751,"_id":4752,"_rev":4753,"_system":28084,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":4758,"brandSpecific":76,"slug":28086,"title":4761},{"base":28085},{"id":4756,"rev":4757},{"_type":9,"current":4760},{"_id":28088,"blogPostMeta":28089,"content":28109,"tag":28176,"title":28108},"a3fdfc6d-44e9-4e05-b1ef-88ad9a9c7001",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":28090,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":28104,"publishedAt":28105,"slug":28106,"title":28108},{"_type":58,"asset":28091},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":28092,"mimeType":225,"opt":28102,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":28093,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":28094},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":28095,"darkVibrant":28096,"dominant":28097,"lightMuted":28098,"lightVibrant":28099,"muted":28100,"vibrant":28101},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":28103},{"tags":65},"The United States and China announced a breakthrough in trade talks on Monday, agreeing to pause most of the tariffs imposed on each other’s products for a period of 90 days.","2025-05-14T11:27:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":28107},"market-update-14th-may-2025","Market Update – 14th May 2025",[28110,28113,28121,28129,28137,28145,28153,28161,28169],{"_key":28111,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":28112,"width":124},"558a25584b17","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1084227334?h=0ce8f493ad",{"_key":28114,"_type":127,"children":28115,"markDefs":28120,"style":135},"3112ca0e7b50",[28116],{"_key":28117,"_type":131,"marks":28118,"text":28119},"ddd28783a8a9",[],"The United States and China announced a breakthrough in trade talks on Monday, agreeing to pause most of the tariffs imposed on each other’s products for a period of 90 days. As part of the deal, both nations will significantly reduce their mutual tariffs— the US will cut tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, while China will cut tariffs on American imports from 125% to 10%.",[],{"_key":28122,"_type":127,"children":28123,"markDefs":28128,"style":135},"bf6ae2738925",[28124],{"_key":28125,"_type":131,"marks":28126,"text":28127},"93825615be06",[],"In a joint statement, both emphasised the need for a “sustainable, long-term, and mutually beneficial” economic partnership. The news sparked optimism across global financial markets: Dow futures surged over 2%, S&P 500 futures climbed close to 3%, and Nasdaq Composite futures rose more than 3.5% during the afternoon trading session. Major Asian indexes also responded positively, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index closing up nearly 3%.",[],{"_key":28130,"_type":127,"children":28131,"markDefs":28136,"style":135},"37e41108db58",[28132],{"_key":28133,"_type":131,"marks":28134,"text":28135},"50c5832a300c",[],"In the UK, unemployment ticked up slightly to 4.5% in the three months to March. Earnings growth also decreased to 5.6%, although it still continues to strongly outpace UK inflation (which currently sits at 2.6%). Modestly weaker wage growth is likely to reassure the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee, which cut interest rates by a quarter point last week to 4.25% but has expressed concern about the continued strength of pay.",[],{"_key":28138,"_type":127,"children":28139,"markDefs":28144,"style":135},"e94070aab38d",[28140],{"_key":28141,"_type":131,"marks":28142,"text":28143},"f786446706c2",[],"U.S. inflation cooled more than expected in April, dropping to its lowest level since early 2021 — a positive signal for consumers and markets alike. The Consumer Price Index fell to 2.3%, down from 2.4% in March, surprising analysts who had predicted no change. The decline was largely driven by a 1.3% drop in fuel prices, as oil markets reacted to global trade tensions.",[],{"_key":28146,"_type":127,"children":28147,"markDefs":28152,"style":135},"a93300e39174",[28148],{"_key":28149,"_type":131,"marks":28150,"text":28151},"c9969c6a941c",[],"Despite ongoing tariff pressures, the economy has shown resilience. Core inflation, which strips out food and energy, remained steady at 2.8%, in line with expectations. The combination of easing headline inflation and stable core prices has reinforced market confidence that the Federal Reserve could still cut interest rates twice this year — potentially as early as September.",[],{"_key":28154,"_type":127,"children":28155,"markDefs":28160,"style":135},"02027f27244f",[28156],{"_key":28157,"_type":131,"marks":28158,"text":28159},"b5231c4aabfd",[],"Finally, Nvidia’s CEO announced on Tuesday that it is set to deliver more than 18,000 of its cutting-edge Blackwell AI chips to Saudi company Humain. The announcement came during a high-profile White House-led visit to Saudi Arabia, which included President Donald Trump and top U.S. business leaders. The deal not only highlights the soaring demand for the tech chip giant’s hardware but also illustrates how U.S. tech innovation is being used as a powerful diplomatic lever on the global stage.",[],{"_key":28162,"_type":127,"children":28163,"markDefs":28168,"style":135},"29a74398c2d1",[28164],{"_key":28165,"_type":131,"marks":28166,"text":28167},"bcb9a13c0efb",[],"Still to come this week we have U.S. retail sales and consumer sentiment, as well as Japan and UK GDP.",[],{"_key":28170,"_type":127,"children":28171,"markDefs":28175,"style":135},"6475a128efc4",[28172],{"_key":28173,"_type":131,"marks":28174,"text":175},"a38089252078",[174],[],[28177],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":28178,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":28180,"blogPostMeta":28181,"content":28218,"tag":28243,"title":28217},"a9baf56b-e6cf-4420-b686-e55c2cc4d6a0",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":28182,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":28213,"publishedAt":28214,"slug":28215,"title":28217},{"_type":58,"alt":28183,"asset":28184},"A trophy",{"_createdAt":28185,"_id":28186,"_rev":28187,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":28185,"assetId":28188,"extension":196,"metadata":28189,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":28208,"path":28209,"sha1hash":28188,"size":28210,"uploadId":28211,"url":28212},"2025-06-20T07:17:55Z","image-639202366f2d93683c7dd2784c39f64ba7dbbefe-1000x682-jpg","QkuvqQ0LD7SNRTBiawgkLg","639202366f2d93683c7dd2784c39f64ba7dbbefe",{"_type":69,"blurHash":28190,"dimensions":28191,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":28192,"palette":28193},"VLNKn#HX%g?^-:~Vav+@MxM_%#DiMxNGj[I@E2RPxax]",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":771,"height":772,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAAOABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABQcA\u002F8QAIhAAAgICAgICAwAAAAAAAAAAAQIDBAARBQYSMRQhMlFx\u002F8QAFwEAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgMEBf\u002FEABsRAAICAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEDAAIEERJB\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwCtcpV4Xh5RZiaOO+VZolH7xPguwKtKtPfkUWZPzVRrX9yYd5hXsbcSiSyw\u002FJstthoEAD1sZTqS1IKPHxrWVn8fAuw2ToawVLCrcAxbj0oNsPY5D2WnLEskas6t6IGbBeVrKlkCILGniNKB9DNlgSCJn2yzU6n\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":28194,"darkVibrant":28197,"dominant":28199,"lightMuted":28200,"lightVibrant":28202,"muted":28204,"vibrant":28206},{"_type":81,"background":28195,"foreground":83,"population":28196,"title":83},"#39333a",6.43,{"_type":81,"background":28198,"foreground":83,"population":8936,"title":83},"#463a11",{"_type":81,"background":28195,"foreground":83,"population":28196,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":786,"foreground":91,"population":28201,"title":83},5.3,{"_type":81,"background":28203,"foreground":91,"population":20114,"title":91},"#f2e193",{"_type":81,"background":783,"foreground":83,"population":28205,"title":83},5.79,{"_type":81,"background":28207,"foreground":91,"population":2563,"title":83},"#e3cc60","shutterstock_558555796-1.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F639202366f2d93683c7dd2784c39f64ba7dbbefe-1000x682.jpg",95407,"NQbwsUAzrSo7BpDT4xGcFwrT3iBW2XbO","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F639202366f2d93683c7dd2784c39f64ba7dbbefe-1000x682.jpg","WEALTH at work is thrilled to congratulate our client Sage on their success at the 2025 GEO Awards. ","2025-05-14T10:06:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":28216},"recognising-excellence-at-this-years-geo-awards","Recognising excellence at this year’s GEO Awards!",[28219,28227,28235],{"_key":28220,"_type":127,"children":28221,"markDefs":28226,"style":135},"207e5e5a103a",[28222],{"_key":28223,"_type":131,"marks":28224,"text":28225},"95ef4ed635a2",[],"WEALTH at work is thrilled to congratulate our client Sage on their success at the 2025 GEO Awards. The GEO awards are designed to celebrate companies who show their dedication to their employees’ share plans. A huge congratulations to Sage who won the award ‘Best in Financial Education and Wellbeing’ (10,000-25,000 employees).",[],{"_key":28228,"_type":127,"children":28229,"markDefs":28234,"style":135},"c17e49e2fab6",[28230],{"_key":28231,"_type":131,"marks":28232,"text":28233},"ff2b1d936cda",[],"The judges commended their dynamic and human centred approach to financial education, which puts employee empowerment at the core of their shareplan strategy. They were also impressed by the multi-faceted programme which combined digital tools with personalised guidance to reach colleagues across 13 countries. The programme’s structure was also praised for its delivery methods which included live webinars, peer led storytelling and interactive tools.",[],{"_key":28236,"_type":127,"children":28237,"markDefs":28242,"style":135},"329aded7c108",[28238],{"_key":28239,"_type":131,"marks":28240,"text":28241},"8fef7a4e79c4",[],"Sage’s success at this year’s event highlights their dedication to supporting employee share plans and ensuring employees are well informed about their options at maturity.",[],[28244],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":28245,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":28247,"blogPostMeta":28248,"content":28270,"tag":28346,"title":28269},"3b980e3d-b7ae-4717-a451-06931bf35d61",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":28249,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":28265,"publishedAt":28266,"slug":28267,"title":28269},{"_type":58,"asset":28250},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":28251,"mimeType":225,"opt":28261,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":28252,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":28253},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":28254,"darkVibrant":28255,"dominant":28256,"lightMuted":28257,"lightVibrant":28258,"muted":28259,"vibrant":28260},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":28262},{"tags":28263},[28264],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"Global markets offered a mixed but ultimately encouraging picture this week, as investors digested key developments across trade, and central bank policy.","2025-05-12T10:38:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":28268},"week-ending-9th-may-2025","Week ending 9th May 2025",[28271,28275,28283,28291,28299,28307,28315,28323,28331,28339],{"_key":28272,"_type":58,"asset":28273},"654506128546",{"_ref":28274,"_type":107},"image-c421758865e2afc77ab1a98f0404838782b82357-540x428-png",{"_key":28276,"_type":127,"children":28277,"markDefs":28282,"style":135},"3ea1f63d2709",[28278],{"_key":28279,"_type":131,"marks":28280,"text":28281},"345cf52b38f1",[],"Global markets offered a mixed but ultimately encouraging picture this week, as investors digested key developments across trade, and central bank policy. At the heart of market attention were the latest interest rate decisions from the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England.",[],{"_key":28284,"_type":127,"children":28285,"markDefs":28290,"style":135},"92ad90b613ee",[28286],{"_key":28287,"_type":131,"marks":28288,"text":28289},"8d618e275ca4",[],"As we highlighted in our mid-week update, the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at 4.25%–4.5%. Policymakers noted that “economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace,” and signalled a patient, data-driven approach amid evolving economic dynamics, including the Trump administration’s sweeping policy reforms.",[],{"_key":28292,"_type":127,"children":28293,"markDefs":28298,"style":135},"2c3cda70a267",[28294],{"_key":28295,"_type":131,"marks":28296,"text":28297},"dd3e5690928e",[],"On the other hand, policymakers at the Bank of England narrowly voted 5–4 in favour of cutting interest rates rather than holding them steady. Interest rates were reduced by 0.25 percentage points, bringing the key rate down to 4.25%. This move, which was largely anticipated, reflects the Bank’s ongoing strategy of supporting economic growth while navigating uncertainties in the global economic landscape. Governor Andrew Bailey and his colleagues have been closely monitoring the potential impact of global trade disruptions, particularly in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions.",[],{"_key":28300,"_type":127,"children":28301,"markDefs":28306,"style":135},"66f75585936e",[28302],{"_key":28303,"_type":131,"marks":28304,"text":28305},"331e664f5525",[],"Lower interest rates typically help boost consumer activity by easing borrowing costs such as mortgage payments—a potential positive for sectors like housing and retail. Investors will now be keeping a close eye on whether further rate cuts are on the horizon in the months ahead.",[],{"_key":28308,"_type":127,"children":28309,"markDefs":28314,"style":135},"65df08e5d410",[28310],{"_key":28311,"_type":131,"marks":28312,"text":28313},"ad95e2fc2953",[],"In a welcome development on the trade front, the UK struck a meaningful agreement with the US, offering relief to some exporters. The deal includes the removal of a 25% tariff on UK steel and aluminium, along with a cut in tariffs on British-made cars—from 27.5% down to 10% on the first 100,000 vehicles. Additionally, British beef exporters have secured access to the lucrative US market. While not a game-changer for the entire economy, as most sectors will still face the baseline 10% tariffs, this progress delivers tangible benefits for several key industries.",[],{"_key":28316,"_type":127,"children":28317,"markDefs":28322,"style":135},"b4ef94b9df73",[28318],{"_key":28319,"_type":131,"marks":28320,"text":28321},"beb40b20f70a",[],"Further ahead, trade diplomacy remains active. A UK-EU summit next week may produce a new agreement, while ongoing negotiations with India could yield additional opportunities for the UK post-Brexit",[],{"_key":28324,"_type":127,"children":28325,"markDefs":28330,"style":135},"5edd1df06d2e",[28326],{"_key":28327,"_type":131,"marks":28328,"text":28329},"c40fa84488d5",[],"Turning to China, April export figures surprised to the upside with an 8.1% year-on-year increase—well above expectations. However, this marked a slowdown from March’s 12.4% surge, as renewed U.S.-China trade tensions weighed on shipments to the U.S., which dropped by 21%. Still, optimism prevailed in Chinese equity markets, buoyed by news of upcoming US–China trade talks in Switzerland and fresh stimulus from the People’s Bank of China, which announced an interest rate cuts earlier in the week. Any signs of progress or a thawing of tensions between the two economic superpowers would provide a welcome boost to global financial markets, which remain highly sensitive to the tone of U.S.-China relations.",[],{"_key":28332,"_type":127,"children":28333,"markDefs":28338,"style":135},"3281df501030",[28334],{"_key":28335,"_type":131,"marks":28336,"text":28337},"ad269dc75a66",[],"Key economic data in the coming week includes U.S. inflation, UK retail sales, unemployment, and Q1 GDP, as well as industrial production figures. Japan’s Q1 GDP is also due. Markets will be particularly attentive to comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell, who is scheduled to speak at a conference in Washington, D.C.",[],{"_key":28340,"_type":127,"children":28341,"markDefs":28345,"style":135},"3c04dbeafaa2",[28342],{"_key":28343,"_type":131,"marks":28344,"text":288},"20c4023df2f4",[174],[],[28347],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":28348,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":28350,"blogPostMeta":28351,"content":28371,"tag":28438,"title":28370},"4280171a-8fd3-4cbe-a434-da47a9f8260f",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":28352,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":28366,"publishedAt":28367,"slug":28368,"title":28370},{"_type":58,"asset":28353},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":28354,"mimeType":225,"opt":28364,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":28355,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":28356},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":28357,"darkVibrant":28358,"dominant":28359,"lightMuted":28360,"lightVibrant":28361,"muted":28362,"vibrant":28363},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":28365},{"tags":65},"On Monday, the Caixin PMI revealed a slowdown in activity in the Chinese economy, with the index slipping to 50.7 in April from 51.9 in March. ","2025-05-08T10:51:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":28369},"market-update-8th-may-2025","Market Update – 8th May 2025",[28372,28375,28383,28391,28399,28407,28415,28423,28431],{"_key":28373,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":28374,"width":124},"9cfd85925434","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1082490238?h=8ff25bd123",{"_key":28376,"_type":127,"children":28377,"markDefs":28382,"style":135},"9198ea20b32a",[28378],{"_key":28379,"_type":131,"marks":28380,"text":28381},"0d821b9929f7",[],"On Monday, the Caixin PMI revealed a slowdown in activity in the Chinese economy, with the index slipping to 50.7 in April from 51.9 in March. Although this marked the 28th straight month of expansion, it was the weakest reading since September 2024, reflecting growing uncertainty in the service sector. A decline in business confidence amidst global trade tensions with the U.S. contributed significantly to the softer data.",[],{"_key":28384,"_type":127,"children":28385,"markDefs":28390,"style":135},"504319b1d54e",[28386],{"_key":28387,"_type":131,"marks":28388,"text":28389},"a3eb9e86e661",[],"And yet we may find that the ground is shifting sooner than investors expected. In what some analysts view as a calculated move ahead of anticipated US-China trade discussions this week, Chinese officials unveiled fresh monetary easing measures on Wednesday. The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) cut the reserve requirement ratio for commercial banks by 50 basis points — a change that reduces the amount of cash banks are required to hold. The adjustment is expected to inject roughly 1 trillion yuan into the financial system, aiming to cushion the economy from the effects of recent US tariff hikes on Chinese goods. Policymakers also cut the seven days repurchase rate to 1.4% from 1.5%. The news provided market participants with some much-needed sentiment boost, with the Hang Seng gaining 1% in the morning trading session and the Shanghai Composite rising nearly 1%, too.",[],{"_key":28392,"_type":127,"children":28393,"markDefs":28398,"style":135},"69ff94a70fde",[28394],{"_key":28395,"_type":131,"marks":28396,"text":28397},"6aa8bf6a8991",[],"As expected, the Federal Reserve opted to keep interest rates steady on Tuesday, underscoring policymakers’ wait-and-see approach as global economic pressures continue to filter through and settle across economies. During a press conference, Fed Chair Jerome Powell noted that while economic activity remains solid—despite a recent GDP contraction—the current level of uncertainty has clouded the near-term outlook. Interestingly, although markets would have welcomed a rate cut, the Fed’s decision to hold rates may have signalled that the economy isn’t weak enough to warrant intervention. This interpretation helped push U.S. stocks higher by the end of the trading session and helped Treasury yields to ease.",[],{"_key":28400,"_type":127,"children":28401,"markDefs":28406,"style":135},"05f22935ee73",[28402],{"_key":28403,"_type":131,"marks":28404,"text":28405},"33dbcdec961e",[],"The FTSE 100 is trading higher this morning ahead of an expected announcement from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on a UK-US trade deal focused on lowering tariffs. The UK currently faces a 10% global US tariff, along with a 25% import tax on steel, aluminium, and cars.",[],{"_key":28408,"_type":127,"children":28409,"markDefs":28414,"style":135},"557fb5817574",[28410],{"_key":28411,"_type":131,"marks":28412,"text":28413},"25019bae9e54",[],"The potential agreement follows President Trump’s recent tariff hikes and signals of progress in talks with key allies. Markets are optimistic that a deal would support UK exporters and key industrial sectors. Sentiment is also lifted by the recently signed UK-India trade agreement.",[],{"_key":28416,"_type":127,"children":28417,"markDefs":28422,"style":135},"9bf4d237f8b2",[28418],{"_key":28419,"_type":131,"marks":28420,"text":28421},"f38f6020b0eb",[],"Finally, tech chip giant Nvidia closed Wednesday with a 3% gain, following reports that the Trump administration plans to repeal AI chip export restrictions introduced under former President Joe Biden. The Biden-era policy imposed a tiered cap on the number of AI chips that could be exported to key U.S. trading partners, aiming to prevent indirect chip smuggling to China. It also significantly restricted the ability of U.S. companies to expand AI data centre operations overseas.",[],{"_key":28424,"_type":127,"children":28425,"markDefs":28430,"style":135},"b494351f835d",[28426],{"_key":28427,"_type":131,"marks":28428,"text":28429},"a26603e3c380",[],"Still to come this week we have The Bank of England’s interest rate decision, where investors are expecting to see a cut of 0.25 points – maintaining a cautious strategy to support growth amid global trade tensions. Lower rates reduce borrowing costs, boost spending and investment, and support long-term economic stability. We also have Chinese PPI data.",[],{"_key":28432,"_type":127,"children":28433,"markDefs":28437,"style":135},"9d3f46ce9f4d",[28434],{"_key":28435,"_type":131,"marks":28436,"text":175},"59aac4a12213",[174],[],[28439],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":28440,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":28442,"blogPostMeta":28443,"content":28465,"tag":28566,"title":28464},"b52355cd-b6c1-443c-a1d9-6d09716a0b52",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":28444,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":28460,"publishedAt":28461,"slug":28462,"title":28464},{"_type":58,"asset":28445},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":28446,"mimeType":225,"opt":28456,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":28447,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":28448},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":28449,"darkVibrant":28450,"dominant":28451,"lightMuted":28452,"lightVibrant":28453,"muted":28454,"vibrant":28455},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":28457},{"tags":28458},[28459],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"Global equity markets moved higher this week as investor sentiment improved, driven by signs of progress in U.S. trade policy, better-than-expected corporate earnings, and mixed economic data that still offered glimmers of resilience.","2025-05-02T15:08:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":28463},"week-ending-2nd-may-2025","Week ending 2nd May 2025",[28466,28469,28473,28480,28487,28495,28503,28511,28519,28527,28535,28543,28551,28559],{"_key":28467,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":28468,"width":124},"a5467ce3c381","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1081785893?h=7f81dab780",{"_key":28470,"_type":58,"asset":28471},"03b1fca9c19f",{"_ref":28472,"_type":107},"image-6f465475395d31882fc2041c6477b25274743ac4-538x484-png",{"_key":28474,"_type":127,"children":28475,"markDefs":28479,"style":135},"2ed32038cdc3",[28476],{"_key":28477,"_type":131,"marks":28478,"text":1006},"0fc6520d88dc",[],[],{"_key":28481,"_type":127,"children":28482,"markDefs":28486,"style":135},"96d270431b23",[28483],{"_key":28484,"_type":131,"marks":28485,"text":28460},"ab09ca7e8aee",[],[],{"_key":28488,"_type":127,"children":28489,"markDefs":28494,"style":135},"18f82b8cdee9",[28490],{"_key":28491,"_type":131,"marks":28492,"text":28493},"88c2e7b711eb",[],"The S&P 500 posted its second consecutive week of gains, closing Friday with a rare nine-day winning streak. The tech-heavy Nasdaq rose by 3.4%, propelled by strong earnings from several large-cap technology firms.",[],{"_key":28496,"_type":127,"children":28497,"markDefs":28502,"style":135},"369b97a11e7c",[28498],{"_key":28499,"_type":131,"marks":28500,"text":28501},"39b883eec474",[],"Early optimism was fuelled by a softening stance on trade from the White House. President Trump’s rollback of tariffs on cars and auto parts boosted market sentiment.",[],{"_key":28504,"_type":127,"children":28505,"markDefs":28510,"style":135},"931198b4d351",[28506],{"_key":28507,"_type":131,"marks":28508,"text":28509},"9c78d3516335",[],"Investor focus then shifted to earnings season. Much of the market’s strength came from robust earnings from several of the so-called “Magnificent Seven” stocks. Microsoft and Meta posted strong quarterly results and reiterated their plans to continue investing in AI, providing some reassurance amid broader economic concerns. Apple drew attention due to potential tariff-related margin pressure, while Amazon’s cautious guidance moderated expectations. Although some firms highlighted uncertainty around forward guidance—mainly tied to tariff policy—investors seemed willing to look past near-term volatility and focus on long-term fundamentals.",[],{"_key":28512,"_type":127,"children":28513,"markDefs":28518,"style":135},"15887f23607b",[28514],{"_key":28515,"_type":131,"marks":28516,"text":28517},"aa1d9108da20",[],"US labour market data presented mixed signals but ended the week on a positive note. Job openings declined in March, and private payroll growth slowed sharply in April. However, the more closely watched nonfarm payrolls report exceeded expectations, with employers adding 177,000 jobs—well above forecasts. Wage growth remained modest, and the unemployment rate held steady at 4.2% in April 2025, suggesting that while hiring has cooled, the broader labour market remains strong. The surprise strength in Friday’s report lifted investor confidence and helped push stock prices higher to close the week.",[],{"_key":28520,"_type":127,"children":28521,"markDefs":28526,"style":135},"a29a5285d2e2",[28522],{"_key":28523,"_type":131,"marks":28524,"text":28525},"c65228550a1d",[],"In other news, data revealed that the U.S. economy contracted by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025—its first contraction in three years—primarily due to rising imports, a moderation in consumer spending, and reduced government outlays. However, the composition of the data showed some resilience. A 41.3% surge in imports, driven by businesses and consumers rushing to make purchases ahead of expected tariff hikes, pointed to a front-loading effect rather than a structural weakness. Therefore, this contraction wasn’t due to fading demand but rather trade-related distortions.",[],{"_key":28528,"_type":127,"children":28529,"markDefs":28534,"style":135},"12eb3f22b4c4",[28530],{"_key":28531,"_type":131,"marks":28532,"text":28533},"855ebc841822",[],"Meanwhile, the Fed’s preferred inflation measure, the Core Personal Consumption Index, remained flat in March, while consumer spending rose a healthy 0.7%, suggesting inflation is easing without significantly dampening demand.",[],{"_key":28536,"_type":127,"children":28537,"markDefs":28542,"style":135},"be89a160c132",[28538],{"_key":28539,"_type":131,"marks":28540,"text":28541},"3b12a44b2f16",[],"European markets saw gains, with the Eurozone’s Q1 GDP surpassing expectations, growing by 1.2%. Investor sentiment was further lifted by news from China indicating a willingness to engage in trade talks with the U.S. While China’s mainland markets experienced slight declines during a shortened trading week, the prospect of trade negotiations and potential tariff exemptions offered hope that tensions could ease. Although official economic data fell short of forecasts, analysts noted that China has the fiscal flexibility to support growth if necessary.",[],{"_key":28544,"_type":127,"children":28545,"markDefs":28550,"style":135},"b60948f84956",[28546],{"_key":28547,"_type":131,"marks":28548,"text":28549},"758737bad744",[],"Looking ahead, this week will see a shorter trading schedule in the UK and Europe due to the first May bank holiday, while global markets, including the US, will remain open. Notably, both the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England are set to announce key interest rate decisions.",[],{"_key":28552,"_type":127,"children":28553,"markDefs":28558,"style":135},"e1e4302e68fa",[28554],{"_key":28555,"_type":131,"marks":28556,"text":28557},"b6a81ff6398e",[],"The Fed is expected to hold rates steady on Wednesday, May 7th, while the Bank of England is widely anticipated to cut interest rates by 25 basis points the following day, Thursday, May 8th. In terms of data, we can expect the US Services PMI, China’s trade data, and Eurozone retail sales figures.",[],{"_key":28560,"_type":127,"children":28561,"markDefs":28565,"style":135},"39fd83165155",[28562],{"_key":28563,"_type":131,"marks":28564,"text":288},"85ab4194229b",[174],[],[28567],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":28568,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":28570,"blogPostMeta":28571,"content":28612,"tag":28667,"title":28670},"8f99f958-d605-4ad4-9efb-3bbccc251e3e",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":28572,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":28607,"publishedAt":28608,"slug":28609,"title":28611},{"_type":58,"asset":28573},{"_createdAt":28574,"_id":28575,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":28576,"extension":196,"metadata":28577,"mimeType":225,"opt":28597,"originalFilename":28602,"path":28603,"sha1hash":28576,"size":28604,"uploadId":28605,"url":28606},"2025-12-23T10:22:47Z","image-10eb34309e3dacc6729b5c52c9ec97b5b1d70b58-1000x667-jpg","10eb34309e3dacc6729b5c52c9ec97b5b1d70b58",{"_type":69,"blurHash":28578,"dimensions":28579,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":28580,"palette":28581},"VCJH]x]#4T%LWT_1_3e8s9^+yZ0Lxurq4nIUDiNbShMw",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYHBAX\u002FxAAoEAABAwMDAgYDAAAAAAAAAAACAQMEAAURBhIUMUEHExUhM2FRgZH\u002FxAAWAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAH\u002FxAAZEQEAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAAIhA0H\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FAHcpdmgTQaZAUV5MkTS9\u002FvHas2tb\u002FEsNl5Mdk35u3aCDlVyvT9VMfDqdHdZ4QRCCQiY5PnKRfxUqmaQdkXGYbE10HGmix8fuuPuqlLBrk3o1s4bEzT+pV9OEruT3MIlIkRNuPwmKK7OvbZFHUTuxkERQFelFJONvIR7A7P\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":28582,"darkVibrant":28585,"dominant":28588,"lightMuted":28590,"lightVibrant":28591,"muted":28593,"vibrant":28595},{"_type":81,"background":28583,"foreground":83,"population":28584,"title":83},"#62473d",3.3,{"_type":81,"background":28586,"foreground":83,"population":28587,"title":83},"#447b9c",0.24,{"_type":81,"background":28589,"foreground":91,"population":3824,"title":83},"#cdb4a5",{"_type":81,"background":28589,"foreground":91,"population":3824,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":28592,"foreground":91,"population":4107,"title":83},"#9cd7df",{"_type":81,"background":28594,"foreground":83,"population":15769,"title":83},"#698da7",{"_type":81,"background":28596,"foreground":83,"population":2946,"title":83},"#32aacd",{"media":28598},{"tags":28599},[28600],{"_key":28601,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"descCNxaKevlVzL9ZQq5F","shutterstock_2206847529.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F10eb34309e3dacc6729b5c52c9ec97b5b1d70b58-1000x667.jpg",341438,"RUwRQ12Xq5fjYIWYZAuxhbNR4j7uX2TX","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F10eb34309e3dacc6729b5c52c9ec97b5b1d70b58-1000x667.jpg","The government has published statutory guidance setting out the staged timetable by which it expects pension schemes to connect to the Pensions Dashboards.","2025-05-02T09:22:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":28610},"pensions-dashboards-are-only-part-of-the-picture-people-need-a-wider-view-of-their-finances","Pensions Dashboards are only part of the picture people need a wider view of their finances",[28613,28621,28628,28636,28644,28652,28660],{"_key":28614,"_type":127,"children":28615,"markDefs":28620,"style":135},"92c3ea35eefa",[28616],{"_key":28617,"_type":131,"marks":28618,"text":28619},"955b8ea1224e",[],"The government has published statutory guidance setting out the staged timetable by which it expects pension schemes to connect to the Pensions Dashboards. Although the deadline for connecting is 31 October 2026, trustees and pension scheme providers are expected to aim to connect by the timetable outlined in the guidance rather than waiting until the strict legal deadline. The timetable is based on scheme size and type and will start with the largest schemes, which will be encouraged to connect by 30 April 2025.",[],{"_key":28622,"_type":127,"children":28623,"markDefs":28627,"style":135},"cf31d156da4c",[28624],{"_key":28625,"_type":131,"marks":28626,"text":1502},"2f5f56d2510c",[174],[],{"_key":28629,"_type":127,"children":28630,"markDefs":28635,"style":135},"7df74ccad5c5",[28631],{"_key":28632,"_type":131,"marks":28633,"text":28634},"aa4dc4d34e73",[],"“The upcoming Pensions Dashboards will no doubt be a useful tool for employees, especially for those who have worked several jobs and have pensions from various employers. With the launch of the Pensions Dashboards approaching there is potential to develop this into ‘Open Finance’ which is an extension of Open Banking. This could give people a holistic view of all their finances to consider all savings and investments, which would be particularly useful when planning for retirement.”",[],{"_key":28637,"_type":127,"children":28638,"markDefs":28643,"style":135},"d972b36a3740",[28639],{"_key":28640,"_type":131,"marks":28641,"text":28642},"b832453a315e",[],"He adds; “Over the last few years, Open Banking regulations have meant that the UK’s largest banks must allow a person’s financial data to be shared with authorised providers, granting read-only access to finances such as savings, loans, or payments. There are many benefits that come with Open Banking, for example by linking a bank account to a budgeting app, people can get real time insights into their spending habits. Through this, spending can be categorised and help people identify areas of overspending and where savings can be made, which is useful for someone who may be trying to manage a budget and tackle debt. It is also a valuable tool for those with certain financial goals in mind. For example, automated savings can be set up for those who are saving up for something such as a wedding or holiday, where they can create a goal and monitor their progress.”",[],{"_key":28645,"_type":127,"children":28646,"markDefs":28651,"style":135},"27633150dacb",[28647],{"_key":28648,"_type":131,"marks":28649,"text":28650},"aa451256d9e3",[],"Watts-Lay comments; “Open Finance is the next step and would provide individuals with access to a broader range of financial products in one place such as ISAs, current accounts, mortgages and pensions. Having one view of all pensions and savings in one place is especially useful for those preparing for retirement, as this will give people a clearer view of their finances and allow them to plan more efficiently.”",[],{"_key":28653,"_type":127,"children":28654,"markDefs":28659,"style":135},"ff08599b0b8f",[28655],{"_key":28656,"_type":131,"marks":28657,"text":28658},"7050b275eaeb",[],"He adds; “All things considered, Open Finance could be a great opportunity to help individuals to work out what their financial situation really is and allow them to take action. But of course, people would need to understand the benefits and integrating digital tools, such as animations or webcasts within the app could help them build their knowledge of the financial products and services available. Many leading employers also help their staff better understand how to manage their finances and prepare for their future by providing financial education and guidance via financial coaches.”",[],{"_key":28661,"_type":127,"children":28662,"markDefs":28666,"style":135},"8780051a90ed",[28663],{"_key":28664,"_type":131,"marks":28665,"text":1899},"f4f44bf082d4",[],[],[28668],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":28669,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},"Pensions Dashboards are only part of the picture – people need a wider view of their finances",{"_id":28672,"blogPostMeta":28673,"content":28693,"tag":28760,"title":28692},"a7f0359c-c983-49fb-a534-f30e2d3f4574",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":28674,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":28688,"publishedAt":28689,"slug":28690,"title":28692},{"_type":58,"asset":28675},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":28676,"mimeType":225,"opt":28686,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":28677,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":28678},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":28679,"darkVibrant":28680,"dominant":28681,"lightMuted":28682,"lightVibrant":28683,"muted":28684,"vibrant":28685},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":28687},{"tags":65},"Markets have lacked clear direction this week, as a period of relative calm settled over the economic data landscape. With fewer surprises on that front, investor focus shifted toward upcoming earnings from major corporations and the release of key economic indicators that’s kept them cautious so far.","2025-04-30T08:16:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":28691},"market-update-30th-april-2025","Market Update – 30th April 2025",[28694,28697,28705,28713,28729,28737,28745,28753],{"_key":28695,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":28696,"width":124},"d50aa1001fdc","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1080154547?h=6403ecb7e7",{"_key":28698,"_type":127,"children":28699,"markDefs":28704,"style":135},"119d1a34b61c",[28700],{"_key":28701,"_type":131,"marks":28702,"text":28703},"29307062fb2a",[],"Markets have lacked clear direction this week, as a period of relative calm settled over the economic data landscape. With fewer surprises on that front, investor focus shifted toward upcoming earnings from major corporations and the release of key economic indicators that’s kept them cautious so far. That caution has also been fuelled by a growing trend among companies most exposed to tariffs: several have begun lowering or suspending forward guidance, adding to uncertainty around the near-term outlook for profits.",[],{"_key":28706,"_type":127,"children":28707,"markDefs":28712,"style":135},"4027c504cd86",[28708],{"_key":28709,"_type":131,"marks":28710,"text":28711},"259424f0a734",[],"On Tuesday, media speculation abounded that President Trump may be considering easing the tariff burden on imported automobiles and parts. The proposal could include exempting affected companies from additional tariffs—such as those on steel and aluminium—and potentially reimbursing firms for duties they’ve already paid on those materials. If these rumours prove accurate, the move would likely lift investor sentiment, signalling a significant reversal from President Trump’s earlier, more aggressive tariff stance and easing concerns of escalating trade tensions. It may also provide a notable boost to automotive stocks.",[],{"_key":28714,"_type":127,"children":28715,"markDefs":28728,"style":135},"a7c4a70efdc5",[28716,28720,28724],{"_key":28717,"_type":131,"marks":28718,"text":28719},"fb38898ff7d6",[],"Speculation continued as Trump claimed trade talks with China had resumed after a call with President Xi—an assertion swiftly denied by Beijing. However, Beijing ",{"_key":28721,"_type":131,"marks":28722,"text":28723},"920c62a5e9f8",[4468],"has",{"_key":28725,"_type":131,"marks":28726,"text":28727},"d6372251a018",[]," reportedly shown some willingness to negotiate with the U.S. by quietly easing some of its retaliatory tariffs, allowing certain U.S.-made pharmaceuticals to bypass the steep 125% duties it had introduced earlier this month in response to President Trump’s 145% tariffs on Chinese goods – the exact sort of gesture markets will be hoping to see.",[],{"_key":28730,"_type":127,"children":28731,"markDefs":28736,"style":135},"a1e94f39583c",[28732],{"_key":28733,"_type":131,"marks":28734,"text":28735},"308a51499f8f",[],"Still, the economic picture remains clouded by trade-related disruption, with economists cautioning that gauging the full impact of tariffs will take time. Indeed, recent U.S. economic reports offer mixed signals. The trade deficit in goods ballooned to a record high in March, a sign that companies may be accelerating imports ahead of future tariff increases. At the same time, consumer sentiment dipped, even as the labour market continued to show signs of resilience through stable job openings.",[],{"_key":28738,"_type":127,"children":28739,"markDefs":28744,"style":135},"e8650defc5d3",[28740],{"_key":28741,"_type":131,"marks":28742,"text":28743},"916d34d89341",[],"As markets wavered amid shifting signals on tariffs, economic confidence in the Eurozone also faltered in April, with the sentiment index falling to 93.6 from 95, as tariff uncertainty weighed on all major sectors despite recent market gains.",[],{"_key":28746,"_type":127,"children":28747,"markDefs":28752,"style":135},"7146e38c1bfa",[28748],{"_key":28749,"_type":131,"marks":28750,"text":28751},"d719258aad96",[],"Still to come this week we have an interest rate decision from the Bank of Japan, where investors are of the consensus that policymakers will keep rates steady. The decision will come hot on the heels of the economy’s latest retail sales data, which jumped by 3.1% in March from a downwardly revised 1.3% in February. Investors also eagerly await the US’ latest GDP reading as well as PCE data and key earnings reports from the likes of Amazon, Meta and Apple (due from today ).",[],{"_key":28754,"_type":127,"children":28755,"markDefs":28759,"style":135},"86dcfe396084",[28756],{"_key":28757,"_type":131,"marks":28758,"text":175},"02c78fbcb14e",[174],[],[28761],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":28762,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":28764,"blogPostMeta":28765,"content":28806,"tag":28918,"title":28805},"88496260-cfb9-42a5-ad4a-3ef0d9c77cef",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":28766,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":28801,"publishedAt":28802,"slug":28803,"title":28805},{"_type":58,"asset":28767},{"_createdAt":28768,"_id":28769,"_rev":28770,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":28768,"assetId":28771,"extension":196,"metadata":28772,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":28796,"path":28797,"sha1hash":28771,"size":28798,"uploadId":28799,"url":28800},"2025-06-20T09:49:29Z","image-563d416843a96a810595ec9fb08d544c65f0cd0e-2560x1708-jpg","xJcNa43GmqQ7Beq5jWYrze","563d416843a96a810595ec9fb08d544c65f0cd0e",{"_type":69,"blurHash":28773,"dimensions":28774,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":28777,"palette":28778},"VAINy~9?G^_2kXOk.S~BxZOXBV9EQ-R5E2DjxtIUjIDi",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":28775,"height":2938,"width":28776},1.4988290398126465,2560,"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUEBgf\u002FxAAjEAABAwMEAgMAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEAAURBhITMRQhMlFh\u002F8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAX\u002FxAAbEQABBQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAAIDESExEv\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AkazjeGq3W+G6Ch9KiFsYwFDoUvtMLjgmQzMeQ2SOZs\u002FELHYqvacvTrk5lC0Ajr2eq0m02WJb4GVBb7cpe9SFq9JP5U94PrMCoRsYGWepRIhafuTnkTWm3HsbSon6op63YLa6FL4NuSfQNFNET6ziKZo71f\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":28779,"darkVibrant":28782,"dominant":28784,"lightMuted":28787,"lightVibrant":28790,"muted":28791,"vibrant":28794},{"_type":81,"background":28780,"foreground":83,"population":28781,"title":83},"#5b5145",7.04,{"_type":81,"background":28783,"foreground":83,"population":28201,"title":83},"#672c22",{"_type":81,"background":28785,"foreground":91,"population":28786,"title":83},"#dcaa75",7.61,{"_type":81,"background":28788,"foreground":91,"population":28789,"title":83},"#c6aca1",2.3,{"_type":81,"background":28785,"foreground":91,"population":28786,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":28792,"foreground":83,"population":28793,"title":83},"#a46d52",4.53,{"_type":81,"background":28795,"foreground":91,"population":1159,"title":83},"#d49c44","image-1.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F563d416843a96a810595ec9fb08d544c65f0cd0e-2560x1708.jpg",333809,"wGDSYmZYAEHl72mEmswSqHJd8mqmsZMl","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F563d416843a96a810595ec9fb08d544c65f0cd0e-2560x1708.jpg","Debt anxiety and the weight of some financial burdens has spilt into the workplace according to new research of over 2,000 workers by WEALTH at work. ","2025-04-28T10:05:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":28804},"how-a-financial-coach-can-help-employees-2","How a financial coach can help employees",[28807,28815,28823,28831,28839,28847,28855,28863,28871,28879,28887,28895,28903,28910],{"_key":28808,"_type":127,"children":28809,"markDefs":28814,"style":135},"f5a39048b59d",[28810],{"_key":28811,"_type":131,"marks":28812,"text":28813},"20ddda6dcd77",[],"Debt anxiety and the weight of some financial burdens has spilt into the workplace according to new research of over 2,000 workers by WEALTH at work. Employees believe that money worries affect their performance at work by causing increased stress levels (40%), mental exhaustion (35%), decreased motivation (26%) and physical exhaustion (25%). More than a fifth (22%) admitted that it led to reduced focus and concentration, and one in ten (10%) say it has led to increased sick days.",[],{"_key":28816,"_type":127,"children":28817,"markDefs":28822,"style":135},"8235f7292e53",[28818],{"_key":28819,"_type":131,"marks":28820,"text":28821},"6cf83e583695",[],"Whilst 61% of workers say they feel supported and 40% say they are comfortable discussing money worries or debt-related issues with their employer, only 13% would actually do so.",[],{"_key":28824,"_type":127,"children":28825,"markDefs":28830,"style":135},"a9b0e6b3e0c5",[28826],{"_key":28827,"_type":131,"marks":28828,"text":28829},"4d92919f0906",[],"Financial coaching, delivered through financial education and guidance, can be a powerful tool to help employees overcome money worries and get on track with their finances. In fact, our research with the Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA) found that 43% of employers plan to offer financial coaching in the future.",[],{"_key":28832,"_type":127,"children":28833,"markDefs":28838,"style":135},"307698f2e438",[28834],{"_key":28835,"_type":131,"marks":28836,"text":28837},"f9bf5e4a38c5",[174],"WEALTH at work outlines 4 key ways that a financial coach can help employees improve their finances",[],{"_key":28840,"_type":127,"children":28841,"markDefs":28846,"style":135},"4db6c3735416",[28842],{"_key":28843,"_type":131,"marks":28844,"text":28845},"4f3d6a66a145",[174],"1.Building positive savings habits",[],{"_key":28848,"_type":127,"children":28849,"markDefs":28854,"style":135},"5a1d3ba89010",[28850],{"_key":28851,"_type":131,"marks":28852,"text":28853},"48c12befd03d",[],"Building new habits can be difficult, especially when it comes to money. A financial coach can help employees navigate challenges such as managing a budget and help them establish and stick to positive money habits. A financial coach helps employees recognise unhelpful patterns and reinforces positive savings habits and enables them to be more considered about spending.",[],{"_key":28856,"_type":127,"children":28857,"markDefs":28862,"style":135},"124a960fcd13",[28858],{"_key":28859,"_type":131,"marks":28860,"text":28861},"0f06019394a5",[174,174],"2. Putting a financial plan together",[],{"_key":28864,"_type":127,"children":28865,"markDefs":28870,"style":135},"35d8e6337a8d",[28866],{"_key":28867,"_type":131,"marks":28868,"text":28869},"c35e1896539c",[],"It has always been a challenge to convince employees why they should consider putting aside money for an emergency or engage in their pension. Not only can a financial coach explain the value of an emergency fund, but they can also show how achievable it is to set up and how it will build financial resilience for unexpected events, for example, if the car breaks down or they face redundancy. A financial coach can also explain how small savings or pension contributions can compound over time, and how this can grow and help people meet future goals such as buying a house.",[],{"_key":28872,"_type":127,"children":28873,"markDefs":28878,"style":135},"31edac542dfa",[28874],{"_key":28875,"_type":131,"marks":28876,"text":28877},"f22c9c2641fa",[174],"3. Preparing for retirement",[],{"_key":28880,"_type":127,"children":28881,"markDefs":28886,"style":135},"3650e1bb7e54",[28882],{"_key":28883,"_type":131,"marks":28884,"text":28885},"a08a5138c69b",[],"One of the most crucial elements of employee financial wellbeing is retirement preparation. Our research found 39% of employees think they won’t ever be able to afford to retire at all due to increasing costs. A financial coach can help employees understand how to make retirement affordable and achievable. Not only this, but financial coaches can also help employees realise all the options available to them at the point of retirement.",[],{"_key":28888,"_type":127,"children":28889,"markDefs":28894,"style":135},"c85c4aee1b55",[28890],{"_key":28891,"_type":131,"marks":28892,"text":28893},"34838cbd0715",[174],"4. Driving action",[],{"_key":28896,"_type":127,"children":28897,"markDefs":28902,"style":135},"4e0f56fda49b",[28898],{"_key":28899,"_type":131,"marks":28900,"text":28901},"d4683d11216d",[],"Speaking to a financial coach can help people get a firmer understanding of their situation, so that they can then take steps to improve it. This could include increasing pension contributions, reducing debt, saving tax or utilising workplace savings such as ISAs. A financial coach can also be a gateway to investment advice for those who would benefit from it, as they can help employees recognise all the complex things they need to understand about their finances. In doing so, they may then realise that they need specialist advice.",[],{"_key":28904,"_type":127,"children":28905,"markDefs":28909,"style":135},"f5daeffc599b",[28906],{"_key":28907,"_type":131,"marks":28908,"text":9960},"eda35d47e135",[174],[],{"_key":28911,"_type":127,"children":28912,"markDefs":28917,"style":135},"9df67b8ebb4a",[28913],{"_key":28914,"_type":131,"marks":28915,"text":28916},"730509742b09",[],"“An increasing number of employers are now turning to specialist workplace financial wellbeing service providers to help individuals build their financial knowledge and improve their financial wellbeing throughout their career. Taking an active approach and supporting employees by providing financial education and guidance through financial coaches, can in turn lead to a more financially resilient workforce, which is a win-win for all!”",[],[28919],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":28920,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":28922,"blogPostMeta":28923,"content":28945,"tag":29023,"title":28944},"38c48090-8138-4b1d-ba9f-f054054424f7",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":28924,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":28940,"publishedAt":28941,"slug":28942,"title":28944},{"_type":58,"asset":28925},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":28926,"mimeType":225,"opt":28936,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":28927,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":28928},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":28929,"darkVibrant":28930,"dominant":28931,"lightMuted":28932,"lightVibrant":28933,"muted":28934,"vibrant":28935},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":28937},{"tags":28938},[28939],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As you can see from the accompanying table, global markets staged an encouraging rebound this week, with renewed investor optimism helping to drive gains after U.S. stocks wobbled on Monday. Signs of easing trade tensions provided a key source of support.","2025-04-25T15:25:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":28943},"week-ending-25th-april-2025","Week ending 25th April 2025",[28946,28949,28953,28960,28968,28976,28984,28992,29000,29008,29016],{"_key":28947,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":28948,"width":124},"f1f2a1750b10","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1079326887?h=07c02db200",{"_key":28950,"_type":58,"asset":28951},"5442e12a5635",{"_ref":28952,"_type":107},"image-c1bd3a2603b7e4d6ce84abc6afb69db5074d0fd2-614x487-png",{"_key":28954,"_type":127,"children":28955,"markDefs":28959,"style":135},"eaedd32e30fc",[28956],{"_key":28957,"_type":131,"marks":28958,"text":28940},"02f9befed33f",[],[],{"_key":28961,"_type":127,"children":28962,"markDefs":28967,"style":135},"1873d70ec4bb",[28963],{"_key":28964,"_type":131,"marks":28965,"text":28966},"ca7bcfb19180",[],"U.S. equities climbed as President Trump softened his stance on China trade policy, helping to stabilise markets after recent volatility. Investor sentiment was further lifted when he backed away from threats to dismiss Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. A three-day relief rally followed, driven by hopes that tariff tensions may be easing and could lead to more constructive negotiations. While some market turbulence is likely to persist, there’s a growing belief that tariffs may have peaked and will be substantially lower than previously proposed.",[],{"_key":28969,"_type":127,"children":28970,"markDefs":28975,"style":135},"3efd9774b23d",[28971],{"_key":28972,"_type":131,"marks":28973,"text":28974},"c397febc3183",[],"Optimism for trade progress grew further amid reports that China is considering suspending certain retaliatory tariffs and that U.S.-Japan trade talks are advancing positively. Speculation emerged that Beijing may lift its 125% tariffs on select U.S. goods, fuelling hopes of a potential breakthrough in U.S.-China relations. While some businesses confirmed that China had exempted specific U.S. imports from these steep tariffs on Friday, Chinese officials quickly dismissed President Trump’s claim that formal negotiations were already in progress.",[],{"_key":28977,"_type":127,"children":28978,"markDefs":28983,"style":135},"43256c1bb18a",[28979],{"_key":28980,"_type":131,"marks":28981,"text":28982},"2b4777fe9b65",[],"Policymakers in Beijing also signalled a proactive stance to safeguard growth. On Friday, the Politburo—the ruling Communist Party’s top executive body—announced plans to “fully prepare” emergency measures in response to external shocks. According to state media reports, Beijing is setting up new monetary tools and policy financing instruments aimed at boosting technology, consumption, and trade.",[],{"_key":28985,"_type":127,"children":28986,"markDefs":28991,"style":135},"a63e10d07e06",[28987],{"_key":28988,"_type":131,"marks":28989,"text":28990},"97a06cf975bf",[],"In the UK, the FTSE 100 extended its winning streak, marking its longest run of consecutive gains in eight years. Momentum was supported by an unexpected 0.4% rise in British retail sales in March, rounding off the sector’s strongest quarterly performance since 2021. However, consumer confidence data painted a more cautious picture for April. GfK’s Consumer Confidence Barometer showed a four-point decline to -23, reflecting growing household concerns over rising living costs and escalating global trade tensions.",[],{"_key":28993,"_type":127,"children":28994,"markDefs":28999,"style":135},"31d4078ead3c",[28995],{"_key":28996,"_type":131,"marks":28997,"text":28998},"3dbb24ebf9a1",[],"Elsewhere, while Ukrainian and European officials pushed back against certain U.S. proposals aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine, diplomatic engagement remains active, suggesting a continued commitment to finding a negotiated path forward.",[],{"_key":29001,"_type":127,"children":29002,"markDefs":29007,"style":135},"26c711b39fd9",[29003],{"_key":29004,"_type":131,"marks":29005,"text":29006},"45ade51107d1",[],"Corporate earnings also provided a lift to sentiment. Some better-than-expected results helped distract investors from tariff concerns. According to data from FactSet, 73% of companies that had reported first-quarter results through Friday morning had beaten consensus earnings expectations.",[],{"_key":29009,"_type":127,"children":29010,"markDefs":29015,"style":135},"a558749e9d38",[29011],{"_key":29012,"_type":131,"marks":29013,"text":29014},"5d91813e67f3",[],"Looking ahead, Wall Street faces a busy week with hundreds of companies set to announce results, including four members of the “Magnificent Seven”: Apple, Microsoft, Meta Platforms, and Amazon. In addition, key economic releases are scheduled, including Chinese PMI data, preliminary first-quarter GDP figures for the Eurozone and US. As well as the U.S. Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation, the PCE price index.",[],{"_key":29017,"_type":127,"children":29018,"markDefs":29022,"style":135},"00594fef6c21",[29019],{"_key":29020,"_type":131,"marks":29021,"text":288},"a610d0d73117",[174],[],[29024],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":29025,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":29027,"blogPostMeta":29028,"content":29048,"tag":29114,"title":29047},"2c275e69-56a0-4b0d-b4ce-95f3a1f2aaab",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":29029,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":29043,"publishedAt":29044,"slug":29045,"title":29047},{"_type":58,"asset":29030},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":29031,"mimeType":225,"opt":29041,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":29032,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":29033},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":29034,"darkVibrant":29035,"dominant":29036,"lightMuted":29037,"lightVibrant":29038,"muted":29039,"vibrant":29040},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":29042},{"tags":65},"Market jitters spiked early in the week as President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy—especially targeting China—collided with his unusually sharp criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Labelling Powell a “loser” and “Mr. Too Late” for not slashing interest rates sooner, Trump stirred uncertainty across financial markets.","2025-04-24T08:13:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":29046},"market-update-24th-april-2025","Market Update – 24th April 2025",[29049,29052,29059,29067,29075,29083,29091,29099,29107],{"_key":29050,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":29051,"width":124},"4370fe20221e","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1078273036?h=96cbafc7d3",{"_key":29053,"_type":127,"children":29054,"markDefs":29058,"style":135},"44a25af057ae",[29055],{"_key":29056,"_type":131,"marks":29057,"text":29043},"3c4dc47ece76",[],[],{"_key":29060,"_type":127,"children":29061,"markDefs":29066,"style":135},"cd4497fd7711",[29062],{"_key":29063,"_type":131,"marks":29064,"text":29065},"c91abd2bea61",[],"However, tensions cooled by Tuesday when Trump dialled back his rhetoric and told reporters from the Oval Office that he had “no intention of firing” Powell—remarks that brought a wave of relief across Wall Street, with equity markets extending their rally into midweek. By Wednesday afternoon, the Dow Jones Industrial Average had surged 420 points, or 1.08%. The S&P 500 advanced 1.7%, and the tech-driven Nasdaq Composite leaped 2.8%.",[],{"_key":29068,"_type":127,"children":29069,"markDefs":29074,"style":135},"2e426edee8fc",[29070],{"_key":29071,"_type":131,"marks":29072,"text":29073},"00ad60dffbae",[],"Chair Powell, for his part, has remained steadfast in reiterating the Fed’s commitment to data-driven decision-making, emphasising that any shift in monetary policy would be deliberate, not reactive. He dismissed the notion of an emergency rate cut, reaffirming that changes would be discussed at the next scheduled meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee in May.",[],{"_key":29076,"_type":127,"children":29077,"markDefs":29082,"style":135},"59e7a2145304",[29078],{"_key":29079,"_type":131,"marks":29080,"text":29081},"8eb845ec6bcf",[],"Buoying investor sentiment further, President Trump stated on Wednesday his intention to lower the tariff on Chinese goods from the currently imposed 145% levied. He said that the rate would come down substantially at some point, but this would hinge upon President Jinping working with the US to make a deal.",[],{"_key":29084,"_type":127,"children":29085,"markDefs":29090,"style":135},"3d16622a3215",[29086],{"_key":29087,"_type":131,"marks":29088,"text":29089},"aea8bc8404e3",[],"While President Trump’s rhetoric might be the loudest thing to reverberate around markets this week, it certainly wasn’t the only thing for investors to consider. Data published on Wednesday showed that British businesses came under intensified strain in April as heightened global trade tensions stoked renewed concerns over a potential economic contraction. The S&P Global Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)—a key barometer of private sector output—fell sharply to 48.2 from 51.5 in March, slipping below the critical 50 threshold that separates expansion from contraction. This marks the index’s weakest performance since November 2022.",[],{"_key":29092,"_type":127,"children":29093,"markDefs":29098,"style":135},"608696856cf3",[29094],{"_key":29095,"_type":131,"marks":29096,"text":29097},"b8da3cf7ac44",[],"While inflationary pressures remain a persistent concern, the pronounced deterioration in business activity is expected to bolster the case for monetary policy easing. Expectations for a Bank of England interest rate cut at the upcoming meeting have solidified, reversing earlier market assumptions that policymakers would maintain a hawkish stance.",[],{"_key":29100,"_type":127,"children":29101,"markDefs":29106,"style":135},"cdd43596941e",[29102],{"_key":29103,"_type":131,"marks":29104,"text":29105},"72f8b2a8ddbf",[],"Still to come this week we have UK retail sales, Tokyo CPI and US jobs data.",[],{"_key":29108,"_type":127,"children":29109,"markDefs":29113,"style":135},"e6ec1da6de69",[29110],{"_key":29111,"_type":131,"marks":29112,"text":175},"5c494ac66ef0",[174],[],[29115],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":29116,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":29118,"blogPostMeta":29119,"content":29152,"tag":29269,"title":29151},"0bd50dc1-6962-4565-8f7e-f4d8415f6dcc",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":29120,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":29147,"publishedAt":29148,"slug":29149,"title":29151},{"_type":58,"alt":29121,"asset":29122},"Young woman working in modern office",{"_createdAt":29123,"_id":29124,"_rev":29125,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":29123,"assetId":29126,"extension":196,"metadata":29127,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":28796,"path":29143,"sha1hash":29126,"size":29144,"uploadId":29145,"url":29146},"2025-05-09T12:52:38Z","image-689b4736a2e9e8d681209248ea486dc85c3df6f2-2560x1708-jpg","8c0FE3YcwfgEXCqB9KKLJ7","689b4736a2e9e8d681209248ea486dc85c3df6f2",{"_type":69,"blurHash":28773,"dimensions":29128,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":29129,"palette":29130},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":28775,"height":2938,"width":28776},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUEBgf\u002FxAAkEAABAwIGAgMAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEAAUGERITITEUMkFRYf\u002FEABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQF\u002F8QAGxEAAQUBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQACAxEhMRL\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FAJGM4\u002Fhm3W+G6Ch9KiFsdBQ6FL7TC24KpDMx5DRI3mz6hfyKr2HL065OZQtAI65PVaTabLEt8DNQW+3KXuKQtXCT+VPeD6zAqEbGBlnqUSIWH7k55E1ptx7LSVE\u002FVFPW7BbXQpexpzJ4BopoifWcRTNHehf\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":29131,"darkVibrant":29134,"dominant":29136,"lightMuted":29138,"lightVibrant":29140,"muted":29141,"vibrant":29142},{"_type":81,"background":29132,"foreground":83,"population":29133,"title":83},"#342b23",7.29,{"_type":81,"background":29135,"foreground":83,"population":28201,"title":83},"#682c23",{"_type":81,"background":28785,"foreground":91,"population":29137,"title":83},7.59,{"_type":81,"background":28788,"foreground":91,"population":29139,"title":83},2.28,{"_type":81,"background":28785,"foreground":91,"population":29137,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":28792,"foreground":83,"population":28793,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":28795,"foreground":91,"population":1159,"title":83},"images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F689b4736a2e9e8d681209248ea486dc85c3df6f2-2560x1708.jpg",339234,"GYsEe3IqO2diHVfIdard2yGANE5tTw7I","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F689b4736a2e9e8d681209248ea486dc85c3df6f2-2560x1708.jpg","Almost a quarter of UK workers (23%) have had to borrow money from family and friends in the last year because of money worries, and almost a fifth have taken on debt (18%). It seems financial worries have become the new normal. With almost 14.6 million UK adults not coping financially or finding it difficult to cope, many are looking for ways to help ease the strain on their finances.","2025-04-23T14:42:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":29150},"how-financial-coaching-can-help-people-get-on-track-with-their-finances","How financial coaching can help people get on track with their finances",[29153,29160,29168,29176,29184,29192,29200,29208,29215,29223,29231,29239,29246,29254,29261],{"_key":29154,"_type":127,"children":29155,"markDefs":29159,"style":135},"6d13c161848a",[29156],{"_key":29157,"_type":131,"marks":29158,"text":29147},"8d5ce750e814",[],[],{"_key":29161,"_type":127,"children":29162,"markDefs":29167,"style":135},"aa0b205040cc",[29163],{"_key":29164,"_type":131,"marks":29165,"text":29166},"f2ab521320cb",[],"Financial coaching offers a powerful tool to help people overcome money worries and get on track with their finances.",[],{"_key":29169,"_type":127,"children":29170,"markDefs":29175,"style":135},"1ed2c7b3becb",[29171],{"_key":29172,"_type":131,"marks":29173,"text":29174},"f62a1ade9665",[174],"WEALTH at work outlines 4 key ways that financial education can help people get on track with their finances:",[],{"_key":29177,"_type":127,"children":29178,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":29183,"style":135},"c4837e17fc4a",[29179],{"_key":29180,"_type":131,"marks":29181,"text":29182},"6aad93c62527",[174],"Building positive savings habits",[],{"_key":29185,"_type":127,"children":29186,"markDefs":29191,"style":135},"3d2aab0e7f62",[29187],{"_key":29188,"_type":131,"marks":29189,"text":29190},"b00a03a531ed",[],"Building new habits can be difficult, especially when it comes to money. Financial education can help people navigate challenges such as managing a budget and help them establish and stick to positive money habits. It can also help individuals recognise unhelpful patterns and reinforces positive savings habits and enables them to be more considered about spending.",[],{"_key":29193,"_type":127,"children":29194,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":29199,"style":135},"ce161a5d72f7",[29195],{"_key":29196,"_type":131,"marks":29197,"text":29198},"8100e9cdef45",[174],"Putting a financial plan together",[],{"_key":29201,"_type":127,"children":29202,"markDefs":29207,"style":135},"a24a19c33715",[29203],{"_key":29204,"_type":131,"marks":29205,"text":29206},"a3be105f487a",[],"Financial education can help people understand the importance of putting a financial plan together, including the value of an emergency fund to build financial resilience for unexpected events, for example, if the car breaks down or they face redundancy. It can also help people understand how small savings can compound over time, and how this can grow and help them meet future goals such as buying a house.",[],{"_key":29209,"_type":127,"children":29210,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":29214,"style":135},"581f5d1453cf",[29211],{"_key":29212,"_type":131,"marks":29213,"text":24044},"d33ea9597097",[174],[],{"_key":29216,"_type":127,"children":29217,"markDefs":29222,"style":135},"e56c405ddbf5",[29218],{"_key":29219,"_type":131,"marks":29220,"text":29221},"66a5773e54bd",[],"One of the most crucial elements of financial planning is retirement preparation. Our research found 39% of employees think they won’t ever be able to afford to retire at all due to increasing costs. Financial education can help people understand how to make retirement affordable and achievable. Not only this, but it can also help individuals realise all the options available to them at the point of retirement.",[],{"_key":29224,"_type":127,"children":29225,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":29230,"style":135},"02e80410b071",[29226],{"_key":29227,"_type":131,"marks":29228,"text":29229},"8ad65a555a24",[174],"Driving action",[],{"_key":29232,"_type":127,"children":29233,"markDefs":29238,"style":135},"05c416c510a4",[29234],{"_key":29235,"_type":131,"marks":29236,"text":29237},"66ab7956d1e3",[],"Financial education can help people get a firmer understanding of their situation, so that they can then take steps to improve it. This could include increasing pension contributions, reducing debt, saving tax or utilising workplace savings such as ISAs.",[],{"_key":29240,"_type":127,"children":29241,"markDefs":29245,"style":135},"d9e6822cb003",[29242],{"_key":29243,"_type":131,"marks":29244,"text":9960},"68c315ebfbcf",[174],[],{"_key":29247,"_type":127,"children":29248,"markDefs":29253,"style":135},"e181a4ddb400",[29249],{"_key":29250,"_type":131,"marks":29251,"text":29252},"d7135eb9fa8d",[],"“Many leading workplaces want to support employees to be financially secure and offer financial education as part of their benefits package. People should make sure that they speak to their employer to see how they can help.”",[],{"_key":29255,"_type":127,"children":29256,"markDefs":29260,"style":135},"da189f5d63df",[29257],{"_key":29258,"_type":131,"marks":29259,"text":1006},"c845d043b338",[],[],{"_key":29262,"_type":127,"children":29263,"markDefs":29268,"style":135},"083078547275",[29264],{"_key":29265,"_type":131,"marks":29266,"text":29267},"3a0463911f00",[],"Links to websites external to those of Wealth at Work Limited (also referred to here as 'we', 'us', 'our' 'ours') will usually contain some content that is not written by us and over which we have no authority and which we do not endorse. Any hyperlinks or references to third party websites are provided for your convenience only. Therefore please be aware that we do not accept responsibility for the content of any third party site(s) except content that is specifically attributed to us or our employees and where we are the authors of such content. Further, we accept no responsibility for any malicious codes (or their consequences) of external sites. Nor do we endorse any organisation or publication to which we link and make no representations about them.",[],[29270],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":29271,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":29273,"blogPostMeta":29274,"content":29296,"tag":29382,"title":29295},"89e91ffd-ec25-411b-acc7-5c152d084a0a",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":29275,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":29291,"publishedAt":29292,"slug":29293,"title":29295},{"_type":58,"asset":29276},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":29277,"mimeType":225,"opt":29287,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":29278,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":29279},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":29280,"darkVibrant":29281,"dominant":29282,"lightMuted":29283,"lightVibrant":29284,"muted":29285,"vibrant":29286},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":29288},{"tags":29289},[29290],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"It was a shortened trading week in the West, with markets in the US, UK, and Europe closed for Good Friday, and UK and European bourses staying shut through Easter Monday.","2025-04-18T15:23:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":29294},"week-ending-18th-april-2025","Week ending 18th April 2025",[29297,29300,29304,29311,29319,29327,29335,29343,29351,29359,29367,29375],{"_key":29298,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":29299,"width":124},"4ab025fa6440","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1077571110?h=efbe5b1d43",{"_key":29301,"_type":58,"asset":29302},"39bdf47c3817",{"_ref":29303,"_type":107},"image-d9ce63177aa089ea2f08e00ff81e126b1c730faf-602x477-png",{"_key":29305,"_type":127,"children":29306,"markDefs":29310,"style":135},"72182fc65cb1",[29307],{"_key":29308,"_type":131,"marks":29309,"text":29291},"db511a745519",[],[],{"_key":29312,"_type":127,"children":29313,"markDefs":29318,"style":135},"8ec032a820d1",[29314],{"_key":29315,"_type":131,"marks":29316,"text":29317},"d066158d7c1e",[],"The week saw mixed performances across regions. UK and European equities ended the week higher, while US markets slipped. The Nasdaq and S&P 500 fell, dragged down by tech stocks after chipmakers declined on news of fresh US restrictions on semiconductor exports to China. AI-linked firms like NVIDIA and AMD were hit hardest.",[],{"_key":29320,"_type":127,"children":29321,"markDefs":29326,"style":135},"d50b6ec12c23",[29322],{"_key":29323,"_type":131,"marks":29324,"text":29325},"8d70de658de4",[],"Adding to the unease were comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Speaking in Chicago, Powell offered a reminder that tariffs come at a cost—namely, higher inflation and slower growth. While he acknowledged the Fed is in no rush to make policy moves, markets interpreted his remarks as a sign that rate cuts may not be imminent after all.",[],{"_key":29328,"_type":127,"children":29329,"markDefs":29334,"style":135},"7aa280f5668b",[29330],{"_key":29331,"_type":131,"marks":29332,"text":29333},"44cfbb829609",[],"Not all US data disappointed—March retail sales rose 1.4%, beating forecasts. Vehicle-related sales surged 5.3%, as buyers moved ahead of possible tariff hikes.",[],{"_key":29336,"_type":127,"children":29337,"markDefs":29342,"style":135},"67ed121d6a7b",[29338],{"_key":29339,"_type":131,"marks":29340,"text":29341},"83a6e107f546",[],"In contrast, European equities shrugged off global jitters. The STOXX Europe 600 rose nearly 4% over the week, with gains seen across major indices. Whilst in the UK, the FTSE 100 jumped 4.6%, its best weekly performance in months.",[],{"_key":29344,"_type":127,"children":29345,"markDefs":29350,"style":135},"1de38881a31c",[29346],{"_key":29347,"_type":131,"marks":29348,"text":29349},"43a37e316ea4",[],"A mix of central bank dovishness and political pragmatism helped. The European Central Bank, as widely expected, trimmed interest rates by 25 basis points to 2.25%. But more significantly, it signalled it’s ready to go further. The ECB dropped earlier language about policy being “less restrictive” and instead adopted a data-driven, meeting-by-meeting stance.",[],{"_key":29352,"_type":127,"children":29353,"markDefs":29358,"style":135},"6f7f072e419f",[29354],{"_key":29355,"_type":131,"marks":29356,"text":29357},"366aadfed1fe",[],"Back at home, the UK delivered a rare upside surprise—by undershooting inflation expectations. Headline CPI came in at 2.6% for March, down from 2.8% and below the consensus forecast of 2.7%. According to the ONS, lower prices for recreational goods and motor fuel helped cool inflation, although clothing costs rose sharply, offsetting some of the decline. Services inflation, a key focus for the Bank of England, also cooled more than anticipated.",[],{"_key":29360,"_type":127,"children":29361,"markDefs":29366,"style":135},"c0235042198e",[29362],{"_key":29363,"_type":131,"marks":29364,"text":29365},"bb2103681a80",[],"Wage data, meanwhile, showed earnings growth remains firm even as the jobs market softens. Average weekly earnings (excluding bonuses) rose 5.9% year-on-year in the three months to February. At the same time, March payroll data showed a decline of 78,000 jobs—the sharpest drop since 2020—raising questions about how long wage strength can persist.",[],{"_key":29368,"_type":127,"children":29369,"markDefs":29374,"style":135},"335f5529ff92",[29370],{"_key":29371,"_type":131,"marks":29372,"text":29373},"6466566b7ea3",[],"Still to come this week we have Japanese and US PMI data and UK retail sales.",[],{"_key":29376,"_type":127,"children":29377,"markDefs":29381,"style":135},"082eb5b8afa1",[29378],{"_key":29379,"_type":131,"marks":29380,"text":175},"437ed6b98038",[174],[],[29383],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":29384,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":29386,"blogPostMeta":29387,"content":29407,"tag":29489,"title":29406},"88951aee-278a-494e-90b6-658e73f916dd",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":29388,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":29402,"publishedAt":29403,"slug":29404,"title":29406},{"_type":58,"asset":29389},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":29390,"mimeType":225,"opt":29400,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":29391,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":29392},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":29393,"darkVibrant":29394,"dominant":29395,"lightMuted":29396,"lightVibrant":29397,"muted":29398,"vibrant":29399},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":29401},{"tags":65},"This last week has brought calmer waters for global financial markets, with volatility easing across major regions. It’s a shortened trading week in the UK, Europe, and the US, with markets closed on Good Friday, and UK and European exchanges also shut on Easter Monday.","2025-04-16T08:12:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":29405},"market-update-16th-april-2025","Market Update – 16th April 2025",[29408,29411,29418,29426,29434,29442,29450,29458,29466,29474,29482],{"_key":29409,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":29410,"width":124},"83e5d7b59333","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1075999324?h=e4c1669dbd",{"_key":29412,"_type":127,"children":29413,"markDefs":29417,"style":135},"73373d7daf87",[29414],{"_key":29415,"_type":131,"marks":29416,"text":29402},"445c7c522f65",[],[],{"_key":29419,"_type":127,"children":29420,"markDefs":29425,"style":135},"aa2a9d90ecb0",[29421],{"_key":29422,"_type":131,"marks":29423,"text":29424},"348aab53def5",[],"Markets largely behaved as expected, with tariff-related comments from Donald Trump causing short-term volatility, while any swift policy reversal quickly pushed markets higher. His pause on tariffs and talk of exemptions—particularly for tech—lifted sentiment, while comments about easing auto tariffs drove gains across UK, European, and Asian markets. US Treasury yields also stabilised after last week’s dip.",[],{"_key":29427,"_type":127,"children":29428,"markDefs":29433,"style":135},"2d507e255c35",[29429],{"_key":29430,"_type":131,"marks":29431,"text":29432},"a0da8351357e",[],"Trump’s messaging appears characteristically inconsistent—initially hinting at relief for supply chains, before later asserting that “nobody is getting off the hook.” However, markets appear increasingly resilient to this back-and-forth. As anticipated, investors seem to be treating headline volatility as noise rather than a signal of meaningful policy change. With trade negotiations on the horizon and brinkmanship likely to remain a feature of Trump’s strategy, further headline-driven fluctuations are to be expected.",[],{"_key":29435,"_type":127,"children":29436,"markDefs":29441,"style":135},"19ac29bfe8c1",[29437],{"_key":29438,"_type":131,"marks":29439,"text":29440},"d02804e90813",[],"Meanwhile, tensions between the US and China continue to simmer. However, China appears better positioned than expected, supported by diversified trade links and strategic control over key materials. Data revealed that China’s GDP grew by 5.4% year-on-year in Q1—beating expectations of 5.1%. This marks the strongest annual growth in 18 months, underpinned by Beijing’s ongoing stimulus efforts. Despite trade tensions, China’s broad economic base and control over critical resources continue to provide resilience and leverage in negotiations with the US. The rivalry between the world’s two largest economies has long been evident. However, as observed during the last term of President Trump’s administration, beneath the trade tensions lies a significant level of interdependence, which often emerges as a key driver in reaching trade agreements.",[],{"_key":29443,"_type":127,"children":29444,"markDefs":29449,"style":135},"3302c5d75f7d",[29445],{"_key":29446,"_type":131,"marks":29447,"text":29448},"9ccc9abb588c",[],"As trade discussions continue and geopolitical dynamics remain fluid, the value of global diversification has become increasingly clear. These periods of short-term noise, volatility, and sudden policy shifts are exactly when a well-diversified portfolio proves its strength.",[],{"_key":29451,"_type":127,"children":29452,"markDefs":29457,"style":135},"9544f852daad",[29453],{"_key":29454,"_type":131,"marks":29455,"text":29456},"a28f6d556fc4",[],"A carefully constructed mix of equities, fixed income, and cash—spread not only across sectors but also across global regions—is essential. Different regions experience varying economic cycles, policy responses, and market performance, helping to smooth returns over time. This diversification helps ensure that no single policy decision or economic event has an outsized impact on overall portfolio performance, allowing investors to navigate a broader range of market conditions with greater resilience.",[],{"_key":29459,"_type":127,"children":29460,"markDefs":29465,"style":135},"953248b2f025",[29461],{"_key":29462,"_type":131,"marks":29463,"text":29464},"46a93de68eff",[],"This global reach also brings practical advantages—especially during regional market closures. For instance, while it’s a shortened trading week across the UK, Europe, and the US, Asian markets remain open, allowing globally diversified portfolios to continue benefiting from market activity and emerging opportunities—even when parts of the West are on pause.",[],{"_key":29467,"_type":127,"children":29468,"markDefs":29473,"style":135},"5b5ca78c541a",[29469],{"_key":29470,"_type":131,"marks":29471,"text":29472},"ddd896eaddbd",[],"This global diversification includes exposure to developed markets such as the US, where technology and healthcare continue to drive performance, as well as to fast-growing economies like India and China, where long-term trends such as digital transformation and rising consumption underpin structural growth. Sector allocation also plays a critical role, helping avoid overexposure to any single theme through balanced positions across areas such as financials, energy, healthcare, and consumer goods.",[],{"_key":29475,"_type":127,"children":29476,"markDefs":29481,"style":135},"15ef9d0987c5",[29477],{"_key":29478,"_type":131,"marks":29479,"text":29480},"40aff5c5006c",[],"Rather than reacting to short-term market noise, this research-led process ensures portfolios remain aligned with your long-term goals while retaining the flexibility to adapt as conditions evolve. Behind this high level of diversification is an active, forward-looking investment approach. Our experienced investment management team are continuously monitoring not only stocks within each region, but also macroeconomic policy and economic data as this is a key contributor to long term portfolio returns.",[],{"_key":29483,"_type":127,"children":29484,"markDefs":29488,"style":135},"1ffc479ffc2b",[29485],{"_key":29486,"_type":131,"marks":29487,"text":288},"5d3f9cabd056",[174],[],[29490],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":29491,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":29493,"blogPostMeta":29494,"content":29516,"tag":29587,"title":29515},"b5bf3841-079c-4068-97f4-18c8596944eb",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":29495,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":29511,"publishedAt":29512,"slug":29513,"title":29515},{"_type":58,"asset":29496},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":29497,"mimeType":225,"opt":29507,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":29498,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":29499},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":29500,"darkVibrant":29501,"dominant":29502,"lightMuted":29503,"lightVibrant":29504,"muted":29505,"vibrant":29506},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":29508},{"tags":29509},[29510],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"This volatile week has underscored the value of maintaining a long-term focus. Markets endured a dramatic sequence of events—plunging early in the week as trade tensions flared, only to soar midweek after a surprise policy pivot from the White House. This highlights the importance of staying focused on long-term investment objectives rather than reacting to short-term market noise.","2025-04-11T15:22:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":29514},"week-ending-11th-april-2025","Week ending 11th April 2025",[29517,29520,29524,29531,29539,29547,29555,29563,29571,29579],{"_key":29518,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":29519,"width":124},"0a49d78db960","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1075295875?h=ea3d876250",{"_key":29521,"_type":58,"asset":29522},"41742f7d5807",{"_ref":29523,"_type":107},"image-70d480e054141eeb28c595f5cf9adfb1ac5c72c5-634x503-png",{"_key":29525,"_type":127,"children":29526,"markDefs":29530,"style":135},"add5f200dcba",[29527],{"_key":29528,"_type":131,"marks":29529,"text":29511},"956f88720224",[],[],{"_key":29532,"_type":127,"children":29533,"markDefs":29538,"style":135},"ce5102bd77d4",[29534],{"_key":29535,"_type":131,"marks":29536,"text":29537},"2b66809797be",[],"Trump’s so-called reciprocal tariffs came into effect earlier this week, causing a broad sell-off in global markets. Then came Wednesday, and with it, Donald Trump’s dramatic reversal, dropping tariffs to a blanket 10% for 90 days to allow for trade negotiations with most of the countries and territories targeted. Critically, China was not included in the pause, but even a partial reprieve was enough to ignite a powerful rally. That single day transformed the week. The S&P 500 jumped 9.5%, marking its ninth-largest daily percentage gain in history, while the Nasdaq Composite surged over 12%, recording its second-best session ever.",[],{"_key":29540,"_type":127,"children":29541,"markDefs":29546,"style":135},"c735d88ce0e3",[29542],{"_key":29543,"_type":131,"marks":29544,"text":29545},"1be86fd5540d",[],"By Friday, the S&P 500 had gained 5.7%, the Nasdaq was up 7.3%, and the Dow Jones rose 5%, rounding out one of the most dramatic weekly turnarounds since the financial crisis.",[],{"_key":29548,"_type":127,"children":29549,"markDefs":29554,"style":135},"7cc96deda20c",[29550],{"_key":29551,"_type":131,"marks":29552,"text":29553},"4e423c043c72",[],"Markets in Europe and Asia staged significant recoveries following the U.S. pause announcement but ultimately closed the week lower as the tit-for-tat tariffs between the U.S. and China continued. President Trump pressed ahead with aggressive tariff hikes on Chinese imports, raising duties to 145% by week’s end, while Beijing retaliated with 125% levies on U.S. goods, describing Donald Trump’s brinkmanship as “a joke.”",[],{"_key":29556,"_type":127,"children":29557,"markDefs":29562,"style":135},"083d90963cec",[29558],{"_key":29559,"_type":131,"marks":29560,"text":29561},"b51672cd17a8",[],"We have consistently advised investors to avoid reacting impulsively to sharp market pullbacks, and this week provided a clear illustration of why. Despite the unsettling headlines, patient investors were rewarded as the markets swiftly rebounded reaffirming our belief that Trump’s trade tactics are merely short-term noise.",[],{"_key":29564,"_type":127,"children":29565,"markDefs":29570,"style":135},"1a87c568a533",[29566],{"_key":29567,"_type":131,"marks":29568,"text":29569},"4b3930e478f5",[],"Economic data wise, U.S. inflation cooled more than expected in March, with headline CPI dropping to 2.4% from 2.8%, and core inflation easing as well — supporting the view that price pressures are cooling. While full impact of the proposed tariffs may not yet be visible, the data, along with a strong labour market and resilient spending, suggests the U.S. economy remains solid.",[],{"_key":29572,"_type":127,"children":29573,"markDefs":29578,"style":135},"7ac09b069707",[29574],{"_key":29575,"_type":131,"marks":29576,"text":29577},"d96ccc9d76e8",[],"In the UK, the FTSE 100 rose on Friday after the economy unexpectedly grew 0.5% in February, driven by strong services and a surge in exports to the U.S. ahead of new tariffs. While the data lifted markets, expectations for faster rate cuts from the Bank of England persist, with analysts cautioning that growth may falter amid trade and geopolitical pressures.",[],{"_key":29580,"_type":127,"children":29581,"markDefs":29586,"style":135},"74abb20c7708",[29582],{"_key":29583,"_type":131,"marks":29584,"text":29585},"9e8344b8d5c6",[],"Just when investors thought the week had delivered its final twist, the White House dropped another surprise—this time after markets had closed on Friday. On Saturday, the Trump administration announced that it would exempt smartphones, computers, semiconductors, and other key electronics from the newly imposed China tariffs. The exemption, backdated to April 5, is expected to ease pressure on the tech sector and help prevent a sharp rise in consumer device prices.",[],[29588],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":29589,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":29591,"blogPostMeta":29592,"content":29631,"tag":29708,"title":29630},"860c58b6-f21c-4003-8e8a-95b022d0e11c",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":29593,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":29626,"publishedAt":29627,"slug":29628,"title":29630},{"_type":58,"alt":29594,"asset":29595},"couple at home desk looking at laptop",{"_createdAt":29123,"_id":29596,"_rev":29597,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":29123,"assetId":29598,"extension":196,"metadata":29599,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":29621,"path":29622,"sha1hash":29598,"size":29623,"uploadId":29624,"url":29625},"image-dd332862b589d0180f757345d9eed0f22022cdc1-1000x667-jpg","wutKrigcKDWfLKDrqYzt4b","dd332862b589d0180f757345d9eed0f22022cdc1",{"_type":69,"blurHash":29600,"dimensions":29601,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":29602,"palette":29603},"VDFrFe~VEM-;%M01Z$wIV@t6=^NG9GD%IpBEx^x]x]s:",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGQAAAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAcCAwUG\u002F8QAIRAAAgEEAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAgMBAAQFERIhBlETFDH\u002FxAAXAQADAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAwQF\u002F8QAHBEAAgICAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIDERRBARMh\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwDl81YswWRUspMVM1C2dxJT6qGUcg\u002FgbcmAHyLvluOo9+6YKcKXloW7s1eMZ9dsEAgMD3VF941j8bbMQlQmMMkolo8tbrPV403yX9bSLdeirsbC3cmWRMFBFMxO\u002FwB7orZvMNbKuTFcsAZnehLUUUeSmhGLIf\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":29604,"darkVibrant":29607,"dominant":29610,"lightMuted":29611,"lightVibrant":29614,"muted":29616,"vibrant":29619},{"_type":81,"background":29605,"foreground":83,"population":29606,"title":83},"#544228",0.73,{"_type":81,"background":29608,"foreground":83,"population":29609,"title":83},"#6a472a",8.16,{"_type":81,"background":29608,"foreground":83,"population":29609,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":29612,"foreground":91,"population":29613,"title":83},"#d6c0b5",1.72,{"_type":81,"background":29615,"foreground":91,"population":1409,"title":83},"#efbc96",{"_type":81,"background":29617,"foreground":83,"population":29618,"title":83},"#a27856",6.35,{"_type":81,"background":29620,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#bc7c44","shutterstock_2510293381.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fdd332862b589d0180f757345d9eed0f22022cdc1-1000x667.jpg",452929,"d5m0zWa1F4Qp6Ot98MGVwjE6NISyJaDv","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fdd332862b589d0180f757345d9eed0f22022cdc1-1000x667.jpg","Money worries are having a detrimental impact on the workplace with our latest research finding that 40% of employees believe that it affects work performance by causing increased stress levels. One in ten (10%) say it has led to increased sick days.","2025-04-10T14:14:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":29629},"how-employers-are-stepping-up-and-helping-people-manage-financial-stress","How employers are stepping up and helping people manage financial stress",[29632,29639,29647,29655,29663,29671,29678,29686,29694,29701],{"_key":29633,"_type":127,"children":29634,"markDefs":29638,"style":135},"2c7b9b68144a",[29635],{"_key":29636,"_type":131,"marks":29637,"text":29626},"b6751c47b1f4",[],[],{"_key":29640,"_type":127,"children":29641,"markDefs":29646,"style":135},"12695c64b65d",[29642],{"_key":29643,"_type":131,"marks":29644,"text":29645},"6045c5d89d1a",[],"Our financial wellbeing research with the Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA) shows that employers are well aware of financial wellbeing risks they expect employees to face. This includes inflation (76%), costs impacting working parents such as childcare (73%), rental costs (64%), carer costs including eldercare (46%), high interest rates on mortgages (58%) and high energy prices (58%). In fact, 53% of employers say the increased cost of living will be a driver of change for future financial wellbeing support.",[],{"_key":29648,"_type":127,"children":29649,"markDefs":29654,"style":135},"e55da88b22ef",[29650],{"_key":29651,"_type":131,"marks":29652,"text":29653},"833fbf94ffa8",[],"Other financial wellbeing risks high on the list for employers include insufficient retirement savings (71%) and a lack of financial literacy (62%). To combat these concerns, almost half of employers to their financial wellbeing offerings, and over a third (35%) say they will increase financial wellbeing spend.",[],{"_key":29656,"_type":127,"children":29657,"markDefs":29662,"style":135},"bd144b05aefa",[29658],{"_key":29659,"_type":131,"marks":29660,"text":29661},"650196440865",[],"The focus has now shifted to providing employees with the knowledge and tools to manage their finances better. Specifically, employers offer or plan to offer financial education from an independent provider (47%), financial coaching e.g. one-to-one guidance (43%) and advice on general finances (47%), or advice specific to retirement (54%), as well as support with pre-retirement planning (60%).",[],{"_key":29664,"_type":127,"children":29665,"markDefs":29670,"style":135},"af42ca0889e6",[29666],{"_key":29667,"_type":131,"marks":29668,"text":29669},"a4bdc81fe212",[],"Support is also growing for savings products. Currently, about one in seven employers (14%) offer savings via tax-free wrappers such as a Workplace ISA. This is set to more than double to 30% of employers in the future. It seems this workplace benefit would be welcomed by employees with our research finding that if they had spare cash, 42% of workers would save it for a rainy day such as in an ISA.",[],{"_key":29672,"_type":127,"children":29673,"markDefs":29677,"style":135},"3625e881c05c",[29674],{"_key":29675,"_type":131,"marks":29676,"text":9960},"7b868cbcc0ca",[],[],{"_key":29679,"_type":127,"children":29680,"markDefs":29685,"style":135},"8fb74a3fd0a4",[29681],{"_key":29682,"_type":131,"marks":29683,"text":29684},"5e1b0c72833e",[],"“Money worries can have a detrimental impact on people’s home and work life. So, it’s good to see that employers are stepping up to provide employees with the tools and knowledge to better manage their finances. Many leading companies now provide employees with financial education and guidance from financial coaches which can help them to address gaps in financial literacy.",[],{"_key":29687,"_type":127,"children":29688,"markDefs":29693,"style":135},"abc50663119a",[29689],{"_key":29690,"_type":131,"marks":29691,"text":29692},"6981045d2ccf",[],"He adds; “Many employers also offer a range of savings products such as ISAs to help people create a savings pot for their future or for an emergency such as the car breaking down. So don’t hesitate to speak to your employer about how they can help you, as you may find that it makes a massive positive difference to your finances.”",[],{"_key":29695,"_type":127,"children":29696,"markDefs":29700,"style":135},"56ca05b9fa1b",[29697],{"_key":29698,"_type":131,"marks":29699,"text":1006},"9110dfcda5b2",[],[],{"_key":29702,"_type":127,"children":29703,"markDefs":29707,"style":135},"89dfb20337e1",[29704],{"_key":29705,"_type":131,"marks":29706,"text":29267},"0d63d20a3d4e",[],[],[29709],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":29710,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":29712,"blogPostMeta":29713,"content":29733,"tag":29800,"title":29732},"7901bfbe-b2c2-4dfd-96f4-454683986d7b",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":29714,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":29728,"publishedAt":29729,"slug":29730,"title":29732},{"_type":58,"asset":29715},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":29716,"mimeType":225,"opt":29726,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":29717,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":29718},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":29719,"darkVibrant":29720,"dominant":29721,"lightMuted":29722,"lightVibrant":29723,"muted":29724,"vibrant":29725},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":29727},{"tags":65},"After a stormy week, markets regained some composure on Tuesday, though some ended the day on a subdued note. A sizeable rally followed the opening bell, sparked by signs that the U.S. might enter negotiations to reduce tariffs on key trading partners.","2025-04-09T08:10:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":29731},"market-update-9th-april-2025","Market Update – 9th April 2025",[29734,29737,29745,29753,29761,29769,29777,29785,29793],{"_key":29735,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":29736,"width":124},"b81203281aa4","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1073889461?h=c3471921ec",{"_key":29738,"_type":127,"children":29739,"markDefs":29744,"style":135},"b9f2d4c4ef85",[29740],{"_key":29741,"_type":131,"marks":29742,"text":29743},"af25ab54f5d5",[],"After a stormy week, markets regained some composure on Tuesday, though some ended the day on a subdued note. A sizeable rally followed the opening bell, sparked by signs that the U.S. might enter negotiations to reduce tariffs on key trading partners. That optimism fuelled massive gains across global markets, with the FTSE 100 and Eurostoxx 50 both closing up around 2.7%, and U.S. indices surging at the open—the S&P 500 and Nasdaq rising as much as 4% and 4.5%, respectively. But the rally unravelled as the White House confirmed it would move forward with significant tariffs on China, including an additional 84% in levies across all imports, bringing the total to at least 104%. As the first round of previously announced tariffs came into effect around midnight with no signs of moderation, caution returned, and U.S. markets closed the day lower.",[],{"_key":29746,"_type":127,"children":29747,"markDefs":29752,"style":135},"a3becf723416",[29748],{"_key":29749,"_type":131,"marks":29750,"text":29751},"1a0c3bd57e57",[],"While dramatic headlines and sensational news stories continue to dominate, we encourage clients, as always, to hold their nerve and remain committed to their long-term investment strategies. Our investment management team is working diligently behind the scenes, focusing on market and economic fundamentals. By looking beyond the short-term noise, we’re committed to ensuring your portfolios are positioned for long-term success and to identifying opportunities to capitalise on market dips along the way.",[],{"_key":29754,"_type":127,"children":29755,"markDefs":29760,"style":135},"625d33b22bfb",[29756],{"_key":29757,"_type":131,"marks":29758,"text":29759},"2127886b6bf2",[],"Tariffs aren’t the only talking point for markets this week – even if they have stolen the spotlight.",[],{"_key":29762,"_type":127,"children":29763,"markDefs":29768,"style":135},"0ce2d4181acd",[29764],{"_key":29765,"_type":131,"marks":29766,"text":29767},"7d8e41b0272b",[],"U.S. jobs data released on Friday showed that 228,000 jobs were added in March—well above expectations—underscoring the continued resilience of the U.S. economy despite ongoing uncertainty around President Trump’s policies, including tariffs and federal workforce cuts. While momentum remains steady for now, market participants are beginning to price in a potential slowdown in the labour market in the coming months, as higher taxes and supply chain disruptions could start to weigh on growth. On Friday, Fed Chair, Jerome Powell, acknowledged that the U.S. may face slower growth and rising inflation in the quarters ahead—factors that could complicate the Fed’s ability to lower interest rates at its next meeting in June. Markets are currently expecting a rate cut at that time.",[],{"_key":29770,"_type":127,"children":29771,"markDefs":29776,"style":135},"bfd87c2934eb",[29772],{"_key":29773,"_type":131,"marks":29774,"text":29775},"ef96aeadb23b",[],"Retail sales in the Eurozone climbed by 2.3% year-on-year in February, up from a revised 1.8% increase in January, according to figures published by Eurostat on Monday. A closer look at the data reveals slight gains across the major categories of food and beverages. At the same time that retail sales were gaining momentum, fresh data showed a slight cooling in industrial producer prices across the Euro Area. In February 2025, prices inched up just 0.2% from the previous month, a slowdown from January’s upwardly revised 0.7% increase.",[],{"_key":29778,"_type":127,"children":29779,"markDefs":29784,"style":135},"cda79955a763",[29780],{"_key":29781,"_type":131,"marks":29782,"text":29783},"2353bc8cc11a",[],"The key question now is whether this latest data strengthens the case for the European Central Bank (‘ECB’) to hold off on further interest rate cuts at their next meeting, or if they’ll opt to continue easing. While consumer spending has shown a modest rebound and inflationary pressures appear to be softening, policymakers must also weigh the risks of an escalating trade war with the U.S.—a threat that could derail the Eurozone’s fragile recovery. Although earlier hopes for fiscal stimulus briefly lifted the outlook for growth and inflation, these measures will take time to fully materialise. In the meantime, concerns over sluggish growth are likely to dominate, and markets have already priced in further rate cuts by the ECB.",[],{"_key":29786,"_type":127,"children":29787,"markDefs":29792,"style":135},"bd1a20e9c048",[29788],{"_key":29789,"_type":131,"marks":29790,"text":29791},"fd584dce92cd",[],"Still to come this week we have Fed meeting minutes, China’s PPI and CPI, US CPI and UK GDP.",[],{"_key":29794,"_type":127,"children":29795,"markDefs":29799,"style":135},"7c2e09fc46a0",[29796],{"_key":29797,"_type":131,"marks":29798,"text":175},"c0fc3c341a7b",[174],[],[29801],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":29802,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":29804,"blogPostMeta":29805,"content":29840,"tag":29917,"title":29839},"d051ed45-a4ea-4ccb-9dfc-c426a35222f2",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":29806,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":29626,"publishedAt":29836,"slug":29837,"title":29839},{"_type":58,"asset":29807},{"_createdAt":29808,"_id":29809,"_rev":29810,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":29808,"assetId":29811,"extension":196,"metadata":29812,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":29621,"path":29832,"sha1hash":29811,"size":29833,"uploadId":29834,"url":29835},"2025-06-20T09:55:14Z","image-bb34ba7084c13b6170c35f72ec9c33ac9bd8e8a4-1000x667-jpg","xJcNa43GmqQ7Beq5jWZard","bb34ba7084c13b6170c35f72ec9c33ac9bd8e8a4",{"_type":69,"blurHash":29813,"dimensions":29814,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":29815,"palette":29816},"VDFrFe~VEf-;%M01Z$wIV@t6=^NG9GD%IpBEx^x]x]s:",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGQAAAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAcCAwUG\u002F8QAIRAAAgEEAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAgMBAAQFERIhBlETFDH\u002FxAAXAQADAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAwQF\u002F8QAHBEAAgICAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIDERRBARMh\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwDl81YswWSUspMVM1C2dxJT6qGUcg\u002FgbcmAHyLvluOo9+6YKsKXloW7s1eMZ9dsEAgMD3VF941j8bbMQlImMMkolo8tbrPV403yX9bSLdeirsbC3cmWDMFBFMxO\u002FwB7orYvMNbKuTFUsAZnehLUUUeQmhOJIf\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":29817,"darkVibrant":29819,"dominant":29822,"lightMuted":29823,"lightVibrant":29825,"muted":29828,"vibrant":29830},{"_type":81,"background":29818,"foreground":83,"population":12591,"title":83},"#544328",{"_type":81,"background":29820,"foreground":83,"population":29821,"title":83},"#6c482b",6.97,{"_type":81,"background":29820,"foreground":83,"population":29821,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":29824,"foreground":91,"population":1162,"title":83},"#d6c0b4",{"_type":81,"background":29826,"foreground":91,"population":29827,"title":83},"#efbb96",1.09,{"_type":81,"background":29829,"foreground":83,"population":504,"title":83},"#a27755",{"_type":81,"background":29831,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},"#be7641","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fbb34ba7084c13b6170c35f72ec9c33ac9bd8e8a4-1000x667.jpg",93037,"I9VPE2vdEnskq4eeotE4V2ST79l2dWZB","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fbb34ba7084c13b6170c35f72ec9c33ac9bd8e8a4-1000x667.jpg","2025-04-08T10:04:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":29838},"how-employers-are-stepping-up-and-helping-employees-manage-financial-stress","How employers are stepping up and helping employees manage financial stress",[29841,29848,29856,29864,29872,29879,29886,29893,29901,29909],{"_key":29842,"_type":127,"children":29843,"markDefs":29847,"style":135},"78d2b4dc001e",[29844],{"_key":29845,"_type":131,"marks":29846,"text":29626},"e75d03d8a83a",[],[],{"_key":29849,"_type":127,"children":29850,"markDefs":29855,"style":135},"f14e4bde16b4",[29851],{"_key":29852,"_type":131,"marks":29853,"text":29854},"1c43070af0f0",[],"Our financial wellbeing research with the Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA) shows that employers are well aware of financial wellbeing risks they expect employees to face. This includes inflation (76%), costs impacting working parents such as childcare (73%), rental costs (64%), carer costs including eldercare (46%), high interest rates on mortgages (58%) and high energy prices (58%). In fact, 53% of employers say the increased cost of living will be a driver of change for future financial wellbeing support.",[],{"_key":29857,"_type":127,"children":29858,"markDefs":29863,"style":135},"b751783aebf7",[29859],{"_key":29860,"_type":131,"marks":29861,"text":29862},"b44674aafd44",[],"Other financial wellbeing risks high on the list for employers include insufficient retirement savings (71%) and a lack of financial literacy (62%).",[],{"_key":29865,"_type":127,"children":29866,"markDefs":29871,"style":135},"00d69f1cb497",[29867],{"_key":29868,"_type":131,"marks":29869,"text":29870},"dd415a704faa",[],"To combat these concerns, almost half of employers to their financial wellbeing offerings, and over a third (35%) say they will increase financial wellbeing spend.",[],{"_key":29873,"_type":127,"children":29874,"markDefs":29878,"style":135},"634613a7a6e4",[29875],{"_key":29876,"_type":131,"marks":29877,"text":29661},"d3504efe5334",[],[],{"_key":29880,"_type":127,"children":29881,"markDefs":29885,"style":135},"29f122e097a7",[29882],{"_key":29883,"_type":131,"marks":29884,"text":29669},"48df562a4301",[],[],{"_key":29887,"_type":127,"children":29888,"markDefs":29892,"style":135},"bbef95268abd",[29889],{"_key":29890,"_type":131,"marks":29891,"text":9960},"186509b4eb00",[174],[],{"_key":29894,"_type":127,"children":29895,"markDefs":29900,"style":135},"856e42ad7512",[29896],{"_key":29897,"_type":131,"marks":29898,"text":29899},"ebb0f7519790",[],"“Money worries can have a detrimental impact on people’s home and work life. So, it’s good to see that employers are stepping up to provide employees with the tools and knowledge to better manage their finances. Many leading companies now provide employees with financial education and guidance from financial coaches which can help them to address gaps in financial literacy. It’s important to provide a range of learning methods. As well as in-person financial education, knowledge can also be supported through the creation of informative and stimulating content including webcasts, animations and interactive financial wellbeing platforms including Money&Me.",[],{"_key":29902,"_type":127,"children":29903,"markDefs":29908,"style":135},"5f50aecc2b96",[29904],{"_key":29905,"_type":131,"marks":29906,"text":29907},"21832126ef47",[],"He adds; “Offering savings products such as a Workplace ISA are also important to help employees build financial resilience. This could be whether they are saving for the future or to create a fund for an emergency such as the car breaking down.”",[],{"_key":29910,"_type":127,"children":29911,"markDefs":29916,"style":135},"48e3fcdfe9a6",[29912],{"_key":29913,"_type":131,"marks":29914,"text":29915},"6a87a26e45a6",[],"He adds; “But to boost engagement, it is important to ensure that employees are aware of all the financial wellbeing benefits on offer, how to access them and how they can use them to their advantage. This is why financial education in the workplace is so important as it can not only help develop understanding and encourage engagement with the benefits on offer, but it’s also a catalyst for behavioural change and action.”",[],[29918],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":29919,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":29921,"blogPostMeta":29922,"content":29944,"tag":30098,"title":29943},"a1a87fa5-d7b4-4ab2-946b-f592e98af837",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":29923,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":29939,"publishedAt":29940,"slug":29941,"title":29943},{"_type":58,"asset":29924},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":29925,"mimeType":225,"opt":29935,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":29926,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":29927},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":29928,"darkVibrant":29929,"dominant":29930,"lightMuted":29931,"lightVibrant":29932,"muted":29933,"vibrant":29934},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":29936},{"tags":29937},[29938],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"On 2nd April 2025, President Donald Trump announced a major shift in trade policy, introducing a 10% baseline tariff on all imports. The EU faces an additional 10%, while the UK avoids extra tariffs. China, Vietnam, and Thailand will see rates of 54%, 46%, and 36%, respectively. A separate 25% tariff will also apply to all foreign-made automobiles.","2025-04-04T15:18:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":29942},"week-ending-4th-april-2025","Week ending 4th April 2025",[29945,29948,29952,29959,29967,29975,29979,29987,29991,29999,30007,30011,30019,30027,30035,30043,30051,30059,30067,30075,30083,30091],{"_key":29946,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":29947,"width":124},"2d96e578968d","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1073188724?h=543c5bafeb",{"_key":29949,"_type":58,"asset":29950},"1608ff19bcc6",{"_ref":29951,"_type":107},"image-73070fc0aceee40f1bb10caccbbe33c523568467-602x477-png",{"_key":29953,"_type":127,"children":29954,"markDefs":29958,"style":135},"5b95a7e90011",[29955],{"_key":29956,"_type":131,"marks":29957,"text":29939},"cf179b7d83ac",[],[],{"_key":29960,"_type":127,"children":29961,"markDefs":29966,"style":135},"d24cd28a6341",[29962],{"_key":29963,"_type":131,"marks":29964,"text":29965},"fcb14857b89b",[],"While the new tariffs have sparked some concern, it is important to maintain perspective. Sectors such as automotive and pharmaceuticals may face short-term pressure, but others—such as utilities—are less likely to be impacted. These tariffs likely mark the beginning of broader negotiations and could be adjusted or reversed over time (as we saw during Trump’s previous term), reducing their long-term market impact.",[],{"_key":29968,"_type":127,"children":29969,"markDefs":29974,"style":135},"e6d7e237a063",[29970],{"_key":29971,"_type":131,"marks":29972,"text":29973},"3e660c48638f",[],"Recent events draw some striking parallels to the period following President Trump’s 2017 term. Markets initially rallied on promises of tax cuts and deregulation, but optimism faded as tariff talks took centre stage, triggering sharp equity declines and a weaker U.S. dollar.",[],{"_key":29976,"_type":58,"asset":29977},"04a7a7483e7f",{"_ref":29978,"_type":107},"image-aa250e06e9800c1d43325d69fad8b791fe76b037-1014x528-png",{"_key":29980,"_type":127,"children":29981,"markDefs":29986,"style":135},"70187c988cae",[29982],{"_key":29983,"_type":131,"marks":29984,"text":29985},"8375f053dece",[],"Today, we are seeing a similar market reaction, but this time President Trump is taking a more compressed, aggressive approach by implementing widespread tariff increases across different countries simultaneously.",[],{"_key":29988,"_type":58,"asset":29989},"228d9a382cf4",{"_ref":29990,"_type":107},"image-8f4215df767d3f8c516ce8624d0c372f9c490930-1021x477-png",{"_key":29992,"_type":127,"children":29993,"markDefs":29998,"style":135},"95a2a8fd314e",[29994],{"_key":29995,"_type":131,"marks":29996,"text":29997},"cd19d65253f1",[],"With the midterms in November next year, Trump appears to be pushing to have these measures in place early to boost approval ratings and avoid the missteps of his first term, which saw him lose control of the House of Representatives. If negotiations go well, a market rebound could follow, improving the economic backdrop ahead of the elections.",[],{"_key":30000,"_type":127,"children":30001,"markDefs":30006,"style":135},"256505c5bb76",[30002],{"_key":30003,"_type":131,"marks":30004,"text":30005},"0b5ebea9d424",[],"However, looking back to 2017 the market rebounded relatively quickly as negotiations unfolded and, in some cases, tariffs failed to materialise entirely. Despite initial volatility, investors soon recognised that the measures were not fixed, adjusted their expectations accordingly, and recalibrated their outlook for the future.",[],{"_key":30008,"_type":58,"asset":30009},"161f8247d177",{"_ref":30010,"_type":107},"image-11ad94c21f86a35016bee2cf2fdec627e211d4ec-1008x539-png",{"_key":30012,"_type":127,"children":30013,"markDefs":30018,"style":135},"099e377f5adb",[30014],{"_key":30015,"_type":131,"marks":30016,"text":30017},"f3e0d23ad478",[],"This reinforces the importance of staying focused on the long term — clients who remain committed to their investment strategy are well positioned to benefit as equity markets look past short-term noise and continue their upward trajectory.",[],{"_key":30020,"_type":127,"children":30021,"markDefs":30026,"style":135},"8741da3658aa",[30022],{"_key":30023,"_type":131,"marks":30024,"text":30025},"8fd83037fdda",[],"While the new tariffs imposed by the U.S. may cause disruptions in global markets, the economic impact on China, India, and other countries in broader Asia may not be as severe as some might expect.",[],{"_key":30028,"_type":127,"children":30029,"markDefs":30034,"style":135},"339d9d388f93",[30030],{"_key":30031,"_type":131,"marks":30032,"text":30033},"0c020c1d1268",[],"China, the world’s second-largest economy, maintains strong trade ties with the U.S., especially in manufacturing and technology. However, U.S. trade makes up a relatively small portion of its GDP compared to more export-dependent countries. While specific industries like technology and agriculture may feel the immediate impact of tariffs, China’s ongoing shift toward a consumption-driven economy, fuelled by its large and growing middle class, helps cushion broader economic effects. Domestic sectors such as retail, healthcare, and services are likely to remain resilient, and China may also use this period to deepen trade relations with other regions like the EU and India.",[],{"_key":30036,"_type":127,"children":30037,"markDefs":30042,"style":135},"99e430d31603",[30038],{"_key":30039,"_type":131,"marks":30040,"text":30041},"517f0aaf6e95",[],"Similarly, India—though it has significant U.S. trade in areas such as IT, textiles, and pharmaceuticals—relies less on exports overall. Like China, its trade with the U.S. is a small portion of GDP, with domestic demand playing a growing role in its economy. As a result, while some export-oriented sectors may face headwinds, many industries tied to domestic consumption, such as consumer goods, banking, and infrastructure, are expected to remain largely unaffected.",[],{"_key":30044,"_type":127,"children":30045,"markDefs":30050,"style":135},"f4c9eaf66ff8",[30046],{"_key":30047,"_type":131,"marks":30048,"text":30049},"52f39798dd5f",[],"As the short-term noise surrounding tariffs fades from global markets, we are left with the underlying fundamentals. In the U.S., economic data remains robust. The U.S. consumer is relatively strong, the labour market remains tight, and several industries benefit from significant barriers to entry, all of which position the markets well once the dust settles.",[],{"_key":30052,"_type":127,"children":30053,"markDefs":30058,"style":135},"8805647c0a52",[30054],{"_key":30055,"_type":131,"marks":30056,"text":30057},"80a87682e74e",[],"One must also consider the UK: whatever happens with tariffs, UK investors are likely to remain unscathed, given the makeup of the market, which helps protect it from short-term tariff noise.",[],{"_key":30060,"_type":127,"children":30061,"markDefs":30066,"style":135},"64a4e36c0564",[30062],{"_key":30063,"_type":131,"marks":30064,"text":30065},"24e1b3ebe7c8",[],"At present, European markets are focused on tariff news, overshadowing broader economic concerns. At current levels, Europe appears less attractive due to weak economic data, sector challenges, and political shifts, awaiting a catalyst to boost valuations despite a brief rally.",[],{"_key":30068,"_type":127,"children":30069,"markDefs":30074,"style":135},"4ae64a514918",[30070],{"_key":30071,"_type":131,"marks":30072,"text":30073},"b37933def7f4",[],"In Japan, the automotive sector is particularly vulnerable. Regardless of the outcome of the tariff decisions, the impact on Japan’s automotive manufacturers (among others) could be significant. A stronger yen could exacerbate the challenges faced by Japanese exporters, given the higher interest rate environment, creating a double-edged sword for the country’s economy over the medium term.",[],{"_key":30076,"_type":127,"children":30077,"markDefs":30082,"style":135},"741b8c8de55b",[30078],{"_key":30079,"_type":131,"marks":30080,"text":30081},"109cd230ccb6",[],"While uncertainty remains, it is important to note that we have likely seen the worst of the news. President Trump’s decision to announce all tariff changes at once may give markets more time to absorb the impact and trigger relief rallies as negotiations progress. While we will likely see some further short-term volatility, as trade talks reach a critical point, current market dynamics suggest the worst is behind us, setting the stage for a period of stabilisation and growth.",[],{"_key":30084,"_type":127,"children":30085,"markDefs":30090,"style":135},"a29c27be52e0",[30086],{"_key":30087,"_type":131,"marks":30088,"text":30089},"67436884f844",[],"Our team is closely monitoring developments and will adjust our strategy as needed, always prioritising your long-term goals. Maintaining a long-term investment strategy is key to favourable returns, and this is where the strength of a discretionary-managed portfolio truly shines. By globally diversifying across sectors, regions, and asset classes, these portfolios are built to weather volatility. In turbulent times, resisting reactive decisions is crucial, as pulling out during short-term dips can lock in losses and miss recoveries. Successful investing is about time in the market, not timing the market, and while uncertainty was expected during the first couple of months of Donald Trump’s presidency, his need to push through trade agreements and boost markets well ahead of the midterms will be paramount. Looking at the chart below, we have seen repeatedly over time, the market has faced various sell-offs such as global financial crisis, covid-19 but these periods of short-term volatility often pave the way for long-term opportunities and growth. Remember, it’s not about timing the market, but about time in the market, which has proven to be the key to achieving lasting success.",[],{"_key":30092,"_type":127,"children":30093,"markDefs":30097,"style":135},"28d2de005c16",[30094],{"_key":30095,"_type":131,"marks":30096,"text":288},"5c317556b616",[174],[],[30099],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":30100,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":30102,"blogPostMeta":30103,"content":30123,"tag":30181,"title":30122},"0dbaa493-5cc4-4a89-8a9e-04d40bf2d32b",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":30104,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":30118,"publishedAt":30119,"slug":30120,"title":30122},{"_type":58,"asset":30105},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":30106,"mimeType":225,"opt":30116,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":30107,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":30108},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":30109,"darkVibrant":30110,"dominant":30111,"lightMuted":30112,"lightVibrant":30113,"muted":30114,"vibrant":30115},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":30117},{"tags":65},"On Tuesday, the FTSE 100 and European stocks saw positive gains, while US stocks fluctuated before closing marginally higher. As we expected, reports this week suggest that the tariffs announced will be the highest amount set, giving countries the opportunity to take steps to bring the tariff amount down.","2025-04-02T15:28:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":30121},"market-update-2nd-april-2025","Market Update – 2nd April 2025",[30124,30127,30134,30142,30150,30158,30166,30174],{"_key":30125,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":30126,"width":124},"ad8ea22aaaa7","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1071733974?h=f36f2ff59f",{"_key":30128,"_type":127,"children":30129,"markDefs":30133,"style":135},"5116f1ca5aa8",[30130],{"_key":30131,"_type":131,"marks":30132,"text":30118},"b82f03c439ce",[],[],{"_key":30135,"_type":127,"children":30136,"markDefs":30141,"style":135},"c1f2c005ad6d",[30137],{"_key":30138,"_type":131,"marks":30139,"text":30140},"e12ea855823d",[],"Investors are therefore eagerly awaiting US President Trump’s tariff announcements this week. The markets have been in a bit of a holding pattern as we anticipate a series of tariffs set to take effect, including a 25% levy on ‘all cars that are not made in the United States’. In addition, Trump is expected to unveil his plan for reciprocal tariffs with 2 April designated as ‘Liberation Day’. However, it’s important to recognise that these announcements are unlikely to set firm tariff levels. Instead, they are more likely a strategic move to gain leverage in ongoing trade negotiations with global partners, giving the administration leverage to secure more favourable trade terms.",[],{"_key":30143,"_type":127,"children":30144,"markDefs":30149,"style":135},"97b69ad831ea",[30145],{"_key":30146,"_type":131,"marks":30147,"text":30148},"dc9d53fb67ed",[],"Meanwhile, Europe’s annual inflation rate eased to 2.2% in March, slightly below the expected 2.3%. Despite four interest rate cuts since September by the European Central Bank, it appears as though rates are still restrictive bringing prices closer to the crucial 2% target. The Central Bank’s swift, data-driven decisions have set it apart from its Western counterparts, but the big question now is: what comes next? With inflation showing signs of improvement, the uncertain spectre of Trump’s tariffs looms large, potentially forcing policymakers to hit pause on any further rate cuts.",[],{"_key":30151,"_type":127,"children":30152,"markDefs":30157,"style":135},"ccb1c16825db",[30153],{"_key":30154,"_type":131,"marks":30155,"text":30156},"0a698f1dd22c",[],"China’s factory activity grew at its fastest pace in four months this March, driven by strong demand and rising export orders, though U.S. trade tensions cloud the outlook. The Caixin manufacturing PMI climbed to 51.2 from 50.8 in February, surpassing expectations and aligning with official data showing the fastest expansion in a year. New orders surged, with exports rising at their quickest pace in 11 months, partly due to U.S. importers stockpiling ahead of expected tariff hikes.",[],{"_key":30159,"_type":127,"children":30160,"markDefs":30165,"style":135},"a7ee78a60e02",[30161],{"_key":30162,"_type":131,"marks":30163,"text":30164},"3bd301fddab1",[],"Over in Japan, the unemployment rate edged down to 2.4% in February from 2.5% the previous month, according to government data. This came in slightly better than economists’ expectations of 2.5%. Meanwhile, the jobs-to-applicants ratio also declined, slipping to 1.24 from January’s 1.26.",[],{"_key":30167,"_type":127,"children":30168,"markDefs":30173,"style":135},"8d12d91d487f",[30169],{"_key":30170,"_type":131,"marks":30171,"text":30172},"fe9a92ef9b8f",[],"Still to come this week we have U.S. non-farm payrolls and unemployment rate and a speech from Fed Chair, Jerome Powell. We also have the Eurozone’s producer price index data.",[],{"_key":30175,"_type":127,"children":30176,"markDefs":30180,"style":135},"93d2458c0cf9",[30177],{"_key":30178,"_type":131,"marks":30179,"text":175},"c7211d08837c",[174],[],[30182],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":30183,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":30185,"blogPostMeta":30186,"content":30203,"tag":30310,"title":17116},"a3c76de0-3d31-4a91-bcb8-ee5a0859d371",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":30187,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":30199,"publishedAt":30200,"slug":30201,"title":17116},{"_type":58,"asset":30188},{"_createdAt":7757,"_id":7758,"_rev":7759,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":7757,"assetId":7760,"extension":196,"metadata":30189,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":7181,"path":7782,"sha1hash":7760,"size":7783,"uploadId":7784,"url":7785},{"_type":69,"blurHash":7762,"dimensions":30190,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":7764,"palette":30191},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":7155,"height":7156,"width":773},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":30192,"darkVibrant":30193,"dominant":30194,"lightMuted":30195,"lightVibrant":30196,"muted":30197,"vibrant":30198},{"_type":81,"background":7767,"foreground":83,"population":7161,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":7769,"foreground":83,"population":7770,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":7772,"foreground":83,"population":7773,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":7775,"foreground":91,"population":2637,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":7777,"foreground":91,"population":7778,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":7772,"foreground":83,"population":7773,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":7781,"foreground":91,"population":2637,"title":83},"In the current environment, it has become difficult for a lot of people to save as much as they would like. In fact, a survey of working adults by WEALTH at work found that the biggest financial concerns for the year include not having enough savings for unexpected costs.","2025-04-01T10:02:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":30202},"tips-to-help-employees-build-their-financial-resilience-2",[30204,30212,30220,30227,30238,30249,30260,30268,30276,30283,30291,30302],{"_key":30205,"_type":127,"children":30206,"markDefs":30211,"style":135},"489ced34d5db",[30207],{"_key":30208,"_type":131,"marks":30209,"text":30210},"5b1ecad66079",[],"In the current environment, it has become difficult for a lot of people to save as much as they would like. In fact, a survey of working adults by WEALTH at work found that the biggest financial concerns for the year include not having enough savings for unexpected costs (42%),not being able to save enough for the future (37%), not being able to pay basic living costs such as rent, mortgage payments, energy bills, food etc. (34%) and being in debt (29%).",[],{"_key":30213,"_type":127,"children":30214,"markDefs":30219,"style":135},"3bf1b810bc98",[30215],{"_key":30216,"_type":131,"marks":30217,"text":30218},"2aaa611f9322",[],"This can have a serious impact on financial resilience, with the weight of this financial burden spilling into the workplace. Workers admit that money worries affect their performance at work by causing increased stress levels (40%) mental exhaustion (35%),decreased motivation (26%) and physical exhaustion (25%). More than a fifth (22%) admit that it led to reduced focus and concentration, and one in ten (10%) say it led them to increased sick days.",[],{"_key":30221,"_type":127,"children":30222,"markDefs":30226,"style":135},"94eeee1f4c6e",[30223],{"_key":30224,"_type":131,"marks":30225,"text":17140},"2369dbb10654",[],[],{"_key":30228,"_type":127,"children":30229,"markDefs":30237,"style":135},"48ea23fc219d",[30230,30233],{"_key":30231,"_type":131,"marks":30232,"text":17148},"66d306489209",[174],{"_key":30234,"_type":131,"marks":30235,"text":30236},"9c2c6b948b36",[],"\nEmployees are likely to have different financial priorities depending on their life stage. For some the priority may be saving a deposit for a first home, whilst for others it might be saving for retirement, or for some it may be paying off debt. It’s important that employees put a plan in place on how to reach their goals and they may require support to do this. It therefore helps to design a programme which supports differing requirements.",[],{"_key":30239,"_type":127,"children":30240,"markDefs":30248,"style":135},"9e8e201be477",[30241,30244],{"_key":30242,"_type":131,"marks":30243,"text":17160},"e30ce731d00f",[174],{"_key":30245,"_type":131,"marks":30246,"text":30247},"82da8aa9e94c",[],"\nMany people struggle to understand basic financial issues and helping employees become more familiar with them, is an important step. For example, employees could start by reviewing their outgoings, everything from bills and subscriptions to food shopping and going out. Really looking at what is spent can often highlight areas that could be cut back on. A great example of this is insurance as it is often the case that someone would get a better quote by shopping around and using tools like comparison sites, but many neglect to do this.",[],{"_key":30250,"_type":127,"children":30251,"markDefs":30259,"style":135},"33017b0847ac",[30252,30255],{"_key":30253,"_type":131,"marks":30254,"text":17172},"4789be6d342a",[174],{"_key":30256,"_type":131,"marks":30257,"text":30258},"7d0e69f3375b",[],"\nEmployees should be encouraged to investigate the range of workplace benefits that may be available and suitable for them. Our research with REBA of almost 200 employers found that support is growing for saving products, with many workplaces set to offer pay as you earn saving schemes such as help-to-save and opt-in payroll savings, employee share plans and tax-free saving wrappers such as ISAs. Some employers will also match any additional pensions contributions that employees may not be aware of. For example, someone in their 20s can increase their pension pot by 25% by saving just 1% more if their employers were to match this. Making sure benefits are relevant and well-explained can really help take up and improve money management.",[],{"_key":30261,"_type":127,"children":30262,"markDefs":30267,"style":135},"deb8278837ec",[30263],{"_key":30264,"_type":131,"marks":30265,"text":30266},"71260c02e4c8",[174],"Help employees understand the difference between good & bad debt",[],{"_key":30269,"_type":127,"children":30270,"markDefs":30275,"style":135},"5fe5c41cfae4",[30271],{"_key":30272,"_type":131,"marks":30273,"text":30274},"d76859f7d1cd",[],"Another important principle for employees to understand is the difference between good debt and bad debt. For example, a mortgage is a form of good debt – it makes sense to have a loan in order to own your home as it is a stable, easy to manage approach to long-term borrowing. However, it should still be reviewed occasionally to ensure that it’s a good deal. At the opposite end of the spectrum, debt with high interest payments such as payday loans and credit cards can get out of control if they are not repaid quickly. Employees should realise that it should always be a priority to pay off bad debt. For example, a debt of £3,000 with a rate of 18% APR, could take 10 years and 10 months to pay off paying £52 a month, with total interest of £3,836 paid. If that monthly payment was increased to £100 a month, the debt would be paid off in 3 years and 4 months, and interest paid would be only £1,011. If this was increased to £325 a month, the debt would be paid in 10 months, with total interest of £253 paid.",[],{"_key":30277,"_type":127,"children":30278,"markDefs":30282,"style":135},"adcfe4533d8d",[30279],{"_key":30280,"_type":131,"marks":30281,"text":17196},"c1b27f9d9d58",[174],[],{"_key":30284,"_type":127,"children":30285,"markDefs":30290,"style":135},"878690d81c97",[30286],{"_key":30287,"_type":131,"marks":30288,"text":30289},"6b05a4d3149c",[],"A lack of savings can have a serious impact on financial resilience. Many people unfortunately realise too late the importance of having emergency savings. Ideally, employees should have 3-6 months of savings which can be accessed at short notice should they or another member of their household face a fall in income due to redundancy, illness, or any other expense e.g. replacing the boiler or expensive car repairs. Remember that workplace savings can help with this.",[],{"_key":30292,"_type":127,"children":30293,"markDefs":30301,"style":135},"bf31681e7674",[30294,30297],{"_key":30295,"_type":131,"marks":30296,"text":1502},"b5c31228c423",[174],{"_key":30298,"_type":131,"marks":30299,"text":30300},"9c1ab9987dba",[]," “Many employees don’t recognise the importance of financial resilience until something happens which highlights how vulnerable their finances are. Building a good financial wellbeing programme is vitally important to help employees take control of their finances and put themselves in a more secure position in the future.”",[],{"_key":30303,"_type":127,"children":30304,"markDefs":30309,"style":135},"5ace40758a6c",[30305],{"_key":30306,"_type":131,"marks":30307,"text":30308},"0bc9d76289e0",[],"He adds; “Many employers now offer their staff financial education and guidance through workshops, digital tools and helplines to help them understand the key issues relevant to them. Topics can cover a range of financial matters such as debt & money management, managing savings and retirement. In addition, many are also putting in place workplace ISAs to help employees to start saving from monthly payroll.”",[],[30311],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":30312,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":30314,"blogPostMeta":30315,"content":30337,"tag":30392,"title":30336},"68f3c180-569b-4957-8161-68ff4db490ea",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":30316,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":30332,"publishedAt":30333,"slug":30334,"title":30336},{"_type":58,"asset":30317},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":30318,"mimeType":225,"opt":30328,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":30319,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":30320},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":30321,"darkVibrant":30322,"dominant":30323,"lightMuted":30324,"lightVibrant":30325,"muted":30326,"vibrant":30327},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":30329},{"tags":30330},[30331],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As shown in the accompanying table, it was a broadly negative week for global financial markets.","2025-03-28T16:16:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":30335},"week-ending-28th-march-2025","week ending 28th March 2025",[30338,30341,30345,30352,30360,30368,30376,30384],{"_key":30339,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":30340,"width":124},"9148d02e5c1d","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1070991252?h=197a83bf1d",{"_key":30342,"_type":58,"asset":30343},"990eadfe8cf9",{"_ref":30344,"_type":107},"image-1d02113d19079169f3105cc11350878968bb3878-440x349-png",{"_key":30346,"_type":127,"children":30347,"markDefs":30351,"style":135},"06915bd2d098",[30348],{"_key":30349,"_type":131,"marks":30350,"text":30332},"1e68da0d05c3",[],[],{"_key":30353,"_type":127,"children":30354,"markDefs":30359,"style":135},"700a53d4094c",[30355],{"_key":30356,"_type":131,"marks":30357,"text":30358},"9ca6bc76262f",[],"US markets struggled this week, with major indices closing lower as investors reacted to a combination of persistent inflation data and ongoing trade policy concerns.",[],{"_key":30361,"_type":127,"children":30362,"markDefs":30367,"style":135},"436090a1cc80",[30363],{"_key":30364,"_type":131,"marks":30365,"text":30366},"e4add5a9100f",[],"The week started on a cautiously optimistic note, with markets hoping for a more measured approach from the Trump administration on tariffs. However, sentiment shifted midweek after President Trump announced new import taxes of 25% on cars and car parts entering the US, set to take effect on 2 April. Charges on businesses importing vehicles are expected to begin on 3 April, with taxes on parts due to start in May or later. Following the announcement, automaker stocks worldwide took a hit. It’s important to remember, however, that these tariffs are still subject to negotiations. The tariffs are expected to increase car prices in the US and disrupt supply chains. As we’ve seen before, Trump often lets deadlines pass, providing additional time for further discussions.",[],{"_key":30369,"_type":127,"children":30370,"markDefs":30375,"style":135},"dc415bd16b64",[30371],{"_key":30372,"_type":131,"marks":30373,"text":30374},"f3d70bec8365",[],"In Europe, stocks ended the week lower, with the STOXX Europe 600 down 1.4% following Trump’s tariff announcement. While the threat of such tariffs had largely been priced into the market, the news particularly impacted German manufacturers due to their significant reliance on US exports. Despite the market dip, there were some bright spots. The eurozone private sector expanded for the third consecutive month, and Germany’s business sentiment reached its highest level since mid-2024. On the geopolitical front, hopes for a partial ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine also brought some stability to the region.",[],{"_key":30377,"_type":127,"children":30378,"markDefs":30383,"style":135},"1e5b36ff5109",[30379],{"_key":30380,"_type":131,"marks":30381,"text":30382},"a46236dc52b3",[],"In Japan, markets followed a similar pattern. The Nikkei 225 fell 1.48%, with Japanese automakers suffering from concerns over US tariffs. However, Japan’s government is actively pursuing an exemption, with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasising that all options remain on the table to protect the country’s key auto sector.",[],{"_key":30385,"_type":127,"children":30386,"markDefs":30391,"style":135},"552827779d7b",[30387],{"_key":30388,"_type":131,"marks":30389,"text":30390},"67491e6b7c4a",[],"US inflation data also weighed on US markets towards the end of the week. The Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, the core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, rose 0.4% in February, pushing the annual rate to 2.8%, well above the Fed’s 2% target. This release comes as investors have been closely monitoring data for signs of how President Trump’s tariff policies are affecting the economy. On a more positive note, business activity picked up in March. The Composite PMI rose to 53.5, indicating growth in the services sector, although the survey noted that many firms expressed concern about customer demand and the impact of policies.",[],[30393],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":30394,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":30396,"blogPostMeta":30397,"content":30418,"tag":30516,"title":30417},"5c91b61a-2d75-4670-8549-a5ae925777a3",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":30398,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":30413,"publishedAt":30414,"slug":30415,"title":30417},{"_type":58,"alt":30399,"asset":30400},"MARKET UPDATE",{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":30401,"mimeType":225,"opt":30411,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":30402,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":30403},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":30404,"darkVibrant":30405,"dominant":30406,"lightMuted":30407,"lightVibrant":30408,"muted":30409,"vibrant":30410},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":30412},{"tags":65},"This morning, UK headline CPI reading slowed from 3.0% in January to 2.8% in February, while core CPI inflation, which excludes volatile items such as food and energy, slowed to 3.5% from 3.7%. ","2025-03-26T15:14:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":30416},"market-update-26th-march-2025","Market Update – 26th March 2025",[30419,30422,30430,30437,30445,30453,30461,30469,30477,30485,30493,30501,30509],{"_key":30420,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":30421,"width":124},"2e35a2d1e9a0","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1069652273?h=fa98a659bd",{"_key":30423,"_type":127,"children":30424,"markDefs":30429,"style":135},"4450da6cca1b",[30425],{"_key":30426,"_type":131,"marks":30427,"text":30428},"f867245ce123",[],"This morning, UK headline CPI reading slowed from 3.0% in January to 2.8% in February, while core CPI inflation, which excludes volatile items such as food and energy, slowed to 3.5% from 3.7%. However, despite this cooling, we expect inflation to speed up again in the coming months due to rising energy prices and the soon-to-be increase to employer national insurance contributions and minimum wage as this is likely be passed on to consumers.",[],{"_key":30431,"_type":127,"children":30432,"markDefs":30436,"style":135},"91543b001510",[30433],{"_key":30434,"_type":131,"marks":30435,"text":1006},"d857f50b6a62",[],[],{"_key":30438,"_type":127,"children":30439,"markDefs":30444,"style":135},"bb0b9e15ce97",[30440],{"_key":30441,"_type":131,"marks":30442,"text":30443},"2ebcdc6b5a96",[],"Unfortunately, these CPI figures were overshadowed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves’ Spring Forecast just after midday.",[],{"_key":30446,"_type":127,"children":30447,"markDefs":30452,"style":135},"0fc3a9db7a45",[30448],{"_key":30449,"_type":131,"marks":30450,"text":30451},"cf7d8932e041",[],"Although Rachel Reeves kept her statement short, it wasn’t so sweet. As we weren’t expecting any increases in taxes, our focus was on her statement around economic growth estimates and increased government borrowing, as she attempts to restore her fiscal headroom.",[],{"_key":30454,"_type":127,"children":30455,"markDefs":30460,"style":135},"fe8d06376673",[30456],{"_key":30457,"_type":131,"marks":30458,"text":30459},"bda5ce0271ee",[],"As expected (and as we alluded to in our Autumn Statement commentary) there was a gloomy picture for the UK economy in the near-term as the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) had to make a hefty downgrade to our country’s growth for this year from 2% to just 1%.",[],{"_key":30462,"_type":127,"children":30463,"markDefs":30468,"style":135},"7c3e55857102",[30464],{"_key":30465,"_type":131,"marks":30466,"text":30467},"e930acee8df2",[],"Although some of this downgrade can be attributed to the current global uncertainty caused by Donald Trump’s tariffs talk, the OBR’s previous forecast was far too optimistic given the tax increases that were announced and come into effect from 5 April 2025. Surprisingly, the OBR upgraded their GDP growth forecasts for the years 2026 to 2029, to 1.9% in 2026; 1.8% in 2027; 1.7% in 2028; and 1.8% in 2029.",[],{"_key":30470,"_type":127,"children":30471,"markDefs":30476,"style":135},"9d5a0ca3e3de",[30472],{"_key":30473,"_type":131,"marks":30474,"text":30475},"1c45f5958f90",[],"Reeves reaffirmed a commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, funded through cuts to international aid and restructuring within NHS England—potentially boosting the profitability of defence contractors and related industries. She also suggested that we could see higher disposable income by the end of the decade, which might help revive consumer spending and improve sentiment amid the UK’s prolonged high-interest-rate environment.Gilt markets took the statement positively, helped by the announcement that the Debt Management Office plans £299 billion of gilt sales in 2025\u002F26, which is below the £302 billion estimated by the economists. As such, the cost of government borrowing (gilt yields – which also impacts the cost of mortgages), eased 0.03% to 4.72%.",[],{"_key":30478,"_type":127,"children":30479,"markDefs":30484,"style":135},"3cf617c58461",[30480],{"_key":30481,"_type":131,"marks":30482,"text":30483},"cafbc8be43ff",[],"March’s eurozone PMI data was characterised by modest growth, with the composite reading edging up to 50.4 from February’s 50.2 (in relation to PMI, anything above 50 indicates an expansion and anything below a contraction). However, the underlying data painted a mixed picture of the region’s economic health. In a surprising turn, manufacturing—driven largely by Germany—expanded for the first time in two years, posting its strongest growth since May 2022. A surge in pre-tariff shipments to the U.S. played a role, but there were also promising signs of rising domestic demand, albeit limited to the goods sector. On the other hand, the services industry remained under pressure, struggling to gain traction and slipping from 50.6 in February to 50.4 in March.",[],{"_key":30486,"_type":127,"children":30487,"markDefs":30492,"style":135},"4c6e61af22f9",[30488],{"_key":30489,"_type":131,"marks":30490,"text":30491},"0aad37aa31c8",[],"Economists suggest that the business climate could improve in the coming months, fuelled by renewed optimism over major spending plans in infrastructure and defence, particularly in Germany. These investments are raising cautious hopes for a broader economic rebound across Europe.",[],{"_key":30494,"_type":127,"children":30495,"markDefs":30500,"style":135},"272274bccd40",[30496],{"_key":30497,"_type":131,"marks":30498,"text":30499},"97434b1b0907",[],"Over in the U.S., business activity picked up in March, with the latest S&P Global survey revealed that input costs for businesses surged to their highest level in nearly two years, driven by rising expenses in both manufacturing and services. The same pick up could not be said for consumer sentiment, however. On Tuesday, The Conference Board reported that its consumer confidence index fell 7.2 points in March to 92.9 as concerns over import tariffs and government spending cuts somewhat subdued investor morale.",[],{"_key":30502,"_type":127,"children":30503,"markDefs":30508,"style":135},"4f05cd335aad",[30504],{"_key":30505,"_type":131,"marks":30506,"text":30507},"9e86815b80cf",[],"Still to come this week we have Tokyo inflation, UK retail sales, Eurozone consumer confidence and U.S. PCE data. Additionally, for more information on the Spring Forecast, please read commentary from our Investment Planning Director, Paul Morton.",[],{"_key":30510,"_type":127,"children":30511,"markDefs":30515,"style":135},"12794969591e",[30512],{"_key":30513,"_type":131,"marks":30514,"text":175},"eb80bc9183a4",[174],[],[30517],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":30518,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":30520,"blogPostMeta":30521,"content":30558,"tag":30668,"title":30557},"f64261bb-b029-469a-bcb8-c118af7971b6",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":30522,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":30553,"publishedAt":30554,"slug":30555,"title":30557},{"_type":58,"alt":30523,"asset":30524},"Blog image",{"_createdAt":19239,"_id":30525,"_rev":30526,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":19239,"assetId":30527,"extension":67,"metadata":30528,"mimeType":101,"originalFilename":30548,"path":30549,"sha1hash":30527,"size":30550,"uploadId":30551,"url":30552},"image-57930808adbfcbffcb0738d0d272271167e2aa82-1024x683-png","jQMT0iYElsSGPXTKOssxMS","57930808adbfcbffcb0738d0d272271167e2aa82",{"_type":69,"blurHash":30529,"dimensions":30530,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":30532,"palette":30533},"VBIrHPtRE5?baJ#59G_3e-R5-@0JRNRQtmD~xvDkx]bu",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":2255,"height":30531,"width":5728},683,"data:image\u002Fpng;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAANCAIAAAAmMtkJAAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAADAUlEQVR4nCXLWU\u002FbBgAAYP+NiY2nquLYWvXYy6SWSgNW6LlNk6oxUKlWNKGOcrVlWQI5HNs5HBI7TozjuI6N7fqIjzh2nBQnkATSUjT1ZYdU7b9M26Tv9QOwLJxAwlB8O50CcSxVIFACS2ZREMtAFTpvanzTqfqt2lHbPT5qnfQOBj3\u002F5F\u002Ftk34HYEp4Bo3HogEQDCWQCIpCOJbMY8kUEoYiATwDCyxpVYWmq7dbdufAOfTdQ7\u002FxP0CRGLKYQZAwCIZiYBAEgxC0HQlvLS3OzX1zZ3XpYTiwkYR3SmROkVjLkGxLcWyt4egN1wBsQ2KZQuK\u002FDCORRCIaj4dWV5buT03Mz9z4dWn+l5XHz9eXwztbZHFXlpiqxpuGZFmyacpA99Bz6lqZJqhSntsv8\u002FtlisKg0Ob69\u002FeQxw\u002F4yHohspmGg8lklC5hpiE4turUVbum6roEnBz7vW7L86xmy+32Ot2eX7eUCgZl1h7lnsyLOys8GhA4nBcoTePrtiKKTJkukCSG51HAbVieZ7ue7b1uHvW7\u002FUG34Wh8IY5uLyPrC9jzxWL2mVArKnWOE0pQPDz3w4PZ2ZvT05NT05NARRT2ZVnUNNm0DMeVdbVEZyk8SJJBHHuGp1YINsQ0cnydjCVCt2\u002FPjoyOfjI8\u002FNHQ0NDHwwDFCWXxFatURaO2rxoxBH66vJgDn4pKilJhUozSVqrsZsu1\u002FFZ04\u002FrEtdGxT0fGPxu7cHn84lWArAi0ILOKLpp1XjVfBLcXvru7u\u002FNEM4mKV6x4e0pH1I903a+mMfirmalz50fHL16ZmLw1fetrIEcxBMPt8RKrGLxWQ3ax1bWf8FzYalbrfb8x6B+c\u002FuYP3rdah3yJ\u002FPHRw0tXv7j0+bUvb96fufMtAO\u002FiCayQKZTyDEcLGsVJOZJgZcHpDNpv\u002F+ycfmj1\u002F9LddwJncXsvURRfexH7eTOyEYA2AnEATGdBFIOzRJqgcJp\u002F+cpQa023PegMfu+dfeid\u002Ff26\u002F4dqH9OsTjEKpzREo6PYPb35xmie\u002FgNwj8E69o3chQAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":30534,"darkVibrant":30536,"dominant":30538,"lightMuted":30541,"lightVibrant":30542,"muted":30544,"vibrant":30546},{"_type":81,"background":30535,"foreground":83,"population":6801,"title":83},"#624537",{"_type":81,"background":30537,"foreground":83,"population":5746,"title":83},"#0e0404",{"_type":81,"background":30539,"foreground":91,"population":30540,"title":83},"#bccfb4",2.64,{"_type":81,"background":30539,"foreground":91,"population":30540,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":30543,"foreground":91,"population":1159,"title":83},"#d4b2a5",{"_type":81,"background":30545,"foreground":83,"population":12440,"title":83},"#8f976f",{"_type":81,"background":30547,"foreground":91,"population":92,"title":83},"#c59785","shutterstock_2454482127-green-min-1024x683.png","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F57930808adbfcbffcb0738d0d272271167e2aa82-1024x683.png",631665,"4Ue8Yx2mlM60FeEUkEb5gvQgypR7sq5Y","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F57930808adbfcbffcb0738d0d272271167e2aa82-1024x683.png","This Debt Awareness Week (24th – 30th March), WEALTH at work – a leading financial wellbeing, retirement and workplace savings specialist, are encouraging employers to support employees to tackle money issues and build a saving safety net.","2025-03-24T16:07:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":30556},"this-debt-awareness-week-new-research-reveals-top-money-worries","This Debt Awareness Week new research reveals top money worries",[30559,30566,30573,30581,30589,30597,30605,30613,30625,30633,30641,30649,30657],{"_key":30560,"_type":127,"children":30561,"markDefs":30565,"style":135},"3af63d1025ae",[30562],{"_key":30563,"_type":131,"marks":30564,"text":30553},"d8318182b2ea",[],[],{"_key":30567,"_type":127,"children":30568,"markDefs":30572,"style":135},"3ad5d1eb45a5",[30569],{"_key":30570,"_type":131,"marks":30571,"text":1006},"aceb38daed57",[],[],{"_key":30574,"_type":127,"children":30575,"markDefs":30580,"style":135},"0490ea16ad27",[30576],{"_key":30577,"_type":131,"marks":30578,"text":30579},"c4da1029b22b",[],"Almost a quarter of UK workers (23%) have had to borrow money from family and friends in the last year because of money worries, and almost a fifth have taken on debt (18%) – according to new research of over 2,000 workers by WEALTH at work. Over a quarter (28%) have worked more overtime, and more than one in ten workers (13%) have taken on an additional job.",[],{"_key":30582,"_type":127,"children":30583,"markDefs":30588,"style":135},"9040e44deb9f",[30584],{"_key":30585,"_type":131,"marks":30586,"text":30587},"3daaa55ac5b9",[],"Workers thought that their biggest financial concerns for the year included not having enough savings for unexpected costs (42%), not being able to save enough for the future (37%), not being able to pay basic living costs such as rent, mortgage payments, energy bills, food etc. (34%) and being in debt (29%).",[],{"_key":30590,"_type":127,"children":30591,"markDefs":30596,"style":135},"4319c8756546",[30592],{"_key":30593,"_type":131,"marks":30594,"text":30595},"afc4efa75835",[],"The weight of this financial burden and debt anxiety has spilt into the workplace. Workers admit that money worries affect their performance at work by causing increased stress levels (40%), mental exhaustion (35%), decreased motivation (26%) and physical exhaustion (25%). More than a fifth (22%) admitted that it led to reduced focus and concentration, and one in ten (10%) say it has led to increased sick days.",[],{"_key":30598,"_type":127,"children":30599,"markDefs":30604,"style":135},"eebe8aa64151",[30600],{"_key":30601,"_type":131,"marks":30602,"text":30603},"3a56649d2df9",[],"Whilst 61% of workers say they feel supported and 40% say they are comfortable discussing money worries or debt-related issues with their employer, only 13% would actually do so. Those age 55+ are the age group least likely to seek help from their employer, with only 5% saying they would.",[],{"_key":30606,"_type":127,"children":30607,"markDefs":30612,"style":135},"bbdcb6d95180",[30608],{"_key":30609,"_type":131,"marks":30610,"text":30611},"658fada41777",[],"Despite these findings, there is a positive future outlook with 43% of workers believing their financial situation will improve. Also encouragingly, the research found that if they had spare cash, more workers would save it for a rainy day i.e. such as in an ISA (42%), pay off debt (35%), spend on essential bills (34%) or save it for retirement (26%), rather than spending it on something they want (25%).",[],{"_key":30614,"_type":127,"children":30615,"markDefs":30624,"style":135},"262f5c1911c4",[30616,30620],{"_key":30617,"_type":131,"marks":30618,"text":30619},"ddc0d06d1e7f",[174],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, WEALTH at work, comments,",{"_key":30621,"_type":131,"marks":30622,"text":30623},"5e5d99f60b51",[]," “It seems financial worries have become the new normal. With almost 14.6 million UK adults not coping financially or finding it difficult to cope, many are looking for ways to help ease the strain on their finances.”",[],{"_key":30626,"_type":127,"children":30627,"markDefs":30632,"style":135},"4a74e6d9d505",[30628],{"_key":30629,"_type":131,"marks":30630,"text":30631},"ceac43120614",[],"He explains; “Whilst being employed has traditionally been associated with financial stability, research from StepChange showed that 44% of those seeking debt advice were full-time employed, cementing that money worries are firmly also a workplace problem. Afterall, when struggling with money, people are less productive when they are in work, can be tipped into financial vulnerability and at a greater risk of predatory behaviour from scammers.”",[],{"_key":30634,"_type":127,"children":30635,"markDefs":30640,"style":135},"b199040fd3e4",[30636],{"_key":30637,"_type":131,"marks":30638,"text":30639},"f5f211a158ed",[],"Watts-Lay adds; “It’s interesting that the research found workers would rather save spare cash for a rainy day than spend it on something they want. After all, having a savings safety net to fall back on is a crucial part to overcome money worries. In fact, research finds that overall those with savings are generally less anxious about money and have greater life satisfaction. This is because savings can help improve financial resilience by removing the need to borrow, as well as preventing hardship by having access to funds to draw on when needed.”",[],{"_key":30642,"_type":127,"children":30643,"markDefs":30648,"style":135},"04ffc7f95cba",[30644],{"_key":30645,"_type":131,"marks":30646,"text":30647},"ced4931a09a7",[],"He continues; “These findings should prompt employers to consider how employees are being supported to tackle money issues head on and build financial resilience. Many employers overcome this financial wellbeing risk by providing financial education and guidance, as well as providing access to workplace savings such as ISAs. This support can make a huge difference by giving workers the opportunity to understand their finances, including ways to save money, learn about budgeting, manage debt, and how to boost savings and prepare for retirement.”",[],{"_key":30650,"_type":127,"children":30651,"markDefs":30656,"style":135},"4ae8359b673f",[30652],{"_key":30653,"_type":131,"marks":30654,"text":30655},"f877753eed68",[],"He continues, “So don’t bury your head in the sand, there is support available and it’s always worth speaking to your employer to see how they can help. This all makes for a brighter future for all.”\n\nResearch for WEALTH at work was carried out online by Opinion Matters throughout 25\u002F02\u002F2025 – 04\u002F03\u002F2025 amongst a panel resulting in 2,001 UK workers. 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Debt Awareness Week new research reveals the workplace impact of money worries",[30710,30717,30724,30731,30738,30745,30752,30762,30780,30787,30794,30802,30810],{"_key":30711,"_type":127,"children":30712,"markDefs":30716,"style":135},"8534197647fa",[30713],{"_key":30714,"_type":131,"marks":30715,"text":30553},"215e6ec8830d",[],[],{"_key":30718,"_type":127,"children":30719,"markDefs":30723,"style":135},"94634076ca33",[30720],{"_key":30721,"_type":131,"marks":30722,"text":30579},"1a09a031e429",[],[],{"_key":30725,"_type":127,"children":30726,"markDefs":30730,"style":135},"f83e7aa337be",[30727],{"_key":30728,"_type":131,"marks":30729,"text":30587},"5de00917a8e1",[],[],{"_key":30732,"_type":127,"children":30733,"markDefs":30737,"style":135},"f3ba29525e64",[30734],{"_key":30735,"_type":131,"marks":30736,"text":30595},"17ba38154361",[],[],{"_key":30739,"_type":127,"children":30740,"markDefs":30744,"style":135},"39e2661ff7b2",[30741],{"_key":30742,"_type":131,"marks":30743,"text":30603},"1c546bf7ac65",[],[],{"_key":30746,"_type":127,"children":30747,"markDefs":30751,"style":135},"bb2e005f9f94",[30748],{"_key":30749,"_type":131,"marks":30750,"text":30611},"e38557d3ee30",[],[],{"_key":30753,"_type":127,"children":30754,"markDefs":30761,"style":135},"1c5b9ff942e9",[30755,30758],{"_key":30756,"_type":131,"marks":30757,"text":30619},"6a50cbdff673",[174],{"_key":30759,"_type":131,"marks":30760,"text":30623},"3e4b41e44754",[],[],{"_key":30763,"_type":127,"children":30764,"markDefs":30777,"style":135},"8cfba7f3dda1",[30765,30769,30773],{"_key":30766,"_type":131,"marks":30767,"text":30768},"93f7fbf23187",[],"He explains; “Whilst being employed has traditionally been associated with financial stability, research from StepChange",{"_key":30770,"_type":131,"marks":30771,"text":7473},"c1d45bd93952",[30772],"0d7c76fd4451",{"_key":30774,"_type":131,"marks":30775,"text":30776},"7222d338f18b",[]," showed that 44% of those seeking debt advice were full-time employed, cementing that money worries are firmly also a workplace problem. Afterall, when struggling with money, people are less productive when they are in work, can be tipped into financial vulnerability and at a greater risk of predatory behaviour from scammers.”",[30778],{"_key":30772,"_type":1264,"href":30779},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2025\u002F03\u002F24\u002Fthis-debt-awareness-week-new-research-reveals-the-workplace-impact-of-money-worries\u002F#_ftn1",{"_key":30781,"_type":127,"children":30782,"markDefs":30786,"style":135},"5164440149f9",[30783],{"_key":30784,"_type":131,"marks":30785,"text":30639},"298f5cd5ae3e",[],[],{"_key":30788,"_type":127,"children":30789,"markDefs":30793,"style":135},"904cd19dba3c",[30790],{"_key":30791,"_type":131,"marks":30792,"text":30647},"d781cedea999",[],[],{"_key":30795,"_type":127,"children":30796,"markDefs":30801,"style":135},"958409146b0c",[30797],{"_key":30798,"_type":131,"marks":30799,"text":30800},"82a76e818ed2",[],"“He continues; “With so few people saying that they would actually seek help from their employer, the onus is on employers to remove the stigma around money worries and offer easily accessible support to all staff. Through financial coaching many people discover important financial lessons that make a considerable difference to their finances and overall wellbeing which in turn can lead to increased productivity and less absenteeism in the workplace. This all makes for a brighter future for all.”",[],{"_key":30803,"_type":127,"children":30804,"markDefs":30809,"style":135},"b9f495bbdf07",[30805],{"_key":30806,"_type":131,"marks":30807,"text":30808},"f797d85b901f",[],"Research for WEALTH at work was carried out online by Opinion Matters throughout 25\u002F02\u002F2025 – 04\u002F03\u002F2025 amongst a panel resulting in 2,001 UK workers. ",[],{"_key":30811,"_type":127,"children":30812,"markDefs":30817,"style":135},"8d913ea27b4a",[30813],{"_key":30814,"_type":131,"marks":30815,"text":30664},"54c8b0e8e4a6",[30816],"3bec4082a78a",[30818],{"_key":30816,"_type":1264,"href":30667},[30820],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":30821,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":30823,"blogPostMeta":30824,"content":30846,"tag":30895,"title":30845},"ae1de48d-78b8-499e-a6bc-9d8c72264534",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":30825,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":30841,"publishedAt":30842,"slug":30843,"title":30845},{"_type":58,"alt":30523,"asset":30826},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":30827,"mimeType":225,"opt":30837,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":30828,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":30829},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":30830,"darkVibrant":30831,"dominant":30832,"lightMuted":30833,"lightVibrant":30834,"muted":30835,"vibrant":30836},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":30838},{"tags":30839},[30840],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As you can see, markets broadly closed the week higher, with interest rate decisions taking centre stage. Investors got a boost Wednesday as the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at 4.25%-4.5% and signalled confidence in short-term stability. In response, US stocks rallied, closing higher as the Fed met expectations.","2025-03-21T16:07:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":30844},"week-ending-21st-march-2025","Week ending 21st March 2025",[30847,30850,30857,30864,30872,30880,30888],{"_key":30848,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":30849,"width":124},"d1dc3ae4f301","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1065048972?h=f0247580d7",{"_key":30851,"_type":127,"children":30852,"markDefs":30856,"style":135},"13fa4782c218",[30853],{"_key":30854,"_type":131,"marks":30855,"text":30841},"c1990c1e5f44",[],[],{"_key":30858,"_type":127,"children":30859,"markDefs":30863,"style":135},"df164e49c148",[30860],{"_key":30861,"_type":131,"marks":30862,"text":1006},"02c132218dbb",[],[],{"_key":30865,"_type":127,"children":30866,"markDefs":30871,"style":135},"21b7d7f267fa",[30867],{"_key":30868,"_type":131,"marks":30869,"text":30870},"ddd3e5a4f1d6",[],"In a statement after the decision, Fed Chair Jerome Powell acknowledged slowing consumer spending and cautioned that tariffs could drive prices higher. The Fed downgraded its growth forecast to 1.7% for this year, down from 2.1%, while raising its core inflation estimate to 2.8%. Emphasising policymakers’ commitment to a data dependent approach, Powell also said the Fed would be ready to keep rates high if inflation persists but signalled flexibility if the labour market weakens or inflation cools faster than expected.",[],{"_key":30873,"_type":127,"children":30874,"markDefs":30879,"style":135},"fbfcad1f6469",[30875],{"_key":30876,"_type":131,"marks":30877,"text":30878},"0a5d76fd7154",[],"In the UK, the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.4% in January, while wage growth showed signs of easing but remained relatively strong (outpacing inflation), according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Regular pay, excluding bonuses, rose by 5.9% in the three months to January, while total pay, which includes bonuses, increased by 5.8%, slightly down from 6.1% in the previous period.Following this, and despite the UK economy showing signs of weakness when it contracted by 0.1% in January, the Bank of England held interest rates at 4.5% during its policy meeting on Thursday, citing ongoing global uncertainties, including risks posed by US trade tariffs and geopolitical tensions. Governor Andrew Bailey reaffirmed that rates remain on a “gradually declining path,” though policymakers caution that inflation is expected to temporarily rise to 3.7% this year, driven primarily by higher energy costs and supply-side constraints.The Japanese yen lost ground against major currencies in Friday’s European session after fresh inflation data painted a mixed picture of the country’s economic landscape. Headline inflation in Japan eased to 3.7% in February from 4.0% the previous month, largely due to government energy subsidies. Similarly, core inflation, which excludes fresh food, slipped to 3.0% from 3.2%. However, stripping out both fresh food and energy, inflation inched up to 2.6% from 2.5%, reflecting persistent price pressures in services and wages. Despite signs of cooling inflation, mounting wage growth and steady services inflation are keeping the Bank of Japan under pressure to consider further rate hikes.",[],{"_key":30881,"_type":127,"children":30882,"markDefs":30887,"style":135},"a7de3de1706d",[30883],{"_key":30884,"_type":131,"marks":30885,"text":30886},"6f2f2d76a6fc",[],"Still to come this week we have Eurozone manufacturing and services PMI, UK retail prices, UK CPI and US PCE data.",[],{"_key":30889,"_type":127,"children":30890,"markDefs":30894,"style":135},"3328f157d0a6",[30891],{"_key":30892,"_type":131,"marks":30893,"text":175},"dbce21081bcd",[174],[],[30896],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":30897,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":30899,"blogPostMeta":30900,"content":30920,"tag":30985,"title":30919},"c242f007-fb3f-45fa-a16f-ff0e94708960",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":30901,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":30915,"publishedAt":30916,"slug":30917,"title":30919},{"_type":58,"alt":30523,"asset":30902},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":30903,"mimeType":225,"opt":30913,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":30904,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":30905},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":30906,"darkVibrant":30907,"dominant":30908,"lightMuted":30909,"lightVibrant":30910,"muted":30911,"vibrant":30912},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":30914},{"tags":65},"China’s economy showed promising signs in early 2025, with retail sales rising 4%, driven by the government’s strong efforts to boost domestic consumption and mitigate trade tensions with the US. Industrial production also grew by 5.9%, and fixed asset investment exceeded expectations with a 4.1% increase, adding a positive momentum to the outlook. ","2025-03-19T16:07:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":30918},"market-update-19th-march-2025","Market Update – 19th March 2025",[30921,30928,30931,30939,30946,30954,30962,30970,30978],{"_key":30922,"_type":127,"children":30923,"markDefs":30927,"style":135},"5cd523b52185",[30924],{"_key":30925,"_type":131,"marks":30926,"text":1006},"662531527b6f",[],[],{"_key":30929,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":30930,"width":124},"6449c4ad68bb","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1067301933?h=235b96f564",{"_key":30932,"_type":127,"children":30933,"markDefs":30938,"style":135},"500adf03c029",[30934],{"_key":30935,"_type":131,"marks":30936,"text":30937},"794dd67fd4b1",[],"China’s economy showed promising signs in early 2025, with retail sales rising 4%, driven by the government’s strong efforts to boost domestic consumption and mitigate trade tensions with the US. Industrial production also grew by 5.9%, and fixed asset investment exceeded expectations with a 4.1% increase, adding a positive momentum to the outlook. While challenges like rising unemployment (5.4%) and a slowing property sector remain, it appears that Beijing’s focus on stimulating demand and pushing for a 5% growth target remains steadfast. The news comes ahead of the dozens of foreign CEOs attending the China Development Forum in Beijing this month, signalling China’s push to attract foreign investment amid trade tensions and highlighting further efforts to stimulate domestic consumption.",[],{"_key":30940,"_type":127,"children":30941,"markDefs":30945,"style":135},"c53236c662e0",[30942],{"_key":30943,"_type":131,"marks":30944,"text":1006},"30445694d8a2",[],[],{"_key":30947,"_type":127,"children":30948,"markDefs":30953,"style":135},"8d8299967a5f",[30949],{"_key":30950,"_type":131,"marks":30951,"text":30952},"f4fb773da47b",[],"Over in the US, retail sales rose by 0.2% in February, signalling modest resilience in consumer spending. Online shopping and health goods boosted the numbers, while restaurants and petrol stations experienced declines. The modest uptick is positive for the economy although it reflects consumers taking caution amid inflation and trade uncertainties (including tariffs and federal workforce reductions). The key question now is whether this data adds to a picture of the economy that pushes the Federal Reserve to execute another interest rate cut when they meet on Wednesday. The market is currently pricing in no change in rates following recent comments from Fed chair Powell that the economy is holding up well.",[],{"_key":30955,"_type":127,"children":30956,"markDefs":30961,"style":135},"60f2a75c0509",[30957],{"_key":30958,"_type":131,"marks":30959,"text":30960},"40920e2053bd",[],"Yesterday, European stocks climbed after German legislators approved a significant increase in funding for defence and infrastructure. On Tuesday, Germany’s government amended its constitution, easing strict borrowing restrictions to enable a substantial rise in military expenditures. In response to the decision, Chancellor Scholz stated that enhancing Europe’s role within NATO would, in turn, reinforce a broader trans-Atlantic alliance.On Tuesday, Russia agreed to a limited ceasefire on energy and infrastructure as part of a US-led initiative to end its invasion of Ukraine. Moscow and Kyiv would stop targeting each other’s power plants and electrical grids, paving the way for negotiations on a potential halt to fighting in the Black Sea—followed by discussions on a full ceasefire and a peace agreement in the three-year-old war. In response, oil futures fell as the possibility that the US will ease sanctions on the flow of crude from Moscow was lifted. However, both countries soon launched airstrikes on each other’s infrastructure, with Zelensky reporting that some Ukrainian hospitals were hit.",[],{"_key":30963,"_type":127,"children":30964,"markDefs":30969,"style":135},"040f9ba53df6",[30965],{"_key":30966,"_type":131,"marks":30967,"text":30968},"6701bb0d9f7f",[],"Nvidia announced its new generation of artificial intelligence chips, designed to power future advancements in robotics and self-driving cars at their annual conference. Nvidia’s sales are up more than sixfold since its business was transformed by the release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in late 2022. Interestingly, however, its shares fell more than 3% following the announcement. While modest, the fall highlights investor caution amid economic uncertainties of the likes linked to Trump’s tariffs.",[],{"_key":30971,"_type":127,"children":30972,"markDefs":30977,"style":135},"400ca8ea769e",[30973],{"_key":30974,"_type":131,"marks":30975,"text":30976},"83aec02e5678",[],"Still to come this week we have China’s prime loan rate decisions, UK unemployment data, the Bank of England’s interest rate decision and Japan’s inflation rate.",[],{"_key":30979,"_type":127,"children":30980,"markDefs":30984,"style":135},"156a4ea2460f",[30981],{"_key":30982,"_type":131,"marks":30983,"text":175},"6a8b1a381963",[174],[],[30986],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":30987,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":30989,"blogPostMeta":30990,"content":31012,"tag":31079,"title":31011},"e818f486-c16d-479d-baab-c917731dc290",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":30991,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":31007,"publishedAt":31008,"slug":31009,"title":31011},{"_type":58,"alt":30523,"asset":30992},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":30993,"mimeType":225,"opt":31003,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":30994,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":30995},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":30996,"darkVibrant":30997,"dominant":30998,"lightMuted":30999,"lightVibrant":31000,"muted":31001,"vibrant":31002},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":31004},{"tags":31005},[31006],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"It’s been another week full of trade rhetoric. Mid-week, the US imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports. The duties were announced in mid-February as stock market investors cheered President Trump’s ‘America first’ agenda which saw only Mexico, Canada, and China come under initial pressure.","2025-03-17T16:07:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":31010},"week-ending-14th-march-2025","Week ending 14th March 2025",[31013,31016,31024,31032,31040,31048,31056,31064,31072],{"_key":31014,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":31015,"width":124},"4f56cdd1afa0","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1066542611?h=919819c354",{"_key":31017,"_type":127,"children":31018,"markDefs":31023,"style":135},"2a8027fd5f70",[31019],{"_key":31020,"_type":131,"marks":31021,"text":31022},"1f0b9a35225a",[],"It’s been another week full of trade rhetoric. Mid-week, the US imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports. The duties were announced in mid-February as stock market investors cheered President Trump’s ‘America first’ agenda which saw only Mexico, Canada, and China come under initial pressure. Canada is the biggest exporter of both steel and aluminium to America. However, the White House on Tuesday rowed back on a threat to double the country’s tariff to 50%. The EU took less than 10 minutes to respond with countermeasures, which will take effect on 1st April.",[],{"_key":31025,"_type":127,"children":31026,"markDefs":31031,"style":135},"dff9dd50394c",[31027],{"_key":31028,"_type":131,"marks":31029,"text":31030},"f731a0f9bb7d",[],"UK business secretary Jonathan Reynolds said on Wednesday morning that while he was disappointed, there would be no immediate retaliation by the UK government as negotiations continue over a wider trade deal with the US.",[],{"_key":31033,"_type":127,"children":31034,"markDefs":31039,"style":135},"f7c0e3a49784",[31035],{"_key":31036,"_type":131,"marks":31037,"text":31038},"b31a6996a75c",[],"US inflation data came as a welcome distraction for investors. Annual inflation eased to 2.8% in February, down from 3% in January, beating the forecast of 2.9%. The core rate, excluding goods and energy, rose 3.1%, down from 3.3%. Egg prices surged 10.4% due to the avian flu outbreak, while energy prices rose more modestly by 0.2%, compared to 1.1% in January.Though inflation remains persistent, this small dip suggests it may be resuming its downward trend, potentially giving the Federal Reserve room to consider easing rates. However, the Fed is expected to keep rates steady at its March 18-19 meeting. Chair Jerome Powell emphasized that the economy remains stable and the Fed can afford to wait before taking action.",[],{"_key":31041,"_type":127,"children":31042,"markDefs":31047,"style":135},"c9da40a7185a",[31043],{"_key":31044,"_type":131,"marks":31045,"text":31046},"93be73d7739a",[],"This stability should reassure investors that the Federal Reserve continues to prioritize a balanced approach to monetary policy, ensuring financial markets remain steady. Data later in the week also reinforced that inflation is steady and may be cooling further. US producer price inflation also slowed, with the Producer Price Index (PPI) for final demand in the US rising 3.2% year-over-year in February. This marked a slowdown from January’s 3.7% increase and fell just short of the anticipated 3.3%.",[],{"_key":31049,"_type":127,"children":31050,"markDefs":31055,"style":135},"b5ede69b4263",[31051],{"_key":31052,"_type":131,"marks":31053,"text":31054},"11a9c67123ca",[],"The UK economy unexpectedly contracted by 0.1% in January, falling short of expectations for 0.1% growth. This marks a setback for the government ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ “Spring Statement” on March 26, where she is set to outline economic plans and forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility. The decline was primarily driven by a sharp drop in industrial output compared to December. Despite this, Reeves has emphasized the need to act “further and faster” to stimulate the economy. With growth remaining a top priority, this data highlights the ongoing challenges in achieving that goal. However, investors should remain optimistic, as policymakers are actively implementing measures to support economic recovery, ensuring a resilient outlook for the UK market.On Thursday, Bank of Japan Governor Ueda struck an optimistic tone when discussing consumer spending. He reinforced the Bank’s commitment to scaling back its sizable balance sheet – a notable effort to further reduce monetary stimulus. Despite rising living costs weighing on domestic consumption for some time now, Ueda also suggested confidence that expanding wages—coupled with their prediction of easing inflation—will help drive economic momentum. The Bank is expected to meet next week, with market participants pricing in a pause in rate hikes but a potential increase in May, contingent upon inflation trends and uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policies.",[],{"_key":31057,"_type":127,"children":31058,"markDefs":31063,"style":135},"ef0a56695349",[31059],{"_key":31060,"_type":131,"marks":31061,"text":31062},"4a33a379d531",[],"Mark Carney was sworn in as Canada’s prime minister on Friday, ending Justin Trudeau’s nine-year tenure. He takes office amid a trade war with the U.S. and is expected to adopt a firm stance against President Trump, as shown in his response to recent U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium.",[],{"_key":31065,"_type":127,"children":31066,"markDefs":31071,"style":135},"2f24ad5be431",[31067],{"_key":31068,"_type":131,"marks":31069,"text":31070},"51b7278d7a50",[],"To come next week, we have Chinese retail sales and unemployment data, US retail sales, and the Bank of Japan’s interest rate decision.",[],{"_key":31073,"_type":127,"children":31074,"markDefs":31078,"style":135},"18e35ccadd2b",[31075],{"_key":31076,"_type":131,"marks":31077,"text":175},"b0e8acedf91f",[174],[],[31080],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":31081,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":31083,"blogPostMeta":31084,"content":31124,"tag":31209,"title":31123},"3651d06c-9256-4923-afec-779b48a5e46c",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":31085,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":31119,"publishedAt":31120,"slug":31121,"title":31123},{"_type":58,"asset":31086},{"_createdAt":31087,"_id":31088,"_rev":31089,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":31087,"assetId":31090,"extension":196,"metadata":31091,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":31114,"path":31115,"sha1hash":31090,"size":31116,"uploadId":31117,"url":31118},"2025-07-18T13:27:32Z","image-9c9ba22155bbe074ebc21a4513ed79a501fc81e8-1000x569-jpg","L1sWYwVuS7u8WeTHlyP20b","9c9ba22155bbe074ebc21a4513ed79a501fc81e8",{"_type":69,"blurHash":31092,"dimensions":31093,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":31096,"palette":31097},"M6C?f?00},%~9]D$?cD*%KD*00?YozIVxa",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":31094,"height":31095,"width":773},1.757469244288225,569,"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAALABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYHBP\u002FEACUQAAEDBAECBwAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQABRESMQYhFCIjQUJh0f\u002FEABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUCA\u002F\u002FEABoRAAIDAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERAAIDIlH\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FAJNHjw\u002FCBx4+bXJAVzTx0TZLfKsJmLEcPBefU7kAH2qZ7HXGe1M1juEqPbC2y8pKBlQAA5p\u002FehtRAqVq0F7KFO6DRcZBlRYzbbbgzgp5+6K0W6\u002F3RuCwES1gaD4j8oo6uWqHUztZEz\u002F\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":31098,"darkVibrant":31100,"dominant":31102,"lightMuted":31105,"lightVibrant":31106,"muted":31109,"vibrant":31111},{"_type":81,"background":31099,"foreground":83,"population":8988,"title":83},"#342e61",{"_type":81,"background":31101,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},"#2c0464",{"_type":81,"background":31103,"foreground":91,"population":31104,"title":83},"#bab5b9",11.37,{"_type":81,"background":31103,"foreground":91,"population":31104,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":31107,"foreground":91,"population":31108,"title":83},"#77b2cc",4.65,{"_type":81,"background":31110,"foreground":83,"population":4788,"title":83},"#544997",{"_type":81,"background":31112,"foreground":83,"population":31113,"title":83},"#1177c4",1.95,"money-worries-cover.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F9c9ba22155bbe074ebc21a4513ed79a501fc81e8-1000x569.jpg",81976,"RW1FPrli2nHb3ctr5526sVvcJRDNVCs0","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F9c9ba22155bbe074ebc21a4513ed79a501fc81e8-1000x569.jpg","Our research highlights the workplace impact of money worries on employees;\n","2025-03-13T13:56:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":31122},"the-impact-of-money-worries-survey-results-2025","The impact of money worries - Survey results 2025",[31125,31128,31136,31144,31152,31160,31168,31176,31184,31195],{"_key":31126,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":31127,"width":124},"e19c6ad2cbab","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.flipsnack.com?hash=OUNCQjhCQjhCN0ErMWhmZHF3MjVzNA==",{"_key":31129,"_type":127,"children":31130,"markDefs":31135,"style":135},"472b21dd7801",[31131],{"_key":31132,"_type":131,"marks":31133,"text":31134},"618bc06ec223",[],"Our research highlights the workplace impact of money worries on employees;",[],{"_key":31137,"_type":127,"children":31138,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":31143,"style":135},"e75cd8ed74ca",[31139],{"_key":31140,"_type":131,"marks":31141,"text":31142},"8a01da4051ce",[],"40% said it increased stress levels",[],{"_key":31145,"_type":127,"children":31146,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":31151,"style":135},"c03e063dad54",[31147],{"_key":31148,"_type":131,"marks":31149,"text":31150},"5f47e5271921",[],"35% said it led to mental exhaustion",[],{"_key":31153,"_type":127,"children":31154,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":31159,"style":135},"6d4818e48c2b",[31155],{"_key":31156,"_type":131,"marks":31157,"text":31158},"d651232d9f9c",[],"26% said it led to decreased motivation",[],{"_key":31161,"_type":127,"children":31162,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":31167,"style":135},"907ae793c969",[31163],{"_key":31164,"_type":131,"marks":31165,"text":31166},"6417aeb26562",[],"10% said it has led to increased sick days",[],{"_key":31169,"_type":127,"children":31170,"markDefs":31175,"style":135},"25830fab277e",[31171],{"_key":31172,"_type":131,"marks":31173,"text":31174},"240ea2cbd6e0",[],"Encouragingly, the research also found that if they had spare cash, more would save it for a rainy day i.e. such as in an ISA (42%), pay off debt (35%), save it for retirement (26%), or spend on essential bills (34%) rather than spending it on something they want (25%).",[],{"_key":31177,"_type":127,"children":31178,"markDefs":31183,"style":135},"1491a79ef641",[31179],{"_key":31180,"_type":131,"marks":31181,"text":31182},"a27698c23faf",[],"With only 13% saying that they would seek help from their employer, the onus is on workplaces to remove the stigma around money worries and offer employees easily accessible support.",[],{"_key":31185,"_type":127,"children":31186,"markDefs":31192,"style":135},"d4c2b8a05029",[31187],{"_key":31188,"_type":131,"marks":31189,"text":31191},"c728d171d4eb",[31190],"d7944a784a1b","Click here to download",[31193],{"_key":31190,"_type":1264,"href":31194},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Ffiles\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fa554458be65adf14a650983562b2f8647bc904b3.pdf",{"_key":31196,"_type":127,"children":31197,"markDefs":31207,"style":135},"b7943e33e965",[31198,31202],{"_key":31199,"_type":131,"marks":31200,"text":31201},"93067e8d9d89",[],"If you would like to discuss how we can help you to support your employees to improve their financial future, please ",{"_key":31203,"_type":131,"marks":31204,"text":31206},"2a3e467253b6",[31205],"5b86900719f2","contact us ",[31208],{"_key":31205,"_type":1264,"href":1292},[31210],{"_createdAt":1295,"_id":1296,"_rev":1297,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":1298,"brandSpecific":76,"slug":31211,"title":1301},{"_type":9,"current":1300},{"_id":31213,"blogPostMeta":31214,"content":31234,"tag":31322,"title":31233},"ec7cc5c9-f2f2-4a08-872b-36a0ae0ecc8b",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":31215,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":31229,"publishedAt":31230,"slug":31231,"title":31233},{"_type":58,"alt":30523,"asset":31216},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":31217,"mimeType":225,"opt":31227,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":31218,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":31219},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":31220,"darkVibrant":31221,"dominant":31222,"lightMuted":31223,"lightVibrant":31224,"muted":31225,"vibrant":31226},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":31228},{"tags":65},"On Friday, Chinese policymakers lowered their inflation target to around 2%. By Monday, the National Bureau of Statistics reported that February’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) had fallen 0.7% year over year, with core inflation—excluding food and energy—declining by 0.1% last month.","2025-03-12T16:07:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":31232},"market-update-12th-march-2025","Market Update – 12th March 2025",[31235,31237,31244,31251,31259,31267,31275,31283,31291,31299,31307,31315],{"_key":31236,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":30849,"width":124},"b20d9e1b5220",{"_key":31238,"_type":127,"children":31239,"markDefs":31243,"style":135},"aa5ab563cb7c",[31240],{"_key":31241,"_type":131,"marks":31242,"text":31229},"98d35dd6811c",[],[],{"_key":31245,"_type":127,"children":31246,"markDefs":31250,"style":135},"129f957aef16",[31247],{"_key":31248,"_type":131,"marks":31249,"text":1006},"04c22dafc90f",[],[],{"_key":31252,"_type":127,"children":31253,"markDefs":31258,"style":135},"0da2a516c49b",[31254],{"_key":31255,"_type":131,"marks":31256,"text":31257},"c4931cdc74b4",[],"The data suggests lingering deflationary pressures and weak domestic demand, despite recent AI-driven investor optimism. Economists advocate further monetary easing, though comparisons to an early Lunar New Year may distort trends. Meanwhile, at last week’s National Commerce Work Conference, officials set a 5% consumption growth target for 2025, aiming to boost trade and stimulate demand.",[],{"_key":31260,"_type":127,"children":31261,"markDefs":31266,"style":135},"249bc094e01a",[31262],{"_key":31263,"_type":131,"marks":31264,"text":31265},"614019233a29",[],"The latest survey from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, released Monday, indicated that the UK job market cooled in February, though at a slower pace than January. The softer decline suggests that expectations of future rate cuts and stronger-than-anticipated economic data may be easing pressures on businesses.",[],{"_key":31268,"_type":127,"children":31269,"markDefs":31274,"style":135},"1010f7d598a7",[31270],{"_key":31271,"_type":131,"marks":31272,"text":31273},"3c04afff2a88",[],"That said, the Bank of England is widely expected to hold interest rates steady at 4.5% in its meeting next week. Policymakers may weigh potential rate cuts against the possible impact of April’s increases in National Insurance contributions and the minimum wage. Compounding this, wage growth continues to trend lower, moving below the 6% seen in Q4 2024.On Monday, U.S. stocks sold off following remarks by President Trump in a Sunday interview. When asked whether he foresaw a recession this year, Trump gave an ambiguous response, stating that the country would go through a “transition” due to the scale of upcoming actions, which he described as “very big.”",[],{"_key":31276,"_type":127,"children":31277,"markDefs":31282,"style":135},"e56d3cd14048",[31278],{"_key":31279,"_type":131,"marks":31280,"text":31281},"df6a6fc62cf7",[],"Despite later clarifying on Tuesday that he did not anticipate a recession, market volatility persisted through the first half of the week. This is in part due to a repeatedly shifting stance on tariffs from the president, who at times has announced taxes only to enact last-minute pauses. One of the tariffs that has come to fruition today is one of 25% on Canadian steel.",[],{"_key":31284,"_type":127,"children":31285,"markDefs":31290,"style":135},"f2bad7c44896",[31286],{"_key":31287,"_type":131,"marks":31288,"text":31289},"a18a0a42d714",[],"Trump’s rhetoric has spooked investors and the past two weeks have certainly been rocky as investors have grappled with the uncertainties and extremities within his flippant remarks. Trump’s bark – forever worse than his bite – may cause some short-term noise in markets but if we look back to his previous term in office, we see similarities that eventually gave way to moderated trade deals and productive relationships with global partners.",[],{"_key":31292,"_type":127,"children":31293,"markDefs":31298,"style":135},"5e4a6f384524",[31294],{"_key":31295,"_type":131,"marks":31296,"text":31297},"61e862231f62",[],"Savvy investors should look beyond the headlines and focus on the data. Last Friday, Jerome Powell reaffirmed that the U.S. economy remains in a strong position. This is precisely why the Fed prioritises distinguishing meaningful trends from short-term noise—and why they chose to pause interest rate cuts at their last meeting.",[],{"_key":31300,"_type":127,"children":31301,"markDefs":31306,"style":135},"e462cc9882e0",[31302],{"_key":31303,"_type":131,"marks":31304,"text":31305},"94b3352edb98",[],"Our focus remains on a well-diversified strategy designed to weather market ups and downs. Not only do dips in market sentiment create attractive entry points for long-term investors, but we urge clients to remember that Trump’s hyperbole is fleeting, whereas your investment journey is built for the long run.",[],{"_key":31308,"_type":127,"children":31309,"markDefs":31314,"style":135},"f5ca825edca6",[31310],{"_key":31311,"_type":131,"marks":31312,"text":31313},"e271942de69a",[],"Still to come this week we have U.S. CPI and PPI, UK GDP, and Michigan Consumer Sentiment.",[],{"_key":31316,"_type":127,"children":31317,"markDefs":31321,"style":135},"0435a2253bcf",[31318],{"_key":31319,"_type":131,"marks":31320,"text":175},"39a8dbc9ade7",[174],[],[31323],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":31324,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":31326,"blogPostMeta":31327,"content":31346,"tag":31435,"title":31345},"f819a2b9-8cff-4df0-950e-84bbbed1f697",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":31328,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":31342,"publishedAt":31230,"slug":31343,"title":31345},{"_type":58,"alt":30523,"asset":31329},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":31330,"mimeType":225,"opt":31340,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":31331,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":31332},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":31333,"darkVibrant":31334,"dominant":31335,"lightMuted":31336,"lightVibrant":31337,"muted":31338,"vibrant":31339},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":31341},{"tags":65},"China’s Caixin manufacturing PMI climbed to 50.8 on Monday, marking its strongest expansion in three months and exceeding expectations. Since last October, the private-sector PMI has consistently stayed above the 50-point threshold that distinguishes growth from contraction.",{"_type":9,"current":31344},"market-update-5th-march-2025","Market Update – 5th March 2025",[31347,31350,31357,31364,31372,31380,31388,31396,31404,31412,31420,31428],{"_key":31348,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":31349,"width":124},"5ebb515cc599","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1062747049?h=1696e6a682",{"_key":31351,"_type":127,"children":31352,"markDefs":31356,"style":135},"9f44ab70e0f8",[31353],{"_key":31354,"_type":131,"marks":31355,"text":31342},"d9776284c8a1",[],[],{"_key":31358,"_type":127,"children":31359,"markDefs":31363,"style":135},"cb94d717725c",[31360],{"_key":31361,"_type":131,"marks":31362,"text":1006},"f6cc1766ad96",[],[],{"_key":31365,"_type":127,"children":31366,"markDefs":31371,"style":135},"bf9c2e41236e",[31367],{"_key":31368,"_type":131,"marks":31369,"text":31370},"ead560e81802",[],"The survey showed that new export orders increased at their fastest pace since April, suggesting rising demand from overseas buyers. This uptick in foreign interest may be linked to U.S. importers rushing to secure Chinese goods ahead of both potential and actual tariff hikes imposed by the US. On Tuesday, President Trump imposed a further 10% levy on Chinese goods.",[],{"_key":31373,"_type":127,"children":31374,"markDefs":31379,"style":135},"b29894d58266",[31375],{"_key":31376,"_type":131,"marks":31377,"text":31378},"9e178a4b9ccf",[],"On Tuesday, the Trump administration implemented hefty 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, a move that some economists warn could ignite a global trade war. This concern grew as Canada swiftly retaliated with its own tariffs, and there is speculation that Mexico will announce similar measures by Sunday. The U.S. decision triggered a short period of market turbulence, heightening investor fears about potential economic fallout. As a result, the dollar weakened as investors sought refuge in safe-haven treasuries, driving yields down.",[],{"_key":31381,"_type":127,"children":31382,"markDefs":31387,"style":135},"04797071ddb5",[31383],{"_key":31384,"_type":131,"marks":31385,"text":31386},"4563023bf33b",[],"Following a highly tense meeting between President Zelensky and Trump last week, Trump halted all military aid to Ukraine while communication between the two leaders stalled. However, on Tuesday, Trump revealed that Zelensky reached out to him to confirm that Ukraine is ready to reinstate the minerals agreement and, subsequently, the restoration of U.S. aid to Ukraine. Market participants have closely followed the current situation with curiosity, but it has had little impact on the markets. While the suspension of aid to Ukraine drove European defence stocks higher, reinforcing expectations of increased defence spending and expedited support for Ukraine, traders appear more focused on concerns over tariffs.In February, inflation in the Eurozone declined to 2.4%, a slight drop from January’s 2.5% but still higher than the 2.3% forecasted by economists. This slowdown was primarily driven by weaker energy price inflation and an exceptionally low 0.9% inflation rate in France.",[],{"_key":31389,"_type":127,"children":31390,"markDefs":31395,"style":135},"0ed63cbafb0a",[31391],{"_key":31392,"_type":131,"marks":31393,"text":31394},"eef3626bc2bd",[],"With the economy struggling with sluggish growth —marked by a manufacturing downturn and restrained consumer spending—the European Central Bank (ECB) is expected to lower its key interest rate by 25 basis points again at its next meeting.",[],{"_key":31397,"_type":127,"children":31398,"markDefs":31403,"style":135},"0775a929c6de",[31399],{"_key":31400,"_type":131,"marks":31401,"text":31402},"ffbe73bcd57a",[],"Over in Ireland, manufacturing PMI rose to 51.9 in February 2025 from 51.3 in January, marking the fastest factory growth since February 2024. New orders saw their strongest increase in three years, while output rose steadily, driven by domestic demand.",[],{"_key":31405,"_type":127,"children":31406,"markDefs":31411,"style":135},"bd76ca56f12d",[31407],{"_key":31408,"_type":131,"marks":31409,"text":31410},"318a513c825b",[],"We appreciate the past week has been turbulent with market noise and geopolitical chaos. It’s understandable to feel unsettled, but predicting short-term movements in global equity markets is inherently difficult. The path for equities is rarely smooth, yet history shows that the best way to maximize returns is not by timing the market but by maximising time in the market.",[],{"_key":31413,"_type":127,"children":31414,"markDefs":31419,"style":135},"46a814025ae2",[31415],{"_key":31416,"_type":131,"marks":31417,"text":31418},"9f070f52d733",[],"Similar market dynamics played out during the early years of the first Trump administration, particularly in 2018, when trade tensions with China and Canada triggered short-term volatility. While tariffs created temporary headwinds, markets adapted, a U.S.-China trade deal emerged, and momentum returned. There are even silver linings amidst the uncertainty. The recent drop in oil prices—following OPEC+’s decision to boost production from April—acts like a tax cut, potentially increasing disposable income and stimulating economic activity. While volatility may persist for the short term, history reminds us that markets are resilient, and opportunities often emerge in ambiguous times.",[],{"_key":31421,"_type":127,"children":31422,"markDefs":31427,"style":135},"edfed154ccc5",[31423],{"_key":31424,"_type":131,"marks":31425,"text":31426},"ef0e9c0bde82",[],"Still to come this week we have Eurozone retail sales, the ECB’s interest rate decision and US jobs data.",[],{"_key":31429,"_type":127,"children":31430,"markDefs":31434,"style":135},"d105c38375ef",[31431],{"_key":31432,"_type":131,"marks":31433,"text":175},"030dd8a2ddbf",[174],[],[31436],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":31437,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":31439,"blogPostMeta":31440,"content":31462,"tag":31559,"title":31461},"340ffc92-101d-4db4-a383-603f3581337c",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":31441,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":31457,"publishedAt":31458,"slug":31459,"title":31461},{"_type":58,"alt":30523,"asset":31442},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":31443,"mimeType":225,"opt":31453,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":31444,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":31445},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":31446,"darkVibrant":31447,"dominant":31448,"lightMuted":31449,"lightVibrant":31450,"muted":31451,"vibrant":31452},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":31454},{"tags":31455},[31456],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As shown in the accompanying table, financial markets broadly declined this week. Ongoing uncertainty—markets’ greatest foe—and shifting policies weighed on investor sentiment.","2025-03-10T16:07:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":31460},"week-ending-7th-march-2025","Week ending 7th march 2025",[31463,31466,31473,31480,31488,31496,31504,31512,31520,31528,31536,31544,31552],{"_key":31464,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":31465,"width":124},"2ab4323d11d1","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1064271888?h=fe6a9193a9",{"_key":31467,"_type":127,"children":31468,"markDefs":31472,"style":135},"eb8295f34c38",[31469],{"_key":31470,"_type":131,"marks":31471,"text":31457},"0b73f84d817e",[],[],{"_key":31474,"_type":127,"children":31475,"markDefs":31479,"style":135},"670a1a42cee3",[31476],{"_key":31477,"_type":131,"marks":31478,"text":1006},"b5be6f88832a",[],[],{"_key":31481,"_type":127,"children":31482,"markDefs":31487,"style":135},"bc40910c1562",[31483],{"_key":31484,"_type":131,"marks":31485,"text":31486},"f4ffd3307bbd",[],"Over in Europe performance was mixed, the prospect of increased spending on defence and infrastructure by Germany and the European Union helped to moderate losses.",[],{"_key":31489,"_type":127,"children":31490,"markDefs":31495,"style":135},"2c3ce0e3eb34",[31491],{"_key":31492,"_type":131,"marks":31493,"text":31494},"da9aeaca6a37",[],"Germany’s DAX rose 2.03% this week with Friedrich Merz’s conservative alliance and the Social Democratic Party, who are in talks to form the next government, agreed to create an off-balance sheet €500 billion infrastructure fund, boost defence spending and loosen debt rules for states.",[],{"_key":31497,"_type":127,"children":31498,"markDefs":31503,"style":135},"08f12355c05d",[31499],{"_key":31500,"_type":131,"marks":31501,"text":31502},"594ebc18e3fc",[],"The European Central Bank (ECB) cut interest rates on Thursday, reducing the rate on bank deposits by 25 basis points to 2.5%, making monetary policy “less restrictive.” With the ECB’s inflation target nearing 2%, the key question is how much further the easing cycle will continue. This decision also comes amid rising global trade tensions and shifts in Germany’s fiscal policies and new plans to increase Europe’s military spending.While the ECB’s actions have helped reduce borrowing costs, spurring loan growth, uncertainty remains about their long-term effects, especially with developments in Europe. With Germany and the EU commissions announcements just days before the policy meeting, policymakers have not yet had time to assess the full impact on growth and inflation. ECB President Christine Lagarde acknowledged the frustration over repetitive rhetoric but stressed that the rapidly changing economic landscape requires caution with risks from energy prices, trade policy, and shifting fiscal policies.",[],{"_key":31505,"_type":127,"children":31506,"markDefs":31511,"style":135},"3a23cbac1fe0",[31507],{"_key":31508,"_type":131,"marks":31509,"text":31510},"17cd883fa34b",[],"This week’s market activity serves as a timely reminder that while it’s easy to get swept up in the short-term noise, it’s crucial to avoid knee jerk reaction. A case in point: President Trump’s ever-changing stance on tariffs. On Tuesday, March 4th, the US administration announced sweeping 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada. However, by Thursday, the implementation was postponed for a month. This temporary delay applies to goods covered under the USMCA trade agreement, which was negotiated during Trump’s first term, giving both countries some breathing room for continued discussions. These shifting policy moves highlight the importance of maintaining a long-term economic perspective, rather than reacting hastily to the latest developments in trade and tariffs.",[],{"_key":31513,"_type":127,"children":31514,"markDefs":31519,"style":135},"8f6b31eb295b",[31515],{"_key":31516,"_type":131,"marks":31517,"text":31518},"1df80fa206d7",[],"The latest US labour market report revealed job growth picked up in February with a gain of 151,000 jobs, slightly below expectations but an improvement from January’s 125,000. Job growth was strongest in healthcare, financial activities, and transportation, while federal employment declined. Federal government payrolls, excluding the post office, fell by 6,700, signalling a broader trend as Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has implemented significant layoffs as part of a major initiative to downsize the government and cut costs.",[],{"_key":31521,"_type":127,"children":31522,"markDefs":31527,"style":135},"ba541ad7a8a4",[31523],{"_key":31524,"_type":131,"marks":31525,"text":31526},"52d699fc9128",[],"The unemployment rose to 4.1% in February 2025, up from 4.0% in January and slightly exceeding market expectations of 4.0%. Overall, the data suggests a cooling labour market, yet it remains resilient, which could support a more cautious approach by the Federal Reserve.On Friday, at an event at the University of Chicago, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reassured markets, noting that despite elevated uncertainty, “the US economy continues to be in a good place.” Regarding interest rates, he added, “We do not need to be in a hurry and are well-positioned to wait for greater clarity.”",[],{"_key":31529,"_type":127,"children":31530,"markDefs":31535,"style":135},"07fd6447f40f",[31531],{"_key":31532,"_type":131,"marks":31533,"text":31534},"d6616128a25d",[],"Chinese stock markets advanced this week after Beijing set economic growth targets in line with forecasts and signalled further stimulus. At the National People’s Congress, China maintained its 5% growth target for 2025 but raised its fiscal deficit goal to 4% of GDP, the highest since 1994, amid ongoing trade tensions and a struggling property sector. While the government emphasised boosting consumption, specific measures remain unclear.",[],{"_key":31537,"_type":127,"children":31538,"markDefs":31543,"style":135},"3c0299745bd9",[31539],{"_key":31540,"_type":131,"marks":31541,"text":31542},"65199e1b57b2",[],"With global financial markets experiencing uneven performance, this underscores the importance of a diversified portfolio to manage risks across different regions and asset classes.",[],{"_key":31545,"_type":127,"children":31546,"markDefs":31551,"style":135},"0993298eb465",[31547],{"_key":31548,"_type":131,"marks":31549,"text":31550},"c28f225b0f1c",[],"Coming up next week, US inflation data, PPI, initial jobless claims and University of Michigan consumer sentiment as well as UK retail sales and GDP growth.",[],{"_key":31553,"_type":127,"children":31554,"markDefs":31558,"style":135},"840ea6cccca6",[31555],{"_key":31556,"_type":131,"marks":31557,"text":288},"a33da043becc",[174],[],[31560],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":31561,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":31563,"blogPostMeta":31564,"content":31586,"tag":31675,"title":31585},"fb46010b-0c51-47a6-b368-fe7f736bd9f5",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":31565,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":31581,"publishedAt":31582,"slug":31583,"title":31585},{"_type":58,"alt":30523,"asset":31566},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":31567,"mimeType":225,"opt":31577,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":31568,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":31569},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":31570,"darkVibrant":31571,"dominant":31572,"lightMuted":31573,"lightVibrant":31574,"muted":31575,"vibrant":31576},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":31578},{"tags":31579},[31580],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As you can see from the accompanying table financial markets were mixed this week amid company earnings reports, economic data and talk on tariffs.","2025-03-03T16:07:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":31584},"week-ending-28th-february-2025","Week ending 28th February 2025",[31587,31590,31597,31604,31612,31620,31628,31636,31644,31652,31660,31668],{"_key":31588,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":31589,"width":124},"991d91165b04","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1062007640?h=1cf45e6b88",{"_key":31591,"_type":127,"children":31592,"markDefs":31596,"style":135},"75eb3103a245",[31593],{"_key":31594,"_type":131,"marks":31595,"text":31581},"c004b2d14bca",[],[],{"_key":31598,"_type":127,"children":31599,"markDefs":31603,"style":135},"efc75d34179f",[31600],{"_key":31601,"_type":131,"marks":31602,"text":1006},"3d0170d47fb9",[],[],{"_key":31605,"_type":127,"children":31606,"markDefs":31611,"style":135},"bda13cc493b4",[31607],{"_key":31608,"_type":131,"marks":31609,"text":31610},"115491e4d4ca",[],"U.S. stocks ended the week lower, weighed down by the “Magnificent Seven.” Nvidia’s Q4 earnings beat expectations but revealed a slowdown in data centre revenue growth. Still, the company posted $11 billion in Blackwell product revenue, exceeding forecasts and easing demand concerns.",[],{"_key":31613,"_type":127,"children":31614,"markDefs":31619,"style":135},"83b6c2dda8a6",[31615],{"_key":31616,"_type":131,"marks":31617,"text":31618},"e1cb03f8d812",[],"On Thursday, President Trump announced new tariffs on Mexico and Canada effective March 4th, alongside an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods. In response, Asian markets saw a sharp pullback on Friday, erasing much of their earlier weekly gains. He also proposed 25% tariffs on imports from the European Union, particularly for automotives. Despite this, European markets closed the week slightly higher, supported by strong corporate earnings and gains in defence stocks.Markets have been relatively calm amidst Trump’s tariff proposals, but growing uncertainty around trade negotiations is now weighing on investor confidence. Trump’s unpredictable approach, balancing negotiation tactics and policy, has made it hard for the market to find clear direction. With Trump directing his team to explore “reciprocal” tariffs for each country, volatility is expected to continue as investors adopt a “wait and see” approach. Short-term fluctuations may persist, but pullbacks could present buying opportunities for long-term investors.",[],{"_key":31621,"_type":127,"children":31622,"markDefs":31627,"style":135},"657952e340c0",[31623],{"_key":31624,"_type":131,"marks":31625,"text":31626},"6dd0767a5db3",[],"In the US, Friday’s release of January’s core PCE inflation report met expectations, providing reassurance about inflation’s trajectory. Annual personal consumption growth eased to 2.5%, down from 2.6% in December, while core inflation slowed to 2.6%, from 2.9%. Personal income saw a significant 0.9% month-over-month increase, its largest rise in a year. However, personal spending dropped by 0.2%, marking the first decline in nearly two years. The softer consumer spending and slower income growth are likely to capture the Fed’s attention. While inflation is decelerating, the monthly rate remains higher than the Fed would prefer, keeping future rate hikes in focus.",[],{"_key":31629,"_type":127,"children":31630,"markDefs":31635,"style":135},"1529b34e840e",[31631],{"_key":31632,"_type":131,"marks":31633,"text":31634},"e866b92a0ef0",[],"The UK’s FTSE 100 outperformed other major indices, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s White House visit keeping sentiment positive. While discussions on a trade deal with the US were cordial, there were no firm commitments made on trade terms but no mention of tariffs which was seen as a positive. Starmer also came away without any U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine.",[],{"_key":31637,"_type":127,"children":31638,"markDefs":31643,"style":135},"5d22abcbf66e",[31639],{"_key":31640,"_type":131,"marks":31641,"text":31642},"5dcea4f2da1c",[],"On Friday, tensions flared in the Oval Office during a meeting between President Trump, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Zelensky. The discussion focused on a potential deal where the U.S. would receive mineral resources from Ukraine in exchange for supporting ceasefire negotiations with Russia. What began as a cordial talk quickly escalated into a heated argument, with Trump and Vance accusing Zelensky of not showing enough gratitude for U.S. support and “gambling with World War Three.”As no agreement was reached on either issue, this added to the uncertainty surrounding the prospects of a peace deal with Russia. Despite the drama, U.S. markets, which had already closed after European markets, responded with caution. The S&P 500 initially dipped following the confrontation but regained ground to finish the day higher. Many investors are speculating that President Trump may still pursue the deal in the future.",[],{"_key":31645,"_type":127,"children":31646,"markDefs":31651,"style":135},"bc725a1a2773",[31647],{"_key":31648,"_type":131,"marks":31649,"text":31650},"b84b257e5bf7",[],"Over the weekend, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed Zelensky as well as other European leaders for discussions. During the meeting, he emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s allies maintaining and strengthening their support.",[],{"_key":31653,"_type":127,"children":31654,"markDefs":31659,"style":135},"cb3638f4d87c",[31655],{"_key":31656,"_type":131,"marks":31657,"text":31658},"597529994378",[],"As always, investors should keep an eye on geopolitical developments, but there is reassurance in the fact that markets have remained resilient despite the headlines.",[],{"_key":31661,"_type":127,"children":31662,"markDefs":31667,"style":135},"66645a10bf1c",[31663],{"_key":31664,"_type":131,"marks":31665,"text":31666},"5c2246e010a7",[],"Coming up next week, Eurozone inflation data, unemployment rate and the ECBs interest rate decision. Chinese PMI, US Services PMI and US labour market data. We also have The Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference on March 4th, followed by the National People’s Congress on March 5th.",[],{"_key":31669,"_type":127,"children":31670,"markDefs":31674,"style":135},"2837add0e98d",[31671],{"_key":31672,"_type":131,"marks":31673,"text":288},"048bf2653d8e",[174],[],[31676],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":31677,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":31679,"blogPostMeta":31680,"content":31718,"tag":31796,"title":31717},"277c3de2-b77b-4330-a728-acf195da316a",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":31681,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":31713,"publishedAt":31714,"slug":31715,"title":31717},{"_type":58,"alt":30523,"asset":31682},{"_createdAt":31683,"_id":31684,"_rev":31685,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":31683,"assetId":31686,"extension":196,"metadata":31687,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":31708,"path":31709,"sha1hash":31686,"size":31710,"uploadId":31711,"url":31712},"2025-04-02T07:49:28Z","image-9256ac866b36892268668bdda3ec2d042efa14ab-1000x667-jpg","eReJvIyQ4osnawS3OkRY0T","9256ac866b36892268668bdda3ec2d042efa14ab",{"_type":69,"blurHash":31688,"dimensions":31689,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":31690,"palette":31691},"VIIqomN3.Q.8D*o[4:=^%1Vss:9EE1M|9F?woIt7tRNG",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGQAAAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUBAwQG\u002F8QAIxAAAQMDBAIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDBAAFBhESITEHExQiMv\u002FEABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQC\u002F8QAGxEBAAIDAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQACAxESBEH\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FAMebY\u002FfbJOniOAt12KSXArlKSajxxLuWN3Nt6NFWyj4wQ7r04s9GndgdeyKTe2Lk8pYQA1uHBKRzpVEMhWQ7FAlPr2o1P4A6oLXneOsYG6dsb3XIW1zFKuUB1ySR9iBRXE5XeJca9vtJWFAackUUZ8p9WQZGf\u002F\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":31692,"darkVibrant":31695,"dominant":31698,"lightMuted":31700,"lightVibrant":31702,"muted":31703,"vibrant":31706},{"_type":81,"background":31693,"foreground":83,"population":31694,"title":83},"#583a29",4.24,{"_type":81,"background":31696,"foreground":83,"population":31697,"title":83},"#716224",4.23,{"_type":81,"background":31699,"foreground":91,"population":2943,"title":83},"#debba1",{"_type":81,"background":31701,"foreground":91,"population":778,"title":83},"#c6ceae",{"_type":81,"background":31699,"foreground":91,"population":2943,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":31704,"foreground":83,"population":31705,"title":83},"#a7885a",4.18,{"_type":81,"background":31707,"foreground":91,"population":27673,"title":83},"#dbb661","shutterstock_1363004507.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F9256ac866b36892268668bdda3ec2d042efa14ab-1000x667.jpg",737821,"JlAWmQtC540ta4sjKVBvoKKwEvkLbc8R","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F9256ac866b36892268668bdda3ec2d042efa14ab-1000x667.jpg","With the end of the tax year fast approaching, there is still time for individuals to take full advantage of their £20,000 ISA allowance.","2025-02-26T16:07:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":31716},"individuals-should-act-fast-to-make-the-most-of-their-isa-allowance","Individuals should act fast to make the most of their ISA allowance",[31719,31726,31733,31741,31749,31756,31764,31772,31780,31788],{"_key":31720,"_type":127,"children":31721,"markDefs":31725,"style":135},"34c2b658f76b",[31722],{"_key":31723,"_type":131,"marks":31724,"text":31713},"17402ef0fe7d",[],[],{"_key":31727,"_type":127,"children":31728,"markDefs":31732,"style":135},"c96f072697ec",[31729],{"_key":31730,"_type":131,"marks":31731,"text":1006},"09690d226bca",[],[],{"_key":31734,"_type":127,"children":31735,"markDefs":31740,"style":135},"7c506d958a6d",[31736],{"_key":31737,"_type":131,"marks":31738,"text":31739},"f36bacede564",[],"Chancellor Rachel Reeves is also understood to be considering reducing the Cash ISA tax-free allowance by 80% from £20,000 to just £4,000 annually and whilst it’s not confirmed when such a change would be introduced, there is speculation it could be as early as 6 April 2025.",[],{"_key":31742,"_type":127,"children":31743,"markDefs":31748,"style":135},"960bdb3e9eac",[31744],{"_key":31745,"_type":131,"marks":31746,"text":31747},"b3114e75d620",[],"There have also already been many reductions in tax allowances and increases in tax rates over recent times. So maximising ISA contributions before the end of this tax year is now more important than ever.",[],{"_key":31750,"_type":127,"children":31751,"markDefs":31755,"style":135},"3f73cf57ef62",[31752],{"_key":31753,"_type":131,"marks":31754,"text":1502},"07d0cb5273cd",[174],[],{"_key":31757,"_type":127,"children":31758,"markDefs":31763,"style":135},"227a961186af",[31759],{"_key":31760,"_type":131,"marks":31761,"text":31762},"1f96af86bc89",[],"“With the end of the tax year fast approaching and rumours that the Cash ISA allowance may be drastically cut, it’s more important than ever that people review their finances now. It’s crucial to keep in mind that any unused allowance can’t be carried over into the new tax year. So, for those who have savings or investments held outside an ISA or a pension, it is a case of ‘use it or lose it’.”",[],{"_key":31765,"_type":127,"children":31766,"markDefs":31771,"style":135},"d0b6da7f2841",[31767],{"_key":31768,"_type":131,"marks":31769,"text":31770},"fcadbc40f9e7",[],"Watts-Lay explains; “Many other savings allowances have shrunk in recent times. This includes the Tax-Free Dividend Allowance which has fallen from £5,000 in 2017\u002F18 to just £500 today, while the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) exemption, which was £12,300 in 2022\u002F23, has dropped to £3,000. From October 2024, CGT rates rose to 18% for basic rate taxpayers and 24% for those paying tax above the basic rate.”",[],{"_key":31773,"_type":127,"children":31774,"markDefs":31779,"style":135},"f6c55e68df90",[31775],{"_key":31776,"_type":131,"marks":31777,"text":31778},"5fcdf42a4b32",[],"Watts-Lay explains; “Not only this but rising interest rates have also led more savers to exceed their Personal Savings Allowance (£1,000 for basic rate taxpayers and £500 for higher rate taxpayers), resulting in unexpected tax liabilities. In contrast, the ISA allowance currently still remains at £20,000 which allows individuals to shield their savings and investments from taxes on interest, dividends, and capital gains; although we don’t know how this will change in the future.”",[],{"_key":31781,"_type":127,"children":31782,"markDefs":31787,"style":135},"36d8f4919981",[31783],{"_key":31784,"_type":131,"marks":31785,"text":31786},"bbc621374b43",[],"He comments; “Many employers want to support their employees to build financial resilience for the future and therefore offer financial education to help with understanding of savings methods, as well as access to savings vehicles like Workplace ISAs that provide a tax efficient way to invest. Whilst we don’t know what potential changes to tax allowances and rates may lay ahead, providing financial wellbeing support in the workplace to help employees improve their financial future can only be a good thing.”",[],{"_key":31789,"_type":127,"children":31790,"markDefs":31795,"style":135},"67e177897b07",[31791],{"_key":31792,"_type":131,"marks":31793,"text":31794},"0fc1dd0bbb1d",[],"“It’s always worth speaking to your employer to see how they can help you.”",[],[31797],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":31798,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":31800,"blogPostMeta":31801,"content":31820,"tag":31901,"title":31819},"3d1f8bc7-660f-4dda-97a2-0632310cd45c",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":31802,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":31816,"publishedAt":31714,"slug":31817,"title":31819},{"_type":58,"alt":30523,"asset":31803},{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":31804,"mimeType":225,"opt":31814,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":31805,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":31806},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":31807,"darkVibrant":31808,"dominant":31809,"lightMuted":31810,"lightVibrant":31811,"muted":31812,"vibrant":31813},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":31815},{"tags":65},"This week has been relatively quiet for financial markets, but there are signs of renewed momentum in Europe’s luxury goods sector which, after a period of sluggish performance, appears to be enjoying moderate revival.",{"_type":9,"current":31818},"market-update-26th-february-2025","Market Update – 26th February 2025",[31821,31828,31831,31839,31846,31854,31862,31870,31878,31886,31894],{"_key":31822,"_type":127,"children":31823,"markDefs":31827,"style":135},"3d173da56057",[31824],{"_key":31825,"_type":131,"marks":31826,"text":1006},"aa95f1a76b9b",[],[],{"_key":31829,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":31830,"width":124},"9bb45262c12f","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1060441809?h=d6097bb9ee",{"_key":31832,"_type":127,"children":31833,"markDefs":31838,"style":135},"9ce3915ab8f6",[31834],{"_key":31835,"_type":131,"marks":31836,"text":31837},"392ccad7822a",[],"This week has been relatively quiet for financial markets, but there are signs of renewed momentum in Europe’s luxury goods sector which, after a period of sluggish performance, appears to be enjoying moderate revival. Hermès and Cartier, two of the biggest names in luxury retail, reported strong earnings this month, signalling a potential turnaround. Economists suggest that this means the worst may be behind us, with robust demand from US and European consumers driving recovery.",[],{"_key":31840,"_type":127,"children":31841,"markDefs":31845,"style":135},"a6e26c7ffda9",[31842],{"_key":31843,"_type":131,"marks":31844,"text":1006},"bb2724591511",[],[],{"_key":31847,"_type":127,"children":31848,"markDefs":31853,"style":135},"f28da043c1cc",[31849],{"_key":31850,"_type":131,"marks":31851,"text":31852},"c1f524669de2",[],"However, Chinese consumers—long the backbone of the luxury sector—remain a key uncertainty. While Western demand is fuelling growth, analysts are closely monitoring the impact of US tariffs and economic headwinds on Chinese spending. If higher costs trickle down to consumers, a full return to pre-pandemic spending levels could take longer—a challenge not just for China, but for shoppers worldwide.",[],{"_key":31855,"_type":127,"children":31856,"markDefs":31861,"style":135},"1f5d0917da8b",[31857],{"_key":31858,"_type":131,"marks":31859,"text":31860},"900b90ab1e28",[],"Meanwhile, data on Tuesday revealed that Germany’s economy shrunk by 0.2% in Q4 2024, confirming earlier estimates, as exports plunged 2.2%—the steepest drop since mid-2020. While GDP saw a modest 0.1% rise in Q3, the full-year decline of 0.2% marks the second straight year of contraction. Rising energy costs, foreign competition, high interest rates, and mounting economic uncertainty continue to drag down Europe’s largest economy, raising concerns about its recovery path.",[],{"_key":31863,"_type":127,"children":31864,"markDefs":31869,"style":135},"f52bbed4aa37",[31865],{"_key":31866,"_type":131,"marks":31867,"text":31868},"e5deb340ce22",[],"The data was published shortly off the back of the preliminary results of the snap election in Germany this month. The CDU is expected to win 208 seats in the German Parliament, based on provisional results from the German election held on February 23, 2025. Although this would make the CDU the biggest party, they would still have too few seats to form a government and would therefore have to enter into a coalition with one or more of the other parties. Both the Euro and German stock markets are likely to see positive momentum in the short term amid election optimism.In the US, a new administration is prioritising retaining jobs on American soil and reducing bureaucracy to support domestic businesses. However, on Tuesday, the Conference Board’s consumer confidence index fell to 98.3 in February from 105.3 in January. While views on current business conditions improved slightly, perceptions of the labour market weakened, and pessimism about future business conditions, income prospects, and employment opportunities reached a 10-month high.",[],{"_key":31871,"_type":127,"children":31872,"markDefs":31877,"style":135},"38f33fed03ff",[31873],{"_key":31874,"_type":131,"marks":31875,"text":31876},"80b06d266414",[],"Investors are also closely watching developments on President Trump’s latest proposed tariffs. On Monday, Trump announced that tariffs on Canada and Mexico will take effect next month, following a brief suspension, as part of his broader efforts to counter what he views as unfair import taxes from other countries, which he argues have harmed US manufacturing jobs.",[],{"_key":31879,"_type":127,"children":31880,"markDefs":31885,"style":135},"bcf8d1a171ed",[31881],{"_key":31882,"_type":131,"marks":31883,"text":31884},"e31a1ae428ac",[],"Still to come this week, tech-chip giant Nvidia is set to release its earnings report, with investors watching closely to see if its remarkable growth streak continues. The company has consistently outperformed expectations, exceeding consensus estimates by an average of $1.8 billion over the past five quarters. Market participants are particularly eager to gauge revenue from Nvidia’s Blackwell chips, amid growing concerns over how US tariff threats and export controls could impact its future prospects.",[],{"_key":31887,"_type":127,"children":31888,"markDefs":31893,"style":135},"37b412231014",[31889],{"_key":31890,"_type":131,"marks":31891,"text":31892},"8b6072ea5d04",[],"Also to come this week we have US GDP and PCE data, Tokyo CPI and Japan’s retail sales data, and China’s PMI data.",[],{"_key":31895,"_type":127,"children":31896,"markDefs":31900,"style":135},"21687c33d2cf",[31897],{"_key":31898,"_type":131,"marks":31899,"text":175},"efdf3f44529f",[174],[],[31902],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":31903,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":31905,"blogPostMeta":31906,"content":31923,"tag":32014,"title":31922},"765ff791-c8e5-4dd3-8490-eb62b671e4fa",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":31907,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":31919,"publishedAt":31714,"slug":31920,"title":31922},{"_type":58,"alt":30523,"asset":31908},{"_createdAt":19239,"_id":19240,"_rev":19241,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":19239,"assetId":19242,"extension":196,"metadata":31909,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":19264,"path":19265,"sha1hash":19242,"size":19266,"uploadId":19267,"url":19268},{"_type":69,"blurHash":19244,"dimensions":31910,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":19246,"palette":31911},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":31912,"darkVibrant":31913,"dominant":31914,"lightMuted":31915,"lightVibrant":31916,"muted":31917,"vibrant":31918},{"_type":81,"background":19249,"foreground":83,"population":1172,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":19251,"foreground":83,"population":19252,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":19254,"foreground":83,"population":318,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":19256,"foreground":91,"population":19257,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":19259,"foreground":91,"population":2946,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":19254,"foreground":83,"population":318,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":19262,"foreground":83,"population":19263,"title":83},"There is just over a month left to check and fill any gaps in National Insurance (NI) records going back to 2006 to boost State Pension entitlement. ",{"_type":9,"current":31921},"check-state-pension-entitlement-before-5-april-deadline","Check State Pension entitlement before 5 April deadline",[31924,31932,31939,31947,31955,31963,31971,31979,31987,31995,32006],{"_key":31925,"_type":127,"children":31926,"markDefs":31931,"style":135},"8f8e1c50ec80",[31927],{"_key":31928,"_type":131,"marks":31929,"text":31930},"577bef7dd164",[],"There is just over a month left to check and fill any gaps in National Insurance (NI) records going back to 2006 to boost State Pension entitlement. As a minimum of 35 years of NI is needed to receive the full State Pension payment, anyone who thinks that they may have any gaps in their records should check their entitlement now so they can consider filling these before 5 April. After this date, individuals will only be able to make voluntary contributions for the last 6 years of NI credit.",[],{"_key":31933,"_type":127,"children":31934,"markDefs":31938,"style":135},"075ae31937ef",[31935],{"_key":31936,"_type":131,"marks":31937,"text":1006},"7118b78967d6",[],[],{"_key":31940,"_type":127,"children":31941,"markDefs":31946,"style":135},"c74fb57c648a",[31942],{"_key":31943,"_type":131,"marks":31944,"text":31945},"7dd090587b33",[],"Currently NI credits can be purchased for those who are employed. The cost of this is £17.45 per week, or £907.40 to plug the gap for a full year in your record. Each extra complete year of National Insurance purchased will give up to £6.32 more a week (£328.64 a year) in State Pension, before any annual increase.",[],{"_key":31948,"_type":127,"children":31949,"markDefs":31954,"style":135},"4cc9258df437",[31950],{"_key":31951,"_type":131,"marks":31952,"text":31953},"1c5d006dcd7a",[],"According to MoneyHelper, the point of making voluntary National Insurance contributions is to pay a small amount now, so you get more State Pension in the long run.",[],{"_key":31956,"_type":127,"children":31957,"markDefs":31962,"style":135},"b109c392d57c",[31958],{"_key":31959,"_type":131,"marks":31960,"text":31961},"629b2d8b1f4f",[],"For example, you could pay between £15.30 and £907.40 for one extra National Insurance year and get back:",[],{"_key":31964,"_type":127,"children":31965,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":31970,"style":135},"1d399248c93b",[31966],{"_key":31967,"_type":131,"marks":31968,"text":31969},"9cbb7830517b",[],"over £1,600 if you lived for another five years, and",[],{"_key":31972,"_type":127,"children":31973,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":31978,"style":135},"d76f269e1c0a",[31974],{"_key":31975,"_type":131,"marks":31976,"text":31977},"6d8ee70ddda9",[],"over £6,500 if you lived another 20 years.",[],{"_key":31980,"_type":127,"children":31981,"markDefs":31986,"style":135},"f5cd438b73aa",[31982],{"_key":31983,"_type":131,"marks":31984,"text":31985},"a10f44e7aac8",[],"It can take a number of years to get back what you pay in, so people should think how long they will expect to get their State Pension for. If someone was to die before reaching State Pension age, they wouldn’t get anything back.",[],{"_key":31988,"_type":127,"children":31989,"markDefs":31994,"style":135},"4f1e636a7e38",[31990],{"_key":31991,"_type":131,"marks":31992,"text":31993},"27ccdd7cd0c1",[],"Individuals can make an enquiry to find out their entitlement by requesting a State Pension statement using a form called a BR19, which is available online or by calling the government helpline on 0345 3000 168. Alternatively, those who have a Government Gateway account can access these details online.",[],{"_key":31996,"_type":127,"children":31997,"markDefs":32005,"style":135},"5e410b48f24b",[31998,32001],{"_key":31999,"_type":131,"marks":32000,"text":27353},"bc6da495eeff",[174],{"_key":32002,"_type":131,"marks":32003,"text":32004},"2bcd62f1e55f",[]," “With the 5 April deadline fast approaching, it is important for those who think they may have not built enough entitlement to receive the full State Pension to check their records now. Those who have a gap of more than 6 years in National Insurance contributions, which may include those who have taken a career break, have worked abroad or had time off for child or elderly care, may want to consider filling these gaps in their record now to ensure they are on track to receive the full State Pension entitlement at retirement.”",[],{"_key":32007,"_type":127,"children":32008,"markDefs":32013,"style":135},"eae9e23e3c4c",[32009],{"_key":32010,"_type":131,"marks":32011,"text":32012},"1a063e7e28fa",[],"He adds; “It’s exceptionally important that people get the support needed to understand all their options when approaching retirement so that they are able to make informed decisions. This includes realising all the options for creating a retirement income such as a workplace pension or any other saving such as an ISA, as well how to find out their state pension entitlement. Many leading companies now provide this support in the workplace through financial education, guidance and investment advice. So, it’s always worth speaking to your employee to see what support they provide.”",[],[32015],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":32016,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":32018,"blogPostMeta":32019,"content":32056,"tag":32114,"title":32055},"17e5ad97-c126-4a92-877f-c668dfd9df2d",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":32020,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":32051,"publishedAt":32052,"slug":32053,"title":32055},{"_type":58,"alt":32021,"asset":32022},"A retired couple work on a laptop together",{"_createdAt":32023,"_id":32024,"_rev":32025,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":32023,"assetId":32026,"extension":196,"metadata":32027,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":19264,"path":32047,"sha1hash":32026,"size":32048,"uploadId":32049,"url":32050},"2025-06-20T07:09:59Z","image-1e878244b76fc1dff1b20c27c1432f8ca3b5a2c5-1000x667-jpg","v1FukrxRM8ftgKrIaevSMD","1e878244b76fc1dff1b20c27c1432f8ca3b5a2c5",{"_type":69,"blurHash":32028,"dimensions":32029,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":32030,"palette":32031},"VXMGVDaJ$eWX9Z~AkDNcIUWXRjRjIooyt7NGRjxaxuof",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGB\u002F\u002FEACMQAAEEAgEDBQAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQFACERBhIyEzFCYXH\u002FxAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADBP\u002FEABkRAAMBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwAxQf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8A1Dp9EGFRrkSnUNIb2So8DFEO9Zl2qRHkepGU52lKRzxrW8jXmnuqasMPyXIzCVgFDfy\u002Fce9DV8eoiyo8dPcEueStk6ySUwy6ytSjaltVNrleI0kD3wzPrK5muT5HDxSErKQB9YYJkSeZRVR7v\u002F\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":32032,"darkVibrant":32034,"dominant":32037,"lightMuted":32039,"lightVibrant":32041,"muted":32043,"vibrant":32044},{"_type":81,"background":32033,"foreground":83,"population":507,"title":83},"#524238",{"_type":81,"background":32035,"foreground":83,"population":32036,"title":83},"#3a2211",0.43,{"_type":81,"background":32038,"foreground":83,"population":28201,"title":83},"#b08a6e",{"_type":81,"background":32040,"foreground":91,"population":22543,"title":83},"#d4b69f",{"_type":81,"background":32042,"foreground":91,"population":2946,"title":83},"#e9ac8a",{"_type":81,"background":32038,"foreground":83,"population":28201,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":32045,"foreground":83,"population":32046,"title":83},"#926143",1.57,"images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F1e878244b76fc1dff1b20c27c1432f8ca3b5a2c5-1000x667.jpg",63213,"91qiaq2Je8LynX0hwqtwNKAUieXe9R0G","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F1e878244b76fc1dff1b20c27c1432f8ca3b5a2c5-1000x667.jpg","There is just over a month left to check and fill any gaps in National Insurance (NI) records going back to 2006 to boost State Pension entitlement. As a minimum of 35 years of NI is needed to receive the full State Pension payment, anyone who thinks that they may have any gaps in their records should check their entitlement now so they can consider filling these before 5 April. ","2025-02-26T11:01:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":32054},"do-employees-know-to-check-state-pension-entitlement-before-5-april-deadline","Do employees know to check State Pension entitlement before 5 April deadline?",[32057,32064,32072,32080,32088,32096,32106],{"_key":32058,"_type":127,"children":32059,"markDefs":32063,"style":135},"392d1bdf2ff3",[32060],{"_key":32061,"_type":131,"marks":32062,"text":31930},"bb1f0ee26cc4",[],[],{"_key":32065,"_type":127,"children":32066,"markDefs":32071,"style":135},"d17d182fba33",[32067],{"_key":32068,"_type":131,"marks":32069,"text":32070},"ebcb9e98fb76",[],"Currently NI credits can be purchased for those who are employed. The cost of this is £17.45 per week, or £907.40 to plug the gap for a full year in your Each extra complete year of National Insurance purchased will give up to £6.32 more a week (£328.64 a year) in State Pension, before any annual increase.",[],{"_key":32073,"_type":127,"children":32074,"markDefs":32079,"style":135},"2060bead3078",[32075],{"_key":32076,"_type":131,"marks":32077,"text":32078},"93ff2ab39ced",[],"According to MoneyHelper, the point of making voluntary National Insurance contributions is to pay a small amount now, so you get more State Pension in the long run. For example, you could pay between £15.30 and £907.40 for one extra National Insurance year and get back:",[],{"_key":32081,"_type":127,"children":32082,"markDefs":32087,"style":135},"c2db230822a3",[32083],{"_key":32084,"_type":131,"marks":32085,"text":32086},"4e1f377c36e6",[],"• over £1,600 if you lived for another five years, and\n• over £6,500 if you lived another 20 years.",[],{"_key":32089,"_type":127,"children":32090,"markDefs":32095,"style":135},"d2dfc7d35aab",[32091],{"_key":32092,"_type":131,"marks":32093,"text":32094},"04efe35a1fb2",[],"It can take a number of years to get back what you pay in, so people should think how long they will expect to get their State Pension for. If someone was to die before reaching State Pension age, they wouldn’t get anything back.\nIndividuals can make an enquiry to find out their entitlement by requesting a State Pension statement using a form called a BR19, which is available online or by calling the government helpline on 0345 3000 168. Alternatively, those who have a Government Gateway account can access these details online.",[],{"_key":32097,"_type":127,"children":32098,"markDefs":32105,"style":135},"c4a37587654f",[32099,32102],{"_key":32100,"_type":131,"marks":32101,"text":27353},"b393a621394c",[174],{"_key":32103,"_type":131,"marks":32104,"text":32004},"e71641c4354b",[],[],{"_key":32107,"_type":127,"children":32108,"markDefs":32113,"style":135},"c7ce042613a4",[32109],{"_key":32110,"_type":131,"marks":32111,"text":32112},"a94cee4a43aa",[],"He adds; “It’s exceptionally important to ensure employees are supported to understand all their options when approaching retirement so that they are able to make informed decisions. This includes helping employees realise all the options for creating a retirement income such as their workplace pension or any other savings such as an ISA, as well how to find out their State Pension entitlement. Many leading companies now deliver this sort of support in the workplace through financial education workshops, one-to-one guidance or coaching sessions, digital tools and helplines, as well as providing access to investment advice.”",[],[32115],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":32116,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":32118,"blogPostMeta":32119,"content":32141,"tag":32223,"title":32140},"b33d96e1-f8f9-4aa6-a8b2-d5ac70e2a66d",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":32120,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":32136,"publishedAt":32137,"slug":32138,"title":32140},{"_type":58,"alt":30523,"asset":32121},{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":32122,"mimeType":225,"opt":32132,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":32123,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":32124},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":32125,"darkVibrant":32126,"dominant":32127,"lightMuted":32128,"lightVibrant":32129,"muted":32130,"vibrant":32131},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":32133},{"tags":32134},[32135],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"This week in financial markets, key economic indicators and central bank minutes provided mixed signals, contributing to a cautious tone for global markets.\n","2025-02-24T16:07:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":32139},"week-ending-21st-february-2025","Week ending 21st February 2025",[32142,32145,32153,32160,32168,32176,32184,32192,32200,32208,32216],{"_key":32143,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":32144,"width":124},"e3513bda88b1","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1059693013?h=77e5509e1c",{"_key":32146,"_type":127,"children":32147,"markDefs":32152,"style":135},"abdfff6205b9",[32148],{"_key":32149,"_type":131,"marks":32150,"text":32151},"fec657518974",[],"This week in financial markets, key economic indicators and central bank minutes provided mixed signals, contributing to a cautious tone for global markets.",[],{"_key":32154,"_type":127,"children":32155,"markDefs":32159,"style":135},"02041b198a09",[32156],{"_key":32157,"_type":131,"marks":32158,"text":1006},"8c11c6c782c8",[],[],{"_key":32161,"_type":127,"children":32162,"markDefs":32167,"style":135},"5fa455ebd29c",[32163],{"_key":32164,"_type":131,"marks":32165,"text":32166},"fe92b8b88037",[],"US stocks ended the holiday-shortened week lower after an early rally lost momentum. With markets closed on Monday for Presidents’ Day, equities rose on Tuesday and Wednesday, pushing the S&P 500 to record highs. However, losses later in the week erased those gains, dragging major indexes into negative territory.",[],{"_key":32169,"_type":127,"children":32170,"markDefs":32175,"style":135},"af54a77ed7b3",[32171],{"_key":32172,"_type":131,"marks":32173,"text":32174},"c0f867f24d0f",[],"The Federal Reserve’s January meeting minutes offered no major surprises for markets. Policymakers noted a resilient economy but emphasised that progress on inflation is needed before rate cuts can be considered. Despite a strong labour market, high inflation keeps policy tight. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) also highlighted that the risk of rising inflation outweighs concerns about slowing growth, citing potential cost increases from Trump-era tariffs and immigration restrictions. This suggests that the Fed will continue prioritising inflation control.Geopolitical developments and trade policy remained key themes this week. President Trump’s push to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict made headlines, while his announcement of potential tariffs on automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and lumber added further uncertainty. Although details were limited, the prospect of new trade barriers dampened investor sentiment. However, as seen with previous tariff proposals, there is still room for negotiations or possible concessions from certain countries.",[],{"_key":32177,"_type":127,"children":32178,"markDefs":32183,"style":135},"b949deb3582e",[32179],{"_key":32180,"_type":131,"marks":32181,"text":32182},"cf44458cea7a",[],"Later in the week, the market faced pressure amid concerns over consumer spending causing major US indices to pull back from near record highs and close the week in negative territory. Walmart’s quarterly earnings report, released on Thursday, exceeded expectations, though its cautious outlook for the year ahead tempered investor sentiment. US business activity showed signs of slowing in February, Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) falling to 50.4, its lowest level in 17 months. While the PMI suggests near stagnation, it still indicates modest growth. The services sector dipped into contractionary territory, but manufacturing remained strong. Rising input costs and policy uncertainties were identified as key factors influencing the data, contributing to market jitters towards the end of the week.UK retail sales rebounded in January, rising 1.7%, surpassing expectations. While food stores saw a strong 5.6% increase, sectors like household goods, clothing, and automotive fuel experienced declines, highlighting uneven growth.",[],{"_key":32185,"_type":127,"children":32186,"markDefs":32191,"style":135},"48be17dac3ec",[32187],{"_key":32188,"_type":131,"marks":32189,"text":32190},"19ee58284c6a",[],"UK manufacturing continued to struggle, with the PMI dipping further into contraction due to weaker domestic and overseas sales. The services sector showed some promise, rising to 51.5, indicating modest expansion. However, new business declined as firms faced budget cuts and inflationary pressures, amid payroll tax hikes and higher labour costs. The Bank of England’s recent decision to lower interest rates by 0.25 percentage points for the third time since August reflects its concern over weak growth, but the central bank remains cautious about further cuts, preferring to wait for more clarity on inflation trends.",[],{"_key":32193,"_type":127,"children":32194,"markDefs":32199,"style":135},"116635f6b9da",[32195],{"_key":32196,"_type":131,"marks":32197,"text":32198},"33bb12b7dcf7",[],"Asian markets saw positive momentum, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index climbing 2.98% to its highest level since February 2022, driven by strong investor sentiment. A key catalyst was better-than-expected earnings from tech companies, particularly Alibaba, whose shares surged 12.9% after reporting a significant profit increase for the December quarter. Sentiment was further boosted by a high-profile meeting between President Xi and leading tech entrepreneurs, alongside a more supportive government stance towards the private sector.",[],{"_key":32201,"_type":127,"children":32202,"markDefs":32207,"style":135},"46c11f33c961",[32203],{"_key":32204,"_type":131,"marks":32205,"text":32206},"99548d63cd3e",[],"European markets had a relatively strong week, driven by cautious optimism as investors monitored US trade policy developments and efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Major stock indexes showed mixed results, with Germany’s DAX dropping 1.00% ahead of Sunday’s federal election. Germany’s conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU) emerged victorious in the country’s federal elections. Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved its best-ever result, and Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s party suffered a significant defeat.",[],{"_key":32209,"_type":127,"children":32210,"markDefs":32215,"style":135},"857fd73612e4",[32211],{"_key":32212,"_type":131,"marks":32213,"text":32214},"3465418e6a14",[],"Looking ahead, this week will feature US durable goods orders and the core PCE, the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation, as well as Eurozone economic sentiment and Japanese industrial production and retail sales.",[],{"_key":32217,"_type":127,"children":32218,"markDefs":32222,"style":135},"fe3b1019ca95",[32219],{"_key":32220,"_type":131,"marks":32221,"text":288},"7e4e21cf81eb",[174],[],[32224],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":32225,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":32227,"blogPostMeta":32228,"content":32265,"tag":32406,"title":32264},"955f2284-ce18-4321-9254-99d85092664b",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":32229,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":32260,"publishedAt":32261,"slug":32262,"title":32264},{"_type":58,"alt":30523,"asset":32230},{"_createdAt":19239,"_id":32231,"_rev":32232,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":19239,"assetId":32233,"extension":196,"metadata":32234,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":32255,"path":32256,"sha1hash":32233,"size":32257,"uploadId":32258,"url":32259},"image-898be24f3b4a0ac35d07c42ec55fefcf390a5b42-1000x667-jpg","N13lBH8CAyePiG0mJev3E2","898be24f3b4a0ac35d07c42ec55fefcf390a5b42",{"_type":69,"blurHash":32235,"dimensions":32236,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":32237,"palette":32238},"VEG[$g009t~qH?4m?Hbc9F-;-V-pIARPIVpIMxROxuNb",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwABAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgACB\u002F\u002FEACQQAAEDBAEDBQAAAAAAAAAAAAIBAwQABRESBgcUISIxQVGh\u002F8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgP\u002FxAAYEQADAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIRE\u002F\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8ALyptwsUkYoXFoHddtU91pfb25N0RpHpb77SAJPAg5VM0ei9Oxekd2\u002Fd5DrqNISKbaLj9rp\u002FSoBiDdpJCLjzjggq4wmET6oUpWDhVjCztntrRa9keMZ9Seaqxy64yy5BLUXiFNvAp8VVLoh8aZ\u002F\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":32239,"darkVibrant":32242,"dominant":32244,"lightMuted":32245,"lightVibrant":32247,"muted":32249,"vibrant":32252},{"_type":81,"background":32240,"foreground":83,"population":32241,"title":83},"#344756",4.64,{"_type":81,"background":32243,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#6b3619",{"_type":81,"background":32240,"foreground":83,"population":32241,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":32246,"foreground":91,"population":12594,"title":91},"#dac8be",{"_type":81,"background":32248,"foreground":91,"population":507,"title":83},"#e4bfa9",{"_type":81,"background":32250,"foreground":83,"population":32251,"title":83},"#8b7b6d",4.56,{"_type":81,"background":32253,"foreground":91,"population":32254,"title":83},"#e0a07d",0.75,"shutterstock_2457080347.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F898be24f3b4a0ac35d07c42ec55fefcf390a5b42-1000x667.jpg",331184,"0jKtrVuDCBX9z57GqQVoQ7MwtPQvCYGc","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F898be24f3b4a0ac35d07c42ec55fefcf390a5b42-1000x667.jpg","According to CIPDs Labour Market Outlook, one in four (25%) employers are planning to make redundancies in the three months to March 2025, another record high outside of 2020.","2025-02-21T16:07:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":32263},"key-areas-to-consider-for-those-facing-redundancy","Key areas to consider for those facing redundancy",[32266,32273,32280,32288,32300,32312,32324,32336,32348,32360,32372,32384,32395],{"_key":32267,"_type":127,"children":32268,"markDefs":32272,"style":135},"eb889b2db1ab",[32269],{"_key":32270,"_type":131,"marks":32271,"text":32260},"678bee73be28",[],[],{"_key":32274,"_type":127,"children":32275,"markDefs":32279,"style":135},"91634af3c30c",[32276],{"_key":32277,"_type":131,"marks":32278,"text":1006},"c262825a18ec",[],[],{"_key":32281,"_type":127,"children":32282,"markDefs":32287,"style":135},"b6ecae6ecb39",[32283],{"_key":32284,"_type":131,"marks":32285,"text":32286},"6248326729cd",[],"Facing redundancy can be an intimidating time, therefore it is important people are aware of their rights and have a clear overview of their finances. WEALTH at work have provided an overview of some of the key areas that people will need to understand if they are made redundant.",[],{"_key":32289,"_type":127,"children":32290,"markDefs":32299,"style":135},"258c1dc68768",[32291,32295],{"_key":32292,"_type":131,"marks":32293,"text":32294},"fc9d8ebc5cbb",[174],"1. Redundancy Entitlement",{"_key":32296,"_type":131,"marks":32297,"text":32298},"0c3cb19e969d",[]," – When someone is made redundant, they may be entitled to redundancy pay. Redundancy packages are not set in stone, they vary according to the company but are also based on age, length of employment, and job role. For those who have been in the same job for at least two years, their employer is usually legally required to pay them ‘Statutory redundancy pay’ but this also depends on an employee’s contract as they may be entitled to more. There are also plenty of online resources such as GOV.UK or Money Helper which can help employees to understand their rights.",[],{"_key":32301,"_type":127,"children":32302,"markDefs":32311,"style":135},"6cb4e03e241b",[32303,32307],{"_key":32304,"_type":131,"marks":32305,"text":32306},"b4ed4b08a538",[174],"2. Taxation on redundancy payment",{"_key":32308,"_type":131,"marks":32309,"text":32310},"4927080608c5",[]," – It is important that people understand how much they will actually receive once tax has been paid. Usually, the first £30k is tax free, with anything over this being added to their income and charged at the marginal rate. Please note, employee National Insurance is not deducted from a redundancy payment. For example, someone who has an annual salary of £36k, has earned £15k so far this tax year and is offered £50k redundancy would owe £4,000 in tax on their redundancy pay. This is because the first £30k of their redundancy pay is tax free but the remaining £20k is taxable. As they have earned £15k so far this year, even with the £20k added to this, they are still within the basic rate tax band, so tax of £4,000 is due on the redundancy pay (20% of £20k). Please note, individuals could end up in a higher rate tax bracket, depending on their income and redundancy pay.",[],{"_key":32313,"_type":127,"children":32314,"markDefs":32323,"style":135},"80af5734b4f9",[32315,32319],{"_key":32316,"_type":131,"marks":32317,"text":32318},"e8abbddcf0c2",[174],"3. Review financial position and budget",{"_key":32320,"_type":131,"marks":32321,"text":32322},"4ae5572acc3c",[]," – It is important for people to work out what assets they have, pensions, savings, ISAs, property and investments, and what liabilities they have e.g. a mortgage, debt, childcare, insurance and utility bills. Then look at any other household income and expenses. If the amount of money they need each month is more than the amount they have coming in, they can then work out what action they need to take to cover their costs. Money Helper has a great budget planner: Budget Planner | Free online budget planning tool | MoneyHelper",[],{"_key":32325,"_type":127,"children":32326,"markDefs":32335,"style":135},"9c8db20569c9",[32327,32331],{"_key":32328,"_type":131,"marks":32329,"text":32330},"22fff6dc4b54",[174],"4. Debt repayment",{"_key":32332,"_type":131,"marks":32333,"text":32334},"f67ba42f7723",[]," – For those who can afford to, it might be worth using some of their redundancy payment to pay off any expensive debts they may have. There are many different types of debt with varying rates of interest. Credit cards can have rates of 17 – 20%, with payday loans typically having rates of 1,250% . For example, a debt of £3,000 with a rate of 18% APR , could take 10 years and 10 months to pay off if paying £52 a month, with total interest of £3,836 paid. If that monthly payment was increased to £100 a month, the debt would be paid off in 3 years and 4 months, and interest paid would be only £1,011. If this was increased to £325 a month, the debt would be paid in 10 months, with total interest of £253 paid.",[],{"_key":32337,"_type":127,"children":32338,"markDefs":32347,"style":135},"b29eb39882ce",[32339,32343],{"_key":32340,"_type":131,"marks":32341,"text":32342},"36017b27831a",[174],"5. Mortgage overpayment",{"_key":32344,"_type":131,"marks":32345,"text":32346},"15f5fb1b939d",[]," – Mortgage interest rates tend to be significantly lower than other debts and can include payment holidays for those who are made redundant. However, if they don’t have other debts, employees may want to consider overpaying on their mortgage.",[],{"_key":32349,"_type":127,"children":32350,"markDefs":32359,"style":135},"54b33f1b07be",[32351,32355],{"_key":32352,"_type":131,"marks":32353,"text":32354},"2de21e442145",[174],"6. Is retirement a possibility?",{"_key":32356,"_type":131,"marks":32357,"text":32358},"e8859e0ecaeb",[]," – For those nearing retirement age, they may consider the idea of retiring early. Depending on their circumstances, this may be more achievable than they think. An individual could use their redundancy payment or pension tax free cash to pay off any outstanding loans and mortgages, and as a result, they may be able to maintain their standard of living. For example, someone earning £30,000 per year, once they have paid income tax (£3,006), National Insurance (£1,202), pension contributions via salary sacrifice (£2,400), mortgage (£6,000) and loans (£2,400), may end up with a disposable annual income of around £14,992. Often when people realise that they may only need a retirement income of less than half of their salary to maintain their standard of living, it can make retirement a more realistic option.",[],{"_key":32361,"_type":127,"children":32362,"markDefs":32371,"style":135},"684ee9697f31",[32363,32367],{"_key":32364,"_type":131,"marks":32365,"text":32366},"606a01e0470f",[174],"7. What happens to someone’s workplace pension?",{"_key":32368,"_type":131,"marks":32369,"text":32370},"ebc678417cae",[]," It is fine for pensions to be kept with a previous employer as it will remain invested and safe until retirement. Some people prefer to move their pension to their new workplace pension scheme, or a private pension. There are benefits to this in that all pensions are kept together in one place, however, there can be a cost when transferring a pension; investment charges are not all the same and the range of investment options varies between schemes. It is important to make sure these things are checked before moving a pension.",[],{"_key":32373,"_type":127,"children":32374,"markDefs":32383,"style":135},"7464746c78f8",[32375,32379],{"_key":32376,"_type":131,"marks":32377,"text":32378},"3b4c6a08d608",[174],"8. Paying more into a pension",{"_key":32380,"_type":131,"marks":32381,"text":32382},"f7a716665b47",[]," – For those people who can afford to do so, it may be worth considering paying some of their redundancy payment into their pension to boost their retirement savings. There are limits on the tax relief that can be received from pension contributions each year, so it will be important to check these carefully first. For those approaching retirement, this may be a particularly attractive way of providing a final boost to the value of their pension pot.",[],{"_key":32385,"_type":127,"children":32386,"markDefs":32394,"style":135},"c3a913ade7a4",[32387,32390],{"_key":32388,"_type":131,"marks":32389,"text":5155},"ed3623480007",[174],{"_key":32391,"_type":131,"marks":32392,"text":32393},"7ab32bf6fe0a",[]," – Unfortunately, there are some really unscrupulous people in the world, who won’t think twice about scamming someone out of their redundancy pay. For people who are looking for somewhere to keep their redundancy pay beyond just their current account, it is important to do research. Before handing over any money, always check that the firm is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).",[],{"_key":32396,"_type":127,"children":32397,"markDefs":32405,"style":135},"ebd6d50854a4",[32398,32401],{"_key":32399,"_type":131,"marks":32400,"text":1502},"0086c5d3e78b",[174],{"_key":32402,"_type":131,"marks":32403,"text":32404},"d70f7252d533",[],"\n“People facing redundancy need support to make the most of their finances at what can be a really challenging time. It’s important that they understand how much they will actually receive from their redundancy pay after tax, and it is crucial that they are helped to understand how to manage their finances such as how to budget, manage debt or cut down their spending and bills so they can make it last if they don’t get a new job quickly. For those approaching retirement, it may even help them afford retirement when perhaps they thought it wasn’t a possibility. It’s encouraging that many leading companies already have in place or are putting in place redundancy support for employees to help them navigate these issues at a very difficult time.”",[],[32407],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":32408,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":32410,"blogPostMeta":32411,"content":32443,"tag":32573,"title":32442},"8142d2e6-3e3d-4df8-9d00-f270ef35eb86",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":32412,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":32260,"publishedAt":32439,"slug":32440,"title":32442},{"_type":58,"alt":32413,"asset":32414},"Middle-aged man using a laptop",{"_createdAt":32415,"_id":32416,"_rev":32417,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":32415,"assetId":32418,"extension":196,"metadata":32419,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":32255,"path":32435,"sha1hash":32418,"size":32436,"uploadId":32437,"url":32438},"2025-06-20T07:00:53Z","image-1909e599b2e377a5a7ebc2751603841c1dd33404-1000x667-jpg","QkuvqQ0LD7SNRTBiawcLma","1909e599b2e377a5a7ebc2751603841c1dd33404",{"_type":69,"blurHash":32420,"dimensions":32421,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":32422,"palette":32423},"VEG[$h009u~qH?4m?Hbc9F-;-V-pIARPIVpIMxROxuNb",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwABAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgACB\u002F\u002FEACQQAAEDAwMEAwAAAAAAAAAAAAIBAwQABREGEjEHFCEiQVGh\u002F8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgP\u002FxAAZEQADAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIRAxP\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FAC8qbcLFKGKNxbB7bu2pytL7e1JuiNI9LffaQBJ4EHPNHo3ToXpHdv3eQ66jSEim2i4\u002Fa6f0qEYg3aSQi4844IKuMJhE+qFKVg4VYws7Z7a0W3sj4z7J5qrGrrjLLUEtReIU3eBT4qqXoii40z\u002F\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":32424,"darkVibrant":32425,"dominant":32426,"lightMuted":32427,"lightVibrant":32429,"muted":32432,"vibrant":32434},{"_type":81,"background":32240,"foreground":83,"population":25362,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":32243,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":32240,"foreground":83,"population":25362,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":32428,"foreground":91,"population":28793,"title":83},"#c2b8af",{"_type":81,"background":32430,"foreground":91,"population":32431,"title":83},"#e4beaa",1.59,{"_type":81,"background":32433,"foreground":83,"population":217,"title":83},"#a28670",{"_type":81,"background":32253,"foreground":91,"population":32254,"title":83},"images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F1909e599b2e377a5a7ebc2751603841c1dd33404-1000x667.jpg",57280,"jVFHvRqvBgV15JHz37EEavQOfsKHG3Sk","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F1909e599b2e377a5a7ebc2751603841c1dd33404-1000x667.jpg","2025-02-19T10:58:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":32441},"how-to-support-employees-facing-redundancy","How to support employees facing redundancy",[32444,32452,32460,32470,32480,32490,32501,32513,32523,32533,32544,32554,32565],{"_key":32445,"_type":127,"children":32446,"markDefs":32451,"style":135},"b7c764742d04",[32447],{"_key":32448,"_type":131,"marks":32449,"text":32450},"363c338fcac1",[],"According to CIPDs Labour Market Outlook, one in four (25%) employers are planning to make redundancies in the three months to March 2025, another record high outside of 2020 .",[],{"_key":32453,"_type":127,"children":32454,"markDefs":32459,"style":135},"9bb2998b9cfd",[32455],{"_key":32456,"_type":131,"marks":32457,"text":32458},"5938978b207c",[],"Facing redundancy can be an intimidating time, therefore it is important employees are aware of their rights and have a clear overview of their finances. WEALTH at work have provided an overview of some of the key areas that employees will need to understand if they are made redundant.",[],{"_key":32461,"_type":127,"children":32462,"markDefs":32469,"style":135},"72407e2ae6e5",[32463,32466],{"_key":32464,"_type":131,"marks":32465,"text":32294},"5e723fa96fe4",[174],{"_key":32467,"_type":131,"marks":32468,"text":32298},"662610c1b040",[],[],{"_key":32471,"_type":127,"children":32472,"markDefs":32479,"style":135},"53983894ab0d",[32473,32476],{"_key":32474,"_type":131,"marks":32475,"text":32306},"54eb51aec846",[174],{"_key":32477,"_type":131,"marks":32478,"text":32310},"b99e9f431a7f",[],[],{"_key":32481,"_type":127,"children":32482,"markDefs":32489,"style":135},"83c0af6e2cd2",[32483,32486],{"_key":32484,"_type":131,"marks":32485,"text":32318},"0ca400eac054",[174],{"_key":32487,"_type":131,"marks":32488,"text":32322},"06ff982d3c98",[],[],{"_key":32491,"_type":127,"children":32492,"markDefs":32500,"style":135},"5e4be2f5baf3",[32493,32496],{"_key":32494,"_type":131,"marks":32495,"text":32330},"76e42ff9ff92",[174],{"_key":32497,"_type":131,"marks":32498,"text":32499},"a1f6323720a2",[]," – For those who can afford to, it might be worth using some of their redundancy payment to pay off any expensive debts they may have. There are many different types of debt with varying rates of interest. Credit cards can have rates of 17 – 20%, with payday loans typically having rates of 1,250% .For example, a debt of £3,000 with a rate of 18% APR , could take 10 years and 10 months to pay off if paying £52 a month, with total interest of £3,836 paid. If that monthly payment was increased to £100 a month, the debt would be paid off in 3 years and 4 months, and interest paid would be only £1,011. If this was increased to £325 a month, the debt would be paid in 10 months, with total interest of £253 paid.",[],{"_key":32502,"_type":127,"children":32503,"markDefs":32512,"style":135},"37653112163c",[32504,32508],{"_key":32505,"_type":131,"marks":32506,"text":32507},"42a5233b30f2",[174],"5. Mortgage overpayment –",{"_key":32509,"_type":131,"marks":32510,"text":32511},"21856eda4fc1",[]," Mortgage interest rates tend to be significantly lower than other debts and can include payment holidays for those who are made redundant. However, if they don’t have other debts, employees may want to consider overpaying on their mortgage.",[],{"_key":32514,"_type":127,"children":32515,"markDefs":32522,"style":135},"f05fa87aa871",[32516,32519],{"_key":32517,"_type":131,"marks":32518,"text":32354},"d2e38d7eebe1",[174],{"_key":32520,"_type":131,"marks":32521,"text":32358},"35ca3c162bfe",[],[],{"_key":32524,"_type":127,"children":32525,"markDefs":32532,"style":135},"565ab671cf68",[32526,32529],{"_key":32527,"_type":131,"marks":32528,"text":32366},"e4b85fcb7483",[174],{"_key":32530,"_type":131,"marks":32531,"text":32370},"a98f3d7e4045",[],[],{"_key":32534,"_type":127,"children":32535,"markDefs":32543,"style":135},"38603387681e",[32536,32539],{"_key":32537,"_type":131,"marks":32538,"text":32378},"0475fda1b8ec",[174],{"_key":32540,"_type":131,"marks":32541,"text":32542},"41af5fb9cd57",[]," – For employees who can afford to do so, it may be worth considering paying some of their redundancy payment into their pension to boost their retirement savings. There are limits on the tax relief that can be received from pension contributions each year, so it will be important to check these carefully first. For those approaching retirement, this may be a particularly attractive way of providing a final boost to the value of their pension pot.",[],{"_key":32545,"_type":127,"children":32546,"markDefs":32553,"style":135},"b3ba4982c87c",[32547,32550],{"_key":32548,"_type":131,"marks":32549,"text":5155},"a52e1174b808",[174],{"_key":32551,"_type":131,"marks":32552,"text":32393},"4ca2d1e24e8b",[],[],{"_key":32555,"_type":127,"children":32556,"markDefs":32564,"style":135},"eb0395814164",[32557,32560],{"_key":32558,"_type":131,"marks":32559,"text":1502},"327472762360",[174],{"_key":32561,"_type":131,"marks":32562,"text":32563},"a9987e89b324",[]," “For organisations that are making redundancies, it’s really important that the workforce receive the appropriate support so they understand how it will impact their finances. It can be a really difficult time and it is crucial that they get help around areas such as how to budget, manage debt and cut down on spending and bills. Employees will also need to understand how much they will actually receive from their redundancy pay after tax, how to make it last if they don’t get a new job quickly, or how it could help them afford retirement when perhaps they thought it wasn’t a possibility.”",[],{"_key":32566,"_type":127,"children":32567,"markDefs":32572,"style":135},"baf138429b07",[32568],{"_key":32569,"_type":131,"marks":32570,"text":32571},"1125f0551d83",[],"He adds; “People need help when they are told they are losing their job, and it’s encouraging that many leading companies already have redundancy support programmes in place and providing financial education, guidance and investment advice for their staff to help them navigate these issues at a time when financial wellbeing is so important.”",[],[32574],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":32575,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":32577,"blogPostMeta":32578,"content":32599,"tag":32662,"title":32598},"f7a02f9d-55c1-4ecd-8984-eea118001867",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":32579,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":32594,"publishedAt":32595,"slug":32596,"title":32598},{"_type":58,"alt":32580,"asset":32581},"market update",{"_createdAt":18787,"_id":18788,"_rev":18789,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":18790,"altText":65,"assetId":18791,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":32582,"mimeType":225,"opt":32592,"originalFilename":18816,"path":18817,"sha1hash":18791,"size":18818,"title":65,"uploadId":18819,"url":18820},{"_type":69,"blurHash":18793,"dimensions":32583,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":18798,"palette":32584},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":18795,"height":18796,"width":18797},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":32585,"darkVibrant":32586,"dominant":32587,"lightMuted":32588,"lightVibrant":32589,"muted":32590,"vibrant":32591},{"_type":81,"background":18801,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18803,"foreground":83,"population":790,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18808,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18810,"foreground":91,"population":4724,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18812,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":18805,"foreground":83,"population":18806,"title":83},{"media":32593},{"tags":65},"This week, the spotlight was on Ukraine-Russia peace talks, as US and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia. The US administration said it would hold direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war, excluding Kyiv from any discussion and allowing Russia to keep any Ukrainian land it had seized. ","2025-02-19T10:39:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":32597},"market-update-19th-february-2025","Market Update – 19th February 2025",[32600,32608,32615,32623,32631,32639,32647,32655],{"_key":32601,"_type":127,"children":32602,"markDefs":32607,"style":135},"444daecfbcee",[32603],{"_key":32604,"_type":131,"marks":32605,"text":32606},"84e9ebc1f735",[],"This week, the spotlight was on Ukraine-Russia peace talks, as US and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia. The US administration said it would hold direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war, excluding Kyiv from any discussion and allowing Russia to keep any Ukrainian land it had seized. President Trump has also mentioned that the U.S. is interested in securing 50% of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. Investors are closely monitoring these US-led negotiations, particularly given the current absence of EU and Ukrainian representatives from the discussions.",[],{"_key":32609,"_type":127,"children":32610,"markDefs":32614,"style":135},"9d32f00eb196",[32611],{"_key":32612,"_type":131,"marks":32613,"text":1006},"18b55c0c8e1a",[],[],{"_key":32616,"_type":127,"children":32617,"markDefs":32622,"style":135},"38da94b32fde",[32618],{"_key":32619,"_type":131,"marks":32620,"text":32621},"529f1a70d5d3",[],"The week began with subdued trading, as US markets were closed for Presidents’ Day on Monday. In contrast, UK and European stocks saw modest gains, driven by a surge in defence sector stocks. Arms manufacturers saw notable increases following Trump’s calls for NATO members to significantly boost military spending.",[],{"_key":32624,"_type":127,"children":32625,"markDefs":32630,"style":135},"7022f0df354f",[32626],{"_key":32627,"_type":131,"marks":32628,"text":32629},"570fb75157a7",[],"UK CPI data for January showed an unexpected rise in inflation to 3%, driven mainly by higher transport and food prices. Core inflation, which excludes energy and food, also increased to 3.7% from 3.2% in December. Earlier this month, weak growth and easing inflation led the Bank of England to cut interest rates to 4.5%, with more reductions expected. However, the Bank warned that rising global energy costs and regulated price changes could push headline inflation to 3.7% by Q3 2025.UK job data released on Tuesday also revealed that the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.4% for the period from October to December 2024, surpassing expectations for an increase to 4.5%. The data also showed that wage growth remains strong. Average earnings, including bonuses, rose by 6% year-on-year, up from 5.5% in November. Pay growth, excluding bonuses, marked its third consecutive increase, driven by gains in both the private and public sectors.",[],{"_key":32632,"_type":127,"children":32633,"markDefs":32638,"style":135},"888a0bd0ad88",[32634],{"_key":32635,"_type":131,"marks":32636,"text":32637},"fd3d354dab07",[],"While the UK labour market showed more resilience than anticipated over the Christmas period, with lower-than-expected unemployment and rising wages, there are concerns that this could be a final seasonal boost before tougher times ahead. With rising living wages and a hike in employers’ national insurance contributions, many large employers have indicated they may look to trim labour costs before the tax hikes in April.",[],{"_key":32640,"_type":127,"children":32641,"markDefs":32646,"style":135},"efbf1dc60c31",[32642],{"_key":32643,"_type":131,"marks":32644,"text":32645},"034e4aa4f861",[],"Japan’s exports grew 7.2% year-on-year in January, up from 2.8% in December but slightly below the 7.7% market forecast. The US was a key driver, with shipments to the world’s largest economy rising 8.1%, likely due to businesses front-loading orders ahead of potential US tariff measures under Trump’s trade policies. Meanwhile, imports surged 16.7%, far exceeding both December’s 1.7% gain and the 9.3% market consensus, reflecting stronger domestic demand and rising global costs.",[],{"_key":32648,"_type":127,"children":32649,"markDefs":32654,"style":135},"c74d76d3906e",[32650],{"_key":32651,"_type":131,"marks":32652,"text":32653},"ba528a45a8bc",[],"Still to come this week we have the FOMC meeting minutes, Eurozone consumer confidence, Japan’s CPI and UK retail 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Trump’s Presidential victory heralded the return of headline risk thanks to his off-the-cuff comments – nor has he changed his love of tariffs, or his method of communicating them (social media), which unfortunately has added unnecessary volatility to global financial markets over the valuation period (5 October 2024 to 5 January 2025).","2025-02-18T10:41:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":32701},"market-overview-5th-october-2024-5th-january-2025","Market Overview – 5th October 2024 – 5th January 2025",[32704,32712,32719,32727,32735,32743,32751,32759,32767,32775,32783,32791,32799,32807,32815,32823,32831,32839,32857,32864,32872,32880,32888,32895,32903,32911,32919,32927,32935,32943,32951,32959,32966],{"_key":32705,"_type":127,"children":32706,"markDefs":32711,"style":135},"50b8c6d4f377",[32707],{"_key":32708,"_type":131,"marks":32709,"text":32710},"5a08e57dd0dc",[],"And so, it begins!",[],{"_key":32713,"_type":127,"children":32714,"markDefs":32718,"style":135},"a07bf5b18279",[32715],{"_key":32716,"_type":131,"marks":32717,"text":32698},"a5e571d77d5d",[],[],{"_key":32720,"_type":127,"children":32721,"markDefs":32726,"style":135},"4d6d0d5fb5c3",[32722],{"_key":32723,"_type":131,"marks":32724,"text":32725},"3407e4760205",[],"However, we believe that, as we saw in his first Presidency, his bark will be worse than his bite with the threat of tariffs only being used as a negotiating tool rather than being implemented at the levels he has indicated (60% on Chinese imports and 20% on everyone else).",[],{"_key":32728,"_type":127,"children":32729,"markDefs":32734,"style":135},"700f8c00a091",[32730],{"_key":32731,"_type":131,"marks":32732,"text":32733},"9396f0d66e42",[],"Additionally, as he likes to remind everybody about the strength of both the US economy and the US equity market, and how low inflation was during his first term, an aggressive trade war would prevent a repeat of this.",[],{"_key":32736,"_type":127,"children":32737,"markDefs":32742,"style":135},"b47b94bda88b",[32738],{"_key":32739,"_type":131,"marks":32740,"text":32741},"8141f646ef53",[],"This is because tariffs he is proposing are effectively an inflationary tax on US imports, which could slow US economic growth as higher import costs will reduce consumer spending power (especially if the US central bank, the Fed, increases interest rates to ensure that this inflation doesn’t become embedded); and is likely to dampen business confidence and capital expenditure.",[],{"_key":32744,"_type":127,"children":32745,"markDefs":32750,"style":135},"b6a76c321421",[32746],{"_key":32747,"_type":131,"marks":32748,"text":32749},"c9a28bb54c81",[],"That isn’t saying we don’t believe tariffs won’t be imposed, just that we don’t believe they will be imposed at the debilitating rates he has proposed, as moderate tariff rates are unlikely to have a significant impact on economic growth.",[],{"_key":32752,"_type":127,"children":32753,"markDefs":32758,"style":135},"14e910b43463",[32754],{"_key":32755,"_type":131,"marks":32756,"text":32757},"c62d98750c80",[],"It hasn’t just been Donald Trump that has been exhausting to follow.",[],{"_key":32760,"_type":127,"children":32761,"markDefs":32766,"style":135},"4d178b0b4fb4",[32762],{"_key":32763,"_type":131,"marks":32764,"text":32765},"86ff3420ab71",[],"Out of nowhere, South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol, declared martial law. Although this was later rescinded and the President was impeached, the fact that this happened to a country that is not just home to companies such as Samsung and Hyundai, it also has around 24,000 US military personnel stationed there!",[],{"_key":32768,"_type":127,"children":32769,"markDefs":32774,"style":135},"f952758fbedd",[32770],{"_key":32771,"_type":131,"marks":32772,"text":32773},"36c64d338ce7",[],"Similarly, the dramatic collapse of the Assad regime in Syria highlights how fluid the geopolitical landscape remains.",[],{"_key":32776,"_type":127,"children":32777,"markDefs":32782,"style":135},"68c869953e81",[32778],{"_key":32779,"_type":131,"marks":32780,"text":32781},"1add9a77d74f",[],"The French government also collapsed last month – but thankfully, while the high drama optics were fascinating, the financial implications were limited.",[],{"_key":32784,"_type":127,"children":32785,"markDefs":32790,"style":135},"d4749c566ed5",[32786],{"_key":32787,"_type":131,"marks":32788,"text":32789},"f38366e13fd4",[],"However, that has not been the case in the UK. As we indicated in our last valuation commentary, numbers 10 & 11 Downing Street talked the UK economy into a contraction with their constant downbeat, black-hole rhetoric as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) readings for both September and October 2024 were -0.1%.",[],{"_key":32792,"_type":127,"children":32793,"markDefs":32798,"style":135},"4f0ab19a3c4f",[32794],{"_key":32795,"_type":131,"marks":32796,"text":32797},"01614be34366",[],"Unfortunately, these GDP readings could deteriorate further after Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Autumn Statement raised taxes by £40bn and increased spending by £70bn, with the shortfall being funded by increased government borrowing (via the issue of gilts).",[],{"_key":32800,"_type":127,"children":32801,"markDefs":32806,"style":135},"62563899d530",[32802],{"_key":32803,"_type":131,"marks":32804,"text":32805},"8e3732bdeb8d",[],"With these tax increases predominately coming from higher employer National Insurance contributions, we are likely to see higher inflation (as companies pass these higher costs back to us by way of higher prices – which in turn could delay UK interest rate cuts) and higher unemployment (and thus slow economic growth) as companies make redundancies.",[],{"_key":32808,"_type":127,"children":32809,"markDefs":32814,"style":135},"7687cabb0391",[32810],{"_key":32811,"_type":131,"marks":32812,"text":32813},"4aaf2bfc2e08",[],"However, of greater concern to us is the level of gilt issuance needed by the government, coupled with the fact that gilt yields have risen sharply since the Autumn Statement. Even though Rachel Reeves relaxed the rules on UK borrowing to provide more fiscal headroom, as gilt yields have risen, gilt prices (which move inversely to the yield) have fallen – and consequently her fiscal rules could potentially be breached resulting in further tax increases and\u002For cuts in government spending.",[],{"_key":32816,"_type":127,"children":32817,"markDefs":32822,"style":135},"f7ccb35c72e5",[32818],{"_key":32819,"_type":131,"marks":32820,"text":32821},"5c763f08769b",[],"Furthermore, as the gilt yields impact the cost of other lending products, we could see the cost of mortgages increase and the economy contract further just as we did in 2022 following Liz Truss’ mini budget.",[],{"_key":32824,"_type":127,"children":32825,"markDefs":32830,"style":135},"127531d3fdf2",[32826],{"_key":32827,"_type":131,"marks":32828,"text":32829},"6a34f0d8b493",[],"On a positive note, this has resulted in a weaker pound. For example, since the Autumn Statement the pound has fallen from $1.30 to $1.24 against the US dollar – and what is bad for the pound is good for the FTSE-100. This is because around two-thirds of the FTSE-100’s total revenue is derived from abroad, and so a weak pound increases returns for exporters and the value of overseas earnings. Consequently, despite the fiscal uncertainties, the FTSE-100 has held-up reasonably well over the valuation period (down 0.68%), versus South Korea (martial law) which fell 4.97% over the same period; France (political uncertainty) -3.44%; and China (potentially the biggest casualty from tariffs) which dropped 11.3%.",[],{"_key":32832,"_type":127,"children":32833,"markDefs":32838,"style":135},"73c51e2aa769",[32834],{"_key":32835,"_type":131,"marks":32836,"text":32837},"f064d9cc79de",[],"In summary, while we remain optimistic on the outlook for financial markets in 2025 given the macro environment, it is very unlikely to be a tranquil year.",[],{"_key":32840,"_type":127,"children":32841,"markDefs":32854,"style":135},"75379a5e5a4c",[32842,32846,32851],{"_key":32843,"_type":131,"marks":32844,"text":32845},"929b20095adc",[],"As such please make sure you are subscribed to receive our regular Market Summary emails and videos, which keep clients up to date with our thoughts and views. If you don’t already receive these, please visit ",{"_key":32847,"_type":131,"marks":32848,"text":32850},"3c2ce82109fb",[32849],"ce1f9717028d","www.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fmywealth\u002Fsign-up",{"_key":32852,"_type":131,"marks":32853,"text":1289},"e3e444b1e6eb",[],[32855],{"_key":32849,"_type":1264,"href":32856},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fmywealth\u002Fsign-up\u002F",{"_key":32858,"_type":127,"children":32859,"markDefs":32863,"style":135},"8eba252dfde1",[32860],{"_key":32861,"_type":131,"marks":32862,"text":3930},"64bfdd33e4dc",[174],[],{"_key":32865,"_type":127,"children":32866,"markDefs":32871,"style":135},"f606578b985d",[32867],{"_key":32868,"_type":131,"marks":32869,"text":32870},"766ea24828db",[],"Gilts, which is debt issued by the UK government, are seen as lower risk to corporate bonds (which is debt issued by companies) – and so as gilt yields have risen, so too have corporate bond yields.",[],{"_key":32873,"_type":127,"children":32874,"markDefs":32879,"style":135},"e53ad454be1e",[32875],{"_key":32876,"_type":131,"marks":32877,"text":32878},"c771b72b5738",[],"As bond yields have risen, prices (which move inversely to the yield) have fallen – hence Income Portfolios have generally seen a fall in value over the valuation period.",[],{"_key":32881,"_type":127,"children":32882,"markDefs":32887,"style":135},"9b0bf130c581",[32883],{"_key":32884,"_type":131,"marks":32885,"text":32886},"726232b25cee",[],"However, given our strategy of holding a diversified spread of financially secure companies with investment-grade credit ratings and stable income until they mature effectively means that a negative quarter, while understandably unsettling, shouldn’t be too concerning as maturity dates and values are known.",[],{"_key":32889,"_type":127,"children":32890,"markDefs":32894,"style":135},"5621ce568362",[32891],{"_key":32892,"_type":131,"marks":32893,"text":3961},"b2c74c6c68a1",[174],[],{"_key":32896,"_type":127,"children":32897,"markDefs":32902,"style":135},"2bad036673c0",[32898],{"_key":32899,"_type":131,"marks":32900,"text":32901},"4d6e64f2143e",[],"In the UK, the market appears to be under-pricing the prospect of faster interest rate cuts from the Bank of England, which we believe is likely to intervene to prevent a sharp economic slowdown. This on its own provides a strong bull case for UK equities.",[],{"_key":32904,"_type":127,"children":32905,"markDefs":32910,"style":135},"ae0faa8c9602",[32906],{"_key":32907,"_type":131,"marks":32908,"text":32909},"504b9f40aaa9",[],"In addition, while the UK is not fully immune from potential US tariffs, around 68% of UK sales to the US are services (legal, management consultancy, financial services, etc). Therefore, providing Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs are only applied to goods (there has been no mention of tariffs on services), while they would be unwelcome, they would be manageable.",[],{"_key":32912,"_type":127,"children":32913,"markDefs":32918,"style":135},"94ef950d3d55",[32914],{"_key":32915,"_type":131,"marks":32916,"text":32917},"30b0490b5eed",[],"Furthermore, while FTSE 100 companies derive nearly 30% of their revenues from the US, much of this come from operations and manufacturing facilities based in the US, rather than from exports to the US.",[],{"_key":32920,"_type":127,"children":32921,"markDefs":32926,"style":135},"c2cc278dd75b",[32922],{"_key":32923,"_type":131,"marks":32924,"text":32925},"46f6789c0b2b",[],"We also remain positive on US equities given the potential for an extension of Donald Trump’s previous tax cuts, deregulation and artificial intelligence (which continues to support US technology companies). Additionally, helped by a strong macro background, US companies had a strong reporting period with three out of four companies announcing that profits were higher than expected.",[],{"_key":32928,"_type":127,"children":32929,"markDefs":32934,"style":135},"25c430e61367",[32930],{"_key":32931,"_type":131,"marks":32932,"text":32933},"49edf64449aa",[],"This contrasts with European companies, which in aggregate reported profits below estimates. European companies are heavily exposed to both autos and luxury products, and to China – neither of which have been helpful.",[],{"_key":32936,"_type":127,"children":32937,"markDefs":32942,"style":135},"9689305a31fc",[32938],{"_key":32939,"_type":131,"marks":32940,"text":32941},"4e807ba07f11",[],"Compounding Europe’s deteriorating economic backdrop, there is political uncertainty in both Germany and France, coupled with a significant risk that Donald Trump will impose tariffs on European imports. As such, during the valuation period we reduced the exposure to European companies.",[],{"_key":32944,"_type":127,"children":32945,"markDefs":32950,"style":135},"e2b4ab92e7d0",[32946],{"_key":32947,"_type":131,"marks":32948,"text":32949},"e6a5b7793309",[],"Contrasting outlooks for monetary policy between China and India, resulted in money being taken out of the Franklin FTSE India holding, with the proceeds used to fund a position in the iShares MSCI China ETF.",[],{"_key":32952,"_type":127,"children":32953,"markDefs":32958,"style":135},"bd226ff77556",[32954],{"_key":32955,"_type":131,"marks":32956,"text":32957},"3d78c407895f",[],"For clients with Ethical portfolios, the performance of shares in socially responsible companies has been mixed. Although inflation and interest rates have become more supportive, some of Donald Trump’s likely policies, such as renewable energy dis-incentivising, have weighed on performance.",[],{"_key":32960,"_type":127,"children":32961,"markDefs":32965,"style":135},"4750bc19a378",[32962],{"_key":32963,"_type":131,"marks":32964,"text":1006},"cae54a5f5bb7",[],[],{"_key":32967,"_type":127,"children":32968,"markDefs":32972,"style":135},"84c9b2d66db4",[32969],{"_key":32970,"_type":131,"marks":32971,"text":23807},"6572b237fe24",[174],[],[32974],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":32975,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":32977,"blogPostMeta":32978,"content":33001,"tag":33072,"title":33000},"bacfac12-bfa2-4fd3-a970-abed8f9f2b89",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":32979,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":32996,"publishedAt":32997,"slug":32998,"title":33000},{"_type":58,"alt":32980,"asset":32981}," SKYLINE",{"_createdAt":5721,"_id":5722,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"altText":65,"assetId":5723,"creditLine":65,"description":65,"extension":196,"metadata":32982,"mimeType":225,"opt":32992,"originalFilename":5756,"path":5757,"sha1hash":5723,"size":5758,"title":65,"uploadId":5759,"url":5760},{"_type":69,"blurHash":5725,"dimensions":32983,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":5730,"palette":32984},{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5727,"height":5728,"width":5729},{"_type":79,"darkMuted":32985,"darkVibrant":32986,"dominant":32987,"lightMuted":32988,"lightVibrant":32989,"muted":32990,"vibrant":32991},{"_type":81,"background":5733,"foreground":83,"population":5734,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5736,"foreground":83,"population":5737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5742,"foreground":91,"population":5743,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5745,"foreground":91,"population":5746,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":5748,"foreground":83,"population":5749,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":5739,"foreground":83,"population":5740,"title":83},{"media":32993},{"tags":32994},[32995],{"_key":5755,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"As you can see from the accompanying table, it was broadly a positive week for financial markets.\n","2025-02-17T10:54:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":32999},"week-ending-14th-february-2025","Week ending 14th February 2025",[33002,33010,33017,33025,33033,33041,33049,33057,33065],{"_key":33003,"_type":127,"children":33004,"markDefs":33009,"style":135},"55d203844247",[33005],{"_key":33006,"_type":131,"marks":33007,"text":33008},"a0b146d91023",[],"As you can see from the accompanying table, it was broadly a positive week for financial markets.",[],{"_key":33011,"_type":127,"children":33012,"markDefs":33016,"style":135},"a39d4614652f",[33013],{"_key":33014,"_type":131,"marks":33015,"text":1006},"bd3fad2c38cc",[],[],{"_key":33018,"_type":127,"children":33019,"markDefs":33024,"style":135},"9b90a2c3f480",[33020],{"_key":33021,"_type":131,"marks":33022,"text":33023},"52078a254652",[],"US stocks closed the week on a positive note as investor sentiment steadied, fuelled by growing recognition that President Trump’s tough rhetoric on tariffs was likely a strategic negotiating tactic rather than a fundamental shift in US trade policy, as we had previously speculated.",[],{"_key":33026,"_type":127,"children":33027,"markDefs":33032,"style":135},"6c467265dfa7",[33028],{"_key":33029,"_type":131,"marks":33030,"text":33031},"5d7b7e288a5d",[],"Trump has already engaged in talks with key global leaders, including Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to explore potential trade agreements that could benefit the US. He is also planning upcoming discussions with the European Union and the United Kingdom in hopes of securing trade deals that align more closely with U.S. economic priorities. In line with his approach as a seasoned businessman, Trump’s tactic of setting high tariff proposals early in negotiations is seen as a strategy to create room for flexibility and bargaining, ultimately positioning the U.S. to secure more favourable agreements.Markets reacted to January’s U.S. inflation data, which showed a faster-than-expected rise in prices, signalling that inflationary pressures remain persistent. The annual inflation rate increased to 3%, up from 2.9% in December. Shelter costs rose by 0.4%, accounting for nearly 30% of the total monthly increase. Core consumer price inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, edged up to 3.3% in January, from 3.2% the previous month, surpassing market expectations of 3.1%. This data reinforced the view that the Federal Reserve will likely maintain its current stance on interest rates, with markets now anticipating a rate cut in November or December. While investors were somewhat disappointed, January’s report has not significantly changed the broader economic outlook. Policymakers are likely to stay the course, particularly given risks such as California wildfires and the potential impact of trade tariffs proposed by the Trump administration.",[],{"_key":33034,"_type":127,"children":33035,"markDefs":33040,"style":135},"35c49da472fc",[33036],{"_key":33037,"_type":131,"marks":33038,"text":33039},"3e323d36f476",[],"UK GDP data shows the economy narrowly avoided a recession in Q4 2024, with modest 0.1% growth, largely driven by government spending. December saw the strongest growth in nine months, at 0.4%, boosted by sectors like pubs, wholesale trade, and pharmaceuticals. However, construction continued to weigh on overall performance. The data suggests that the economy’s recovery is fragile and remains heavily reliant on public sector support, rather than a resurgence in private sector activity.Looking to 2025, the outlook is cautiously optimistic, with expectations for potential Bank of England rate cuts. Risks remain, including a cooling labour market and ongoing pessimism among consumers and businesses. The labour market may cool faster than expected, especially as companies could look to reduce headcount in response to rising employer national insurance contributions.",[],{"_key":33042,"_type":127,"children":33043,"markDefs":33048,"style":135},"2b525a9de631",[33044],{"_key":33045,"_type":131,"marks":33046,"text":33047},"d0c296e1aeae",[],"In Europe, sentiment was buoyed by hopes of an end to the Ukraine-Russia conflict and strong earnings reports. Investors responded positively to the prospects of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, following a phone call last week between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a significant development, White House Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed he was traveling to Saudi Arabia on Sunday evening for the first in-person discussions between the US and Russia aimed at resolving the conflict. This marks a hopeful and constructive step forward in efforts to achieve peace.",[],{"_key":33050,"_type":127,"children":33051,"markDefs":33056,"style":135},"f4c408ecd089",[33052],{"_key":33053,"_type":131,"marks":33054,"text":33055},"8f658fa96486",[],"In other news, mainland Chinese stock markets gained, fuelled by hopes that U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports may be less severe than initially expected, following the Trump administration’s decision to impose a 10% tariff on the country’s products in early February.",[],{"_key":33058,"_type":127,"children":33059,"markDefs":33064,"style":135},"2f8ba8fc7679",[33060],{"_key":33061,"_type":131,"marks":33062,"text":33063},"be4b04aa1552",[],"Coming up next week: UK inflation, unemployment, consumer confidence, retail sales, and Federal Reserve minutes from their January meeting. US and Eurozone consumer sentiment data are also due out.",[],{"_key":33066,"_type":127,"children":33067,"markDefs":33071,"style":135},"cb78518ece6b",[33068],{"_key":33069,"_type":131,"marks":33070,"text":288},"8451a39df15b",[174],[],[33073],{"_createdAt":632,"_id":633,"_rev":634,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":635,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":33074,"title":638},{"_type":9,"current":637},{"_id":33076,"blogPostMeta":33077,"content":33082,"tag":33086,"title":33081},"5391a616-c643-4781-a73d-945ba1c73a4c",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":65,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":33078,"slug":33079,"title":33081},"2025-02-13T14:30:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":33080},"pmi-bitesize","PMI Bitesize",[33083],{"_key":33084,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":33085,"width":124},"0aeec7ece60d","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FreTyXsGImQQ",[33087],{"_createdAt":4751,"_id":4752,"_rev":4753,"_system":33088,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":4758,"brandSpecific":76,"slug":33090,"title":4761},{"base":33089},{"id":4756,"rev":4757},{"_type":9,"current":4760},{"_id":33092,"blogPostMeta":33093,"content":33133,"tag":33144,"title":33132},"ebc923c6-0d06-48ea-bbb1-31e2abfe3669",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":33094,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":33128,"publishedAt":33129,"slug":33130,"title":33132},{"_type":58,"alt":33095,"asset":33096},"Powerpoint style slide with a title \"Boosting Pensions Engagement\" 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a look at our latest film featuring our colleague Rhys Keeling as he sits down with Pensions Management Institute (PMI) to discuss improving people’s financial future through pension engagement.","2025-02-13T10:56:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":33131},"boosting-pensions-engagement","Boosting pensions 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to European Union lawmakers on Monday, ECB President Christine Lagarde indicated that inflation in the Euro Area appears on track to reach its 2% target in the coming months. However, she warned that uncertainties stemming from global trade tensions could disrupt this trajectory, alluding to potential U.S. trade tariffs and rising energy prices as key risks.\n","2025-02-12T11:10:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":33167},"market-update-12th-february-2025","Market Update – 12th February 2025",[33170,33173,33181,33188,33196,33204,33212,33220,33228,33236],{"_key":33171,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":33172,"width":124},"a2f386dc86bc","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.vimeo.com\u002Fvideo\u002F1055938498?h=1113fbf9d3",{"_key":33174,"_type":127,"children":33175,"markDefs":33180,"style":135},"90d4af4f5c28",[33176],{"_key":33177,"_type":131,"marks":33178,"text":33179},"c06419efbd23",[],"Speaking to European Union lawmakers on Monday, ECB President Christine Lagarde indicated that inflation in the Euro Area appears on track to reach its 2% target in the coming months. However, she warned that uncertainties stemming from global trade tensions could disrupt this trajectory, alluding to potential U.S. trade tariffs and rising energy prices as key risks.",[],{"_key":33182,"_type":127,"children":33183,"markDefs":33187,"style":135},"b57ab00a6a15",[33184],{"_key":33185,"_type":131,"marks":33186,"text":1006},"3690d3012a9f",[],[],{"_key":33189,"_type":127,"children":33190,"markDefs":33195,"style":135},"0e99b8c3eede",[33191],{"_key":33192,"_type":131,"marks":33193,"text":33194},"d78fc4ac3347",[],"Market participants anticipate that the ECB’s deposit rate—currently at 2.75%—will eventually be reduced to 2%, possibly as early as mid-year. While Lagarde reaffirmed the ECB’s commitment to a data-driven, meeting-by-meeting approach in shaping monetary policy, she acknowledged that consumer spending remains cautious, and business investment is sluggish. Lower interest rates should gradually help by making credit more accessible to both businesses and households, fostering improved economic conditions.UK retail spending grew 2.6% year-on-year in January, according to the British Retail Consortium, down from December’s 3.2% but above the 1.2% rise in January 2024. While the increase was partly due to an earlier reporting period, adding extra post-Christmas shopping days, the data reflects renewed consumer appetite for spending in the new year – taking advantage of January discounts on things like bedding and furniture.",[],{"_key":33197,"_type":127,"children":33198,"markDefs":33203,"style":135},"7b0e1787803d",[33199],{"_key":33200,"_type":131,"marks":33201,"text":33202},"f32388473345",[],"However, looking ahead, retailers face mounting cost pressures, including higher employer national insurance contributions, an increased minimum wage, and a new packaging levy. These factors could squeeze profit margins and influence pricing strategies (and thus potentially put upwards pressure on inflation in the coming months). Retail sales are closely monitored by the Bank of England, who this week further added that a rise in wholesale energy prices might see inflation tick up to 3.7% in the third quarter of this year.",[],{"_key":33205,"_type":127,"children":33206,"markDefs":33211,"style":135},"dad120d97e22",[33207],{"_key":33208,"_type":131,"marks":33209,"text":33210},"b65c02f200a7",[],"Also, it was revealed this week that the UK has no immediate plans to retaliate against the U.S.’ decision to reintroduce tariffs on steel and aluminium, Trade Minister Douglas Alexander stated, stressing the importance of a thoughtful response rather than a hasty reaction.",[],{"_key":33213,"_type":127,"children":33214,"markDefs":33219,"style":135},"e63d41d5002f",[33215],{"_key":33216,"_type":131,"marks":33217,"text":33218},"015d29394c0e",[],"Set to take effect on March 12th, the tariffs will impose a 25% levy on steel and aluminium imports into the U.S. Although the UK supplies only about 10% of its steel exports to the U.S., certain specialist manufacturers are more dependent on this market. In contrast, the EU and Canada have indicated they will take countermeasures against the policy announced by President Trump.",[],{"_key":33221,"_type":127,"children":33222,"markDefs":33227,"style":135},"b5f43aa75dbf",[33223],{"_key":33224,"_type":131,"marks":33225,"text":33226},"360058aa458a",[],"Finally, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell told lawmakers Tuesday that the central bank is in no hurry to cut interest rates. His stance aligns with other Fed officials and market participants, who have priced in that rates will likely remain unchanged at the March meeting; “With our policy stance less restrictive and the economy strong, there is no urgency to adjust,” Powell stated.",[],{"_key":33229,"_type":127,"children":33230,"markDefs":33235,"style":135},"cf5d83c4a99a",[33231],{"_key":33232,"_type":131,"marks":33233,"text":33234},"0b463db5c104",[],"Still to come this week we have U.S. CPI and PPI, UK GDP, and U.S. retail sales.",[],{"_key":33237,"_type":127,"children":33238,"markDefs":33242,"style":135},"99b200703bfb",[33239],{"_key":33240,"_type":131,"marks":33241,"text":175},"4a1718bb7b3f",[174],[],[33244],{"_createdAt":179,"_id":180,"_rev":181,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":183,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":33245,"title":186},{"_type":9,"current":185},{"_id":33247,"blogPostMeta":33248,"content":33287,"tag":33351,"title":33286},"2e3d3388-f4ab-4383-9666-26e604b14a24",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":33249,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":33282,"publishedAt":33283,"slug":33284,"title":33286},{"_type":58,"alt":33250,"asset":33251},"A person doing paperwork with a phone",{"_createdAt":33252,"_id":33253,"_rev":33254,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":33252,"assetId":33255,"extension":196,"metadata":33256,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":33277,"path":33278,"sha1hash":33255,"size":33279,"uploadId":33280,"url":33281},"2025-06-19T15:30:14Z","image-fdd16cd77aa3ff79f0f78a13dc1fcec94119dff6-1000x667-jpg","v1FukrxRM8ftgKrIaakYYj","fdd16cd77aa3ff79f0f78a13dc1fcec94119dff6",{"_type":69,"blurHash":33257,"dimensions":33258,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":33259,"palette":33260},"VKGuL8_N9FROs:Dh9FM{M{oM9aRP-p%MR*s,jZt8s;V@",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYHBf\u002FEACIQAAEEAQQCAwAAAAAAAAAAAAIBAwQFAAYREjETIUKBwf\u002FEABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMBBP\u002FEAB0RAAICAQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAAMEERITIfD\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FAF3QWizmx488ZriQ3lVHOA9Kne2aOsK6JQvCUJ91+O6vET3UVX7yj24BE0jXswGwjMi0vEATrJpfWhXNWFc6y034y2RwU\u002FMJqiB1NQyNz6vFcZg++bLm+\u002FyVVXDEizv7OsnvQ2pREDRcUVU94YfE8puTwn\u002F\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":33261,"darkVibrant":33263,"dominant":33266,"lightMuted":33267,"lightVibrant":33270,"muted":33273,"vibrant":33275},{"_type":81,"background":33262,"foreground":83,"population":16127,"title":83},"#452d24",{"_type":81,"background":33264,"foreground":83,"population":33265,"title":83},"#4e1212",5.09,{"_type":81,"background":33262,"foreground":83,"population":16127,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":33268,"foreground":91,"population":33269,"title":83},"#d0b8ac",1.36,{"_type":81,"background":33271,"foreground":91,"population":33272,"title":91},"#fce6e1",0.87,{"_type":81,"background":33274,"foreground":83,"population":2557,"title":83},"#815948",{"_type":81,"background":33276,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},"#ce6c44","shutterstock_2505463005.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Ffdd16cd77aa3ff79f0f78a13dc1fcec94119dff6-1000x667.jpg",66854,"b8YRzoxiJ12rliOsn1ujMjRhKfReDDBe","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Ffdd16cd77aa3ff79f0f78a13dc1fcec94119dff6-1000x667.jpg","Following a review, the new Pensions Minister, Torsten Bell has confirmed auto-enrolment (AE) thresholds will be maintained at the current levels* for 2025\u002F26.","2025-02-03T10:42:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":33285},"auto-enrolment-thresholds-maintained:-many-at-risk-of-sleepwalking-into-an-unhappy-retirement-due-to-insufficient-funds","Auto-enrolment thresholds maintained: many at risk of sleepwalking into an unhappy retirement due to insufficient funds",[33288,33295,33303,33311,33319,33327,33335,33343],{"_key":33289,"_type":127,"children":33290,"markDefs":33294,"style":135},"3c051b10c1aa",[33291],{"_key":33292,"_type":131,"marks":33293,"text":33282},"341554782d4f",[],[],{"_key":33296,"_type":127,"children":33297,"markDefs":33302,"style":135},"192c29578cd3",[33298],{"_key":33299,"_type":131,"marks":33300,"text":33301},"5c98e0174048",[],"*This means a minimum contribution of 3% from employees, and 5% from employers to bring total pension contributions to 8%.",[],{"_key":33304,"_type":127,"children":33305,"markDefs":33310,"style":135},"9f6678266ae7",[33306],{"_key":33307,"_type":131,"marks":33308,"text":33309},"3c4bb48d3b02",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, comments; “It can be difficult for someone to judge how much they may need to save for retirement as everyone has different circumstances and different expectations, However, we know the current levels are too low and may not provide an adequate standard of living for many.”",[],{"_key":33312,"_type":127,"children":33313,"markDefs":33318,"style":135},"137664d80b7d",[33314],{"_key":33315,"_type":131,"marks":33316,"text":33317},"436dad63dec1",[],"In fact, according to the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA ), a single person will need about £14,400 a year to achieve the minimum standard of living (this would cover all a retiree needs plus enough for some leisure activities such as a week’s holiday in the UK and eating out occasionally); £31,300 a year for a moderate standard of living (one foreign holiday a year and more frequent eating out); and £43,100 a year for a comfortable standard of living (this would cover all a retiree needs plus two foreign holidays a year and some luxuries such as regular beauty treatments). For couples, it’s £22,400, £43,100 and £59,000, respectively.",[],{"_key":33320,"_type":127,"children":33321,"markDefs":33326,"style":135},"5e416d071838",[33322],{"_key":33323,"_type":131,"marks":33324,"text":33325},"87243f789329",[],"Watts-Lay adds; “Unfortunately, there seems to be a general lack of pension understanding and engagement. Our research found that more than a fifth (21%) of employees have no idea how much their pension is worth, with almost a quarter (24%) having no idea how much they will need to have for a comfortable retirement.”",[],{"_key":33328,"_type":127,"children":33329,"markDefs":33334,"style":135},"9820c4fb51b1",[33330],{"_key":33331,"_type":131,"marks":33332,"text":33333},"828e226039c0",[],"Watts-Lay explains; “The AE minimum is just not going to be enough for many. Whilst I understand the decision made to maintain thresholds could be due to the business cost of employers now having to fund the increase in National Insurance and minimum wage, I worry that many individuals are now at risk of sleepwalking into an unhappy retirement because they are unknowingly not saving enough and will have insufficient funds.”",[],{"_key":33336,"_type":127,"children":33337,"markDefs":33342,"style":135},"14ea655e5f0c",[33338],{"_key":33339,"_type":131,"marks":33340,"text":33341},"1cb7d9d09c07",[],"That said, he adds, “Employees need to look at their pension statement, and understand the pension income they are likely to retire on based on their current contributions, and if this matches their expectations or if they need to save more. In fact, even small increases can have a significant impact on someone’s pension savings. For example, someone in their 20s, saving just 1% more each year into a workplace pension can boost future savings by 25%.”",[],{"_key":33344,"_type":127,"children":33345,"markDefs":33350,"style":135},"5894384a19ea",[33346],{"_key":33347,"_type":131,"marks":33348,"text":33349},"fb4aa312ae86",[],"Finally, he comments, “People need support to understand their finances including ways to save money and budget, as well as how to make the most of their pension savings for later life. This is why many employers and trustees are now working together with financial wellbeing and retirement specialists to help individuals engage with their pensions and savings throughout their career. Providing employees with access to appropriate support at the right time can improve financial capability and resilience which should result in better retirement outcomes for all.”",[],[33352],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":33353,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":33355,"blogPostMeta":33356,"content":33398,"tag":33455,"title":33397},"32d761f8-34d8-403c-ad62-54923722d2c5",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":33357,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":33393,"publishedAt":33394,"slug":33395,"title":33397},{"_type":58,"alt":33358,"asset":33359},"Mother holds up baby overhead and laughs",{"_createdAt":33360,"_id":33361,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":33362,"extension":196,"metadata":33363,"mimeType":225,"opt":33383,"originalFilename":33388,"path":33389,"sha1hash":33362,"size":33390,"uploadId":33391,"url":33392},"2025-07-03T12:34:59Z","image-32396a0f1cf0607bd63831eadfdabf083360408c-1000x667-jpg","32396a0f1cf0607bd63831eadfdabf083360408c",{"_type":69,"blurHash":33364,"dimensions":33365,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":33366,"palette":33367},"VMODUo00.9x]oL~qD%tRf+RiIV-;oeNGIU?bRkRjs:of",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYHBf\u002FEACEQAAEDBAIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQABREhElEGFDFh\u002F8QAFAEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA\u002F\u002FEABkRAAIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARARIyQv\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AoN9vqIs2BZ3Yin254IUsHScU2+Nsz2paVsyCtjSS06N8exS1N4+qt1xCFlnaMjYP4azIN\u002Fn3KM84076qmHeKeG8jo0U6Y3KLbkdiipafJpzQSlRSs4+\u002FKKRh1P\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":33368,"darkVibrant":33370,"dominant":33372,"lightMuted":33373,"lightVibrant":33376,"muted":33378,"vibrant":33380},{"_type":81,"background":33369,"foreground":83,"population":5936,"title":83},"#544137",{"_type":81,"background":33371,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#5d3a27",{"_type":81,"background":33369,"foreground":83,"population":5936,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":33374,"foreground":91,"population":33375,"title":83},"#ceb6a5",0.85,{"_type":81,"background":33377,"foreground":91,"population":1159,"title":91},"#e8ccac",{"_type":81,"background":33379,"foreground":83,"population":26879,"title":83},"#9a694f",{"_type":81,"background":33381,"foreground":83,"population":33382,"title":83},"#b97a57",0.6,{"media":33384},{"tags":33385},[33386],{"_key":33387,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"etxDZAkcOefOAxHb5UDtm","Untitled-design.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F32396a0f1cf0607bd63831eadfdabf083360408c-1000x667.jpg",143726,"oS8UcmrFz8falRrRPc8Qnfb906TCaeWM","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F32396a0f1cf0607bd63831eadfdabf083360408c-1000x667.jpg","National Parent Mental Health Day – on 30th January – serves as a powerful reminder of the unique challenges faced by working parents. Juggling the demands of raising a family alongside the pressures of a career can take a toll on mental wellbeing. ","2025-01-30T10:54:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":33396},"73%-of-employers-rate-parenting-costs-as-one-of-the-top-issues-for-employee-wellbeing","73% of employers rate parenting costs as one of the top issues for employee wellbeing",[33399,33407,33415,33423,33431,33439,33447],{"_key":33400,"_type":127,"children":33401,"markDefs":33406,"style":135},"4d8b98bdca35",[33402],{"_key":33403,"_type":131,"marks":33404,"text":33405},"6670af96e402",[174],"By Jonathan Watts-Lay, Founder and Director at WEALTH at work",[],{"_key":33408,"_type":127,"children":33409,"markDefs":33414,"style":135},"42e06641768b",[33410],{"_key":33411,"_type":131,"marks":33412,"text":33413},"858a17bd4b8f",[],"National Parent Mental Health Day – on 30th January – serves as a powerful reminder of the unique challenges faced by working parents. Juggling the demands of raising a family alongside the pressures of a career can take a toll on mental wellbeing. Financial worries on top of this can often exacerbate these struggles. Research from REBA and WEALTH at work sheds light on this topic, revealing the growing awareness of the important link between financial wellbeing and the mental health of working parents.",[],{"_key":33416,"_type":127,"children":33417,"markDefs":33422,"style":135},"74861b1f5a7f",[33418],{"_key":33419,"_type":131,"marks":33420,"text":33421},"175b8456b787",[],"The research amongst 236 companies representing 1.3 million employees found that 73% of respondents, held concerns regarding the specific risks to financial wellbeing of parents in their workforce. The high costs associated with raising children paired with economic uncertainty and inflation, provide the perfect conditions for financial stress.",[],{"_key":33424,"_type":127,"children":33425,"markDefs":33430,"style":135},"a4fa5c9f5893",[33426],{"_key":33427,"_type":131,"marks":33428,"text":33429},"c4a1d8e65abb",[],"Research from WEALTH at work also shows that over 80% of employees are concerned that the rising cost of living means they will be less comfortable in retirement because of a shortfall in savings. Inadequate preparations add to the financial worries that weigh heavily on working parents, further impacting their wellbeing and their ability to fully engage with both family and work.",[],{"_key":33432,"_type":127,"children":33433,"markDefs":33438,"style":135},"0168d7a3e2a3",[33434],{"_key":33435,"_type":131,"marks":33436,"text":33437},"a37cfca12c29",[],"It is encouraging that over 70% of employers identified the mental wellbeing of their workforce as the top driver for offering financial wellbeing provisions. The statistic that those faced with persistent financial difficulties are 5.5 times more likely to experience a mental health problem, further emphasises the importance of this issue, particularly among working parents who are already navigating the pressures of family life.",[],{"_key":33440,"_type":127,"children":33441,"markDefs":33446,"style":135},"d93ab50e57d6",[33442],{"_key":33443,"_type":131,"marks":33444,"text":33445},"2779e691205f",[],"Poor parental mental health has tangible consequences for businesses, with stress and anxiety potentially leading to decreased productivity, reduced focus, and ultimately lower output. Supporting employee wellbeing fosters a positive work environment, boosts engagement, and ultimately improves business performance and profitability.",[],{"_key":33448,"_type":127,"children":33449,"markDefs":33454,"style":135},"48e69e8c17ff",[33450],{"_key":33451,"_type":131,"marks":33452,"text":33453},"5546ef9cb5b5",[],"On National Parent Mental Health Day, it is very encouraging to see growing levels of recognition amongst UK employers about the importance of supporting the financial and mental wellbeing of working parents. Helping employees to understand the key financial issues that relate to them is an effective way of helping to overcome these risks. 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For everyone else, the initial threshold at which stamp duty is paid will fall to £125,000 from £250,000. Thereafter, rates will apply at different purchase prices as shown in the table below*.",[],{"_key":33515,"_type":127,"children":33516,"markDefs":33525,"style":135},"37e1c7ea2649",[33517,33521],{"_key":33518,"_type":131,"marks":33519,"text":33520},"c95f598ddf27",[174],"Jonathan Watt-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, comments; “",{"_key":33522,"_type":131,"marks":33523,"text":33524},"e3792c46fe82",[],"This change will inevitably make home ownership for first time buyers more expensive. House purchases will also get costlier for those trying to move up the property ladder.",[],{"_key":33527,"_type":127,"children":33528,"markDefs":33533,"style":135},"20c18c9f62d7",[33529],{"_key":33530,"_type":131,"marks":33531,"text":33532},"c026539a91fb",[],"The impending deadline could inevitably see a flurry of people looking to complete their property purchase before the changes, and it’s important those going through the process are aware of the pending tax changes, so they can take action. However, this pressure to complete in time could drive housing prices up, so people need to work out what will be best for them.”",[],{"_key":33535,"_type":127,"children":33536,"markDefs":33541,"style":135},"7691d5a7fa63",[33537],{"_key":33538,"_type":131,"marks":33539,"text":33540},"741688a4159e",[],"He continues; “When buying a property many people would benefit from having a better understanding of key concepts such as budgeting, stamp duty and interest rates, along with how savings vehicles such as Lifetime ISAs (LISAs) or ISAs can help.",[],{"_key":33543,"_type":127,"children":33544,"markDefs":33549,"style":135},"daf428398639",[33545],{"_key":33546,"_type":131,"marks":33547,"text":33548},"a90e7c5629d9",[],"He adds; “Many employers now offer their staff financial education and guidance through workshops, digital tools and helplines to help them understand the key issues relevant to them, whether they are purchasing a first home, a new parent managing childcare costs, or planning for retirement. In addition, many are also putting in place workplace ISAs to help employees to start saving for the future.”",[],{"_key":33551,"_type":127,"children":33552,"markDefs":33557,"style":135},"eb5a4fab5594",[33553],{"_key":33554,"_type":131,"marks":33555,"text":33556},"80bbe823c59b",[174],"UK Stamp Duty Rates:",[],{"_key":33559,"_type":127,"children":33560,"markDefs":33565,"style":135},"14ca7c780319",[33561],{"_key":33562,"_type":131,"marks":33563,"text":33564},"0c1c459d5577",[],"Rates for a single property*\n",[],{"_key":33567,"_type":58,"asset":33568},"b94513acacc9",{"_ref":33569,"_type":107},"image-a27e4505fffd5f2805a57f597ae4e9d10e10e7be-2306x520-png",{"_key":33571,"_type":127,"children":33572,"markDefs":33577,"style":135},"8134a1541bb3",[33573],{"_key":33574,"_type":131,"marks":33575,"text":33576},"3b799911b893",[],"An additional 5% on top of the standard rates for each band is due on second 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the current environment, it has become difficult for a lot of people to save as much as they would like, in fact, a survey of working adults by WEALTH at work found that the biggest financial concerns for the year include not having enough savings for unexpected costs (40%) and not being able to save enough for the future (38%).","2025-01-15T10:50:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":33640},"tips-to-help-employees-build-their-financial-resilience",[33642,33650,33658,33665,33672,33680,33687,33695,33702,33710,33717,33724,33731,33738,33746],{"_key":33643,"_type":127,"children":33644,"markDefs":33649,"style":135},"d949a1d74174",[33645],{"_key":33646,"_type":131,"marks":33647,"text":33648},"d611a01ebaed",[],"In the current environment, it has become difficult for a lot of people to save as much as they would like, in fact, a survey[1] of working adults by WEALTH at work found that the biggest financial concerns for the year include not having enough savings for unexpected costs (40%) and not being able to save enough for the future (38%).",[],{"_key":33651,"_type":127,"children":33652,"markDefs":33657,"style":135},"11831f962373",[33653],{"_key":33654,"_type":131,"marks":33655,"text":33656},"84bf2dfd3fa9",[],"This can have a serious impact on financial resilience, with the weight of this financial burden spilling into the workplace. Almost two-fifths (38%) of workers admit that money worries affect their performance at work by causing increased stress levels, mental exhaustion (33%) and decreased motivation (26%). A fifth (20%) admit that it led to reduced focus and concentration, and almost one in ten (9%) say it led them to take more days off work unwell.",[],{"_key":33659,"_type":127,"children":33660,"markDefs":33664,"style":135},"499c20acf369",[33661],{"_key":33662,"_type":131,"marks":33663,"text":17140},"30a5f7fae45c",[],[],{"_key":33666,"_type":127,"children":33667,"markDefs":33671,"style":135},"1024d0a3798e",[33668],{"_key":33669,"_type":131,"marks":33670,"text":17148},"a089a3b1d111",[174],[],{"_key":33673,"_type":127,"children":33674,"markDefs":33679,"style":135},"c76ffc0f0610",[33675],{"_key":33676,"_type":131,"marks":33677,"text":33678},"d53540e071c8",[],"Employees are likely to have different financial priorities depending on their life stage. For some the priority may be saving a deposit for a first home, whilst for others it might be saving for retirement, or for some it may be paying off debt. It’s important that employees put a plan in place on how to reach their goals and they may require support to do this. It therefore helps to design a programme which supports differing requirements.",[],{"_key":33681,"_type":127,"children":33682,"markDefs":33686,"style":135},"b7cedfd81530",[33683],{"_key":33684,"_type":131,"marks":33685,"text":17160},"1f286c4e2184",[174],[],{"_key":33688,"_type":127,"children":33689,"markDefs":33694,"style":135},"d80180d30267",[33690],{"_key":33691,"_type":131,"marks":33692,"text":33693},"acc773df7917",[],"Many people struggle to understand basic financial issues and helping employees become more familiar with them, is an important step. For example, employees could start by reviewing their outgoings, everything from bills and subscriptions to food shopping and going out. Really looking at what is spent can often highlight areas that could be cut back on. A great example of this is insurance as it is often the case that someone would get a better quote by shopping around and using tools like comparison sites, but many neglect to do this.",[],{"_key":33696,"_type":127,"children":33697,"markDefs":33701,"style":135},"47f16a10a9ad",[33698],{"_key":33699,"_type":131,"marks":33700,"text":17172},"d2aee351f4d3",[174],[],{"_key":33703,"_type":127,"children":33704,"markDefs":33709,"style":135},"f3c4d928dcbb",[33705],{"_key":33706,"_type":131,"marks":33707,"text":33708},"a03cdc1d8ded",[],"Employees should be encouraged to investigate the range of workplace benefits that may be available and suitable for them. Our research with REBA of almost 200 employers found that support is growing for saving products, with many workplaces set to offer pay as you earn saving schemes such as help-to-save and opt-in payroll savings, employee share plans and tax-free saving wrappers such as ISAs. Some employers will also match any additional pensions contributions that employees may not be aware of. For example, someone in their 20s can increase their pension pot by 25% by saving just 1% more if their employers were to match this. Making sure benefits are relevant and well-explained can really help take up and improve money management.",[],{"_key":33711,"_type":127,"children":33712,"markDefs":33716,"style":135},"c8d4ebb80f07",[33713],{"_key":33714,"_type":131,"marks":33715,"text":30266},"1e2f1c0fd14a",[174],[],{"_key":33718,"_type":127,"children":33719,"markDefs":33723,"style":135},"d1e4c58c365d",[33720],{"_key":33721,"_type":131,"marks":33722,"text":30274},"7a8dd1746763",[],[],{"_key":33725,"_type":127,"children":33726,"markDefs":33730,"style":135},"c5a0e4e4968e",[33727],{"_key":33728,"_type":131,"marks":33729,"text":17196},"97584940ee46",[174],[],{"_key":33732,"_type":127,"children":33733,"markDefs":33737,"style":135},"8688d46fdfca",[33734],{"_key":33735,"_type":131,"marks":33736,"text":30289},"917522065572",[],[],{"_key":33739,"_type":127,"children":33740,"markDefs":33745,"style":135},"9a8779038cc2",[33741],{"_key":33742,"_type":131,"marks":33743,"text":33744},"d777ba18eae5",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, comments; “Many employees don’t recognise the importance of financial resilience until something happens which highlights how vulnerable their finances are. 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It is important to understand all the options, make informed decisions and avoid making expensive mistakes.","2025-01-15T10:49:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":33796},"planning-how-to-pay-for-retirement","Planning how to pay for retirement",[33799,33806,33814,33822,33830,33838,33846,33854,33862,33870,33878,33886],{"_key":33800,"_type":127,"children":33801,"markDefs":33805,"style":135},"798d938cff6d",[33802],{"_key":33803,"_type":131,"marks":33804,"text":33793},"bf2fe61bf48a",[],[],{"_key":33807,"_type":127,"children":33808,"markDefs":33813,"style":135},"a8117f733e6f",[33809],{"_key":33810,"_type":131,"marks":33811,"text":33812},"ee90e33ce040",[],"To help with this, WEALTH at work has a range of tips for those who are thinking about retiring in 2025.",[],{"_key":33815,"_type":127,"children":33816,"markDefs":33821,"style":135},"9250a25ea51b",[33817],{"_key":33818,"_type":131,"marks":33819,"text":33820},"f5403387b9c0",[],"A good place to start is to work out all costs in retirement including day-to-day living expenses and discretionary expenditures (such as holidays and hobbies).",[],{"_key":33823,"_type":127,"children":33824,"markDefs":33829,"style":135},"8b16f1f6c04b",[33825],{"_key":33826,"_type":131,"marks":33827,"text":33828},"1991cda90208",[],"A next step could be to figure out the value of all savings including ISAs, general savings and other investments, as well as pensions. But be sure to track down all pensions. There are ways to locate lost pensions including using the Government’s Pension Tracing Service, and those with multiple pensions may want to consolidate them.",[],{"_key":33831,"_type":127,"children":33832,"markDefs":33837,"style":135},"3af1f537b378",[33833],{"_key":33834,"_type":131,"marks":33835,"text":33836},"6bd07f0b7e24",[],"Take note that you need a minimum of 35 years of National Insurance (NI) contributions to get the full state pension payment. It is possible to purchase NI credits to boost your state pension income, but after 5 April 2025, individuals will only be able to claim for six years of NI credit — it may be worth filling any extra gaps in your record now.",[],{"_key":33839,"_type":127,"children":33840,"markDefs":33845,"style":135},"a0880eef0af0",[33841],{"_key":33842,"_type":131,"marks":33843,"text":33844},"319bc2c2f004",[],"Next, it’s important to think about how you plan to take your pension savings to generate an income in retirement. For those with a ‘defined benefit’ pension, retirement income is usually based on a rate set by the scheme with a set retirement age. ‘Defined contribution’ pensions can be accessed from age 55. The options include taking income drawdown (where the pension money is still invested but cash is taken as and when needed), buying an annuity (a fixed sum of money paid to someone each year), taking it as a cash lump sum, or a combination of options.",[],{"_key":33847,"_type":127,"children":33848,"markDefs":33853,"style":135},"35d58efccb50",[33849],{"_key":33850,"_type":131,"marks":33851,"text":33852},"4f38eca9bf20",[],"Before purchasing any retirement products, shop around as charges can vary. It’s also vital to check whether the company is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to avoid being a victim of a pension scam.",[],{"_key":33855,"_type":127,"children":33856,"markDefs":33861,"style":135},"c7c6ed77c8fd",[33857],{"_key":33858,"_type":131,"marks":33859,"text":33860},"207db9d8f644",[],"When taking pensions income, make sure you’re aware of the tax rules. Up to 25% of a defined contribution pension is tax-free (subject to a maximum of £268,275), with the remaining 75% taxed at the same rates as earned income. So, if taking a pension as a cash lump sum, you may become a higher rate taxpayer. It may be better to take smaller amounts each year from your pension, keeping within your tax bracket.",[],{"_key":33863,"_type":127,"children":33864,"markDefs":33869,"style":135},"30cd90c8502f",[33865],{"_key":33866,"_type":131,"marks":33867,"text":33868},"3d2dfc62ebc0",[],"The final tip is to not go it alone. Understand your retirement income options and choose what is right for you. Getting financial education, guidance and investment advice at retirement can really help.",[],{"_key":33871,"_type":127,"children":33872,"markDefs":33877,"style":135},"6fbfd1fc16d7",[33873],{"_key":33874,"_type":131,"marks":33875,"text":33876},"02ba51da6335",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, director of WEALTH at work, a leading financial wellbeing and retirement specialist comments: “We spend many years saving for our retirement and deciding how to manage this money is one of the biggest financial decisions people make. This is why many employers now offer retirement support including access to financial education, guidance and investment advice for employees, so it is always worth speaking to them to find out what help is available.”",[],{"_key":33879,"_type":127,"children":33880,"markDefs":33885,"style":135},"2d37b48e742c",[33881],{"_key":33882,"_type":131,"marks":33883,"text":33884},"0dcc3c98dc3a",[],"Employers should get in touch with WEALTH at work directly to discuss putting in place a retirement programme for employees.",[],{"_key":33887,"_type":127,"children":33888,"markDefs":33893,"style":1544},"009089abcedc",[33889],{"_key":33890,"_type":131,"marks":33891,"text":33892},"788a20c7711a",[],"Coverage can be found in The Times and Mail on Saturday .",[],[33895],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":33896,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":33898,"blogPostMeta":33899,"content":33937,"tag":34104,"title":33936},"4b2c0422-9006-44fe-91bf-2fad942564fa",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":33900,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":33932,"publishedAt":33933,"slug":33934,"title":33936},{"_type":58,"alt":33901,"asset":33902},"Couple do paperwork",{"_createdAt":33903,"_id":33904,"_rev":33905,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":33903,"assetId":33906,"extension":196,"metadata":33907,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":33927,"path":33928,"sha1hash":33906,"size":33929,"uploadId":33930,"url":33931},"2025-06-19T15:34:28Z","image-f951749e4b3c8a2795832f08c46e6fd287f20544-1000x667-jpg","v1FukrxRM8ftgKrIaaml3F","f951749e4b3c8a2795832f08c46e6fd287f20544",{"_type":69,"blurHash":33908,"dimensions":33909,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":33910,"palette":33911},"VQH.7:~VT1WZ9EM_S$-;n~og$$R-M{V?tStnaJa#X9aJ",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYHBP\u002FEACMQAAICAgEEAgMAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQFEQAGEhMxF2EhQXH\u002FxAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAE\u002F8QAGhEAAgMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAEiERMf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AYupJx8dvcrh6ll+0IVUq29+hycYe3duTXYaaTeVgGjBG9N+9\u002FXKj0swtYCaO13TIGWVRI2+1hzNkTFj8ZkbdeCNbjkkygaP84dWVmHTkQEZVIA2Ta719ZxFhqVzFV1nj\u002FDbPv74cW85Mb17zWUjeQqAW174cZRD4cg7OMI2f\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":33912,"darkVibrant":33915,"dominant":33917,"lightMuted":33918,"lightVibrant":33920,"muted":33922,"vibrant":33925},{"_type":81,"background":33913,"foreground":83,"population":33914,"title":83},"#4f3828",6.25,{"_type":81,"background":33916,"foreground":83,"population":6791,"title":83},"#49230a",{"_type":81,"background":33913,"foreground":83,"population":33914,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":33919,"foreground":91,"population":5933,"title":83},"#a5b6c5",{"_type":81,"background":33921,"foreground":91,"population":13138,"title":83},"#d79f79",{"_type":81,"background":33923,"foreground":83,"population":33924,"title":83},"#5681a7",2.19,{"_type":81,"background":33926,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#b4744c","shutterstock_2424450139.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Ff951749e4b3c8a2795832f08c46e6fd287f20544-1000x667.jpg",80546,"h6arOk8r5imRyjP1c7VyIBmHzifRLk3K","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Ff951749e4b3c8a2795832f08c46e6fd287f20544-1000x667.jpg","Jonathan Watts-Lay looks at the challenges faced by members and what they need to know in the year ahead. He also outlines how trustees, schemes and employers can help members take the right course of action to best optimise their retirement outcomes.","2025-01-15T10:45:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":33935},"the-right-support-at-the-right-time","The right support at the right time",[33938,33945,33953,33961,33969,33977,33985,33993,34001,34009,34017,34025,34033,34041,34049,34057,34065,34073,34081,34089],{"_key":33939,"_type":127,"children":33940,"markDefs":33944,"style":135},"9ec99a721aa7",[33941],{"_key":33942,"_type":131,"marks":33943,"text":33932},"115fac81096e",[],[],{"_key":33946,"_type":127,"children":33947,"markDefs":33952,"style":135},"7bedde534d49",[33948],{"_key":33949,"_type":131,"marks":33950,"text":33951},"c866fa8759ec",[],"It’s well recognised that the rising cost of living has caused financial strain on many households over recent times. Our research found that 34% of employees thought their biggest financial concern was not being able to pay basic living costs such as rent, mortgage payments, energy bills, food etc. As well as this, 22% of employees had to borrow money from friends and family and 20% had taken on debt.",[],{"_key":33954,"_type":127,"children":33955,"markDefs":33960,"style":135},"e6fc6648a6f0",[33956],{"_key":33957,"_type":131,"marks":33958,"text":33959},"849768ec2a8b",[],"The impact of this has also meant that 39% of employees thought that they would never be able to afford to retire, and 81% were concerned that they would have to work longer before retiring to make up for a shortfall of savings . These concerns are also recognised by employers with our research with REBA finding that 71% of employers recognise insufficient retirement savings as a risk .",[],{"_key":33962,"_type":127,"children":33963,"markDefs":33968,"style":135},"a8bdc136a060",[33964],{"_key":33965,"_type":131,"marks":33966,"text":33967},"2e8189aef279",[174],"What do members need to know?",[],{"_key":33970,"_type":127,"children":33971,"markDefs":33976,"style":135},"381da9a057ac",[33972],{"_key":33973,"_type":131,"marks":33974,"text":33975},"53ff4acc3239",[],"Although it may not feel affordable, many don’t realise the significant difference a small increase to their pension savings can make. For example, someone in their 20s, saving just 1% more each year into a workplace pension can boost future savings by 25%. With the economic outlook looking uncertain, people will need support around how to best manage their finances. For example, making small changes such as setting a household budget, shopping around and not auto-renewing on things like car insurance, as well as utilising workplace benefits such as discount schemes, can really make a difference.",[],{"_key":33978,"_type":127,"children":33979,"markDefs":33984,"style":135},"a6ee01abcf6b",[33980],{"_key":33981,"_type":131,"marks":33982,"text":33983},"80a7d8dc087d",[174],"What about those considering retirement?",[],{"_key":33986,"_type":127,"children":33987,"markDefs":33992,"style":135},"d5dd1314734f",[33988],{"_key":33989,"_type":131,"marks":33990,"text":33991},"6e75b4d64923",[],"Those approaching retirement will need to work out a financial plan including what costs they may face in the future, the impact of inflation and if they can actually afford to retire. For those that realise that retirement isn’t affordable, there are options to be considered such as delaying it or working part-time.",[],{"_key":33994,"_type":127,"children":33995,"markDefs":34000,"style":135},"998d3914d1d4",[33996],{"_key":33997,"_type":131,"marks":33998,"text":33999},"3876220c5430",[],"However, for some, retirement may actually be more affordable than they originally thought. This is because retirees are likely to be paying less income tax, no National Insurance, mortgages and loans may be paid off, and there will be no more pension contributions",[],{"_key":34002,"_type":127,"children":34003,"markDefs":34008,"style":135},"cdfc978eafcf",[34004],{"_key":34005,"_type":131,"marks":34006,"text":34007},"70800b773179",[],"Aside from this, there are also many risks that members should be aware of when accessing their pension income. This includes paying unnecessary tax, not shopping around for the most suitable retirement income option, or even falling for a scam which unfortunately people who may be struggling with their finances could be particularly vulnerable to.",[],{"_key":34010,"_type":127,"children":34011,"markDefs":34016,"style":135},"ed8f024078f1",[34012],{"_key":34013,"_type":131,"marks":34014,"text":34015},"3f2bcf52d073",[174],"Making pensions engaging",[],{"_key":34018,"_type":127,"children":34019,"markDefs":34024,"style":135},"0ba096b56dfd",[34020],{"_key":34021,"_type":131,"marks":34022,"text":34023},"06c445811632",[],"As well as affordability issues, it’s widely recognised that there are challenges with general pension understanding which impacts overall engagement. We looked into this and found that many people don’t realise that their pension is invested (29%), or what it’s invested in (49%) . Coupled with this, almost two-fifths (38%) didn’t realise that they have a choice over how their pension is invested, and this worsened for those age 55+ (44%). This is particularly concerning, as at this point people may be approaching retirement and need to consider how they plan to generate a retirement income (i.e. take it as cash, buy an annuity, go into drawdown or a combination of options) and ensure their pension investments or ‘glide path’ is aligned with this.",[],{"_key":34026,"_type":127,"children":34027,"markDefs":34032,"style":135},"ad4e886f615a",[34028],{"_key":34029,"_type":131,"marks":34030,"text":34031},"950c65f522d2",[],"We know that for people to better prepare for their financial future, it’s vital that they engage with their pensions as early as possible. So, it’s really interesting to see that our research found that two in five employees (40%) said they would increase their pension contributions if they knew it was invested in funds that aligned with their values and beliefs, and this is despite the cost of living challenges. This is especially appealing for younger workers (48% of 18–34 year-olds), a cohort typically less engaged with their pensions.",[],{"_key":34034,"_type":127,"children":34035,"markDefs":34040,"style":135},"dddb43622fcd",[34036],{"_key":34037,"_type":131,"marks":34038,"text":34039},"6dc24b498e57",[],"In recent years there has been a significant expansion of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations, with people wanting to align their pension investments with their values and beliefs. However, ESG is a broad category, and it means different things to different people, with no one size fits all approach. There will be some people who care passionately about environmental issues and others will have religious beliefs to take into account when making decisions. Some might want to invest in companies that promote social cohesion, greater representation and diversity. It may be that others are just wanting to choose investments that are having a positive impact on the world. But simply knowing that pensions can be used to make a difference can be a powerful way to switch people on to better engage with their long-term savings.",[],{"_key":34042,"_type":127,"children":34043,"markDefs":34048,"style":135},"447f4fd8c683",[34044],{"_key":34045,"_type":131,"marks":34046,"text":34047},"0ed61eaa1e2e",[174],"What should be done?",[],{"_key":34050,"_type":127,"children":34051,"markDefs":34056,"style":135},"25fdb67bb483",[34052],{"_key":34053,"_type":131,"marks":34054,"text":34055},"19cd1f42f918",[],"Firstly, in the current environment, supporting individuals with their day-to-day financial needs should be an area of focus. This should then sit alongside support around longer-term needs such as pensions and retirement provision.",[],{"_key":34058,"_type":127,"children":34059,"markDefs":34064,"style":135},"328d37784db2",[34060],{"_key":34061,"_type":131,"marks":34062,"text":34063},"060b25715478",[],"When looking at how to best provide this support, it can be difficult to know where to start. The good news is that there are tried and tested ways. Many leading workplaces and trustees now work together with financial wellbeing and retirement specialists to empower employees with programmes that help with a full range of money matters; from debt and money management to understanding pensions and preparing for retirement. This can be delivered through financial education workshops, one-to-one guidance or coaching sessions, and digital tools and helplines, as well as providing access to investment advice.",[],{"_key":34066,"_type":127,"children":34067,"markDefs":34072,"style":135},"5bfc19131e51",[34068],{"_key":34069,"_type":131,"marks":34070,"text":34071},"3399522cbe3c",[],"In particular, when it comes to retirement provisions, employers are viewing the ageing workforce as increasingly important. Our research with REBA found that 24% of employers currently offer pre-retirement planning, and 36% plan to offer it in the future. It also found that 20% currently offer financial advice specific to retirement, with 34% planning to do so.",[],{"_key":34074,"_type":127,"children":34075,"markDefs":34080,"style":135},"2db9463557e8",[34076],{"_key":34077,"_type":131,"marks":34078,"text":34079},"9b8baed735c4",[],"However, before proceeding with a programme, carrying out due diligence on providers is crucial. This should include checking that any financial education providers are workplace specialists with experience in providing support to members. Due diligence on advice firms should cover areas such as qualifications of advisers, the regulatory record of the firm, compliance process e.g. compliance checks of 100% of cases, pricing structure, and experience of working with employers and trustees.",[],{"_key":34082,"_type":127,"children":34083,"markDefs":34088,"style":135},"484bde2107c7",[34084],{"_key":34085,"_type":131,"marks":34086,"text":34087},"a0ff51ef658b",[],"Ultimately, empowering people by providing them with access to the appropriate support at the right time, can enable them to make better decisions and achieve more positive outcomes, which is ultimately what it’s all about.",[],{"_key":34090,"_type":127,"children":34091,"markDefs":34101,"style":135},"e3e91ffb77c4",[34092,34096],{"_key":34093,"_type":131,"marks":34094,"text":34095},"f50a9c09ca26",[],"Coverage can be found in ",{"_key":34097,"_type":131,"marks":34098,"text":34100},"f33e70f42f0e",[34099],"6dc8fb68ee89","Pensions Age Trustee Guide ",[34102],{"_key":34099,"_type":1264,"href":34103},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.pensionsage.com\u002Fpa\u002Fimages\u002FPA_Jan_25_WealthatWork.pdf",[34105],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":34106,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":34108,"blogPostMeta":34109,"content":34114,"tag":34118,"title":34113},"823cb52d-3c44-4a7a-b8ef-3518d3704db5",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":65,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":34110,"slug":34111,"title":34113},"2025-01-02T14:29:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":34112},"talk-money-week-free-webcast-for-your-workforce","Talk Money Week - Free Webcast for your workforce",[34115],{"_key":34116,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":34117,"width":124},"0c7b2041c4a4","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FVRSvD8RwTK0",[34119],{"_createdAt":4751,"_id":4752,"_rev":4753,"_system":34120,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":4758,"brandSpecific":76,"slug":34122,"title":4761},{"base":34121},{"id":4756,"rev":4757},{"_type":9,"current":4760},{"_id":34124,"blogPostMeta":34125,"content":34168,"tag":34421,"title":34167},"a3a6d89b-92d2-4935-bc8e-ad037024ace3",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":34126,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":34163,"publishedAt":34164,"slug":34165,"title":34167},{"_type":58,"asset":34127},{"_createdAt":34128,"_id":34129,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":34130,"extension":67,"metadata":34131,"mimeType":101,"opt":34153,"originalFilename":34158,"path":34159,"sha1hash":34130,"size":34160,"uploadId":34161,"url":34162},"2025-12-22T11:16:22Z","image-1e53d36dfd9e491a535cf506c252fbb90d40f933-768x512-png","1e53d36dfd9e491a535cf506c252fbb90d40f933",{"_type":69,"blurHash":34132,"dimensions":34133,"hasAlpha":76,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":34135,"palette":34136},"VRK-g~IospozRj~qROIoRPRPM|ozRPWWxuWAkD%3ozoz",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":495,"height":17869,"width":34134},768,"data:image\u002Fpng;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAANCAYAAACpUE5eAAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAADTklEQVR4nD3QW1MaBwCG4f1v7V3baW86baeZqjNxqDajQWoaEcVDPKBoFREVRCEInhEFRUSQw7IndtkVSaNRk\u002F6Tt6MX\u002FQHfM+98wu5eglzujGIxT+HygmLhgkopjyQW0ZQKdVVEU0RUuYosllGlCqokUhMryLJE3TDQGyaKrlOVFYRIZJ1oZJ2t2CYnx0nKpUuk6hWaVMbUZZpWnVazQevGomnqtK4btJoWmiqhKhKGYWA0TFTdQFQUhHnvJAN\u002F2en\u002Fs5dQcBmxXEBXRMy6zMeWxccP1+hPY1l8Bu9v\u002F+H+7hZDV59Rw9AxGg00Xaf2BHo9o4wN9+N29RHdXEWTKli6wk3D4OHuDquuknwfYi8cQLrK83B3y+PDJxqGRl2TaTT0\u002FwtrioqwsjiFf3oA\u002F9RbdmNBNKmKpde5sZo8PvxLU1M5WZkl5XuHlj\u002Fj8\u002F0nvnx+xDL150rLMmlYFprRoKaqCPGVdywPd7MwYGMzMEe5eImu1jHqJs3WHbookl2b49Q\u002FgXKR4eHuCfzC9RNk6OiGTkWqUq6JVCQF4XR\u002Fg73wEomQn\u002F3tLbJnGXK5c44zJyQO9giHVwnNuFn3DBGPrlEoFTGvm5imiWla1GSJo8wB6fM0JVFGqNYkKqLEVblKJnPCTmSNFb+Xcc8IDlcfPY5uRlxvmJxwMTj2lpklL8nTNGpdx3r6TqqRz59SKBWoqTrCZblGoVIjnT1nOxoiNudmfsROj72Tjq4XvOpqY8zpYHR8EJuji57BPoLxKMVKBTGXRU4eomXSqPlLlGIJ4SSbI32eY2d\u002Fn83gEvHFCQJTTnrsL+n8owOPu5\u002FIzBDTo\u002F10vrbxyukgEN0glUqSXPaRmRij4J2l6PdTCoYQjjJnpM7O2T1MEotF2I2FWfHP8nvPS9pt7Swv\u002Fk0qGmJhZoRepwPHmAvvqp8V3zwBRy\u002FRbhv79l6OnU6yo+MI2wdJ9lInbB8m2UrE2dmOMb\u002Fg4ZeOn\u002Fj+5x8YnZzmIJkmGHmP0+Ohf3ICt9eDe8DBeNuv+H57wbqtk\u002FhrO0eDwwjBjSiR+C6ReIKNSJiNjTWGRgb47sdv+Prbr7D19hBKJImm8owFIryZWWR0wceIy8lgRxuTHe34uroIve4j4XLzH2JHBg6v+4JKAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":34137,"darkVibrant":34140,"dominant":34142,"lightMuted":34143,"lightVibrant":34146,"muted":34148,"vibrant":34151},{"_type":81,"background":34138,"foreground":83,"population":34139,"title":83},"#4c524a",7.47,{"_type":81,"background":34141,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#2a4559",{"_type":81,"background":34138,"foreground":83,"population":34139,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":34144,"foreground":91,"population":34145,"title":83},"#c4c4bc",4.5,{"_type":81,"background":34147,"foreground":91,"population":1159,"title":83},"#a5bfd4",{"_type":81,"background":34149,"foreground":83,"population":34150,"title":83},"#af7b76",5.71,{"_type":81,"background":34152,"foreground":91,"population":1159,"title":83},"#84a8c4",{"media":34154},{"tags":34155},[34156],{"_key":34157,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"oez9knJBLAEp0QrmJQGk2","Untitled-design-39-768x512.png","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F1e53d36dfd9e491a535cf506c252fbb90d40f933-768x512.png",462975,"RPAnl9WsV08tuFTKvUtnkjRT8DVRrark","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F1e53d36dfd9e491a535cf506c252fbb90d40f933-768x512.png","“Planning how to pay for retirement is one of the biggest financial decisions people make. It is important that employees are supported to understand all the options, make informed decisions, and avoid making expensive mistakes with their hard earned savings,” says Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, a leading financial wellbeing and retirement specialist.","2024-12-24T14:05:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":34166},"top-tips-for-those-retiring-in-2025","Top tips for those retiring in 2025",[34169,34176,34184,34192,34199,34206,34214,34221,34229,34237,34244,34251,34259,34267,34274,34281,34288,34296,34303,34311,34319,34327,34334,34341,34348,34355,34362,34370,34377,34385,34392,34399,34406,34414],{"_key":34170,"_type":127,"children":34171,"markDefs":34175,"style":135},"87b4e26b3078",[34172],{"_key":34173,"_type":131,"marks":34174,"text":34163},"fcfbdacc0e21",[],[],{"_key":34177,"_type":127,"children":34178,"markDefs":34183,"style":135},"7b2c88b736d3",[34179],{"_key":34180,"_type":131,"marks":34181,"text":34182},"b43ca2a58aad",[],"To help with this, WEALTH at work has created some top tips below to share with employees who are thinking about retiring in 2025.",[],{"_key":34185,"_type":127,"children":34186,"markDefs":34191,"style":135},"374d6a315a89",[34187],{"_key":34188,"_type":131,"marks":34189,"text":34190},"84ca3702b511",[],"WEALTH at work’s top tips for those retiring in 2025:",[],{"_key":34193,"_type":127,"children":34194,"markDefs":34198,"style":135},"f2506a77a6be",[34195],{"_key":34196,"_type":131,"marks":34197,"text":4842},"9f7aab879d0e",[174],[],{"_key":34200,"_type":127,"children":34201,"markDefs":34205,"style":135},"523e36e335c6",[34202],{"_key":34203,"_type":131,"marks":34204,"text":19507},"c5f4b7ee457c",[],[],{"_key":34207,"_type":127,"children":34208,"markDefs":34213,"style":135},"31d1d8a02768",[34209],{"_key":34210,"_type":131,"marks":34211,"text":34212},"4190ac6bad39",[],"According to the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA ), a single person will need about £14,400 a year to achieve the minimum standard of living (this would cover all a retiree’s needs plus enough for some leisure activities such as a week’s holiday in the UK and eating out occasionally); £31,300 a year for a moderate standard of living (one foreign holiday a year and more frequent eating out); and £43,100 a year for a comfortable standard of living (this would cover all a retiree’s needs plus two foreign holidays a year and some luxuries such as regular beauty treatments). For couples, it’s £22,400, £43,100 and £59,000, respectively.",[],{"_key":34215,"_type":127,"children":34216,"markDefs":34220,"style":135},"ea9350bd06d3",[34217],{"_key":34218,"_type":131,"marks":34219,"text":4866},"0339f1999c38",[174],[],{"_key":34222,"_type":127,"children":34223,"markDefs":34228,"style":135},"6f6a0ab5f9f2",[34224],{"_key":34225,"_type":131,"marks":34226,"text":34227},"90076c4cbe20",[],"At least 4.8 million pension pots are considered to be ‘lost’ among the UK population, with 1 in 10 workers believing they could have lost a pension pot worth more than £10,000 . One of the main reasons for this is because a person will have on average 9 jobs in their lifetime , so could easily end up with many different pension pots with several providers which can easily be forgotten about.",[],{"_key":34230,"_type":127,"children":34231,"markDefs":34236,"style":135},"78dd99044e48",[34232],{"_key":34233,"_type":131,"marks":34234,"text":34235},"0643d8dda999",[],"There are ways to locate lost pensions including using the Government’s Pension Tracing Service (www.gov.uk\u002Ffind-pension-contact-details). If the company no longer exists contact Companies House (https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Fgovernment\u002Forganisations\u002Fcompanies-house), or charities can be found using the charity register (https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Ffind-charity-information). People should ask for up-to-date statements, so it is clear how much pensions are worth. Those with several schemes might also want to consider consolidating them.",[],{"_key":34238,"_type":127,"children":34239,"markDefs":34243,"style":135},"d1e83772269f",[34240],{"_key":34241,"_type":131,"marks":34242,"text":4933},"fea7743623d1",[174],[],{"_key":34245,"_type":127,"children":34246,"markDefs":34250,"style":135},"d637f4dbfb89",[34247],{"_key":34248,"_type":131,"marks":34249,"text":19597},"416e6f9ba17a",[],[],{"_key":34252,"_type":127,"children":34253,"markDefs":34258,"style":135},"66d8782ea8d9",[34254],{"_key":34255,"_type":131,"marks":34256,"text":34257},"c74c9d6975c1",[174],"4. Check state pension entitlement before 5 April deadline",[],{"_key":34260,"_type":127,"children":34261,"markDefs":34266,"style":135},"40836fb6c6b2",[34262],{"_key":34263,"_type":131,"marks":34264,"text":34265},"62fa2b0b4e2f",[],"Some people don’t realise that you need a minimum of 35 years of NI (National Insurance) contributions to get the full state pension payment. This can be difficult for those who may have taken a career break or time off for child or elderly care. It is possible to purchase NI credits to boost your state pension income at a cost of £17.45 per week or £907.40 to fill a full year’s gap in your record*. But after 5 April 2025, individuals will only be able to claim for 6 years of NI credit, so it may be worth considering filling any extra gaps in your record now.",[],{"_key":34268,"_type":127,"children":34269,"markDefs":34273,"style":135},"e2d11c0f216e",[34270],{"_key":34271,"_type":131,"marks":34272,"text":19620},"fc11630d2091",[],[],{"_key":34275,"_type":127,"children":34276,"markDefs":34280,"style":135},"46db5fb35dfb",[34277],{"_key":34278,"_type":131,"marks":34279,"text":5003},"a9f22ade3fe7",[174],[],{"_key":34282,"_type":127,"children":34283,"markDefs":34287,"style":135},"77b9d4392e8d",[34284],{"_key":34285,"_type":131,"marks":34286,"text":5011},"312a1891de71",[],[],{"_key":34289,"_type":127,"children":34290,"markDefs":34295,"style":135},"d01a381a7b19",[34291],{"_key":34292,"_type":131,"marks":34293,"text":34294},"bdaac90d4e31",[],"Defined contribution (DC) pensions can be accessed from age 55, and people will need to decide how they want to do this. Options include taking income drawdown (where the pension money is still invested but cash is taken as and when needed), buying an annuity (which is a fixed sum of money paid to someone each year), taking it as a cash lump sum, or a combination of these options.",[],{"_key":34297,"_type":127,"children":34298,"markDefs":34302,"style":135},"0b28bbacfb05",[34299],{"_key":34300,"_type":131,"marks":34301,"text":5034},"67f1b6a59fef",[174],[],{"_key":34304,"_type":127,"children":34305,"markDefs":34310,"style":135},"5a0ecad6771d",[34306],{"_key":34307,"_type":131,"marks":34308,"text":34309},"95a8b160afe1",[],"Another step is working out how much pension savings would be needed to generate your desired level of annual income at retirement. For a couple to reach a moderate living standard (i.e. £43,100 a year[4]), Which?[5] calculated that they would need £376,700 in a pension if taking income drawdown, and £408,600 for an annuity.",[],{"_key":34312,"_type":127,"children":34313,"markDefs":34318,"style":135},"29dcadb79e3a",[34314],{"_key":34315,"_type":131,"marks":34316,"text":34317},"ed4e2a2413bd",[],"For a single person to reach a moderate living standard (i.e. £31,300 a year[6]), they would need £375,100 if taking income drawdown, or £406,900 if they purchase an annuity. People who are single tend to need a bigger amount than a couple as they will have a lower state pension, lower tax-free allowance, and higher relative expenses.",[],{"_key":34320,"_type":127,"children":34321,"markDefs":34326,"style":135},"cb05bea4dc23",[34322],{"_key":34323,"_type":131,"marks":34324,"text":34325},"04d015500464",[],"If someone is worried that they haven’t saved enough, it may be worth delaying retirement or continue working part time. This would enable them to make more pension contributions, and they would be able to take advantage of tax relief and employer contributions for longer to build up their savings. In fact, the Office for National Statistics reported that nearly 100,000 of retirees actually returned to work in the twelve months leading up to March 2023[7].",[],{"_key":34328,"_type":127,"children":34329,"markDefs":34333,"style":135},"f1cec4e72231",[34330],{"_key":34331,"_type":131,"marks":34332,"text":5093},"4276ccf518d3",[174],[],{"_key":34335,"_type":127,"children":34336,"markDefs":34340,"style":135},"dfd3bbcef70d",[34337],{"_key":34338,"_type":131,"marks":34339,"text":19688},"f73cbd2fc1d4",[],[],{"_key":34342,"_type":127,"children":34343,"markDefs":34347,"style":135},"ee7a2c23d974",[34344],{"_key":34345,"_type":131,"marks":34346,"text":5132},"a7def4606b5d",[174],[],{"_key":34349,"_type":127,"children":34350,"markDefs":34354,"style":135},"a735579e5600",[34351],{"_key":34352,"_type":131,"marks":34353,"text":19703},"a759c64a0263",[],[],{"_key":34356,"_type":127,"children":34357,"markDefs":34361,"style":135},"4c9ce658bedb",[34358],{"_key":34359,"_type":131,"marks":34360,"text":5155},"0e72eef84c66",[174],[],{"_key":34363,"_type":127,"children":34364,"markDefs":34369,"style":135},"74752a172896",[34365],{"_key":34366,"_type":131,"marks":34367,"text":34368},"76a88377b38d",[],"Action Fraud found that pension scam victims lost more than £17.7m in 2023[8]. Whatever someone is planning to do with their retirement savings, it’s vital they check whether the company that they’re planning to use is authorised and regulated with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) https:\u002F\u002Fregister.fca.org.uk\u002F. They can also visit the FCA’s ScamSmart website which includes a warning list of companies operating without authorisation or running scams www.fca.org.uk\u002Fscamsmart.",[],{"_key":34371,"_type":127,"children":34372,"markDefs":34376,"style":135},"5737c3e1afb2",[34373],{"_key":34374,"_type":131,"marks":34375,"text":5198},"2388722eff76",[174],[],{"_key":34378,"_type":127,"children":34379,"markDefs":34384,"style":135},"fa74eba3eab8",[34380],{"_key":34381,"_type":131,"marks":34382,"text":34383},"2431026fdf17",[],"It is vital that individuals fully understand their retirement options and are able to choose what is right for them. Getting financial education, guidance and investment advice at retirement can really help. Pension Wise offer free guidance appointments to talk about someone’s pension options.",[],{"_key":34386,"_type":127,"children":34387,"markDefs":34391,"style":135},"7b472a23584c",[34388],{"_key":34389,"_type":131,"marks":34390,"text":19771},"1b99850983b9",[],[],{"_key":34393,"_type":127,"children":34394,"markDefs":34398,"style":135},"00227fb8d19b",[34395],{"_key":34396,"_type":131,"marks":34397,"text":1502},"2b040d3f4037",[],[],{"_key":34400,"_type":127,"children":34401,"markDefs":34405,"style":135},"01f0516f2a13",[34402],{"_key":34403,"_type":131,"marks":34404,"text":5230},"7155ac9cfee5",[],[],{"_key":34407,"_type":127,"children":34408,"markDefs":34413,"style":135},"dfcc6cee304a",[34409],{"_key":34410,"_type":131,"marks":34411,"text":34412},"0e5d017de653",[],"He adds; “This is why many employers and trustees are now working together with financial wellbeing and retirement specialists to help individuals engage with their pensions and savings throughout their career, and then to understand the options at retirement. However, before proceeding it’s essential to carry out due diligence on any providers. This includes ensuring that they are workplace specialists and checks on advice firms should cover areas such as qualifications of advisers, the regulatory record of the firm, compliance processes and the pricing structure.",[],{"_key":34415,"_type":127,"children":34416,"markDefs":34420,"style":135},"c9320b898476",[34417],{"_key":34418,"_type":131,"marks":34419,"text":5711},"93bd4ad1a8d4",[],[],[34422],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":34423,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":34425,"blogPostMeta":34426,"content":34465,"tag":34494,"title":34497},"d9620057-ff10-4220-912f-5c17f72081c1",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":34427,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":34461,"slug":34462,"title":34464},{"_type":58,"asset":34428},{"_createdAt":34429,"_id":34430,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":34431,"extension":196,"metadata":34432,"mimeType":225,"opt":34451,"originalFilename":34456,"path":34457,"sha1hash":34431,"size":34458,"uploadId":34459,"url":34460},"2025-12-23T10:20:33Z","image-280fb016168f51dd32f8c4e535a07c6c1ed207fe-1000x667-jpg","280fb016168f51dd32f8c4e535a07c6c1ed207fe",{"_type":69,"blurHash":34433,"dimensions":34434,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":34435,"palette":34436},"VJK^~Y%L?vnh%2_NNH-;%MfkM{IUxuW=t7ozjFR*t6M{",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYHAwX\u002FxAAhEAABAwQCAwEAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEAAUREgYhEzFBQv\u002FEABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP\u002FxAAaEQACAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQISIRMx\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwCl8sgN3hy3KadSlMc7d5GaX5caWm9W66Q3h44juHEhWNk\u002FoViLw80GGddtla7KPdLvM5j1muLQbWtxLyknUqwEknHr7QKdsQ\u002FOvpTpd6YmSFushXjzgE95orgxkojspbCdugSSffVFJgShJo\u002F\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":34437,"darkVibrant":34439,"dominant":34441,"lightMuted":34444,"lightVibrant":34445,"muted":34447,"vibrant":34449},{"_type":81,"background":34438,"foreground":83,"population":4778,"title":83},"#70473b",{"_type":81,"background":34440,"foreground":83,"population":29606,"title":83},"#2d7572",{"_type":81,"background":34442,"foreground":91,"population":34443,"title":83},"#c6bbad",7.78,{"_type":81,"background":34442,"foreground":91,"population":34443,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":34446,"foreground":91,"population":1159,"title":91},"#b4dce4",{"_type":81,"background":34448,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},"#54869c",{"_type":81,"background":34450,"foreground":91,"population":4107,"title":83},"#d2996a",{"media":34452},{"tags":34453},[34454],{"_key":34455,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"Ui8bGiZQXSmsGayiVrHBq","shutterstock_1544535644.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F280fb016168f51dd32f8c4e535a07c6c1ed207fe-1000x667.jpg",569369,"Y0rxk6jeMDWdDC3shbVOpMqJ7WRq2fCo","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F280fb016168f51dd32f8c4e535a07c6c1ed207fe-1000x667.jpg","2024-12-23T11:20:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":34463},"financial-education-is-key-to-improving-pension-savers’-financial-literacy","Financial education is key to improving pension savers financial literacy",[34466,34474,34486],{"_key":34467,"_type":127,"children":34468,"markDefs":34473,"style":135},"1f08e9533130",[34469],{"_key":34470,"_type":131,"marks":34471,"text":34472},"7fabda448df8",[],"Question: What are the best ways to help improve pension savers’ financial literacy?",[],{"_key":34475,"_type":127,"children":34476,"markDefs":34485,"style":135},"00383dd15867",[34477,34481],{"_key":34478,"_type":131,"marks":34479,"text":34480},"cc96b456dbf6",[174],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work – a leading financial wellbeing and retirement specialist comments;",{"_key":34482,"_type":131,"marks":34483,"text":34484},"61082de7c762",[],"\n“It’s exceptionally important that schemes, Trustees and employers collectively work together to ensure that pension scheme members and employees are making the right decisions when it comes to their pensions.",[],{"_key":34487,"_type":127,"children":34488,"markDefs":34493,"style":135},"6da9edd728fa",[34489],{"_key":34490,"_type":131,"marks":34491,"text":34492},"a3935cbec75f",[],"Firstly, supporting individuals with their day-to-day needs, especially in the current environment, should be an area of focus. This should sit alongside support around longer-term needs such as pensions and retirement savings. Offering financial wellbeing programmes that help with a full range of money matters from debt and money management to preparing for retirement can really help. Many leading companies now deliver this sort of support through financial education workshops, one-to-one guidance or coaching sessions, digital tools and helplines, as well as providing access to regulated financial advice.”",[],[34495],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":34496,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},"Financial education is key to improving pension savers’ financial literacy",{"_id":34499,"blogPostMeta":34500,"content":34541,"tag":34720,"title":34540},"773b9861-7c87-4a43-a4d8-1882194c0ecc",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":34501,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":34536,"publishedAt":34537,"slug":34538,"title":34540},{"_type":58,"asset":34502},{"_createdAt":34503,"_id":34504,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":34505,"extension":67,"metadata":34506,"mimeType":101,"opt":34526,"originalFilename":34531,"path":34532,"sha1hash":34505,"size":34533,"uploadId":34534,"url":34535},"2025-12-22T11:19:01Z","image-16fb5d3c51ea967b9ab1318d2c7e5094c8a3b955-768x512-png","16fb5d3c51ea967b9ab1318d2c7e5094c8a3b955",{"_type":69,"blurHash":34507,"dimensions":34508,"hasAlpha":76,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":34509,"palette":34510},"VTLD}deA%L.7.8~qR%R+-;-;%g%hRjV[M|MwxExuE1ax",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":495,"height":17869,"width":34134},"data:image\u002Fpng;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAANCAYAAACpUE5eAAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAADpUlEQVR4nB3OWUyTBwDA8e9tmQ\u002FzZYtxe5nZwxYWzY4HidGQAJk6RyaXThhHUSyQFtCWS0WRu+ESBFF0bDKlWqEyEBEovSilfD35aG1xyDnBbW4xypKZjPwXffi9\u002FvMX\u002FtvY4OXL5yzMSUyadAzeaeN2Vzv9+lt4XVbmAnaCXiMP3WNI4gjuiXtMWfqYNOmxmXoZN\u002FZiHdNjGu1hbFiHsLGxwfo\u002FL1haDGEdvkVblRpVRiKnFTJ0XR0EZ5wsPp5haT7A4nyAuUc+QgEnAcmO5BvH57HicZkRHQYmbQ8QXr36l\u002FX1FywvztKv7aA4I44TsRGcSd5L3alcbJZRVteWePbXU\u002F74c5Unq4ssLYR4FHQT8Dvwz0y9Me2z43ZZEdbWlnnt9cm1+nNk7t\u002FFmfg9VCVFUZAWi17XxcpvC\u002Fz9\u002FBlP1laYX3zEwnyQYMCJ22XB47a+ifk8E7idFgRJchCYmUQ03KZRnc7h8I\u002FJjggjM2I7iZHhXGqqJhhw8fT3FZaW5wiFvIQeevBLIqLDgtNhxuuy4RGtOB1GBK93HL9dj\u002F2HAjRJ4STseJ8jO7YS+dG7hIdt43xRDjZTH7NBF49\u002FlQgGpnA7DIiTRrwekRnJizTtYdrrxOsWESSflcBQM5bSKGqjt\u002FB92GYyPt3M\u002Fg\u002FfJipsK+eVR7irvcTIgx5MxgGMhn4GB7QMDfYgOqd4GAziD\u002FiRpGmmp30ID4a1WH9SYVBspz16M0VfbKL4s7dQfb6J0r3baFHFcbn5PG1t9Vy8qKG5uZa6hkpaWuvQ92kZt40yJdpwuuyI4gRCaXkO18sOcv\u002F4J9yM2UJr1HvU736H9gMf0J29kwuqg1SWq6mpKaXs7AnUKjnHs1JQKGVUVqm5fKWW\u002FoFb2B1juNzjCDGxO9Fk72Lw5E508j38LN9LZ+pubmZFcl39LeeUhzhTepLyylMUqrOQpScQF7+P1PQE8vJlKHNlaOrKMRjvEZp1IXy1\u002F0uqT8Yy\u002FmMJlhtNmLuvYuls4n5DCVdKjnE6\u002FyiqwjwU+dkkpSayLyaaAwejyclNo7gkh5S0Q2RkptFxrZVJhwHhqDyZ9jYNdvMQVuMYZoMRp9mMVa+lu6WKmooSFColyenfkZAcz+GMZPIK5LQ159NSewy5LIZDCfvIVcio05xFqKgqo1vXje5uDw3NF6ipa0R7uweLYYRfem\u002FQ2FJNYVkhJ4oUVNSU0qntYnhUj8vYyMDVFMqU0SjTo1BmfM3RlG\u002F4Hxuv3FxHF9VqAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":34511,"darkVibrant":34513,"dominant":34516,"lightMuted":34517,"lightVibrant":34520,"muted":34522,"vibrant":34524},{"_type":81,"background":34512,"foreground":83,"population":2949,"title":83},"#403f32",{"_type":81,"background":34514,"foreground":83,"population":34515,"title":83},"#8c4218",7.31,{"_type":81,"background":34514,"foreground":83,"population":34515,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":34518,"foreground":91,"population":34519,"title":83},"#c8c1b0",4.34,{"_type":81,"background":34521,"foreground":91,"population":32036,"title":91},"#e8c296",{"_type":81,"background":34523,"foreground":83,"population":2946,"title":83},"#529cb0",{"_type":81,"background":34525,"foreground":83,"population":34519,"title":83},"#b77e42",{"media":34527},{"tags":34528},[34529],{"_key":34530,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"FHFgtYOyD-nUlDezkwM-h","Untitled-design-40-768x512.png","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F16fb5d3c51ea967b9ab1318d2c7e5094c8a3b955-768x512.png",451504,"IcHHhvLYDgBPjyTGA4lE0YMSRtt0bzTN","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F16fb5d3c51ea967b9ab1318d2c7e5094c8a3b955-768x512.png","s we start a new year it is a good time for people to reset their finances and goals for the year ahead.  Factors that impact someone’s finances could have changed significantly over the previous year, so it’s always a good idea to regularly review.","2024-12-23T11:18:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":34539},"10-tips-for-help-employees-take-control-of-their-finances-in-2025","10 tips for help employees take control of their finances in 2025",[34542,34550,34558,34569,34581,34592,34604,34616,34628,34648,34667,34679,34690,34697,34704,34712],{"_key":34543,"_type":127,"children":34544,"markDefs":34549,"style":135},"d9d03df72d8d",[34545],{"_key":34546,"_type":131,"marks":34547,"text":34548},"d227d2994d06",[],"As we start a new year it is a good time for people to reset their finances and goals for the year ahead. Factors that impact someone’s finances could have changed significantly over the previous year, so it’s always a good idea to regularly review.",[],{"_key":34551,"_type":127,"children":34552,"markDefs":34557,"style":135},"4d48349a244d",[34553],{"_key":34554,"_type":131,"marks":34555,"text":34556},"a2f1efc2f5d2",[],"To help with this, WEALTH at work has created some top tips to share with employees to allow them to take control of their finances in 2025.",[],{"_key":34559,"_type":127,"children":34560,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":34568,"style":135},"d61fb466b052",[34561,34564],{"_key":34562,"_type":131,"marks":34563,"text":7452},"d3a39bd74eee",[174],{"_key":34565,"_type":131,"marks":34566,"text":34567},"4e2e948b4dd6",[]," The first step to cutting costs is to create a budget. People should work out what exactly their income is each month and then check their bank statements to clarify what outgoings they have. Outgoings can then be divided into fixed costs which have to be paid such as a mortgage, council tax, energy and water, and then those which may be able to cut back on such as supermarket shopping, monthly contracts for TV, subscriptions and other spending. Some banks have apps which enable this to be done automatically; this will highlight where money is going and where savings could be made.\n",[],{"_key":34570,"_type":127,"children":34571,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":34580,"style":135},"7f6337873e25",[34572,34576],{"_key":34573,"_type":131,"marks":34574,"text":34575},"990ac0de32da",[174],"Track finances –",{"_key":34577,"_type":131,"marks":34578,"text":34579},"1869b0db8d4b",[]," After creating a budget it is important to keep track of spending. Ditching takeaways, taking lunch to work and learning to budget can make a huge difference. For example, the average household in the UK spends £1,278 on eating food out (e.g. takeaways and restaurants) each year. There are many free budgeting apps available which will help to track spending on groceries, eating out, entertainment etc.\n",[],{"_key":34582,"_type":127,"children":34583,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":34591,"style":135},"1adb352d5a2c",[34584,34587],{"_key":34585,"_type":131,"marks":34586,"text":7487},"c8c1c128f6f5",[174],{"_key":34588,"_type":131,"marks":34589,"text":34590},"bf56fe6eaa88",[]," – Plan shopping in advance as it will allow time to search for the best deals and reduce expenditure on non-essential items. Also, by switching brands it might be possible to significantly reduce the price of the regular shop. Someone who usually spends £60 a week, could save £20 by changing supermarkets, a saving of £1,040 a year, and more for a couple or family. When it comes to big purchases, such as if a washing machine breaks, discount vouchers are often available through voucher and discount websites and many workplaces offer employee discount schemes (see tip 10). When shopping for a particular product, Idealo finds the best price online for a particular product and CamelCamelCamel allows you to track the price of Amazon products. Consider installing browser extensions like Honey that search for discount codes during online check-out.\n",[],{"_key":34593,"_type":127,"children":34594,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":34603,"style":135},"952a7531cca4",[34595,34599],{"_key":34596,"_type":131,"marks":34597,"text":34598},"271aa8aa4d4c",[174],"Save on household bills",{"_key":34600,"_type":131,"marks":34601,"text":34602},"c4e481b54c9d",[]," – It is possible to make significant savings on a range of household bills from car and home insurance to phone, broadband, TV and mobile contracts. comparison websites can help to make it easy to compare the different deals available. Changing to a SIM only deal on your mobile once you’re out of contract could save £352 a year. Plus, changing broadband providers could save £163 a year.\n",[],{"_key":34605,"_type":127,"children":34606,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":34615,"style":135},"00900d67dc72",[34607,34611],{"_key":34608,"_type":131,"marks":34609,"text":34610},"b6e189e138ec",[174],"Avoid auto-renewals",{"_key":34612,"_type":131,"marks":34613,"text":34614},"4bc7eaac8545",[]," – Many insurance policies automatically renew each year so many people may be paying more than they need to if they don’t shop around. It’s a good idea to find out when any contracts are due to end and put it in the diary a month earlier so that there is plenty of time to shop around. For example, using a price comparison site could save up to £462 on car insurance, so £920 for a two-car household.\n",[],{"_key":34617,"_type":127,"children":34618,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":34627,"style":135},"959bd17477bc",[34619,34623],{"_key":34620,"_type":131,"marks":34621,"text":34622},"2b532c855082",[174],"Manage debt",{"_key":34624,"_type":131,"marks":34625,"text":34626},"0a16e39b7836",[]," – It’s important to understand the difference between good debt and bad debt. For example, a mortgage is a form of good debt which should be reviewed occasionally to ensure you have a good deal. However, at the opposite end of the spectrum, debt with high interest payments such as payday loans and credit cards can get out of control if they are not repaid quickly. For example, a debt of £3,000 with a rate of 18% APR could take 10 years and 10 months to pay off if paying £50 a month, with a total interest paid of £3,495. If that monthly payment was increased to £100 a month, the debt would be paid off in three years and four months and interest paid would be only £908. For those struggling with debt, a good option could be to consolidate any debts into a 0% or low interest balance transfer card, as more money will go towards paying the debt off and enable it to be cleared over a shorter time. Those who are struggling to make a payment should speak to their provider before they miss a payment as help may be available.\n",[],{"_key":34629,"_type":127,"children":34630,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":34646,"style":135},"b283fb8bb8d4",[34631,34635,34639,34643],{"_key":34632,"_type":131,"marks":34633,"text":34634},"1bf7befd8d6b",[174],"Create emergency savings",{"_key":34636,"_type":131,"marks":34637,"text":34638},"65159e5b2fa4",[]," – Having money put aside for emergencies can reduce reliance on debt for unexpected costs such as car repairs, house maintenance or a reduction in household income. As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to aim for an emergency fund that can cover several months of bills. Work out if you can afford to put some money aside each month, and remember, even small amounts can add up. Setting up a regular transfer to a savings account can be a useful way of separating this money from your regular expenditure. Money Helper offers a savings calculator to help determine how long it will take to reach a savings goal: ",{"_key":34640,"_type":131,"marks":34641,"text":7303},"68e102fa457a",[34642],"330f47955b79",{"_key":34644,"_type":131,"marks":34645,"text":1899},"7e9aeb0ca894",[],[34647],{"_key":34642,"_type":1264,"href":7303},{"_key":34649,"_type":127,"children":34650,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":34665,"style":135},"0ae574f8901c",[34651,34654,34657,34661],{"_key":34652,"_type":131,"marks":34653,"text":9900},"22b498487a03",[174],{"_key":34655,"_type":131,"marks":34656,"text":7319},"afaaff540d40",[],{"_key":34658,"_type":131,"marks":34659,"text":7324},"96222bfd4d6f",[34660],"0fa7b64fb9e3",{"_key":34662,"_type":131,"marks":34663,"text":34664},"e8b328ea7b54",[],". Just switching all appliances off standby mode can save £45 a year.\n",[34666],{"_key":34660,"_type":1264,"href":7331},{"_key":34668,"_type":127,"children":34669,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":34678,"style":135},"b41c5c9edfa2",[34670,34674],{"_key":34671,"_type":131,"marks":34672,"text":34673},"423c6e614b90",[174],"Make the most of pensions –",{"_key":34675,"_type":131,"marks":34676,"text":34677},"9687c7cafc62",[]," Pensions can be one of the most valuable ways of saving for the future. Currently, employers are required to make a 3% minimum contribution with employees required to pay 5% to bring the total pension contribution to 8%. Individuals should check the contributions they are making and consider whether they can afford to increase them. Depending on the arrangement an employer has in place, some will match any additional contributions which can make a big difference. For example, an additional 1% saved each year into a pension, matched by an employer can increase a pension pot by 25% in retirement!\n",[],{"_key":34680,"_type":127,"children":34681,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":34689,"style":135},"11f52d7e393f",[34682,34686],{"_key":34683,"_type":131,"marks":34684,"text":34685},"50d2054f27b8",[174],"Maximise workplace benefits",{"_key":34687,"_type":131,"marks":34688,"text":7354},"b133b73fa3fe",[],[],{"_key":34691,"_type":127,"children":34692,"markDefs":34696,"style":135},"85c4c5259534",[34693],{"_key":34694,"_type":131,"marks":34695,"text":1006},"4006a56ec3fd",[],[],{"_key":34698,"_type":127,"children":34699,"markDefs":34703,"style":135},"0a465773bda7",[34700],{"_key":34701,"_type":131,"marks":34702,"text":7369},"90dd69c9b82b",[174],[],{"_key":34705,"_type":127,"children":34706,"markDefs":34711,"style":135},"d2db696c2c78",[34707],{"_key":34708,"_type":131,"marks":34709,"text":34710},"7a07e1576e47",[],"“Now is a great time for employees to review their financial situation and take action to make sure they are in control of their finances in 2025.”",[],{"_key":34713,"_type":127,"children":34714,"markDefs":34719,"style":135},"433aa98c7a8b",[34715],{"_key":34716,"_type":131,"marks":34717,"text":34718},"697d309e945f",[],"He adds; “Proactive employers are actively working to help employees to improve their financial future, remove the stigma around money worries and utilise the support available. This includes providing financial education and guidance through financial coaches, as well as access to savings vehicles such as Workplace ISAs or Share Plans to build financial resilience. This can make a huge difference by giving people the opportunity to understand their finances, including ways to save money, learn about budgeting, manage debt, and how to boost savings and prepare for retirement. 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Look for areas which can be cut back and keep any spending within budget. Using free budgeting apps can help to track spending on groceries, eating out, entertainment etc to ensure the budget is maintained.",[],{"_key":34801,"_type":127,"children":34802,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":34810,"style":135},"7de70e49b03b",[34803,34806],{"_key":34804,"_type":131,"marks":34805,"text":9852},"f390e0c750db",[174],{"_key":34807,"_type":131,"marks":34808,"text":34809},"f739c527707e",[]," – Price comparison tools can help find the best deals on gifts. Platforms such as Google shopping allow users to track and compare prices. CamelCamelCamel tracks the price of Amazon products, and browser extensions like Honey search for discount codes during online check-out.",[],{"_key":34812,"_type":127,"children":34813,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":34822,"style":135},"b1c3b80cb138",[34814,34818],{"_key":34815,"_type":131,"marks":34816,"text":34817},"eef57434ff95",[174],"Beware of Black Friday",{"_key":34819,"_type":131,"marks":34820,"text":34821},"e0955b460bc4",[]," – Black Friday is on the 29th of November, and Cyber Monday is on the 2nd of December. These are supposed to be days when there are amazing deals on offer, but it is important to check the discounts being offered as they are not always as they appear. Consider using some of the shopping hacks above to check if it really is a deal.",[],{"_key":34824,"_type":127,"children":34825,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":34833,"style":135},"c41be34e97d2",[34826,34829],{"_key":34827,"_type":131,"marks":34828,"text":9876},"33a93156c592",[174],{"_key":34830,"_type":131,"marks":34831,"text":34832},"08a01812c11f",[]," – Agree on spending limits with family and friends and consider alternative gift options like homemade gifts or experiences, which can be cost-effective and more personal. Leave credit cards at home to avoid overspending and consider buying gifts in the sales for people who aren’t being seen until after Christmas.",[],{"_key":34835,"_type":127,"children":34836,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":34844,"style":135},"4e9b7287909d",[34837,34840],{"_key":34838,"_type":131,"marks":34839,"text":34685},"894095fafd65",[174],{"_key":34841,"_type":131,"marks":34842,"text":34843},"4b2dd2231d7a",[]," – People should make sure they take advantage of any employee discount schemes offered by the workplace, offering discounts on for example, groceries, dining and gift purchases.",[],{"_key":34846,"_type":127,"children":34847,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":34855,"style":135},"480e1eaf2f37",[34848,34851],{"_key":34849,"_type":131,"marks":34850,"text":9900},"fe0e1f0037ea",[174],{"_key":34852,"_type":131,"marks":34853,"text":34854},"4d65c71a2439",[]," – Energy bills can rocket over Christmas due to the increased use of cooking appliances, heating, washing and technology. Small changes such as turning off lights when they aren’t needed, washing clothes at 30 degrees instead of higher temperatures, making sure the dishwasher is only used when full, and cutting down on the number of times the kettle is boiled can add up to really make a difference to bills.",[],{"_key":34857,"_type":127,"children":34858,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":34866,"style":135},"db0066826ad5",[34859,34862],{"_key":34860,"_type":131,"marks":34861,"text":9912},"ff1005ba150c",[174],{"_key":34863,"_type":131,"marks":34864,"text":34865},"d079a199cbf3",[]," – Borrowing to pay for Christmas should only ever be a last resort, but credit cards are useful for the protection they give for purchases over £100. If you are considering using a credit card, choose cards with 0% finance or cashback. For those with existing credit card debt, it may be worthwhile to consider a balance transfer to a lower interest card to save on interest payments and pay off debt as quickly as possible and on time to avoid missing out on 0% interest offers and incurring extra charges. Be wary of the ‘buy now and pay later’ deals and understand the terms and interest charges if repayment isn’t on time.",[],{"_key":34868,"_type":127,"children":34869,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":34878,"style":135},"034d6850413f",[34870,34874],{"_key":34871,"_type":131,"marks":34872,"text":34873},"5b17bf524a2c",[174],"Split costs over paydays",{"_key":34875,"_type":131,"marks":34876,"text":34877},"16c501a2c7e4",[]," – Those who have a credit card and are paid monthly could consider splitting the cost between two pay days. For example, if a credit card statement date runs from 1 November to 1 December, anything spent on the card in November will be due for repayment in December. But anything spent in December would be due for repayment in January. All credit cards have different statements and payment dates, so anyone planning to split costs in this way must check these dates.",[],{"_key":34880,"_type":127,"children":34881,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":34890,"style":135},"cdfa7a6d76c7",[34882,34886],{"_key":34883,"_type":131,"marks":34884,"text":34885},"395b82ea84d0",[174],"Budget now for 2025",{"_key":34887,"_type":131,"marks":34888,"text":34889},"5cdbe82ddb0f",[]," – A few small changes could put someone in a much better financial position for next year. Reducing the amount of times eating out, taking lunch to work, switching supermarkets and learning to budget can make a huge difference.",[],{"_key":34892,"_type":127,"children":34893,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":34901,"style":135},"bab8257db82d",[34894,34897],{"_key":34895,"_type":131,"marks":34896,"text":9948},"ea311ed0e4b9",[174],{"_key":34898,"_type":131,"marks":34899,"text":34900},"a44bf3bc2180",[]," – Consider setting up automatic savings transfers, which round up transactions to save small amounts, but can really add up. For example, if someone buys something for £4.20, the bank rounds it up to £5, and 80p goes into savings. Two transactions like this per day could help save £584 over a year*. Some employers offer payroll-deducted savings schemes into ISAs for effortless saving.",[],{"_key":34903,"_type":127,"children":34904,"markDefs":34913,"style":135},"0cbc85fc1407",[34905,34909],{"_key":34906,"_type":131,"marks":34907,"text":34908},"ef1358b5651a",[174],"Jonathan Watts-Lay also comments,",{"_key":34910,"_type":131,"marks":34911,"text":34912},"7d41c5a18c81",[]," “Whilst the festive season can be an exciting time for many, it can also be a stressful time for those who are worried about their finances. There is no shame in someone explaining to friends and family that they need to be careful with their spending this year, they may be feeling the same pressure.",[],{"_key":34915,"_type":127,"children":34916,"markDefs":34921,"style":135},"e5a9a8726024",[34917],{"_key":34918,"_type":131,"marks":34919,"text":34920},"8777d1aa5125",[],"For those struggling, free support is available from MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice and National Debtline. Many employers are also working to remove the stigma around money worries and encourage their employees to access support including financial education and guidance around budgeting and ways to save money. As well as this, providing access to workplace savings such as a Workplace ISA can help to build financial resilience.”",[],[34923],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":34924,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":34926,"blogPostMeta":34927,"content":34932,"tag":34936,"title":34931},"111709fe-74b5-44d9-b65f-12a14a40dda3",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":65,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":34928,"slug":34929,"title":34931},"2024-11-13T14:29:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":34930},"connections-radio-interview","Connections Radio interview",[34933],{"_key":34934,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":34935,"width":124},"6bd5a40f11e1","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FQLs4q9fVnNI",[34937],{"_createdAt":4751,"_id":4752,"_rev":4753,"_system":34938,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":4758,"brandSpecific":76,"slug":34940,"title":4761},{"base":34939},{"id":4756,"rev":4757},{"_type":9,"current":4760},{"_id":34942,"blogPostMeta":34943,"content":34948,"tag":34952,"title":34947},"311cf152-936a-40bd-81ff-0ce12fb21fcc",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":65,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":34944,"slug":34945,"title":34947},"2024-11-11T14:28:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":34946},"talking-boosting-share-plan-take-up-with-serco","Talking... 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Create a budget",{"_key":35072,"_type":131,"marks":35073,"text":35074},"262de2679fb5",[]," – The first step to cutting costs is to create a budget. People should work out what exactly their income is each month and then check their bank statements to clarify what outgoings they have. Outgoings can then be divided into fixed costs which have to be paid such as a mortgage, council tax, energy and water, and then those which may be able to cut back on such as supermarket shopping, monthly contracts for TV, subscriptions and other spending. Some banks have apps which enable this to be done automatically; this will highlight where money is going and where savings could be made.",[],{"_key":35077,"_type":127,"children":35078,"markDefs":35086,"style":135},"620ed9cf4625",[35079,35082],{"_key":35080,"_type":131,"marks":35081,"text":26630},"4dfdd06147f8",[174],{"_key":35083,"_type":131,"marks":35084,"text":35085},"1f69d1ce507f",[]," – After creating a budget it is important to keep track of spending. Ditching takeaways, taking lunch to work and learning to budget can make a huge difference. For example, the average household in the UK spends £1,220 on eating food out (e.g. takeaways and restaurants) each year. There are many free budgeting apps available which will help to track spending on groceries, eating out, entertainment etc.",[],{"_key":35088,"_type":127,"children":35089,"markDefs":35097,"style":135},"64a3c675fb9f",[35090,35093],{"_key":35091,"_type":131,"marks":35092,"text":7246},"b24969e79250",[174],{"_key":35094,"_type":131,"marks":35095,"text":35096},"4a381fae8dd1",[]," – Plan shopping in advance as it will allow time to search for the best deals and reduce expenditure on non-essential items. Also, by switching brands it might be possible to significantly reduce the price of the regular shop. Someone who usually spends £60 a week, could save £20 by changing supermarkets, a saving of £1,040 a year, and more for a couple or family. When it comes to big purchases, such as if a washing machine breaks, discount vouchers are often available through voucher and discount websites and many workplaces offer employee discount schemes (see tip 10). When shopping for a particular product, Idealo finds the best price online for a particular product and CamelCamelCamel allows you to track the price of Amazon products. Consider installing browser extensions like Honey that search for discount codes during online check-out.",[],{"_key":35099,"_type":127,"children":35100,"markDefs":35108,"style":135},"dd9c1586df58",[35101,35104],{"_key":35102,"_type":131,"marks":35103,"text":7258},"f5b1738a00d2",[174],{"_key":35105,"_type":131,"marks":35106,"text":35107},"9085f640dad3",[]," – It is possible to make significant savings on a range of household bills from car and home insurance to phone, broadband, TV and mobile contracts. Price comparison websites can help to make it easy to compare the different deals available. Changing to a SIM only deal on your mobile once you’re out of contract could save £321 a year. Plus, changing broadband providers could save £179 a year.",[],{"_key":35110,"_type":127,"children":35111,"markDefs":35119,"style":135},"0d0adaf2b24a",[35112,35115],{"_key":35113,"_type":131,"marks":35114,"text":7270},"c3a8ee3c7494",[174],{"_key":35116,"_type":131,"marks":35117,"text":35118},"6ed81a070201",[]," – Many insurance policies automatically renew each year so many people may be paying more than they need to if they don’t shop around. It’s a good idea to find out when any contracts are due to end and put it in the diary a month earlier so that there is plenty of time to shop around. For example, using a price comparison site could save up to £460 on car insurance, so £920 for a two-car household.",[],{"_key":35121,"_type":127,"children":35122,"markDefs":35133,"style":135},"c68dd34b1f69",[35123,35126,35129],{"_key":35124,"_type":131,"marks":35125,"text":1899},"4eaf42343a74",[],{"_key":35127,"_type":131,"marks":35128,"text":7282},"275d85eb8ff1",[174],{"_key":35130,"_type":131,"marks":35131,"text":35132},"215ca6abedd4",[]," – It’s important to understand the difference between good debt and bad debt. For example, a mortgage is a form of good debt which should be reviewed occasionally to ensure you have a good deal. However, at the opposite end of the spectrum, debt with high interest payments such as payday loans and credit cards can get out of control if they are not repaid quickly. For example, a debt of £3,000 with a rate of 18% APR could take 10 years and 10 months to pay off if paying £50 a month, with a total interest paid of £3,495. If that monthly payment was increased to £100 a month, the debt would be paid off in three years and four months and interest paid would be only £908. For those struggling with debt, a good option could be to consolidate any debts into a 0% or low interest balance transfer card, as more money will go towards paying the debt off and enable it to be cleared over a shorter time. Those who are struggling to make a payment should speak to their provider before they miss a payment, as help may be available.",[],{"_key":35135,"_type":127,"children":35136,"markDefs":35140,"style":135},"40162f5066c1",[35137],{"_key":35138,"_type":131,"marks":35139,"text":1006},"977dcdbc63fb",[],[],{"_key":35142,"_type":127,"children":35143,"markDefs":35152,"style":135},"318f374cfc7a",[35144,35148],{"_key":35145,"_type":131,"marks":35146,"text":35147},"4e9543b80997",[174],"7. Create emergency savings",{"_key":35149,"_type":131,"marks":35150,"text":35151},"d6cbe30e1173",[]," – Having money put aside for emergencies can reduce reliance on debt for unexpected costs such as car repairs, house maintenance or a reduction in household income. As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to aim for an emergency fund that can cover several months of bills. Work out if you can afford to put some money aside each month, and remember, even small amounts can add up. Setting up a regular transfer to a savings account can be a useful way of separating this money from your regular expenditure. Money Helper offers a savings calculator to help determine how long it will take to reach a savings goal: https:\u002F\u002Fwww.moneyhelper.org.uk\u002Fen\u002Fsavings\u002Fhow-to-save\u002Fsavings-calculator",[],{"_key":35154,"_type":127,"children":35155,"markDefs":35159,"style":135},"0d5cfe321559",[35156],{"_key":35157,"_type":131,"marks":35158,"text":1006},"a71d7a35328a",[],[],{"_key":35161,"_type":127,"children":35162,"markDefs":35170,"style":135},"babec3d9887f",[35163,35166],{"_key":35164,"_type":131,"marks":35165,"text":7315},"1d59113a836b",[174],{"_key":35167,"_type":131,"marks":35168,"text":35169},"eee51f4bb1e9",[]," – Make sure you do all you can to be energy efficient. Small changes such as turning off lights when they aren’t needed, washing clothes at 30 degrees instead of higher temperatures, making sure the dishwasher is only used when full, and cutting down on the number of times the kettle is boiled can add up to really make a difference to energy bills. Just switching all appliances off standby mode can save £45 a year.",[],{"_key":35172,"_type":127,"children":35173,"markDefs":35177,"style":135},"b2b54532652c",[35174],{"_key":35175,"_type":131,"marks":35176,"text":1006},"28529d31ea08",[],[],{"_key":35179,"_type":127,"children":35180,"markDefs":35188,"style":135},"f0bec347eeb8",[35181,35184],{"_key":35182,"_type":131,"marks":35183,"text":7338},"a7f84f56059d",[174],{"_key":35185,"_type":131,"marks":35186,"text":35187},"d7e42b6f03f4",[]," Pensions can be one of the most valuable ways of saving for the future. Currently, employers are required to make a 3% minimum contribution with employees required to pay 5% to bring the total pension contribution to 8%. Individuals should check the contributions they are making and consider whether they can afford to increase these. Depending on the arrangement an employer has in place, some will match any additional contributions which can make a big difference. For example, an additional 1% saved each year into a pension, matched by an employer can increase a pension pot by 25% in retirement!",[],{"_key":35190,"_type":127,"children":35191,"markDefs":35195,"style":135},"2bf7e35073e8",[35192],{"_key":35193,"_type":131,"marks":35194,"text":1006},"cda812236738",[],[],{"_key":35197,"_type":127,"children":35198,"markDefs":35206,"style":135},"f145df459d51",[35199,35202],{"_key":35200,"_type":131,"marks":35201,"text":7350},"5b9aa9eb0fb6",[174],{"_key":35203,"_type":131,"marks":35204,"text":35205},"c70d88f71976",[]," – Many employers also offer other perks such as discount schemes with major retailers on groceries, dining and electrical goods etc where lots of savings can be made. Not only this, financial education and guidance is provided in many workplaces to help people with a full range of money matters, as well as providing access to saving vehicles such as ISAs and Share Plans to help build financial resilience.",[],{"_key":35208,"_type":127,"children":35209,"markDefs":35213,"style":135},"e4c401cf8881",[35210],{"_key":35211,"_type":131,"marks":35212,"text":1006},"c7c56451623d",[],[],{"_key":35215,"_type":127,"children":35216,"markDefs":35221,"style":135},"3e4ffb0b404a",[35217],{"_key":35218,"_type":131,"marks":35219,"text":35220},"c36e7d028eef",[],"Jonathan Watts Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, comments; “It’s concerning that so many people are worried about their finances. Many employers recognise the need to help their employees improve the way they manage their money and therefore provide financial education and guidance, as well as access to saving vehicles such as Workplace ISAs or Share Plans to build financial resilience. This can make a huge difference by giving people the opportunity to understand their finances, including ways to save money, learn about budgeting, manage debt, and how to boost savings and prepare for retirement. Afterall, when employees feel in control of their finances, overall wellbeing is improved which in turn can lead to increased productivity and less absenteeism in the workplace.”",[],[35223],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":35224,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":35226,"blogPostMeta":35227,"content":35232,"tag":35236,"title":35231},"20213635-8e04-4059-91fc-753e2f247a72",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":65,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":35228,"slug":35229,"title":35231},"2024-10-31T14:12:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":35230},"autumn-budget-2024","Autumn Budget 2024",[35233],{"_key":35234,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":35235,"width":124},"dd8e0a3c34fe","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002F9xVVmY82l2Q",[35237],{"_createdAt":4751,"_id":4752,"_rev":4753,"_system":35238,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":4758,"brandSpecific":76,"slug":35240,"title":4761},{"base":35239},{"id":4756,"rev":4757},{"_type":9,"current":4760},{"_id":35242,"blogPostMeta":35243,"content":35284,"tag":35426,"title":35231},"3eac3fc6-8de6-479b-baf5-479317987995",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":35244,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":35280,"publishedAt":35281,"slug":35282,"title":35231},{"_type":58,"asset":35245},{"_createdAt":35246,"_id":35247,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":35248,"extension":196,"metadata":35249,"mimeType":225,"opt":35270,"originalFilename":35275,"path":35276,"sha1hash":35248,"size":35277,"uploadId":35278,"url":35279},"2025-12-22T11:46:37Z","image-2047dca066c0bb67e6b744f9df5a6db5ba28fe55-768x512-jpg","2047dca066c0bb67e6b744f9df5a6db5ba28fe55",{"_type":69,"blurHash":35250,"dimensions":35251,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":35252,"palette":35253},"VeDmwT-o%Lt6p0TOtmj?oeaeROWEWXRjjDoIjDf6kCog",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":495,"height":17869,"width":34134},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAYA\u002F8QAIRAAAwACAQMFAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDAAQRBQYhEyIxQWH\u002FxAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEBf\u002FEAB8RAAEDBAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAgMFERJxBBMhMf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8Are7NmGs1J2vKlVf3Kh8g5C7sFsfV5ARvIOE2KM+3s3oS9W5JYn55wA6vees4cLRZjhQfrnEwVgkOaRpGmp4aQQdp8tEVQOqsQfzNll2w8q9E12eCluD55zZYhqkXW3Ie2CDJxH5G3xf\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":35254,"darkVibrant":35256,"dominant":35259,"lightMuted":35260,"lightVibrant":35262,"muted":35265,"vibrant":35268},{"_type":81,"background":35255,"foreground":83,"population":2959,"title":83},"#494232",{"_type":81,"background":35257,"foreground":83,"population":35258,"title":83},"#47360e",1.68,{"_type":81,"background":35255,"foreground":83,"population":2959,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":35261,"foreground":91,"population":16122,"title":91},"#cedbea",{"_type":81,"background":35263,"foreground":91,"population":35264,"title":83},"#8abaf5",0.25,{"_type":81,"background":35266,"foreground":83,"population":35267,"title":83},"#53739b",1.2,{"_type":81,"background":35269,"foreground":83,"population":8047,"title":83},"#3f6fb7",{"media":35271},{"tags":35272},[35273],{"_key":35274,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"P-S5cm_xHqLSV4gTJSGnQ","shutterstock_586650548-1-768x512.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F2047dca066c0bb67e6b744f9df5a6db5ba28fe55-768x512.jpg",126037,"2nUJxBZovnBuwBkIxccjqjevzqsnlC4l","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F2047dca066c0bb67e6b744f9df5a6db5ba28fe55-768x512.jpg","The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves has today delivered the Autumn Budget 2024.","2024-10-30T14:46:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":35283},"autumn-budget-2024-news",[35285,35293,35301,35309,35317,35325,35333,35341,35352,35360,35368,35379,35387,35395,35407,35415],{"_key":35286,"_type":127,"children":35287,"markDefs":35292,"style":135},"6b27405b54ea",[35288],{"_key":35289,"_type":131,"marks":35290,"text":35291},"7b1639c4f21b",[],"The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves has today delivered the Autumn Budget 2024. Please see our summary below:",[],{"_key":35294,"_type":127,"children":35295,"markDefs":35300,"style":135},"7d34a71a6cca",[35296],{"_key":35297,"_type":131,"marks":35298,"text":35299},"71816a8457dd",[174],"State Pension",[],{"_key":35302,"_type":127,"children":35303,"markDefs":35308,"style":135},"720002788591",[35304],{"_key":35305,"_type":131,"marks":35306,"text":35307},"a02eb73a32c8",[],"The government will maintain the State Pension Triple Lock for the duration of this parliament. The basic and new State Pension will increase by 4.1% from April 2025, in line with earnings growth, meaning over 12 million pensioners will gain up to £470 each in 2025-26.",[],{"_key":35310,"_type":127,"children":35311,"markDefs":35316,"style":135},"89557e242063",[35312],{"_key":35313,"_type":131,"marks":35314,"text":35315},"c975f93ece03",[174],"Personal tax allowances",[],{"_key":35318,"_type":127,"children":35319,"markDefs":35324,"style":135},"94d0e328f1f5",[35320],{"_key":35321,"_type":131,"marks":35322,"text":35323},"7e34e496437f",[],"There is a continuation of the freeze on NI & income tax thresholds. The Chancellor is going to end that freeze from 2028. However, this means that the so called ‘fiscal drag’ will continue to pull some individuals into higher tax brackets until this date with just an inflationary rise in pay.",[],{"_key":35326,"_type":127,"children":35327,"markDefs":35332,"style":135},"04cb813ba7a0",[35328],{"_key":35329,"_type":131,"marks":35330,"text":35331},"e89e8c2c8ffb",[174],"ISA allowance",[],{"_key":35334,"_type":127,"children":35335,"markDefs":35340,"style":135},"862e5901b54c",[35336],{"_key":35337,"_type":131,"marks":35338,"text":35339},"cd397d016c52",[],"There will be no change to the ISA allowance of £20,000 until April 2030.",[],{"_key":35342,"_type":127,"children":35343,"markDefs":35351,"style":135},"b012cddc61d4",[35344,35347],{"_key":35345,"_type":131,"marks":35346,"text":1502},"ef28b8cd6443",[174],{"_key":35348,"_type":131,"marks":35349,"text":35350},"264e4cf5b00c",[]," “Its good news that the State Pension Triple Lock has been maintained which will see retirees benefit from the higher of wage inflation, CPI or 2.5%. However, continuing the freeze on income tax thresholds until 2028 will mean many will still end up in higher tax brackets until that time. I am also pleased that the ISA allowance has been maintained allowing people to save as much as they can in a tax efficient way.”",[],{"_key":35353,"_type":127,"children":35354,"markDefs":35359,"style":135},"50311fb15a42",[35355],{"_key":35356,"_type":131,"marks":35357,"text":35358},"fc8a417e4c35",[174],"Capital Gains Tax",[],{"_key":35361,"_type":127,"children":35362,"markDefs":35367,"style":135},"b15c29867795",[35363],{"_key":35364,"_type":131,"marks":35365,"text":35366},"9679445bccaf",[],"It was announced that Capital Gains Tax (CGT) will increase. The basic rate of Capital Gains Tax will rise from 10% to 18%, and the higher rate from 20% to 24% respectively from 30 October 2024.",[],{"_key":35369,"_type":127,"children":35370,"markDefs":35378,"style":135},"9cdc06d99b69",[35371,35374],{"_key":35372,"_type":131,"marks":35373,"text":1502},"d4be1071a64b",[174],{"_key":35375,"_type":131,"marks":35376,"text":35377},"806c7cbb5375",[]," “Its really important employees make use of all their available allowances to be as tax efficient as possible. This can all seem confusing for many, so it is important that it is explained through a financial wellbeing programme so that they keep as much money for themselves as possible. This is particularly important for those who may benefit from Save As You Earn schemes as the CGT threshold has come down in the last couple of years from £12,000 to £3,000 and we now have an increase in the rate of tax as well, so this is a double hit! Employers can protect their employees from some of this pain by putting in place workplace savings vehicles such as a workplace ISA which has the functionality to move maturing shares in specie (so without the need to convert to cash) so ensuring up to £20k moves without a tax charge into an ISA. Once in the ISA there is no CGT paid on stock market gains and no tax is paid on dividends or interest.”",[],{"_key":35380,"_type":127,"children":35381,"markDefs":35386,"style":135},"1663e1d8c90d",[35382],{"_key":35383,"_type":131,"marks":35384,"text":35385},"e186dbce7f25",[174],"Inheritance tax",[],{"_key":35388,"_type":127,"children":35389,"markDefs":35394,"style":135},"6264c460eaac",[35390],{"_key":35391,"_type":131,"marks":35392,"text":35393},"4d52940bcf48",[],"The inheritance tax threshold freeze will remain until 2030. It was also announced that inherited pensions will be brought into inheritance tax, including death benefits from April 2027.",[],{"_key":35396,"_type":127,"children":35397,"markDefs":35406,"style":135},"d7c010f7930c",[35398,35402],{"_key":35399,"_type":131,"marks":35400,"text":35401},"dfbf6d136ff5",[174],"Jonathan Watt-Lay comments; “",{"_key":35403,"_type":131,"marks":35404,"text":35405},"12bbc5e84da0",[],"Whatever changes may lay ahead, it’s important for individuals to have a well-thought-out retirement plan, which considers all forms of retirement income and not just pensions. Many workplaces provide support to help their employees understand their options in the lead up to and at retirement such as providing financial education, followed by guidance and investment advice where appropriate to enable employees better financial outcomes at retirement.”",[],{"_key":35408,"_type":127,"children":35409,"markDefs":35414,"style":135},"edb1065dcef1",[35410],{"_key":35411,"_type":131,"marks":35412,"text":35413},"d102d11c688b",[174],"Stamp duty on house purchase",[],{"_key":35416,"_type":127,"children":35417,"markDefs":35425,"style":135},"4f5b765eff0a",[35418,35421],{"_key":35419,"_type":131,"marks":35420,"text":35401},"927d854e21a7",[174],{"_key":35422,"_type":131,"marks":35423,"text":35424},"f6309e794919",[],"One thing that was not mentioned in the Budget is the planned reduction in the threshold for stamp duty in March 2025. As it stands this means that first time buyers will pay stamp duty on properties over £300k (currently £425k) and home movers will pay stamp duty on properties above £125k (currently £250k). This will mean a significant increase in tax for some.”",[],[35427],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":35428,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":35430,"blogPostMeta":35431,"content":35436,"tag":35440,"title":35435},"d0ed1f15-6c0e-4ec9-a7a2-95feda5ca605",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":65,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":35432,"slug":35433,"title":35435},"2024-10-30T14:12:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":35434},"responding-to-shifting-employee-financial-wellbeing-needs","Responding to shifting employee financial wellbeing needs",[35437],{"_key":35438,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":35439,"width":124},"ea146f4ad8a2","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FfSLpxfqwqfk",[35441],{"_createdAt":4751,"_id":4752,"_rev":4753,"_system":35442,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":4758,"brandSpecific":76,"slug":35444,"title":4761},{"base":35443},{"id":4756,"rev":4757},{"_type":9,"current":4760},{"_id":35446,"blogPostMeta":35447,"content":35487,"tag":35716,"title":35486},"0ee575b4-deec-4d97-a274-9a86e0b8777f",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":35448,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":35482,"publishedAt":35483,"slug":35484,"title":35486},{"_type":58,"asset":35449},{"_createdAt":35450,"_id":35451,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":35452,"extension":196,"metadata":35453,"mimeType":225,"opt":35472,"originalFilename":35477,"path":35478,"sha1hash":35452,"size":35479,"uploadId":35480,"url":35481},"2025-12-22T12:09:23Z","image-c5b028cf5098e0b4635e33f8c51ff0eb85951d38-1000x667-jpg","c5b028cf5098e0b4635e33f8c51ff0eb85951d38",{"_type":69,"blurHash":35454,"dimensions":35455,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":35456,"palette":35457},"VIIXst0L_3.8Di~pxs%MtRMxMxRPRjIVofD%soITaexu",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGQAAAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYBBAUH\u002F8QAIxAAAgEDBAIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAQIDAAQFBhEhMRITBxQiFf\u002FEABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME\u002F8QAGhEAAwADAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERAgMhMf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8Av64vcXi4cTkEPsaMsJAnfPVTohjdZ21v7liIxJu\u002Fnx4K3QrnyibIY6N7idmWJg4Xbg0zaVm\u002Fp3QlcNGFI\u002FCt+TtUri8HSq6MvyDLi7jVN28cquo2XccjqitbD4fH\u002FVZpLb2O0jMWJ7NFE1XSnHbFIf\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":35458,"darkVibrant":35460,"dominant":35462,"lightMuted":35465,"lightVibrant":35466,"muted":35468,"vibrant":35470},{"_type":81,"background":35459,"foreground":83,"population":15759,"title":83},"#513428",{"_type":81,"background":35461,"foreground":83,"population":10377,"title":83},"#21180a",{"_type":81,"background":35463,"foreground":91,"population":35464,"title":83},"#cbb89f",6.11,{"_type":81,"background":35463,"foreground":91,"population":35464,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":35467,"foreground":91,"population":1159,"title":83},"#e0c499",{"_type":81,"background":35469,"foreground":83,"population":13943,"title":83},"#9a6e57",{"_type":81,"background":35471,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#c38e3b",{"media":35473},{"tags":35474},[35475],{"_key":35476,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"KMZ0aiT_4DgnuLm55gIjQ","shutterstock_2489918587.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fc5b028cf5098e0b4635e33f8c51ff0eb85951d38-1000x667.jpg",399265,"yzPCRhZnBIBnSh4vLcjN3fJ8l6QOQm8z","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fc5b028cf5098e0b4635e33f8c51ff0eb85951d38-1000x667.jpg","According to new research, at least 4.8 million pension pots are considered to be ‘lost’ among the UK population with 1 in 10 workers believing they could have lost a pension pot worth more than £10,000[1]. ","2024-10-23T11:05:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":35485},"how-employees-can-track-down-lost-pensions-and-consolidate","How employees can track down lost pensions and consolidate",[35488,35516,35543,35551,35559,35571,35583,35595,35607,35615,35631,35639,35647,35654,35662,35670,35678,35686,35701,35708],{"_key":35489,"_type":127,"children":35490,"markDefs":35511,"style":135},"a15c83aa742e",[35491,35495,35499,35503,35507],{"_key":35492,"_type":131,"marks":35493,"text":35494},"fc43bdd783c9",[],"According to new research, at least 4.8 million pension pots are considered to be ‘lost’ among the UK population with 1 in 10 workers believing they could have lost a pension pot worth more than £10,000",{"_key":35496,"_type":131,"marks":35497,"text":7473},"51c3ae67ef0a",[35498],"eb647e612947",{"_key":35500,"_type":131,"marks":35501,"text":35502},"69a6144b69f8",[],". One of the main reasons for this is because a person will have on average 9 jobs",{"_key":35504,"_type":131,"marks":35505,"text":7496},"b32c3d56837e",[35506],"7008f103b8ae",{"_key":35508,"_type":131,"marks":35509,"text":35510},"0be067dce523",[]," in their lifetime, so could easily end up with many different pension pots with several providers which can easily be forgotten about.",[35512,35514],{"_key":35498,"_type":1264,"href":35513},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2024\u002F10\u002F23\u002Fhow-employees-can-track-down-lost-pensions-and-consolidate-2\u002F#_ftn1",{"_key":35506,"_type":1264,"href":35515},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2024\u002F10\u002F23\u002Fhow-employees-can-track-down-lost-pensions-and-consolidate-2\u002F#_ftn2",{"_key":35517,"_type":127,"children":35518,"markDefs":35542,"style":135},"f7105363a8e0",[35519,35523,35527,35531,35534,35538],{"_key":35520,"_type":131,"marks":35521,"text":35522},"0f0bebedc901",[174],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work,",{"_key":35524,"_type":131,"marks":35525,"text":35526},"bf306000b7d0",[]," ",{"_key":35528,"_type":131,"marks":35529,"text":35530},"2d4ca9548901",[174],"a leading financial wellbeing and retirement specialist,",{"_key":35532,"_type":131,"marks":35533,"text":35526},"f20251d3d639",[],{"_key":35535,"_type":131,"marks":35536,"text":35537},"6526d710b5d2",[174],"comments,",{"_key":35539,"_type":131,"marks":35540,"text":35541},"dbe9ac10fb25",[]," “It is easy to see why so many pension pots get lost, as updating pension contact details may be the last thing someone thinks about when they change jobs or move house.”",[],{"_key":35544,"_type":127,"children":35545,"markDefs":35550,"style":135},"f0dbf47327f5",[35546],{"_key":35547,"_type":131,"marks":35548,"text":35549},"8f6e519ac8f5",[],"He continues, “However, it isn’t difficult to track old pensions down, it doesn’t cost anything and could make a big difference to how much income someone has in retirement. Auto Enrolment was brought in in 2012, 12 years ago, so many people will have a pension from employers since then. It is worth anyone who thinks they may have a lost pension to put in a little bit of time to check if one of the 4.8million lost pension pots could be theirs.”",[],{"_key":35552,"_type":127,"children":35553,"markDefs":35558,"style":135},"d48b30044658",[35554],{"_key":35555,"_type":131,"marks":35556,"text":35557},"11edcd22e109",[174,6243],"How employees can track down lost pensions",[],{"_key":35560,"_type":127,"children":35561,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":35570,"style":135},"b93fe094e3d5",[35562,35566],{"_key":35563,"_type":131,"marks":35564,"text":35565},"80aabe05f2b1",[174],"List of all previous jobs",{"_key":35567,"_type":131,"marks":35568,"text":35569},"10148ae5af22",[]," – Make a list of all previous employers. It might be useful to go back through old paperwork such as payslips, P45s, P60s, CVs and job applications.",[],{"_key":35572,"_type":127,"children":35573,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":35582,"style":135},"21b04479f27d",[35574,35578],{"_key":35575,"_type":131,"marks":35576,"text":35577},"62910aabb4ef",[174],"Online research",{"_key":35579,"_type":131,"marks":35580,"text":35581},"76c88a359064",[]," – If contact information isn’t available for an old employer, they can be tracked using the Government’s Pension Tracing Service – (www.gov.uk\u002Ffind-pension-contact-details).",[],{"_key":35584,"_type":127,"children":35585,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":35594,"style":135},"9d6ff7369fa1",[35586,35590],{"_key":35587,"_type":131,"marks":35588,"text":35589},"f7e8af103de9",[174],"Previous Employers",{"_key":35591,"_type":131,"marks":35592,"text":35593},"eefe5e9a6be6",[]," – Get in touch with previous employers to find out if they have any details. If they don’t exist anymore contact Companies House (www.gov.uk\u002Fgovernment\u002Forganisations\u002Fcompanies-house) or if a charity, contact the charity register (www.gov.uk\u002Ffind-charity-information).",[],{"_key":35596,"_type":127,"children":35597,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":35606,"style":135},"b8604d370044",[35598,35602],{"_key":35599,"_type":131,"marks":35600,"text":35601},"e38d9bb57b2c",[174],"Up-to-date statements",{"_key":35603,"_type":131,"marks":35604,"text":35605},"5ef6f4698c4a",[]," – Ask for an up-to-date statement, so the value of the pension is known and the correct paperwork is recorded.",[],{"_key":35608,"_type":127,"children":35609,"markDefs":35614,"style":135},"483e0cd5949f",[35610],{"_key":35611,"_type":131,"marks":35612,"text":35613},"3153ce680e17",[174,6243],"Is consolidation a good idea?",[],{"_key":35616,"_type":127,"children":35617,"markDefs":35629,"style":135},"8f1dddd66127",[35618,35622,35626],{"_key":35619,"_type":131,"marks":35620,"text":35621},"3b53844d8c7a",[],"Once any lost pensions have been located, if there are a number of schemes, it might make sense to consolidate them. This means combining all (or most) of the pension pots into one. This really only applies to defined contribution (DC) pension schemes where there is a ‘pot of money’ to use for retirement. DB schemes (also known as final salary schemes) should probably remain separate. Anyone considering consolidating their DB scheme would be required to seek regulated financial advice at their own cost if the transfer value is greater than £30,000",{"_key":35623,"_type":131,"marks":35624,"text":7473},"08b5a59fc735",[35625],"0a376f8009ed",{"_key":35627,"_type":131,"marks":35628,"text":1289},"f4b892974d53",[],[35630],{"_key":35625,"_type":1264,"href":35513},{"_key":35632,"_type":127,"children":35633,"markDefs":35638,"style":135},"a41502aa9e14",[35634],{"_key":35635,"_type":131,"marks":35636,"text":35637},"f5de87710a8b",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay explains, “Bringing all pensions together into one pot isn’t just about making it easier to manage. Different pensions could be invested in very different ways, which may mean someone is taking more or less risk with the investments than they are aware of.”",[],{"_key":35640,"_type":127,"children":35641,"markDefs":35646,"style":135},"d66f6665641e",[35642],{"_key":35643,"_type":131,"marks":35644,"text":35645},"3a3edcfecc3c",[],"He continues, “Consolidating pensions means that it isn’t necessary to check the performance of multiple accounts, it could save money on the fees charged, and also ensures that there is a joined-up investment strategy which matches the amount of risk someone is prepared to take.”",[],{"_key":35648,"_type":127,"children":35649,"markDefs":35653,"style":135},"a6e2f3af44d7",[35650],{"_key":35651,"_type":131,"marks":35652,"text":14064},"6742556e2f85",[174,6243],[],{"_key":35655,"_type":127,"children":35656,"markDefs":35661,"style":135},"d95198de3dcb",[35657],{"_key":35658,"_type":131,"marks":35659,"text":35660},"6749c99ee571",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay comments, “It is important to check if there are any valuable benefits which would be lost when leaving a provider, for example, some might have guaranteed annuity rates, a protected pension age, or enhanced tax-free cash. It is also important to check if there are exit fees to leave a provider as this may influence your decision.”",[],{"_key":35663,"_type":127,"children":35664,"markDefs":35669,"style":135},"12df2d34bad3",[35665],{"_key":35666,"_type":131,"marks":35667,"text":35668},"4cbe2787acde",[],"He continues, “It is important to ensure that the choice of investment options available are right, that it is possible to access the pension in the future in a suitable way, and that the provider gives the pension income flexibility needed.”",[],{"_key":35671,"_type":127,"children":35672,"markDefs":35677,"style":135},"c3df91cfc0d7",[35673],{"_key":35674,"_type":131,"marks":35675,"text":35676},"35e14ee0a2bf",[174,6243],"How to consolidate and how much does it cost?",[],{"_key":35679,"_type":127,"children":35680,"markDefs":35685,"style":135},"af68d0e17039",[35681],{"_key":35682,"_type":131,"marks":35683,"text":35684},"cd49264808af",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay explains, “To consolidate pensions, individuals should get in touch with the pension provider chosen to transfer into. This could be a current workplace pension scheme or another private pension arrangement. They will ask for details including the policy numbers and provider names of all the pensions to be consolidated. This information will be available on the paperwork and statements. The pension scheme chosen to transfer into will then begin the process of arranging for all pensions to be transferred into one plan.”",[],{"_key":35687,"_type":127,"children":35688,"markDefs":35700,"style":135},"2aa4cd7af6dd",[35689,35693,35696],{"_key":35690,"_type":131,"marks":35691,"text":35692},"569fe291c81e",[],"He continues, ",{"_key":35694,"_type":131,"marks":35695,"text":15864},"5d5705490dad",[4468],{"_key":35697,"_type":131,"marks":35698,"text":35699},"86665fb39953",[],"The costs of this can vary but bringing all pensions together may reduce some charges as some providers charge a lower percentage the more that is invested. Check all charges with the provider chosen to transfer into, including charges for advice, setting up the new scheme, platform charges, dealing and transactional charges (including those to access funds via drawdown) and investment management charges.”",[],{"_key":35702,"_type":127,"children":35703,"markDefs":35707,"style":135},"7c8bc597e93b",[35704],{"_key":35705,"_type":131,"marks":35706,"text":14112},"79583421bbb4",[174,6243],[],{"_key":35709,"_type":127,"children":35710,"markDefs":35715,"style":135},"a59360367926",[35711],{"_key":35712,"_type":131,"marks":35713,"text":35714},"8d4409206035",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay explains, “The time it takes to transfer a pension depends on the method different providers use. Some still send paperwork through the post, which can be a lot slower than secure electronic methods. Additionally, in November 2021, new measures were put into place to protect pension savers from scams which means that providers are now able to flag or block transfers which show signs of a potential scam. To prevent the transfer being flagged, it is important to ensure that as much information as possible is provided to reassure the provider that leaving is a legitimate transfer.”",[],[35717],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":35718,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":35720,"blogPostMeta":35721,"content":35763,"tag":35999,"title":35762},"807144ad-6a35-4274-baa4-3a8ae63efbbb",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":35722,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":35758,"publishedAt":35759,"slug":35760,"title":35762},{"_type":58,"asset":35723},{"_createdAt":35724,"_id":35725,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":35726,"extension":196,"metadata":35727,"mimeType":225,"opt":35748,"originalFilename":35753,"path":35754,"sha1hash":35726,"size":35755,"uploadId":35756,"url":35757},"2025-12-22T12:15:20Z","image-0a396ddf7767919cee581f2e268d787817abf263-1000x667-jpg","0a396ddf7767919cee581f2e268d787817abf263",{"_type":69,"blurHash":35728,"dimensions":35729,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":35730,"palette":35731},"V@KKf._N-;WBM{xuofofWBR*WXoLoffkayaeWBazj[az",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAAG\u002F8QAIxAAAgEEAQMFAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDAAQFESEGEiIHEzNhcf\u002FEABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQD\u002F8QAHREAAgEEAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAAwQhMRIiQf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8ARHU8yDpvIlnX4X439UOmsbewz2OzsfcwVvMK3O6UHqBaRW2Huo1DFTGSPI8UTp8rPbTmALGyBiBsUa5ZlXrL0ApOZusxcrPee8sbESKGB\u002Faqx1nlp7u3WSXfcCVGm1wDVQhrO43mfJ\u002F\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":35732,"darkVibrant":35735,"dominant":35738,"lightMuted":35739,"lightVibrant":35742,"muted":35744,"vibrant":35746},{"_type":81,"background":35733,"foreground":83,"population":35734,"title":83},"#5b4537",3.58,{"_type":81,"background":35736,"foreground":83,"population":35737,"title":83},"#57360c",6.33,{"_type":81,"background":35736,"foreground":83,"population":35737,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":35740,"foreground":91,"population":35741,"title":83},"#af9a89",4.75,{"_type":81,"background":35743,"foreground":91,"population":325,"title":91},"#efc47c",{"_type":81,"background":35745,"foreground":83,"population":3821,"title":83},"#a8805f",{"_type":81,"background":35747,"foreground":83,"population":517,"title":83},"#a37639",{"media":35749},{"tags":35750},[35751],{"_key":35752,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"vwJBlPjYzvhCVkwrUoiJ4","shutterstock_2159105423.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F0a396ddf7767919cee581f2e268d787817abf263-1000x667.jpg",323651,"UmGpfuwWFzsC006tn6hVB5XyiI0pGi9F","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F0a396ddf7767919cee581f2e268d787817abf263-1000x667.jpg","Research from WEALTH at work found that 12% of UK adults have admitted to losing money to a financial scam in the last year. This could potentially equate to 6.2 million adults [1] across the UK.","2024-10-21T11:15:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":35761},"common-financial-scams-employees-should-be-aware-of","Common financial scams employees should be aware of",[35764,35772,35780,35788,35796,35804,35816,35828,35840,35852,35864,35876,35888,35900,35912,35923,35931,35939,35947,35975,35983,35991],{"_key":35765,"_type":127,"children":35766,"markDefs":35771,"style":135},"b3b83d40aa11",[35767],{"_key":35768,"_type":131,"marks":35769,"text":35770},"8e667180e32a",[],"\nResearch from WEALTH at work found that 12% of UK adults have admitted to losing money to a financial scam in the last year. This could potentially equate to 6.2 million adults [1] across the UK.",[],{"_key":35773,"_type":127,"children":35774,"markDefs":35779,"style":135},"036199ec1785",[35775],{"_key":35776,"_type":131,"marks":35777,"text":35778},"982e61d5d269",[],"The research found that of those who had lost money to a financial scam, the average amount was over £1k [2].",[],{"_key":35781,"_type":127,"children":35782,"markDefs":35787,"style":135},"2b008b53f6d9",[35783],{"_key":35784,"_type":131,"marks":35785,"text":35786},"8fdedc22c0bf",[],"These findings come despite almost 3 out of 4 (72%) of adults saying that they are confident in their ability to identify a financial scam.",[],{"_key":35789,"_type":127,"children":35790,"markDefs":35795,"style":135},"80f27f8faa8a",[35791],{"_key":35792,"_type":131,"marks":35793,"text":35794},"4e8b96e26162",[],"The research also revealed the worrying impact losing money to a financial scam had on people. It found that two out of five (40%) find it difficult to trust that any financial information is legitimate, more than a quarter (27%) say it’s had a negative impact on their mental health, and almost a quarter (24%) do not feel safe investing their money. Losing money to financial scams has also meant that more than a fifth (22%) have had to change their plans for the future.",[],{"_key":35797,"_type":127,"children":35798,"markDefs":35803,"style":135},"f5a7784364af",[35799],{"_key":35800,"_type":131,"marks":35801,"text":35802},"14b859c5549a",[],"It seems that scammers are using multiple methods to hoodwink people out of their money, as the research found that more than a third (34%) of those who had lost money to a scam in the last year had done so to two or more types of scams. To help employees avoid falling for a financial scam, WEALTH at work has identified the common financial scams that people lost money to in the last year:",[],{"_key":35805,"_type":127,"children":35806,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":35815,"style":135},"5e5a3d1d5e35",[35807,35811],{"_key":35808,"_type":131,"marks":35809,"text":35810},"56ead1b613c3",[174],"Purchase scam",{"_key":35812,"_type":131,"marks":35813,"text":35814},"e4f30476ec26",[]," – 27% of those who lost money to a financial scam said it was through the sale of fake products or goods online.",[],{"_key":35817,"_type":127,"children":35818,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":35827,"style":135},"57b7a1e41443",[35819,35823],{"_key":35820,"_type":131,"marks":35821,"text":35822},"7e78039492e0",[174],"Investment scam –",{"_key":35824,"_type":131,"marks":35825,"text":35826},"f16d7a68915c",[]," 19% said it was through scams that encourage investing in fake opportunities or pyramid schemes.",[],{"_key":35829,"_type":127,"children":35830,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":35839,"style":135},"d90eacba7b7e",[35831,35835],{"_key":35832,"_type":131,"marks":35833,"text":35834},"75060b3e44e2",[174],"Friends or family scam –",{"_key":35836,"_type":131,"marks":35837,"text":35838},"3d60e9a24c83",[]," 18% said it was through messages sent claiming to be someone they knew asking for money.",[],{"_key":35841,"_type":127,"children":35842,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":35851,"style":135},"daf69848d309",[35843,35847],{"_key":35844,"_type":131,"marks":35845,"text":35846},"af8453724f24",[174],"Bank account scam",{"_key":35848,"_type":131,"marks":35849,"text":35850},"6dfe11c3be5f",[]," – 18% said it was through fake claims that their account had been compromised.",[],{"_key":35853,"_type":127,"children":35854,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":35863,"style":135},"359e4667f7de",[35855,35859],{"_key":35856,"_type":131,"marks":35857,"text":35858},"eae22df95b86",[174],"Tech support scam",{"_key":35860,"_type":131,"marks":35861,"text":35862},"2b9757a47f34",[]," – 15% said it was through fake technical support services that were used to obtain personal details.",[],{"_key":35865,"_type":127,"children":35866,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":35875,"style":135},"f07993acc6d1",[35867,35871],{"_key":35868,"_type":131,"marks":35869,"text":35870},"1d7ea954bcfc",[174],"Befriending\u002Fromance scam",{"_key":35872,"_type":131,"marks":35873,"text":35874},"fcc7e115f6f9",[]," – 14% said it was through scams where someone becomes your friend, then asks for money.",[],{"_key":35877,"_type":127,"children":35878,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":35887,"style":135},"e9382d4bbbff",[35879,35883],{"_key":35880,"_type":131,"marks":35881,"text":35882},"78f96a3fad7d",[174],"Pensions scam",{"_key":35884,"_type":131,"marks":35885,"text":35886},"382d25fad165",[]," – 13% said it was through fake promises of guaranteed returns or early access to their pension.",[],{"_key":35889,"_type":127,"children":35890,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":35899,"style":135},"a3118f08ea23",[35891,35895],{"_key":35892,"_type":131,"marks":35893,"text":35894},"eafbd26f8e7c",[174],"Tax refund scam",{"_key":35896,"_type":131,"marks":35897,"text":35898},"1dbdc67ee155",[]," – 10% said it was through fake promises of tax rebates.",[],{"_key":35901,"_type":127,"children":35902,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":35911,"style":135},"3f871bc411cb",[35903,35907],{"_key":35904,"_type":131,"marks":35905,"text":35906},"10ae4106c11c",[174],"Lottery scam –",{"_key":35908,"_type":131,"marks":35909,"text":35910},"be2f78b1340f",[]," 9% said it was through fake claims that they’ve won a prize",[],{"_key":35913,"_type":127,"children":35914,"markDefs":35922,"style":135},"cf0fe72ce564",[35915,35918],{"_key":35916,"_type":131,"marks":35917,"text":1502},"4ce45af17ccb",[174],{"_key":35919,"_type":131,"marks":35920,"text":35921},"6efdd197e7ed",[]," “Financial scamming is rife and it’s shocking that many people have lost money not just once, but multiple times to scams. People need to be on their guard as fraudsters use many convincing techniques to persuade their victims that they are genuine. Many of these scams look completely legitimate and are not easy to spot. People often get seduced by the promise of investment returns which are too good to be true.”",[],{"_key":35924,"_type":127,"children":35925,"markDefs":35930,"style":135},"1d78002ff40e",[35926],{"_key":35927,"_type":131,"marks":35928,"text":35929},"bfef81f193fd",[],"He adds; “Those that run scams are clever and may have been able to get hold of personal details. They often have very professional looking websites and literature which makes it hard to distinguish from the real thing. They will also use technology and try to contact individuals through various means such as social media, texts, telephone calls and emails. If someone is planning to transfer any money or make a payment, but they are not 100% sure that they are doing the right thing, they should stop and think to give themselves time to check it out. If they are feeling harassed, they should hang up the phone or delete the message. Phone companies should be able to help by blocking any offending numbers, and email providers can help block emails from specific senders. People should be aware of what they share through social media and check that their privacy settings are as secure as possible.”",[],{"_key":35932,"_type":127,"children":35933,"markDefs":35938,"style":135},"2d4853fb2084",[35934],{"_key":35935,"_type":131,"marks":35936,"text":35937},"f73db86b5448",[],"Watts-Lay explains; “Unfortunately, the current strain on household finances could mean that some people are more vulnerable than ever and fraudsters can take advantage of this. Those approaching retirement could also be a key target as they could have access to relatively large sums of money. I urge everyone to never rush to make a decision when it comes to their money as anything that talks about time limited offers is likely to be a scam.”",[],{"_key":35940,"_type":127,"children":35941,"markDefs":35946,"style":135},"0f75b5846369",[35942],{"_key":35943,"_type":131,"marks":35944,"text":35945},"4bdaf66d6113",[],"He adds; “We would encourage people to follow the 3 step approach of the national ‘Take Five’ campaign by UK Finance, a leading industry body for financial services in the UK. The campaign urges individuals to stop and think before parting with money, challenge if something is fake, and protect their money by contacting their bank if they think they’ve fallen for a scam.”",[],{"_key":35948,"_type":127,"children":35949,"markDefs":35972,"style":135},"b523817519a7",[35950,35954,35959,35963,35968],{"_key":35951,"_type":131,"marks":35952,"text":35953},"09504920656b",[],"Watts-Lay comments; “Before investing any money, people should check that the company is registered, with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) first, as if they’re not, it’s probably a scam. The FCA’s financial register ",{"_key":35955,"_type":131,"marks":35956,"text":35958},"18cfb91cbf17",[35957],"22ad66e44579","can be found here",{"_key":35960,"_type":131,"marks":35961,"text":35962},"dd464125d5ab",[],". The FCA’s ScamSmart website also includes a warning ",{"_key":35964,"_type":131,"marks":35965,"text":35967},"5dbeff7a9fe7",[35966],"45d6aa9f27f0","list of companies to be aware of",{"_key":35969,"_type":131,"marks":35970,"text":35971},"13546ae78a75",[],". If anyone thinks that they are being scammed, they must report it on the FCA’s ScamSmart website. Not only may they be able to help them, but they will be able to help others from falling for the same scam.”",[35973,35974],{"_key":35957,"_type":1264,"href":13676},{"_key":35966,"_type":1264,"href":19748},{"_key":35976,"_type":127,"children":35977,"markDefs":35982,"style":135},"16ef74fa11a9",[35978],{"_key":35979,"_type":131,"marks":35980,"text":35981},"246167bd8c20",[],"He adds; “Many leading employers offer financial education, guidance and access to investment advice to help people understand the warning signs when it comes to a scam so that it can be avoided. Employers play an important role in supporting the financial wellbeing of their employees and helping them to protect their money from scams throughout their career and at retirement is key. As well as this, many employers also provide employees with access to trusted savings and investment vehicles such as a Workplace ISAs or Share Plan, so the fear of being scammed should never be a barrier to saving for the future.”",[],{"_key":35984,"_type":127,"children":35985,"markDefs":35990,"style":1544},"ec9c954dba6a",[35986],{"_key":35987,"_type":131,"marks":35988,"text":35989},"f803423ff64e",[],"[1] 12% (11.6448326055313%) of people lost money to a scam multiplied by the UK adult population of 53,646,829 (ONS 2022 18+ mid year estimate) = 6,247,083 adults across the UK (rounded to 6.2 million).",[],{"_key":35992,"_type":127,"children":35993,"markDefs":35998,"style":1544},"16b915eb376b",[35994],{"_key":35995,"_type":131,"marks":35996,"text":35997},"06e3d7aac382",[],"[2] The research found that the mean figure of UK adults who lost money to a scam was £1111.21 which has been rounded to over £1k.",[],[36000],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":36001,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":36003,"blogPostMeta":36004,"content":36010,"tag":36092,"title":36009},"2b70c689-454a-4e00-9ac8-353836356082",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":65,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":36005,"publishedAt":36006,"slug":36007,"title":36009},"Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA) in association with WEALTH at work has published its Financial Wellbeing Research 2024.","2024-09-25T12:53:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":36008},"financial-wellbeing-research-2024","Financial Wellbeing Research 2024",[36011,36014,36021,36029,36036,36047,36054,36062,36070,36078],{"_key":36012,"_type":121,"height":1196,"url":36013,"width":124},"f60fb9fbd9ef","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.flipsnack.com?hash=OUNCQjhCQjhCN0ErZG5mMjlwdW83aw==",{"_key":36015,"_type":127,"children":36016,"markDefs":36020,"style":135},"924f20d1fd9c",[36017],{"_key":36018,"_type":131,"marks":36019,"text":36005},"fcef622928e0",[],[],{"_key":36022,"_type":127,"children":36023,"markDefs":36028,"style":135},"78200d059165",[36024],{"_key":36025,"_type":131,"marks":36026,"text":36027},"3ac30d8d0f21",[],"The research amongst 236 companies representing 1.3 million employees has uncovered insightful findings on current financial wellbeing provision, as well as foresight into future trends.",[],{"_key":36030,"_type":127,"children":36031,"markDefs":36035,"style":135},"402ae9a409b2",[36032],{"_key":36033,"_type":131,"marks":36034,"text":17926},"77b4d9f6e1f3",[],[],{"_key":36037,"_type":127,"children":36038,"markDefs":36044,"style":135},"e42d784371d1",[36039],{"_key":36040,"_type":131,"marks":36041,"text":36043},"14407884d388",[36042],"978e910337d4","DOWNLOAD REPORT",[36045],{"_key":36042,"_type":1264,"href":36046},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Ffiles\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F48e761984a3201b8903021eaaa60c503b90d223e.pdf",{"_key":36048,"_type":127,"children":36049,"markDefs":36053,"style":135},"3365731195b6",[36050],{"_key":36051,"_type":131,"marks":36052,"text":17950},"b50ce4cb100e",[174],[],{"_key":36055,"_type":127,"children":36056,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":36061,"style":135},"02d841832d33",[36057],{"_key":36058,"_type":131,"marks":36059,"text":36060},"10f34d9e1e62",[],"The risks to employee financial wellbeing and barriers to improvement including employees not knowing where to start when asking for help.",[],{"_key":36063,"_type":127,"children":36064,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":36069,"style":135},"eca0dd884680",[36065],{"_key":36066,"_type":131,"marks":36067,"text":36068},"99e6d7cccfa6",[],"Drivers of financial wellbeing change including streamlining benefits, the ageing population, mental wellbeing and poor financial literacy.",[],{"_key":36071,"_type":127,"children":36072,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":36077,"style":135},"d2a3b1ed400b",[36073],{"_key":36074,"_type":131,"marks":36075,"text":36076},"4faef911e9fd",[],"The future of financial wellbeing provision.",[],{"_key":36079,"_type":127,"children":36080,"markDefs":36090,"style":135},"195380493808",[36081,36085],{"_key":36082,"_type":131,"marks":36083,"text":36084},"5fc01f78e61d",[],"To find out more about this as well as what can be done to address the issues highlighted, please 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research[1] launched today amongst 236 companies representing 1.3 million employees has uncovered insightful findings on current financial wellbeing provision, as well as foresight into future trends. ","2024-09-25T09:26:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":36137},"new-research-highlights-how-financial-wellbeing-strategy-is-shifting-to-meet-workforce-demands","New research highlights how financial wellbeing strategy is shifting to meet workforce demands",[36140,36157,36164,36172,36180,36188,36195,36203,36211,36219,36227,36235,36242,36250,36258,36266,36274,36282,36290,36298,36306],{"_key":36141,"_type":127,"children":36142,"markDefs":36154,"style":135},"37888b329fe2",[36143,36146,36150],{"_key":36144,"_type":131,"marks":36145,"text":18039},"a4db55e3431b",[],{"_key":36147,"_type":131,"marks":36148,"text":7473},"b3c0ec203003",[36149],"bc5d9d5cdda1",{"_key":36151,"_type":131,"marks":36152,"text":36153},"45314e083a36",[]," launched today amongst 236 companies representing 1.3 million employees has uncovered insightful findings on current financial wellbeing provision, as well as foresight into future trends. The report from the Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA) in association with WEALTH at work highlights some of the barriers to improving financial wellbeing support, the current risks employees face, as well as the drivers of future change.",[36155],{"_key":36149,"_type":1264,"href":36156},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2024\u002F09\u002F25\u002Fnew-research-highlights-how-financial-wellbeing-strategy-is-shifting-to-meet-workforce-demands\u002F#_ftn1",{"_key":36158,"_type":127,"children":36159,"markDefs":36163,"style":135},"d9b1f56ab6f3",[36160],{"_key":36161,"_type":131,"marks":36162,"text":17343},"76411315ac26",[174],[],{"_key":36165,"_type":127,"children":36166,"markDefs":36171,"style":135},"43b94bed95ae",[36167],{"_key":36168,"_type":131,"marks":36169,"text":36170},"08598bb89381",[],"Over three-quarters (76%) of employers think a barrier to improving financial wellbeing support in the workplace is employees not knowing where to start when asking for help. Other barriers include support not being joined-up (72%), lack of communications (69%) and a lack of take up of existing financial wellbeing support (59%). Over two-fifths (41%) of employers say that a barrier is that existing support is unsuitable for employee needs.",[],{"_key":36173,"_type":127,"children":36174,"markDefs":36179,"style":135},"3e4f24ad636b",[36175],{"_key":36176,"_type":131,"marks":36177,"text":36178},"2a2dd78088a5",[174],"Risks to employee financial wellbeing",[],{"_key":36181,"_type":127,"children":36182,"markDefs":36187,"style":135},"976ae1be5072",[36183],{"_key":36184,"_type":131,"marks":36185,"text":36186},"5e011001ee9e",[],"The research found that employers expect financial pressures such as inflation (76%) as well as costs impacting working parents such as childcare (73%), rental costs (64%), carer costs including eldercare (46%), high interest rates on mortgages (58%) and high energy prices (58%) will continue to be a risk to the financial wellbeing of staff. In fact, 53% of employers say the increased cost of living will be a driver of change for future financial wellbeing support.",[],{"_key":36189,"_type":127,"children":36190,"markDefs":36194,"style":135},"9a42ee487693",[36191],{"_key":36192,"_type":131,"marks":36193,"text":29862},"a12c7b209bbd",[],[],{"_key":36196,"_type":127,"children":36197,"markDefs":36202,"style":135},"21552ff40e5c",[36198],{"_key":36199,"_type":131,"marks":36200,"text":36201},"032ce2781e51",[174],"Driving change",[],{"_key":36204,"_type":127,"children":36205,"markDefs":36210,"style":135},"23086eae865c",[36206],{"_key":36207,"_type":131,"marks":36208,"text":36209},"8f4d7e8c5628",[],"The survey found factors such as ESG affecting attitudes to savings (42%) and the ageing population (41%) are growing drivers of future change. Whilst factors such as mental wellbeing (70%) and poor financial literacy (31%) remain key drivers for change.",[],{"_key":36212,"_type":127,"children":36213,"markDefs":36218,"style":135},"0d5d3eb4ae0a",[36214],{"_key":36215,"_type":131,"marks":36216,"text":36217},"4107511c9962",[],"Overall, the research revealed that the workplace recognises internal demands such as benchmarking against competitors (57%), building a sustainable and resilient workforce (56%), attracting talent (56%), retaining employees (55%), as well as the need to streamline financial wellbeing benefits (52%) as key drivers for future change.",[],{"_key":36220,"_type":127,"children":36221,"markDefs":36226,"style":135},"2d5710c7e7fd",[36222],{"_key":36223,"_type":131,"marks":36224,"text":36225},"f1ac170d608a",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, comments; “It’s really important that employers check that financial wellbeing provision is suitable and effective for their workforce and that employees know how to access it. As people often struggle to manage their finances, they need support with their day-to-day needs. This help needs to be balanced around longer-term needs e.g. the provision of savings through Workplace ISAs, as well as pensions savings and preparing for retirement.”",[],{"_key":36228,"_type":127,"children":36229,"markDefs":36234,"style":135},"ef0f17518662",[36230],{"_key":36231,"_type":131,"marks":36232,"text":36233},"6521f5e99d7b",[],"He adds; “It’s also well known that when employees do not fully understand their finances and how to address current difficulties, it can result in stress. A lack of understanding of finances could also result in poor decision making which can prove very costly, especially at retirement. Helping employees to understand the key financial issues that relate to them is an effective way of overcoming the risks of poor financial literacy.”",[],{"_key":36236,"_type":127,"children":36237,"markDefs":36241,"style":135},"d985124f3b87",[36238],{"_key":36239,"_type":131,"marks":36240,"text":17272},"352e97d944ea",[174],[],{"_key":36243,"_type":127,"children":36244,"markDefs":36249,"style":135},"bc50ce68a782",[36245],{"_key":36246,"_type":131,"marks":36247,"text":36248},"f741fd449abb",[],"To combat these concerns, almost half of employers (49%) plan to make changes to their financial wellbeing offerings in the next two years.",[],{"_key":36251,"_type":127,"children":36252,"markDefs":36257,"style":135},"8d69adc5cca1",[36253],{"_key":36254,"_type":131,"marks":36255,"text":36256},"67cdaa318b88",[],"In fact, the research found that over a third (35%) of employers say they plan to increase financial wellbeing spend, and 82% are set to offer financial wellbeing programmes within the next two years.",[],{"_key":36259,"_type":127,"children":36260,"markDefs":36265,"style":135},"99aa4593ed89",[36261],{"_key":36262,"_type":131,"marks":36263,"text":36264},"1b0e32632f7d",[],"Specifically, employers plan to offer financial education from an independent provider (47%), financial coaching e.g. one-to-one guidance (43%), advice on general finances (47%), or advice specific to retirement (54%), as well as support with pre-retirement planning (60%).",[],{"_key":36267,"_type":127,"children":36268,"markDefs":36273,"style":135},"b1bfa2373146",[36269],{"_key":36270,"_type":131,"marks":36271,"text":36272},"872088b6d738",[],"Popular savings and benefits that will be offered by employers within the next couple of years include discount schemes (86%), travel season tickets (63%), debt support (41%), employee share plans (38%) and mortgage broking services (35%). The provision of tax-free saving wrappers including ISAs is set to more than double (from 14% to 30%).",[],{"_key":36275,"_type":127,"children":36276,"markDefs":36281,"style":135},"f7375cef175e",[36277],{"_key":36278,"_type":131,"marks":36279,"text":36280},"2f3c042ca874",[],"Measuring financial wellbeing is also going to be key, with 73% of employers planning on measuring the effectiveness of their benefits in the future.",[],{"_key":36283,"_type":127,"children":36284,"markDefs":36289,"style":135},"92f56dd3f619",[36285],{"_key":36286,"_type":131,"marks":36287,"text":36288},"303b423a0153",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, comments; “It’s good to see that many employers are now focused on helping employees by providing them with tools to better manage their money and support is growing for savings products to build financial resilience such as Workplace ISAs.”",[],{"_key":36291,"_type":127,"children":36292,"markDefs":36297,"style":135},"31c27a2c63a5",[36293],{"_key":36294,"_type":131,"marks":36295,"text":36296},"a7ae55ca5aff",[],"He adds; “Financial education is the key element which underpins all financial wellbeing initiatives. After all, financial wellbeing is about being able to make informed choices about your finances, no matter what life event you may be experiencing. So, it’s good news that many will be putting financial wellbeing support in place in the near future to help with a range of needs. Offering a range of financial wellbeing benefits which are aligned in strategy should help employees feel financially secure whether they are a new parent managing childcare costs, saving for a first home, or planning for retirement. And ultimately, helping employees become more financially resilient is a win for employers too.”",[],{"_key":36299,"_type":127,"children":36300,"markDefs":36305,"style":135},"6b252992c73b",[36301],{"_key":36302,"_type":131,"marks":36303,"text":36304},"4e979797fade",[],"Watts-Lay explains; “It’s positive to see that there will be an increased focus on measuring financial wellbeing effectiveness. Of course, measurement is a central part to any financial wellbeing programme as it’s really important to review data to understand its impact on broader HR and business objectives.”",[],{"_key":36307,"_type":127,"children":36308,"markDefs":36317,"style":135},"5f0b48c81ea2",[36309,36313],{"_key":36310,"_type":131,"marks":36311,"text":36312},"9cbf03508055",[174],"Debi O’Donovan, director, REBA, comments;",{"_key":36314,"_type":131,"marks":36315,"text":36316},"983dda013733",[]," “Rethinking how we work, live, save and spend when our total earning lives are likely to span about sixty years calls into question why we focus almost single-mindedly on saving harder into pensions in order to completely retire before or in our sixties. Given that cliff-edge retirements are on their way out, effective workplace financial offerings therefore, are likely to shift too. This research demonstrates that major life events such as buying a house or becoming a parent are becoming increasingly acknowledged by employers, not least because of the way related money pressures distract from work or cause valued employees to leave.”",[],[36319],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":36320,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":36322,"blogPostMeta":36323,"content":36363,"tag":36513,"title":17116},"2f17a4b5-db12-44af-a54f-151b976081a6",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":36324,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":36359,"publishedAt":36360,"slug":36361,"title":17116},{"_type":58,"asset":36325},{"_createdAt":36326,"_id":36327,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":36328,"extension":196,"metadata":36329,"mimeType":225,"opt":36349,"originalFilename":36354,"path":36355,"sha1hash":36328,"size":36356,"uploadId":36357,"url":36358},"2025-12-22T12:30:18Z","image-5d2d758cabb61989da0382b35a30049b6993afe2-768x512-jpg","5d2d758cabb61989da0382b35a30049b6993afe2",{"_type":69,"blurHash":36330,"dimensions":36331,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":36332,"palette":36333},"VQLgtrVsx]%LD%IAIToJMxs;_NIUa#IoWBx]tRV[x]Rj",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":495,"height":17869,"width":34134},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQFB\u002F\u002FEACMQAAEEAQMEAwAAAAAAAAAAAAIBAwQFABESIQYHFEEiMUL\u002FxAAWAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADAgT\u002FxAAbEQEAAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABABECAxIhQf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8Auq5a0cgbKQLkiCi7SER10RfeHSVjZsSrO0LyHxeVSBs\u002FrZrxtTNIm04XHT3jOPG0JgmqimKUEFGGGogmitt\u002FBF28qmZeCNDHc7HqQ17h17ZK3JFwXg4JNvvDH7rtpBsrF2S5NkAR\u002FkERETDKvb5An\u002F\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":36334,"darkVibrant":36336,"dominant":36339,"lightMuted":36342,"lightVibrant":36344,"muted":36346,"vibrant":36347},{"_type":81,"background":36335,"foreground":83,"population":27501,"title":83},"#566032",{"_type":81,"background":36337,"foreground":83,"population":36338,"title":83},"#734f30",4.69,{"_type":81,"background":36340,"foreground":83,"population":36341,"title":83},"#958971",8.09,{"_type":81,"background":36343,"foreground":91,"population":24982,"title":83},"#c5bea9",{"_type":81,"background":36345,"foreground":91,"population":18241,"title":91},"#efddcb",{"_type":81,"background":36340,"foreground":83,"population":36341,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":36348,"foreground":91,"population":28587,"title":83},"#dba276",{"media":36350},{"tags":36351},[36352],{"_key":36353,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"kH9M6OLWP4K-psQVqZcfv","shutterstock_2063417213-1-768x512.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F5d2d758cabb61989da0382b35a30049b6993afe2-768x512.jpg",49374,"wgJhNc256Y0rr5hSW9pNC589QhznkXLx","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F5d2d758cabb61989da0382b35a30049b6993afe2-768x512.jpg","Between the 9th and 15th of September is UK Savings Week. In the current environment, it has become difficult for a lot of people to save as much as they would like.","2024-09-11T14:29:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":36362},"tips-to-help-employees-build-their-financial-resilience-2024",[36364,36382,36389,36396,36406,36416,36436,36447,36458,36468,36475,36494],{"_key":36365,"_type":127,"children":36366,"markDefs":36379,"style":135},"b7261951e471",[36367,36371,36375],{"_key":36368,"_type":131,"marks":36369,"text":36370},"ecc82f41edbd",[],"Between the 9th and 15th of September is UK Savings Week. In the current environment, it has become difficult for a lot of people to save as much as they would like, in fact, a survey",{"_key":36372,"_type":131,"marks":36373,"text":7473},"871bb4d3568d",[36374],"9103281409d2",{"_key":36376,"_type":131,"marks":36377,"text":36378},"ef1c18f00125",[]," of working adults by WEALTH at work found that the biggest financial concerns for the year include not having enough savings for unexpected costs (40%) and not being able to save enough for the future (38%).",[36380],{"_key":36374,"_type":1264,"href":36381},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2024\u002F09\u002F11\u002Ftips-to-help-employees-build-their-financial-resilience\u002F#_ftn1",{"_key":36383,"_type":127,"children":36384,"markDefs":36388,"style":135},"a52093e9df35",[36385],{"_key":36386,"_type":131,"marks":36387,"text":33656},"b382056055d0",[],[],{"_key":36390,"_type":127,"children":36391,"markDefs":36395,"style":135},"553c675a8fb3",[36392],{"_key":36393,"_type":131,"marks":36394,"text":17140},"b21c15313248",[],[],{"_key":36397,"_type":127,"children":36398,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":36405,"style":135},"9156374b1fac",[36399,36402],{"_key":36400,"_type":131,"marks":36401,"text":17148},"95edef4bbd46",[174],{"_key":36403,"_type":131,"marks":36404,"text":30236},"b222ada68333",[],[],{"_key":36407,"_type":127,"children":36408,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":36415,"style":135},"607afd3e5d6b",[36409,36412],{"_key":36410,"_type":131,"marks":36411,"text":17160},"38cfef81180b",[174],{"_key":36413,"_type":131,"marks":36414,"text":30247},"565cbb1c03b0",[],[],{"_key":36417,"_type":127,"children":36418,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":36434,"style":135},"02707116659e",[36419,36422,36426,36430],{"_key":36420,"_type":131,"marks":36421,"text":17172},"013c675dbd47",[174],{"_key":36423,"_type":131,"marks":36424,"text":36425},"2e18491653f9",[],"\nEmployees should be encouraged to investigate the range of workplace benefits that may be available and suitable for them. Our research",{"_key":36427,"_type":131,"marks":36428,"text":7473},"3fa3ef5a91ab",[36429],"93da65c6bacc",{"_key":36431,"_type":131,"marks":36432,"text":36433},"7ebf539cf221",[]," with REBA of almost 200 employers found that support is growing for saving products, with many workplaces set to offer pay as you earn saving schemes such as help-to-save and opt-in payroll savings, employee share plans and tax-free saving wrappers such as ISAs. Some employers will also match any additional pensions contributions that employees may not be aware of. For example, someone in their 20s can increase their pension pot by 25% by saving just 1% more if their employers were to match this. Making sure benefits are relevant and well-explained can really help take up and improve money management.",[36435],{"_key":36429,"_type":1264,"href":36381},{"_key":36437,"_type":127,"children":36438,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":36446,"style":135},"13a5e7f1a5c6",[36439,36442],{"_key":36440,"_type":131,"marks":36441,"text":30266},"3010a7faae2a",[174],{"_key":36443,"_type":131,"marks":36444,"text":36445},"bb8df2c794ea",[],"\nAnother important principle for employees to understand is the difference between good debt and bad debt. For example, a mortgage is a form of good debt – it makes sense to have a loan in order to own your home as it is a stable, easy to manage approach to long-term borrowing. However, it should still be reviewed occasionally to ensure that it’s a good deal. At the opposite end of the spectrum, debt with high interest payments such as payday loans and credit cards can get out of control if they are not repaid quickly. Employees should realise that it should always be a priority to pay off bad debt. For example, a debt of £3,000 with a rate of 18% APR, could take 10 years and 10 months to pay off paying £52 a month, with total interest of £3,836 paid. If that monthly payment was increased to £100 a month, the debt would be paid off in 3 years and 4 months, and interest paid would be only £1,011. If this was increased to £325 a month, the debt would be paid in 10 months, with total interest of £253 paid.",[],{"_key":36448,"_type":127,"children":36449,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":36457,"style":135},"af3ce8cbd937",[36450,36453],{"_key":36451,"_type":131,"marks":36452,"text":17196},"fd00336753a9",[174],{"_key":36454,"_type":131,"marks":36455,"text":36456},"8ef2b7c1ef79",[],"\nA lack of savings can have a serious impact on financial resilience. Many people unfortunately realise too late the importance of having emergency savings. Ideally, employees should have 3-6 months of savings which can be accessed at short notice should they or another member of their household face a fall in income due to redundancy, illness, or any other expense e.g. replacing the boiler or expensive car repairs. Remember that workplace savings can help with this.",[],{"_key":36459,"_type":127,"children":36460,"markDefs":36467,"style":135},"7d6ffb544770",[36461,36464],{"_key":36462,"_type":131,"marks":36463,"text":1502},"6f16fa796137",[174],{"_key":36465,"_type":131,"marks":36466,"text":17211},"794d1e4b2b55",[],[],{"_key":36469,"_type":127,"children":36470,"markDefs":36474,"style":135},"e1fc4bc7027c",[36471],{"_key":36472,"_type":131,"marks":36473,"text":30308},"d24908377499",[],[],{"_key":36476,"_type":127,"children":36477,"markDefs":36490,"style":1544},"c1101f7c6b99",[36478,36482,36485],{"_key":36479,"_type":131,"marks":36480,"text":7473},"758d939d113c",[36481],"30ef38daf5a3",{"_key":36483,"_type":131,"marks":36484,"text":35526},"5ed131efde49",[],{"_key":36486,"_type":131,"marks":36487,"text":36489},"4e98013c10c1",[36488],"604edced4af2","https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2023\u002F09\u002F26\u002Ffinancial-wellbeing-research-2023-creating-structured-approach-financial-benefits\u002F",[36491,36493],{"_key":36481,"_type":1264,"href":36492},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2024\u002F09\u002F11\u002Ftips-to-help-employees-build-their-financial-resilience\u002F#_ftnref1",{"_key":36488,"_type":1264,"href":36489},{"_key":36495,"_type":127,"children":36496,"markDefs":36509,"style":1544},"c1c194c8b6ef",[36497,36501,36504],{"_key":36498,"_type":131,"marks":36499,"text":7473},"c7b1ddb361e9",[36500],"c68e75613a33",{"_key":36502,"_type":131,"marks":36503,"text":35526},"e65ddb754da9",[],{"_key":36505,"_type":131,"marks":36506,"text":36508},"1f0bb6185abe",[36507],"1c60d184dee2","The impact of money worries. – WEALTH at work",[36510,36511],{"_key":36500,"_type":1264,"href":36492},{"_key":36507,"_type":1264,"href":36512},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2024\u002F03\u002F18\u002Fthe-impact-of-money-worries\u002F",[36514],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":36515,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":36517,"blogPostMeta":36518,"content":36560,"tag":36601,"title":36559},"afa08b43-8cb4-487d-a96d-66811896789b",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":36519,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":36555,"publishedAt":36556,"slug":36557,"title":36559},{"_type":58,"asset":36520},{"_createdAt":36521,"_id":36522,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":36523,"extension":196,"metadata":36524,"mimeType":225,"opt":36545,"originalFilename":36550,"path":36551,"sha1hash":36523,"size":36552,"uploadId":36553,"url":36554},"2025-12-22T12:33:16Z","image-0f622565ea7802e900bba95ea0ca49921dbb6ed1-768x511-jpg","0f622565ea7802e900bba95ea0ca49921dbb6ed1",{"_type":69,"blurHash":36525,"dimensions":36526,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":36528,"palette":36529},"V_J8u5Iqfka#ayyZR.jsa#jtJDWBoJa}fkIUoea{j[f6",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":36527,"height":18237,"width":34134},1.5029354207436398,"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGB\u002F\u002FEACIQAAEDAwQDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQABREGEkFxEzEyYv\u002FEABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME\u002F8QAGxEAAgIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMCBBRBUUL\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FALmK5YGEpL1wjoBOMk01i3zSrHkCrkxub4z9dVjca4AqAVGaOTyM07t62HVkqhx8nnb6qx1+xP0GqhXjo15GrtHISAboyD1RUAiDBcTvVBj5P4FFS5DejYy+H\u002F\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":36530,"darkVibrant":36532,"dominant":36534,"lightMuted":36537,"lightVibrant":36539,"muted":36540,"vibrant":36542},{"_type":81,"background":36531,"foreground":83,"population":318,"title":83},"#32465e",{"_type":81,"background":36533,"foreground":83,"population":325,"title":83},"#7e5c1c",{"_type":81,"background":36535,"foreground":91,"population":36536,"title":83},"#89bffb",7.23,{"_type":81,"background":36538,"foreground":91,"population":1159,"title":83},"#ccc4ac",{"_type":81,"background":36535,"foreground":91,"population":36536,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":36541,"foreground":83,"population":20114,"title":83},"#9e6753",{"_type":81,"background":36543,"foreground":91,"population":36544,"title":83},"#64aef7",6.89,{"media":36546},{"tags":36547},[36548],{"_key":36549,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"M8ZzfZrodqFZ5M09GEcVJ","shutterstock_2487652433-768x511.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F0f622565ea7802e900bba95ea0ca49921dbb6ed1-768x511.jpg",69085,"ZdDdlC2b5trtrZ9yItPhNWYcyKJ8BqTl","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F0f622565ea7802e900bba95ea0ca49921dbb6ed1-768x511.jpg","Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work joins The Policy Liaison Group (PLG) on Thursday 5 September 2024 to tackle workplace wellbeing issues.","2024-09-10T09:32:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":36558},"policy-liaison-group-formed-to-tackle-workplace-wellbeing","Policy Liaison Group formed to tackle workplace wellbeing",[36561,36569,36577,36585,36593],{"_key":36562,"_type":127,"children":36563,"markDefs":36568,"style":135},"f3a0590df78a",[36564],{"_key":36565,"_type":131,"marks":36566,"text":36567},"10b994c7b3b0",[],"Jonthan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work joins The Policy Liaison Group (PLG) on Thursday 5 September 2024 to tackle workplace wellbeing issues.",[],{"_key":36570,"_type":127,"children":36571,"markDefs":36576,"style":135},"0834d60dcb3d",[36572],{"_key":36573,"_type":131,"marks":36574,"text":36575},"4f3d58705338",[],"PLG has been formed with the aim of tackling post-pandemic challenges which undermine work health and productivity. The forum brings together a number of groups; parliamentarians, industry stakeholders and charities to support effective government decisions and actions that will enhance wellbeing in the workplace for UK employees.",[],{"_key":36578,"_type":127,"children":36579,"markDefs":36584,"style":135},"9ab05755aca0",[36580],{"_key":36581,"_type":131,"marks":36582,"text":36583},"bae5c9f3f4e6",[],"The COVID pandemic, along with the recent cost of living crisis, as well as the ongoing mental health crisis seen around the UK, have seen record levels of people opting not to work. Consequently, this brings to light the demand for employers to take a more open and comprehensive approach to employee wellbeing.",[],{"_key":36586,"_type":127,"children":36587,"markDefs":36592,"style":135},"9e9bdfd21e02",[36588],{"_key":36589,"_type":131,"marks":36590,"text":36591},"1968b5cf3664",[],"The PLG will partake in regular roundtables in Westminster to facilitate direct dialogue between diverse stakeholders and government officials. Each roundtable will look to discuss and conclude effective policies and approaches that will aim to increase wellbeing initiatives across the country. In turn, the PLG believe that these initiatives will result in benefits not only to workers but also employers through higher productivity and ultimately, the UK economy.",[],{"_key":36594,"_type":127,"children":36595,"markDefs":36600,"style":135},"4453b3e707c9",[36596],{"_key":36597,"_type":131,"marks":36598,"text":36599},"263b1718dd49",[],"Regarding the launch of the PLG, Jonathan Watts-Lay comments, “Employee wellbeing is crucial if we are to ensure improved productivity in the workplace. My experience, based on many years of working with employers and their employees, to ensure improved financial resilience, reveals that many employees do not fully understand their finances and how to address financial difficulties, which can result in stress which is then often played out in the workplace. Highlighting these issues and what can be done about it, is crucial work.”",[],[36602],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":36603,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":36605,"blogPostMeta":36606,"content":36648,"tag":36859,"title":36647},"ece1a483-8aae-49e3-94b7-56f5063972a3",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":36607,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":36643,"publishedAt":36644,"slug":36645,"title":36647},{"_type":58,"asset":36608},{"_createdAt":36609,"_id":36610,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":36611,"extension":196,"metadata":36612,"mimeType":225,"opt":36633,"originalFilename":36638,"path":36639,"sha1hash":36611,"size":36640,"uploadId":36641,"url":36642},"2025-12-22T12:36:02Z","image-eb162a584b9500fc8ddb606c9f7a31d967602df7-768x512-jpg","eb162a584b9500fc8ddb606c9f7a31d967602df7",{"_type":69,"blurHash":36613,"dimensions":36614,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":36615,"palette":36616},"VPKUQCDiJWRPH??wD%s7Rkx]?bM_M{V[tR.7%LR*WBxu",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":495,"height":17869,"width":34134},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQFBgf\u002FxAAiEAABAwQCAgMAAAAAAAAAAAACAQMEAAUGESExImETQXH\u002FxAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEA\u002F\u002FEABwRAQACAQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIAEQMBEjFBYf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AvY3LvUGSpTGAkrtdkvCrxVbE8zl3g5zN0cejE04ogpdekpHFLic2C98o9ovS+qWxMwu5ynXmhEgJQREXjxXW\u002FwBoTz7GSe9ZY4rKvmb1c7G2ttRpDRG4IJsk6WiuYXvHylXF0yuEkdeKIn0lFLr2Hqf\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":36617,"darkVibrant":36619,"dominant":36621,"lightMuted":36624,"lightVibrant":36627,"muted":36629,"vibrant":36632},{"_type":81,"background":36618,"foreground":83,"population":12869,"title":83},"#604434",{"_type":81,"background":36620,"foreground":83,"population":4107,"title":83},"#2a5267",{"_type":81,"background":36622,"foreground":83,"population":36623,"title":83},"#bb8a2f",7.4,{"_type":81,"background":36625,"foreground":91,"population":36626,"title":83},"#c3c6b4",1.41,{"_type":81,"background":36628,"foreground":91,"population":4107,"title":91},"#f0dfb3",{"_type":81,"background":36630,"foreground":91,"population":36631,"title":83},"#b1a16e",3.72,{"_type":81,"background":36622,"foreground":83,"population":36623,"title":83},{"media":36634},{"tags":36635},[36636],{"_key":36637,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"y22XknuEOoQ5xgyXZcSfO","shutterstock_2413423435-1-768x512.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Feb162a584b9500fc8ddb606c9f7a31d967602df7-768x512.jpg",68161,"CyHtuTNgknjnXhKsm5LukhLKBbX9iYH0","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Feb162a584b9500fc8ddb606c9f7a31d967602df7-768x512.jpg","In the last year, more than one in five UK employees (22%) have had to borrow money from family and friends because of money worries, and a fifth have taken on debt (20%) [1].","2024-09-06T11:35:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":36646},"how-to-boost-pension-engagement-to-help-your-people-make-better-decisions","How to boost pension engagement to help your people make better decisions",[36649,36666,36683,36700,36707,36715,36723,36731,36739,36750,36761,36772,36784,36795,36803,36821,36840],{"_key":36650,"_type":127,"children":36651,"markDefs":36663,"style":135},"3f754d550cf7",[36652,36656,36660],{"_key":36653,"_type":131,"marks":36654,"text":36655},"765f188687f1",[],"In the last year, more than one in five UK employees (22%) have had to borrow money from family and friends because of money worries, and a fifth have taken on debt (20%) ",{"_key":36657,"_type":131,"marks":36658,"text":7473},"ec806f8486fb",[36659],"e01c8432f9a8",{"_key":36661,"_type":131,"marks":36662,"text":1289},"78b507e2c5d2",[],[36664],{"_key":36659,"_type":1264,"href":36665},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2024\u002F09\u002F06\u002Fhow-to-boost-pension-engagement-to-help-your-people-make-better-decisions\u002F#_ftn1",{"_key":36667,"_type":127,"children":36668,"markDefs":36680,"style":135},"78e54343f1ea",[36669,36673,36677],{"_key":36670,"_type":131,"marks":36671,"text":36672},"178291563547",[],"The impact of rising costs has also meant that 39% of employees think they will never be able to afford to stop working and 81% are also concerned that it means they will be less comfortable in retirement due to a shortfall in savings",{"_key":36674,"_type":131,"marks":36675,"text":7496},"a41e308bf03b",[36676],"4f6a4da51890",{"_key":36678,"_type":131,"marks":36679,"text":1289},"ace8a623ec7d",[],[36681],{"_key":36676,"_type":1264,"href":36682},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2024\u002F09\u002F06\u002Fhow-to-boost-pension-engagement-to-help-your-people-make-better-decisions\u002F#_ftn2",{"_key":36684,"_type":127,"children":36685,"markDefs":36697,"style":135},"991a232a1f3c",[36686,36690,36694],{"_key":36687,"_type":131,"marks":36688,"text":36689},"80873e4a7fa2",[],"As well as these challenges, there also seems to be a general lack of pension understanding and engagement. 29% of employees are unaware that their pension is invested, and 49% are unaware of what their pension is invested in. However, interestingly, the research also found that 40% of employees would increase their contributions if they knew their pension was invested in funds that aligned with their values and beliefs",{"_key":36691,"_type":131,"marks":36692,"text":7519},"32fc5ee26d33",[36693],"7fd985d253dc",{"_key":36695,"_type":131,"marks":36696,"text":1289},"0a75a34e8dcd",[],[36698],{"_key":36693,"_type":1264,"href":36699},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2024\u002F09\u002F06\u002Fhow-to-boost-pension-engagement-to-help-your-people-make-better-decisions\u002F#_ftn3",{"_key":36701,"_type":127,"children":36702,"markDefs":36706,"style":135},"694528adcbcd",[36703],{"_key":36704,"_type":131,"marks":36705,"text":1502},"604c7efc3cf0",[],[],{"_key":36708,"_type":127,"children":36709,"markDefs":36714,"style":135},"155f31bc1281",[36710],{"_key":36711,"_type":131,"marks":36712,"text":36713},"d0790adae7a5",[],"“For people to better prepare for their financial future, it’s vital that they engage with their pensions as early as possible. Many don’t realise the significant difference a small increase to their pension savings can make. For example, someone in their 20s, saving just 1% more each year into a workplace pension can boost future savings by 25%. Small increases can have a significant impact on an employee’s pension savings, but small reductions in pension savings can also make a huge dent. Making small increases in pension contributions may not feel affordable but making small changes such as setting a household budget, shopping around and not auto-renewing on things like car insurance, as well as utilising workplace benefits i.e. discount schemes, really can make a huge difference when trying to find that bit of extra cash.”",[],{"_key":36716,"_type":127,"children":36717,"markDefs":36722,"style":135},"312add41b884",[36718],{"_key":36719,"_type":131,"marks":36720,"text":36721},"bd8489ffe3ec",[],"He adds; “It’s also really interesting that our research indicated that many people would increase their pension contributions if they knew it was invested in funds that aligned with their values and beliefs. In recent years there has been a significant expansion of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations, with people wanting to align their pension investments with their values and beliefs. However, ESG is a broad category, and it means different things to different people. But simply knowing that pensions can be used to make a difference can be a powerful way to switch people on to better engage with their long-term savings.”",[],{"_key":36724,"_type":127,"children":36725,"markDefs":36730,"style":135},"ef30fe9aee38",[36726],{"_key":36727,"_type":131,"marks":36728,"text":36729},"f074df6cc2c4",[],"“He adds; “People need support to understand their finances including ways to save money, budget, manage debt, as well as how to make the most of their pension savings for later life. It’s exceptionally important that schemes, Trustees and employers collectively work together to ensure that pension scheme members and employees are making the right decisions when it comes to their pensions. After all, people who better understand their pensions are likely to be more engaged and save more, make better decisions at-retirement and be financially better off, which ultimately is what pensions are all about.”",[],{"_key":36732,"_type":127,"children":36733,"markDefs":36738,"style":135},"25881f5b3280",[36734],{"_key":36735,"_type":131,"marks":36736,"text":36737},"c20cd452397d",[174],"To help, see our tips below to boost pensions engagement:",[],{"_key":36740,"_type":127,"children":36741,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":36749,"style":135},"d4bbb5be04fe",[36742,36745],{"_key":36743,"_type":131,"marks":36744,"text":26327},"70f72f8f75af",[174],{"_key":36746,"_type":131,"marks":36747,"text":36748},"6298e2338afe",[]," Many leading employers and Trustees recognise the need to help their people improve the way they manage their money and better prepare for later life and provide financial wellbeing and retirement support in the workplace including financial education and guidance. To make it more engaging, look for relatable and interesting ways to switch employees on. Don’t forget that topics like ESG can also offer a useful way to boost pensions engagement.",[],{"_key":36751,"_type":127,"children":36752,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":36760,"style":135},"7caeccd4fc52",[36753,36756],{"_key":36754,"_type":131,"marks":36755,"text":26339},"8095faacda32",[174],{"_key":36757,"_type":131,"marks":36758,"text":36759},"a7f02c043bbe",[]," To make it meaningful, financial education should be tailored to each demographic in the workplace by career stage. Earlier on in an employee’s career it should cover how pension schemes work, employer and employee contribution levels, tax relief, what funds they can select from, as well as how they can change the funds their pension is invested in. Later on, around mid-career, employees will also need to understand if their pensions and other retirement savings are on target, as well as how income may be generated in retirement and ensuring investments are being managed in line with this e.g. their investment glide path. Then once at retirement, people will need to understand how to generate an income from their pensions and other savings, as well as how to seek further help including investment advice and consolidation services to help people manage their pension savings effectively.",[],{"_key":36762,"_type":127,"children":36763,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":36771,"style":135},"20c4ac8568c0",[36764,36768],{"_key":36765,"_type":131,"marks":36766,"text":36767},"704446ec72df",[174],"Run financial guidance sessions:",{"_key":36769,"_type":131,"marks":36770,"text":18742},"e23ef1a9cce3",[],[],{"_key":36773,"_type":127,"children":36774,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":36783,"style":135},"1fa06a3edb99",[36775,36779],{"_key":36776,"_type":131,"marks":36777,"text":36778},"fa5c1ba6766e",[174],"Provide access to investment advice:",{"_key":36780,"_type":131,"marks":36781,"text":36782},"b140278b194f",[]," This is particularly useful for those at the point of retirement who want to understand their personal financial situation and may have more complex questions about their pensions and retirement income.",[],{"_key":36785,"_type":127,"children":36786,"markDefs":36794,"style":135},"90c30c535df8",[36787,36790],{"_key":36788,"_type":131,"marks":36789,"text":26351},"976643aec28b",[174],{"_key":36791,"_type":131,"marks":36792,"text":36793},"4655620a30c9",[]," Many employers and Trustees are now working together with financial wellbeing and retirement specialists to help individuals engage with their pensions and savings throughout their career. It is essential to carry out due diligence on providers. This includes ensuring that they are workplace specialists and checks on advice firms should cover areas such as qualifications of advisers, the regulatory record of the firm, compliance process and pricing structure.",[],{"_key":36796,"_type":127,"children":36797,"markDefs":36802,"style":135},"ff249d290121",[36798],{"_key":36799,"_type":131,"marks":36800,"text":36801},"b4ee137e9783",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work comments; “Taking an active approach and supporting employees with the help of reputable firms will make the whole process far more robust. 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at work is delighted to have launched a new interactive financial wellbeing platform – ‘Money&Me’. ","2024-09-03T14:00:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":36903},"wealth-at-work-launches-new-interactive-financial-wellbeing-platform---'money&me'","WEALTH at work launches new interactive financial wellbeing platform ",[36906,36914,36922,36930,36938,36946,36965,36973],{"_key":36907,"_type":127,"children":36908,"markDefs":36913,"style":135},"db9d6aa376fa",[36909],{"_key":36910,"_type":131,"marks":36911,"text":36912},"ec3602df794d",[],"WEALTH at work is delighted to have launched a new interactive financial wellbeing platform – ‘Money&Me’.",[],{"_key":36915,"_type":127,"children":36916,"markDefs":36921,"style":135},"9bccca92cd41",[36917],{"_key":36918,"_type":131,"marks":36919,"text":36920},"c39895872cdc",[],"Money&Me helps employees build their knowledge of money through gamified learning and provides a personalised experience that builds over time.",[],{"_key":36923,"_type":127,"children":36924,"markDefs":36929,"style":135},"aaf0a7c22ad6",[36925],{"_key":36926,"_type":131,"marks":36927,"text":36928},"ea24123f4be8",[],"It covers a range of financial topics including Managing Money, Tax, Savings & Investments, Financial Health, Pensions and Life After Work.",[],{"_key":36931,"_type":127,"children":36932,"markDefs":36937,"style":135},"3df6f9049565",[36933],{"_key":36934,"_type":131,"marks":36935,"text":36936},"49972837b0fe",[],"Landscape, a digital communication specialist who are part of the Wealth at Work group, has built the platform, designed to enhance WEALTH at work’s existing financial wellbeing offering including comprehensive financial education programmes and one-to-one guidance.",[],{"_key":36939,"_type":127,"children":36940,"markDefs":36945,"style":135},"e3019a6b8cb5",[36941],{"_key":36942,"_type":131,"marks":36943,"text":36944},"2c5f84cfe97f",[],"After all, the link between debt, money worries and stress, lower productivity and absenteeism are increasingly recognised by employers and many are now looking for ways to support their employees.",[],{"_key":36947,"_type":127,"children":36948,"markDefs":36964,"style":135},"6077ff0013b1",[36949,36953,36956,36960],{"_key":36950,"_type":131,"marks":36951,"text":36952},"4548ed51e4ad",[174],"Jonathan Watt’s Lay, Director, WEALTH at work",{"_key":36954,"_type":131,"marks":36955,"text":35526},"35f21fa08924",[],{"_key":36957,"_type":131,"marks":36958,"text":36959},"f0301eae26cf",[174],"comments;",{"_key":36961,"_type":131,"marks":36962,"text":36963},"799de3ed6e97",[]," “We already deliver financial wellbeing and retirement services to millions of employees and pension scheme members and are excited to launch our latest digital offering ‘Money&Me’ in our venture to provide a one stop shop for all financial wellbeing requirements.”",[],{"_key":36966,"_type":127,"children":36967,"markDefs":36972,"style":135},"45caaecdbbcf",[36968],{"_key":36969,"_type":131,"marks":36970,"text":36971},"93a3400e3568",[],"He adds; “Helping employees build their financial resilience and providing them with the knowledge and tools to do so, has never been more important. Money&Me will help achieve this by providing essential content that creates good financial behaviours, whilst also signposting next steps to enable employees to gain further support to take the appropriate action to gain control of their finances.”",[],{"_key":36974,"_type":127,"children":36975,"markDefs":36984,"style":135},"c4d4f647d7a1",[36976,36980],{"_key":36977,"_type":131,"marks":36978,"text":36979},"38a03d889460",[174],"Ryan Sales, Creative and Delivery Director, Landscape, comments;",{"_key":36981,"_type":131,"marks":36982,"text":36983},"3dca29a2e38b",[]," “We are delighted to have helped develop a new digital proposition that supports WEALTH at work’s successful financial education programme. It has been under development for a while and we’re looking forward to helping employers engage their workforce with an online solution that not only looks great, but is enjoyable to use and rewards repeat visits, helping to solve a genuine challenge for the workplace.”",[],[36986],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":36987,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},"WEALTH at work launches new interactive financial wellbeing platform - 'money&me'",{"_id":36990,"blogPostMeta":36991,"content":37031,"tag":37328,"title":21071},"00442388-c980-4c77-8747-d72f9874ea8d",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":36992,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":37027,"publishedAt":37028,"slug":37029,"title":21071},{"_type":58,"asset":36993},{"_createdAt":36994,"_id":36995,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":36996,"extension":196,"metadata":36997,"mimeType":225,"opt":37017,"originalFilename":37022,"path":37023,"sha1hash":36996,"size":37024,"uploadId":37025,"url":37026},"2025-12-22T15:03:19Z","image-4370440097edffd41ba3a7bf982bfbd4f9cda242-768x512-jpg","4370440097edffd41ba3a7bf982bfbd4f9cda242",{"_type":69,"blurHash":36998,"dimensions":36999,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":37000,"palette":37001},"VCEoi4{v=;%$Z~014;I]M{xtsBtRWEoeIpkq$|-Qt7bb",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":495,"height":17869,"width":34134},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUHBAb\u002FxAAiEAACAQMEAgMAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMABAUGERIhMUETFVH\u002FxAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAE\u002F8QAGxEAAgIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAEQMEEiH\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FAJfkMJkbeN7h7aNYkA5EL0tdJjMfFGYpYYpDIVAdyOux6qi6gtPuNLXbM4hVxuVRPykWmoBcacIdm+QEjn768UHSydG38idxDxSiJZsdK7BnYSNt5Y0VkN8YpZUKctnI3LUUgZ2AoQZ11Y2Z\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":37002,"darkVibrant":37004,"dominant":37006,"lightMuted":37009,"lightVibrant":37012,"muted":37014,"vibrant":37015},{"_type":81,"background":37003,"foreground":83,"population":6199,"title":83},"#364f54",{"_type":81,"background":37005,"foreground":83,"population":325,"title":83},"#84340a",{"_type":81,"background":37007,"foreground":83,"population":37008,"title":83},"#63868f",6.31,{"_type":81,"background":37010,"foreground":91,"population":37011,"title":83},"#c8b791",6.05,{"_type":81,"background":37013,"foreground":91,"population":1409,"title":91},"#f0ce8f",{"_type":81,"background":37007,"foreground":83,"population":37008,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":37016,"foreground":83,"population":325,"title":83},"#b55316",{"media":37018},{"tags":37019},[37020],{"_key":37021,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"V1W-1H5GkwEbzGtdcTTYz","shutterstock_2443640485-4-768x512.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F4370440097edffd41ba3a7bf982bfbd4f9cda242-768x512.jpg",64223,"j6YlX1BoK5PxLi1lsaIiz7Z07SHrfks3","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F4370440097edffd41ba3a7bf982bfbd4f9cda242-768x512.jpg","With many students set to enter the workplace in September, WEALTH at work shares the top 10 money tips that Graduates and School Leavers starting work will need to know.","2024-08-27T14:02:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":37030},"top-10-money-tips-for-those-entering-the-workplace-2024",[37032,37039,37051,37063,37071,37079,37087,37099,37116,37128,37162,37170,37182,37194,37202,37210,37222,37234,37246,37264,37271,37279,37286,37306],{"_key":37033,"_type":127,"children":37034,"markDefs":37038,"style":135},"1c19f4f7b4ab",[37035],{"_key":37036,"_type":131,"marks":37037,"text":37027},"30a7a71972ad",[],[],{"_key":37040,"_type":127,"children":37041,"markDefs":37050,"style":135},"31119c5e17d2",[37042,37046],{"_key":37043,"_type":131,"marks":37044,"text":37045},"3ca46b94955a",[174],"1.Make sense of payslips",{"_key":37047,"_type":131,"marks":37048,"text":37049},"9511303d6de2",[],"-For those starting out in the workplace, the first payslip can be very confusing. A payslip contains important information, including someone’s payroll number, gross income (the income before any taxes and deductions have been taken out) and net pay (what’s left after deductions have been taken off), and usually a tax code. It’s important to get to grips with what deductions will be made to understand how much income will be left each month. Deductions could include tax, pensions, or Student Finance Repayments which are explained below.",[],{"_key":37052,"_type":127,"children":37053,"markDefs":37062,"style":135},"9f982c7881d2",[37054,37058],{"_key":37055,"_type":131,"marks":37056,"text":37057},"69c2c3bcc505",[174],"2.Get to grips with Tax",{"_key":37059,"_type":131,"marks":37060,"text":37061},"8224f770438f",[]," – Income Tax is charged on most types of income including a salary. However, people don’t usually pay Income Tax on all their income because they will typically qualify for the Personal Allowance. This is the amount of money someone can earn each tax year before they start paying Income Tax which is £12,570 for the 2024\u002F25 tax year. Income tax is then paid at 20% on earnings above £12,570, 40% above £50,270 and 45% above £125,140.",[],{"_key":37064,"_type":127,"children":37065,"markDefs":37070,"style":135},"37cbf4b0914d",[37066],{"_key":37067,"_type":131,"marks":37068,"text":37069},"f096c315163b",[],"For those who earn over £100,000, the Personal Allowance of £12,570 will be reduced by £1 for every £2 earned over the £100,000 limit. Those who earn £125,140 and over will pay Income Tax on everything, and there is no tax free allowance.",[],{"_key":37072,"_type":127,"children":37073,"markDefs":37078,"style":135},"15def8ae5e25",[37074],{"_key":37075,"_type":131,"marks":37076,"text":37077},"7bb801832897",[],"It’s important for people to check they are on the right tax code and paying the correct amount of income tax. This can be done by checking www.gov.uk\u002Fcheck-income-tax-current-year.",[],{"_key":37080,"_type":127,"children":37081,"markDefs":37086,"style":135},"686190475840",[37082],{"_key":37083,"_type":131,"marks":37084,"text":37085},"438b6a688bb4",[],"Income Tax is not the only deductions that will be made as National Insurance contributions will also be taken from a salary at a rate of 8% on earnings between £12,570 – £50,270 and 2% on earnings above this. These payments will help build an entitlement to certain benefits including the State Pension and Maternity Allowance in the future.",[],{"_key":37088,"_type":127,"children":37089,"markDefs":37098,"style":135},"456d87261a3f",[37090,37094],{"_key":37091,"_type":131,"marks":37092,"text":37093},"d3bb29dff0aa",[174],"3.Make the most of pensions –",{"_key":37095,"_type":131,"marks":37096,"text":37097},"94f7540f3287",[],"Auto-enrolment means that all employees between age 22 and their State Pension age with earnings of more than £10,000 are automatically enrolled into their workplace pension. Currently, employers are required to make a 3% minimum contribution with employees required to pay 5% to bring the total pension contribution to 8%. Some employers pay more than the minimum contribution of 3% and employees may be able to pay less into their scheme as a result, and some match any additional contributions made by employees. Contributions made into a pension are usually free of income tax and employers who offer a salary sacrifice arrangement are also able to save employees National Insurance costs on their contributions.",[],{"_key":37100,"_type":127,"children":37101,"markDefs":37113,"style":135},"ee4afc8891ba",[37102,37106,37110],{"_key":37103,"_type":131,"marks":37104,"text":37105},"036cf5dd5a59",[],"This means basic rate taxpayers will usually save 20% in income tax on contributions and may save a further 8% in National Insurance costs. However, it is widely recognised that contributions that total 8% of salary (3% from the employer and 5% from the employee) are not enough and are unlikely to provide the quality of retirement most people imagine. If employers are willing to match additional contributions it can make a significant difference to the size of the final pension pot. An additional 1% saved by someone each year, and matched by their employer into their pension can increase their final pension pot by 25%",{"_key":37107,"_type":131,"marks":37108,"text":7473},"23721050cb96",[37109],"9ec438c68ea1",{"_key":37111,"_type":131,"marks":37112,"text":1289},"15a2c33bc6b3",[],[37114],{"_key":37109,"_type":1264,"href":37115},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2024\u002F08\u002F27\u002Ftop-10-money-tips-for-those-entering-the-workplace\u002F#_ftn1",{"_key":37117,"_type":127,"children":37118,"markDefs":37127,"style":135},"802dac5481eb",[37119,37123],{"_key":37120,"_type":131,"marks":37121,"text":37122},"a9e0e78cca54",[174],"4.Appreciate the cost of delay –",{"_key":37124,"_type":131,"marks":37125,"text":37126},"ca8c30fee672",[]," If someone aged 25 saved £7,000 per year into a pension for 10 years (£70,000) and then stopped contributing and left it to grow for a further 20 years, they could have £245,291 by the time the reach age 55 (presuming 5% growth on the fund). However, if they waited until they were age 35 before saving £7,000 per year into their pension, it would take just over 20 years of contributions (total contributions of £140,000) to achieve the same size pension pot. So, the earlier someone starts saving into a pension or other savings the better, as it gives more time for the money to grow, and it also benefits from the power of compounding over the individual’s working lifetime.",[],{"_key":37129,"_type":127,"children":37130,"markDefs":37157,"style":135},"01ca1f34f345",[37131,37135,37139,37144,37148,37153],{"_key":37132,"_type":131,"marks":37133,"text":37134},"735703796faf",[174],"5.Understand payments on Student loans",{"_key":37136,"_type":131,"marks":37137,"text":37138},"59657a373ec1",[]," – Graduates will usually start repaying their student loan the April following the date they graduate or leave the course. However, ",{"_key":37140,"_type":131,"marks":37141,"text":37143},"8f7100078a07",[37142],"3b73b0a086aa","when someone starts repaying the loan",{"_key":37145,"_type":131,"marks":37146,"text":37147},"6d5419a811d9",[]," and ",{"_key":37149,"_type":131,"marks":37150,"text":37152},"c82d5e600bdc",[37151],"aa091ff2e4cd","how much they repay",{"_key":37154,"_type":131,"marks":37155,"text":37156},"6870c10c0abe",[]," depends on their repayment plan, which can be checked in their student loan repayment account. Those who started their course between 1 Sept 2012 – 31 July 2023 are likely to be on Repayment Plan 2, meaning they will only start making repayments once their income is over the repayment threshold, which is currently £27,295 a year. Student loan repayments are collected via PAYE, with 9% of salary that exceeds the current threshold used to pay off the loan.",[37158,37160],{"_key":37142,"_type":1264,"href":37159},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Frepaying-your-student-loan\u002Fwhen-you-start-repaying",{"_key":37151,"_type":1264,"href":37161},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Frepaying-your-student-loan\u002Fwhat-you-pay",{"_key":37163,"_type":127,"children":37164,"markDefs":37169,"style":135},"2b11cecc1b32",[37165],{"_key":37166,"_type":131,"marks":37167,"text":37168},"f9910bb5865f",[],"Loans will also be cancelled after a certain period of time if they’ve not already been paid off in full – this can vary between 25 and 40 years depending on the rules at the time the loan was taken out. Some companies have student loan reimbursement schemes to help employees with their student loan repayments. The repayment amount does not depend on the level of the student loan, it is based purely on the amount earned. So those with £20,000 of debt will repay the same as those with £50,000 of debt if they earn the same amount.",[],{"_key":37171,"_type":127,"children":37172,"markDefs":37181,"style":135},"3db6f487ce90",[37173,37177],{"_key":37174,"_type":131,"marks":37175,"text":37176},"2cd9c4ab2cb4",[174],"6.Check out workplace perks",{"_key":37178,"_type":131,"marks":37179,"text":37180},"fda61ca2901e",[]," – Many employers offer their staff various benefits, so it is important to know what is on offer. These can be anything from support with health and fitness, e.g. discounted gym memberships, health and fitness apps and devices, or discounts on shopping, support with childcare and elderly care costs and debt support. Some of these are offered through salary sacrifice which means it is paid through company payroll using pre-tax salary; meaning less income tax and National Insurance are paid which can offer significant savings.",[],{"_key":37183,"_type":127,"children":37184,"markDefs":37193,"style":135},"c6e165d6d3d1",[37185,37189],{"_key":37186,"_type":131,"marks":37187,"text":37188},"7c6e526a0842",[174],"7.Consider Savings",{"_key":37190,"_type":131,"marks":37191,"text":37192},"f5336cc481f7",[]," – It’s always a good idea to have a pot of money for unexpected costs and for the future. Whilst a workplace pension provides a great way to save for retirement, there are also other options for those looking to save in general. An ISA is a tax efficient savings option for those wanting to build future savings. There are several different types of ISA available, with the two most common being a ‘cash’ or a ‘stocks and shares’ ISA. £20,000 can be saved per person each year into an ISA without having to pay tax on any savings interest or growth in the investments. Many workplaces offer their employees access to Workplace ISAs and contributions can conveniently be taken directly from pay.",[],{"_key":37195,"_type":127,"children":37196,"markDefs":37201,"style":135},"59b0589d0675",[37197],{"_key":37198,"_type":131,"marks":37199,"text":37200},"99d552007e71",[],"Some companies also offer employees access to Save as You Earn (SAYE) (sometimes referred to as share save plans) as a way to invest in their future. These plans run for three or five year terms, and employees can save between £5 and £500 per month. At the end of the plan’s term, if the share price has fallen, employees can receive all their savings back. If the share price is higher than the fixed price agreed at the start of the plan, employees can use their savings to buy shares and realise any returns.",[],{"_key":37203,"_type":127,"children":37204,"markDefs":37209,"style":135},"891ac2356621",[37205],{"_key":37206,"_type":131,"marks":37207,"text":37208},"80a6f40b904c",[],"The Share Incentive Plan (SIP) is another popular type of share plan, enabling employees to purchase shares by making monthly contributions of between £10 and £150. Employers may also provide matching shares so that the employee can receive up to two additional shares for each share purchased. Some companies will also use the SIP to gift ‘free shares’ of up to £3,600 in any tax year to employees.",[],{"_key":37211,"_type":127,"children":37212,"markDefs":37221,"style":135},"abd8c2fc1167",[37213,37217],{"_key":37214,"_type":131,"marks":37215,"text":37216},"627146034bbc",[174],"8.Create a monthly budget –",{"_key":37218,"_type":131,"marks":37219,"text":37220},"314a170bc741",[]," It’s always a good idea to create a monthly budget so that people can understand what they can afford to spend and avoid getting into debt. This should include all income and outgoings such as fixed costs (i.e. mortgage or rent, council tax, energy and water and contracts for TV and broadband subscriptions) and then other costs such as supermarket shopping, days and nights out or clothes and makeup. Budgeting apps which integrate with bank accounts can be useful to build a budget in one place and give a clear overview of all accounts including savings and show all transactions in one place, as well as how spending compares to previous months. Through such apps, it is possible to set multiple budgets for groceries, eating out, entertainment etc, as well as setting savings and debt repayment goals.",[],{"_key":37223,"_type":127,"children":37224,"markDefs":37233,"style":135},"4e0eb3c6f17a",[37225,37229],{"_key":37226,"_type":131,"marks":37227,"text":37228},"fde2691b3f5f",[174],"9.Review spending",{"_key":37230,"_type":131,"marks":37231,"text":37232},"dc1aef4c9213",[]," – If spending is more than someone would like it to be, they may be able to reduce their costs by checking bank and payment services for recurring payments and look for ways to reduce these. This may be possible by shopping around to lower household bills such as insurance, phone and broadband providers, and cancelling unused subscriptions. Discount vouchers are also available online and many workplaces offer employee discount schemes, which can be useful for the weekly shop or big purchases, such as if a washing machine breaks, and also activities like eating out and holidays.",[],{"_key":37235,"_type":127,"children":37236,"markDefs":37245,"style":135},"28ea6c01245e",[37237,37241],{"_key":37238,"_type":131,"marks":37239,"text":37240},"a6afe632039c",[174],"10.Understand good debt vs bad debt",{"_key":37242,"_type":131,"marks":37243,"text":37244},"1b3c4a54b9b7",[],"– Debt comes in many forms such as loans, credit cards or store cards. A mortgage is a form of ‘good debt’ which should be reviewed occasionally to ensure you have a good deal. However, at the opposite end of the spectrum, debt with high interest payments, such as payday loans and credit cards can get out of control if they are not repaid quickly. Generally, many people may not realise the varying levels of interest that different debt providers charge. Credit cards and overdrafts may have rates as high as 40%, with payday loans having rates of 1,500% and more! By shopping around, it may be possible to move to a lower interest rate, and some credit cards even offer 0% on balance transfers, for a period of time.",[],{"_key":37247,"_type":127,"children":37248,"markDefs":37261,"style":135},"8da2f9751a78",[37249,37253,37257],{"_key":37250,"_type":131,"marks":37251,"text":37252},"84d2d01be9aa",[],"Research from WEALTH at work indicated that if workers were struggling with debt, only 9% would seek help from their employer. Particularly worrying was that 16–24 year-old workers were just as likely to seek help from a pay day loan company (13%) than their employer (12%)",{"_key":37254,"_type":131,"marks":37255,"text":7496},"94d428eed8e2",[37256],"cd49850cfcbf",{"_key":37258,"_type":131,"marks":37259,"text":37260},"67af04cbaf4f",[],". So, it’s important for anyone who is struggling with debt to know that there is support available from reputable sources. Many employers offer Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) that includes debt management support. This support often ranges from budgeting advice to establishing the root cause of someone’s debt issues. Free services such as MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice or National Debt Line are also available.",[37262],{"_key":37256,"_type":1264,"href":37263},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2024\u002F08\u002F27\u002Ftop-10-money-tips-for-those-entering-the-workplace\u002F#_ftn2",{"_key":37265,"_type":127,"children":37266,"markDefs":37270,"style":135},"251cd3dbfef5",[37267],{"_key":37268,"_type":131,"marks":37269,"text":1502},"9b01dd8ca7ee",[174],[],{"_key":37272,"_type":127,"children":37273,"markDefs":37278,"style":135},"261ec996b600",[37274],{"_key":37275,"_type":131,"marks":37276,"text":37277},"80f2cf605cff",[],"“Starting a first job is an exciting time. For some, it can mean the first time they are having to manage their own money. It is important that employees entering the workplace are taught about budgeting, savings and responsible borrowing so they can take control of their finances. Many leading employers provide financial education in the workplace to help employees at the start of their career learn the basic principles of money management, as well as to understand all the savings and benefits on offer to build financial resilience.”",[],{"_key":37280,"_type":127,"children":37281,"markDefs":37285,"style":1544},"8b049e09677e",[37282],{"_key":37283,"_type":131,"marks":37284,"text":1006},"abf7e907ed59",[],[],{"_key":37287,"_type":127,"children":37288,"markDefs":37301,"style":1544},"2a992fe041bb",[37289,37293,37296],{"_key":37290,"_type":131,"marks":37291,"text":7473},"7df1042e20a6",[37292],"7fa9a6ae0e6b",{"_key":37294,"_type":131,"marks":37295,"text":35526},"a43d6f88a393",[],{"_key":37297,"_type":131,"marks":37298,"text":37300},"f62c04bff590",[37299],"5f2f83b09b71","https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2023\u002F09\u002F13\u002Fsaving-1-more-could-boost-pension-by-25\u002F",[37302,37304],{"_key":37292,"_type":1264,"href":37303},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2024\u002F08\u002F27\u002Ftop-10-money-tips-for-those-entering-the-workplace\u002F#_ftnref1",{"_key":37299,"_type":1264,"href":37305},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2023\u002F09\u002F13\u002Fsaving-1-more-could-boost-pension-by-25\u002F%22",{"_key":37307,"_type":127,"children":37308,"markDefs":37324,"style":1544},"7cdba3954717",[37309,37313,37316,37320],{"_key":37310,"_type":131,"marks":37311,"text":7496},"a2a4c1f5f8c9",[37312],"9e522f4a0027",{"_key":37314,"_type":131,"marks":37315,"text":35526},"180b82d2768f",[],{"_key":37317,"_type":131,"marks":37318,"text":36512},"b7a0365e4af9",[37319],"4fd2b3d20677",{"_key":37321,"_type":131,"marks":37322,"text":37323},"bcaf2b9492ed",[],"\u003C\u002F6>",[37325,37327],{"_key":37312,"_type":1264,"href":37326},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2024\u002F08\u002F27\u002Ftop-10-money-tips-for-those-entering-the-workplace\u002F#_ftnref2",{"_key":37319,"_type":1264,"href":36512},[37329],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":37330,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":37332,"blogPostMeta":37333,"content":37338,"tag":37349,"title":37337},"1f59e547-4e8d-440e-a280-abcd9b3d606c",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":65,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":37334,"slug":37335,"title":37337},"2024-08-19T13:11:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":37336},"haleon-testimonial","Haleon 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2025-07-22 at 11.33.18.png","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fc1e7d1e433415771b4f6ea9ae0b2487acec3daed-1558x876.png",857966,"0cbwz0hucBGkk7Au6Gp2KuYxYCQfr0hk","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fc1e7d1e433415771b4f6ea9ae0b2487acec3daed-1558x876.png",{"_type":1179,"bottom":1159,"left":37392,"right":1159,"top":37393},0.0014091731380162372,0.00879771345272527,{"_type":1183,"height":37395,"width":37396,"x":37397,"y":37398},0.9912022865472747,0.9985908268619837,0.5007045865690081,0.5043988567263626,"Our report looks into how to boost pension engagement in challenging times.","2024-08-15T12:51:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":37402},"how-to-boost-pensions-engagement-in-challenging-times","How to boost pensions engagement in challenging times",[37405,37408,37416,37426],{"_key":37406,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":37407,"width":124},"a5f3407c9830","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.flipsnack.com?hash=OUNCQjhCQjhCN0ErZGgzZWs5a3Z4bg==",{"_key":37409,"_type":127,"children":37410,"markDefs":37415,"style":135},"23ae5588e98e",[37411],{"_key":37412,"_type":131,"marks":37413,"text":37414},"7b4e82df6d03",[],"Our report looks into how to boost pension engagement in challenging times. Split across three key sections, it takes us through the financial strain that the rising cost of living is having on many households and the impact on retirement plans. The report also examines current understanding and levels of pensions engagement and what support needs to be provided to help people prepare for their financial 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Usually, the first £30k is tax free, with anything over this being added to their income and charged at the marginal rate. Please note, employee National Insurance is not deducted from a redundancy payment.",[],{"_key":37528,"_type":127,"children":37529,"markDefs":37534,"style":135},"3acd9ff73d8b",[37530],{"_key":37531,"_type":131,"marks":37532,"text":37533},"bf97deb72c0e",[],"For example, someone who has an annual salary of £36k, has earned £15k so far this tax year and is offered £50k redundancy would owe £4,000 in tax on their redundancy pay.",[],{"_key":37536,"_type":127,"children":37537,"markDefs":37542,"style":135},"aa418c17e018",[37538],{"_key":37539,"_type":131,"marks":37540,"text":37541},"44985972ddc9",[],"This is because the first £30k of their redundancy pay is tax free but the remaining £20k is taxable. As they have earned £15k so far this year, even with the £20k added to this, they are still within the basic rate tax band, so tax of £4,000 is due on the redundancy pay (20% of £20k). Please note, individuals could end up in a higher rate tax bracket, depending on their income and redundancy pay.",[],{"_key":37544,"_type":127,"children":37545,"markDefs":37558,"style":135},"f2df951e26a2",[37546,37549,37553],{"_key":37547,"_type":131,"marks":37548,"text":32318},"5162f5146853",[174],{"_key":37550,"_type":131,"marks":37551,"text":37552},"1eb6e8e33aeb",[]," – It is important for people to work out what assets they have, pensions, savings, ISAs, property and investments, and what liabilities they have e.g. a mortgage, debt, childcare, insurance and utility bills. Then look at any other household income and expenses. If the amount of money they need each month is more than the amount they have coming in, they can then work out what action they need to take to cover their costs. Money Helper has a great budget planner: ",{"_key":37554,"_type":131,"marks":37555,"text":37557},"5a0f8d873d3a",[37556],"12ad15b4f29e","Budget Planner | Free online budget planning tool | MoneyHelper",[37559],{"_key":37556,"_type":1264,"href":37560},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.moneyhelper.org.uk\u002Fen\u002Feveryday-money\u002Fbudgeting\u002Fbudget-planner",{"_key":37562,"_type":127,"children":37563,"markDefs":37571,"style":135},"2f0991b75585",[37564,37567],{"_key":37565,"_type":131,"marks":37566,"text":32330},"53a84c786d0e",[174],{"_key":37568,"_type":131,"marks":37569,"text":37570},"7a93ffa69352",[]," – For those who can afford to, it might be worth using some of their redundancy payment to pay off any expensive debts they may have. There are many different types of debt with varying rates of interest. Credit cards can have rates of 17 – 20%, with payday loans typically having rates of 1,250%[2].",[],{"_key":37573,"_type":127,"children":37574,"markDefs":37579,"style":135},"ef92c14006cc",[37575],{"_key":37576,"_type":131,"marks":37577,"text":37578},"d81299788327",[],"For example, a debt of £3,000 with a rate of 18% APR[3], could take 10 years and 10 months to pay off if paying £52 a month, with total interest of £3,836 paid. If that monthly payment was increased to £100 a month, the debt would be paid off in 3 years and 4 months, and interest paid would be only £1,011. 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There are limits on the tax relief that can be received from pension contributions each year, so it will be important to check these carefully first. For those approaching retirement, this may be a particularly attractive way of providing a final boost to the value of their pension pot.",[],{"_key":37622,"_type":127,"children":37623,"markDefs":37630,"style":135},"b8c45d41cd31",[37624,37627],{"_key":37625,"_type":131,"marks":37626,"text":5155},"417fccedc1f5",[174],{"_key":37628,"_type":131,"marks":37629,"text":32393},"45e6636dc7bb",[],[],{"_key":37632,"_type":127,"children":37633,"markDefs":37637,"style":135},"264093631a8b",[37634],{"_key":37635,"_type":131,"marks":37636,"text":1502},"1d6a64e0c0ca",[174],[],{"_key":37639,"_type":127,"children":37640,"markDefs":37645,"style":135},"5aa647aeecbf",[37641],{"_key":37642,"_type":131,"marks":37643,"text":37644},"33eaad5d71f0",[],"“For organisations that are making redundancies, it’s really important that the workforce receive the appropriate support so they understand how it will impact their finances. 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Employees will also need to understand how much they will actually receive from their redundancy pay after tax, how to make it last if they don’t get a new job quickly, or how it could help them afford retirement when perhaps they thought it wasn’t a 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a result of the new Pensions Bill, announced in the King’s speech, it will be interesting to hear more of the plans for trust-based schemes to be legally required to offer retirement income solutions to members, including default investment options.","2024-07-17T12:28:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":37784},"will-the-planned-defaults-for-those-retiring-be-in-their-best-interest","Will the planned defaults for those retiring be in their best interest?",[37787,37794,37801,37809,37817,37825,37833],{"_key":37788,"_type":127,"children":37789,"markDefs":37793,"style":135},"992587d202d9",[37790],{"_key":37791,"_type":131,"marks":37792,"text":1502},"1f9f07595843",[174],[],{"_key":37795,"_type":127,"children":37796,"markDefs":37800,"style":135},"bb87bedf676e",[37797],{"_key":37798,"_type":131,"marks":37799,"text":37781},"6b93df79d30d",[],[],{"_key":37802,"_type":127,"children":37803,"markDefs":37808,"style":135},"6137eb300541",[37804],{"_key":37805,"_type":131,"marks":37806,"text":37807},"9ff56932438a",[],"Defaulting members may have unintended consequences. For example, will retirees end up in a sub-optimal position because the default only considers that specific pension and not other pensions, or indeed other savings and investments that individuals may have? You can imagine an individual with 2 or 3 different pensions from previous jobs all with differing amounts, some may be very large whereas others maybe smaller, so how will the defaults work? Will the pension with £500k be defaulted differently to the pension with £40k? It is the same retiree but will they end up with differing retirement investment strategies as a result? Equally, perhaps they should be ‘drawing down’ on ISA savings or other taxable investments alongside their pension(s) to ensure they are not paying more tax than they need to on their pension income. Failure to account for this will again put the individual in a sub-optimal position, or to put it colloquially, they may end up with less money in their back pocket each month of retirement because pensions are seen in isolation via the default rather than collectively alongside any other savings the individual may have.",[],{"_key":37810,"_type":127,"children":37811,"markDefs":37816,"style":135},"ce551a08005f",[37812],{"_key":37813,"_type":131,"marks":37814,"text":37815},"094e41d150a8",[],"Also, although supporters of decumulation defaults see it as a means to a better outcome, history tells us otherwise. Before Freedom and Choice many retirees purchased an annuity from their existing pension provider, in essence the default position, albeit the majority could have received better rates elsewhere. With default decumulation, we are effectively discouraging shopping around and understanding what will give the individual the right outcome in retirement.",[],{"_key":37818,"_type":127,"children":37819,"markDefs":37824,"style":135},"2b8a9e1f0c01",[37820],{"_key":37821,"_type":131,"marks":37822,"text":37823},"41894cc8aedd",[],"I believe there are considerations around the belief that ‘product innovation’ will solve all retirement income needs; rather than thinking about a broader service model which allows individuals to understand their options.",[],{"_key":37826,"_type":127,"children":37827,"markDefs":37832,"style":135},"1a25bd99dd51",[37828],{"_key":37829,"_type":131,"marks":37830,"text":37831},"df25d481478e",[],"Before any decisions are made at retirement, individuals really need to understand what their options are and the generic advantages and disadvantages of these options. Providing financial guidance for members and employees at retirement can help with this and will enable them to make informed choices, including being able to decide if they need further support such as investment advice – and therefore lead to better outcomes for all.",[],{"_key":37834,"_type":127,"children":37835,"markDefs":37840,"style":135},"f53c3b1f5818",[37836],{"_key":37837,"_type":131,"marks":37838,"text":37839},"1a22da44d413",[],"Let’s hope the detail is worked through thoroughly otherwise we have set the bar low for retirement income outcomes despite a lifetime of saving!”",[],[37842],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":37843,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":37845,"blogPostMeta":37846,"content":37887,"tag":38153,"title":37886},"82158615-c962-4d23-88e7-642c442c7916",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":37847,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":37882,"publishedAt":37883,"slug":37884,"title":37886},{"_type":58,"asset":37848},{"_createdAt":37849,"_id":37850,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":37851,"extension":196,"metadata":37852,"mimeType":225,"opt":37872,"originalFilename":37877,"path":37878,"sha1hash":37851,"size":37879,"uploadId":37880,"url":37881},"2025-12-22T15:50:41Z","image-16c283d212084b4ac30dbb27594751e7ac611ef0-1000x667-jpg","16c283d212084b4ac30dbb27594751e7ac611ef0",{"_type":69,"blurHash":37853,"dimensions":37854,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":37855,"palette":37856},"VOGuwQ~qs*M{V@M{Ribbs:t7s%%MXUofxa9ZM{jYoebH",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYHBAX\u002FxAAkEAACAQMDAwUAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMABAUREiEGE1EVIzEygf\u002FEABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMAAv\u002FEABsRAAICAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAjEREiJC\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwBgAx2RMkT7ZJydxDP9R4pWy9hFeZBrOL2Y412KwOmh81UE6dxlpAezbhZCunc15qW9U9O+kRyyw31xIzE6b+Sv7VFwS6s01LzRia3jxIW0muEldBy5PJorn2mNVoFMr9xz8sy6migyLqj\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":37857,"darkVibrant":37860,"dominant":37862,"lightMuted":37863,"lightVibrant":37866,"muted":37868,"vibrant":37870},{"_type":81,"background":37858,"foreground":83,"population":37859,"title":83},"#594739",3.81,{"_type":81,"background":37861,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#345c8c",{"_type":81,"background":37858,"foreground":83,"population":37859,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":37864,"foreground":91,"population":37865,"title":83},"#a4b1c9",2.9,{"_type":81,"background":37867,"foreground":91,"population":794,"title":83},"#d8ac98",{"_type":81,"background":37869,"foreground":83,"population":2946,"title":83},"#ae7459",{"_type":81,"background":37871,"foreground":91,"population":1159,"title":83},"#cc8c6c",{"media":37873},{"tags":37874},[37875],{"_key":37876,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"VJo08ShxHAJrUbkmMyLAi","shutterstock_2416777067.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F16c283d212084b4ac30dbb27594751e7ac611ef0-1000x667.jpg",372196,"3GP4UoxR2MbvyqaOos1l3AR0JGlESeou","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F16c283d212084b4ac30dbb27594751e7ac611ef0-1000x667.jpg","According to WEALTH at work’s research of over 2,000 workers, the biggest financial concerns for the year include not having enough savings for unexpected costs.","2024-07-15T14:50:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":37885},"40-concerned-about-not-having-enough-savings-for-unexpected-costs","40% concerned about not having enough savings for unexpected costs",[37888,37895,37903,37914,37934,37955,37975,37996,38006,38033,38044,38056,38078,38097,38116,38135],{"_key":37889,"_type":127,"children":37890,"markDefs":37894,"style":135},"f8c4d7ae3c40",[37891],{"_key":37892,"_type":131,"marks":37893,"text":35043},"5835ee390011",[],[],{"_key":37896,"_type":127,"children":37897,"markDefs":37902,"style":135},"a0c4127e476c",[37898],{"_key":37899,"_type":131,"marks":37900,"text":37901},"1e04991f41ef",[],"To help with this, WEALTH at work has outlined some top tips below to help people cut costs and manage their finances.",[],{"_key":37904,"_type":127,"children":37905,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":37913,"style":135},"590f18cf1acb",[37906,37909],{"_key":37907,"_type":131,"marks":37908,"text":7452},"278b3ede8842",[174],{"_key":37910,"_type":131,"marks":37911,"text":37912},"bb5fa405edba",[]," The first step to cutting costs is to create a budget. People should work out what exactly their income is each month and then check their bank statements to clarify what outgoings they have. Outgoings can then be divided into fixed costs which have to be paid such as a mortgage, council tax, energy and water, and then those which may be able to cut back on such as supermarket shopping, monthly contracts for TV, subscriptions and other spending. Some banks have apps which enable this to be done automatically, this will highlight where money is going and where savings could be made.",[],{"_key":37915,"_type":127,"children":37916,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":37931,"style":135},"29eebeff5afd",[37917,37920,37924,37928],{"_key":37918,"_type":131,"marks":37919,"text":34575},"fbd882c28752",[174],{"_key":37921,"_type":131,"marks":37922,"text":37923},"eee25c61f87f",[]," After creating a budget it is important to keep track of spending. Ditching takeaways, taking lunch to work and learning to budget can make a huge difference. 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Someone who usually spends £60 a week, could save £20 by changing supermarkets, a saving of £1040",{"_key":37945,"_type":131,"marks":37946,"text":7496},"cc19805c9049",[37947],"80848ecd95e7",{"_key":37949,"_type":131,"marks":37950,"text":37951},"48cec6cce31d",[]," a year, and more for a couple or family. When it comes to big purchases, such as if a washing machine breaks, discount vouchers are often available through voucher and discount websites and many workplaces offer employee discount schemes (see below). When shopping for a particular product, Idealo finds the best price online for a particular product and CamelCamelCamel allows you to track the price of Amazon products. 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living:",[],{"_key":38212,"_type":127,"children":38213,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":38218,"style":135},"2442c68ff35d",[38214],{"_key":38215,"_type":131,"marks":38216,"text":38217},"09496b0c282e",[],"39% of employees think they will never be able to afford to retire at all",[],{"_key":38220,"_type":127,"children":38221,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":38226,"style":135},"5cbccdcbe8fc",[38222],{"_key":38223,"_type":131,"marks":38224,"text":38225},"bfcf05d7dc72",[],"32% have decided to delay retirement",[],{"_key":38228,"_type":127,"children":38229,"markDefs":38234,"style":135},"dacfa2c3ad90",[38230],{"_key":38231,"_type":131,"marks":38232,"text":38233},"8525504dc8e7",[],"The findings also show that 41% of employees say they don’t feel supported in their workplace when it comes to getting help to understand their 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help your employees improve their financial future and make retirement a 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retire",[38313,38320,38328,38336,38344,38352,38359,38367,38375,38403,38411,38419,38427,38435,38443,38451,38459,38467,38474,38482,38490],{"_key":38314,"_type":127,"children":38315,"markDefs":38319,"style":135},"3131d5f6cb40",[38316],{"_key":38317,"_type":131,"marks":38318,"text":38307},"5b2f6aa00d77",[],[],{"_key":38321,"_type":127,"children":38322,"markDefs":38327,"style":135},"f62f88589df7",[38323],{"_key":38324,"_type":131,"marks":38325,"text":38326},"54a42e67bcbf",[],"Those aged 35-44 years old are the age group most likely to believe they will never be able to afford to retire, with almost half of workers (46%) thinking this.",[],{"_key":38329,"_type":127,"children":38330,"markDefs":38335,"style":135},"c3288142c290",[38331],{"_key":38332,"_type":131,"marks":38333,"text":38334},"c27236452c2e",[],"The figures from financial wellbeing and retirement specialists, WEALTH at work, also show that rising costs also mean that almost a third (32%) will look to delay retirement, up from a fifth (21%) this time last year.",[],{"_key":38337,"_type":127,"children":38338,"markDefs":38343,"style":135},"0f3a850a9c39",[38339],{"_key":38340,"_type":131,"marks":38341,"text":38342},"77e43602c0b7",[],"Eight in ten (81%) are also concerned that it means they will be less comfortable in retirement due to a shortfall in savings, with the same amount (81%) saying they are concerned they will have to work longer to make up for the shortfall.",[],{"_key":38345,"_type":127,"children":38346,"markDefs":38351,"style":135},"ae6d8b098d0d",[38347],{"_key":38348,"_type":131,"marks":38349,"text":38350},"3ca961a88092",[],"Four in ten (41%) say they don’t feel supported in their workplace when it comes to getting help to understand their finances. Worryingly, 54% would seek guidance about their pension from someone unqualified like family and friends, or no one at all, and only 14% would speak to their employer.",[],{"_key":38353,"_type":127,"children":38354,"markDefs":38358,"style":135},"970736e1b744",[38355],{"_key":38356,"_type":131,"marks":38357,"text":1502},"9a46d8a59c47",[174],[],{"_key":38360,"_type":127,"children":38361,"markDefs":38366,"style":135},"70c34550e317",[38362],{"_key":38363,"_type":131,"marks":38364,"text":38365},"df73e8b14ceb",[],"“Many are concerned if they will ever be able to afford to retire or believe that they will have to delay their retirement, but the research has found that the most concerned are people aged 35 to 44.”",[],{"_key":38368,"_type":127,"children":38369,"markDefs":38374,"style":135},"bf0f0ff4aa26",[38370],{"_key":38371,"_type":131,"marks":38372,"text":38373},"6884216a2544",[],"He explains; “Most of this group will not have benefited from a full working life of automatic enrolment and are less likely to reach retirement with generous defined benefit (or final salary) pensions than some older generations. In fact, pre auto-enrolment, many in this age group may not have saved into pensions at all, therefore missing a number of years of contributions and growth on those contributions.”",[],{"_key":38376,"_type":127,"children":38377,"markDefs":38399,"style":135},"3ca9886e96a0",[38378,38382,38387,38391,38395],{"_key":38379,"_type":131,"marks":38380,"text":38381},"0ac9bb895cc4",[],"Watts-Lay adds; “It may not seem important now but preparing your finances for later life is one of the most important things someone can do. Many don’t realise the significant difference a small increase to their pension savings can make. This is especially true when an employer matches any additional contributions. For example, someone in their 20s, saving ",{"_key":38383,"_type":131,"marks":38384,"text":38386},"29b25bee5dd5",[38385],"73a51a57ccec","just 1% more",{"_key":38388,"_type":131,"marks":38389,"text":38390},"078e9cff10c3",[]," each year into a workplace pension can boost future savings by 25%",{"_key":38392,"_type":131,"marks":38393,"text":7473},"145bedd7f7c4",[38394],"618bf9d1bed6",{"_key":38396,"_type":131,"marks":38397,"text":38398},"29a2f837d5ff",[],". This may not feel affordable but making small changes such as setting a household budget, shopping around and not auto-renewing on things like car insurance, as well as utilising workplace benefits i.e. discount schemes, really can make a huge difference.”",[38400,38401],{"_key":38385,"_type":1264,"href":37300},{"_key":38394,"_type":1264,"href":38402},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2024\u002F06\u002F20\u002Fincreasing-number-of-workers-fear-they-will-never-be-able-to-afford-to-retire\u002F#_ftn1",{"_key":38404,"_type":127,"children":38405,"markDefs":38410,"style":135},"5cd1162c35e4",[38406],{"_key":38407,"_type":131,"marks":38408,"text":38409},"ba832a4cb50f",[],"He comments; “Those who are approaching retirement should make sure they work out a financial plan, starting by carefully looking at what pensions, savings and investments they have. There are 2.8 million lost pension pots sitting unclaimed because they’ve been lost or forgotten about, so it’s important to track them all down before working out what income you’ll have. If people have several pensions and struggle to keep track of them all, it might make sense to consolidate them.”",[],{"_key":38412,"_type":127,"children":38413,"markDefs":38418,"style":135},"2df801b89edd",[38414],{"_key":38415,"_type":131,"marks":38416,"text":38417},"695c8f209d3c",[],"Watts-Lay adds; “Once someone has a true picture of their finances, they’ll then need to calculate how much they will need in retirement. This can be difficult to estimate but the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) provide some guidance around this. A single person will need about £14,400 a year to achieve the minimum standard of living (this would cover all a retiree’s needs plus a holiday in the UK, eating out about once a month and leisure activities about twice a week); £31,300 a year for a moderate standard of living (one foreign holiday a year and eating out a few times a month, as well as being able to do more of the things you want to do ); and £43,100 a year for a comfortable standard of living (which allows you to be more spontaneous with money, have regular beauty treatments, a foreign holiday and several UK minibreaks a year). For couples, it’s £22,400, £34,100 and £59,000, respectively.",[],{"_key":38420,"_type":127,"children":38421,"markDefs":38426,"style":135},"aba2b3cc3f50",[38422],{"_key":38423,"_type":131,"marks":38424,"text":38425},"423aee448a0e",[],"He continues, “If someone is worried that they haven’t saved enough, it may be worth delaying retirement or continuing working part-time. This would enable them to make more pension contributions, and they would be able to take advantage of tax relief and employer contributions for longer to build up their savings.”",[],{"_key":38428,"_type":127,"children":38429,"markDefs":38434,"style":135},"1f44b7a486b6",[38430],{"_key":38431,"_type":131,"marks":38432,"text":38433},"c720f5b47465",[],"Watts-Lay comments; “As the research shows, it is very common for people to turn to their friends and family for guidance on their pensions, but they may not be the most qualified or indeed knowledgeable source. Many leading employers recognise the need to help their employees improve the way they manage their money and better prepare for later life and therefore provide financial wellbeing support in the workplace. This could include financial education and guidance programmes, as well as access to savings vehicles such as Workplace ISAs or Share Plans and also pension consolidation services to help people manage their pension savings effectively.”",[],{"_key":38436,"_type":127,"children":38437,"markDefs":38442,"style":135},"e8f27eee70bd",[38438],{"_key":38439,"_type":131,"marks":38440,"text":38441},"73c439cdb0f4",[],"He explains; “Financial education seminars and webinars are useful in terms of helping employees gain a general understanding of their options, whilst one-to-one financial guidance via personal financial coaches allows people to clarify their own financial situation and gain a deeper level of knowledge around their options.",[],{"_key":38444,"_type":127,"children":38445,"markDefs":38450,"style":135},"2f4422e123a6",[38446],{"_key":38447,"_type":131,"marks":38448,"text":38449},"4ad10bcde105",[],"Financial guidance is particularly beneficial for individuals at retirement when faced with complex decisions around how to best access their pensions and retirement savings. It can act as a gateway to regulated advice for those who would benefit from it, as it can help them recognise all the complex things they need to understand about their finances. In doing so, they may then realise that they need specialist advice.",[],{"_key":38452,"_type":127,"children":38453,"markDefs":38458,"style":135},"aabefe9cc1b0",[38454],{"_key":38455,"_type":131,"marks":38456,"text":38457},"c52a9f38e83e",[],"Giving people the opportunity to understand ways to save money, learn about budgeting and how to boost savings and prepare for retirement can make a huge difference to their finances.”",[],{"_key":38460,"_type":127,"children":38461,"markDefs":38466,"style":135},"5c6caee4bcd5",[38462],{"_key":38463,"_type":131,"marks":38464,"text":38465},"cb0c6210ce81",[],"Watts-Lay comments; “An increasing number of employers are now turning to specialist financial wellbeing and retirement service providers to bring all this support together. Taking an active approach and supporting employees with the help of reputable firms will make the whole process far more robust. However, before proceeding with a provider, carrying out due diligence is crucial. It is essential to check that providers of financial education and guidance are workplace specialists with experience in providing support to employees. Due diligence on advice firms should cover areas such as qualifications of advisers, the regulatory record of the firm, compliance process, pricing structure, and experience of working with employers. Ultimately, empowering employees by providing them with access to appropriate support at the right time can improve financial capability which should result in better outcomes for all.”",[],{"_key":38468,"_type":127,"children":38469,"markDefs":38473,"style":1544},"bb0c85660c81",[38470],{"_key":38471,"_type":131,"marks":38472,"text":22884},"ec2372be4c6e",[174],[],{"_key":38475,"_type":127,"children":38476,"markDefs":38481,"style":1544},"afe630ac7bbb",[38477],{"_key":38478,"_type":131,"marks":38479,"text":38480},"40edb313303e",[],"This year’s research for WEALTH at work was conducted by Opinion Matters between 22\u002F05\u002F24 and 23\u002F05\u002F24. 2,019 UK adults aged 22+ in full-time employment were surveyed.",[],{"_key":38483,"_type":127,"children":38484,"markDefs":38489,"style":1544},"b7c4668de256",[38485],{"_key":38486,"_type":131,"marks":38487,"text":38488},"7640e46c38be",[],"Last year’s research for WEALTH at work was carried out by Opinion Matters between 13\u002F4\u002F23 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the next year 1.5 million homeowners are expected to face sharp increases in their monthly mortgage payments when their fixed rate deal comes to an end, with prices rising by approximately £1,800 a year on average.","2024-06-11T10:07:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":38545},"1.5-million-mortgage-fixes-expected-to-end-this-year","1.5 million mortgage fixes expected to end this year",[38548,38555,38562,38573,38584,38595,38606,38617,38628,38639,38650,38661,38669,38677,38691,38704,38717,38730,38743,38757],{"_key":38549,"_type":127,"children":38550,"markDefs":38554,"style":135},"4f547aa1b4d6",[38551],{"_key":38552,"_type":131,"marks":38553,"text":38542},"f811e1bf1f39",[],[],{"_key":38556,"_type":127,"children":38557,"markDefs":38561,"style":135},"414d439bf8a3",[38558],{"_key":38559,"_type":131,"marks":38560,"text":37901},"74794ae3b40b",[],[],{"_key":38563,"_type":127,"children":38564,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":38572,"style":135},"1f911de182ad",[38565,38568],{"_key":38566,"_type":131,"marks":38567,"text":26618},"c52cc73028d0",[174],{"_key":38569,"_type":131,"marks":38570,"text":38571},"dc32125c267b",[]," – The first step to cutting costs is to create a budget. People should work out what exactly their income is each month and then check their bank statements to clarify what outgoings they have. Outgoings can then be divided into fixed costs which have to be paid such as a mortgage, council tax, energy and water, and then those which may be able to cut back on such as supermarket shopping, monthly contracts for TV, subscriptions and other spending. Some banks have apps which enable this to be done automatically, this will highlight where money is going and where savings could be made.",[],{"_key":38574,"_type":127,"children":38575,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":38583,"style":135},"4f55ec99a3af",[38576,38580],{"_key":38577,"_type":131,"marks":38578,"text":38579},"0784e3dc70e5",[174],"Track finances",{"_key":38581,"_type":131,"marks":38582,"text":35085},"343004c0a8f2",[],[],{"_key":38585,"_type":127,"children":38586,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":38594,"style":135},"789fb36abfd4",[38587,38590],{"_key":38588,"_type":131,"marks":38589,"text":7487},"a0a40c920ec3",[174],{"_key":38591,"_type":131,"marks":38592,"text":38593},"82db15dbae51",[]," – Plan shopping in advance as it will allow time to search for the best deals and reduce expenditure on non-essential items. Also, by switching brands it might be possible to significantly reduce the price of the regular shop. Someone who usually spends £60 a week, could save £20 by changing supermarkets, a saving of £1040 a year, and more for a couple or family. When it comes to big purchases, such as if a washing machine breaks, discount vouchers are often available through voucher and discount websites and many workplaces offer employee discount schemes (see below). When shopping for a particular product, Idealo finds the best price online for a particular product and CamelCamelCamel allows you to track the price of Amazon products. Consider installing browser extensions like Honey that search for discount codes during online check-out.",[],{"_key":38596,"_type":127,"children":38597,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":38605,"style":135},"baa8dfd38369",[38598,38601],{"_key":38599,"_type":131,"marks":38600,"text":34598},"1e288fa3f0c5",[174],{"_key":38602,"_type":131,"marks":38603,"text":38604},"86127731a0a8",[]," – It is possible to make significant savings on a range of household bills from car and home insurance to phone, broadband, TV and mobile contracts. Price comparison websites can help to make it easy to compare the different deals available. Changing to a SIM only deal on your mobile once your out of contract could save £321 a year. Plus, changing broadband providers could save £179 a year .",[],{"_key":38607,"_type":127,"children":38608,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":38616,"style":135},"0f3402c6ad60",[38609,38612],{"_key":38610,"_type":131,"marks":38611,"text":34610},"6cca57da4a2f",[174],{"_key":38613,"_type":131,"marks":38614,"text":38615},"41305e6c80d1",[]," – Many insurance policies automatically renew each year so many people may be paying more than they need to if they don’t shop around. It’s a good idea to find out when any contracts are due to end and put it in the diary a month earlier so that there is plenty of time to shop around. For example, using a price comparison site could save up to £550 on car insurance, so £1,100 for a two-car household.",[],{"_key":38618,"_type":127,"children":38619,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":38627,"style":135},"57670faa162e",[38620,38623],{"_key":38621,"_type":131,"marks":38622,"text":34622},"b3fc3f876eb4",[174],{"_key":38624,"_type":131,"marks":38625,"text":38626},"85ac60799c5a",[]," – It’s important to understand the difference between good debt and bad debt. For example, a mortgage is a form of good debt which should be reviewed occasionally to ensure you have a good deal. However, at the opposite end of the spectrum, debt with high interest payments such as payday loans and credit cards can get out of control if they are not repaid quickly. For example, a debt of £3,000 with a rate of 18% APR could take 10 years and 10 months to pay off if paying £50 a month, with a total interest paid of £3,495. If that monthly payment was increased to £100 a month, the debt would be paid off in three years and four months and interest paid would be only £908 . For those struggling with debt, a good option could be to consolidate any debts into a 0% or low interest balance transfer card, as more money will go towards paying the debt off and enable it to be cleared over a shorter time. Those who are struggling to make a payment should speak to their provider before they miss a payment, as help may be available.",[],{"_key":38629,"_type":127,"children":38630,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":38638,"style":135},"876831101006",[38631,38634],{"_key":38632,"_type":131,"marks":38633,"text":9900},"49395c3cf57f",[174],{"_key":38635,"_type":131,"marks":38636,"text":38637},"c14ce94e087c",[]," – Make sure you do all you can to be energy efficient. Small changes such as turning off lights when they aren’t needed, washing clothes at 30 degrees instead of higher temperatures, making sure the dishwasher is only used when full, and cutting down on the number of times the kettle is boiled can add up to really make a difference to energy bills. Just switching all appliances off standby mode can save £45 a year .",[],{"_key":38640,"_type":127,"children":38641,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":38649,"style":135},"fa18e3bf7935",[38642,38645],{"_key":38643,"_type":131,"marks":38644,"text":34685},"ed8c38a314ed",[174],{"_key":38646,"_type":131,"marks":38647,"text":38648},"35439331486e",[]," – Many employers offer discount schemes with major retailers on groceries, dining and electrical goods etc where lots of savings can be made. Not only this, financial education and guidance is provided in many workplaces to help people with a full range of money matters.",[],{"_key":38651,"_type":127,"children":38652,"markDefs":38660,"style":135},"10f4866da5fe",[38653,38656],{"_key":38654,"_type":131,"marks":38655,"text":38050},"dd2dea857db2",[174],{"_key":38657,"_type":131,"marks":38658,"text":38659},"c871d6f774cb",[]," “Many people may be worried about when their fixed term mortgage rate ends, and their monthly repayments increase. This can be a stressful time, especially for those who may already be worried about their finances. However, there are steps people can take to effectively manage their finances. Creating a detailed budget, cutting back on unnecessary spending, and shopping around are small changes that can make a big difference.”",[],{"_key":38662,"_type":127,"children":38663,"markDefs":38668,"style":135},"478d344f4a5b",[38664],{"_key":38665,"_type":131,"marks":38666,"text":38667},"01c7e07b5313",[],"He adds; “Overpaying on a mortgage before it’s renewed at a higher rate could be a good idea. This is especially true for those who are going to struggle to pay a new higher monthly rate, as they may be able to secure a better deal by paying more off in advance. People should also be aware that when overpaying on a mortgage, this money could always be accessed again when they come to negotiate their mortgage deal.”",[],{"_key":38670,"_type":127,"children":38671,"markDefs":38676,"style":135},"0e8d6df7220c",[38672],{"_key":38673,"_type":131,"marks":38674,"text":38675},"aa909b54ba5c",[],"Watts-Lay comments; “Those who may be struggling to pay their mortgage should contact their lender as soon as possible as they may be able to offer ways to help. Citizens Advice can also offer impartial guidance https:\u002F\u002Fwww.citizensadvice.org.uk\u002F. Many employers also offer financial education and guidance services in the workplace to help their staff with financial difficulties they may be facing, as well as ways to better manage their finances now and for the future.”",[],{"_key":38678,"_type":127,"children":38679,"markDefs":38689,"style":1544},"66b8ce3fb229",[38680,38684],{"_key":38681,"_type":131,"marks":38682,"text":38683},"05a389cb8813",[],"[1] ",{"_key":38685,"_type":131,"marks":38686,"text":38688},"1836f58d71da",[38687],"bb62bc27adf4","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.resolutionfoundation.org\u002Fcomment\u002Fhousing-is-at-the-heart-of-the-financial-squeeze-families-are-facing\u002F",[38690],{"_key":38687,"_type":1264,"href":38688},{"_key":38692,"_type":127,"children":38693,"markDefs":38702,"style":1544},"67cdffd835b2",[38694,38698],{"_key":38695,"_type":131,"marks":38696,"text":38697},"e9abef95fa7c",[],"[2] 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Many of these are due to mature in the coming months and years, with some people likely to have doubled, or even tripled the amount of money they saved due to favourable market conditions since the pandemic.",[],{"_key":39294,"_type":127,"children":39295,"markDefs":39300,"style":135},"fc4f480b2716",[39296],{"_key":39297,"_type":131,"marks":39298,"text":39299},"5a57525babc9",[],"However, without expert guidance, many participants may not understand their options once their share plan matures and could be at risk of paying unnecessary tax.",[],{"_key":39302,"_type":127,"children":39303,"markDefs":39307,"style":135},"3b6e368a9a99",[39304],{"_key":39305,"_type":131,"marks":39306,"text":1502},"82b9546b5043",[174],[],{"_key":39309,"_type":127,"children":39310,"markDefs":39315,"style":135},"310772f38d5c",[39311],{"_key":39312,"_type":131,"marks":39313,"text":39314},"08362251ece1",[],"“Save As You Earn plans can be an attractive way for employees to invest in their future. These plans run for 3 or 5 year terms, and participants can decide how much to save each month (up to £500 a month). At the end of the plan’s term, if the share price has fallen, individuals can receive all their savings back. If the share price is higher than the fixed price agreed at the start of the plan, individuals can use their savings to buy shares and realise any returns.”",[],{"_key":39317,"_type":127,"children":39318,"markDefs":39323,"style":135},"1a037028e415",[39319],{"_key":39320,"_type":131,"marks":39321,"text":39322},"bc5888288cf7",[],"He adds; “We are now at the start of a two-year window where a lot of SAYE plans are coming up to maturity and many will have big gains. This is because in 2020 when markets fell, share plans that launched generally had a low share price at inception. On top of this low starting share price, many companies also offered a discount, giving employees a particularly low fixed price at the start of the plan. As a result, a lot of people will be able to potentially double or even triple the money they saved.",[],{"_key":39325,"_type":127,"children":39326,"markDefs":39331,"style":135},"d61c39604daf",[39327],{"_key":39328,"_type":131,"marks":39329,"text":39330},"b0bad108d1a5",[],"However, whilst a financial windfall may seem like a dream to most, participants need to be well informed to make the right decisions as to whether they should sell shares or continue to hold on to them. Participants should also understand the value that dividends may provide in the future and the importance of diversifying their investment and not putting all their eggs in one basket.”",[],{"_key":39333,"_type":127,"children":39334,"markDefs":39339,"style":135},"1f848e38f017",[39335],{"_key":39336,"_type":131,"marks":39337,"text":39338},"26c6a4bdefcd",[],"Watts-Lay comments; “For those who are thinking about selling their shares, it’s important to understand what they can do to reduce, or even eliminate a potential Capital Gains Tax (CGT) charge.”",[],{"_key":39341,"_type":127,"children":39342,"markDefs":39347,"style":135},"590dfe899cf9",[39343],{"_key":39344,"_type":131,"marks":39345,"text":39346},"4117a91c48ce",[],"He explains; “CGT only has to be paid on overall gains that exceed the CGT allowance, which has now reduced from £6,000 to £3,000 for the current tax year.. Where gains from a SAYE plan exceed the available allowance, CGT is charged at 10% if the gain falls within the basic rate tax band, or 20% for anyone who pays tax at a higher rate. 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However, whilst there are many ISA providers on the market, only a small number have been designed to accept transfers from shares coming from an employee share plan which is known as an ‘in-specie transfer’. Therefore, it is important for participants to find a provider who offers this. Sometimes people look to sell shares and repurchase them within an ISA so they grow tax free in the future, however unlike an in specie transfer this will create a Capital Gains Tax Charge (assuming gain for year is over £3,000) as the shares have been sold.",[],{"_key":39378,"_type":127,"children":39379,"markDefs":39384,"style":135},"ccfeb02b103f",[39380],{"_key":39381,"_type":131,"marks":39382,"text":39383},"29b27ff3f885",[],"Shares must be transferred within 90 days of the date that an individual exercises their options to buy shares from a SAYE plan for this route to be available. The transfer is then not a chargeable event for CGT purposes. They can then sell their shares immediately free of CGT, or keep them in the ISA, which is useful for those considering holding shares, sheltering future returns from tax, or diversifying their shareholding into other stocks and shares.",[],{"_key":39386,"_type":127,"children":39387,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":39391,"style":135},"7235ea9cadc7",[39388],{"_key":39389,"_type":131,"marks":39390,"text":22813},"2cce27efc7b6",[174],[],{"_key":39393,"_type":127,"children":39394,"markDefs":39399,"style":135},"c1d312635450",[39395],{"_key":39396,"_type":131,"marks":39397,"text":39398},"f71489d37b4c",[],"The CGT allowance is available to individuals each tax year which runs until 6 April. Whilst the limit was £6,000, it has now reduced to £3,000 from 6 April 2024. If a participant realises a gain of £3,000 this tax year, they could hold on to the remaining shares and sell a further amount to make use of the £3,000 CGT allowance in the next tax year. However, they must be aware that if the value of the shares fell during this time, this could reduce their overall return.",[],{"_key":39401,"_type":127,"children":39402,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":39406,"style":135},"d4bc4fbc3717",[39403],{"_key":39404,"_type":131,"marks":39405,"text":22829},"16fa985aaa3b",[174],[],{"_key":39408,"_type":127,"children":39409,"markDefs":39413,"style":135},"32a08301a397",[39410],{"_key":39411,"_type":131,"marks":39412,"text":22837},"d7de94efd97a",[],[],{"_key":39415,"_type":127,"children":39416,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":39420,"style":135},"5e92ed9a8896",[39417],{"_key":39418,"_type":131,"marks":39419,"text":22845},"1b7f35c46cb1",[174],[],{"_key":39422,"_type":127,"children":39423,"markDefs":39428,"style":135},"b67f2d5b1f39",[39424],{"_key":39425,"_type":131,"marks":39426,"text":39427},"3c52c85bbb54",[],"Those with larger gains may benefit from combining the strategies above. For example, an individual who saved £12,000 into a share plan with an option price of £1 would be able to buy 12,000 shares at maturity. If we assume the share price at maturity has risen to £2.69, their shares could be worth £32,280 at maturity, meaning they have a gain of £20,280. Selling all these shares at once and using only their own £3,000 CGT allowance could lead to a tax charge of £3,456, or half this amount if the gains fall into the basic rate tax band. Combining the above tax planning strategies could potentially reduce their tax charge to zero.*",[],{"_key":39430,"_type":127,"children":39431,"markDefs":39439,"style":135},"48ca40795ade",[39432,39435],{"_key":39433,"_type":131,"marks":39434,"text":1502},"46baaecf70fb",[174],{"_key":39436,"_type":131,"marks":39437,"text":39438},"5259bf26edb4",[]," “SAYE plans are used by many companies to motivate and reward their hard-working employees, as well as help them to build their financial resilience. It is a low-risk way to save for the future, with the possibility of a very good return on investment. However, it is important that after many years of saving, share plan participants don’t end up paying unnecessary tax.”",[],{"_key":39441,"_type":127,"children":39442,"markDefs":39447,"style":135},"7366761105fa",[39443],{"_key":39444,"_type":131,"marks":39445,"text":39446},"72b50288ba90",[],"He continues, “We have worked with many organisations with share plans to provide their employees with financial education and guidance, as well as access to a workplace ISA to protect any gains from Capital Gains Tax, and investment advice for those with complex circumstances. This ensures participants understand the benefits of taking part and what steps they need to take when their plan matures.”",[],{"_key":39449,"_type":127,"children":39450,"markDefs":39455,"style":135},"bb82a8fb2a55",[39451],{"_key":39452,"_type":131,"marks":39453,"text":39454},"bad457b3f165",[174],"Notes to editors",[],{"_key":39457,"_type":127,"children":39458,"markDefs":39463,"style":39464},"4e6be20fc658",[39459],{"_key":39460,"_type":131,"marks":39461,"text":39462},"8e0e49859aff",[],"*The tax charge could potentially be reduced to zero by taking the four following tax planning measures outlined below. Please note that the employee has 12,000 shares valued at £32,280 which includes a gain of £20,280.",[],"h5",{"_key":39466,"_type":127,"children":39467,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":39472,"style":135},"72f35bc5688e",[39468],{"_key":39469,"_type":131,"marks":39470,"text":39471},"7fa6d244adff",[],"Transfer 7,434 shares to an ISA within 90 days of exercising the share option and sell the shares within the ISA (7,434 shares X £2.69 = £20,000) The ISA allowance has been used and 4,566 shares remain.",[],{"_key":39474,"_type":127,"children":39475,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":39480,"style":135},"fbe1f38fa26f",[39476],{"_key":39477,"_type":131,"marks":39478,"text":39479},"ef37c0939bab",[],"Sell 1,775 shares making use of the employee’s CGT allowance (1,775 shares X £1.69 capital gain = £3,000 gain realised). 2,791 shares remain.",[],{"_key":39482,"_type":127,"children":39483,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":39488,"style":135},"eff7044cecb5",[39484],{"_key":39485,"_type":131,"marks":39486,"text":39487},"79fd049f4d32",[],"Transfer 1,775 shares to the employee’s spouse\u002Fcivil partner and make use of their CGT allowance. 1,016 shares will then remain.",[],{"_key":39490,"_type":127,"children":39491,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":39496,"style":135},"f2a801e586e3",[39492],{"_key":39493,"_type":131,"marks":39494,"text":39495},"8c66137318ff",[],"Hold the remaining 1,016 shares until the 2025\u002F26 tax year when they can be sold, making use of the new £3,000 CGT allowance.",[],{"_key":39498,"_type":127,"children":39499,"markDefs":39504,"style":39464},"ed19ed6ccbf1",[39500],{"_key":39501,"_type":131,"marks":39502,"text":39503},"3b248adc7466",[],"*Gains are taxed at your marginal rate, meaning some basic rate tax payers may pay gains at 10% and 20%. Shown as a guide only and figures are rounded for illustrative purpose. The share price is likely to vary at the point you sell your shares. Your tax charge will be different if you have other chargeable gains in the same tax year.",[],[39506],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":39507,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},"How ‘Save as you earn’ share plan savers can avoid an unnecessary tax bill",{"_id":39510,"blogPostMeta":39511,"content":39552,"tag":39615,"title":39551},"69a7defe-2271-40ac-923e-83faddc1d485",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":39512,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":39547,"publishedAt":39548,"slug":39549,"title":39551},{"_type":58,"asset":39513},{"_createdAt":39514,"_id":39515,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":39516,"extension":196,"metadata":39517,"mimeType":225,"opt":39537,"originalFilename":39542,"path":39543,"sha1hash":39516,"size":39544,"uploadId":39545,"url":39546},"2025-12-23T10:18:44Z","image-a6d858d7637b40e314203a59c196d1f58fd126fc-1000x667-jpg","a6d858d7637b40e314203a59c196d1f58fd126fc",{"_type":69,"blurHash":39518,"dimensions":39519,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":39520,"palette":39521},"VXN0-s9F_NnhRP%hRjofWBIU-:t7RiM{WB9ZWCt7oLoz",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGQAAAQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIEBQYH\u002F8QAIxAAAgICAgEEAwAAAAAAAAAAAQIDBAAFBhEhBxITMTJRcf\u002FEABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP\u002FxAAYEQADAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAhEBIf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8At+z5JrOLcA1tmyss0kyPCscT+ezjr0qlqx8TrLAQqicswLdkE+fOG\u002F4Dqt\u002FpqFa20yxVe2T4z0ST+8VR4RraiQNUeeEqAG9rfn\u002FcJmvR1WZNNiqWY2roUYMOvsHDIjXVo4acUcYIVR194YlwGH\u002F\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":39522,"darkVibrant":39525,"dominant":39527,"lightMuted":39530,"lightVibrant":39531,"muted":39533,"vibrant":39535},{"_type":81,"background":39523,"foreground":83,"population":39524,"title":83},"#825745",2.65,{"_type":81,"background":39526,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#702e13",{"_type":81,"background":39528,"foreground":91,"population":39529,"title":83},"#cdb8af",6.66,{"_type":81,"background":39528,"foreground":91,"population":39529,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":39532,"foreground":91,"population":315,"title":91},"#fcf2ee",{"_type":81,"background":39534,"foreground":83,"population":8975,"title":83},"#9a725b",{"_type":81,"background":39536,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#d85926",{"media":39538},{"tags":39539},[39540],{"_key":39541,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"qCtws1c_uZWCGGZ52Xd4C","shutterstock_1865993191.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fa6d858d7637b40e314203a59c196d1f58fd126fc-1000x667.jpg",477697,"1YtGMlorqk88Aj4Ap8yXRz5xA15OHLnD","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fa6d858d7637b40e314203a59c196d1f58fd126fc-1000x667.jpg","The FCA announced that more over 55s are accessing their pensions, and over half are cashing out their pension pots completely. ","2024-04-22T11:18:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":39550},"more-over-55s-are-accessing-their-pensions-or-cashing-out-completely","More over 55s are accessing their pensions or cashing out completely",[39553,39561,39568,39576,39584,39592,39600],{"_key":39554,"_type":127,"children":39555,"markDefs":39560,"style":135},"2e87aae8e078",[39556],{"_key":39557,"_type":131,"marks":39558,"text":39559},"69092feabb48",[],"The FCA announced that more over 55s are accessing their pensions, and over half are cashing out their pension pots completely. In 2022\u002F23, the number of pension plans accessed for the first time was up almost 5% compared to the previous year, to almost 740,000 (739,535), and 56% were cashed out in full, most of them worth £10,000 or less.",[],{"_key":39562,"_type":127,"children":39563,"markDefs":39567,"style":135},"64374fefa39d",[39564],{"_key":39565,"_type":131,"marks":39566,"text":34480},"be61d851e587",[174],[],{"_key":39569,"_type":127,"children":39570,"markDefs":39575,"style":135},"756ed1bc8d81",[39571],{"_key":39572,"_type":131,"marks":39573,"text":39574},"74a43bdbc5c4",[],"“It’s concerning that so many pensions are being cashed out in full. Many people have spent most of their working life saving into their pension, and it might need to last more than 30 years. Deciding what to do with your pension is possibly one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.",[],{"_key":39577,"_type":127,"children":39578,"markDefs":39583,"style":135},"57f9e6fb65c0",[39579],{"_key":39580,"_type":131,"marks":39581,"text":39582},"2c6aa3ccf102",[],"If people are using their pension savings earlier than planned due to current financial pressures, it really must be their last resort. Any money taken from your pension savings could have a dramatic impact on your quality of living in later life. It would be devastating for all those years of saving to be undone due to a knee-jerk reaction to the current financial pressures.",[],{"_key":39585,"_type":127,"children":39586,"markDefs":39591,"style":135},"4f9f4f7f9ca4",[39587],{"_key":39588,"_type":131,"marks":39589,"text":39590},"2c777b2cc50e",[],"It is important to make informed decisions based on what is right for you. Many people don’t understand that they pay tax on their pension income, and by withdrawing all at the same time can find themselves as first time higher-rate tax payers. There is a lot at stake and unfortunately expensive mistakes can be made.",[],{"_key":39593,"_type":127,"children":39594,"markDefs":39599,"style":135},"99c72a537a9c",[39595],{"_key":39596,"_type":131,"marks":39597,"text":39598},"b595bbcfe628",[],"Many workplaces are now offering financial education and guidance to help employees understand how they can make the most of their finances now and for the future. It is important that people speak to their employer to find out what help is available.”",[],{"_key":39601,"_type":127,"children":39602,"markDefs":39612,"style":135},"d51bc9e19043",[39603,39607],{"_key":39604,"_type":131,"marks":39605,"text":39606},"23ad4625cd60",[],"Source: ",{"_key":39608,"_type":131,"marks":39609,"text":39611},"4da0fdf3a4e0",[39610],"e5251a29ee43","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.fca.org.uk\u002Fdata\u002Fretirement-income-market-data-2022-23",[39613],{"_key":39610,"_type":1264,"href":39614},"https:\u002F\u002Feur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\u002F?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fca.org.uk%2Fdata%2Fretirement-income-market-data-2022-23&data=05%7C02%7CAmy.Lumberg%40wealthatwork.co.uk%7Cc5ed77cf31c84bf1dbea08dc62d9109c%7C159675363a504404a72339b6d20bdf4e%7C1%7C0%7C638493931628228318%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=p7u6LQugE7mkWxMNl5tNBVrYz3vdjOMX42L%2FbgSO150%3D&reserved=0",[39616],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":39617,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":39619,"blogPostMeta":39620,"content":39633,"tag":39736,"title":39739},"e7623f5c-fee5-4c1c-a803-337d7e0e48d8",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":39621,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":39628,"publishedAt":39629,"slug":39630,"title":39632},{"_type":58,"_upload":39622,"asset":65},{"createdAt":39623,"file":39624,"previewImage":39625,"progress":39626,"updatedAt":39627},"2025-12-23T10:52:26.805Z",{"name":8064,"type":225},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD\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\u002F2wBDAFA3PEY8MlBGQUZaVVBfeMiCeG5uePWvuZHI\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F2wBDAVVaWnhpeOuCguv\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002F\u002FwAARCAB3ALMDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIDAQT\u002FxAAvEAACAgEDAQgBBAEFAAAAAAAAAQIRAxIhMVEEEyIyQWFxgZEzQlKhI1NiscHw\u002F8QAFgEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEC\u002F8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAER\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwDmUdrsph8yEj+m\u002FkfD5kQdgGWFlGM5GnbaOtks+JRUXDa1uRS4HFSXeepbtEVCFrhnI27GpyXJBmnUriNjzThBxXAqjT3sXi0UbJXQvsNke0TIpu2EX7LyjqfBy9l8x0sBYtUbKS0tG\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\u002FZltYRTi6XBvZ\u002FLQq1xXi9HsCNuTdf9EssFHVKvgqm\u002FolollytU\u002FYi1ZeRs5827OmaaxtUc+RXRpkuD9RfJ0zWxz4lWWPydMmtNe5AsF430oEv8kR00L++IEpx8b+QNyPxsCiCdxS6MpBpJtutyS4+x6uD+QOnXD+S\u002FIa4\u002FyRzd1L\u002FT\u002FsNEo7uFAdZzOSU3fUt3sekvwc0mnJtXyRXRGcOHwZknDTtsyepdF+BlDXVOvgGtxzxpbtWPqjKcXCrRFYurr6NUZRk9O\u002FyA+d+NPodOpOlycWRy21Jbs6MKem5Ld7IIrHTCLpVXJDM22upRvb7JySu65IpIytbj4m9bbFSoeC2C1bmNPj1slOMfMla\u002F4G4ht\u002FbNkri0umxURntHauQWSLjWpXZNtt+4rqMk3HjqVHRlk4U6uzMbc0n0Zss2KaSe4Qy4YtpbIBMi\u002FwAjAJTxyk2mvyAHMuPspDdND9zHqzYw08MiqRdwQS8r2Ymmf7Z17CvHlfM7AvG2k65ObS12hpopGORJJNfYjWXvG6d9UgKaV\u002FEIR08DRbUVdE0\u002FHKtlZFVs231FvYyyoazdT6iWFgPLcx7oy9gIHhjUo2+TNl617MyOSlQrWoqmbTpr7KJ\u002F2RT0y9wlLJ6U0yFSzRlGbdurKvHCMFLd7rk2VOGjJJXyJPW4UpuUfg0y6JQg4PwrjocnZIqUpaoqXyNPNkUarb3J9nlKEnpi5P2YFcigptd2gM76+Yu\u002FcAK37G\u002FQtBTvkimpdDaQqvqbv7AbRot\u002F7TdXswFqT3obxdEGpdQt9SKnl8KuqI6y8oauW2I8CKieo3Wa8HuHcS9GA0HqddSndz6Eo4Zp3aL6Ojr4QE4QcF4o7mv7HUEne\u002F5Bx39QISUnO4pmtSr1TW5bSuv4Gr\u002FzA55Y+8lHx70rdGOLhiUtcuaOml7GOCappUBzVcG5NvoZhi4TtcnQ8UP4\u002FhhLEpVu18FRzxgnFMC3cJcSYAc2tr1Y6zSXuAEUyzP1QyzR9UwABo5IvgewAigzboAAbSCvdgBUFPr\u002FAEFO\u002FSgABg3AACw1IAALAAAAAAAAAAAAA\u002F\u002FZ",100,"2025-12-23T10:52:27.092Z","According to new research* from WEALTH at work of over 2,000 working adults with a defined contribution workplace pension, nearly half (49%) said they were unaware of what their pension is invested in.","2024-04-22T09:51:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":39631},"empowering-employees-to-engage-with-their-pension-–-new-research-revealed","Empowering employees to engage with their pension new research revealed",[39634,39641,39649,39657,39665,39676,39684,39692,39700,39708,39716],{"_key":39635,"_type":127,"children":39636,"markDefs":39640,"style":135},"5a1038d3bd89",[39637],{"_key":39638,"_type":131,"marks":39639,"text":39628},"bc0e83357f2a",[],[],{"_key":39642,"_type":127,"children":39643,"markDefs":39648,"style":135},"5ba3b3c73776",[39644],{"_key":39645,"_type":131,"marks":39646,"text":39647},"9e8d7d4f30ac",[],"There seems to be a general lack of pension understanding with 29% unaware that their pension is even invested, and 38% saying they were unaware that their pension had a choice of investment funds to choose from, which increases to 44% for those age 55+.",[],{"_key":39650,"_type":127,"children":39651,"markDefs":39656,"style":135},"4be7ae4d2086",[39652],{"_key":39653,"_type":131,"marks":39654,"text":39655},"34a4e521cbb1",[],"Coupled with this, 30% said that they were unaware that if they didn’t choose what their pension is invested in, it would automatically be done for them by their pension provider (into the default investment fund).",[],{"_key":39658,"_type":127,"children":39659,"markDefs":39664,"style":135},"59a1431e2f57",[39660],{"_key":39661,"_type":131,"marks":39662,"text":39663},"c0d3a7249106",[],"Currently only one in five (21%) say that they have chosen pension investments based on their values and beliefs (such as environmental, social or religious beliefs). Although two in five (40%) said they would increase their contributions if they knew their pension was investing in funds that aligned with their values and beliefs. This increases to almost half (48%) for younger workers (18–34-year-olds).",[],{"_key":39666,"_type":127,"children":39667,"markDefs":39675,"style":135},"be57601e7537",[39668,39671],{"_key":39669,"_type":131,"marks":39670,"text":1502},"82643bff0f48",[174],{"_key":39672,"_type":131,"marks":39673,"text":39674},"c8cb012cc259",[]," “It is widely recognised that people need to be more engaged with their pension savings and investing more for their retirement. So, it’s worrying that our research shows that many people don’t realise that a pension is an investment, or even that they have a choice over how their money is invested in their pension. Particularly concerning is that this worsens for those approaching retirement (age 55+), as at this point people need to consider how they plan to generate a retirement income (i.e. take it as cash, buy an annuity, go into drawdown or a combination of options) and ensure their pension investments or ‘glide path’ is aligned with this.”",[],{"_key":39677,"_type":127,"children":39678,"markDefs":39683,"style":135},"ed329549255b",[39679],{"_key":39680,"_type":131,"marks":39681,"text":39682},"5413950779e1",[],"He adds; “In order for people to better prepare for their financial future, it’s vital that they engage with their pensions as early as possible. So, it’s really interesting to see that many said they would increase their pension contributions if they knew it was invested in funds that aligned with their values and beliefs, and this is despite the current cost of living challenges. This is especially appealing for younger workers, a cohort typically less engaged with their pensions.”",[],{"_key":39685,"_type":127,"children":39686,"markDefs":39691,"style":135},"9e7179195ccf",[39687],{"_key":39688,"_type":131,"marks":39689,"text":39690},"0266f2ecf3e2",[],"Watts-Lay explains; “In recent years there has been a significant expansion of Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) considerations, with people wanting to align their pension investments with their values and beliefs. However, ESG is a broad category and it means different things to different people, with no one size fits all approach. There will be some people who care passionately about environmental issues and others will have religious beliefs to take into account when making decisions. Some might want to invest in companies that promote social cohesion, greater representation and diversity. It may be that others are just wanting to choose investments that are having a positive impact on the world. But simply knowing that pensions can be used to make a difference can be a powerful way to switch people on to better engage with their long-term savings.”",[],{"_key":39693,"_type":127,"children":39694,"markDefs":39699,"style":135},"1e29c3474df3",[39695],{"_key":39696,"_type":131,"marks":39697,"text":39698},"dbddafb79a0e",[],"He adds, “Many leading workplaces empower their employees with financial education and guidance via financial coaches to help them build understanding and engagement around their pensions and the options at-retirement.",[],{"_key":39701,"_type":127,"children":39702,"markDefs":39707,"style":135},"d3bde8e9d797",[39703],{"_key":39704,"_type":131,"marks":39705,"text":39706},"6e82bb48fdd0",[],"Our experience shows that interactive financial education workshops are far more engaging than passive information on a website or leaflet. Earlier on in an employee’s career financial education should cover how pension schemes work, employer and employee contribution levels, tax relief, what funds they can select from, as well as how they can change the funds their pension is invested in. Later on around mid-career, employees will also need to understand if their pensions and other retirement savings are on target, as well as how income may be generated in retirement and ensuring investments are being managed in line with this e.g. their investment glide path. Then once at-retirement, financial education or one-to-one guidance should help employees understand how to generate an income from their pensions and other savings, as well as how to seek further help including regulated financial advice.”",[],{"_key":39709,"_type":127,"children":39710,"markDefs":39715,"style":135},"a66ed07f2c53",[39711],{"_key":39712,"_type":131,"marks":39713,"text":39714},"4bba0cd5ab67",[],"Watts-Lay comments; “After all, employees who better understand their pensions are likely to be more engaged and save more, make better decisions at-retirement and achieve more positive outcomes, which ultimately is what it’s all about.”",[],{"_key":39717,"_type":127,"children":39718,"markDefs":39734,"style":1544},"ec79056210eb",[39719,39723,39727,39730],{"_key":39720,"_type":131,"marks":39721,"text":39722},"d280a4130047",[],"*Research for WEALTH at work was carried out online by Opinion Matters throughout 20\u002F03\u002F24 – 26\u002F03\u002F24 amongst a panel of 2,002 Workers, aged 18+ who have a defined contribution workplace pension. ",{"_key":39724,"_type":131,"marks":39725,"text":39726},"58efd2bb0db0",[174],"Click here to see the report:",{"_key":39728,"_type":131,"marks":39729,"text":35526},"e983b5c2c056",[],{"_key":39731,"_type":131,"marks":39732,"text":36854},"c28d686e51ba",[174,39733],"911529023070",[39735],{"_key":39733,"_type":1264,"href":36854},[39737],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":39738,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},"Empowering employees to engage with their pension – new research revealed",{"_id":39741,"blogPostMeta":39742,"content":39783,"tag":39853,"title":39782},"c7f33144-b0f0-4455-8803-c8619bb5f8b6",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":39743,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":39778,"publishedAt":39779,"slug":39780,"title":39782},{"_type":58,"asset":39744},{"_createdAt":39745,"_id":39746,"_rev":39747,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":39745,"assetId":39748,"extension":67,"metadata":39749,"mimeType":101,"originalFilename":39773,"path":39774,"sha1hash":39748,"size":39775,"uploadId":39776,"url":39777},"2025-07-22T10:40:37Z","image-32c80434489bd8e3f4cfbc528a401aa6b53e1fed-2588x1534-png","Oe5qGRtmI2tA8S7mxDrZP1","32c80434489bd8e3f4cfbc528a401aa6b53e1fed",{"_type":69,"blurHash":39750,"dimensions":39751,"hasAlpha":76,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":39755,"palette":39756},"MEHysN4ARhMP-;YwMe,_%LJ4t~Q;tSSbV@",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":39752,"height":39753,"width":39754},1.6870925684485008,1534,2588,"data:image\u002Fpng;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAMCAYAAABiDJ37AAAACXBIWXMAABYlAAAWJQFJUiTwAAACvUlEQVR4nH2SWU9TURSF+2uMICqDwQniSBxiTBAUSEQcyyBDQ6EtLdCW9gKliKVabJG2hqmixYJtWjozaUgYBJFEHH7LZ+5VeTCRh52Vc07Ol733WjLVXAZSRf7ovpWJJpqFPpHPwNI1PKty\u002FFta3n8xEdg2MLWpRtYWO4ounoMuniupNpaNLp5NezyX9niepNJ7LAd94ji25WIm1pSENp6wvDPJpx8RNr9H2fgWYXU3iMyQPIU5fRZh\u002FhxC+ixdqQLEu65UIeb0GelsTJ6mb+Ey3tUaQutW3oUHeOUVeD89QirqJxQYIxzykU7NIhM\u002F9CxcxLJ4id6FIgnwu7M8OuLHJBXS5xhfayK56cA\u002FLdCmKEFecQFrex1uqxaLqhqztgGPawBZZyJfgvztRgSo5w7t7U0c2bVSRWzjOYF3AvqWq5QUHeDWpRy6m6sYNzXiaKqgo\u002FoW\u002FYIWmSZ6GK24x1i2pOpo1h5MPZeJdfEyoS0L4cgL+vX3qa8s5F5pIcrqMlzdrfh7FIyrbjOousvQ0y5k\u002F3O0NXJQMsK7VkN63YvHYaCtthx1bRlGdTVep4XghJ3X3fV4FTeY6G0g7HfuDzSlC5n53EV83ovV2ICqpoxOxV369E1Mj9lI+O1MWesZ05QTtCtZnnXsB8zAunSFxM4zktFhXL2NOAyPGRaacfepCbh7CI8KzAypCNnVJF7omB\u002Fp+BeY+Tu8c1m0RQ9j\u002F1jK8lcPH+JuJm2teHsUvDQpcBkbeWVR4hts5Y1DQ8BpZtamIWC6L5qSJaVfGzsihVos0WkxxM6VSla+T7D5cZqgW+B5Zx06+U2Ud66jk5dia5czZtPhGxLwPdUyanyITFx8RywPQ+I4huRJDMkTmFIFCKkzUlxWfvrY3U6x4HcyZGyg+c51HhSf51FpEeaWR7wd7icy\u002Foygp48Zl5lfWdFmnyUsw5gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":39757,"darkVibrant":39760,"dominant":39762,"lightMuted":39765,"lightVibrant":39768,"muted":39770,"vibrant":39772},{"_type":81,"background":39758,"foreground":83,"population":39759,"title":83},"#473623",8.91,{"_type":81,"background":39761,"foreground":83,"population":322,"title":83},"#6fb60c",{"_type":81,"background":39763,"foreground":83,"population":39764,"title":83},"#74b42c",29.36,{"_type":81,"background":39766,"foreground":91,"population":39767,"title":91},"#d5d7b7",15.46,{"_type":81,"background":39769,"foreground":91,"population":8936,"title":83},"#a3dd56",{"_type":81,"background":39771,"foreground":91,"population":33629,"title":83},"#9fab54",{"_type":81,"background":39763,"foreground":83,"population":39764,"title":83},"Screenshot 2025-07-22 at 11.40.23.png","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F32c80434489bd8e3f4cfbc528a401aa6b53e1fed-2588x1534.png",3021402,"KESbyFSrrkYsZKus0wqzkVPU53mGU1sf","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F32c80434489bd8e3f4cfbc528a401aa6b53e1fed-2588x1534.png","It’s widely recognised that people need to be more engaged with their pension savings. See our research which reveals interesting insights into employees’ attitudes & understanding of their pension investments.","2024-04-17T12:42:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":39781},"pensions-engagement-research-survey-results-2024","Pensions Engagement Research - Survey Results 2024",[39784,39787,39794,39802,39810,39818,39826,39834,39845],{"_key":39785,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":39786,"width":124},"6d69ab9ed1ea","https:\u002F\u002Fplayer.flipsnack.com?hash=OUNCQjhCQjhCN0EraG5xN2ZxMDk1ZQ==",{"_key":39788,"_type":127,"children":39789,"markDefs":39793,"style":135},"80e10439d3c5",[39790],{"_key":39791,"_type":131,"marks":39792,"text":39778},"b55e303490cd",[],[],{"_key":39795,"_type":127,"children":39796,"markDefs":39801,"style":135},"5fa27e93e23a",[39797],{"_key":39798,"_type":131,"marks":39799,"text":39800},"6a63801e6126",[],"There seems to be a general lack of understanding:",[],{"_key":39803,"_type":127,"children":39804,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":39809,"style":135},"b6a3792b612e",[39805],{"_key":39806,"_type":131,"marks":39807,"text":39808},"c984816625f3",[],"29% are unaware that their pension is invested",[],{"_key":39811,"_type":127,"children":39812,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":39817,"style":135},"b469982fb310",[39813],{"_key":39814,"_type":131,"marks":39815,"text":39816},"dca6898a0d38",[],"49% are unaware of what their pension is invested in",[],{"_key":39819,"_type":127,"children":39820,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":39825,"style":135},"958b2e34b504",[39821],{"_key":39822,"_type":131,"marks":39823,"text":39824},"f871e5e8423b",[],"38% are unaware their pension has a choice of investment funds to choose from",[],{"_key":39827,"_type":127,"children":39828,"markDefs":39833,"style":135},"d1e2dcaabf3c",[39829],{"_key":39830,"_type":131,"marks":39831,"text":39832},"8a8688f90ccc",[],"However, despite the current cost of living challenges 40% would increase their pension contributions if they knew their pension was investing in funds that aligned with their values and beliefs.",[],{"_key":39835,"_type":127,"children":39836,"markDefs":39842,"style":135},"ca6b3c1d486a",[39837],{"_key":39838,"_type":131,"marks":39839,"text":39841},"301193525210",[39840],"d964a37c8e09","Click here to download. ",[39843],{"_key":39840,"_type":1264,"href":39844},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Ffiles\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fc7aaaf209bc2a1a65e6aa842d7fa3948680faa14.pdf",{"_key":39846,"_type":127,"children":39847,"markDefs":39852,"style":135},"45f706366e60",[39848],{"_key":39849,"_type":131,"marks":39850,"text":39851},"5ae03b7b6535",[],"We can help you to empower your employees to engage with their pension and develop their understanding, leading to a better financial future.",[],[39854],{"_createdAt":1295,"_id":1296,"_rev":1297,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":1298,"brandSpecific":76,"slug":39855,"title":1301},{"_type":9,"current":1300},{"_id":39857,"blogPostMeta":39858,"content":39863,"tag":39867,"title":39862},"b73efd56-e690-4992-af30-2e235dfb1305",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":65,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":39859,"slug":39860,"title":39862},"2024-03-18T14:07:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":39861},"financial-coaching","Financial 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are being encouraged to support employees who are struggling financially this Debt Awareness Week (18th – 24th March), which was created to increase awareness of problem debt and the advice and solutions available to help.","2024-03-18T11:04:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":39914},"many-struggling-to-make-ends-meet","Many struggling to make ends meet",[39917,39924,39932,39940,39948,39956,39977,39985,39993,40020],{"_key":39918,"_type":127,"children":39919,"markDefs":39923,"style":135},"6b256cec982c",[39920],{"_key":39921,"_type":131,"marks":39922,"text":39911},"71be6facff9a",[],[],{"_key":39925,"_type":127,"children":39926,"markDefs":39931,"style":135},"1a89d7f2758c",[39927],{"_key":39928,"_type":131,"marks":39929,"text":39930},"fd76d4d6d5e4",[],"More than one in five UK workers (22%) have had to borrow money from family and friends in the last year because of money worries, and a fifth have taken on debt (20%) – according to new research of over 2,000 workers by WEALTH at work, a leading financial wellbeing and retirement specialist – helping those in the workplace to improve their financial future. Over a quarter (26%) have worked more overtime, and more than one in ten workers (11%) have taken on an additional job.",[],{"_key":39933,"_type":127,"children":39934,"markDefs":39939,"style":135},"948fdfa1ec4e",[39935],{"_key":39936,"_type":131,"marks":39937,"text":39938},"81636ef05b0d",[],"Workers thought that their biggest financial concerns for the year include not having enough savings for unexpected costs (40%), not being able to save enough for the future (38%), not being able to pay basic living costs such as rent, mortgage payments, energy bills, food etc. (34%) and being in debt (29%).",[],{"_key":39941,"_type":127,"children":39942,"markDefs":39947,"style":135},"d0daf07ace5c",[39943],{"_key":39944,"_type":131,"marks":39945,"text":39946},"855e659ccc47",[],"The weight of this financial burden and debt anxiety has spilt into the workplace. Almost two-fifths (38%) of workers admit that money worries affect their performance at work by causing increased stress levels, mental exhaustion (33%) and decreased motivation (26%). A fifth (20%) admitted that it led to reduced focus and concentration, and almost one in ten (9%) say it has led them to take more days off work unwell.",[],{"_key":39949,"_type":127,"children":39950,"markDefs":39955,"style":135},"ca113b6df266",[39951],{"_key":39952,"_type":131,"marks":39953,"text":39954},"8f6a48f09c4e",[],"Despite this, fewer than one in 10 (9%) workers would seek help from their employer if they were struggling with debt. Particularly worrying is the fact 16–24 year-old workers are just as likely to seek help from a pay day loan company (13%) as their employer (12%).",[],{"_key":39957,"_type":127,"children":39958,"markDefs":39974,"style":135},"7f70395a6933",[39959,39962,39966,39970],{"_key":39960,"_type":131,"marks":39961,"text":30619},"8398662fe646",[174],{"_key":39963,"_type":131,"marks":39964,"text":39965},"0b95c0504c91",[]," “With almost 13 million",{"_key":39967,"_type":131,"marks":39968,"text":7473},"f3f0bb306b32",[39969],"22272df54642",{"_key":39971,"_type":131,"marks":39972,"text":39973},"e37aa54d7fcb",[]," UK adults facing financial difficulty, many have been forced to look for ways to help ease the strain on their finances.",[39975],{"_key":39969,"_type":1264,"href":39976},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2024\u002F03\u002F18\u002Fmany-struggling-to-make-ends-meet\u002F#_ftn1",{"_key":39978,"_type":127,"children":39979,"markDefs":39984,"style":135},"e15e6b40aefd",[39980],{"_key":39981,"_type":131,"marks":39982,"text":39983},"f0e4d93f9eeb",[],"Many employers recognise the need to help their employees improve the way they manage their money and therefore provide financial education and guidance in the workplace. This can make a huge difference by giving workers the opportunity to understand their finances, including ways to save money, learn about budgeting, manage debt, and how to boost savings and prepare for retirement.”",[],{"_key":39986,"_type":127,"children":39987,"markDefs":39992,"style":135},"c158447af031",[39988],{"_key":39989,"_type":131,"marks":39990,"text":39991},"9f132ecbe79d",[],"He continues, “With so few people saying that they would seek help from their employer, the onus is on employers to remove the stigma around money worries and offer easily accessible support to all staff. Through financial coaching many people discover important financial lessons that make a considerable difference to their finances and overall wellbeing which in turn can lead to increased productivity and less absenteeism in the workplace.”",[],{"_key":39994,"_type":127,"children":39995,"markDefs":40018,"style":1544},"87212cda3004",[39996,40000,40004,40008,40011,40014],{"_key":39997,"_type":131,"marks":39998,"text":39999},"ff16bc00626e",[],"Research for WEALTH at work was carried out online by Opinion Matters throughout ",{"_key":40001,"_type":131,"marks":40002,"text":40003},"e7b914ab55bb",[174],"14.02.2024 – 16.02.2024",{"_key":40005,"_type":131,"marks":40006,"text":40007},"5b74f2536422",[]," amongst a panel resulting in 2,036 UK workers. 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When made into a pension contribution it is worth £206.39 because of the tax and NI saving.",[],{"_key":40096,"_type":127,"children":40097,"markDefs":40102,"style":135},"9e4d52e18544",[40098],{"_key":40099,"_type":131,"marks":40100,"text":40101},"09409613eb84",[],"Someone earning £40,000 will be saving £548.60 a year in NI contributions and this could be an additional 1.90% of their salary into their pension. When made into a pension contribution it is worth £761.94.",[],{"_key":40104,"_type":127,"children":40105,"markDefs":40110,"style":135},"474307296beb",[40106],{"_key":40107,"_type":131,"marks":40108,"text":40109},"3c122f77ce91",[],"A person earning £65,000pa will be saving £754.00 a year in NI contributions and an additional 2% of their salary could be paid into their pension. When made into a pension contribution it is worth £1,300.",[],{"_key":40112,"_type":127,"children":40113,"markDefs":40118,"style":135},"ad95d8dbe89e",[40114],{"_key":40115,"_type":131,"marks":40116,"text":40117},"b50e6da82dfe",[],"These calculations assume people are paying into their workplace pension and assume a salary sacrifice arrangement is in place, meaning they benefit from both tax and National Insurance savings when making contributions.",[],{"_key":40120,"_type":127,"children":40121,"markDefs":40126,"style":135},"1378ba84d913",[40122],{"_key":40123,"_type":131,"marks":40124,"text":40125},"7b13fc2d36a7",[],"Some employers match additional contributions made by employees, making additional contributions even more valuable for any employee in this position.",[],{"_key":40128,"_type":127,"children":40129,"markDefs":40134,"style":135},"b73857c0a62d",[40130],{"_key":40131,"_type":131,"marks":40132,"text":40133},"9d0f5175626b",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work comments; “The National Insurance reduction could be a great way to boost workplace pensions. Saving just 1% more into a pension may not seem like a lot but we have found that someone in their 20s, saving an extra 1% a year with their employer matching this, may be able to increase their pension pot in retirement by 25%*. For someone earning £20,000pa, this could increase their pension pot from £99,341 to £124,177 at no additional cost to them if they use the money they are saving in National Insurance.”",[],{"_key":40136,"_type":127,"children":40137,"markDefs":40142,"style":135},"8d76440024d9",[40138],{"_key":40139,"_type":131,"marks":40140,"text":40141},"995b27e40c49",[],"He continues; “Most people pay at least 5% of their salary into a pension each year through auto enrolment with their employer paying an additional 3%. Any additional percentage paid in can make a huge difference to the amount saved for retirement.”",[],{"_key":40144,"_type":127,"children":40145,"markDefs":40150,"style":135},"ec3d3bad1718",[40146],{"_key":40147,"_type":131,"marks":40148,"text":40149},"f35739895b7d",[],"Watts-Lay adds; “Many workplaces are now offering financial education and guidance to help employees understand how they can make the most of their finances now and for the future.”",[],{"_key":40152,"_type":127,"children":40153,"markDefs":40158,"style":135},"5d4fef5343c8",[40154],{"_key":40155,"_type":131,"marks":40156,"text":40157},"4f9382de5a1a",[],"The table below shows the % increase in annual pension contributions that could be made at zero cost by using your annual National Insurance saving. All figures assume salary sacrifice is used and that the additional contribution doesn’t reduce salary into a lower tax bracket.",[],{"_key":40160,"_type":127,"children":40161,"markDefs":40170,"style":135},"ff95ffe93160",[40162,40166],{"_key":40163,"_type":131,"marks":40164,"text":40165},"97e1503b22af",[],"* ",{"_key":40167,"_type":131,"marks":40168,"text":37300},"f6e2106fdfbb",[40169],"085040844c04",[40171],{"_key":40169,"_type":1264,"href":40172},"https:\u002F\u002Feur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\u002F?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk%2Fcorporate%2F2023%2F09%2F13%2Fsaving-1-more-could-boost-pension-by-25%2F&data=05%7C02%7Csamantha.cummings%40wealthatwork.co.uk%7C8949f5dcc73040e2fa5908dc129c6114%7C159675363a504404a72339b6d20bdf4e%7C1%7C0%7C638405710095333488%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=lgG8wHFGMY%2FfIrj6fAqmDFdD00kbhVQGJgOMjzWRLLc%3D&reserved=0",{"_key":40174,"_type":58,"asset":40175},"b162491d30c6",{"_ref":40176,"_type":107},"image-becef71f017e8a2fc5781c4946313aee47999bca-578x477-jpg",[40178],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":40179,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":40181,"blogPostMeta":40182,"content":40223,"tag":40332,"title":40222},"0067a937-4a75-4613-8248-4f981c0adb68",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":40183,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":40219,"slug":40220,"title":40222},{"_type":58,"asset":40184},{"_createdAt":40185,"_id":40186,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":40187,"extension":196,"metadata":40188,"mimeType":225,"opt":40209,"originalFilename":40214,"path":40215,"sha1hash":40187,"size":40216,"uploadId":40217,"url":40218},"2025-12-29T14:12:26Z","image-682ad4348d75ad111b1799037d92ede41cc85054-1000x667-jpg","682ad4348d75ad111b1799037d92ede41cc85054",{"_type":69,"blurHash":40189,"dimensions":40190,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":40191,"palette":40192},"VGEyG8?b01xsxDI8M_t8V[t7t6IoM{offk~qtRIVWAM{",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQFBgf\u002FxAAhEAAABQQDAQEAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEEQAFBiEUMVESFf\u002FEABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEDBP\u002FEABgRAAMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECEQAh\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwChNmq7RFpx25lgUgeutANTOTZQuQxOPbIROTaogMlj2nWeaOrWVqdNm1VCNFOWYDymrplfLxi+J\u002FnN0\u002FpMYEo9Tvys7oKLro1UmbL3t2fiuI8dLYSGqKQSXOsmUxx2ARRRAM93\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":40193,"darkVibrant":40196,"dominant":40198,"lightMuted":40199,"lightVibrant":40202,"muted":40205,"vibrant":40207},{"_type":81,"background":40194,"foreground":83,"population":40195,"title":83},"#4a3a2c",8.68,{"_type":81,"background":40197,"foreground":83,"population":325,"title":83},"#5d2108",{"_type":81,"background":40194,"foreground":83,"population":40195,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":40200,"foreground":91,"population":40201,"title":83},"#c3bda8",2.09,{"_type":81,"background":40203,"foreground":91,"population":40204,"title":91},"#efd5bf",0.13,{"_type":81,"background":40206,"foreground":83,"population":12382,"title":83},"#8e8067",{"_type":81,"background":40208,"foreground":83,"population":325,"title":83},"#b46c4a",{"media":40210},{"tags":40211},[40212],{"_key":40213,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"T9xGf5Co3MBVUvoaCqya7","shutterstock_1932280157.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F682ad4348d75ad111b1799037d92ede41cc85054-1000x667.jpg",578005,"HH2yvZb95NQYR3lv4hR0QQ7Jx3a18aCZ","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F682ad4348d75ad111b1799037d92ede41cc85054-1000x667.jpg","2024-02-28T14:12:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":40221},"how-a-financial-coach-can-help-your-employees","How a financial coach can help your employees",[40224,40232,40240,40248,40256,40264,40271,40287,40294,40302,40309,40317,40324],{"_key":40225,"_type":127,"children":40226,"markDefs":40231,"style":135},"8df1a7ef42f8",[40227],{"_key":40228,"_type":131,"marks":40229,"text":40230},"d5932a1a5299",[],"Over the past few years, financial coaching has emerged as a powerful service which helps improve employee financial wellbeing. It is designed to offer bespoke financial education and guidance to help people feel more confident with their money and make smarter financial decisions.",[],{"_key":40233,"_type":127,"children":40234,"markDefs":40239,"style":135},"39fbedbd4088",[40235],{"_key":40236,"_type":131,"marks":40237,"text":40238},"eaebacc8f1c4",[],"In fact, workplace financial coaching is set for significant growth – 12% of employers currently offer it but 41% plan to within the next couple of years – a 241% increase. But what are the real benefits?",[],{"_key":40241,"_type":127,"children":40242,"markDefs":40247,"style":135},"4771652840f0",[40243],{"_key":40244,"_type":131,"marks":40245,"text":40246},"36f2b367c140",[],"WEALTH at work outlines 4 ways a financial coach can help your employees:",[],{"_key":40249,"_type":127,"children":40250,"markDefs":40255,"style":135},"4f6e94b7511f",[40251],{"_key":40252,"_type":131,"marks":40253,"text":40254},"b70d90f3ac91",[174],"1. Building positive savings habits",[],{"_key":40257,"_type":127,"children":40258,"markDefs":40263,"style":135},"844e2ba96f61",[40259],{"_key":40260,"_type":131,"marks":40261,"text":40262},"c4ffc0610b90",[],"Building new habits can be difficult, especially when it comes to money. A financial coach can help employees navigate challenges such as managing a budget and help them establish and stick to positive money habits. A financial coach helps employees recognise unhelpful patterns and reinforces positive savings habits and enables them to be more considered about spending.",[],{"_key":40265,"_type":127,"children":40266,"markDefs":40270,"style":135},"0b8b2dd519e2",[40267],{"_key":40268,"_type":131,"marks":40269,"text":28861},"5abdac6c2348",[174],[],{"_key":40272,"_type":127,"children":40273,"markDefs":40286,"style":135},"28dbc316a89b",[40274,40278,40282],{"_key":40275,"_type":131,"marks":40276,"text":40277},"8bac8996f13a",[],"It has always been a challenge to convince employees why they should consider putting aside money for an emergency or engage in their pension. Not only can a financial coach explain the value of an emergency fund, but they can also show how achievable it is to set up ",{"_key":40279,"_type":131,"marks":40280,"text":40281},"8ca8eb8092bb",[4468],"and",{"_key":40283,"_type":131,"marks":40284,"text":40285},"df737ac4668f",[]," how it will make employees more resilient for unexpected events, if say, the car breaks down or they face redundancy. A financial coach can also explain how small savings or pension contributions can compound over time, and how this can grow and help people meet future goals such as buying a house.",[],{"_key":40288,"_type":127,"children":40289,"markDefs":40293,"style":135},"49e051032518",[40290],{"_key":40291,"_type":131,"marks":40292,"text":28877},"3ae162ad0c0f",[174],[],{"_key":40295,"_type":127,"children":40296,"markDefs":40301,"style":135},"c3ce73be1acb",[40297],{"_key":40298,"_type":131,"marks":40299,"text":40300},"eb669b1a8580",[],"One of the most crucial elements of employee financial wellbeing is retirement preparation. Our research found 33% of employees think they won’t ever be able to afford to retire at all due to increasing costs. A financial coach can help employees understand how to make retirement affordable and achievable. Not only this, but financial coaches can also help employees realise all the options available to them at the point of retirement.",[],{"_key":40303,"_type":127,"children":40304,"markDefs":40308,"style":135},"0da9384349ed",[40305],{"_key":40306,"_type":131,"marks":40307,"text":28893},"5fb42e07467a",[174],[],{"_key":40310,"_type":127,"children":40311,"markDefs":40316,"style":135},"dcdf7bf4849d",[40312],{"_key":40313,"_type":131,"marks":40314,"text":40315},"403b94643c4d",[],"Speaking to a financial coach can help people get a firmer understanding of their situation, so that they can then take steps to improve it. This could include increasing pension contributions, reducing debt or saving tax. A financial coach can also be a gateway to regulated advice for those who would benefit from it, as they can help employees recognise all the complex things they need to understand about their finances. In doing so, they may then realise that they need specialist advice.",[],{"_key":40318,"_type":127,"children":40319,"markDefs":40323,"style":135},"8050e8d4c9fe",[40320],{"_key":40321,"_type":131,"marks":40322,"text":9960},"4771ea6cfc0f",[174],[],{"_key":40325,"_type":127,"children":40326,"markDefs":40331,"style":135},"79ee3348b85a",[40327],{"_key":40328,"_type":131,"marks":40329,"text":40330},"8d1dec5e4644",[],"“An increasing number of employers are now turning to specialist workplace financial wellbeing service providers to help individuals build their financial knowledge and improve their financial wellbeing throughout their career. 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This makes it more important than ever to ensure that any savings that people can make, are as tax efficient as possible.",[],{"_key":40398,"_type":127,"children":40399,"markDefs":40404,"style":135},"f11914abe2e3",[40400],{"_key":40401,"_type":131,"marks":40402,"text":40403},"f0bcdbab3f84",[],"Making the most of your ISA allowance is a great place to start, and with the end of the tax year fast approaching, now is a great time to review this. The ISA allowance for 2023\u002F24, which ends on 5th April 2024 is £20,000. It’s crucial to keep in mind that this can’t be carried over into the new tax year, so for those who have savings or investments held outside an ISA or a pension, it is important to ‘use it or lose it’ when it comes to this year’s ISA allowance.",[],{"_key":40406,"_type":127,"children":40407,"markDefs":40412,"style":135},"b89b15de276e",[40408],{"_key":40409,"_type":131,"marks":40410,"text":40411},"c3f1e7aa61a1",[],"Saving or investing in an ISA offers some great tax related benefits and people may not realise the upcoming changes to tax allowances which could have an impact on their savings. Firstly, the tax-free dividend allowance (the amount of dividend income savers can earn each year before they pay tax), will be halved from £1,000 to £500 from 6 April 2024. Yet all dividend income is tax-free in an ISA.",[],{"_key":40414,"_type":127,"children":40415,"markDefs":40420,"style":135},"73e5fb1ed6b1",[40416],{"_key":40417,"_type":131,"marks":40418,"text":40419},"a282ba5a992e",[],"Secondly, the tax-free allowance for capital gains will reduce from £6,000 to £3,000 in the next tax year. However, there is no capital gains tax (CGT) due on stock market gains inside an ISA.",[],{"_key":40422,"_type":127,"children":40423,"markDefs":40428,"style":135},"ebca929b4593",[40424],{"_key":40425,"_type":131,"marks":40426,"text":40427},"8539ae239da4",[],"Additionally, with interest rates on savings accounts now higher than we have seen for a while, there is a greater chance of savers paying tax on their savings interest as the Personal Savings Allowance is £1,000 for basic rate tax payers and £500 for higher rate tax payers. 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Financial Wellbeing Research 2023[1], published by the Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA) in association with WEALTH at work, details the wide-ranging workplace support that employers can offer as part of a joined-up financial wellbeing strategy to help manage the risks adversely impacting employees’ financial wellbeing.","2024-02-19T12:58:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":40481},"the-financial-wellbeing-benefits-set-for-growth-to-create-a-financially-resilient-workforce","The financial wellbeing benefits set for growth to create a financially resilient workforce",[40484,40502,40510,40518,40526,40533,40541],{"_key":40485,"_type":127,"children":40486,"markDefs":40499,"style":135},"b7bca7e9e3ff",[40487,40491,40495],{"_key":40488,"_type":131,"marks":40489,"text":40490},"550e235c6e28",[],"The Financial Wellbeing Research 2023",{"_key":40492,"_type":131,"marks":40493,"text":7473},"05e8dc9a0606",[40494],"6e70ac829875",{"_key":40496,"_type":131,"marks":40497,"text":40498},"4b1a0cf76219",[],", published by the Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA) in association with WEALTH at work, details the wide-ranging workplace support that employers can offer as part of a joined-up financial wellbeing strategy to help manage the risks adversely impacting employees’ financial wellbeing.",[40500],{"_key":40494,"_type":1264,"href":40501},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2024\u002F02\u002F19\u002Fthe-financial-wellbeing-benefits-set-for-growth-to-create-a-financially-resilient-workforce\u002F#_ftn1",{"_key":40503,"_type":127,"children":40504,"markDefs":40509,"style":135},"5a1ff53ffa2b",[40505],{"_key":40506,"_type":131,"marks":40507,"text":40508},"b0e6166d71a3",[],"The survey uncovered risks to financial wellbeing that employers expect employees to face including financial pressures such as high childcare costs (64%), rental costs (66%), high consumer inflation (75%) and energy prices (77%). Coupled with this, many workplaces are increasingly recognising poor financial literacy as a key financial wellbeing risk, with almost two-thirds (63%) considering it as a risk to the majority of their workforce, up from 58% in 2022.",[],{"_key":40511,"_type":127,"children":40512,"markDefs":40517,"style":135},"4a30adbed5e4",[40513],{"_key":40514,"_type":131,"marks":40515,"text":40516},"4ce6839452ec",[],"Only 19% of employers plan to offer increased pay in line with inflation in the next two years. Instead, 53% say they will increase financial wellbeing spend, and it seems the focus has now shifted to providing employees with the knowledge and tools to manage their finances better. In fact, the number of employers offering independent financial education, guidance, and advice is also set to almost double. Employers offer or plan to offer in the next two years, financial education from an independent provider (62%), financial guidance (67%), and advice on general finances (56%), or advice specific to retirement (60%). In particular, financial coaching is set for significant growth – 12% of employers currently offer it but 41% plan to within the next couple of years – a 241% increase.",[],{"_key":40519,"_type":127,"children":40520,"markDefs":40525,"style":135},"c81918a00965",[40521],{"_key":40522,"_type":131,"marks":40523,"text":40524},"8658dcb1123f",[],"Additionally, the research found that support is growing for savings products. Employers offer or plan to offer in the next two years, pay as you earn saving schemes such as help-to-save and opt-in payroll savings (34%), employee share plans (42%), tax free saving wrappers including ISAs (45%), and long-term incentive plans (54%).",[],{"_key":40527,"_type":127,"children":40528,"markDefs":40532,"style":135},"1ca29503dc34",[40529],{"_key":40530,"_type":131,"marks":40531,"text":9960},"fa66b4d62ef4",[174],[],{"_key":40534,"_type":127,"children":40535,"markDefs":40540,"style":135},"e154ec49ef69",[40536],{"_key":40537,"_type":131,"marks":40538,"text":40539},"8bb3c76a5615",[],"“Money worries can have a detrimental impact on people’s home and work life. So, it’s good to see that employers are focusing on providing employees with the tools to better manage their finances. Many leading companies now provide employees with financial education and guidance from financial coaches which can help them to address gaps in financial literacy. Also, offering a range of savings products such as a Corporate ISA or employee share plans can help to build financial resilience. However, it is important to ensure that employees are aware of all the financial wellbeing benefits on offer, how to access them and how they can use them to their advantage. This is why financial education and guidance in the workplace is so important as it can not only help develop understanding and encourage engagement with the benefits on offer, but it’s also a catalyst for behavioural change and action.”",[],{"_key":40542,"_type":127,"children":40543,"markDefs":40556,"style":1544},"64df662c66f1",[40544,40548,40552],{"_key":40545,"_type":131,"marks":40546,"text":7473},"77104b66b6f6",[40547],"234809f33852",{"_key":40549,"_type":131,"marks":40550,"text":40551},"11f3267dc803",[]," The REBA Employee Financial Wellbeing Survey 2023 was carried out online between March and May 2023 and was launched on 26 September 2023. Responses were received from 195 wellbeing, HR and employee benefits specialists working at organisations representing over 1.5 million employees and is available here: 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wellbeing has a key role to play in supporting HR goals such as recruiting and retaining employees and improving productivity. However, the factors influencing financial wellbeing strategies are changing.","2024-02-12T12:02:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":40696},"the-key-topics-shaping-the-future-of-workplace-financial-wellbeing","The key topics shaping the future of workplace financial wellbeing",[40699,40717,40729,40741,40753,40765,40777,40789,40801,40808,40816,40824,40832,40840],{"_key":40700,"_type":127,"children":40701,"markDefs":40714,"style":135},"afbf28d2f16f",[40702,40706,40710],{"_key":40703,"_type":131,"marks":40704,"text":40705},"4e0256f0e565",[],"Financial wellbeing has a key role to play in supporting HR goals such as recruiting and retaining employees and improving productivity. However, the factors influencing financial wellbeing strategies are changing. With insight from its latest Financial Wellbeing Research 2023",{"_key":40707,"_type":131,"marks":40708,"text":7473},"3c768320c52d",[40709],"afe8dd175d7a",{"_key":40711,"_type":131,"marks":40712,"text":40713},"ce000095f5f1",[]," in association with Reward & Employee Benefits Association, WEALTH at work reveals some of the key topics set to shape future financial wellbeing strategies.",[40715],{"_key":40709,"_type":1264,"href":40716},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2024\u002F02\u002F12\u002Fthe-key-topics-shaping-the-future-of-workplace-financial-wellbeing\u002F#_ftn1",{"_key":40718,"_type":127,"children":40719,"markDefs":40728,"style":135},"d296576035b8",[40720,40724],{"_key":40721,"_type":131,"marks":40722,"text":40723},"a3fc4e33f42e",[174],"1. Becoming an employer of choice –",{"_key":40725,"_type":131,"marks":40726,"text":40727},"cecb173136ce",[],"Over half of employers (59%) say that a desire to benchmark themselves against competitors (e.g. become an employer of choice or match sector norms) will drive their financial wellbeing strategy in the next two years, which compares with just 42% of employers in the past two years.",[],{"_key":40730,"_type":127,"children":40731,"markDefs":40740,"style":135},"10f08d246225",[40732,40736],{"_key":40733,"_type":131,"marks":40734,"text":40735},"0dfc1c08fd3f",[174],"2.The cost-of-living crisis-",{"_key":40737,"_type":131,"marks":40738,"text":40739},"f4766fe79066",[]," Many employers feel this will continue to have a powerful effect for some time. More than half (57%) expect it to remain a driver of change over the next two years at least, although this concern is receding (was 64% in the previous two years)",[],{"_key":40742,"_type":127,"children":40743,"markDefs":40752,"style":135},"36845f05b30c",[40744,40748],{"_key":40745,"_type":131,"marks":40746,"text":40747},"a1da7a65520b",[174],"3. Workforce sustainability and ESG –",{"_key":40749,"_type":131,"marks":40750,"text":40751},"b06c9563e193",[],"The research revealed that employers think that the biggest increase in focus for changing future financial wellbeing strategies was related to workforce sustainability and meeting ESG targets (55% say it will be a driver of change over the next two years, compared to 23% the previous two years and representing a 139% increase). This focus seems to be driving an increasing number of employers to take action to support workforce diversity. For example, half (50%) of employer’s plan to address pay gaps around gender and ethnicity in the next two years. Also, over a third (34%) plan to address pension gaps around gender and ethnicity in the next two years.",[],{"_key":40754,"_type":127,"children":40755,"markDefs":40764,"style":135},"55f3ebea4215",[40756,40760],{"_key":40757,"_type":131,"marks":40758,"text":40759},"09ddbbaaceda",[174],"4. The mental wellbeing of the workforce –",{"_key":40761,"_type":131,"marks":40762,"text":40763},"4896006202dc",[]," Mental health and financial wellbeing are two important aspects of our lives that are often viewed in isolation. However, the link between these pillars is the top of the agenda for many employers with 54% saying that the mental wellbeing of the workforce is a driver of change in future financial wellbeing strategy.",[],{"_key":40766,"_type":127,"children":40767,"markDefs":40776,"style":135},"12b93de4084c",[40768,40772],{"_key":40769,"_type":131,"marks":40770,"text":40771},"c0f9c3b555a5",[174],"5. Financial distress in the workplace –",{"_key":40773,"_type":131,"marks":40774,"text":40775},"e497ad402a0a",[]," Another notable focus for employers will be tackling financial distress in the workplace. The survey found that 44% say that it will be a driver of change in the next two years.",[],{"_key":40778,"_type":127,"children":40779,"markDefs":40788,"style":135},"a3f91c52599d",[40780,40784],{"_key":40781,"_type":131,"marks":40782,"text":40783},"da9e07db3f4f",[174],"6. Carer costs –",{"_key":40785,"_type":131,"marks":40786,"text":40787},"1d3bb64aaab9",[]," The spiraling cost of caring for children, elderly relatives or others is having an increased impact on workplace financial wellbeing strategies. Employers are already acting on the need for change, with 65% planning to target financial wellbeing support for working parents and other carers, or already doing so.",[],{"_key":40790,"_type":127,"children":40791,"markDefs":40800,"style":135},"3de22c182713",[40792,40796],{"_key":40793,"_type":131,"marks":40794,"text":40795},"6ed09cca883a",[174],"7. Ageing workforce –",{"_key":40797,"_type":131,"marks":40798,"text":40799},"1a4fb2bcbe3b",[]," 29% of employers cite an ageing workforce as a driver of change to their financial wellbeing strategies in the next two years, up from 11% in the past two years. 44% say that they plan to offer targeted support for the over 55s in the next couple of years – which has grown from 17% and represents a 159% increase.",[],{"_key":40802,"_type":127,"children":40803,"markDefs":40807,"style":135},"5c4e600e1d98",[40804],{"_key":40805,"_type":131,"marks":40806,"text":9960},"71d0aac0c900",[174],[],{"_key":40809,"_type":127,"children":40810,"markDefs":40815,"style":135},"2f0952fdf497",[40811],{"_key":40812,"_type":131,"marks":40813,"text":40814},"edf647841130",[],"“Financial wellbeing has a key role to play in supporting various HR goals such as inclusivity, recruitment, talent retention and productivity, and is integral to improving wider employee wellbeing. However, the drivers of financial wellbeing strategies are continuously evolving, so it’s important to understand what these are so that plans can adapt in line with changing needs.”",[],{"_key":40817,"_type":127,"children":40818,"markDefs":40823,"style":135},"eb130822d463",[40819],{"_key":40820,"_type":131,"marks":40821,"text":40822},"0900ed9e8cd6",[],"He adds; “However, for it to truly make a difference, financial wellbeing initiatives should be inclusive and be accessible to all. As the workforce will have different financial wellbeing requirements, offering employees a range of choices will enable them to select what is suitable for them.”",[],{"_key":40825,"_type":127,"children":40826,"markDefs":40831,"style":135},"89cc3ca16afd",[40827],{"_key":40828,"_type":131,"marks":40829,"text":40830},"53e2b73d54a3",[],"Watts-Lay explains; “This is a clear call to action for employers to provide short, medium and long-term financial wellbeing support for employees which means providing tailored support at all career stages and covering a mix of needs, such as debt management, building up an emergency fund, managing family finances, and saving for a first home, as well as retirement. Employers may also want to consider funding a range of workplace savings and benefits such as workplace ISA’s, share plans or discount and salary sacrifice schemes, to support these needs and build financial resilience. Not only this, financial wellbeing support should be accessible to reach all of the workforce. Many employers now offer this support through financial education workshops and one-to-one guidance sessions delivered by financial coaches, as well as digital tools and helplines which can be flexibly accessed.",[],{"_key":40833,"_type":127,"children":40834,"markDefs":40839,"style":135},"662aab928a7d",[40835],{"_key":40836,"_type":131,"marks":40837,"text":40838},"37ca8207ff8b",[],"In fact, over the past few years, financial coaching has emerged as a powerful service which helps improve employee financial wellbeing, and is set for significant growth – 12% of employers currently offer it but 41% plan to within the next couple of years – a 241% increase.”",[],{"_key":40841,"_type":127,"children":40842,"markDefs":40851,"style":1544},"14c1d14144d6",[40843,40847],{"_key":40844,"_type":131,"marks":40845,"text":40846},"ae7d2c9af49b",[],"[1] The REBA Employee Financial Wellbeing Survey 2023 was carried out online between March and May 2023 and was launched on 26 September 2023. 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But in the meantime, there are steps that employers and Trustees can take to empower individuals to proactively manage their finances.",[],{"_key":40989,"_type":127,"children":40990,"markDefs":40994,"style":135},"59378edf3f17",[40991],{"_key":40992,"_type":131,"marks":40993,"text":1502},"2304a82eeff2",[174],[],{"_key":40996,"_type":127,"children":40997,"markDefs":41002,"style":135},"5de45050b30b",[40998],{"_key":40999,"_type":131,"marks":41000,"text":41001},"5fc7735938a4",[],"“When it comes to helping people to get the right financial support at the right time, there are tried and tested methods with proven results – and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Many leading employers work with workplace specialists to deliver financial education and guidance programmes to help their employees achieve better financial outcomes, whether it is support with making investment decisions to build savings or accessing a pension for the first time.”",[],{"_key":41004,"_type":127,"children":41005,"markDefs":41010,"style":135},"68e1a570c3fa",[41006],{"_key":41007,"_type":131,"marks":41008,"text":41009},"30e7359af9fc",[],"He explains; “Financial education seminars and webinars are useful in terms of helping employees gain a general understanding of their options, whilst one-to-one financial guidance via personal financial coaches allows people to clarify their own financial situation and gain a deeper level of knowledge around their options. More employers are now switched on to the benefits of providing financial guidance in the workplace. In fact, our research with Reward & Employee Benefits Association recently found that 57% of employers are set to offer financial guidance services within the next two years. This is a recognition that employees need more support to help their decision-making throughout their working lives but may not always need full regulated advice.",[],{"_key":41012,"_type":127,"children":41013,"markDefs":41018,"style":135},"09cb86278c54",[41014],{"_key":41015,"_type":131,"marks":41016,"text":41017},"3ca917b156bb",[],"Financial guidance is particularly beneficial for individuals at-retirement when faced with complex decisions around how to best access their pensions and retirement savings. Financial guidance can be a gateway to regulated advice for those who would benefit from it, as it can help them recognise all the complex things they need to understand about their finances. In doing so, they may then realise that they need specialist advice. Statistics from Pension Wise for example show more people go on to consult a financial professional than people who’d never used the service, which is also our experience of providing guidance to people. Afterall, it helps you realise why you might need advice and how to get it.”",[],{"_key":41020,"_type":127,"children":41021,"markDefs":41033,"style":135},"ca6e426f97d4",[41022,41026,41029],{"_key":41023,"_type":131,"marks":41024,"text":41025},"4b7822b07613",[],"Watts-Lay comments; “An increasing number of employers are now turning to specialist financial wellbeing and retirement service providers to bring all this support together. Taking an active approach and supporting employees with the help of reputable firms will make the whole process far more robust",{"_key":41027,"_type":131,"marks":41028,"text":1289},"66eff38d2bac",[174],{"_key":41030,"_type":131,"marks":41031,"text":41032},"032e231f5e5f",[]," However, before proceeding with a provider, carrying out due diligence is crucial. 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wellbeing strategies are evolving but disjointed",[41081,41099,41107,41115,41123,41131,41138,41146],{"_key":41082,"_type":127,"children":41083,"markDefs":41096,"style":135},"b616614e93c1",[41084,41088,41092],{"_key":41085,"_type":131,"marks":41086,"text":41087},"be3654fee7bc",[],"According to the Financial Wellbeing Research 2023",{"_key":41089,"_type":131,"marks":41090,"text":7473},"f1b54ea47d22",[41091],"c794f560b620",{"_key":41093,"_type":131,"marks":41094,"text":41095},"ffc3938547a8",[]," from the Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA) in association with WEALTH at work, financial wellbeing support is integral to employers being able to meet their high-level HR objectives.",[41097],{"_key":41091,"_type":1264,"href":41098},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2024\u002F01\u002F31\u002Ffinancial-wellbeing-strategies-are-evolving-but-disjointed\u002F#_ftn1",{"_key":41100,"_type":127,"children":41101,"markDefs":41106,"style":135},"d24db840bd0c",[41102],{"_key":41103,"_type":131,"marks":41104,"text":41105},"b0cc36c3a9d9",[],"Nearly all (96%) hope to use their financial wellbeing strategy as a tool to meet their HR objective of improving employee wellbeing, while 95% hope to boost their employee engagement levels, and 93% hope to use their strategy to retain employees.",[],{"_key":41108,"_type":127,"children":41109,"markDefs":41114,"style":135},"13ddcc3ff850",[41110],{"_key":41111,"_type":131,"marks":41112,"text":41113},"fd71f7450a1b",[],"However, whilst the majority (76%) of employers offer lots or some relevant financial wellbeing benefits, they recognise that they are not part of a joined-up strategy.",[],{"_key":41116,"_type":127,"children":41117,"markDefs":41122,"style":135},"29e67158d856",[41118],{"_key":41119,"_type":131,"marks":41120,"text":41121},"43f6105a36f4",[],"The disjointedness of employers’ wellbeing strategies could possibly be attributed in part to reacting to the cost-of-living crisis. Over half (57%) of employers have made changes to their financial wellbeing offering in the past two years, and over half (64%) cite the crisis as a key driver of change to their strategy in the same period.",[],{"_key":41124,"_type":127,"children":41125,"markDefs":41130,"style":135},"fcef95f4cacf",[41126],{"_key":41127,"_type":131,"marks":41128,"text":41129},"f390d00dbcbd",[],"Looking ahead, it seems that financial wellbeing strategies are going to continue to evolve given that half (50%) plan to make changes to their strategies in the next two years, with 50% planning to increase their benefits spend in 2023\u002F24, and 47% retaining current levels of spending. Encouragingly, almost three quarters (74%) of employers plan to join up their financial offering and benefits in the next two years.",[],{"_key":41132,"_type":127,"children":41133,"markDefs":41137,"style":135},"efe317096216",[41134],{"_key":41135,"_type":131,"marks":41136,"text":1502},"c10dc3479691",[174],[],{"_key":41139,"_type":127,"children":41140,"markDefs":41145,"style":135},"78e3b3755338",[41141],{"_key":41142,"_type":131,"marks":41143,"text":41144},"6282ee33d2bd",[],"“Employers may have been reactive in their approach to financial wellbeing as employees have struggled with day-to-day money worries and of course it is important that they remain nimble and react quickly when financial shocks hit the workforce. 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This makes it more important than ever to ensure that any savings that people can make, are as tax efficient as possible.",[],{"_key":41230,"_type":127,"children":41231,"markDefs":41235,"style":135},"e77dbf7b25ff",[41232],{"_key":41233,"_type":131,"marks":41234,"text":40403},"fb5620a9c87c",[],[],{"_key":41237,"_type":127,"children":41238,"markDefs":41242,"style":135},"8748b686c4ad",[41239],{"_key":41240,"_type":131,"marks":41241,"text":40411},"7d49a377c23a",[],[],{"_key":41244,"_type":127,"children":41245,"markDefs":41249,"style":135},"5cb201017324",[41246],{"_key":41247,"_type":131,"marks":41248,"text":40419},"2823ce8ecc97",[],[],{"_key":41251,"_type":127,"children":41252,"markDefs":41257,"style":135},"568943ae7f02",[41253],{"_key":41254,"_type":131,"marks":41255,"text":41256},"fc4015478e86",[],"Additionally, with interest rates on savings account now higher than we have seen for a while, there is a greater chance of savers paying tax on their savings interest as the Personal Savings Allowance is £1,000 for basic rate tax payers and £500 for higher rate tax payers. Interest from savings held outside an ISA are at risk of becoming subject to tax when they exceed this allowance.",[],{"_key":41259,"_type":127,"children":41260,"markDefs":41265,"style":135},"2baaf10e2a12",[41261],{"_key":41262,"_type":131,"marks":41263,"text":41264},"da87a0ea740d",[],"Many workplaces now offer a Corporate ISA which can provide employees with a tax efficient way to invest and with the benefit of preferential rates compared to what is available on the high street. WEALTH at work have recently launched a Corporate ISA which enables employees to save via payroll. 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Financial education sessions can be delivered cost effectively whether they be online or face to face. These sessions can cover a range of topics to support employees such as how to make the most of workplace benefits, understanding their payslips, understanding tax, saving for a rainy day, or retirement. Digital support such as a Financial Healthcheck, webcasts, animations or gamification, are also an inexpensive yet valuable way of delivering financial wellbeing support.",[],{"_key":41337,"_type":127,"children":41338,"markDefs":41343,"style":135},"702e3f99e738",[41339],{"_key":41340,"_type":131,"marks":41341,"text":41342},"ffbd9ce3a33c",[],"Some services can provide additional value, for example, following financial education sessions, WEALTH at work offers employees a callback service which provides further help or guidance. This provides the opportunity for participants to discuss their personal circumstances and is offered free of charge.",[],{"_key":41345,"_type":127,"children":41346,"markDefs":41351,"style":135},"a876cd8c75e8",[41347],{"_key":41348,"_type":131,"marks":41349,"text":41350},"30b3d358e788",[],"The cost effectiveness of financial wellbeing support can easily be measured by reviewing changes in behaviour. For example, employee surveys could be conducted, or engagement and take-up of benefits could be reviewed, as well as assessing improvements in sickness and absence rates. We measure the success of every programme we deliver, providing information on employees’ knowledge of a topic before and after financial education and an indication of whether employees will take specific actions as a result of the support provided.",[],{"_key":41353,"_type":127,"children":41354,"markDefs":41359,"style":135},"c6c4733a0c08",[41355],{"_key":41356,"_type":131,"marks":41357,"text":41358},"a9aa42ae053d",[174],"What resources do employers have to hand that can help support staff without the need to lay out more expense?",[],{"_key":41361,"_type":127,"children":41362,"markDefs":41367,"style":135},"2a9a48d9c49a",[41363],{"_key":41364,"_type":131,"marks":41365,"text":41366},"87e2e4c163f8",[],"The first place to start is to review the benefits the company already offers. Are they being used? Do your people know about them or how to access them? This could include benefits such as discount schemes, bike to work schemes, subsidised eyecare or dental care. Could employees in effect give themselves a ‘pay rise’ by using their benefits smarter? There also are numerous government resources available that employers could signpost to employees. Websites such as MoneyHelper offer free and impartial help with money and pensions. There are also various tools and calculators available such as budget planners and pension calculators.",[],[41369],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":41370,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":41372,"blogPostMeta":41373,"content":41411,"tag":41506,"title":40077},"5413b28c-98d7-49dd-8674-717e132593ea",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":41374,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":41408,"slug":41409,"title":40077},{"_type":58,"asset":41375},{"_createdAt":41376,"_id":41377,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":41378,"extension":196,"metadata":41379,"mimeType":225,"opt":41398,"originalFilename":41403,"path":41404,"sha1hash":41378,"size":41405,"uploadId":41406,"url":41407},"2025-12-29T14:23:28Z","image-474b2ed70af418a9c89f0314952616ca54cba09f-1000x666-jpg","474b2ed70af418a9c89f0314952616ca54cba09f",{"_type":69,"blurHash":41380,"dimensions":41381,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":41382,"palette":41383},"VMHx{M_Nx]-;tRD$t7t7WBtRM_xukCt7jZM{f6xtxuWB",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":5334,"height":5335,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYDBQf\u002FxAAjEAACAQQCAgIDAAAAAAAAAAABAgMABAURBhMhMRIyQWFx\u002F8QAFwEAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECA\u002F\u002FEABcRAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACEQH\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FAGfmuNTOY6GC4TrdJthmOhSly7i9xd2K2+Jkm7JZFAcHQRR7JrR85io8pjZ1MkkTL9GU7+JH5FUaYW4iwkN42TmZ7IE6CgCT9N5q+yziiDfcKtZ59y5SYyKoRiq+NiipL3KX8UoMc0YWQdmuv1s\u002F2ijD1\u002F\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":41384,"darkVibrant":41386,"dominant":41388,"lightMuted":41391,"lightVibrant":41392,"muted":41394,"vibrant":41396},{"_type":81,"background":41385,"foreground":83,"population":1700,"title":83},"#2d3c4a",{"_type":81,"background":41387,"foreground":83,"population":1165,"title":83},"#2e5473",{"_type":81,"background":41389,"foreground":91,"population":41390,"title":83},"#b0b8bb",7.21,{"_type":81,"background":41389,"foreground":91,"population":41390,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":41393,"foreground":91,"population":87,"title":83},"#dcbcb2",{"_type":81,"background":41395,"foreground":83,"population":36877,"title":83},"#69879a",{"_type":81,"background":41397,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},"#2a6a9e",{"media":41399},{"tags":41400},[41401],{"_key":41402,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"thYK4_E_nWrp4GA2SCfde","shutterstock_2194265521-e1706628595162.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F474b2ed70af418a9c89f0314952616ca54cba09f-1000x666.jpg",174623,"Pt13Vo55RE4UAyZ92mZ56cXZ7vzybTKU","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F474b2ed70af418a9c89f0314952616ca54cba09f-1000x666.jpg","2024-01-15T14:23:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":41410},"national-insurance-saving-could-be-used-to-boost-workplace-pension-2024",[41412,41420,41428,41436,41443,41450,41457,41468,41475,41482,41490,41494],{"_key":41413,"_type":127,"children":41414,"markDefs":41419,"style":135},"f2cb216eed03",[41415],{"_key":41416,"_type":131,"marks":41417,"text":41418},"ac0a0ab3642c",[],"National Insurance (NI) is reducing from 12% to 10% from January 2024. WEALTH at work, a leading financial wellbeing and retirement specialist has run financial education workshops for staff in hundreds of organisations and is encouraging people to consider using this saving in National Insurance if they can, to increase their monthly pension contributions.",[],{"_key":41421,"_type":127,"children":41422,"markDefs":41427,"style":135},"43e9c58984e4",[41423],{"_key":41424,"_type":131,"marks":41425,"text":41426},"0af8e6d0336e",[],"A person earning £20,000pa will save £148.60 a year in NI contributions and be able to pay additional 1.06% of their salary into their workplace pension at no additional cost to them. When made into a pension contribution it is worth £212.29 because of the tax and national insurance saving.",[],{"_key":41429,"_type":127,"children":41430,"markDefs":41435,"style":135},"07bcd32e9b6a",[41431],{"_key":41432,"_type":131,"marks":41433,"text":41434},"d10209d68c15",[],"Someone earning £40,000 will be saving £548.60 a year in NI contributions and this could be an additional 1.96% of their salary into their pension. When made into a pension contribution it is worth £783.71.",[],{"_key":41437,"_type":127,"children":41438,"markDefs":41442,"style":135},"0e7794cff526",[41439],{"_key":41440,"_type":131,"marks":41441,"text":40109},"297cd0fd2c5a",[],[],{"_key":41444,"_type":127,"children":41445,"markDefs":41449,"style":135},"543dd596b60f",[41446],{"_key":41447,"_type":131,"marks":41448,"text":40117},"c3d703b8112c",[],[],{"_key":41451,"_type":127,"children":41452,"markDefs":41456,"style":135},"2614a350a87c",[41453],{"_key":41454,"_type":131,"marks":41455,"text":40125},"b8496a6bf1ab",[],[],{"_key":41458,"_type":127,"children":41459,"markDefs":41467,"style":135},"295bab605a9a",[41460,41463],{"_key":41461,"_type":131,"marks":41462,"text":9960},"2c0d210600f8",[174],{"_key":41464,"_type":131,"marks":41465,"text":41466},"0348cb1aa54b",[]," “1% may not seem like a lot but we have found that someone in their 20s, saving an extra 1% a year into their pension with their employer matching this, may be able to increase their pension pot in retirement by 25%*. For someone earning £20,000pa, this could increase their pension pot from £99,341 to £124,177 at no additional cost to them if they use the money they are saving in National Insurance.”",[],{"_key":41469,"_type":127,"children":41470,"markDefs":41474,"style":135},"fd4f443bdf85",[41471],{"_key":41472,"_type":131,"marks":41473,"text":40141},"84858f13a771",[],[],{"_key":41476,"_type":127,"children":41477,"markDefs":41481,"style":135},"d4c841245c70",[41478],{"_key":41479,"_type":131,"marks":41480,"text":40149},"49e311adf044",[],[],{"_key":41483,"_type":127,"children":41484,"markDefs":41489,"style":135},"854fe887f112",[41485],{"_key":41486,"_type":131,"marks":41487,"text":41488},"27e4b2012cae",[],"Table below shows the % increase in annual pension contributions that could be made at zero cost by using your annual National Insurance saving. All figures assume salary sacrifice is used and that the additional contribution doesn’t reduce salary into a lower tax bracket.",[],{"_key":41491,"_type":58,"asset":41492},"6fc56d71fe9e",{"_ref":41493,"_type":107},"image-f127b7d5cfcd1e32cfbb97bed887b6e6d783181d-573x477-jpg",{"_key":41495,"_type":127,"children":41496,"markDefs":41504,"style":135},"8683fcd87019",[41497,41500],{"_key":41498,"_type":131,"marks":41499,"text":40165},"0ec0a1fb38a6",[],{"_key":41501,"_type":131,"marks":41502,"text":37300},"41805341031a",[41503],"eab99161c2a4",[41505],{"_key":41503,"_type":1264,"href":40172},[41507],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":41508,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":41510,"blogPostMeta":41511,"content":41550,"tag":41721,"title":41549},"02e8b2ae-0f03-4d29-b8b4-549642ac9b2c",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":41512,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":41546,"slug":41547,"title":41549},{"_type":58,"asset":41513},{"_createdAt":41514,"_id":41515,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":41516,"extension":196,"metadata":41517,"mimeType":225,"opt":41536,"originalFilename":41541,"path":41542,"sha1hash":41516,"size":41543,"uploadId":41544,"url":41545},"2026-01-06T11:23:18Z","image-b13ae54ec811a1fc757e256370187a3857f0be7b-1000x667-jpg","b13ae54ec811a1fc757e256370187a3857f0be7b",{"_type":69,"blurHash":41518,"dimensions":41519,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":41520,"palette":41521},"VRM%cdNFtk$+4n_NIUD%W?IATKMxen%MV?aKRkIUM{tl",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGBAf\u002FxAAiEAABBAEEAgMAAAAAAAAAAAADAQIEBQAGERIxByITQVH\u002FxAAWAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAgP\u002FxAAcEQACAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIRAxIhMUH\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FAOnaUhV1RWubECz33VU+0XbM3j3Vq1jCVtvFMAhXueIhenLv1iTyTKXT2mq5a1nA5H+xVcqqqYi0Z8+q5JC2Uh+8NOQ+P6uCuXnY7HCCT2XBe3ZYkuwIY0divd2uGSlpdsDLcN8NpXNTbm4i7rhl6swpH\u002F\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":41522,"darkVibrant":41524,"dominant":41526,"lightMuted":41528,"lightVibrant":41530,"muted":41532,"vibrant":41533},{"_type":81,"background":41523,"foreground":83,"population":6922,"title":83},"#453934",{"_type":81,"background":41525,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#5c7c04",{"_type":81,"background":41527,"foreground":83,"population":39529,"title":83},"#967966",{"_type":81,"background":41529,"foreground":91,"population":8222,"title":83},"#cfc6b7",{"_type":81,"background":41531,"foreground":91,"population":34746,"title":91},"#f0d0bb",{"_type":81,"background":41527,"foreground":83,"population":39529,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":41534,"foreground":83,"population":41535,"title":83},"#b56543",4.94,{"media":41537},{"tags":41538},[41539],{"_key":41540,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"j4rLw_IQ-AZpWf56_OS8v","shutterstock_1043380852.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fb13ae54ec811a1fc757e256370187a3857f0be7b-1000x667.jpg",493066,"kCXnQoWA9cS9grpNtVSPGE5tnROHUxhv","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fb13ae54ec811a1fc757e256370187a3857f0be7b-1000x667.jpg","2024-01-10T11:22:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":41548},"supporting-members-to-take-the-right-course-of-action","Supporting members to take the right course of action",[41551,41559,41567,41575,41583,41591,41598,41606,41614,41622,41630,41638,41645,41653,41661,41669,41677,41685,41705,41713],{"_key":41552,"_type":127,"children":41553,"markDefs":41558,"style":135},"6a429370e3b6",[41554],{"_key":41555,"_type":131,"marks":41556,"text":41557},"6fcd1502414d",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay looks at the challenges members may face in the year ahead, including the continuing pressure from risings costs and how this may impact pension savings, as well as the key considerations for members approaching retirement. With this in mind, he also outlines how schemes, Trustees and employers can help members take the right course of action to optimise their retirement outcomes.",[],{"_key":41560,"_type":127,"children":41561,"markDefs":41566,"style":135},"13132b1e82e0",[41562],{"_key":41563,"_type":131,"marks":41564,"text":41565},"452511daaec3",[],"Many households have faced severe financial pressures from rising costs over recent times. Yet, as we look to the year ahead, whilst inflation is expected to gradually continue falling, it seems that the strain on household budgets is set to continue for some time. In fact, our latest financial wellbeing research[1] found that employers are expecting financial pressures such as high childcare costs (64%), rental costs (66%) high consumer inflation (75%), and energy prices (77%) will continue to be a risk to the financial wellbeing of employees.",[],{"_key":41568,"_type":127,"children":41569,"markDefs":41574,"style":135},"a1cbe26327ec",[41570],{"_key":41571,"_type":131,"marks":41572,"text":41573},"f6d7cb5c376a",[],"Increasing costs have meant for some that making regular contributions into a pension pot has become more of a challenge. Our research last April[2] showed that 13% of working adults had reduced or stopped pension savings because of rising costs. Yet more worryingly, 29% said that they may consider stopping payments in the future, while 30% said that they may consider reducing future payments. The current environment is also causing disruption to the retirement plans of many, with our research finding that 33% of working adults thought that they won’t ever be able to afford to retire. Not only this, 83% were concerned that the cost of-living crisis meant that they would have to work longer before retiring.",[],{"_key":41576,"_type":127,"children":41577,"markDefs":41582,"style":135},"17ed7981b08d",[41578],{"_key":41579,"_type":131,"marks":41580,"text":41581},"e94744ad5890",[],"There are also others who are considering dipping into their pensions early to alleviate current financial pressures. Our research found that 31% of those eligible to withdraw pension savings, either intend to or may consider doing so in the future to supplement their income. However, this really should be a last resort and members must understand the dramatic impact this will have on their retirement savings to be used in later life.",[],{"_key":41584,"_type":127,"children":41585,"markDefs":41590,"style":135},"112403253d07",[41586],{"_key":41587,"_type":131,"marks":41588,"text":41589},"b7909e4399c3",[],"However, as the year continues, those involved in the pensions industry will need to closely monitor member behaviour to see what the longer-term impact of rising costs may have on pensions.",[],{"_key":41592,"_type":127,"children":41593,"markDefs":41597,"style":135},"b77ccf265439",[41594],{"_key":41595,"_type":131,"marks":41596,"text":33967},"536376e6049d",[174],[],{"_key":41599,"_type":127,"children":41600,"markDefs":41605,"style":135},"11f532d2016d",[41601],{"_key":41602,"_type":131,"marks":41603,"text":41604},"5df0fb8ca404",[],"It’s important that members understand how their pension schemes work, what they should be contributing, what funds they should be selecting, and ultimately, what size of pot they need or want when they get to the point of retirement. Then once at-retirement, people need to understand the options available to them for creating retirement income from pensions they have accumulated, as well as other savings such as ISAs or other investments. Understanding what their state pension will be and when they will receive it is also crucial.",[],{"_key":41607,"_type":127,"children":41608,"markDefs":41613,"style":135},"7edf629b3f5b",[41609],{"_key":41610,"_type":131,"marks":41611,"text":41612},"9d124c6cc592",[],"There are common pension mistakes that members could make as they approach retirement, and it’s important they understand these so that steps can be taken to avoid them. This includes withdrawing savings from a pension too early, or if a member’s pension investments or ‘glide path’ isn’t in line with their planned method of generating a retirement income, as well as not shopping around for product providers to get the best deal.",[],{"_key":41615,"_type":127,"children":41616,"markDefs":41621,"style":135},"fdef586b5384",[41617],{"_key":41618,"_type":131,"marks":41619,"text":41620},"7199d1b09b07",[],"In addition, as many individuals will have more than one pension (not forgetting other available savings and investments such as ISAs or shares), it’s important that they are looked at holistically to avoid paying more tax than necessary. Those with multiple pensions may also be better off consolidating their pensions to ensure a joined-up investment strategy.",[],{"_key":41623,"_type":127,"children":41624,"markDefs":41629,"style":135},"fb51df16a576",[41625],{"_key":41626,"_type":131,"marks":41627,"text":41628},"c597775b6baf",[],"There is also a real risk that people either underspend or overspend by underestimating or overestimating life expectancy, and devastatingly, that they lose their pension savings to scams. Its estimated that £2.5 trillion worth of pension wealth in the UK is ‘accessible’ to fraudsters, which represents a ‘huge target base for criminals’.",[],{"_key":41631,"_type":127,"children":41632,"markDefs":41637,"style":135},"92bbfbeb20ac",[41633],{"_key":41634,"_type":131,"marks":41635,"text":41636},"aff2dca45a96",[],"For many, the decisions that are made at retirement may be the biggest financial decision they make in their lives and as these pension pitfalls show, it could so easily go wrong. Yet our research showed that 51% of employees either spoke to family and friends or no one at all when getting support with their pension. This highlights the need to ensure members are guided by reliable sources.",[],{"_key":41639,"_type":127,"children":41640,"markDefs":41644,"style":135},"3a7df44337b7",[41641],{"_key":41642,"_type":131,"marks":41643,"text":34047},"d3cc6d0af11f",[174],[],{"_key":41646,"_type":127,"children":41647,"markDefs":41652,"style":135},"b6d3d513f934",[41648],{"_key":41649,"_type":131,"marks":41650,"text":41651},"fb4df0799d0e",[],"It’s exceptionally important that schemes, Trustees and employers collectively work together to ensure that pension scheme members and employees are making the right decisions when it comes to their pensions.",[],{"_key":41654,"_type":127,"children":41655,"markDefs":41660,"style":135},"a22e8573dd74",[41656],{"_key":41657,"_type":131,"marks":41658,"text":41659},"3e56d9204098",[],"Firstly, supporting individuals with their day-to-day needs, especially in the current environment, should be an area of focus. This should sit alongside support around longer-term needs such as pensions and retirement savings. Offering financial wellbeing programmes that help with a full range of money matters from debt and money management to preparing for retirement can really help. Many leading companies now deliver this sort of support through financial education workshops, one-to-one guidance or coaching sessions, digital tools and helplines, as well as providing access to regulated financial advice.",[],{"_key":41662,"_type":127,"children":41663,"markDefs":41668,"style":135},"f313de6977d2",[41664],{"_key":41665,"_type":131,"marks":41666,"text":41667},"c9f06d530fd4",[],"In fact, when it comes to retirement provision, the good news is that employers are viewing the ageing workforce as increasingly important, with 29% citing that it will be a driver of financial wellbeing strategy over the next two years. 44% say that they plan to offer targeted support for the over 55s during the same period – which has grown from 17% and represents a 159% increase in the past two years. Specifically, pre-retirement planning is set for a boost with 68% of employers either currently offering it or planning to do so.",[],{"_key":41670,"_type":127,"children":41671,"markDefs":41676,"style":135},"178519794bec",[41672],{"_key":41673,"_type":131,"marks":41674,"text":41675},"03a0d9d7aabf",[],"But before proceeding with a programme, carrying out due diligence on providers is crucial. This should include checking that any financial education and guidance providers are workplace specialists with experience in providing support to members. Due diligence on regulated advice firms should cover areas such as qualifications of advisers, the regulatory record of the firm, compliance process e.g. compliance checks of 100% of cases, pricing structure, and experience of working with employers and Trustees.",[],{"_key":41678,"_type":127,"children":41679,"markDefs":41684,"style":135},"88ef4bf4e054",[41680],{"_key":41681,"_type":131,"marks":41682,"text":41683},"731489af30a3",[],"Ultimately, empowering members by providing them with access to appropriate support at the right time can improve financial capability and resilience. This can help members to navigate any challenges that may lie ahead which should result in better retirement outcomes for all.",[],{"_key":41686,"_type":127,"children":41687,"markDefs":41702,"style":135},"abd8a2c12e2a",[41688,41692,41695,41699],{"_key":41689,"_type":131,"marks":41690,"text":41691},"7124eec5c556",[174],"To read the article in Pensions Age,",{"_key":41693,"_type":131,"marks":41694,"text":35526},"59bed6898d73",[],{"_key":41696,"_type":131,"marks":41697,"text":18200},"4589b80c04da",[174,41698],"3044765296c7",{"_key":41700,"_type":131,"marks":41701,"text":1289},"82d7033914d9",[174],[41703],{"_key":41698,"_type":1264,"href":41704},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.pensionsage.com\u002Fpages\u002FDigitalEditions\u002Fjanuary_2024\u002Fpa_january2024_digi-edition.pdf",{"_key":41706,"_type":127,"children":41707,"markDefs":41712,"style":1544},"e0a217fe6422",[41708],{"_key":41709,"_type":131,"marks":41710,"text":41711},"723e3b9c4fce",[],"[1] The REBA and WEALTH at work Employee Financial Wellbeing Survey 2023 was carried out online between March and May 2023 and was launched on 26 September 2023. Responses were received from 195 wellbeing, HR and employee benefits specialists working at organisations representing over 1.5 million employees",[],{"_key":41714,"_type":127,"children":41715,"markDefs":41720,"style":1544},"2ededdb46c3f",[41716],{"_key":41717,"_type":131,"marks":41718,"text":41719},"0004e756d2c3",[],"[2] Are rising costs impacting pension savings and retirement plans? The research for WEALTH at work was carried out throughout April 2023 amongst a panel resulting in 2,025 UK adults aged 22+ in full time employment responding",[],[41722],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":41723,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":41725,"blogPostMeta":41726,"content":41764,"tag":42044,"title":41763},"bcba8ded-34d9-44c4-8fb5-b7f10961dc74",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":41727,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":41760,"slug":41761,"title":41763},{"_type":58,"asset":41728},{"_createdAt":41729,"_id":41730,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":41731,"extension":196,"metadata":41732,"mimeType":225,"opt":41750,"originalFilename":41755,"path":41756,"sha1hash":41731,"size":41757,"uploadId":41758,"url":41759},"2026-01-06T11:24:53Z","image-aa85335ff210fe0fdaa4e98bb82996bd1346c260-1000x667-jpg","aa85335ff210fe0fdaa4e98bb82996bd1346c260",{"_type":69,"blurHash":41733,"dimensions":41734,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":41735,"palette":41736},"VJJ*uA?b9E4n-;_MIrD*MxM{?ZRlM{%LD%bxn~%Mf,af",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGAQT\u002FxAAkEAABAwMEAQUAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEAAUGERIhMQcUMlFxof\u002FEABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAC\u002F8QAGhEAAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAIRESMf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AqvHbz1vxuLb347peZLpV0PcOK3yPlTtoxyA3AeDM0t7VII1PddEhPqJcZa1rStpOgKVabvuk+UYk3c0KkyZjhUnlI2DgfAOtE0am5GpSxG1neVd7VFmSFgOONjUFHVFRDGUu2lhuE3HS4hobQorIJ\u002FKKjCnkrBFGf\u002F\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":41737,"darkVibrant":41739,"dominant":41741,"lightMuted":41742,"lightVibrant":41744,"muted":41746,"vibrant":41748},{"_type":81,"background":41738,"foreground":83,"population":8044,"title":83},"#2a3650",{"_type":81,"background":41740,"foreground":83,"population":25374,"title":83},"#283d62",{"_type":81,"background":41740,"foreground":83,"population":25374,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":41743,"foreground":91,"population":11894,"title":83},"#c4bdac",{"_type":81,"background":41745,"foreground":91,"population":87,"title":83},"#7cc0fc",{"_type":81,"background":41747,"foreground":83,"population":32036,"title":83},"#5e7caa",{"_type":81,"background":41749,"foreground":83,"population":5746,"title":83},"#456caa",{"media":41751},{"tags":41752},[41753],{"_key":41754,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"fF1FNgprAxVkHVOJa8RF1","shutterstock_1827770870.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Faa85335ff210fe0fdaa4e98bb82996bd1346c260-1000x667.jpg",396114,"hIPbtvTGW2MRtIfNWLlOFCREuvUSS6KV","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Faa85335ff210fe0fdaa4e98bb82996bd1346c260-1000x667.jpg","2023-12-19T11:24:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":41762},"top-tips-for-employees-retiring-in-2024","Top tips for employees retiring in 2024",[41765,41773,41781,41789,41797,41804,41838,41846,41854,41862,41870,41878,41886,41894,41902,41910,41918,41926,41934,41941,41949,41956,41964,41971,41998,42005,42013,42021,42028,42036],{"_key":41766,"_type":127,"children":41767,"markDefs":41772,"style":135},"2eea80e90c65",[41768],{"_key":41769,"_type":131,"marks":41770,"text":41771},"149e1a0f98b4",[],"The current economic environment is causing disruption to the retirement plans of many. It is important that those retiring in 2024 understand their options, make informed decisions, and avoid making mistakes with their hard-earned savings.",[],{"_key":41774,"_type":127,"children":41775,"markDefs":41780,"style":135},"a680a8d1c45d",[41776],{"_key":41777,"_type":131,"marks":41778,"text":41779},"27c71d415785",[],"To help, WEALTH at work, has created a list of top tips for employees who are thinking about retiring in 2024.",[],{"_key":41782,"_type":127,"children":41783,"markDefs":41788,"style":135},"af353d1a1ac0",[41784],{"_key":41785,"_type":131,"marks":41786,"text":41787},"c95267d46a87",[174],"1. Work out a financial plan for retirement",[],{"_key":41790,"_type":127,"children":41791,"markDefs":41796,"style":135},"8060c6f55494",[41792],{"_key":41793,"_type":131,"marks":41794,"text":41795},"28d43dac02b5",[],"People should start by working out what they think they will need to meet their day-to-day living expenses (such as household bills) and discretionary expenditures (such as holidays and hobbies) in retirement. Current outgoings are a good place to start when working this out. In retirement, many will probably be paying significantly less income tax, no National Insurance or pension contributions, and mortgages may be paid off, but other costs may be higher such as heating bills as retirees may spend more time at home. They then need to work out the value of their savings and investments including pensions.",[],{"_key":41798,"_type":127,"children":41799,"markDefs":41803,"style":135},"4bf41c55697e",[41800],{"_key":41801,"_type":131,"marks":41802,"text":4866},"fc913198146b",[174],[],{"_key":41805,"_type":127,"children":41806,"markDefs":41834,"style":135},"2d20b57c1a9e",[41807,41811,41815,41819,41823,41827,41831],{"_key":41808,"_type":131,"marks":41809,"text":41810},"3eb516fa2e87",[],"There are 2.8 million lost pension pots sitting unclaimed because they’ve been lost or forgotten about. Some of the main reasons include moving jobs, or people moving house and not updating their address with their pension provider. However, there are ways to locate lost pensions. This includes using the Government’s ",{"_key":41812,"_type":131,"marks":41813,"text":4890},"5775b6340702",[41814],"72d41e42fe02",{"_key":41816,"_type":131,"marks":41817,"text":41818},"20dc5125a4e4",[]," and putting in either the employer or pension provider details. If the company no longer exists they can contact ",{"_key":41820,"_type":131,"marks":41821,"text":4899},"b7cf32be1d67",[41822],"b44d51c1bee0",{"_key":41824,"_type":131,"marks":41825,"text":41826},"23c0cb719fd8",[],", or if they worked for a charity they can contact the ",{"_key":41828,"_type":131,"marks":41829,"text":4908},"a1f607a2624d",[41830],"c189230acc22",{"_key":41832,"_type":131,"marks":41833,"text":1289},"16dc17207403",[],[41835,41836,41837],{"_key":41814,"_type":1264,"href":5479},{"_key":41822,"_type":1264,"href":4917},{"_key":41830,"_type":1264,"href":4915},{"_key":41839,"_type":127,"children":41840,"markDefs":41845,"style":135},"036dbfaa0fc3",[41841],{"_key":41842,"_type":131,"marks":41843,"text":41844},"fe139732c8b4",[],"They should then ask the provider for an up-to-date statement, so they know how much their pension is worth. For those who have several schemes and struggle to keep track of them all, it might make sense to consolidate them.",[],{"_key":41847,"_type":127,"children":41848,"markDefs":41853,"style":135},"7a3a5a883ce7",[41849],{"_key":41850,"_type":131,"marks":41851,"text":41852},"d7eebaf4ae80",[174],"3. Check if retirement is affordable",[],{"_key":41855,"_type":127,"children":41856,"markDefs":41861,"style":135},"2e7217b1d046",[41857],{"_key":41858,"_type":131,"marks":41859,"text":41860},"3715648540fb",[],"Once someone understands their financial situation, they would then need to consider if they have enough saved to be able to afford to retire. According to the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA), a single person will need about £12,800 a year to achieve the minimum standard of living (this would cover all a retiree’s needs plus enough for some leisure activities such as a week’s holiday in the UK and eating out occasionally); £23,300 a year for a moderate standard of living (one foreign holiday a year and more frequent eating out); and £37,300 a year for a comfortable standard of living (this would cover all a retiree’s needs plus two foreign holidays a year and some luxuries such as regular beauty treatments). For couples, it’s £19,900, £34,000 and £54,500, respectively.",[],{"_key":41863,"_type":127,"children":41864,"markDefs":41869,"style":135},"0bccfc81450f",[41865],{"_key":41866,"_type":131,"marks":41867,"text":41868},"b7ac12b50cd5",[],"Research has found that most people live longer than they expect. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates that the average life expectancy in the UK for people aged 65 will be 85 years for men and 87 years for women. People should keep this in mind when planning for retirement.",[],{"_key":41871,"_type":127,"children":41872,"markDefs":41877,"style":135},"c9bd288cf8ec",[41873],{"_key":41874,"_type":131,"marks":41875,"text":41876},"31a0862838c8",[174],"4. Look at all sources of retirement income",[],{"_key":41879,"_type":127,"children":41880,"markDefs":41885,"style":135},"91f3e2f24b8b",[41881],{"_key":41882,"_type":131,"marks":41883,"text":41884},"10416d6bf18c",[],"Many people think of their pension as their only source of income in retirement, but other assets such as cash ISAs, savings and investments can be used. For example, if taking money from a pension brings someone into a higher income tax bracket, it might be worth them taking the extra money needed from their taxable savings instead. With careful planning, it may be possible to avoid paying unnecessary tax which means more income in retirement.",[],{"_key":41887,"_type":127,"children":41888,"markDefs":41893,"style":135},"197bbe1db349",[41889],{"_key":41890,"_type":131,"marks":41891,"text":41892},"d01882d6a12b",[174],"5. Consider delaying retirement or working part time",[],{"_key":41895,"_type":127,"children":41896,"markDefs":41901,"style":135},"f67b59c234e3",[41897],{"_key":41898,"_type":131,"marks":41899,"text":41900},"b477454c36e6",[],"If someone is worried that they haven’t saved enough, it may be worth delaying retirement or continuing working part time. This would enable them to make more pension contributions, and they would be able to take advantage of tax relief and employer contributions for longer to build up their savings. In fact, the ONS reported that nearly 100,000 of retirees actually returned to work in the twelve months leading up to March 2023.",[],{"_key":41903,"_type":127,"children":41904,"markDefs":41909,"style":135},"75834c3237c3",[41905],{"_key":41906,"_type":131,"marks":41907,"text":41908},"63f20406853b",[174],"6. Decide how to access pension income",[],{"_key":41911,"_type":127,"children":41912,"markDefs":41917,"style":135},"a35c42aecb90",[41913],{"_key":41914,"_type":131,"marks":41915,"text":41916},"4edd05a7ca4c",[],"Those who have a defined contribution (DC) pension are able to access their savings from age 55 and will need to decide whether they want to do this through income drawdown, buying an annuity, taking it as a cash lump sum, or a combination of these options.",[],{"_key":41919,"_type":127,"children":41920,"markDefs":41925,"style":135},"ba548f97d62a",[41921],{"_key":41922,"_type":131,"marks":41923,"text":41924},"1fa071ee1b1d",[],"However, for those with defined benefit (DB) pensions, the income is usually based on a rate set by the scheme (the accrual rate) and typically is a percentage or fraction of their salary for each year they have been an active member of the scheme. There is usually a set retirement age such as someone’s 60th or 65th birthday; however, they may be able to receive benefits earlier or later than this.",[],{"_key":41927,"_type":127,"children":41928,"markDefs":41933,"style":135},"25e82049fe52",[41929],{"_key":41930,"_type":131,"marks":41931,"text":41932},"773872d42492",[],"Some people may want to transfer their DB pensions into a DC pension fund so that they can have greater flexibility over their savings. However, people must understand the advantages and disadvantages of this first. Employees will need help to understand their options, and which might be the best for them.",[],{"_key":41935,"_type":127,"children":41936,"markDefs":41940,"style":135},"aad2b4a3b3e5",[41937],{"_key":41938,"_type":131,"marks":41939,"text":27282},"3c4170212c5b",[174],[],{"_key":41942,"_type":127,"children":41943,"markDefs":41948,"style":135},"8eb9c61b9371",[41944],{"_key":41945,"_type":131,"marks":41946,"text":41947},"857d2535d478",[],"Usually, only the first 25% of a DC pension is tax free (the calculation for a defined benefit scheme will be different); the remaining 75% is taxed as earned income. Unfortunately, some people don’t understand this and decide to take their pension as a cash lump sum, not realising that it makes them a higher rate taxpayer. It may be better for them to take smaller amounts each year from their pension, keeping within their tax bracket, and then top it up with withdrawals from other savings.",[],{"_key":41950,"_type":127,"children":41951,"markDefs":41955,"style":135},"980c71c58820",[41952],{"_key":41953,"_type":131,"marks":41954,"text":27298},"b349dcd2c43b",[174],[],{"_key":41957,"_type":127,"children":41958,"markDefs":41963,"style":135},"5dce40a4065d",[41959],{"_key":41960,"_type":131,"marks":41961,"text":41962},"d1e755cf4ea3",[],"It is important that people shop around before they purchase any retirement products. In 2022 Which? found that the difference in growth between the cheapest and most expensive drawdown plans for a £260,000 pot (the average pot value) was nearly £18,000 over a 20-year period. Individuals should not only check charging structures, but make sure it suits their needs, and that they can withdraw cash as and when they want it, and for as long as they need it.",[],{"_key":41965,"_type":127,"children":41966,"markDefs":41970,"style":135},"ec0ca8b9d878",[41967],{"_key":41968,"_type":131,"marks":41969,"text":5155},"a3027765e4d6",[174],[],{"_key":41972,"_type":127,"children":41973,"markDefs":41995,"style":135},"2ff46431f503",[41974,41978,41982,41986,41991],{"_key":41975,"_type":131,"marks":41976,"text":41977},"1c0e0f2409e2",[],"Pension scam victims lost more than £26m in recent years. Whatever someone is planning to do with their retirement savings, it’s vital they check whether the company that they’re planning to use is registered with the ",{"_key":41979,"_type":131,"marks":41980,"text":15821},"d1d88073eaf3",[41981],"a46637106275",{"_key":41983,"_type":131,"marks":41984,"text":41985},"e458a8e0a361",[],". They can also visit the ",{"_key":41987,"_type":131,"marks":41988,"text":41990},"ce5b02e45f8d",[41989],"bbe1f24f9aa9","FCA’s ScamSmart",{"_key":41992,"_type":131,"marks":41993,"text":41994},"a4ae53226782",[]," website which includes a warning list of companies operating without authorisation or running scams.",[41996,41997],{"_key":41981,"_type":1264,"href":5168},{"_key":41989,"_type":1264,"href":5184},{"_key":41999,"_type":127,"children":42000,"markDefs":42004,"style":135},"5fbed3a873a9",[42001],{"_key":42002,"_type":131,"marks":42003,"text":5198},"f74693671b35",[174],[],{"_key":42006,"_type":127,"children":42007,"markDefs":42012,"style":135},"afc7bbc2af29",[42008],{"_key":42009,"_type":131,"marks":42010,"text":42011},"cbb4e230b512",[],"It is vital that individuals fully understand their retirement options, to choose what is right for them, and getting financial education, guidance and advice at retirement can really help. Pension Wise offer free appointments to talk about someone’s pension options. The workplace is also a great source of support with 68% of employers already offering or planning to offer pre-retirement planning for employees.",[],{"_key":42014,"_type":127,"children":42015,"markDefs":42020,"style":135},"39000e74a3db",[42016],{"_key":42017,"_type":131,"marks":42018,"text":42019},"842e1e62be33",[],"Some employers even offer access to a regulated financial adviser who will look at all of someone’s assets and work out the most tax efficient way for them to fund their retirement before putting a bespoke plan in place. As cognitive decline during retirement may make it more difficult for some people to make appropriate decisions about how to access their savings in their older years, ongoing advice may be needed to support individuals throughout retirement.",[],{"_key":42022,"_type":127,"children":42023,"markDefs":42027,"style":135},"3f199340e87a",[42024],{"_key":42025,"_type":131,"marks":42026,"text":1502},"a9a2b09e8e72",[174],[],{"_key":42029,"_type":127,"children":42030,"markDefs":42035,"style":135},"718c06a33e23",[42031],{"_key":42032,"_type":131,"marks":42033,"text":42034},"62edd68352ad",[],"“The rising cost of living is understandably concerning for those due to retire in 2024. They need to work out how much they are actually going to need, and if they haven’t saved enough, what their options are.”",[],{"_key":42037,"_type":127,"children":42038,"markDefs":42043,"style":135},"48ccce04cf97",[42039],{"_key":42040,"_type":131,"marks":42041,"text":42042},"5a0b03f58093",[],"He adds; “We spend many years saving for our retirement and deciding how to manage this money is one of the biggest financial decisions people make. It is heart-breaking when people make mistakes with their hard-earned savings which could have been so easily avoided. This is why many employers now offer retirement support including access to financial education, guidance and regulated financial advice for employees.”",[],[42045],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":42046,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":42048,"blogPostMeta":42049,"content":42090,"tag":42341,"title":42089},"15b68e9c-3380-4f8c-9724-c3278e2af5fb",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":42050,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":42086,"slug":42087,"title":42089},{"_type":58,"asset":42051},{"_createdAt":42052,"_id":42053,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":42054,"extension":196,"metadata":42055,"mimeType":225,"opt":42076,"originalFilename":42081,"path":42082,"sha1hash":42054,"size":42083,"uploadId":42084,"url":42085},"2026-01-06T11:26:14Z","image-0a78a9002133a5c2c042fe01f2d485b0da6d4f65-1000x667-jpg","0a78a9002133a5c2c042fe01f2d485b0da6d4f65",{"_type":69,"blurHash":42056,"dimensions":42057,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":42058,"palette":42059},"VDO:kU00TLYR.9iZ?b-=ofoflVWVn$rVI9-ptRRPx]n$",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUHBAb\u002FxAAgEAACAgIBBQEAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEABEFBhITMXEh\u002F8QAFgEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgME\u002F8QAHREAAgIBBQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAEiEDE1GR4f\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AqHKXp35yWiZJI\u002FFEsgWFve8YArXRJ5FsFNAE67gfucvwlqvc6jd7FQNY7RGZBIRsfMo3Fzh5p6yRhI4j2ge95nGk1yScS5dagAZmeE0JIld\u002FISRv8GGOWRUOgBr5hi235HXsF1n\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":42060,"darkVibrant":42063,"dominant":42065,"lightMuted":42068,"lightVibrant":42069,"muted":42071,"vibrant":42074},{"_type":81,"background":42061,"foreground":83,"population":42062,"title":83},"#4f3b2b",5.69,{"_type":81,"background":42064,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#624622",{"_type":81,"background":42066,"foreground":91,"population":42067,"title":91},"#d2cbbd",7.14,{"_type":81,"background":42066,"foreground":91,"population":42067,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":42070,"foreground":91,"population":87,"title":91},"#fcdca2",{"_type":81,"background":42072,"foreground":83,"population":42073,"title":83},"#9e7d58",2.57,{"_type":81,"background":42075,"foreground":91,"population":23940,"title":83},"#d6b589",{"media":42077},{"tags":42078},[42079],{"_key":42080,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"xxDV6PW4Fmk3M_0aLqtWG","shutterstock_2326168617.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F0a78a9002133a5c2c042fe01f2d485b0da6d4f65-1000x667.jpg",381705,"Yy7H6h5EYclTku7yjVdMbc4nxu8ruLLu","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F0a78a9002133a5c2c042fe01f2d485b0da6d4f65-1000x667.jpg","2023-12-18T11:25:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":42088},"tips-to-help-employees-take-control-of-their-finances-in-2024","Tips to help employees take control of their finances in 2024",[42091,42099,42107,42118,42130,42142,42150,42162,42174,42186,42198,42210,42231,42254,42265,42273,42286,42299,42312,42324],{"_key":42092,"_type":127,"children":42093,"markDefs":42098,"style":135},"89994ccd2667",[42094],{"_key":42095,"_type":131,"marks":42096,"text":42097},"989f171e47fd",[],"According to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)[1], 10.9 million adults in the UK (21%) felt that keeping up with their bills and credit commitments was a heavy burden, which was up 3.1 million compared to the 7.8 million the year previous (15%). The Bank of England has also recently reported that nearly 5 million UK households are facing an average £2,900 increase in their annual mortgage payments.",[],{"_key":42100,"_type":127,"children":42101,"markDefs":42106,"style":135},"92e8eaea9210",[42102],{"_key":42103,"_type":131,"marks":42104,"text":42105},"7ff5da9c73dc",[],"It’s now more important than ever to support employees to take control of their finances. To help with this, WEALTH at work has outlined below 10 tips to share with employees.",[],{"_key":42108,"_type":127,"children":42109,"markDefs":42117,"style":135},"34cad5898c53",[42110,42113],{"_key":42111,"_type":131,"marks":42112,"text":7214},"d1a40dfcff09",[174],{"_key":42114,"_type":131,"marks":42115,"text":42116},"4d7762e5d257",[]," The first step to taking control of your finances is to create a budget. Often this may seem like an overwhelming task but becoming clear on your income and expenditure can be a huge help. People should work out what exactly their income is each month and then check their bank statements to clarify what outgoings they have. Outgoings can then be divided into fixed costs which have to be paid such as mortgage, rent, council tax, energy and water, and then those which you may be able to cut back on such as supermarket shopping, monthly contracts for TV, subscriptions and other spending. Some banks have apps which enable this to be done automatically. This will highlight where money is actually going and where savings could be made. Now is the time to get rid of anything that isn’t used or is unaffordable.",[],{"_key":42119,"_type":127,"children":42120,"markDefs":42129,"style":135},"5c782cccc0c8",[42121,42125],{"_key":42122,"_type":131,"marks":42123,"text":42124},"c32547f1972e",[174],"2. Track your finances –",{"_key":42126,"_type":131,"marks":42127,"text":42128},"6af11bf1eefb",[]," After creating a budget, it is important to keep track of spending, scheduling regular budget check-ups can provide a complete picture of where someone’s money goes. As time goes by, incomings and outgoings can change so the monthly budget may need tweaking. Reviewing bank and credit card statements can ensure spending habits are aligned with someone’s financial goals and it can help identify areas of overspending so spending can be quickly adjusted.",[],{"_key":42131,"_type":127,"children":42132,"markDefs":42141,"style":135},"9b696337a235",[42133,42137],{"_key":42134,"_type":131,"marks":42135,"text":42136},"27d590e12628",[174],"3. Manage debt –",{"_key":42138,"_type":131,"marks":42139,"text":42140},"455d93767635",[]," There are many different types of debt with varying rates of interest, and it’s usually a good idea to focus on paying off high interest debts first. Credit cards and overdrafts can have rates of 18% to 40%, with payday loans having rates of 1,500% and more[2]! For example, a debt of £3,000 with a rate of 18% APR could take 10 years and 10 months to pay off if paying £50 a month, with a total interest paid of £3,495. If that monthly payment was increased to £100 a month, the debt would be paid off in three years and four months and interest paid would be only £908.",[],{"_key":42143,"_type":127,"children":42144,"markDefs":42149,"style":135},"a94d5634a07b",[42145],{"_key":42146,"_type":131,"marks":42147,"text":42148},"ad9dd0b0d3bb",[],"A good option could be to consolidate any debts into a 0% or low interest balance transfer card, as more money will go towards paying the debt off and enable it to be cleared over a shorter time. Those who are struggling to make a payment should speak to their provider before they miss a payment, as help may be available.",[],{"_key":42151,"_type":127,"children":42152,"markDefs":42161,"style":135},"2ecc72301d0d",[42153,42157],{"_key":42154,"_type":131,"marks":42155,"text":42156},"f5c2d6e72a69",[174],"4. Shop wisely –",{"_key":42158,"_type":131,"marks":42159,"text":42160},"1bc012786af9",[]," Plan shopping in advance as it will allow time to search for the best deals and reduce expenditure on non-essential items. Also, by switching brands it might be possible to significantly reduce the price of the regular shop. When it comes to big purchases, such as if a washing machine breaks, discount vouchers are often available through voucher and discount websites, and some people also have access to discount schemes through their employer.",[],{"_key":42163,"_type":127,"children":42164,"markDefs":42173,"style":135},"446db8998788",[42165,42169],{"_key":42166,"_type":131,"marks":42167,"text":42168},"23749ce66b34",[174],"5. Save on household bills –",{"_key":42170,"_type":131,"marks":42171,"text":42172},"99584936747a",[]," It is possible to make significant savings on a range of household bills. Price comparison websites can help to make it easy to compare the different deals available. For example, according to the Association for British Insurers, the average premium for comprehensive motor insurance rose by 21% over the last year. Using a price comparison site could save up to £523[3].",[],{"_key":42175,"_type":127,"children":42176,"markDefs":42185,"style":135},"eb66d5eacfdc",[42177,42181],{"_key":42178,"_type":131,"marks":42179,"text":42180},"bc2d6f29e979",[174],"6. Avoid auto-renewals –",{"_key":42182,"_type":131,"marks":42183,"text":42184},"cb08bd1a2fd3",[]," Many insurance policies automatically renew each year but people may be paying more than they need to. It’s a good idea to find out when any contracts are due to end and put it in the diary a month earlier, so there is plenty of time to shop around.",[],{"_key":42187,"_type":127,"children":42188,"markDefs":42197,"style":135},"fc109016f3f9",[42189,42193],{"_key":42190,"_type":131,"marks":42191,"text":42192},"2d5dd0edbc2a",[174],"7. Automate saving –",{"_key":42194,"_type":131,"marks":42195,"text":42196},"7f0f5c1b9ed4",[]," Individuals could consider setting up automatic savings transfers which round up transactions to save small amounts which can really add up. For example, if you buy something for £4.20, the bank rounds it up to £5 and 80p goes into your savings. Two transactions like this per day could help save £584 over a year*. However, for those who can afford to save, it is often a good idea to set up a direct debit for saving into an ISA or even a company share scheme if available. Many employers offer payroll-deducted savings schemes for effortless saving.",[],{"_key":42199,"_type":127,"children":42200,"markDefs":42209,"style":135},"57f1f09bc816",[42201,42205],{"_key":42202,"_type":131,"marks":42203,"text":42204},"d191357fc9f2",[174],"8. Start saving early –",{"_key":42206,"_type":131,"marks":42207,"text":42208},"b5ec5dbcc256",[]," Starting to save when you are younger into ISAs and a pension means that the money has lots of time to grow. Many people already pay 5% of their salary into their workplace pension through auto-enrolment, with an additional 3% employer contribution. Some employers will match additional contributions (up to certain limits). In fact, for those in their 20s, by saving an extra 1% a year with an employer matching this, it is possible to increase a pension pot in retirement by 25%[4].",[],{"_key":42211,"_type":127,"children":42212,"markDefs":42229,"style":135},"5f92d85d9e01",[42213,42217,42221,42226],{"_key":42214,"_type":131,"marks":42215,"text":42216},"aa5d832efb57",[174],"9. Beware of scams –",{"_key":42218,"_type":131,"marks":42219,"text":42220},"0af7bbeceb52",[]," Scammers tend to sound completely legitimate when they contact you. It’s easy to see why so many people are fooled and it isn’t small amounts of money which are being taken. 300,000 victims[5] report a case to Action Fraud every year in the UK. The Home Office estimates the cost of fraud against individuals at £4.7 billion. If someone contacts you with an offer which seems too good to be true, it’s vital to check whether the company is registered with the FCA. Individuals can also visit the FCA’s ",{"_key":42222,"_type":131,"marks":42223,"text":42225},"0046437796f6",[42224],"c83b72093650","ScamSmart",{"_key":42227,"_type":131,"marks":42228,"text":41994},"184e46cba04a",[],[42230],{"_key":42224,"_type":1264,"href":5184},{"_key":42232,"_type":127,"children":42233,"markDefs":42251,"style":135},"31c121f67e7a",[42234,42238,42242,42247],{"_key":42235,"_type":131,"marks":42236,"text":42237},"e949b405636b",[174],"10. Take action –",{"_key":42239,"_type":131,"marks":42240,"text":42241},"48fb2b0e1e96",[]," There is help available. Individuals should speak to lenders to see if they can help if they are struggling with repayments and ",{"_key":42243,"_type":131,"marks":42244,"text":42246},"b638472f7cee",[42245],"5fa8d9d3ad9d","Citizens Advice",{"_key":42248,"_type":131,"marks":42249,"text":42250},"e0eacb93daeb",[]," can help people understand how to deal with any debts. Many employers offer their staff help through financial education and guidance and offer ways to cut costs and boost savings.",[42252],{"_key":42245,"_type":1264,"href":42253},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.citizensadvice.org.uk\u002F",{"_key":42255,"_type":127,"children":42256,"markDefs":42264,"style":135},"8f26a67cf5d4",[42257,42260],{"_key":42258,"_type":131,"marks":42259,"text":1502},"254e64c0a1c0",[174],{"_key":42261,"_type":131,"marks":42262,"text":42263},"c83fbf8ae915",[]," “Now is a great time for employees to review their financial situation and take action to make sure they are in control of their finances in 2024.”",[],{"_key":42266,"_type":127,"children":42267,"markDefs":42272,"style":135},"f3f0cfe5aed6",[42268],{"_key":42269,"_type":131,"marks":42270,"text":42271},"220829c783bb",[],"He adds; “Proactive employers are actively working to help employees to improve their financial future, remove the stigma around money worries and access the support available. 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000Z",{"_type":9,"current":42382},"celebrating-success-at-this-years-proshare-awards","Celebrating success at this year’s ProShare Awards",[42385,42393,42401,42409,42427],{"_key":42386,"_type":127,"children":42387,"markDefs":42392,"style":135},"9642d132f6b6",[42388],{"_key":42389,"_type":131,"marks":42390,"text":42391},"aa180f4c75fd",[],"WEALTH at work is delighted to congratulate our client Drax Group plc on their success at the ProShare Awards which took place in London last night! The ProShare Awards are designed to celebrate the incredible achievements of the shareplan industry and highlight outstanding shareplan initiatives.",[],{"_key":42394,"_type":127,"children":42395,"markDefs":42400,"style":135},"0b2595f50564",[42396],{"_key":42397,"_type":131,"marks":42398,"text":42399},"92a11fd82fcb",[],"A huge congratulations to Drax Group plc who won ‘Best Financial Education Initiative for Employees’ and ‘Best Overall Performance in Fostering Employee Share Ownership’ awards.",[],{"_key":42402,"_type":127,"children":42403,"markDefs":42408,"style":135},"9ab4824a1d6a",[42404],{"_key":42405,"_type":131,"marks":42406,"text":42407},"0b410b404d05",[],"The success that Drax has achieved at this year’s event is a clear demonstration of their commitment to employee shareplans and helping employees understand their options at maturity.",[],{"_key":42410,"_type":127,"children":42411,"markDefs":42424,"style":135},"5adc11c8b564",[42412,42416,42421],{"_key":42413,"_type":131,"marks":42414,"text":42415},"5746e973d6d0",[],"To find out more on how WEALTH at work have recently supported Drax employees to understand their options when their Sharesave plan reached maturity, see our ",{"_key":42417,"_type":131,"marks":42418,"text":42420},"a85b1648064a",[42419],"101aec7ce23c","case 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event.",[],{"_key":42455,"_type":127,"children":42456,"markDefs":42461,"style":135},"950029f9cf07",[42457],{"_key":42458,"_type":131,"marks":42459,"text":42460},"13d39a52f0bc",[],"The session covered:",[],{"_key":42463,"_type":127,"children":42464,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":42469,"style":135},"de17c2618fb1",[42465],{"_key":42466,"_type":131,"marks":42467,"text":42468},"dfbb8d795851",[],"The key drivers for change and how near and long-term workplace issues are shifting financial wellbeing strategies.",[],{"_key":42471,"_type":127,"children":42472,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":42477,"style":135},"00f8db743a42",[42473],{"_key":42474,"_type":131,"marks":42475,"text":42476},"107acf9e053d",[],"How employers can develop their financial wellbeing strategy to prepare for what’s coming next.",[],{"_key":42479,"_type":127,"children":42480,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":42485,"style":135},"beaab1806be8",[42481],{"_key":42482,"_type":131,"marks":42483,"text":42484},"0f574b0aab17",[],"What will financial resilience and literacy support look like in 2024.",[],{"_key":42487,"_type":127,"children":42488,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":42493,"style":135},"4e2204599142",[42489],{"_key":42490,"_type":131,"marks":42491,"text":42492},"7c6497d9d579",[],"Practical examples to help employers understand what they will need to do now to build strong financial habits among the employees of the future.",[],{"_key":42495,"_type":127,"children":42496,"markDefs":42509,"style":135},"386c24483269",[42497,42501,42506],{"_key":42498,"_type":131,"marks":42499,"text":42500},"634f33a58864",[],"To find out more about the research, please see ",{"_key":42502,"_type":131,"marks":42503,"text":42505},"bf290738f339",[42504],"5fcac1aa7d45","Financial Wellbeing Research 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10 pension mistakes individuals could make as they approach retirement",[42574,42582,42590,42598,42606,42614,42622,42630,42638,42646,42654,42662,42670,42678,42686,42694,42702,42710,42718,42726,42734,42742,42750,42758,42766,42774,42782,42790,42815,42823,42831,42838,42846,42854,42868,42882,42895,42908,42921,42929,42942],{"_key":42575,"_type":127,"children":42576,"markDefs":42581,"style":135},"812265fe405c",[42577],{"_key":42578,"_type":131,"marks":42579,"text":42580},"8bcfc3b708be",[],"Most of us spend the majority of our working life saving into our pension. However, all this hard work saving can quickly unravel for those who aren’t aware of common pension mistakes.",[],{"_key":42583,"_type":127,"children":42584,"markDefs":42589,"style":135},"2aa0445f40b7",[42585],{"_key":42586,"_type":131,"marks":42587,"text":42588},"8e8490d33c73",[],"WEALTH at work outlines below the top 10 pension mistakes individuals could make, to highlight what employees facing retirement may need support with.",[],{"_key":42591,"_type":127,"children":42592,"markDefs":42597,"style":135},"8b64ba8f00a6",[42593],{"_key":42594,"_type":131,"marks":42595,"text":42596},"7a119e9277ae",[174],"1. Withdrawing savings from a pension early",[],{"_key":42599,"_type":127,"children":42600,"markDefs":42605,"style":135},"b88c2fa04a3b",[42601],{"_key":42602,"_type":131,"marks":42603,"text":42604},"829051e4177a",[],"As a result of the rising cost of living, one in 10 (10%) over 55s in full-time employment have withdrawn pension savings earlier than previously intended to supplement their income, yet 31% say they intend to or may consider it in the future, according to a survey from WEALTH at work[1].",[],{"_key":42607,"_type":127,"children":42608,"markDefs":42613,"style":135},"0b0ffcceeed7",[42609],{"_key":42610,"_type":131,"marks":42611,"text":42612},"31b359f16615",[],"Withdrawing money out of a pension earlier than planned really should be a last resort and individuals must understand the dramatic impact this can have on retirement savings, which could include either having to work longer or having less income in retirement.",[],{"_key":42615,"_type":127,"children":42616,"markDefs":42621,"style":135},"509f56ef5887",[42617],{"_key":42618,"_type":131,"marks":42619,"text":42620},"c8b29eb4414b",[174],"2. Not understanding how pensions are invested",[],{"_key":42623,"_type":127,"children":42624,"markDefs":42629,"style":135},"f6b212425ac9",[42625],{"_key":42626,"_type":131,"marks":42627,"text":42628},"474e52fb5564",[],"When it comes to pensions, individuals may not understand that pensions are often invested in ‘lifestyle funds’ which typically move investments out of higher risk funds such as equities, into lower risk funds including bonds and cash, as people approach their chosen retirement age. This made sense when the majority bought annuities, as they didn’t want to risk a market crash’s impact on their savings just before retirement. However, many people now access their pensions using income drawdown[2], meaning that it generally may be better for their pensions to stay invested in equities long into retirement, to give their money the potential to keep growing. Individuals should speak to their pension provider to find out what investment path they are on, and if it is aligned with their retirement income plan.",[],{"_key":42631,"_type":127,"children":42632,"markDefs":42637,"style":135},"6186c3600389",[42633],{"_key":42634,"_type":131,"marks":42635,"text":42636},"fdf78c6ee4ce",[174],"3. Missing out on lost or forgotten pensions",[],{"_key":42639,"_type":127,"children":42640,"markDefs":42645,"style":135},"d85a4b9f07a1",[42641],{"_key":42642,"_type":131,"marks":42643,"text":42644},"3818caf960d4",[],"The total value of lost pension pots has grown from £19.4 billion in 2018 to £26.6 billion in 2022[3]. Some of the main reasons this occurs can be moving jobs, or people moving house and not updating their address with their pension provider.",[],{"_key":42647,"_type":127,"children":42648,"markDefs":42653,"style":135},"e9f2c5a253f4",[42649],{"_key":42650,"_type":131,"marks":42651,"text":42652},"42ac4f86542e",[],"If someone has a lot of different pensions, they may want to consider consolidating them into one pension pot, especially as they may all have different investment strategies. It can also make it easier for them to manage their finances and could save them money on the fees charged. However, it is important to ensure there aren’t any enhanced features or protections that could be lost by transferring, and that the scheme chosen provides the flexibility required for when accessing the money in retirement.",[],{"_key":42655,"_type":127,"children":42656,"markDefs":42661,"style":135},"e8bae1d73ead",[42657],{"_key":42658,"_type":131,"marks":42659,"text":42660},"7a785e7d882d",[174],"4. Not shopping around",[],{"_key":42663,"_type":127,"children":42664,"markDefs":42669,"style":135},"43d94d570c39",[42665],{"_key":42666,"_type":131,"marks":42667,"text":42668},"88fddc438289",[],"Many people are choosing to use income drawdown instead of an annuity. However, it’s crucial that people shop around to make sure they are getting the best deal. In a 2022 investigation, Which?[4] found that the difference in growth between the cheapest and most expensive drawdown plans for a £260,000 pot was nearly £18,000 over a 20-year period.",[],{"_key":42671,"_type":127,"children":42672,"markDefs":42677,"style":135},"c545dfe56d2f",[42673],{"_key":42674,"_type":131,"marks":42675,"text":42676},"5d48d53ada06",[174],"5. Withdrawing cash to put in the bank",[],{"_key":42679,"_type":127,"children":42680,"markDefs":42685,"style":135},"8e5c4575eea8",[42681],{"_key":42682,"_type":131,"marks":42683,"text":42684},"570fc12ee8b5",[],"Some people are taking money from their pension just to put into their bank account or other savings and investments, but they may not be aware that by doing this their money could lose value over time, as returns on savings accounts typically don’t keep pace with inflation. They will also lose out on the valuable tax benefits available in the pension scheme. It’s usually better to leave the money invested in a pension fund where it keeps its tax-free status, and only withdrawing when it is actually needed.",[],{"_key":42687,"_type":127,"children":42688,"markDefs":42693,"style":135},"58968e412709",[42689],{"_key":42690,"_type":131,"marks":42691,"text":42692},"e50c8b65d425",[],"For example, if someone took £20,000 from their pension, they could receive the first £5,000 (25%) tax-free. The remaining amount would then be taxed as earned income, which for a basic rate tax-payer would mean a tax charge of £3,000, leaving them with £17,000 net of tax. If this was then deposited in a savings account, they would then only be receiving interest on this lower sum (£17,000 rather than £20,000) and the money would also form part of their estate for inheritance tax purposes.",[],{"_key":42695,"_type":127,"children":42696,"markDefs":42701,"style":135},"f37a0ccec206",[42697],{"_key":42698,"_type":131,"marks":42699,"text":42700},"4f46d3551140",[174],"6. First time high-rate tax payer",[],{"_key":42703,"_type":127,"children":42704,"markDefs":42709,"style":135},"0370e1351817",[42705],{"_key":42706,"_type":131,"marks":42707,"text":42708},"e31cb5bed339",[],"Some people don’t realise that income tax is due on their pensions once the 25% tax-free lump sum has been taken. This means that someone who has never been a higher rate tax-payer, suddenly could find themselves in that bracket, especially if they are still working.",[],{"_key":42711,"_type":127,"children":42712,"markDefs":42717,"style":135},"f0fcdc215688",[42713],{"_key":42714,"_type":131,"marks":42715,"text":42716},"c02165f005be",[],"For example, if someone aged over 55 is earning £40,000 a year and has £30,000 in pension savings, decides to withdraw all their pension, 25% of this (£7,500) would be tax- free, but the remaining £22,500 would be eligible for tax. Their taxable income for that year would be £62,500 (£40,000 salary and £22,500 pension), meaning that they would become a higher rate taxpayer. This means they would be taxed 40% on the £12,230 income that exceeds the £50,270 higher tax threshold.",[],{"_key":42719,"_type":127,"children":42720,"markDefs":42725,"style":135},"15bac809e287",[42721],{"_key":42722,"_type":131,"marks":42723,"text":42724},"08000ce6af80",[],"For many, other savings and investments may be a better source of short-term cash than pensions, especially whilst still working, as it can help to avoid unnecessary tax being paid and allows the pension to grow in a tax-free environment.",[],{"_key":42727,"_type":127,"children":42728,"markDefs":42733,"style":135},"3c2b4ceebd0f",[42729],{"_key":42730,"_type":131,"marks":42731,"text":42732},"bf1d6b5a06e1",[174],"7. Not considering all savings",[],{"_key":42735,"_type":127,"children":42736,"markDefs":42741,"style":135},"8088b40cfd7f",[42737],{"_key":42738,"_type":131,"marks":42739,"text":42740},"5ac11204f12b",[],"When deciding how to access retirement income, it isn’t just about pension savings. It is important to look at all savings and investments, whether they be pensions, ISAs, or shares, to make sure they are being used in the most tax efficient way.",[],{"_key":42743,"_type":127,"children":42744,"markDefs":42749,"style":135},"b439c3808e97",[42745],{"_key":42746,"_type":131,"marks":42747,"text":42748},"58df14651d52",[],"Instead of taking money from their pension, some people might be better off using their other savings which aren’t growing tax-free and liable for income and inheritance tax (such as general savings, shares and cash), and leaving their pension to grow in a tax-free environment until needed.",[],{"_key":42751,"_type":127,"children":42752,"markDefs":42757,"style":135},"99b3fe5244f6",[42753],{"_key":42754,"_type":131,"marks":42755,"text":42756},"549d29aabe8e",[174],"8. Underestimating or overestimating life expectancy",[],{"_key":42759,"_type":127,"children":42760,"markDefs":42765,"style":135},"7013a192412e",[42761],{"_key":42762,"_type":131,"marks":42763,"text":42764},"36667e6a8931",[],"Before withdrawing from a pension, it is crucial to think about if you will have enough money to last throughout retirement. Many people can potentially live longer than they expect to, and therefore may underestimate how long they think their savings need to last. According to recent research[5], people aged 50 and over, on average, think they will live until around age 80, whether male or female. However, according to the ONS life expectancy calculator, a male aged 50, will on average live to age 84, while a woman aged 50 will live on average to age 87.",[],{"_key":42767,"_type":127,"children":42768,"markDefs":42773,"style":135},"ba8dee8c174d",[42769],{"_key":42770,"_type":131,"marks":42771,"text":42772},"77b831d8e265",[],"There is also a real risk that people underspend[6], and that they can be too cautious in retirement. Often the early years are the most expensive, when individuals are hopefully well enough to enjoy retirement, and possibly travel. In most cases, the amount needed declines into retirement unless care is needed, individuals should ensure they keep this in mind when planning their retirement spending.",[],{"_key":42775,"_type":127,"children":42776,"markDefs":42781,"style":135},"d412fbaf28d9",[42777],{"_key":42778,"_type":131,"marks":42779,"text":42780},"21545fdec31c",[174],"9. Losing life savings to pension scams",[],{"_key":42783,"_type":127,"children":42784,"markDefs":42789,"style":135},"1a63d4957e7c",[42785],{"_key":42786,"_type":131,"marks":42787,"text":42788},"b656a295e0c5",[],"Individuals getting scammed out of their retirement savings is a real issue. The pensions regulator (TPR)[7] estimates that £2.5 trillion worth of pension wealth in the UK is ‘accessible’ to fraudsters, which represents a ‘huge target base for criminals’.",[],{"_key":42791,"_type":127,"children":42792,"markDefs":42812,"style":135},"7681336b0984",[42793,42797,42801,42805,42809],{"_key":42794,"_type":131,"marks":42795,"text":42796},"1865297d0826",[],"Whatever someone is planning to do with their retirement savings, it’s vital they check whether the company they’re planning to use is registered with the ",{"_key":42798,"_type":131,"marks":42799,"text":15821},"ff9c52ee1a8a",[42800],"d4028636d324",{"_key":42802,"_type":131,"marks":42803,"text":42804},"3135f34f40fc",[],". They can also visit the FCA’s ",{"_key":42806,"_type":131,"marks":42807,"text":19740},"90255aefd0aa",[42808],"6cdcffc32c6c",{"_key":42810,"_type":131,"marks":42811,"text":19744},"0ca0c13ffa66",[],[42813,42814],{"_key":42800,"_type":1264,"href":13676},{"_key":42808,"_type":1264,"href":19748},{"_key":42816,"_type":127,"children":42817,"markDefs":42822,"style":135},"f6a6b7c5494d",[42818],{"_key":42819,"_type":131,"marks":42820,"text":42821},"dd61a8202ddc",[174],"10. Not getting help from the right place",[],{"_key":42824,"_type":127,"children":42825,"markDefs":42830,"style":135},"ce584e4304e4",[42826],{"_key":42827,"_type":131,"marks":42828,"text":42829},"308aa8da969d",[],"When it comes to getting support with their pension, research from WEALTH at work[8] has indicated that more than half (56%) of working adults say they speak to unqualified sources such as family, friends or colleagues, or no one at all. Very few speak to their pension provider (15%), employer (13%), a regulated financial adviser (8%) or specialist bodies such as Pension Wise (4%) or Money Helper (3%).\nThe good news is that recent findings have indicated that employers are set to boost workplace financial wellbeing support. 44% of employers plan to offer targeted support for over 55s, and 68% already offer or plan to offer pre-retirement planning. It’s important for those in the workplace to understand the help and guidance available to them.",[],{"_key":42832,"_type":127,"children":42833,"markDefs":42837,"style":135},"ad1c3aa1cc8d",[42834],{"_key":42835,"_type":131,"marks":42836,"text":1502},"dee2cf4c703f",[174],[],{"_key":42839,"_type":127,"children":42840,"markDefs":42845,"style":135},"138610282dba",[42841],{"_key":42842,"_type":131,"marks":42843,"text":42844},"613b9df7245f",[],"“Often individuals have spent most of their working life saving into their pensions which may need to last more than 30 years. It is important that employees can make informed decisions based on what is right for them.”",[],{"_key":42847,"_type":127,"children":42848,"markDefs":42853,"style":135},"cc980f29a4cc",[42849],{"_key":42850,"_type":131,"marks":42851,"text":42852},"b4f3bff6408f",[],"He adds; “There is a lot at stake, and unfortunately mistakes can be made. However, with appropriate support made available in the workplace, employers can help their employees to make the most of the savings they have. Many employers are now seeing the benefits of putting robust processes in place to support their employee’s at-retirement. This includes offering services such as financial education seminars and one-to-one financial guidance or financial coaching, in the months or even years before retirement, as well as facilitating an introduction to a regulated financial advice firm which has been through a thorough due diligence process. This approach should ensure an improved retirement process, leading to better outcomes for all.”",[],{"_key":42855,"_type":127,"children":42856,"markDefs":42866,"style":1544},"8fcd81cf6e74",[42857,42861],{"_key":42858,"_type":131,"marks":42859,"text":42860},"0ea745e06510",[],"[1] The research was carried out by Opinion Matters on behalf of WEALTH at work between 13\u002F4\u002F23 and 17\u002F04\u002F23. 2025 UK adults aged 22+ in full time employment were surveyed. The report is available here: ",{"_key":42862,"_type":131,"marks":42863,"text":42865},"4e0b84c897a0",[42864],"318699de939a","https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2023\u002F05\u002F30\u002Fare-rising-costs-impacting-pension-savings-and-retirement-plans-survey-results\u002F",[42867],{"_key":42864,"_type":1264,"href":42865},{"_key":42869,"_type":127,"children":42870,"markDefs":42879,"style":1544},"7e314b5990ca",[42871,42874],{"_key":42872,"_type":131,"marks":42873,"text":38697},"5ae70d660083",[],{"_key":42875,"_type":131,"marks":42876,"text":42878},"7557bc1fd63f",[42877],"940964eae1b9","Retirement income market data 2020\u002F21 | FCA",[42880],{"_key":42877,"_type":1264,"href":42881},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.fca.org.uk\u002Fdata\u002Fretirement-income-market-data-2020-21",{"_key":42883,"_type":127,"children":42884,"markDefs":42893,"style":1544},"92cc7d12b324",[42885,42888],{"_key":42886,"_type":131,"marks":42887,"text":38710},"666a4f6f5652",[],{"_key":42889,"_type":131,"marks":42890,"text":42892},"82c258aae0f1",[42891],"3604238e4fc3","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.pensionspolicyinstitute.org.uk\u002Fsponsor-research\u002Fresearch-reports\u002F2022\u002F2022-10-27-briefing-note-134-lost-pensions-2022-what-s-the-scale-and-impact\u002F",[42894],{"_key":42891,"_type":1264,"href":42892},{"_key":42896,"_type":127,"children":42897,"markDefs":42906,"style":1544},"b529e3c6f9ab",[42898,42901],{"_key":42899,"_type":131,"marks":42900,"text":38723},"09b06a6e57f6",[],{"_key":42902,"_type":131,"marks":42903,"text":42905},"ee5834401d8a",[42904],"e123e12ec705","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.which.co.uk\u002Fmoney\u002Fpensions-and-retirement\u002Foptions-for-cashing-in-your-pensions\u002Fpension-income-drawdown\u002Fcompare-pension-drawdown-plans-and-charges-aMxXo0o2dHBV",[42907],{"_key":42904,"_type":1264,"href":42905},{"_key":42909,"_type":127,"children":42910,"markDefs":42919,"style":1544},"8fd436bfc4d6",[42911,42914],{"_key":42912,"_type":131,"marks":42913,"text":38736},"fd7d0c92d6ec",[],{"_key":42915,"_type":131,"marks":42916,"text":42918},"cf87d268f7bb",[42917],"083ff6911d68","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.canadalife.co.uk\u002Fnews\u002Fnew-retirement-gap-looms-as-people-underestimate-life-expectancy\u002F#:~:text=According%20to%20new%20research1,on%20average%20to%20age%2087",[42920],{"_key":42917,"_type":1264,"href":42918},{"_key":42922,"_type":127,"children":42923,"markDefs":42928,"style":1544},"0768c9b8615e",[42924],{"_key":42925,"_type":131,"marks":42926,"text":42927},"f6387ec1e5af",[],"[6] https:\u002F\u002Fwww.morningstar.com\u002Fretirement\u002Funderspending-retirement-sign-fulfillment-or-fear",[],{"_key":42930,"_type":127,"children":42931,"markDefs":42940,"style":1544},"c04dc5f2227e",[42932,42935],{"_key":42933,"_type":131,"marks":42934,"text":38763},"5def3aabec54",[],{"_key":42936,"_type":131,"marks":42937,"text":42939},"7c36ffe3be54",[42938],"cd2d99b91657","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thisismoney.co.uk\u002Fmoney\u002Fpensions\u002Farticle-11077057\u002FSeven-pension-scams-watch-crooks-prey-vulnerable.html",[42941],{"_key":42938,"_type":1264,"href":42939},{"_key":42943,"_type":127,"children":42944,"markDefs":42953,"style":1544},"09c5bcc4a007",[42945,42949],{"_key":42946,"_type":131,"marks":42947,"text":42948},"73191011bc8d",[],"[8] 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workplace benefits and savings are an essential workplace offering",[43001,43019,43037,43045,43053,43061,43069,43077,43089,43097,43105,43113,43121,43129,43137,43155,43175],{"_key":43002,"_type":127,"children":43003,"markDefs":43016,"style":135},"4e39231cfe19",[43004,43008,43012],{"_key":43005,"_type":131,"marks":43006,"text":43007},"cb7decd2e5e0",[],"Workplace benefits and savings are more vital than ever as the number of employers offering pay rises, in line or above inflation, is set to reduce. Financial Wellbeing Research 2023, from the Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA) in association with WEALTH at work",{"_key":43009,"_type":131,"marks":43010,"text":7473},"465c80f47b9e",[43011],"02dc955edc89",{"_key":43013,"_type":131,"marks":43014,"text":43015},"0ee2bad4df5b",[],", reveals that only 19% of employers plan to increase pay in line with, or above inflation in the next two years, which compares with 42% of employers that did so in the last two years.",[43017],{"_key":43011,"_type":1264,"href":43018},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2023\u002F12\u002F06\u002Fwhy-workplace-benefits-and-savings-are-an-essential-workplace-offering\u002F#_ftn1",{"_key":43020,"_type":127,"children":43021,"markDefs":43034,"style":135},"05e2e6436382",[43022,43026,43030],{"_key":43023,"_type":131,"marks":43024,"text":43025},"fd3825774257",[],"This comes as research from WEALTH at work",{"_key":43027,"_type":131,"marks":43028,"text":7496},"d0965ee8c8f3",[43029],"922d01140c4c",{"_key":43031,"_type":131,"marks":43032,"text":43033},"8e54ffaee8d8",[]," has revealed that many full-time workers admit that money worries are impacting their work, with 23% struggling to concentrate and 15% saying their productivity has decreased. 16% have also incurred debts for the first time in their professional lives this year (excluding mortgage debt).",[43035],{"_key":43029,"_type":1264,"href":43036},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2023\u002F12\u002F06\u002Fwhy-workplace-benefits-and-savings-are-an-essential-workplace-offering\u002F#_ftn2",{"_key":43038,"_type":127,"children":43039,"markDefs":43044,"style":135},"549a8588ab72",[43040],{"_key":43041,"_type":131,"marks":43042,"text":43043},"d070e38a98f3",[],"This is possibly why the proportion of employers offering access to wage advance schemes has seen significant growth, with 37% of employers now offering such schemes, up from 23% in 2022[1].",[],{"_key":43046,"_type":127,"children":43047,"markDefs":43052,"style":135},"107c370889cd",[43048],{"_key":43049,"_type":131,"marks":43050,"text":43051},"bdaf6eb03b52",[],"However, whilst employers are less likely to offer above inflation pay rises, they may instead, be looking towards their financial wellbeing benefits to play a greater role in supporting employees through cost-of-living challenges, with 50% of employers set to increase financial wellbeing spend.",[],{"_key":43054,"_type":127,"children":43055,"markDefs":43060,"style":135},"1284db601b73",[43056],{"_key":43057,"_type":131,"marks":43058,"text":43059},"7aea6b95f7c4",[],"In particular, the research found that support in the workplace is growing for saving products which can help build financial resilience. Employers offer or plan to offer in the next two years, pay as you earn saving schemes such as help-to-save and opt-in payroll savings (34%), employee share plans (42%), tax free saving wrappers including ISAs (45%), and long-term incentive plans (54%).",[],{"_key":43062,"_type":127,"children":43063,"markDefs":43068,"style":135},"79265abbdf23",[43064],{"_key":43065,"_type":131,"marks":43066,"text":43067},"27f261f22e26",[],"Additionally, schemes to help employees reduce costs that are set to remain in place include salary sacrifice plans (94%), and product discounts and\u002For voluntary benefits (92%).",[],{"_key":43070,"_type":127,"children":43071,"markDefs":43076,"style":135},"c9a69b297f98",[43072],{"_key":43073,"_type":131,"marks":43074,"text":43075},"5fbf696d5781",[],"Alongside this, the number of employers offering independent financial education, guidance, and advice is set to almost double. Employers offer or plan to offer in the next two years, financial education from an independent provider (62%), financial guidance (67%), and advice on general finances (56%), or advice specific to retirement (60%). In fact, financial coaching is also set for significant growth – 12% of employers currently offer it but 41% plan to within the next couple of years – a 241% increase.",[],{"_key":43078,"_type":127,"children":43079,"markDefs":43088,"style":135},"c6eb0e377a61",[43080,43084],{"_key":43081,"_type":131,"marks":43082,"text":43083},"cabc0fea9b0e",[174],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work explains;",{"_key":43085,"_type":131,"marks":43086,"text":43087},"9abd50271527",[]," “With many households likely to feel the effects of stretched budgets well into the year ahead, supporting employees to manage their money and make it go further has never been more important.”",[],{"_key":43090,"_type":127,"children":43091,"markDefs":43096,"style":135},"b85ecf014a49",[43092],{"_key":43093,"_type":131,"marks":43094,"text":43095},"ce9cf8b6a30d",[],"He explains; “For many companies, inflation busting pay rises will be a challenge. However, there are more ways employers can help, which is why workplace benefits and savings have become an essential workplace offering.”",[],{"_key":43098,"_type":127,"children":43099,"markDefs":43104,"style":135},"97da3db01039",[43100],{"_key":43101,"_type":131,"marks":43102,"text":43103},"f1df54b280c9",[],"Watts-Lay adds; “It’s encouraging to see that a number of employers are increasing employee access to a range of financial wellbeing products and services, with many more planning to do so.",[],{"_key":43106,"_type":127,"children":43107,"markDefs":43112,"style":135},"1b2bf1bd98c4",[43108],{"_key":43109,"_type":131,"marks":43110,"text":43111},"31e3a8200d0d",[],"However, it’s worrying that wage advance schemes are increasing in popularity as they are not a long-term solution to financial problems, and employers must ensure that they are offered alongside financial education and guidance.”",[],{"_key":43114,"_type":127,"children":43115,"markDefs":43120,"style":135},"529df6761fea",[43116],{"_key":43117,"_type":131,"marks":43118,"text":43119},"d716450a0c07",[],"He comments; “But of course, the potential benefits of any workplace financial support are determined by the extent to which employees are aware of the products and services on offer to them, and how to access them and optimise their use. Also, in the current environment, it has become difficult for a lot of people to save as much as they would like, which can have a serious impact on financial resilience.",[],{"_key":43122,"_type":127,"children":43123,"markDefs":43128,"style":135},"a47c0eadebfb",[43124],{"_key":43125,"_type":131,"marks":43126,"text":43127},"30fd26651104",[],"This is why it’s so important to underpin any financial wellbeing initiative with financial education and guidance, as this can not only help employees understand the financial benefits on offer, but also how they can better manage their finances and save for the future.”",[],{"_key":43130,"_type":127,"children":43131,"markDefs":43136,"style":135},"a36454b8d6b9",[43132],{"_key":43133,"_type":131,"marks":43134,"text":43135},"88d308b86b34",[],"To help employees build financial resilience, WEALTH at work has recently launched a Corporate ISA which is specifically designed for the workplace. It enables employees to save in a convenient, flexible and tax-efficient way from payroll as well as making ad hoc payments.",[],{"_key":43138,"_type":127,"children":43139,"markDefs":43152,"style":135},"c3c513da4d28",[43140,43144,43149],{"_key":43141,"_type":131,"marks":43142,"text":43143},"d2a99ee7a209",[],"For more information, please see ",{"_key":43145,"_type":131,"marks":43146,"text":43148},"323a86639eeb",[43147],"3afe1606df1a","here",{"_key":43150,"_type":131,"marks":43151,"text":1289},"026b4009c02a",[],[43153],{"_key":43147,"_type":1264,"href":43154},"http:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002Fcorporate-isa\u002F",{"_key":43156,"_type":127,"children":43157,"markDefs":43171,"style":1544},"f4fdb12246f8",[43158,43162,43166],{"_key":43159,"_type":131,"marks":43160,"text":7473},"fc059f85d0a6",[43161],"0d8837ea779f",{"_key":43163,"_type":131,"marks":43164,"text":43165},"65dbc3b857c9",[]," The REBA Employee Financial Wellbeing Survey 2023 was carried out online between March and May 2023 and was launched on 26 September 2023. Responses were received from 195 wellbeing, HR and employee benefits specialists working at organisations representing over 1.5 million employees and is available here ",{"_key":43167,"_type":131,"marks":43168,"text":43170},"f5956d67d7ba",[43169],"78a4f39751fd","https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002Ffinancial-wellbeing-research-2023-creating-a-structured-approach-to-financial-benefits-report\u002F?utm_source=e-shot&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=REBA_report&utm_id=Waw",[43172,43174],{"_key":43161,"_type":1264,"href":43173},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2023\u002F12\u002F06\u002Fwhy-workplace-benefits-and-savings-are-an-essential-workplace-offering\u002F#_ftnref1",{"_key":43169,"_type":1264,"href":43170},{"_key":43176,"_type":127,"children":43177,"markDefs":43191,"style":1544},"a2d79c375ec9",[43178,43182,43186],{"_key":43179,"_type":131,"marks":43180,"text":7496},"ff6b8c162583",[43181],"02d9ea726a91",{"_key":43183,"_type":131,"marks":43184,"text":43185},"20de339d6559",[]," The research for WEALTH at work was carried out online by Opinion Matters throughout 25.08.23 – 30.08.23 amongst a panel resulting in 1,019 full-time workers responding. Click here to see the full results: ",{"_key":43187,"_type":131,"marks":43188,"text":43190},"356839b31d30",[43189],"ff0b279bd95f","https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2023\u002F10\u002F09\u002Fthe-cost-of-money-worries-survey-results\u002F",[43192,43194],{"_key":43181,"_type":1264,"href":43193},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2023\u002F12\u002F06\u002Fwhy-workplace-benefits-and-savings-are-an-essential-workplace-offering\u002F#_ftnref2",{"_key":43189,"_type":1264,"href":43190},[43196],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":43197,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":43199,"blogPostMeta":43200,"content":43239,"tag":43380,"title":43238},"0654427e-be35-449a-8ba0-dd1427ca14a4",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":43201,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":43235,"slug":43236,"title":43238},{"_type":58,"asset":43202},{"_createdAt":43203,"_id":43204,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":43205,"extension":196,"metadata":43206,"mimeType":225,"opt":43225,"originalFilename":43230,"path":43231,"sha1hash":43205,"size":43232,"uploadId":43233,"url":43234},"2026-01-06T12:12:57Z","image-c7320a7a04fb7793d0de6f74021525c4eb8c4a6b-2048x1365-jpg","c7320a7a04fb7793d0de6f74021525c4eb8c4a6b",{"_type":69,"blurHash":43207,"dimensions":43208,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":43209,"palette":43210},"V8DJFu00t74n~q^gt7%3Rj%M00-=WY-pIAM}-;9FjsWA",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":42969,"height":42970,"width":42358},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgcA\u002F8QAIhAAAgEDBAMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAQMCAAQFBhESIRMxUWEH\u002F8QAFAEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAv\u002FEABgRAAMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAhIT\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwABZLZfXLVWrBNg68hlsdx+UpViGXGOiQVeKW4lOZ79fKjen8jdY\u002FO270NPOcu+XYqi45txmHX9pcXDBEqLBIH1ID5R5yJ22WP+R6QxV7o1T2IgyUnTBMjuejtWoDojG3asAsJy12qEpmXBZ4gb\u002Fm9almQ6Z\u002F\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":43211,"darkVibrant":43213,"dominant":43215,"lightMuted":43218,"lightVibrant":43220,"muted":43222,"vibrant":43223},{"_type":81,"background":43212,"foreground":83,"population":32046,"title":83},"#543e2d",{"_type":81,"background":43214,"foreground":83,"population":19443,"title":83},"#64311a",{"_type":81,"background":43216,"foreground":83,"population":43217,"title":83},"#867c72",8.08,{"_type":81,"background":43219,"foreground":91,"population":5740,"title":91},"#cbced2",{"_type":81,"background":43221,"foreground":91,"population":1159,"title":83},"#e2ac96",{"_type":81,"background":43216,"foreground":83,"population":43217,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":43224,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},"#7c3c22",{"media":43226},{"tags":43227},[43228],{"_key":43229,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"d4KXgi46sJ7h5J8VU4u-w","shutterstock_2010700553-2048x1365.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fc7320a7a04fb7793d0de6f74021525c4eb8c4a6b-2048x1365.jpg",391166,"Ls3PhueWg6VDPujYCpmgmnufO6jq5ZKp","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fc7320a7a04fb7793d0de6f74021525c4eb8c4a6b-2048x1365.jpg","2023-12-05T12:12:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":43237},"retirement-support-in-the-workplace-is-growing","Retirement support in the workplace is growing",[43240,43258,43266,43284,43292,43300,43308,43319,43327,43335,43343,43361],{"_key":43241,"_type":127,"children":43242,"markDefs":43255,"style":135},"272119499aff",[43243,43247,43251],{"_key":43244,"_type":131,"marks":43245,"text":43246},"5dcedf71e4a4",[],"Employers are viewing the ageing workforce as increasingly important, according to the new Financial Wellbeing Research 2023",{"_key":43248,"_type":131,"marks":43249,"text":7473},"a423683938c5",[43250],"098de29e42f9",{"_key":43252,"_type":131,"marks":43253,"text":43254},"a7d4d3b86bff",[]," from the Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA) in association with WEALTH at work.",[43256],{"_key":43250,"_type":1264,"href":43257},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2023\u002F12\u002F05\u002Fretirement-support-in-the-workplace-is-growing\u002F#_ftn1",{"_key":43259,"_type":127,"children":43260,"markDefs":43265,"style":135},"ce3dd0e1e9dd",[43261],{"_key":43262,"_type":131,"marks":43263,"text":43264},"90b22de98b98",[],"It found that over a quarter (29%) of employers cite an ageing workforce as a driver of change to their strategy in the next two years, compared with just 11% in the past two years.",[],{"_key":43267,"_type":127,"children":43268,"markDefs":43281,"style":135},"6e2f4cb35d04",[43269,43273,43277],{"_key":43270,"_type":131,"marks":43271,"text":43272},"407fcc4d4892",[],"It also revealed that 17% cite age 55+ employees accessing their pension early as a driver, up from 11% previously. Alongside this, research from WEALTH at work",{"_key":43274,"_type":131,"marks":43275,"text":7496},"fea7a8be576e",[43276],"86ce8193c3f6",{"_key":43278,"_type":131,"marks":43279,"text":43280},"a182391274ae",[]," found that one in 10 (10%) working adults have already withdrawn pensions savings earlier than previously intended to supplement their income. But, worryingly, 31% either intend to, or may consider it in the future.",[43282],{"_key":43276,"_type":1264,"href":43283},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2023\u002F12\u002F05\u002Fretirement-support-in-the-workplace-is-growing\u002F#_ftn2",{"_key":43285,"_type":127,"children":43286,"markDefs":43291,"style":135},"693a55ed40a6",[43287],{"_key":43288,"_type":131,"marks":43289,"text":43290},"40fe10aec29e",[],"The current economy is also found to be causing concerns over employees’ future retirement plans. WEALTH at work’s research found that one in three (33%) working adults think they won’t ever be able to afford to retire at all due to increasing costs, and 8 in 10 (83%) are concerned that the cost-of-living crisis will mean they will have to work longer before retiring to make up for a shortfall in savings.",[],{"_key":43293,"_type":127,"children":43294,"markDefs":43299,"style":135},"387790a3d906",[43295],{"_key":43296,"_type":131,"marks":43297,"text":43298},"ed8231ced0e7",[],"This could perhaps be why 159% more employers plan to offer employees aged over 55 targeted support for financial wellbeing; 17% claim to have taken action to provide this in the past two years, whilst 44% plan to do so in the next two years[1].",[],{"_key":43301,"_type":127,"children":43302,"markDefs":43307,"style":135},"d9317028e54a",[43303],{"_key":43304,"_type":131,"marks":43305,"text":43306},"39ce3a0833ed",[],"The survey also reveals significant growth in interest in mid-life MOTs, which offer employees education and guidance to help them plan for their later working lives and retirement. Over a quarter (29%) of employer’s plan to offer this support in the next two years in addition to the 8% that already do so.",[],{"_key":43309,"_type":127,"children":43310,"markDefs":43318,"style":135},"ac27f5088772",[43311,43314],{"_key":43312,"_type":131,"marks":43313,"text":1502},"a5009c01de30",[174],{"_key":43315,"_type":131,"marks":43316,"text":43317},"adfb0148dd81",[]," “We spend many years saving for our retirement, so it’s important that employees receive the support needed for them to be able to make informed choices about their retirement plans, and to help them think about if retirement is really achievable for them which can be particularly difficult in the current environment.”",[],{"_key":43320,"_type":127,"children":43321,"markDefs":43326,"style":135},"74de572baca4",[43322],{"_key":43323,"_type":131,"marks":43324,"text":43325},"6dd218c391de",[],"He adds; “In fact, some are concerned if they really can afford to retire at all, and many believe that they will have to work longer to make up for a shortfall in savings.",[],{"_key":43328,"_type":127,"children":43329,"markDefs":43334,"style":135},"01065616acfa",[43330],{"_key":43331,"_type":131,"marks":43332,"text":43333},"06c0cf3b7092",[],"There are also others who are considering dipping into their pensions early to alleviate current financial pressures. However, this really should be a last resort and employees must understand the dramatic impact this will have on their retirement savings to be used in later life. For those approaching retirement, it couldn’t be more important to make sure they have a plan in place.”",[],{"_key":43336,"_type":127,"children":43337,"markDefs":43342,"style":135},"e001b8621386",[43338],{"_key":43339,"_type":131,"marks":43340,"text":43341},"5112998d6945",[],"Watts-Lay comments; “Many leading companies provide financial education, guidance and regulated financial advice for their employees to help them understand key issues as they approach retirement. 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So far, it has been delivered to approximately 80,000 of its UK employees.",[],{"_key":43497,"_type":127,"children":43498,"markDefs":43503,"style":135},"19b468a4acfe",[43499],{"_key":43500,"_type":131,"marks":43501,"text":43502},"1084958a0d9a",[],"The programme aims to help employees who need help understanding their options and how to implement their plan; including retirement goals and considerations, accessing retirement savings, understanding the risks, tax planning and how to seek further guidance and regulated financial advice.",[],{"_key":43505,"_type":127,"children":43506,"markDefs":43511,"style":135},"2e7ddc09772d",[43507],{"_key":43508,"_type":131,"marks":43509,"text":43510},"d7c5a3d7329b",[],"The latest series of retirement planning seminars have seen a take up rate of 73% of registered employees attending the session. Typically, on a rating scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the highest), employees reported that their knowledge improved from 2.7 before financial education, to 4.1 following it. Also, 4.4 out of 5 said that they will take specific actions as a result of attending the education.",[],{"_key":43513,"_type":127,"children":43514,"markDefs":43519,"style":135},"d5b5ee855efb",[43515],{"_key":43516,"_type":131,"marks":43517,"text":43518},"4baf224cb2bf",[],"Following the programme, 74% of employees reported that they wanted to discuss their personal circumstances and were able to arrange a call with a financial coach. This enables them to discuss any questions they have including the next steps, as well as providing access to an Adviser for those with more complex requirements or who want recommendations on their personal financial situation. This is especially beneficial for those at-retirement due to the complexity involved.",[],{"_key":43521,"_type":127,"children":43522,"markDefs":43531,"style":135},"6a77899d4478",[43523,43527],{"_key":43524,"_type":131,"marks":43525,"text":43526},"458fbd4b7b91",[174],"Kerry Shiels, Pension & Benefits Director, BT Group, comments",{"_key":43528,"_type":131,"marks":43529,"text":43530},"64ca93121b2a",[],"; “It is very important that employees understand their BT pension and the retirement decisions they will need to make in the lead up to and at retirement. We have put thousands of our employees through a retirement programme which consists of financial education and guidance.”",[],{"_key":43533,"_type":127,"children":43534,"markDefs":43539,"style":135},"4e28ff47fe8b",[43535],{"_key":43536,"_type":131,"marks":43537,"text":43538},"74116834960b",[],"“There is no doubt that the cost-of-living crisis has impacted all but our programme helps employees to manage their finances better to build their financial resilience, so that they don’t need to access their pension earlier than planned.”",[],{"_key":43541,"_type":127,"children":43542,"markDefs":43547,"style":135},"e5a6eefd6973",[43543],{"_key":43544,"_type":131,"marks":43545,"text":43546},"ea484025de8e",[],"“However, all employees will find themselves in different circumstances, so facilitating financial advice (following financial education and guidance) from a trusted retirement specialist provider is also beneficial to help individuals plan for their 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10 tips for managing money this festive season",[43645,43653,43661,43669,43681,43693,43705,43717,43729,43741,43753,43765,43777,43789,43804,43812,43820],{"_key":43646,"_type":127,"children":43647,"markDefs":43652,"style":135},"c84ae3a771d2",[43648],{"_key":43649,"_type":131,"marks":43650,"text":43651},"9d00a6a6c046",[],"“Managing money during the festive season can be a challenging time for employees, but some careful planning could allow individuals to enjoy the holidays without getting into debt.” says Jonathan Watts Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, a leading financial wellbeing and retirement specialist.",[],{"_key":43654,"_type":127,"children":43655,"markDefs":43660,"style":135},"b3b7b36b41cf",[43656],{"_key":43657,"_type":131,"marks":43658,"text":43659},"57f05309379d",[],"To help with this, WEALTH at work has outlined some top tips to share with employees below…",[],{"_key":43662,"_type":127,"children":43663,"markDefs":43668,"style":135},"98a82f019038",[43664],{"_key":43665,"_type":131,"marks":43666,"text":43667},"145eab83e9fc",[174],"WEALTH at work’s top 10 tips for managing money this festive season",[],{"_key":43670,"_type":127,"children":43671,"markDefs":43680,"style":135},"f9999317672e",[43672,43676],{"_key":43673,"_type":131,"marks":43674,"text":43675},"75ca743b5af7",[174],"1. Set a budget –",{"_key":43677,"_type":131,"marks":43678,"text":43679},"5ef3f147adc2",[]," Create a detailed budget that includes all expenses, such as gifts, decorations, food, entertainment, nights out, travel, increased utility bills, and clothes, and stick to it. There are many free budgeting apps available which can help track spending on groceries, eating out, entertainment etc.",[],{"_key":43682,"_type":127,"children":43683,"markDefs":43692,"style":135},"11abd3d3fa8a",[43684,43688],{"_key":43685,"_type":131,"marks":43686,"text":43687},"75aefc4d8a01",[174],"2. Use online shopping hacks",{"_key":43689,"_type":131,"marks":43690,"text":43691},"680ef9c3d662",[]," –Price comparison tools can be used to find the best deals on gifts. Idealo finds the best price online for a particular product and CamelCamelCamel allows you to track the price of Amazon products. Consider installing browser extensions like Honey that search for discount codes during online check-out.",[],{"_key":43694,"_type":127,"children":43695,"markDefs":43704,"style":135},"e180b6c48d6d",[43696,43700],{"_key":43697,"_type":131,"marks":43698,"text":43699},"e976f0fcf347",[174],"3. Beware of Black Friday –",{"_key":43701,"_type":131,"marks":43702,"text":43703},"031ea52b5572",[]," Black Friday is on the 24th November, and Cyber Monday is on the 27th These are supposed to be days when people can get amazing deals, but the discounts being offered should always be checked as they are not always as they appear. Ideally, it’s best to find out the pre-sale prices, so you know if it really is a special offer!",[],{"_key":43706,"_type":127,"children":43707,"markDefs":43716,"style":135},"e95145ad36af",[43708,43712],{"_key":43709,"_type":131,"marks":43710,"text":43711},"4be93fd15ba1",[174],"4. Consider other ways to reduce costs",{"_key":43713,"_type":131,"marks":43714,"text":43715},"f618f63df7c1",[]," – Discuss and agree on spending limits with family and friends, and consider alternative gift options like homemade gifts or experiences, which can be cost effective and more personal. Leave credit cards at home to avoid overspending, and for those who aren’t seeing family until after Christmas, they could buy their gifts in the sales.",[],{"_key":43718,"_type":127,"children":43719,"markDefs":43728,"style":135},"11c3a0c71302",[43720,43724],{"_key":43721,"_type":131,"marks":43722,"text":43723},"8898da1e6241",[174],"5. Maximise workplace benefits",{"_key":43725,"_type":131,"marks":43726,"text":43727},"c32f46ba1087",[]," – Individuals should take advantage of any employee discount schemes offered for discounts on for example, groceries, dining and even gift purchases.",[],{"_key":43730,"_type":127,"children":43731,"markDefs":43740,"style":135},"585cbe03072a",[43732,43736],{"_key":43733,"_type":131,"marks":43734,"text":43735},"a38b8d10d15d",[174],"6. Beware of energy costs",{"_key":43737,"_type":131,"marks":43738,"text":43739},"24642f0d5842",[]," – Energy bills can rocket over Christmas due to the increased use of cooking appliances, heating, washing and technology. So, individuals should make sure they do all they can to be energy efficient. Small changes such as turning off lights when they aren’t needed, washing clothes at 30 degrees instead of higher temperatures, making sure the dishwasher is only used when full, and cutting down on the number of times the kettle is boiled can add up to make a difference to energy bills.",[],{"_key":43742,"_type":127,"children":43743,"markDefs":43752,"style":135},"ed09a123c4d7",[43744,43748],{"_key":43745,"_type":131,"marks":43746,"text":43747},"3a32cc97249d",[174],"7. Understand borrowing methods",{"_key":43749,"_type":131,"marks":43750,"text":43751},"c2f68d1baf3f",[]," – Borrowing to pay for Christmas should only ever be a last resort, but credit cards are useful for the protection they give for purchases over £100. For those considering using a credit card, they should choose cards with 0% finance or cashback. Those who have an outstanding credit card debt, could consider a balance transfer to a lower interest card. This would allow them to save on interest payments, pay off debt as quickly as possible and on time to avoid missing out on 0% interest offers and incurring extra charges. However, it’s important to be wary of ‘buy now and pay later’ deals and to understand the terms and interest charges if repayment isn’t made on time. Individuals should always speak to their provider if they are unable to make a payment.",[],{"_key":43754,"_type":127,"children":43755,"markDefs":43764,"style":135},"d4860474362f",[43756,43760],{"_key":43757,"_type":131,"marks":43758,"text":43759},"da3ed0449ad2",[174],"8. Split cost over pay packets",{"_key":43761,"_type":131,"marks":43762,"text":43763},"2f806e57372f",[]," – Those who have a credit card could consider splitting the cost between two pay packets. For example, if a credit card statement date runs from 1 November to 1 December, anything spent on the card in November will be due for repayment in December. But anything spent in December would be due for repayment in January. All credit cards have different statements and payment dates, so it is important to check with the provider when planning to split costs.",[],{"_key":43766,"_type":127,"children":43767,"markDefs":43776,"style":135},"e771b11c2956",[43768,43772],{"_key":43769,"_type":131,"marks":43770,"text":43771},"d1111ea43174",[174],"9. Budget now for 2024 –",{"_key":43773,"_type":131,"marks":43774,"text":43775},"e4faf2bae16a",[]," By making a few small changes, individuals could get to next Christmas in a much better financial position. Ditching takeaways, taking lunch to work, not getting coffee when out, switching supermarkets, and learning to budget can all make a huge difference.",[],{"_key":43778,"_type":127,"children":43779,"markDefs":43788,"style":135},"cb552bbfeaab",[43780,43784],{"_key":43781,"_type":131,"marks":43782,"text":43783},"63c9fd8fb901",[174],"10. Automate savings",{"_key":43785,"_type":131,"marks":43786,"text":43787},"7f7bfab0002b",[]," – Another option is to consider setting up automatic savings transfers, which round up transactions to save small amounts, but can really add up. For example, when purchasing something for £4.20, the bank rounds it up to £5, and 80p goes into your savings. Two transactions like this per day could help to save £584 over a year*. Some workplaces offer payroll-deducted savings schemes for effortless saving.",[],{"_key":43790,"_type":127,"children":43791,"markDefs":43803,"style":135},"b5a4aca66c97",[43792,43796,43799],{"_key":43793,"_type":131,"marks":43794,"text":43795},"6fd6ca5ed4b4",[174],"Jonathan Watts-Lay also comments",{"_key":43797,"_type":131,"marks":43798,"text":7653},"a298ef50912d",[174,4468],{"_key":43800,"_type":131,"marks":43801,"text":43802},"443f654dc3b6",[]," “Whilst the festive season can be an exciting time for many, it can also be a stressful time for those who are worried about their finances. Proactive employers are actively working to remove the stigma around money worries and encourage their employees to not suffer in silence and access the support available. Key to this is offering financial education and guidance to help employees understand their finances including ways to manage a budget, make savings and manage debt.”",[],{"_key":43805,"_type":127,"children":43806,"markDefs":43811,"style":135},"4a654462cf0f",[43807],{"_key":43808,"_type":131,"marks":43809,"text":43810},"6a869fd81101",[],"He adds; “Employees who are struggling should be aware that they can contact free services such as MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice or National Debtline.”",[],{"_key":43813,"_type":127,"children":43814,"markDefs":43819,"style":1544},"7f2949155e47",[43815],{"_key":43816,"_type":131,"marks":43817,"text":43818},"f32251c8f882",[],"*Two transactions like this per day could help you save £584 over a year – 80p x 2 = £1.60",[],{"_key":43821,"_type":127,"children":43822,"markDefs":43827,"style":1544},"1ce6197d4cfa",[43823],{"_key":43824,"_type":131,"marks":43825,"text":43826},"3c466a5610be",[],"£1.60 x 365 = £584.",[],[43829],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":43830,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":43832,"blogPostMeta":43833,"content":43875,"tag":43987,"title":43874},"66133c42-118c-4d92-9975-62ae324d5ebe",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":43834,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":43871,"slug":43872,"title":43874},{"_type":58,"asset":43835},{"_createdAt":43836,"_id":43837,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":43838,"extension":196,"metadata":43839,"mimeType":225,"opt":43861,"originalFilename":43866,"path":43867,"sha1hash":43838,"size":43868,"uploadId":43869,"url":43870},"2026-01-06T13:54:45Z","image-561958f7ae549433aac8ff08d7e9834c9927c8f8-1000x667-jpg","561958f7ae549433aac8ff08d7e9834c9927c8f8",{"_type":69,"blurHash":43840,"dimensions":43841,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":43842,"palette":43843},"V8GkUY57=^~CRP;daJJVaJNH4TD$9as:NGyDKR%LNIoz",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQFBv\u002FEACIQAAICAQMFAQEAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQABRESBhMhMUEHFP\u002FEABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQCA\u002F\u002FEABkRAAMAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMSQf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8Ag6r06lKPgyk2HfkUK+xvucfo3KSaya0SRgxRh5UYbEA\u002FczWudQXql6Cu8nf5HkHc+RlnSLf9PUXbevX7jRcjLw3Y7D1hJxzUpoa8lTTQ3qaVLFoyStYRiPAUeAMMhWf0C3UsywClWcRsVBP3DM1vwp6dP\u002F\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":43844,"darkVibrant":43847,"dominant":43850,"lightMuted":43852,"lightVibrant":43853,"muted":43856,"vibrant":43859},{"_type":81,"background":43845,"foreground":83,"population":43846,"title":83},"#303f59",0.88,{"_type":81,"background":43848,"foreground":83,"population":43849,"title":83},"#654227",4.33,{"_type":81,"background":43851,"foreground":91,"population":37008,"title":83},"#b99279",{"_type":81,"background":43851,"foreground":91,"population":37008,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":43854,"foreground":91,"population":43855,"title":83},"#d1a98c",5,{"_type":81,"background":43857,"foreground":83,"population":43858,"title":83},"#a77b5d",5.58,{"_type":81,"background":43860,"foreground":83,"population":4788,"title":83},"#b47c49",{"media":43862},{"tags":43863},[43864],{"_key":43865,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"ggYWAHBJwgwjYSgw2urQl","isa-news.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F561958f7ae549433aac8ff08d7e9834c9927c8f8-1000x667.jpg",140904,"n2xU01HJ2KNyAlf0OEe2nmr5MDi2QeOW","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F561958f7ae549433aac8ff08d7e9834c9927c8f8-1000x667.jpg","2023-10-31T13:54:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":43873},"wealth-at-work-launch-new-workplace-isa","WEALTH at work launch NEW Workplace ISA",[43876,43884,43892,43900,43908,43916,43924,43932,43943,43979],{"_key":43877,"_type":127,"children":43878,"markDefs":43883,"style":135},"5a3330755d62",[43879],{"_key":43880,"_type":131,"marks":43881,"text":43882},"058efdaecc21",[],"In today’s economic climate, helping employees to build their financial resilience and providing them with the knowledge and tools to do so, has never been so important.",[],{"_key":43885,"_type":127,"children":43886,"markDefs":43891,"style":135},"4cd3afbe4147",[43887],{"_key":43888,"_type":131,"marks":43889,"text":43890},"873b5e4dcb35",[],"Whilst a workplace pension provides a savings vehicle for retirement, many organisations want to put in place a tax efficient savings option for those looking to save in general and build financial resilience. This is where a Workplace ISA can help.",[],{"_key":43893,"_type":127,"children":43894,"markDefs":43899,"style":135},"1628f695c448",[43895],{"_key":43896,"_type":131,"marks":43897,"text":43898},"6d7679475c7b",[],"With this in mind, WEALTH at work has launched a Workplace ISA which has been specifically designed for employees. This will provide employees with a convenient, flexible and tax efficient way to invest.",[],{"_key":43901,"_type":127,"children":43902,"markDefs":43907,"style":135},"b37d09097ff2",[43903],{"_key":43904,"_type":131,"marks":43905,"text":43906},"61a3fcaf0f65",[],"The funds for this service have been expertly chosen by their Investment Management team who carefully select only the funds that adhere to their strict investment principles which are then monitored on an ongoing basis.",[],{"_key":43909,"_type":127,"children":43910,"markDefs":43915,"style":135},"973af5e93c9e",[43911],{"_key":43912,"_type":131,"marks":43913,"text":43914},"456c6cc96af9",[],"Employees can then choose from this selection which includes a variety of risk-rated funds such as ethical and faith-based options so that employees can select funds which fit with their investment goals and values.",[],{"_key":43917,"_type":127,"children":43918,"markDefs":43923,"style":135},"975e40b9d580",[43919],{"_key":43920,"_type":131,"marks":43921,"text":43922},"f70eed97b4e7",[],"Throughout the process of selecting the funds, their useful filtering tool helps to provide employees with the information they need to understand the key principles of investing whilst also helping them with their selection – enabling them to create their own diversified investment portfolio.",[],{"_key":43925,"_type":127,"children":43926,"markDefs":43931,"style":135},"f1d4906d1fbc",[43927],{"_key":43928,"_type":131,"marks":43929,"text":43930},"2cf6bf3ff2b3",[],"Our platform accepts payroll deductions on a regular basis (from as little as £25 per month) or from a lump sum (min £300) such as bonuses by using our open banking facility. Contributions can also be made from maturing SAYE schemes to help protect from capital gains tax and ensure tax free growth.",[],{"_key":43933,"_type":127,"children":43934,"markDefs":43942,"style":135},"56653845abcf",[43935,43938],{"_key":43936,"_type":131,"marks":43937,"text":9960},"64e3e667c3e8",[174],{"_key":43939,"_type":131,"marks":43940,"text":43941},"e5341eeb7dfe",[]," “We are pleased and excited to announce the launch of our new Workplace ISA which has been specifically designed for the workplace. It will enable employees to save in a flexible and tax efficient way, whilst also benefiting from our financial education and investment management expertise. 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There are 2.8 million lost pension pots sitting unclaimed because they’ve been simply lost or forgotten about. One of the main reasons for this is because a person will have on average 12 jobs in their lifetime, so could easily end up with many different pension pots with several providers which can easily be forgotten about.",[],{"_key":44080,"_type":127,"children":44081,"markDefs":44086,"style":135},"9039737dcb82",[44082],{"_key":44083,"_type":131,"marks":44084,"text":44085},"03e3449c082e",[174],"How employees can track down a lost pension",[],{"_key":44088,"_type":127,"children":44089,"markDefs":44098,"style":135},"be33f828d686",[44090,44094],{"_key":44091,"_type":131,"marks":44092,"text":44093},"96412851f2f7",[174],"1. List of all previous jobs",{"_key":44095,"_type":131,"marks":44096,"text":44097},"919dd7817d9e",[]," – Employees can start by making a list of all the places they have worked. It might be useful to go back through old paperwork such as payslips, P45s, P60s, CVs and job applications.",[],{"_key":44100,"_type":127,"children":44101,"markDefs":44110,"style":135},"6911080594da",[44102,44106],{"_key":44103,"_type":131,"marks":44104,"text":44105},"56b1ac094c1f",[174],"2. Online research",{"_key":44107,"_type":131,"marks":44108,"text":44109},"ca02cfc844dc",[]," – Those who don’t have the pension information for an old employer, can try to find them using the Government’s Pension Tracing Service (www.gov.uk\u002Ffind-pension-contact-details).",[],{"_key":44112,"_type":127,"children":44113,"markDefs":44137,"style":135},"62acd34c54f5",[44114,44118,44122,44126,44130,44134],{"_key":44115,"_type":131,"marks":44116,"text":44117},"e62a7108c286",[174],"3. Previous Employers",{"_key":44119,"_type":131,"marks":44120,"text":44121},"72ae3a26aac7",[]," – Individuals should get in touch with their previous employer to find out if they have any details. 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Up to date statements",{"_key":44150,"_type":131,"marks":44151,"text":44152},"b230bf2f732a",[]," – Once they have tracked them down, they should ask for an up-to-date statement so they know how much their pension is worth and have the correct paperwork.",[],{"_key":44155,"_type":127,"children":44156,"markDefs":44160,"style":135},"f5101e5ddd56",[44157],{"_key":44158,"_type":131,"marks":44159,"text":15009},"79b29c10ce18",[174],[],{"_key":44162,"_type":127,"children":44163,"markDefs":44168,"style":135},"1ceeba8368f9",[44164],{"_key":44165,"_type":131,"marks":44166,"text":44167},"0a0499057388",[],"Once employees have located any lost pensions, if they have several schemes and struggle to keep track of them all, it might make sense to consolidate them. This means combining all (or most) of their pension pots into one. This really only applies to define contribution pension schemes where you have a ‘pot of money’ to use for retirement. Whilst individuals could also consider Define Benefit schemes (also known as final salary), as these are not reliant on a ‘pot of money’ and guarantee to pay a certain amount of income in retirement, they should probably remain separate. In any event, if individuals are considering this option, they would be required to seek regulated financial advice at their own cost if the transfer value is greater than £30,000.",[],{"_key":44170,"_type":127,"children":44171,"markDefs":44176,"style":135},"a33ff357c387",[44172],{"_key":44173,"_type":131,"marks":44174,"text":44175},"d055c3ed6ec7",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay explains, “Pension consolidation isn’t just about making it easier for someone to manage their finances. Their different pensions could be invested in very different ways, which may mean they are taking more or less risk with their investments than they realise.”",[],{"_key":44178,"_type":127,"children":44179,"markDefs":44184,"style":135},"3778645e4fea",[44180],{"_key":44181,"_type":131,"marks":44182,"text":44183},"9e2dd96e4373",[],"He continues, “Consolidating pensions means that you don’t have to check the performance of multiple accounts, it could save money on the fees charged, and also ensures a joined-up investment strategy which matches the amount of risk that someone is prepared to take.”",[],{"_key":44186,"_type":127,"children":44187,"markDefs":44191,"style":135},"9452726bc315",[44188],{"_key":44189,"_type":131,"marks":44190,"text":14064},"8d04292a1e4e",[174],[],{"_key":44193,"_type":127,"children":44194,"markDefs":44199,"style":135},"f827b7717dc0",[44195],{"_key":44196,"_type":131,"marks":44197,"text":44198},"b162bd2789bd",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay comments, “It is important for employees to check that they won’t lose out on valuable benefits or be charged expensive exit fees if they leave a provider. For example, some might have guaranteed annuity rates, a protected pension age, or enhanced tax-free cash. “",[],{"_key":44201,"_type":127,"children":44202,"markDefs":44207,"style":135},"a8ae10703794",[44203],{"_key":44204,"_type":131,"marks":44205,"text":44206},"4df69a91ded1",[],"He continues, “Employees also need to ensure that the choice of investment options available are right for them and they should consider how they want to want to access their pension in the future, and whether the provider they want to use gives them the pension income flexibility they are looking for.”",[],{"_key":44209,"_type":127,"children":44210,"markDefs":44214,"style":135},"730fa1fd1e1b",[44211],{"_key":44212,"_type":131,"marks":44213,"text":14088},"172e1053dee5",[174],[],{"_key":44216,"_type":127,"children":44217,"markDefs":44222,"style":135},"ef26465af67f",[44218],{"_key":44219,"_type":131,"marks":44220,"text":44221},"39b01bc634d4",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay explains, “To consolidate your pensions, individuals should get in touch with the pension provider they intend to transfer into. This could be their current workplace pension scheme or another pension arrangement they have set up privately. They will ask for details including the policy numbers and provider names of all the pensions. This information will be available on paperwork and statements from the provider. The pension scheme they have chosen to transfer into will then begin the process of arranging for all their pensions to be transferred into one plan.”",[],{"_key":44224,"_type":127,"children":44225,"markDefs":44230,"style":135},"09475aaed030",[44226],{"_key":44227,"_type":131,"marks":44228,"text":44229},"d9efac363fe7",[],"He continues, “The costs of this can vary but bringing pensions together may reduce some charges as some providers charge a lower percentage the more that is invested. Individuals should ensure they check all charges with the provider they intend to transfer to, including charges for advice, setting up the new scheme, platform charges, dealing and transactional charges (including those to access funds via drawdown) and investment management charges.”",[],{"_key":44232,"_type":127,"children":44233,"markDefs":44237,"style":135},"da4eb0c798f5",[44234],{"_key":44235,"_type":131,"marks":44236,"text":14112},"a4e7cbb9f076",[174],[],{"_key":44239,"_type":127,"children":44240,"markDefs":44245,"style":135},"58166abf0f45",[44241],{"_key":44242,"_type":131,"marks":44243,"text":44244},"0d462c5a3224",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay explains, “The time it takes to transfer a pension depends on the method different providers use. Some still send paperwork through the post, which can be a lot slower than secure electronic methods. 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Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, joined REBA for their webinar ‘Ways financial wellbeing is being reshaped to meet strategic HR goals’ to give his insight on our newly released Financial wellbeing research 2023.","2023-10-20T09:02:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":44291},"ways-financial-wellbeing-is-being-reshaped-to-meet-strategic-hr-goals","Ways financial wellbeing is being reshaped to meet strategic HR goals",[44294,44309,44317,44325,44333,44341,44349,44357],{"_key":44295,"_type":127,"children":44296,"markDefs":44308,"style":135},"ae32b11c47a4",[44297,44301,44305],{"_key":44298,"_type":131,"marks":44299,"text":44300},"175ea0948864",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, joined REBA for their webinar ‘Ways financial wellbeing is being reshaped to meet strategic HR goals’ to give his insight on our newly released ",{"_key":44302,"_type":131,"marks":44303,"text":44304},"49b0abc34a53",[174],"Financial wellbeing research 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points",[],{"_key":44358,"_type":127,"children":44359,"markDefs":44375,"style":135},"47a27db61888",[44360,44364,44368,44371],{"_key":44361,"_type":131,"marks":44362,"text":44363},"9f163cdf288c",[],"Please ",{"_key":44365,"_type":131,"marks":44366,"text":12209},"62c851567333",[174,44367],"bc7619add228",{"_key":44369,"_type":131,"marks":44370,"text":35526},"b26b0499e442",[44367],{"_key":44372,"_type":131,"marks":44373,"text":44374},"03f81c503eae",[],"to view the Webinar! 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Jonathan Watts Lay on creating a structured approach to financial wellbeing",[44412,44415],{"_key":44413,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":44414,"width":124},"3d73058a2e59","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FlqDcTe1STpE",{"_key":44416,"_type":127,"children":44417,"markDefs":44421,"style":135},"310e26ede801",[44418],{"_key":44419,"_type":131,"marks":44420,"text":1006},"0c2839ebcc78",[],[],[44423],{"_createdAt":4751,"_id":4752,"_rev":4753,"_system":44424,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":4758,"brandSpecific":76,"slug":44426,"title":4761},{"base":44425},{"id":4756,"rev":4757},{"_type":9,"current":4760},{"_id":44428,"blogPostMeta":44429,"content":44466,"tag":44633,"title":44465},"32ba9469-d643-42eb-8afd-7df39ef83c9c",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":44430,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":44461,"publishedAt":44462,"slug":44463,"title":44465},{"_type":58,"asset":44431},{"_createdAt":44432,"_id":44433,"_rev":44434,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":44432,"assetId":44435,"extension":196,"metadata":44436,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":44456,"path":44457,"sha1hash":44435,"size":44458,"uploadId":44459,"url":44460},"2026-01-12T10:27:06Z","image-106882441cbde8d98c4ebc7ccb89f1c101cb74fa-1000x667-jpg","p3kTGQVNJEolvw4pdj3bam","106882441cbde8d98c4ebc7ccb89f1c101cb74fa",{"_type":69,"blurHash":44437,"dimensions":44438,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":44439,"palette":44440,"thumbHash":44455},"V96xvosB4SP:-:LeV@r=iIX9PATwvz$MQ:PAixt7S~f$",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMFB\u002F\u002FEACEQAAEDBAMAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQABRExBhIhIlFh\u002F8QAFgEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAwUH\u002F8QAIBEAAQQBBAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQACAxEEBRJB8CEiYf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AgXa5oizmY6ng0SnuTjOR9U+RIWi5R2mPUuAKWDvVJ5HGS4yuYMJdYBSPiD2H7S2iA1HltoSh5wlsnfgxVxxp4F+O0s6xoI34m5g9qN9rixyrWaKz7k3L5llvL0KO02ttGCCrftFKgj0TKlaHsAo\u002FV\u002F\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":44441,"darkVibrant":44443,"dominant":44446,"lightMuted":44447,"lightVibrant":44449,"muted":44451,"vibrant":44453},{"_type":81,"background":44442,"foreground":83,"population":5746,"title":83},"#5c2f3f",{"_type":81,"background":44444,"foreground":83,"population":44445,"title":83},"#04acac",31.65,{"_type":81,"background":44444,"foreground":83,"population":44445,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":44448,"foreground":91,"population":12878,"title":83},"#c4818e",{"_type":81,"background":44450,"foreground":91,"population":27686,"title":91},"#ebdf5a",{"_type":81,"background":44452,"foreground":83,"population":39263,"title":83},"#5a9ba9",{"_type":81,"background":44454,"foreground":83,"population":5875,"title":83},"#0ab9de","2vUAFYrm\u002Fg9vJ4nLlYKlhwiFljBo","reba-report-2023-150x150.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F106882441cbde8d98c4ebc7ccb89f1c101cb74fa-1000x667.jpg",293601,"JaeWy4jLXK01DY7x0WaH4ovZI750EvyR","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F106882441cbde8d98c4ebc7ccb89f1c101cb74fa-1000x667.jpg","The Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA) in association with WEALTH at work has launched the second in its series of workplace research - Financial Wellbeing Research 2023*, with responses from almost 200 companies representing over 1.5 million employees. ","2023-09-26T09:11:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":44464},"new-research-highlights-the-need-for-financial-wellbeing-to-move-from-tactical-to-strategic-thinking.","New research highlights the need for financial wellbeing to move from tactical to strategic thinking.",[44467,44475,44483,44491,44499,44507,44515,44523,44534,44542,44550,44558,44566,44574,44582,44593,44601,44609,44617,44625],{"_key":44468,"_type":127,"children":44469,"markDefs":44474,"style":135},"d4807ccbd2c2",[44470],{"_key":44471,"_type":131,"marks":44472,"text":44473},"99efa18d1eba",[],"The Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA) in association with WEALTH at work has launched the second in its series of workplace research - Financial Wellbeing Research 2023*, with responses from almost 200 companies representing over 1.5 million employees.",[],{"_key":44476,"_type":127,"children":44477,"markDefs":44482,"style":135},"164cee5200ef",[44478],{"_key":44479,"_type":131,"marks":44480,"text":44481},"1cd89b6076aa",[174],"Risks to financial wellbeing",[],{"_key":44484,"_type":127,"children":44485,"markDefs":44490,"style":135},"6296a0fdf090",[44486],{"_key":44487,"_type":131,"marks":44488,"text":44489},"3f5e69279556",[],"It found that many workplaces are increasingly recognising poor financial literacy as a key financial wellbeing risk (63% compared to 58% in 2022 research**).",[],{"_key":44492,"_type":127,"children":44493,"markDefs":44498,"style":135},"b0638a3cee8d",[44494],{"_key":44495,"_type":131,"marks":44496,"text":44497},"82d7fd48a0a0",[],"Employers also expect financial pressures such as high childcare costs (64%), rental costs (66%), high consumer inflation (75%) and energy prices (77%) will continue to be a risk to the financial wellbeing of their staff. Albeit, energy costs and consumer inflation are notably less of a concern than last year (91% reported high energy prices and 81% reported consumer inflation as risks in 2022).",[],{"_key":44500,"_type":127,"children":44501,"markDefs":44506,"style":135},"907e73b49a77",[44502],{"_key":44503,"_type":131,"marks":44504,"text":44505},"9f4ee0c78e0e",[],"Instead, 53% of respondents say they will increase financial wellbeing spend.",[],{"_key":44508,"_type":127,"children":44509,"markDefs":44514,"style":135},"779eae97adcf",[44510],{"_key":44511,"_type":131,"marks":44512,"text":44513},"7deb01a60805",[],"The survey also found that employers view the ageing workforce as increasingly important, with 29% citing that it will be a driver of financial wellbeing strategy over the next two years. 44% say that they plan to offer targeted support for the over 55s during the same period – which has grown from 17% and represents a 159% increase in the past two years. Specifically, pre-retirement planning is set for a 68% boost with of employers either currently offering or planning to do so. These findings may be due to concerns over eligible employees accessing their pension early, as 17% of employers reported that this will also be a driver of future change.",[],{"_key":44516,"_type":127,"children":44517,"markDefs":44522,"style":135},"28d5def31da3",[44518],{"_key":44519,"_type":131,"marks":44520,"text":44521},"bfe0b6ffa656",[],"Another notable focus for employers will be tackling financial distress in the workplace. The survey found that 44% say that it will be a driver of change in the next two years.",[],{"_key":44524,"_type":127,"children":44525,"markDefs":44533,"style":135},"eb76db9d6588",[44526,44529],{"_key":44527,"_type":131,"marks":44528,"text":1502},"1a1ba4758c56",[174],{"_key":44530,"_type":131,"marks":44531,"text":44532},"9406639790ca",[]," “As employees continue to feel the impact of rising costs, supporting employees with day-to-day needs should be the immediate focus, alongside providing support around longer-term needs such as savings, pensions and preparing for retirement, especially for those considering accessing their pension early.”",[],{"_key":44535,"_type":127,"children":44536,"markDefs":44541,"style":135},"4c48de059981",[44537],{"_key":44538,"_type":131,"marks":44539,"text":44540},"935e834c2c2d",[],"He adds; “It’s well known that when individuals do not fully understand their finances and how to address current difficulties and mitigate potential risks, it can result in stress. A lack of understanding of their finances could also result in employees making poor decisions which can prove very costly, especially at retirement. Helping employees to understand the key financial issues that relate to them is an effective way of overcoming the risks of poor financial literacy.”",[],{"_key":44543,"_type":127,"children":44544,"markDefs":44549,"style":135},"b31d7f6ef1bc",[44545],{"_key":44546,"_type":131,"marks":44547,"text":44548},"de9c52cf0ffa",[174],"The future of financial wellbeing support",[],{"_key":44551,"_type":127,"children":44552,"markDefs":44557,"style":135},"6215b4b856d3",[44553],{"_key":44554,"_type":131,"marks":44555,"text":44556},"9503d39f90c7",[],"The research also found that support is growing for savings products. Employers offer or plan to offer in the next two years, pay as you earn saving schemes such as help-to-save and opt-in payroll savings (34%), employee share plans (42%), tax free saving wrappers including ISAs (45%), and long-term incentive plans (54%). Wage advance schemes are also rising in popularity, with 37% set to offer this within the next couple of years.",[],{"_key":44559,"_type":127,"children":44560,"markDefs":44565,"style":135},"576a7340efc7",[44561],{"_key":44562,"_type":131,"marks":44563,"text":44564},"524939e65890",[],"The number of employers offering independent financial education, guidance, and advice is set to almost double. Employers offer or plan to offer in the next two years, financial education from an independent provider (62%), financial guidance (67%), and advice on general finances (56%), or advice specific to retirement (60%). In fact, financial coaching is also set for significant growth - 12% of employers currently offer it but 41% plan to within the next couple of years – a 241% increase.",[],{"_key":44567,"_type":127,"children":44568,"markDefs":44573,"style":135},"f62f3bf0dd46",[44569],{"_key":44570,"_type":131,"marks":44571,"text":44572},"db6d5b327139",[],"Overall, the research found that workplaces recognise that financial wellbeing is an integral part of improving wider employee wellbeing (96%). Not only is it important for increasing engagement (95%), but it is also linked to other HR objectives such as recruiting (85%) and retaining (93%) employees, as well as improving employee performance\u002Fproductivity (86%).",[],{"_key":44575,"_type":127,"children":44576,"markDefs":44581,"style":135},"c63081ad3682",[44577],{"_key":44578,"_type":131,"marks":44579,"text":44580},"0ef39f2b703c",[],"However, whilst 76% of employers say they offer some or lots of relevant financial wellbeing benefits or services, they recognise that these are not part of a joined up strategy. On a positive note, 74% of employers plan to join up their financial wellbeing offerings and benefits over the next two years.",[],{"_key":44583,"_type":127,"children":44584,"markDefs":44592,"style":135},"5d23a64d04a9",[44585,44588],{"_key":44586,"_type":131,"marks":44587,"text":1502},"0af659fa0d01",[174],{"_key":44589,"_type":131,"marks":44590,"text":44591},"12719438f3a5",[]," “It’s good to see that employer's focus has shifted to helping employees by providing them with tools to better manage their money and support is growing for savings products to build financial resilience. As this report highlights, there is a clear need for financial wellbeing to move from tactical to strategic thinking.”",[],{"_key":44594,"_type":127,"children":44595,"markDefs":44600,"style":135},"4e11056c1640",[44596],{"_key":44597,"_type":131,"marks":44598,"text":44599},"f5092bf62222",[],"He warns; “However, it is concerning that wage advance schemes are rising in popularity. Whilst they may be suitable to help in an emergency cost such as urgent car repairs, they are not a long term solution to financial problems. They should always be offered alongside financial education, so that employees understand this.”",[],{"_key":44602,"_type":127,"children":44603,"markDefs":44608,"style":135},"5cebf5b9f73c",[44604],{"_key":44605,"_type":131,"marks":44606,"text":44607},"769cc7cc4560",[],"Watts-Lay adds; “Of course, financial education is the key element which underpins all financial wellbeing initiatives. After all, financial wellbeing is about being able to make informed choices about your finances. So it’s good news that support for financial education from an independent provider, guidance and advice is increasing. Also, the growth in financial coaching could be because employers now recognise that in some instances, employees need one to one support.",[],{"_key":44610,"_type":127,"children":44611,"markDefs":44616,"style":135},"801496c0130c",[44612],{"_key":44613,"_type":131,"marks":44614,"text":44615},"92c8dd2d432f",[],"These services should help employees better manage their finances including how to manage a budget, debt, save for life events, and eventually, how to prepare for retirement.”",[],{"_key":44618,"_type":127,"children":44619,"markDefs":44624,"style":135},"f79b597747b2",[44620],{"_key":44621,"_type":131,"marks":44622,"text":44623},"edf63a6ee94c",[],"He comments; “However, for any financial wellbeing programme to be successful, it’s important that these services are tailored to the audience and that it’s accessible to all – and most importantly employees should understand what support is available, as well as how to access it and make the most of it.”",[],{"_key":44626,"_type":127,"children":44627,"markDefs":44632,"style":135},"1193c5967464",[44628],{"_key":44629,"_type":131,"marks":44630,"text":44631},"bc494a57e776",[],"Debi O'Donovan, Director, Reward & Employee Benefits Association, also comments; “To date, thinking around financial wellbeing has largely been tactical rather than strategic. However, with our research showing increased emphasis on wider HR strategic issues, such as workplace sustainability, employee wellbeing and planning for an ageing workforce, through to filling talent gaps and meeting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) objectives, we expect to see a switch to prioritising strategy and joined-up financial wellbeing over the next few years.”",[],[44634],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":44635,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":44637,"blogPostMeta":44638,"content":44643,"tag":44647,"title":44642},"ee80b227-6cc6-4864-947c-1b1fff25f150",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":65,"featuredVideo":65,"publishedAt":44639,"slug":44640,"title":44642},"2023-09-19T12:59:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":44641},"see-how-we-have-helped-drax-support-their-employees","See how we have helped Drax support their employees",[44644],{"_key":44645,"_type":121,"height":122,"url":44646,"width":124},"fd82a3c78e9b","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002Fnlr8h_fa4bA",[44648],{"_createdAt":4751,"_id":4752,"_rev":4753,"_system":44649,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":4758,"brandSpecific":76,"slug":44651,"title":4761},{"base":44650},{"id":4756,"rev":4757},{"_type":9,"current":4760},{"_id":44653,"blogPostMeta":44654,"content":44696,"tag":44866,"title":44695},"e1c7a181-9a1b-47dc-a6b1-8f74624586ba",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":44655,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":44691,"publishedAt":44692,"slug":44693,"title":44695},{"_type":58,"asset":44656},{"_createdAt":44657,"_id":44658,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":44659,"extension":196,"metadata":44660,"mimeType":225,"opt":44681,"originalFilename":44686,"path":44687,"sha1hash":44659,"size":44688,"uploadId":44689,"url":44690},"2026-01-12T10:55:36Z","image-230572d2be25543ffd6c86798f873a411bb9a591-1000x667-jpg","230572d2be25543ffd6c86798f873a411bb9a591",{"_type":69,"blurHash":44661,"dimensions":44662,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":44663,"palette":44664,"thumbHash":44680},"VWIEkQ$dcFxvxZ~qR5-pt7M{NHIURPjERj$yxtIVfioJ",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYHBQj\u002FxAAkEAABAwQBAwUAAAAAAAAAAAADAQIEAAUGEiEREyIHMUFRcf\u002FEABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQF\u002F8QAGxEAAgMAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAAxESITH\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FAGjIXyYWRttqDQ1v7LXNN05V3zS7iOTntOT3VLueQK3o1RBHqqtVfupLFze9MyYsssohUGzgT3eNbGYZrKl2IGkUInPdsrkXqv5RAjJaOI6iQ6vVp9yXON6jYsIWhZL2uRfbRaK5otZXz43eMvmrlTiiqi0MRok43KDhn\u002F\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":44665,"darkVibrant":44667,"dominant":44669,"lightMuted":44670,"lightVibrant":44673,"muted":44675,"vibrant":44678},{"_type":81,"background":44666,"foreground":83,"population":22196,"title":83},"#52392c",{"_type":81,"background":44668,"foreground":83,"population":36877,"title":83},"#2a4d6d",{"_type":81,"background":44666,"foreground":83,"population":22196,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":44671,"foreground":91,"population":44672,"title":83},"#d6c5a5",1.03,{"_type":81,"background":44674,"foreground":91,"population":26576,"title":91},"#edc99f",{"_type":81,"background":44676,"foreground":83,"population":44677,"title":83},"#b08a5b",3.2,{"_type":81,"background":44679,"foreground":83,"population":325,"title":83},"#3c7caa","nhgOHYSYiKpvioZmdpdphg2ZtZBZ",{"media":44682},{"tags":44683},[44684],{"_key":44685,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"9A42ayHDmajOnD6lz5fEk","1%.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F230572d2be25543ffd6c86798f873a411bb9a591-1000x667.jpg",604998,"LOoMOUR0cGY88KIspvriEEswr1bxe8n5","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F230572d2be25543ffd6c86798f873a411bb9a591-1000x667.jpg","According to research* from WEALTH at work, 1 in 3 (33%) employees think they won’t be able to afford to retire at all due to increasing costs. Whilst 8 in 10 (83%) are concerned the cost of living crisis will mean they will have to work longer before retiring to make up for a shortfall in savings.","2023-09-13T09:55:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":44694},"saving-1-more-could-boost-pension-by-25.","Saving 1% more could boost pension by 25%.",[44697,44704,44712,44720,44728,44736,44744,44752,44760,44768,44776,44784,44792,44800,44811,44819,44827,44834,44842,44850,44858],{"_key":44698,"_type":127,"children":44699,"markDefs":44703,"style":135},"459bcb84f831",[44700],{"_key":44701,"_type":131,"marks":44702,"text":44691},"3ce62f544aa6",[],[],{"_key":44705,"_type":127,"children":44706,"markDefs":44711,"style":135},"140c11cb305e",[44707],{"_key":44708,"_type":131,"marks":44709,"text":44710},"5efd26a1106e",[],"However, many don’t realise the significant difference a small increase to their pension savings can make. This is especially true when an employer matches any additional contributions.",[],{"_key":44713,"_type":127,"children":44714,"markDefs":44719,"style":135},"8dd30a336d8f",[44715],{"_key":44716,"_type":131,"marks":44717,"text":44718},"f3abd76dfa4c",[],"For example, someone in their 20s, saving an extra 1% a year with their employer matching this, may be able to increase their pension pot in retirement by 25%.",[],{"_key":44721,"_type":127,"children":44722,"markDefs":44727,"style":135},"a9d4d70fe554",[44723],{"_key":44724,"_type":131,"marks":44725,"text":44726},"5b1b6316b979",[],"To help highlight this to employees, WEALTH at work has created some examples to demonstrate the significant difference small increases to your pension savings can make. The examples are based on a basic rate tax payer earning either £20,000, £30,000 or £40,000 per year. They are all 25 years old and plan to retire at age 68. They are paying 5% of their salary into a pension via a salary sacrifice arrangement, and their employer is paying 3%.",[],{"_key":44729,"_type":127,"children":44730,"markDefs":44735,"style":135},"83e1cad2319f",[44731],{"_key":44732,"_type":131,"marks":44733,"text":44734},"a76eec40f3f5",[174],"Example 1: Sam [1] - Basic rate tax payer, earning £20,000 per year",[],{"_key":44737,"_type":127,"children":44738,"markDefs":44743,"style":135},"aeebb63274d8",[44739],{"_key":44740,"_type":131,"marks":44741,"text":44742},"198cfd188bc9",[],"The employee increases pension contributions by 1% of salary which is matched by the employer. The cost to the employee of this increase in contribution is a reduction in take home pay of less than £12 per month (£136pa).",[],{"_key":44745,"_type":127,"children":44746,"markDefs":44751,"style":135},"3eb7c34727dc",[44747],{"_key":44748,"_type":131,"marks":44749,"text":44750},"e1a5b3491dba",[],"The impact on the employee’s pension pot is that the estimated pension pot value at retirement is increased by 25%, from £99,341 to £124,177.",[],{"_key":44753,"_type":127,"children":44754,"markDefs":44759,"style":135},"5348f8a28b6c",[44755],{"_key":44756,"_type":131,"marks":44757,"text":44758},"68acba79c4c3",[174],"Example 2: Paul [2] – Basic rate tax payer, earning £30,000 per year",[],{"_key":44761,"_type":127,"children":44762,"markDefs":44767,"style":135},"63a47f7266a3",[44763],{"_key":44764,"_type":131,"marks":44765,"text":44766},"70e043bfbf75",[],"The employee increases pension contributions by 1% of salary which is matched by the employer. The cost to the employee of this increase in contribution is a reduction in take home pay of £17 per month (£204pa).",[],{"_key":44769,"_type":127,"children":44770,"markDefs":44775,"style":135},"446b2d20d056",[44771],{"_key":44772,"_type":131,"marks":44773,"text":44774},"3733634edb86",[],"The impact on the employee’s pension pot is that the estimated pension pot value at retirement is increased by 25%, from £149,011 to £186,265.",[],{"_key":44777,"_type":127,"children":44778,"markDefs":44783,"style":135},"95bf1262bb73",[44779],{"_key":44780,"_type":131,"marks":44781,"text":44782},"6fd3bca5751b",[174],"Example 3: Petra [3] - Basic rate tax payer, earning £40,000 per year",[],{"_key":44785,"_type":127,"children":44786,"markDefs":44791,"style":135},"4a17d034eefc",[44787],{"_key":44788,"_type":131,"marks":44789,"text":44790},"4c73e5a29db3",[],"The employee increases pension contributions by 1% of salary which is matched by the employer. The cost to the employee of this increase in contribution is a reduction in take home pay of less than £23 per month (£272pa).",[],{"_key":44793,"_type":127,"children":44794,"markDefs":44799,"style":135},"d028bab4b719",[44795],{"_key":44796,"_type":131,"marks":44797,"text":44798},"db05e6528d39",[],"The impact on the employee’s pension pot is that the estimated pension pot value at retirement is increased by 25%, from £198,683 to £248,353.",[],{"_key":44801,"_type":127,"children":44802,"markDefs":44810,"style":135},"1ab9f3b844ac",[44803,44806],{"_key":44804,"_type":131,"marks":44805,"text":1502},"57797d43069f",[174],{"_key":44807,"_type":131,"marks":44808,"text":44809},"05c89d16e422",[]," “It’s very concerning that many people are worried that they will never be able to afford to retire. With increasing costs, it is completely understandable why some may think that saving for retirement isn’t a priority. However, it’s important that employees recognise that whilst finances may be tight now, stopping or reducing their pension savings could have a dramatic impact on future retirement plans.”",[],{"_key":44812,"_type":127,"children":44813,"markDefs":44818,"style":135},"b2d0ff55f6d5",[44814],{"_key":44815,"_type":131,"marks":44816,"text":44817},"1ff86884dcb0",[],"He adds; “When speaking to young people, many don’t realise the huge difference a small increase in their pension contributions can make if they start in their 20s, compared with starting in their 30s or 40s; especially if their employer offers to match it. Once we point out that saving an extra 1% now with their employer matching this can result in 25% more in their pension pot at retirement, saving a bit more now makes a lot of sense.”",[],{"_key":44820,"_type":127,"children":44821,"markDefs":44826,"style":135},"a63922b43f87",[44822],{"_key":44823,"_type":131,"marks":44824,"text":44825},"b446053c6130",[],"He continues, “Small increases can have a significant impact on an employee’s pension savings, but small reductions in pension savings can also make a huge dent.”",[],{"_key":44828,"_type":127,"children":44829,"markDefs":44833,"style":135},"87bb074c9deb",[44830],{"_key":44831,"_type":131,"marks":44832,"text":40149},"4a6c89dd9d58",[],[],{"_key":44835,"_type":127,"children":44836,"markDefs":44841,"style":135},"fd6f79369b88",[44837],{"_key":44838,"_type":131,"marks":44839,"text":44840},"20b80e8b4f0a",[4468],"*The research was carried out by Opinion Matters between 13\u002F4\u002F23 and 17\u002F04\u002F23. 2025 UK adults aged 22+ in full time employment were surveyed.",[],{"_key":44843,"_type":127,"children":44844,"markDefs":44849,"style":1544},"2be0ab20b134",[44845],{"_key":44846,"_type":131,"marks":44847,"text":44848},"33e03b0356ad",[],"[1] Assumptions: The employee is a member of a DC workplace pension scheme, the percentage contributions shown are paid with immediate effect and do not change in the future, pension contributions are paid by salary sacrifice by an employee based in England or Wales and are within HMRC limits, any pension savings already held by the employee are ignored, the member is exactly 25 years of age (their birthday is today), annual salary increases by 2.5% each year, pension charges of 0.75% apply, investment growth is 5% each year, the pension value is adjusted for inflation at 2.5% each year.",[],{"_key":44851,"_type":127,"children":44852,"markDefs":44857,"style":1544},"684357cefe81",[44853],{"_key":44854,"_type":131,"marks":44855,"text":44856},"1b7b9663f191",[],"[2] Assumptions: as 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steps engage pensions.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fc7129353edb86c724a949b7e02892bb7cfba3d4c-1000x667.jpg",384544,"7YaCvy60tYkha9Cqb1VoZkq74PuKMohK","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fc7129353edb86c724a949b7e02892bb7cfba3d4c-1000x667.jpg","Given cost of living worries and the notion this may be impacting pension savings, WEALTH at work conducted research* with employees to find out their thoughts into what’s happening in reality.","2023-08-31T10:14:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":44910},"5-steps-to-help-employees-engage-with-their-pensions.","5 steps to help employees engage with their pensions.",[44913,44920,44928,44936,44944,44952,44960,44968,44980,44992,45004,45012,45020,45028,45036,45044,45052,45060,45068],{"_key":44914,"_type":127,"children":44915,"markDefs":44919,"style":135},"6307ec0d976a",[44916],{"_key":44917,"_type":131,"marks":44918,"text":44907},"3211f23d0f21",[],[],{"_key":44921,"_type":127,"children":44922,"markDefs":44927,"style":135},"e1d1c0000075",[44923],{"_key":44924,"_type":131,"marks":44925,"text":44926},"083ce3d9c7f5",[],"It found that whilst a minority (13%) are taking action now and either reducing or stopping pension contributions, more worryingly, many more admit they may consider stopping payments (29%) or reducing payments (30%) in the future.",[],{"_key":44929,"_type":127,"children":44930,"markDefs":44935,"style":135},"a91e2179667d",[44931],{"_key":44932,"_type":131,"marks":44933,"text":44934},"6e16bb6156e9",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, comments; “It’s important for individuals to understand that opting out of their pension will have a huge impact in the long term and will cause damage to their standard of living in retirement. Whilst reducing contributions now would make relatively small savings each month, the impact on retirement savings in later life will be dramatic, due to lost employer contributions and tax relief.”",[],{"_key":44937,"_type":127,"children":44938,"markDefs":44943,"style":135},"fcc7333a011f",[44939],{"_key":44940,"_type":131,"marks":44941,"text":44942},"d67e4a723fc2",[],"It’s therefore more important than ever to ensure employees are engaged with their pensions. See our steps below to help increase employee engagement:",[],{"_key":44945,"_type":127,"children":44946,"markDefs":44951,"style":135},"f30383e619c7",[44947],{"_key":44948,"_type":131,"marks":44949,"text":44950},"cb8a3e62b67d",[174],"1. Empower employees with financial education",[],{"_key":44953,"_type":127,"children":44954,"markDefs":44959,"style":135},"23df6d4d9ad3",[44955],{"_key":44956,"_type":131,"marks":44957,"text":44958},"10269087e654",[],"Whilst some information may be provided via a website or leaflet, actually attending an interactive financial education workshop about pension options and retirement income options is far more engaging. This is why increasing numbers of leading employers are using either virtual or face-to-face seminars to help their employees.",[],{"_key":44961,"_type":127,"children":44962,"markDefs":44967,"style":135},"69530e8bb5ef",[44963],{"_key":44964,"_type":131,"marks":44965,"text":44966},"a900a3ba43df",[],"This should be tailored by career stage including:",[],{"_key":44969,"_type":127,"children":44970,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":44979,"style":135},"81bc29570a7e",[44971,44975],{"_key":44972,"_type":131,"marks":44973,"text":44974},"0aaa25a9ce94",[174],"Early-career – getting in the savings habit:",{"_key":44976,"_type":131,"marks":44977,"text":44978},"59b5b38b9ee1",[]," Auto-enrolment has helped enormously to ensure people are contributing to pensions. However, support is needed to understand what level of income this may generate in retirement and whether contribution levels should be increased – perhaps with additional contributions from the employer. This can be difficult when the monthly budget is tight so broader money management issues may need to be considered too.",[],{"_key":44981,"_type":127,"children":44982,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":44991,"style":135},"eda179759350",[44983,44987],{"_key":44984,"_type":131,"marks":44985,"text":44986},"b379538920a1",[174],"Mid-career – staying on course:",{"_key":44988,"_type":131,"marks":44989,"text":44990},"15f337340970",[]," A mid-career ‘financial MOT’ can help people to see if their pensions and other retirement savings are on target, and what to do if they’re not. Topics can include reviewing financial goals as well as starting to understand how income may be generated in retirement and ensuring investments are being managed in line with this e.g. an investment glide path to cash and bonds is probably not appropriate for those wishing to go into drawdown.",[],{"_key":44993,"_type":127,"children":44994,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":45003,"style":135},"4a0474377d82",[44995,44999],{"_key":44996,"_type":131,"marks":44997,"text":44998},"cae576793e36",[174],"Pre-retirement – retiring well:",{"_key":45000,"_type":131,"marks":45001,"text":45002},"3780606a2ec1",[]," In the years before retirement, support should be provided to help with planning for retirement and understanding retirement income options, clearing debt, and maximising pension benefits and other savings in a tax efficient way. Then, around a year or two before retirement, people may also need help to implement their plan including thinking about their retirement goals, how to generate retirement income, understanding the risks, tax planning and how to seek further guidance and regulated financial advice.",[],{"_key":45005,"_type":127,"children":45006,"markDefs":45011,"style":135},"190042e972fa",[45007],{"_key":45008,"_type":131,"marks":45009,"text":45010},"a2f2e3f0464f",[174],"2. Offer access to supporting tools",[],{"_key":45013,"_type":127,"children":45014,"markDefs":45019,"style":135},"4ae4e53dbf0e",[45015],{"_key":45016,"_type":131,"marks":45017,"text":45018},"e7b05129a4a0",[],"A number of other methods are also available to support people depending on their preferred learning style and work environment such as interactive tools, videos and animations, or even an online ‘Financial Healthcheck’ covering areas such as understanding pensions and the income options at retirement.",[],{"_key":45021,"_type":127,"children":45022,"markDefs":45027,"style":135},"204b37eea216",[45023],{"_key":45024,"_type":131,"marks":45025,"text":45026},"bbd07ade4889",[174],"3. Run financial guidance sessions",[],{"_key":45029,"_type":127,"children":45030,"markDefs":45035,"style":135},"00f4c67d1dae",[45031],{"_key":45032,"_type":131,"marks":45033,"text":45034},"6d14e59ca99b",[],"One-to-one financial guidance or coaching sessions could be particularly useful for those who need a deeper level of knowledge around their options, which is especially relevant for those at retirement. These could be delivered via a video call or via the telephone and can really help people understand what their next steps should be and if they would like further support such as regulated financial advice.",[],{"_key":45037,"_type":127,"children":45038,"markDefs":45043,"style":135},"71b8f7e75d17",[45039],{"_key":45040,"_type":131,"marks":45041,"text":45042},"46c0ca7eb74f",[174],"4. Provide access to regulated financial advice",[],{"_key":45045,"_type":127,"children":45046,"markDefs":45051,"style":135},"500b0747770a",[45047],{"_key":45048,"_type":131,"marks":45049,"text":45050},"0c1d16e9a8a5",[],"This is particularly useful for those at the point of retirement who want to understand their personal financial situation and may have more complex questions about their pensions and retirement income. Rather than leaving individuals to go it alone, many employers and Trustees facilitate employee access to reputable advisory firms that have appropriate qualifications, an exemplary regulatory record and transparent and fair pricing.",[],{"_key":45053,"_type":127,"children":45054,"markDefs":45059,"style":135},"7fec09b9d913",[45055],{"_key":45056,"_type":131,"marks":45057,"text":45058},"5159dc4453d2",[174],"5. Bring in a provider",[],{"_key":45061,"_type":127,"children":45062,"markDefs":45067,"style":135},"aee3c1efaaca",[45063],{"_key":45064,"_type":131,"marks":45065,"text":45066},"21e45ba8c3d5",[],"An increasing number of employers and Trustees are now turning to specialist financial wellbeing and retirement service providers to help individuals engage with their pensions and savings throughout their career. Taking an active approach and supporting individuals with the help of reputable firms, will make the whole process far more robust, as well as helping them to make the most of their life savings.",[],{"_key":45069,"_type":127,"children":45070,"markDefs":45079,"style":135},"1e65148bc593",[45071,45075],{"_key":45072,"_type":131,"marks":45073,"text":45074},"0bc0d09154b9",[174],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, adds;",{"_key":45076,"_type":131,"marks":45077,"text":45078},"630dedc3e971",[]," “The good news is that many leading workplaces and Trustees now provide financial wellbeing programmes to help individuals engage with their workplace savings and pensions, understand how to best manage their money, as well as the choices to be made at retirement. This includes providing financial education workshops, one-to-one guidance or coaching, digital tools and helplines.”",[],[45081],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":45082,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":45084,"blogPostMeta":45085,"content":45122,"tag":45264,"title":45121},"af0847a4-d616-4a85-9547-95dc1885ff9a",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":45086,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":45117,"publishedAt":45118,"slug":45119,"title":45121},{"_type":58,"asset":45087},{"_createdAt":45088,"_id":45089,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":45090,"extension":196,"metadata":45091,"mimeType":225,"opt":45107,"originalFilename":45112,"path":45113,"sha1hash":45090,"size":45114,"uploadId":45115,"url":45116},"2026-01-12T11:18:10Z","image-94e3a1c1d1fe4f65360f2f20aa0bc109a395f7d0-1000x667-jpg","94e3a1c1d1fe4f65360f2f20aa0bc109a395f7d0",{"_type":69,"blurHash":45092,"dimensions":45093,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":45094,"palette":45095,"thumbHash":45106},"VBE_%1?a0302JCxBslM{E3WX02IB?G~UxZ0Mt8-o?HxZ",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUDBAb\u002FxAAlEAABAwQBAgcAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEAAUGETESIgcTIUFxgZH\u002FxAAWAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAwX\u002FxAAZEQEBAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgARMQP\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FAEPhri9tyW8qRcHUNtoHSlPAHxUeY4\u002FaIl6eZQethC9JKTrWvSllsmvvobm7Q0+e7baenX5V2XbxLZkAurSXWySrkg75rPuaLUc358YOzsxdsbtq5IU1N8tJQO1Q2R90UxYw5stJ3Pkce4opAVz3RqRfN\u002F\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":45096,"darkVibrant":45098,"dominant":45100,"lightMuted":45101,"lightVibrant":45103,"muted":45104,"vibrant":45105},{"_type":81,"background":40051,"foreground":83,"population":45097,"title":83},7.27,{"_type":81,"background":45099,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#944c0c",{"_type":81,"background":40055,"foreground":83,"population":29133,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":45102,"foreground":91,"population":3344,"title":83},"#c6a58c",{"_type":81,"background":40060,"foreground":91,"population":8222,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":40055,"foreground":83,"population":29133,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":40063,"foreground":83,"population":325,"title":83},"1igGFYILcpt2Z5hgugiaaQeYUHAJ",{"media":45108},{"tags":45109},[45110],{"_key":45111,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"4-TdVNve8TlnSCfThlRuv","30 Aug.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F94e3a1c1d1fe4f65360f2f20aa0bc109a395f7d0-1000x667.jpg",91356,"0tdBQm08QAs2gBvjW9du6gxrX5Tk8opr","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F94e3a1c1d1fe4f65360f2f20aa0bc109a395f7d0-1000x667.jpg","More than half (59%) of employers consider poor financial literacy as a major workplace financial wellbeing risk, according to research[1]. A further 47% of organisations cite financial literacy as a challenge for improving financial wellbeing for the majority of the workforce.","2023-08-30T10:21:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":45120},"how-workplace-benefits-can-improve-financial-literacy-and-help-manage-workplace-risk","How workplace benefits can improve financial literacy and help manage workplace risk",[45123,45130,45137,45145,45153,45161,45169,45177,45185,45193,45201,45209,45217,45225,45233,45241,45248,45256],{"_key":45124,"_type":127,"children":45125,"markDefs":45129,"style":135},"da689d524e41",[45126],{"_key":45127,"_type":131,"marks":45128,"text":45117},"124eae31bd92",[],[],{"_key":45131,"_type":127,"children":45132,"markDefs":45136,"style":135},"dc0a07af1639",[45133],{"_key":45134,"_type":131,"marks":45135,"text":9960},"899579e5be72",[174],[],{"_key":45138,"_type":127,"children":45139,"markDefs":45144,"style":135},"0400e323888d",[45140],{"_key":45141,"_type":131,"marks":45142,"text":45143},"d8661ab14d8d",[],"“Unfortunately, it’s well known that when individuals do not fully understand their finances and how to address current difficulties and mitigate potential risks, it can result in stress. In turn, this can lead to lower employee productivity and is a major workplace risk.”",[],{"_key":45146,"_type":127,"children":45147,"markDefs":45152,"style":135},"b0fd2bf3e3b3",[45148],{"_key":45149,"_type":131,"marks":45150,"text":45151},"a3c0035cecc7",[],"A study by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, reveals that 10% of full-time and part-time employees missed work because of financial worries, while 18% acknowledged reduced productivity.[2]",[],{"_key":45154,"_type":127,"children":45155,"markDefs":45160,"style":135},"28b2c7dd5958",[45156],{"_key":45157,"_type":131,"marks":45158,"text":45159},"fc3937b09008",[],"Watts-Lay continues; “Not only this, but a lack of understanding of their finances and financial management could result in employees making poor decisions which can prove very costly, especially at retirement when people are faced with complex decisions about what to do with their retirement savings.",[],{"_key":45162,"_type":127,"children":45163,"markDefs":45168,"style":135},"5f703b3e7448",[45164],{"_key":45165,"_type":131,"marks":45166,"text":45167},"322e9e344d98",[],"Helping employees to understand the key financial issues that relate to them is an effective way of overcoming the risks of poor financial literacy. This is because when employees feel in control of their finances, their overall wellbeing is greatly improved. A commitment is therefore needed by employers to provide workplace financial wellbeing support including education and guidance to help employees avoid some of the financial challenges they find themselves tackling at different stages of their lives.”",[],{"_key":45170,"_type":127,"children":45171,"markDefs":45176,"style":135},"561a6923f958",[45172],{"_key":45173,"_type":131,"marks":45174,"text":45175},"b41df71ba464",[],"He adds; “This means offering financial education programmes that help employees with a full range of money matters throughout their career including ways to manage a budget, save money, manage debt, boost savings and prepare for retirement.",[],{"_key":45178,"_type":127,"children":45179,"markDefs":45184,"style":135},"98575233d419",[45180],{"_key":45181,"_type":131,"marks":45182,"text":45183},"fc85cb000194",[174],"See WEALTH at works tips to help employees improve financial literacy",[],{"_key":45186,"_type":127,"children":45187,"markDefs":45192,"style":135},"bb650e513858",[45188],{"_key":45189,"_type":131,"marks":45190,"text":45191},"63fd7674552d",[174],"1. Empower employees with knowledge",[],{"_key":45194,"_type":127,"children":45195,"markDefs":45200,"style":135},"af70e8c40ba3",[45196],{"_key":45197,"_type":131,"marks":45198,"text":45199},"3d3028e11be9",[],"Whilst some information may be provided via a website or leaflet, actually attending an interactive financial education workshop about the financial issues that relate to them is far more engaging. This is why increasing numbers of employers are using either virtual or face-to-face seminars. One-to-one financial guidance or coaching sessions are also becoming a more popular form of support and is particularly useful for those who need a deeper level of knowledge. These could be delivered via a video call or via the telephone and can really help people understand what their next steps should be and help them decide if they would like further support such as regulated financial advice.",[],{"_key":45202,"_type":127,"children":45203,"markDefs":45208,"style":135},"30a1c6073160",[45204],{"_key":45205,"_type":131,"marks":45206,"text":45207},"5504c13071a1",[174],"2. Offer a range of support",[],{"_key":45210,"_type":127,"children":45211,"markDefs":45216,"style":135},"73dbff851f42",[45212],{"_key":45213,"_type":131,"marks":45214,"text":45215},"f81564b6299b",[],"As everyone has different financial needs and priorities, support should be tailored to cover all life stages and a mix of needs such as debt management, building up an emergency fund and saving for a first home, as well as retirement.",[],{"_key":45218,"_type":127,"children":45219,"markDefs":45224,"style":135},"23a4be830750",[45220],{"_key":45221,"_type":131,"marks":45222,"text":45223},"9a510be9b1d5",[],"Also, whether companies have staff that are office based, in the field, on a production line, working shifts, or even overseas, financial wellbeing support must also be accessible to all to optimise buy-in and boost employee engagement. Offering a range of delivery methods for financial wellbeing support can also ensure the majority of employees are always supported. This could include classroom based financial education sessions, interactive online seminars, or even webcasts and digital tools including a ‘Financial Healthcheck’ that can be used anywhere, on any device.",[],{"_key":45226,"_type":127,"children":45227,"markDefs":45232,"style":135},"29597b21312f",[45228],{"_key":45229,"_type":131,"marks":45230,"text":45231},"3ef4486f9945",[174],"3. Bring in a provider",[],{"_key":45234,"_type":127,"children":45235,"markDefs":45240,"style":135},"47765c912a97",[45236],{"_key":45237,"_type":131,"marks":45238,"text":45239},"4e06872caeff",[],"An increasing number of employers are now turning to specialist workplace financial wellbeing service providers to help individuals build their financial knowledge and improve their financial wellbeing throughout their career. Taking an active approach and supporting employees to improve their financial literacy with the help of reputable firms, which in turn will lead to a more financially resilient workforce, is a win win for all!",[],{"_key":45242,"_type":127,"children":45243,"markDefs":45247,"style":135},"6811d8b59b8e",[45244],{"_key":45245,"_type":131,"marks":45246,"text":1006},"e6c3181bd18a",[],[],{"_key":45249,"_type":127,"children":45250,"markDefs":45255,"style":135},"53452b6e711c",[45251],{"_key":45252,"_type":131,"marks":45253,"text":45254},"fad422fd5fc1",[],"[1] Financial wellbeing research 2022: navigate financial resilience for a sustainable future – REBA & WEALTH at work",[],{"_key":45257,"_type":127,"children":45258,"markDefs":45263,"style":135},"44d6398b910c",[45259],{"_key":45260,"_type":131,"marks":45261,"text":45262},"48150f4e5acb",[],"[2] https:\u002F\u002Fcebr.com\u002Freports\u002Ffinancial-wellbeing-and-productivity-in-the-workplace\u002F",[],[45265],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":45266,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":45268,"blogPostMeta":45269,"content":45311,"tag":45469,"title":45472},"ab75a04e-a77f-49c0-923b-595e6109e22a",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":45270,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":45306,"publishedAt":45307,"slug":45308,"title":45310},{"_type":58,"asset":45271},{"_createdAt":45272,"_id":45273,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":45274,"extension":196,"metadata":45275,"mimeType":225,"opt":45296,"originalFilename":45301,"path":45302,"sha1hash":45274,"size":45303,"uploadId":45304,"url":45305},"2026-01-12T11:26:03Z","image-b1697a718fe88c1bbbbe64439160b60b8376d67a-1000x667-jpg","b1697a718fe88c1bbbbe64439160b60b8376d67a",{"_type":69,"blurHash":45276,"dimensions":45277,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":45278,"palette":45279,"thumbHash":45295},"VKGR^@009Fxu%L%#w[tRM{oz~q4n-o%NIV%hIUofoJM{",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYIBQf\u002FxAAmEAABAwQABQUBAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEAAUGERMhIjFhBxIyQVGB\u002F8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgP\u002FxAAZEQADAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQITIjL\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FAEiNdk3VcODCdfY04C640dHX0K6Lkl9vuGxYLTMriBfPi\u002FL3fiT5qfLNLdjXXgoV3I6hyNUxieNwJ9mgTZxkPutadAW50lXkULaXkcy2uhWX61zUOKS\u002FbYrroPUtXIk6orVyPH7FJuzzr9qaLiu5Sop3\u002FBRUdiuB\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":45280,"darkVibrant":45282,"dominant":45284,"lightMuted":45287,"lightVibrant":45290,"muted":45292,"vibrant":45293},{"_type":81,"background":45281,"foreground":83,"population":787,"title":83},"#513e32",{"_type":81,"background":45283,"foreground":83,"population":2637,"title":83},"#653822",{"_type":81,"background":45285,"foreground":83,"population":45286,"title":83},"#918173",5.43,{"_type":81,"background":45288,"foreground":91,"population":45289,"title":91},"#d8c7b4",5.06,{"_type":81,"background":45291,"foreground":91,"population":13129,"title":91},"#f7ebd9",{"_type":81,"background":45285,"foreground":83,"population":45286,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":45294,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},"#b87c66","GwgKDYIwqVibeXg9mpZ3iVDFCiW9",{"media":45297},{"tags":45298},[45299],{"_key":45300,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"CMBthgwfg91SFWC_jD3Ov","25.08.23.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fb1697a718fe88c1bbbbe64439160b60b8376d67a-1000x667.jpg",595346,"d21j2uoJo6ABfRen3cgv8UxATyo2OVx4","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fb1697a718fe88c1bbbbe64439160b60b8376d67a-1000x667.jpg","Many Save As You Earn (SAYE) share plans are due to mature in the coming months and years, with some employees likely to have doubled, or even tripled the amount of money they saved due to favourable market conditions since the pandemic.","2023-08-25T10:26:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":45309},"potential-big-gains-ahead-for-‘save-as-you-earn’-share-plan-savers.","Potential big gains ahead for ‘Save As You Earn’ share plan savers",[45312,45320,45327,45335,45342,45350,45358,45366,45374,45382,45390,45398,45405,45413,45420,45428,45435,45443,45450,45458],{"_key":45313,"_type":127,"children":45314,"markDefs":45319,"style":135},"e6d5338ce89e",[45315],{"_key":45316,"_type":131,"marks":45317,"text":45318},"5717c4397ae5",[174],"How employees can reduce investment risk and avoid unnecessary tax",[],{"_key":45321,"_type":127,"children":45322,"markDefs":45326,"style":135},"df7bec17fb12",[45323],{"_key":45324,"_type":131,"marks":45325,"text":45306},"8d397431ced1",[],[],{"_key":45328,"_type":127,"children":45329,"markDefs":45334,"style":135},"1be580435fc9",[45330],{"_key":45331,"_type":131,"marks":45332,"text":45333},"3b4d187e6dc7",[],"However, without expert guidance, many may not understand their options once their share plan matures and could be at risk of paying unnecessary tax.",[],{"_key":45336,"_type":127,"children":45337,"markDefs":45341,"style":135},"e46234c0021d",[45338],{"_key":45339,"_type":131,"marks":45340,"text":1502},"ccdae198b039",[174],[],{"_key":45343,"_type":127,"children":45344,"markDefs":45349,"style":135},"8c47e999b663",[45345],{"_key":45346,"_type":131,"marks":45347,"text":45348},"34de7e5f5e4c",[],"“Save As You Earn (SAYE) plans can be an attractive way for employees to invest in their future. These plans run for 3 or 5 year terms, and employees can decide how much to save each month (up to £500 a month). At the end of the plan’s term, if the share price has fallen, employees can receive all their savings back. If the share price is higher than the fixed price agreed at the start of the plan, employees can use their savings to buy shares and realise any returns.”",[],{"_key":45351,"_type":127,"children":45352,"markDefs":45357,"style":135},"ea41068fa5b6",[45353],{"_key":45354,"_type":131,"marks":45355,"text":45356},"a47cc2ce8f0e",[],"He adds, “We are now at a start of a two-year window where a lot of SAYE plans are coming up to maturity and many will have big gains. This is because in 2020 when markets fell, share plans that launched generally had a low share price at inception. On top of this low starting share price, many companies also offered a discount, giving employees a particularly low fixed price at the start of the plan. As a result, a lot of people will be in a position to double or even triple the money they saved.",[],{"_key":45359,"_type":127,"children":45360,"markDefs":45365,"style":135},"04721fd4234c",[45361],{"_key":45362,"_type":131,"marks":45363,"text":45364},"358243089fcf",[],"However, whilst a financial windfall may seem like a dream to most, participants need to be well informed to make the right decisions as to whether they should sell shares or continue to hold on to them. An understanding of the value that dividends may provide in the future and the importance of not putting all their eggs in one basket and diversifying their investment, are all things employees should consider.”",[],{"_key":45367,"_type":127,"children":45368,"markDefs":45373,"style":135},"ce1f2c05d71e",[45369],{"_key":45370,"_type":131,"marks":45371,"text":45372},"cdad05585d6c",[],"Watts-Lay comments; “For those who are thinking about selling their shares, it’s important to understand what they can do to reduce, or even eliminate a potential capital gains tax (CGT) charge.”",[],{"_key":45375,"_type":127,"children":45376,"markDefs":45381,"style":135},"f2ed133941f2",[45377],{"_key":45378,"_type":131,"marks":45379,"text":45380},"aa4cec2f1c4b",[],"He explains; “CGT only has to be paid on overall gains that exceed the CGT allowance, which is £6,000 for the current tax year. Where gains from a SAYE plan exceed the available allowance, CGT is charged at 10% if the gain falls within the basic rate tax band, or 20% for anyone who pays tax at a higher rate. There are, however, a number of ways of maximising tax allowances to help reduce or eliminate a CGT charge.”",[],{"_key":45383,"_type":127,"children":45384,"markDefs":45389,"style":135},"be06ac7fffae",[45385],{"_key":45386,"_type":131,"marks":45387,"text":45388},"b2443b02266f",[],"To help employees understand what they can do to mitigate their tax liability when their shares mature, WEALTH at work has put together some tips.",[],{"_key":45391,"_type":127,"children":45392,"markDefs":45397,"style":135},"68473a80b110",[45393],{"_key":45394,"_type":131,"marks":45395,"text":45396},"2dbfdae57e26",[174],"WEALTH at work’s tips for employees to reduce their CGT charge:",[],{"_key":45399,"_type":127,"children":45400,"markDefs":45404,"style":135},"f30c4bfacd0f",[45401],{"_key":45402,"_type":131,"marks":45403,"text":22781},"94421402bd78",[174],[],{"_key":45406,"_type":127,"children":45407,"markDefs":45412,"style":135},"55d385b0c7c0",[45408],{"_key":45409,"_type":131,"marks":45410,"text":45411},"a59a7c3f4f1e",[],"Shares can be transferred directly into an ISA up to the value of £20,000 each tax year. If they are transferred within 90 days of the date the individual exercises their options to buy shares from a SAYE plan, the transfer is not a chargeable event for CGT purposes. They can then sell their shares immediately free of CGT, or keep them in the ISA which is useful if they are considering holding shares, sheltering future returns from tax, or diversifying your shareholding into other stocks and shares.",[],{"_key":45414,"_type":127,"children":45415,"markDefs":45419,"style":135},"e2a808dc2972",[45416],{"_key":45417,"_type":131,"marks":45418,"text":22813},"8284f3ae9ea1",[174],[],{"_key":45421,"_type":127,"children":45422,"markDefs":45427,"style":135},"c0abcd303675",[45423],{"_key":45424,"_type":131,"marks":45425,"text":45426},"3d48b676dfd6",[],"The CGT allowance is available to individuals each tax year which runs until 6 April. Whilst the limit is £6,000 this tax year, it is reducing to £3,000 from 6 April 2024. If employees realise a gain of £6,000 this tax year, they could hold on to the remaining shares and sell a further amount to make use of the £3,000 CGT allowance in the 2024\u002F25 tax year. Individuals however must be aware that if the value of the shares fell during this time, this could reduce their overall return.",[],{"_key":45429,"_type":127,"children":45430,"markDefs":45434,"style":135},"975489cac2bb",[45431],{"_key":45432,"_type":131,"marks":45433,"text":22829},"8f4681487c1c",[174],[],{"_key":45436,"_type":127,"children":45437,"markDefs":45442,"style":135},"7d76f577f62d",[45438],{"_key":45439,"_type":131,"marks":45440,"text":45441},"e1766e68122e",[],"If employees are at risk of breaching the capital gain tax allowance limit, they could transfer some shares to their spouse or civil partner to benefit from their unused CGT allowance. However, they must be married or in a civil partnership for this option to apply.",[],{"_key":45444,"_type":127,"children":45445,"markDefs":45449,"style":135},"0b2e991460d7",[45446],{"_key":45447,"_type":131,"marks":45448,"text":22845},"762c2d472f0b",[174],[],{"_key":45451,"_type":127,"children":45452,"markDefs":45457,"style":135},"59e366cd5bcc",[45453],{"_key":45454,"_type":131,"marks":45455,"text":45456},"b4d90dded709",[],"Those with larger gains may benefit from combining the strategies above. For example, an individual who saved £18,000 into a share plan with an option price of £1 would be able to buy 18,000 shares at maturity. If we assume the share price at maturity has risen to £2.69, their shares could be worth £48,420 at maturity, meaning they have a gain of £30,420. Selling all these shares at once and using only their own £6,000 CGT allowance could lead to a tax charge of £4,884, or half this amount if they are a basic rate tax payer. Combining the above tax planning strategies together could potentially reduce their tax charge to zero.*",[],{"_key":45459,"_type":127,"children":45460,"markDefs":45468,"style":135},"031b6f785e32",[45461,45464],{"_key":45462,"_type":131,"marks":45463,"text":1502},"f7db62fef8af",[174],{"_key":45465,"_type":131,"marks":45466,"text":45467},"73cee702ddcd",[]," “SAYE plans are used by many companies to motivate and reward their hard-working employees. It is a low-risk way to save for the future, with the possibility of a very good return on your investment. However, after all these years of saving, employees really don’t want to be paying unnecessary tax. We have worked for many organisations with SAYE plans to provide financial education, guidance and regulated financial advice for their staff to ensure they understand the benefits of taking part and what steps they need to take when their plan matures.”",[],[45470],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":45471,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},"Potential big gains ahead for ‘Save As You Earn’ share plan savers.",{"_id":45474,"blogPostMeta":45475,"content":45516,"tag":45604,"title":45515},"05826f65-340d-4f0e-8fd1-5143bc98d8fc",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":45476,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":45511,"publishedAt":45512,"slug":45513,"title":45515},{"_type":58,"asset":45477},{"_createdAt":45478,"_id":45479,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":45480,"extension":196,"metadata":45481,"mimeType":225,"opt":45501,"originalFilename":45506,"path":45507,"sha1hash":45480,"size":45508,"uploadId":45509,"url":45510},"2026-01-12T11:29:08Z","image-c985d0c9eaf2e4b8e8062bbe2908e779e99cb022-1000x667-jpg","c985d0c9eaf2e4b8e8062bbe2908e779e99cb022",{"_type":69,"blurHash":45482,"dimensions":45483,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":45484,"palette":45485,"thumbHash":45500},"VDHUwj00YRvecFJPVY-m-pR+kqM{V@t7a05s-pw]o#r;",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwABAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgADBf\u002FEACMQAAICAQQCAgMAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQABQYREiExEyJBUXH\u002FxAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEBf\u002FEABsRAAIDAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAAMREiEi\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwA1PXtTa3xKjD6AmQnwT+v7i3bTrp4mkljLFVYlj7AA8jOFtdJb+qO9icsrMG6EeAR6xdFtjiR3S\u002FMvyk9x1HBB9jB3MKzmxdSB++MXbbtaJe0atZMiR\u002FIOQsjecswp1a9SrFXWvCyRL1XlPxlj0PkSa9WsTP\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":45486,"darkVibrant":45488,"dominant":45490,"lightMuted":45493,"lightVibrant":45495,"muted":45497,"vibrant":45498},{"_type":81,"background":45487,"foreground":83,"population":3347,"title":83},"#543e2c",{"_type":81,"background":45489,"foreground":83,"population":17245,"title":83},"#167fa5",{"_type":81,"background":45491,"foreground":83,"population":45492,"title":83},"#a78362",5.99,{"_type":81,"background":45494,"foreground":91,"population":8581,"title":83},"#aec9d2",{"_type":81,"background":45496,"foreground":91,"population":325,"title":91},"#f5c48c",{"_type":81,"background":45491,"foreground":83,"population":45492,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":45499,"foreground":91,"population":325,"title":83},"#dba033","nxgKFYKglrhnmYdpd2eJiAeohEAq",{"media":45502},{"tags":45503},[45504],{"_key":45505,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"IH_LL5ix0T5WgN4yiJ1mg","24.07.23.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fc985d0c9eaf2e4b8e8062bbe2908e779e99cb022-1000x667.jpg",542530,"EKq2rkgo2Ms4qQUoDvFW9YRIoinhMYTK","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fc985d0c9eaf2e4b8e8062bbe2908e779e99cb022-1000x667.jpg","We asked Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, to tell us why workplaces may want to consider offering all employees share plans, the different types available and what they need to be aware of.","2023-07-23T10:28:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":45514},"how-share-plans-can-help-employees-become-financially-resilient-and-act-as-a-motivational-tool","How share plans can help employees become financially resilient and act as a motivational tool",[45517,45524,45532,45540,45548,45556,45564,45572,45580,45588,45596],{"_key":45518,"_type":127,"children":45519,"markDefs":45523,"style":135},"fe46471c925e",[45520],{"_key":45521,"_type":131,"marks":45522,"text":45511},"84d3ac740feb",[174],[],{"_key":45525,"_type":127,"children":45526,"markDefs":45531,"style":135},"ded408265d8a",[45527],{"_key":45528,"_type":131,"marks":45529,"text":45530},"e0d362d0d630",[],"He comments; “To encourage employees to save more, many companies offer share plans, one of the most popular being Save As You Earn (SAYE). Employees are invited to save between £5 and £500 per month over a three or five-year period, at the end of which they can then use the savings to buy shares in the company at a fixed ‘option price’ set at the start of the plan. Many employers offer a fixed ‘option price’ which is set at a discount of up to 20% of the actual share price at the start of the plan. In essence, there is no investment risk involved for the employee as at the end of the period, if the share price has fallen below the ‘option price’, the employee can receive all of their savings back. If the share price is higher than the option price at the end of the share plan’s term, the employee will be able to buy the shares below their market value, enabling them to generate a return on their money.",[],{"_key":45533,"_type":127,"children":45534,"markDefs":45539,"style":135},"e98006413baf",[45535],{"_key":45536,"_type":131,"marks":45537,"text":45538},"d1b09d2aa762",[],"An SAYE also allows employees to have up to a 12-month payment holiday. Anyone can use this in order to suspend their contributions temporarily, whilst not losing the right to exercise their share option.",[],{"_key":45541,"_type":127,"children":45542,"markDefs":45547,"style":135},"f823d20d3283",[45543],{"_key":45544,"_type":131,"marks":45545,"text":45546},"66a6a3a983cd",[],"The Share Incentive Plan (SIP) is another popular all employee share plan enabling employees to purchase shares by making monthly contributions of between £10 and £150 from pre-tax salary. Employers may also provide matching shares so that the employee can receive up to two additional shares for each share purchased. Some companies will also use the SIP to gift ‘free shares’ of up to £3,600 in any tax year to employees.",[],{"_key":45549,"_type":127,"children":45550,"markDefs":45555,"style":135},"14937eec1d62",[45551],{"_key":45552,"_type":131,"marks":45553,"text":45554},"7e8899fa33e1",[],"Both SAYE and SIP have attractive tax benefits. With SAYE, any gain realised when selling the shares bought through the plan is free from income tax but is instead chargeable to Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Gains chargeable to CGT are exempt up to the annual exempt amount, and any gains above this level are taxed at a maximum rate of 20%. With the SIP there is the National Insurance contribution and income tax saving, as a result of making contributions from pre-tax income. Any gain on shares held in a SIP are also free from income tax and Capital Gains Tax as long as they are held in the plan for at least 5 years. Tax efficiency can also be maximised by linking shares coming out of a SAYE to an ISA, which can mitigate a participant’s capital gains tax liability. By linking a SIP to a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP), employees can ‘supercharge’ pension savings by effectively benefiting from double tax relief.",[],{"_key":45557,"_type":127,"children":45558,"markDefs":45563,"style":135},"24fada091ce5",[45559],{"_key":45560,"_type":131,"marks":45561,"text":45562},"7703a87c0310",[],"A lack of understanding of how a share plan works can be a barrier to employees joining a plan. It also means that employees who do join may not be fully aware of how they can best mitigate any tax charges and use the share plan as a way of boosting their long-term savings.",[],{"_key":45565,"_type":127,"children":45566,"markDefs":45571,"style":135},"20664c7167c5",[45567],{"_key":45568,"_type":131,"marks":45569,"text":45570},"3535acbc833c",[],"Participants need to be well informed to make the right decisions as to whether they should sell shares or continue to hold on to them. An understanding of the value dividends may provide in the future as well as the importance of not putting all their eggs in one basket and diversifying their investment, are all things employees should consider.",[],{"_key":45573,"_type":127,"children":45574,"markDefs":45579,"style":135},"7599495f887d",[45575],{"_key":45576,"_type":131,"marks":45577,"text":45578},"6b70170a48ed",[],"Many leading employers now provide financial education and guidance on the different share plans available, and the choices of what to do when the shares are released from the plan. This can make a huge difference in enabling employees to build an understanding of the real value of the plans on offer and in turn, improve financial resilience and wellbeing.”",[],{"_key":45581,"_type":127,"children":45582,"markDefs":45587,"style":135},"3ce7e41df15f",[45583],{"_key":45584,"_type":131,"marks":45585,"text":45586},"856114b37f32",[174],"We also asked Jonathan how do share plans act as a motivational tool?",[],{"_key":45589,"_type":127,"children":45590,"markDefs":45595,"style":135},"6f24b866ec52",[45591],{"_key":45592,"_type":131,"marks":45593,"text":45594},"1ac0ba1c99ee",[],"He comments; “By aligning the interests of employees to the future share price in their company, employee share plans can offer a great way to motivate and incentivise employees, as well as potentially building greater financial resilience. They can be a valuable part of an employee benefit offering, with businesses seeing share plans as important tools for recruiting and retaining staff, a way of engaging the workforce, and drive workplace performance. This is backed up by research showing the positive impact that employee share plans have on workplace productivity, with a 4.1% improvement in performance over the longer term for companies with a SAYE in place.",[],{"_key":45597,"_type":127,"children":45598,"markDefs":45603,"style":135},"a36280a5ce7a",[45599],{"_key":45600,"_type":131,"marks":45601,"text":45602},"32954b547e10",[],"Additionally, Proshare (a membership organisation that promotes employee share ownership), have produced a report that highlights research which found that employee shareholders in the lowest income quartile have a median net financial wealth of £10,900 more than those who are not part of an employee share plan.”",[],[45605],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":45606,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":45608,"blogPostMeta":45609,"content":45651,"tag":45704,"title":45650},"3202de60-2d5b-43e2-a10c-805851da5a52",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":45610,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":45646,"publishedAt":45647,"slug":45648,"title":45650},{"_type":58,"asset":45611},{"_createdAt":45612,"_id":45613,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":45614,"extension":196,"metadata":45615,"mimeType":225,"opt":45636,"originalFilename":45641,"path":45642,"sha1hash":45614,"size":45643,"uploadId":45644,"url":45645},"2026-01-12T11:33:10Z","image-3cc47712f3fed4a1f4f77544e0fdfa8c25a5720b-1000x667-jpg","3cc47712f3fed4a1f4f77544e0fdfa8c25a5720b",{"_type":69,"blurHash":45616,"dimensions":45617,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":45618,"palette":45619,"thumbHash":45635},"VjLz%7tRD%NGD%~WR+ozozM{-;s:IUaet7NbV@jYoff6",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQHAQb\u002FxAAjEAABAwMEAgMAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEAAURBgcSQTFhFBUh\u002F8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgP\u002FxAAZEQEBAQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABACERElH\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FAKvo\u002FVcJKZMRmSF\u002FFH6G05Bz4APZpXTu4ouV9uLTwUgRyQkKGOKfdcHs9YVS3GUpnOssZBU0lIIJHeae3MtjWiI0oWs8zLKlOKcGVZPug7rUFMt+4jXa43OZCfDzLkpWFp7wBRUatWpJtujFiJxQ3zKsY7Pk0UeanY8v\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":45620,"darkVibrant":45622,"dominant":45624,"lightMuted":45627,"lightVibrant":45629,"muted":45630,"vibrant":45633},{"_type":81,"background":45621,"foreground":83,"population":35258,"title":83},"#46372d",{"_type":81,"background":45623,"foreground":83,"population":1697,"title":83},"#21150b",{"_type":81,"background":45625,"foreground":91,"population":45626,"title":91},"#fbe1dc",8.25,{"_type":81,"background":45628,"foreground":91,"population":223,"title":83},"#d0aeaa",{"_type":81,"background":45625,"foreground":91,"population":45626,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":45631,"foreground":83,"population":45632,"title":83},"#7c7a79",7.85,{"_type":81,"background":45634,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#bf793f","KAgOBYI5Rqh\u002FiYaKdWl3iGBLCcp1",{"media":45637},{"tags":45638},[45639],{"_key":45640,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"sfztHcEjgv8kDCmwC2MuH","demand rising.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F3cc47712f3fed4a1f4f77544e0fdfa8c25a5720b-1000x667.jpg",530834,"BgBemeZyV7CDjrrYx6IshWBfHJRh5hB8","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F3cc47712f3fed4a1f4f77544e0fdfa8c25a5720b-1000x667.jpg","Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, discusses why the demand for financial education at work is rising, commenting in Raconteur that “the financial wellbeing agenda has been gathering momentum for a while.”","2023-07-11T10:32:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":45649},"why-the-demand-for-financial-education-at-work-is-rising","Why the demand for financial education at work is rising",[45652,45664,45672,45680,45697],{"_key":45653,"_type":127,"children":45654,"markDefs":45663,"style":135},"a6a74a66f2dd",[45655,45659],{"_key":45656,"_type":131,"marks":45657,"text":45658},"4e005b358a49",[174],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work",{"_key":45660,"_type":131,"marks":45661,"text":45662},"adb9e8a4a75f",[],", discusses why the demand for financial education at work is rising, commenting in Raconteur that “the financial wellbeing agenda has been gathering momentum for a while.”",[],{"_key":45665,"_type":127,"children":45666,"markDefs":45671,"style":135},"e1c57b9b27db",[45667],{"_key":45668,"_type":131,"marks":45669,"text":45670},"3cbc181c0799",[],"He adds; “It started during the 2008-09 financial crisis, when employers couldn’t afford to give pay rises but wanted to educate their staff about the value of their employee benefits. The 2015 ‘freedom and choice’ pension policy [which allowed savers to access their pensions flexibly, rather than being forced to buy an annuity] was another catalyst, as employers called in experts to explain the retirement choices to their staff.”",[],{"_key":45673,"_type":127,"children":45674,"markDefs":45679,"style":135},"7c6d4beab76b",[45675],{"_key":45676,"_type":131,"marks":45677,"text":45678},"cb7444d11852",[],"Watts-Lay comments; “There are lots of providers selling all sorts of products in the workplace, but employees need to understand them.”",[],{"_key":45681,"_type":127,"children":45682,"markDefs":45694,"style":135},"9049eb13bc54",[45683,45687,45691],{"_key":45684,"_type":131,"marks":45685,"text":45686},"72d778376703",[],"To read the full article in Raconteur, ",{"_key":45688,"_type":131,"marks":45689,"text":18200},"07a1396e62bd",[45690,174],"b848ee9366bc",{"_key":45692,"_type":131,"marks":45693,"text":1289},"5bc711d1831f",[],[45695],{"_key":45690,"_type":1264,"href":45696},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.raconteur.net\u002Ffinance\u002Fwealth-managers-financial-wellbeing-work\u002F",{"_key":45698,"_type":127,"children":45699,"markDefs":45703,"style":135},"623a9651d229",[45700],{"_key":45701,"_type":131,"marks":45702,"text":1006},"42a725154d67",[],[],[45705],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":45706,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":45708,"blogPostMeta":45709,"content":45752,"tag":45817,"title":45751},"dfc9eb68-0e37-4964-9f27-b619fa8e8c42",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":45710,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":45747,"publishedAt":45748,"slug":45749,"title":45751},{"_type":58,"asset":45711},{"_createdAt":45712,"_id":45713,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":45714,"extension":196,"metadata":45715,"mimeType":225,"opt":45737,"originalFilename":45742,"path":45743,"sha1hash":45714,"size":45744,"uploadId":45745,"url":45746},"2026-01-12T11:37:19Z","image-bb0f1e17eb4cb870ce6b8f9ca802f718707bf968-1000x677-jpg","bb0f1e17eb4cb870ce6b8f9ca802f718707bf968",{"_type":69,"blurHash":45716,"dimensions":45717,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":45720,"palette":45721,"thumbHash":45736},"VKNJzdE8MdShXT~AKlt7t7NIxrTLn2wIRk-AMxbvn~xu",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":45718,"height":45719,"width":773},1.4771048744460857,677,"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQFBgf\u002FxAAgEAACAQUAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAABAwIABAURIRIyMUGB\u002F8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAwT\u002FxAAcEQACAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDEjEEERP\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FAOpqyK1riXbiR8idNtvfFgDCVJbHa275KsricUrzErpr7mOvVk+VXy8IRsA6cIzWj0URwftDj6J5aGbjW0o7GbhN2GcczRGxo0VGhn33MQwrjHf0DRUr49BSrruj\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":45722,"darkVibrant":45725,"dominant":45727,"lightMuted":45729,"lightVibrant":45731,"muted":45733,"vibrant":45735},{"_type":81,"background":45723,"foreground":83,"population":45724,"title":83},"#5c4039",4.71,{"_type":81,"background":45726,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#633c21",{"_type":81,"background":45728,"foreground":91,"population":1693,"title":83},"#d29d78",{"_type":81,"background":45730,"foreground":91,"population":19452,"title":83},"#c8b3a8",{"_type":81,"background":45732,"foreground":91,"population":1159,"title":91},"#fcc484",{"_type":81,"background":45734,"foreground":83,"population":5343,"title":83},"#976950",{"_type":81,"background":45728,"foreground":91,"population":1693,"title":83},"bhgGFYI1llivmYaodXeUmbMMaatw",{"media":45738},{"tags":45739},[45740],{"_key":45741,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"uQUj1MS9J4nQO9MTKBSiJ","05.07.23.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fbb0f1e17eb4cb870ce6b8f9ca802f718707bf968-1000x677.jpg",239511,"6xp4D6T9mzLeD5pHF3R5JXaiVgwwll9c","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fbb0f1e17eb4cb870ce6b8f9ca802f718707bf968-1000x677.jpg","When it comes to securing our financial future there are often a number of decisions that must be made. A financial dilemma that many people consider is whether to prioritise reducing their mortgage debt or whether to increase the amount they pay into their workplace pension. However, there are many considerations to be aware of.","2023-07-05T10:36:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":45750},"should-spare-cash-be-used-to-reduce-mortgage-debt-or-increase-pension-savings","Should spare cash be used to reduce mortgage debt or increase pension savings?",[45753,45761,45769,45777,45785,45793,45801,45809],{"_key":45754,"_type":127,"children":45755,"markDefs":45760,"style":135},"a1033a2eb28e",[45756],{"_key":45757,"_type":131,"marks":45758,"text":45759},"6a6722beda9b",[174],"By Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work",[],{"_key":45762,"_type":127,"children":45763,"markDefs":45768,"style":135},"697d0c1745f2",[45764],{"_key":45765,"_type":131,"marks":45766,"text":45767},"49b7665e7d82",[],"“When it comes to securing our financial future there are often a number of decisions that must be made. A financial dilemma that many people consider is whether to prioritise reducing their mortgage debt or whether to increase the amount they pay into their workplace pension. However, there are many considerations to be aware of.",[],{"_key":45770,"_type":127,"children":45771,"markDefs":45776,"style":135},"71c86520bfc5",[45772],{"_key":45773,"_type":131,"marks":45774,"text":45775},"6bf634218a94",[],"There are many benefits to saving more into your pension, including tax relief and the benefit of long-term compound growth, especially if your employer will match your payments. Generally, if the investment growth you are likely to get is more than the interest rate on your mortgage, then it might be a better idea to pay into your pension. This is especially true if you are a higher rate tax payer, and if your employer matches additional pension contributions, but individuals should make sure that they are not likely to exceed any pension tax allowances.",[],{"_key":45778,"_type":127,"children":45779,"markDefs":45784,"style":135},"831343490559",[45780],{"_key":45781,"_type":131,"marks":45782,"text":45783},"955a30928c44",[],"On the other side of the coin, when mortgage rates were low, increasing mortgage repayments may have been less attractive than it is today. Many people are now approaching the end of fixed rate mortgage deals, so they should review any decision made previously.",[],{"_key":45786,"_type":127,"children":45787,"markDefs":45792,"style":135},"f3519f92b889",[45788],{"_key":45789,"_type":131,"marks":45790,"text":45791},"5f651c02d2a4",[],"However, this decision isn’t just about financial returns. For many, there are other benefits to paying off their mortgage early, such as the freedom that comes with knowing that you own your home, especially if you are worried about job security, or health. It also depends on your attitude to risk. Investment performance is not guaranteed, and if there is not a lot of difference in the interest rate on your mortgage and investment growth, some people may prefer the peace of mind which comes with paying off their mortgage.",[],{"_key":45794,"_type":127,"children":45795,"markDefs":45800,"style":135},"38ea092ef1e1",[45796],{"_key":45797,"_type":131,"marks":45798,"text":45799},"b2bd02867f60",[],"Also, for those with lower fixed rate mortgage deals that are coming to an end, overpaying on your mortgage before you have to renew at a higher rate could be a good idea. This is especially true if you are going to struggle to pay the new higher monthly rate, as you may be able to secure a better deal by paying more off in advance. Individuals should also be aware that when overpaying on a mortgage, this money could always be accessed again when you come to negotiate your mortgage deal. But when paying into a pension, this is only generally accessible from age 55.",[],{"_key":45802,"_type":127,"children":45803,"markDefs":45808,"style":135},"96e6fb1a7dcb",[45804],{"_key":45805,"_type":131,"marks":45806,"text":45807},"c36c16a184d3",[],"In reality, all of us are different, and there are many aspects to consider before deciding what is best for you beyond interest rates and investment growth. A lot depends on your attitude to risk, financial situation, and need for financial security. In fact, some people will decide to hedge their bets and do both.",[],{"_key":45810,"_type":127,"children":45811,"markDefs":45816,"style":135},"9d328943735f",[45812],{"_key":45813,"_type":131,"marks":45814,"text":45815},"cc5765fd1b77",[],"Many employers offer financial education in the workplace, to help their staff to understand their finances so they are better prepared to make decisions like 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cost affecting pension savings.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fbd67312c876c33c669b8132cdb0626989b97f75f-1000x667.jpg",649866,"KDtUVhsBQTuyExoCNPteFI7Z7qzBcrtw","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fbd67312c876c33c669b8132cdb0626989b97f75f-1000x667.jpg","Employees are being forced to rethink their retirement plans due to the cost-of-living crisis.","2023-06-28T10:45:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":45916},"are-rising-costs-affecting-pension-savings","Are rising costs affecting pension savings?",[45919,45926,45934,45942,45950,45958,45966,45974],{"_key":45920,"_type":127,"children":45921,"markDefs":45925,"style":135},"d341fb983f2e",[45922],{"_key":45923,"_type":131,"marks":45924,"text":45913},"8e702a837e50",[],[],{"_key":45927,"_type":127,"children":45928,"markDefs":45933,"style":135},"ab7d1e75efdb",[45929],{"_key":45930,"_type":131,"marks":45931,"text":45932},"bb6c0b926e1a",[],"As financial pressures on UK employees continue to grow, new research by WEALTH at work has found that many people are having to rethink their retirement plans. It found that eight in 10 employees (83%) are concerned that the cost-of-living crisis means they will have to work longer before retiring to make up for a shortfall in their savings.",[],{"_key":45935,"_type":127,"children":45936,"markDefs":45941,"style":135},"17564e69a6bb",[45937],{"_key":45938,"_type":131,"marks":45939,"text":45940},"fea29928d09e",[],"Worryingly, one in three (33%) believe that they won’t ever be able to afford to retire due to the cost-of-living increases. Some have even reduced or stopped their pension contributions altogether because of rising costs (13%), while almost three in 10 (29%) admit that they may consider stopping payments in the future, and one third (30%) may think about reducing future payments. This will be of particular concern especially when lower fixed-rate mortgage deals come to an end and if inflation doesn’t come down as quickly as initially thought. Further to this, one in 10 (10%) of those eligible to access their pension (i.e. those aged 55 or over) say they have withdrawn savings earlier than intended to supplement their income, with a further 31% intending to do so or considering it at some point in the future.",[],{"_key":45943,"_type":127,"children":45944,"markDefs":45949,"style":135},"1dd2958919fa",[45945],{"_key":45946,"_type":131,"marks":45947,"text":45948},"1b4f1e4fb7dd",[],"When it comes to getting support with their pension, 56% say they speak to unqualified sources such as their partner, family, friends or colleagues, or no one at all. Very few speak to their pension provider (15%), employer (13%), a regulated financial adviser (8%) or specialist bodies such as Pension Wise (4%) or MoneyHelper (3%).",[],{"_key":45951,"_type":127,"children":45952,"markDefs":45957,"style":135},"570f63e1d9d3",[45953],{"_key":45954,"_type":131,"marks":45955,"text":45956},"b558da171071",[],"Whilst more than one in three people (37%) don’t feel supported by their workplace to understand their finances, separate research from the Reward and Employee Benefits Association suggests that more employers are now starting to offer this support. “It’s alarming that these latest figures suggest that so many people are thinking about stopping or reducing their pension contributions to help alleviate current financial pressures,” says Jonathan Watts-Lay, director at Wealth at work. “While this is understandable, it really should be a last resort and only if you are facing serious financial difficulties.”",[],{"_key":45959,"_type":127,"children":45960,"markDefs":45965,"style":135},"0da10cc05d3c",[45961],{"_key":45962,"_type":131,"marks":45963,"text":45964},"b63862914651",[],"“Those who do go ahead with it should make sure they plan for how long it is going to be for, and restart as soon as they possibly can. While it may result in relatively small savings each month, the impact on retirement savings to be used in later life will be dramatic due to lost employer contributions and tax relief.” Given the widespread concern over having enough money to retire, it’s more important than ever, particularly for those approaching retirement, to have a financial plan for their future in place. That means looking at the pensions, savings and investments they already have and deciding if these will be enough to retire on comfortably. A good starting point as a source of guidance is official government bodies such as Pension Wise and Money Helper.",[],{"_key":45967,"_type":127,"children":45968,"markDefs":45973,"style":135},"fd7079a74892",[45969],{"_key":45970,"_type":131,"marks":45971,"text":45972},"87a96277ad1a",[],"Those with more complex situations should consider taking regulated financial advice. The good news is that many employers are now offering financial wellbeing support in the workplace, including financial education, guidance and regulated financial advice for employees, so it’s always worth finding out what’s on offer.",[],{"_key":45975,"_type":127,"children":45976,"markDefs":45988,"style":135},"a90e99d2ce68",[45977,45981,45985],{"_key":45978,"_type":131,"marks":45979,"text":45980},"602e04437be4",[],"To read the full article in the ‘Future on Pensions’ report by Raconteur, distributed in The 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off a mortgage or paying into pension.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F7009a0955d91b2095667d0ce01a1b92cd605c18a-1000x667.jpg",531629,"XKipIyTJRYuMMSPl1BUk9IT0o0nppX93","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F7009a0955d91b2095667d0ce01a1b92cd605c18a-1000x667.jpg","With interest rates on the rise, we often get asked at our financial education sessions, is it best to pay off your mortgage or pay into your pension?","2023-06-23T10:49:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":46035},"paying-off-a-mortgage-or-paying-into-a-pension","Paying off a mortgage or paying into a pension?",[46038,46045,46053,46061,46069,46077,46085],{"_key":46039,"_type":127,"children":46040,"markDefs":46044,"style":135},"71d7f763fa6e",[46041],{"_key":46042,"_type":131,"marks":46043,"text":46032},"2fe10128eff0",[],[],{"_key":46046,"_type":127,"children":46047,"markDefs":46052,"style":135},"dcdc4b94bd8e",[46048],{"_key":46049,"_type":131,"marks":46050,"text":46051},"7fe4945345c2",[174],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, a leading financial wellbeing and retirement specialist – helping those in the workplace to improve their financial future, comments,",[],{"_key":46054,"_type":127,"children":46055,"markDefs":46060,"style":135},"bf6acaa3e486",[46056],{"_key":46057,"_type":131,"marks":46058,"text":46059},"f7d33e390f21",[],"“Deciding whether to pay more off your mortgage or save more into a pension is a difficult decision, as both are really good financial practices.",[],{"_key":46062,"_type":127,"children":46063,"markDefs":46068,"style":135},"f7abeb32008d",[46064],{"_key":46065,"_type":131,"marks":46066,"text":46067},"f7c6a50e48f9",[],"For some, overpaying on your mortgage before you have to renew at a higher rate could be a good idea, especially if you are going to struggle to pay the new higher monthly rate, as you may be able to secure a better deal by paying more off in advance. However, there are often limits on the amount you can overpay without paying a penalty, so make sure you check this first.",[],{"_key":46070,"_type":127,"children":46071,"markDefs":46076,"style":135},"0a509e58f207",[46072],{"_key":46073,"_type":131,"marks":46074,"text":46075},"ed99c549a6c7",[],"Equally, very few people are saving enough for retirement, and there are so many benefits to saving more into your pension, including the tax relief and the benefit of long-term compound growth, especially if your employer will match your payments.",[],{"_key":46078,"_type":127,"children":46079,"markDefs":46084,"style":135},"fb3866a3f64e",[46080],{"_key":46081,"_type":131,"marks":46082,"text":46083},"1e2260d807c8",[],"In reality, all of us are different, and there are many things to consider before deciding what is best for you beyond interest rates and investment growth. A lot depends on your attitude to risk, financial situation, and need for financial security. In fact, some people will decide to hedge their bets, and do both.”",[],{"_key":46086,"_type":127,"children":46087,"markDefs":46092,"style":135},"d0551f362bfd",[46088],{"_key":46089,"_type":131,"marks":46090,"text":46091},"4f31ef5b8e18",[],"He concludes, “Many employers offer financial education in the workplace, to help their staff to understand their finances so they are better prepared to make decisions like 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financial pressures on UK employees continue to grow, new research* shows 8 in 10 (83%) employees are concerned that the cost of living crisis will mean they will have to work longer before retiring to make up for a shortfall in savings.","2023-05-30T10:59:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":46191},"one-in-three-think-they-won't-be-able-to-afford-to-retire","One in three think they won't be able to afford to retire",[46194,46202,46210,46217,46225,46233,46241,46249,46257,46269,46277,46285,46298],{"_key":46195,"_type":127,"children":46196,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":46201,"style":135},"7bfc1e28bbcf",[46197],{"_key":46198,"_type":131,"marks":46199,"text":46200},"ee06e96dcacd",[174],"8 in 10 (83%) are concerned the cost of living crisis will mean they will have to work longer before retiring to make up for a shortfall in savings (43% very concerned)",[],{"_key":46203,"_type":127,"children":46204,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":46209,"style":135},"4425b9bcd29b",[46205],{"_key":46206,"_type":131,"marks":46207,"text":46208},"e3c90d953566",[174],"Almost three in ten (29%) admit they may consider stopping pension payments in the future",[],{"_key":46211,"_type":127,"children":46212,"markDefs":46216,"style":135},"82501113f83b",[46213],{"_key":46214,"_type":131,"marks":46215,"text":46188},"ee19628a6d29",[],[],{"_key":46218,"_type":127,"children":46219,"markDefs":46224,"style":135},"cc4735c3e237",[46220],{"_key":46221,"_type":131,"marks":46222,"text":46223},"a47d930aeb4c",[],"The figures from WEALTH at work also reveal one in three (33%) people think they won’t ever be able to afford to retire at all due to increasing costs. This is despite the success of auto enrolment, which launched over a decade ago.",[],{"_key":46226,"_type":127,"children":46227,"markDefs":46232,"style":135},"ead5f4ee0f08",[46228],{"_key":46229,"_type":131,"marks":46230,"text":46231},"940a03b93dd7",[],"Whilst more than one in ten (13%) have either stopped or reduced the amount they pay into their pension due to rising costs, worryingly, almost three in ten (29%), admit they may consider stopping payments in the future, and a third (30%) may consider reducing future payments. This will be of particular concern especially when lower fixed rate mortgage deals come to an end and if inflation doesn’t come down as quickly as initially thought.",[],{"_key":46234,"_type":127,"children":46235,"markDefs":46240,"style":135},"ab77bc55919c",[46236],{"_key":46237,"_type":131,"marks":46238,"text":46239},"c62af0f1a7af",[],"Further to this, of those eligible to access their pension, one in 10 (10%) have withdrawn savings earlier than previously intended to supplement their income. But, shockingly, 31% either intend to, or may consider it in the future.",[],{"_key":46242,"_type":127,"children":46243,"markDefs":46248,"style":135},"b02b57783b6a",[46244],{"_key":46245,"_type":131,"marks":46246,"text":46247},"713fe8de2d4b",[],"When it comes to getting support with their pension, 56% say they speak to unqualified sources such as their partner, family, friends or colleagues (40%), or no one at all (16%). Very few speak to their pension provider (15%), employer (13%), a regulated financial adviser (8%) or specialist bodies such as Pension Wise (4%) or Money Helper (3%).",[],{"_key":46250,"_type":127,"children":46251,"markDefs":46256,"style":135},"db0343556508",[46252],{"_key":46253,"_type":131,"marks":46254,"text":46255},"c8eaf864ac56",[],"More than one in three (37%) don’t feel supported in their workplace when it comes to getting help to understand their finances, but separate research from Reward and Employee Benefits Association suggests that more employers are now starting to offer this support**.",[],{"_key":46258,"_type":127,"children":46259,"markDefs":46268,"style":135},"9b03ac2c143e",[46260,46264],{"_key":46261,"_type":131,"marks":46262,"text":46263},"9bbea0d13437",[174],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, WEALTH at work, comments;",{"_key":46265,"_type":131,"marks":46266,"text":46267},"61853f7eb6c9",[]," “It’s alarming that these latest figures suggest that so many people are thinking about stopping or reducing their pension contributions to help alleviate current financial pressures. Whilst this is understandable, it really should be a last resort. Employees may not realise that whilst it may make relatively small savings each month, the impact on retirement savings to be used in later life will be dramatic due to lost employer contributions and tax relief.”",[],{"_key":46270,"_type":127,"children":46271,"markDefs":46276,"style":135},"7c756c22ce17",[46272],{"_key":46273,"_type":131,"marks":46274,"text":46275},"51d430feab99",[],"He continues; “As the research shows, many are concerned if they really can afford to retire at all, with many believing that they will have to work longer to make up for a shortfall in savings. For those approaching retirement, it couldn’t be more important to make sure they have a plan in place.”",[],{"_key":46278,"_type":127,"children":46279,"markDefs":46284,"style":135},"75bba87fb08f",[46280],{"_key":46281,"_type":131,"marks":46282,"text":46283},"0ebc3cff601f",[],"He concludes; “As highlighted in the research, it is very common for people to turn to their friends and family for guidance on their pensions, but they may not be the most qualified or indeed knowledgeable source. The good news is that many employers are now offering financial education in the workplace, as well as other support for employees.”",[],{"_key":46286,"_type":127,"children":46287,"markDefs":46296,"style":135},"e384713d7e01",[46288,46292],{"_key":46289,"_type":131,"marks":46290,"text":46291},"efea8445d146",[],"*The research was carried out by Opinion Matters between 13\u002F4\u002F23 and 17\u002F04\u002F23. 2025 UK adults aged 22+ in full time employment were surveyed. The report is available here: ",{"_key":46293,"_type":131,"marks":46294,"text":42865},"0bbe2f707918",[46295],"25677bb6a180",[46297],{"_key":46295,"_type":1264,"href":42865},{"_key":46299,"_type":127,"children":46300,"markDefs":46314,"style":135},"775e70c2ad17",[46301,46305,46310],{"_key":46302,"_type":131,"marks":46303,"text":46304},"9a8b4d456fe3",[],"**The research cited is from ",{"_key":46306,"_type":131,"marks":46307,"text":46309},"3dbc8363b416",[46308],"a344b93991f4","The REBA\u002FWEALTH at work Employee Financial Wellbeing Survey 2022",{"_key":46311,"_type":131,"marks":46312,"text":46313},"e1001fea5dad",[]," which was carried out online between April and May 2022. 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This is known as salary sacrifice and can offer employees significant savings. Higher rate tax payers can make a saving of 40% in income tax and 2% in National Insurance, whilst employees who pay tax at the basic rate can make a saving of 20% in income tax and 12% in National Insurance.”",[],{"_key":46382,"_type":127,"children":46383,"markDefs":46388,"style":135},"ad022005193c",[46384],{"_key":46385,"_type":131,"marks":46386,"text":46387},"f440ce6d1750",[],"He continues, “Many people pay their pension contributions in this way, but it can also be used to pay for transport such as company cars, bikes, and bus passes, and even mobile phones, gym passes and health and dental care. However, many benefits such as mobile phones and company cars are now seen as ‘Benefits in Kind’, and whilst savings can still be made, many do now have high tax charges.”",[],{"_key":46390,"_type":127,"children":46391,"markDefs":46396,"style":135},"ae5b123ddda9",[46392],{"_key":46393,"_type":131,"marks":46394,"text":46395},"bbf52c9b8072",[],"He continues, “Tax free benefits however are still available on employer provided pension savings and pensions advice, certain types of employee share plans, and cycle to work schemes. Childcare vouchers and contracted childcare can also be paid for via salary sacrifice, although these arrangements are closed to new applicants. For those looking for a new car, salary sacrifice is one of the most cost-effective ways to drive an electric vehicle, as the benefit in kind value applied to electric cars is currently 2%. This means the income tax and National Insurance saving outweigh this relatively small ‘benefit in kind’ cost. Whereas the Benefit in Kind cost for drivers of petrol and diesel and cars can be up to 37%.”",[],{"_key":46398,"_type":127,"children":46399,"markDefs":46403,"style":135},"7296a3fa3b49",[46400],{"_key":46401,"_type":131,"marks":46402,"text":1006},"95e4805c90e8",[],[],[46405],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":46406,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":46408,"blogPostMeta":46409,"content":46450,"tag":46536,"title":46449},"3ea28079-ac81-44c7-9ad1-27911ac40aa5",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":46410,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":46445,"publishedAt":46446,"slug":46447,"title":46449},{"_type":58,"asset":46411},{"_createdAt":46412,"_id":46413,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":46414,"extension":196,"metadata":46415,"mimeType":225,"opt":46435,"originalFilename":46440,"path":46441,"sha1hash":46414,"size":46442,"uploadId":46443,"url":46444},"2026-01-12T12:06:24Z","image-f5de03a313c150af92dacb6a24e9bc08b5e4e1b2-1000x667-jpg","f5de03a313c150af92dacb6a24e9bc08b5e4e1b2",{"_type":69,"blurHash":46416,"dimensions":46417,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":46418,"palette":46419,"thumbHash":46434},"VKIX:KxuV?M{ad~q%MD%RjRj9EIUxvbHWE00IA%M%Mt7",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGBAf\u002FxAAjEAABBAIBBAMBAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEBQAREhMhIjEGFkFx\u002F8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAwH\u002FxAAYEQEBAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABABIhUf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8Ap6T6WxLbYnu9OwW2SUp9Ab\u002Fcy3E\u002F4xAlwhWx3ZKp2yrSeWtds5\u002FYPNvXJsHWQZhURzSeI1\u002FMXRZk12dFIlKSUvcU+I2kb9DCElRrC+u2qOyXCiVzYaSAryHfZwx\u002FOpmbmQZksjqqAT2T+AYYS7pi9v\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":46420,"darkVibrant":46423,"dominant":46425,"lightMuted":46427,"lightVibrant":46428,"muted":46430,"vibrant":46432},{"_type":81,"background":46421,"foreground":83,"population":46422,"title":83},"#4a3d36",4.06,{"_type":81,"background":46424,"foreground":83,"population":10377,"title":83},"#30684c",{"_type":81,"background":46426,"foreground":91,"population":36341,"title":83},"#c4bfbb",{"_type":81,"background":46426,"foreground":91,"population":36341,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":46429,"foreground":91,"population":1159,"title":83},"#a4d5be",{"_type":81,"background":46431,"foreground":83,"population":43217,"title":83},"#8a7e73",{"_type":81,"background":46433,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#4ca47c","YQgKDYCIhmyfdGZkeReVcsh371r2",{"media":46436},{"tags":46437},[46438],{"_key":46439,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"my_GAUENVPgFB-IYYxAEO","share plans.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Ff5de03a313c150af92dacb6a24e9bc08b5e4e1b2-1000x667.jpg",448693,"ffYyxX2tqtukVEe5qWmNYvnGhRY9p6Q7","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Ff5de03a313c150af92dacb6a24e9bc08b5e4e1b2-1000x667.jpg","We asked Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, to tell us why workplaces may want to consider offering share plans for employees, the different types available and what they need to be aware of.","2023-04-26T11:07:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":46448},"understanding-the-benefits-of-share-plans","Understanding the benefits of share plans",[46451,46458,46466,46474,46481,46489,46497,46505,46512,46520,46528],{"_key":46452,"_type":127,"children":46453,"markDefs":46457,"style":135},"dab94b09c4e0",[46454],{"_key":46455,"_type":131,"marks":46456,"text":46445},"bfe179b90eab",[],[],{"_key":46459,"_type":127,"children":46460,"markDefs":46465,"style":135},"f7f56bcb0450",[46461],{"_key":46462,"_type":131,"marks":46463,"text":46464},"b3f00fb16b15",[],"He comments; “To encourage employees to save more, many companies offer share plans, one of the most popular being Save as You Earn (SAYE). Employees are invited to save between £5 and £500 per month over a three or five-year period, at the end of which they can then use the savings to buy shares in the company at a fixed ‘option price’ set at the start of the plan. Many employers offer a fixed ‘option price’ which is set at a discount of up to 20% to the actual share price at the start of the plan. In essence, there is no investment risk involved for the employee as at the end of the period, if the share price has fallen below the ‘option price’, the employee can take every penny of their savings back but if the price has risen the employee can acquire the shares at the lower fixed price.",[],{"_key":46467,"_type":127,"children":46468,"markDefs":46473,"style":135},"b11094e0454e",[46469],{"_key":46470,"_type":131,"marks":46471,"text":46472},"32992fa8c27a",[],"SAYE plans also allow employees to have up to a 12-month payment holiday. Originally designed with maternity leave in mind, anyone can use this in order to suspend their contributions temporarily, whilst not losing the right to exercise their share option.",[],{"_key":46475,"_type":127,"children":46476,"markDefs":46480,"style":135},"0e36bcc6a3bb",[46477],{"_key":46478,"_type":131,"marks":46479,"text":45546},"b4fd39021432",[],[],{"_key":46482,"_type":127,"children":46483,"markDefs":46488,"style":135},"287829e5d531",[46484],{"_key":46485,"_type":131,"marks":46486,"text":46487},"896e452331d7",[],"Both SAYE and SIP have attractive tax benefits. With SAYE, any gain realised when selling the shares bought through the plan is free from income tax, but is instead chargeable to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Gains chargeable to CGT are exempt up to the annual exempt amount, and any gains above this level are taxed at a maximum rate of 20%. With the SIP there is the National Insurance contribution and income tax saving, as a result of making contributions from pre-tax income. Any gain on shares held in a SIP are also free from income tax as long as they are held in the plan for at least 5 years. And tax efficiency can be maximised by linking shares coming out of either plan to an ISA, which can mitigate a participant’s capital gains tax liability. By linking a SIP to a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP), employees can ‘supercharge’ pension savings by effectively benefiting from double tax relief.",[],{"_key":46490,"_type":127,"children":46491,"markDefs":46496,"style":135},"271d19048ab8",[46492],{"_key":46493,"_type":131,"marks":46494,"text":46495},"67c536bacb9a",[],"Despite these obvious benefits, according to Equiniti, 26% of investors say they know little about their portfolio. A lack of understanding of how a share plan works can be a barrier to employees joining a plan. It also means that employees who do join may not be fully aware of how they can best mitigate any tax charges and use the share plan as a way of boosting their long-term savings.",[],{"_key":46498,"_type":127,"children":46499,"markDefs":46504,"style":135},"cf7a21840650",[46500],{"_key":46501,"_type":131,"marks":46502,"text":46503},"d5ac4a8b001d",[],"Participants need to be well informed to make the right decisions as to whether they should sell shares or continue to hold on to them. An understanding of the value that dividends may provide in the future and the importance of not putting all their eggs in one basket and diversifying their investment, are all things employees should consider.",[],{"_key":46506,"_type":127,"children":46507,"markDefs":46511,"style":135},"2bb4f0bf1223",[46508],{"_key":46509,"_type":131,"marks":46510,"text":45578},"570d179454da",[],[],{"_key":46513,"_type":127,"children":46514,"markDefs":46519,"style":135},"cbe3f113138a",[46515],{"_key":46516,"_type":131,"marks":46517,"text":46518},"4cfc14a9be50",[174],"We also asked Jonathan how do share plans act as a motivation tool?",[],{"_key":46521,"_type":127,"children":46522,"markDefs":46527,"style":135},"d506d85477c6",[46523],{"_key":46524,"_type":131,"marks":46525,"text":46526},"ffab8c8cee17",[],"He comments; “By aligning the interests of employees to the future share price in their company, employee share plans can offer a great way to motivate and incentivise employees, as well as potentially building greater financial resilience. They can be a valuable part of an employee benefit offering, with businesses seeing share plans as important tools for recruiting and retaining staff, a way of engaging the workforce, and drive workplace performance. This is backed up by research showing the positive impact that employee share plans have on workplace productivity, with a 4.1% long run improvement in performance for companies with a SAYE in place.",[],{"_key":46529,"_type":127,"children":46530,"markDefs":46535,"style":135},"ec32c80c289e",[46531],{"_key":46532,"_type":131,"marks":46533,"text":46534},"8233383f4835",[],"Additionally, research from ProShare highlights the role share plans play in tackling financial insecurity, as it found that employee shareholders in the lowest income quartile have a median net financial wealth £10,900 more than those who are not part of an employee share plan.",[],[46537],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":46538,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":46540,"blogPostMeta":46541,"content":46582,"tag":46728,"title":46581},"56d5ffc9-b405-4fec-8c0e-973e7d408014",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":46542,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":46577,"publishedAt":46578,"slug":46579,"title":46581},{"_type":58,"asset":46543},{"_createdAt":46544,"_id":46545,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":46546,"extension":196,"metadata":46547,"mimeType":225,"opt":46567,"originalFilename":46572,"path":46573,"sha1hash":46546,"size":46574,"uploadId":46575,"url":46576},"2026-01-12T12:09:42Z","image-2e7168ace642d12d187ba9865fd6a0cde248e5d9-1000x563-jpg","2e7168ace642d12d187ba9865fd6a0cde248e5d9",{"_type":69,"blurHash":46548,"dimensions":46549,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":46550,"palette":46551,"thumbHash":46566},"M6E{Rvw}9G_N_400009EDixV~V?w?wbJt7",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":41178,"height":41179,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAALABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYHBf\u002FEACUQAAEDAwQBBQEAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQABRIGERMhMRQiMkFxwf\u002FEABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAID\u002F8QAGREBAAMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQACERIh\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwCbW4PKmwXJ8dbcaSrkR7TikftON7YiHTsh\u002Fjfd4h0GDvkrf6qh63iRxp23IDLYS2lOICfFYc4+khNojBLaVNkkJSO+qmgOMrnRpJy49erglp+x2mUImAT3v8h5\u002FlFMNjvFwiwEtx5TjaMicRt5opFawrnk\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":46552,"darkVibrant":46554,"dominant":46556,"lightMuted":46557,"lightVibrant":46559,"muted":46561,"vibrant":46564},{"_type":81,"background":46553,"foreground":83,"population":36623,"title":83},"#55443a",{"_type":81,"background":46555,"foreground":83,"population":322,"title":83},"#4e2412",{"_type":81,"background":46553,"foreground":83,"population":36623,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":46558,"foreground":91,"population":8225,"title":83},"#cab9af",{"_type":81,"background":46560,"foreground":91,"population":27686,"title":91},"#efdad5",{"_type":81,"background":46562,"foreground":83,"population":46563,"title":83},"#917867",1.94,{"_type":81,"background":46565,"foreground":91,"population":87,"title":83},"#c48c6c","GggGDIA3ynNAZqiti3V5bf8W2Q==",{"media":46568},{"tags":46569},[46570],{"_key":46571,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"U-LuWcZ2ki1lN5f3z2_fH","Top tips employer of choice.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F2e7168ace642d12d187ba9865fd6a0cde248e5d9-1000x563.jpg",380482,"Mtznk209a18n6TS6r4mRzHe7lydJH4D2","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F2e7168ace642d12d187ba9865fd6a0cde248e5d9-1000x563.jpg","The latest Financial Wellbeing Research (“the REBA research”) by The Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA) in association with WEALTH at work, reveals the need for employers to introduce their organisations to a range of financial wellbeing support that will help them to build the financial resilience of the workforce, as well as attract and retain top talent and manage organisational risk.","2023-04-25T11:10:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":46580},"top-tips-for-using-financial-wellbeing-support-to-become-an-employer-of-choice","Top tips for using financial wellbeing support to become an employer of choice",[46583,46590,46598,46606,46614,46622,46629,46637,46645,46653,46661,46669,46677,46685,46693,46701,46709,46717],{"_key":46584,"_type":127,"children":46585,"markDefs":46589,"style":135},"ad2b640d44c2",[46586],{"_key":46587,"_type":131,"marks":46588,"text":46577},"a914a86e372d",[],[],{"_key":46591,"_type":127,"children":46592,"markDefs":46597,"style":135},"437f35718524",[46593],{"_key":46594,"_type":131,"marks":46595,"text":46596},"1b094b7fdc2d",[174],"Here are five top tips to help employers do just that.",[],{"_key":46599,"_type":127,"children":46600,"markDefs":46605,"style":135},"80206487cc3b",[46601],{"_key":46602,"_type":131,"marks":46603,"text":46604},"2ce01c367abb",[174],"1. Create a joined up strategy",[],{"_key":46607,"_type":127,"children":46608,"markDefs":46613,"style":135},"6c8ffcdfb860",[46609],{"_key":46610,"_type":131,"marks":46611,"text":46612},"eb9e62005efb",[],"A financial wellbeing strategy must be aligned to the business objectives and be embedded in the workplace culture for it to be effective. But the REBA research shows that while over half (52%) of employers offer financial wellbeing benefits\u002Fservices, they are not joined up in a strategy. Further, just 20% of larger businesses have a mature or well-developed financial wellbeing strategy.",[],{"_key":46615,"_type":127,"children":46616,"markDefs":46621,"style":135},"b5ea20a2ce67",[46617],{"_key":46618,"_type":131,"marks":46619,"text":46620},"0d658f0969b3",[],"It is important that employees have a clear understanding of what workplace benefits are available to them, and how these can work together to support their overall financial wellbeing. This could include an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering debt advice, access to discount schemes, and the option to attend financial education sessions, all of which combined can help employees take control of their day-to-day finances.",[],{"_key":46623,"_type":127,"children":46624,"markDefs":46628,"style":135},"1a1a11d4a6ce",[46625],{"_key":46626,"_type":131,"marks":46627,"text":45207},"337b8f765c40",[174],[],{"_key":46630,"_type":127,"children":46631,"markDefs":46636,"style":135},"0117ea6969c0",[46632],{"_key":46633,"_type":131,"marks":46634,"text":46635},"9459634af4b7",[],"The REBA research reveals that pensions still dominate employers’ financial wellbeing support, with 76% of employers having rated their support for retirement saving as ‘very good’ or ‘fair’, compared with just 37% of organisations that rated their support for building a financial safety net as ‘very good’ or ‘fair’.",[],{"_key":46638,"_type":127,"children":46639,"markDefs":46644,"style":135},"121af9a02024",[46640],{"_key":46641,"_type":131,"marks":46642,"text":46643},"78dd7d65413c",[],"But employee demand is growing for well-designed financial wellbeing strategies. The research reveals that four in 10 (44%) employers are experiencing such a demand, which is perhaps unsurprising given the current cost of living crisis affecting so many workers. But this comes at the same time as two-thirds (66%) of employers rate their workplace debt management support as ‘poor’ and only 6% believe their organisation is very good at supporting budgeting and money management. All areas that are likely to become more prevalent because of the current environment.",[],{"_key":46646,"_type":127,"children":46647,"markDefs":46652,"style":135},"bdb3fc137cbf",[46648],{"_key":46649,"_type":131,"marks":46650,"text":46651},"347819d5f99e",[],"This is a clear call to action for employers to provide short, medium and long-term financial wellbeing support for employees, which means providing tailored support at all career stages and covering a mix of needs, such as debt management, building up an emergency fund and saving for a first home, as well as retirement. Employers may also want to consider funding a range of workplace savings and benefits such as workplace ISA’s, share plans or discount and salary sacrifice schemes, to support these needs and build financial resilience.",[],{"_key":46654,"_type":127,"children":46655,"markDefs":46660,"style":135},"b76677058b5f",[46656],{"_key":46657,"_type":131,"marks":46658,"text":46659},"5b9979c34aad",[174],"3. Make it accessible to all",[],{"_key":46662,"_type":127,"children":46663,"markDefs":46668,"style":135},"ed2b5d2bf027",[46664],{"_key":46665,"_type":131,"marks":46666,"text":46667},"60b7b7145364",[],"Whether companies have staff that are office based, in the field, on a production line, working shifts, or even overseas, financial wellbeing support must be accessible to all to optimise buy-in, and boost employee engagement. This means considering things like the",[],{"_key":46670,"_type":127,"children":46671,"markDefs":46676,"style":135},"3ac3d031d5da",[46672],{"_key":46673,"_type":131,"marks":46674,"text":46675},"90b51b2e91a8",[],"number of different languages spoken throughout their workforce, as well as which employees have a digital device through which to access information, and which workers have an email address as a point of contact. Offering a range of delivery methods for financial wellbeing support can also ensure the majority of employees are always supported. This could include classroom based financial education sessions, interactive online seminars, or even webcasts and digital tools including a ‘Financial Healthcheck’ that can be used anywhere, on any device.",[],{"_key":46678,"_type":127,"children":46679,"markDefs":46684,"style":135},"5e98c743c4ba",[46680],{"_key":46681,"_type":131,"marks":46682,"text":46683},"c0e4ca6871df",[174],"4. Put measurements in place",[],{"_key":46686,"_type":127,"children":46687,"markDefs":46692,"style":135},"2938308b73ff",[46688],{"_key":46689,"_type":131,"marks":46690,"text":46691},"b638f2a97d56",[],"The REBA research shows that more than a third (35%) of employers do not measure any aspect of financial wellbeing at present and that just 40% use financial wellbeing programme participation rates to measure the effectiveness of their financial wellbeing initiatives.",[],{"_key":46694,"_type":127,"children":46695,"markDefs":46700,"style":135},"639d4826ded4",[46696],{"_key":46697,"_type":131,"marks":46698,"text":46699},"98df6977872f",[],"Measurement is a crucial part of any financial wellbeing programme, as without it, it’s almost impossible to know if what’s on offer is a success. One way of doing this is to monitor if employees are actually using and engaging with it. For example, looking at the take-up rate of financial education sessions offered, or how many employees have viewed a webcast on the intranet. Employee surveys can also be carried out to see what positive steps have been taken following financial education, such as employees increasing pension contributions, or a survey could record knowledge before and after an intervention to show how it may have improved.",[],{"_key":46702,"_type":127,"children":46703,"markDefs":46708,"style":135},"2d52c4e7db9b",[46704],{"_key":46705,"_type":131,"marks":46706,"text":46707},"5b486891ab16",[174],"5. Bring in a workplace specialist",[],{"_key":46710,"_type":127,"children":46711,"markDefs":46716,"style":135},"1d7412f40478",[46712],{"_key":46713,"_type":131,"marks":46714,"text":46715},"6e6a03f38124",[],"The research shows that responsibility for providing financial wellbeing support in the workplace currently falls squarely with pension providers (83%). This explains the skew towards retirement support, where 69% of respondents said that they offer guidance on retirement issues or plan to do so, compared with just 46% who provide support for financial emergencies. It is almost inevitable that product providers will focus financial wellbeing on their areas of specialism. But there is a risk that such support will become siloed and miss ‘big picture’ concerns, such as general financial literacy and resilience. Increasing numbers of employers are now turning to specialist financial wellbeing providers to help their employees engage with their finances throughout their career.",[],{"_key":46718,"_type":127,"children":46719,"markDefs":46727,"style":135},"69db7efa8bef",[46720,46723],{"_key":46721,"_type":131,"marks":46722,"text":1502},"10ba65f48985",[174],{"_key":46724,"_type":131,"marks":46725,"text":46726},"d1182fb0fa52",[]," “Financial wellbeing support is key to organisations becoming an employer of choice. Helping employees to understand the key financial issues that relate to them, through providing a range of financial wellbeing support that is underpinned by financial education and guidance, is the most effective way of achieving this. Not only does it strengthen the financial resilience of the workforce but it can also increase engagement levels and aid with recruitment and retention.”",[],[46729],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":46730,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":46732,"blogPostMeta":46733,"content":46774,"tag":46810,"title":46773},"5e227585-71fc-47df-ba9a-13fd6251e8d1",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":46734,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":46769,"publishedAt":46770,"slug":46771,"title":46773},{"_type":58,"asset":46735},{"_createdAt":46736,"_id":46737,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":46738,"extension":196,"metadata":46739,"mimeType":225,"opt":46759,"originalFilename":46764,"path":46765,"sha1hash":46738,"size":46766,"uploadId":46767,"url":46768},"2026-01-12T12:33:18Z","image-5002c19c9e8acdd1802d64c9d8563de1b73fb8ac-1000x667-jpg","5002c19c9e8acdd1802d64c9d8563de1b73fb8ac",{"_type":69,"blurHash":46740,"dimensions":46741,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":46742,"palette":46743,"thumbHash":46758},"V8HyKv-@Hq00j1.B$x4otSDizr_KKlx]E2iHo{R;D%WI",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGAQP\u002FxAAmEAABAwQBAQkAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEAAURIQYSExQiMTJBUWFx\u002F8QAFgEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAwIE\u002F8QAGxEAAgMAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAESEFEhT\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FAKbg1yYU061GADWNEn3rbz3duY0sj16LmcYzXa321iDBMVkANFJQNeIfefmpjk1jmSyGXLxI7BvGE9Ayf01k8KqlVcE9mOGhHUTiKUIUY0hSm1KKs+ezRTbj14ctdrajJbDoG+pR3RQrx2aZZCz\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":46744,"darkVibrant":46746,"dominant":46748,"lightMuted":46751,"lightVibrant":46753,"muted":46755,"vibrant":46756},{"_type":81,"background":46745,"foreground":83,"population":6208,"title":83},"#514832",{"_type":81,"background":46747,"foreground":83,"population":13129,"title":83},"#162f72",{"_type":81,"background":46749,"foreground":91,"population":46750,"title":83},"#97a35c",6.82,{"_type":81,"background":46752,"foreground":91,"population":16077,"title":83},"#bec59a",{"_type":81,"background":46754,"foreground":91,"population":781,"title":91},"#cbdca1",{"_type":81,"background":46749,"foreground":91,"population":46750,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":46757,"foreground":83,"population":36877,"title":83},"#235db0","4+gJJYJagIaHlJaniEd4aaaPmSz7",{"media":46760},{"tags":46761},[46762],{"_key":46763,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"wfDeKIdNpaf6G7JR2R-2m","Electric-Car-Salary-Sacrifice.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F5002c19c9e8acdd1802d64c9d8563de1b73fb8ac-1000x667.jpg",305523,"tUcuxFgSwMkUNaUwO8wF3nG8wnuBp1Im","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F5002c19c9e8acdd1802d64c9d8563de1b73fb8ac-1000x667.jpg","We asked Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, about the perks of buying an electric car through salary sacrifice.","2023-04-24T11:32:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":46772},"what-are-the-perks-of-buying-an-electric-car-through-salary-sacrifice","What are the perks of buying an electric car through salary sacrifice?",[46775,46782,46794,46802],{"_key":46776,"_type":127,"children":46777,"markDefs":46781,"style":135},"0ecae48752b9",[46778],{"_key":46779,"_type":131,"marks":46780,"text":46769},"855e499cf296",[],[],{"_key":46783,"_type":127,"children":46784,"markDefs":46793,"style":135},"a859d98b95e9",[46785,46789],{"_key":46786,"_type":131,"marks":46787,"text":46788},"1cf1d9b7af31",[174],"He comments",{"_key":46790,"_type":131,"marks":46791,"text":46792},"4aee24bf1535",[],"; “Paying for an electric vehicle through a workplace salary sacrifice scheme can offer considerable tax benefits. Salary sacrifice electric car schemes typically enable employees to lease an electric car and pay for it monthly through pre-tax salary. This means employees pay less income tax and national insurance, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to drive an electric car. Leasing in this way gives higher rate tax payers a saving of 40% in income tax and 2% in National Insurance. Employees who pay tax at the basic rate can make a saving of 20% in income tax and 12% in National Insurance. Paying for a car through salary sacrifice will mean that it attracts a tax charge as a ‘benefit in kind’. The benefit in kind value applied to electric cars is currently 2%, meaning for many the income tax and National Insurance saving outweighs this relatively small ‘benefit in kind’ cost. This tax charge is also a fraction of the amount of tax drivers of petrol, diesel and hybrid cars pay, which can be up to 37%.",[],{"_key":46795,"_type":127,"children":46796,"markDefs":46801,"style":135},"67e0d2e5400d",[46797],{"_key":46798,"_type":131,"marks":46799,"text":46800},"19ce12e20317",[],"Leasing an electric car this way also means that it may be possible to get a good deal due to the buying power and discounts larger employers may be able to secure from buying in bulk, but this may mean that you have less choice in the vehicles available. Electric vehicles generally also work out cheaper to service and maintain than the equivalent petrol and diesel models, although they can be more expensive to insure.",[],{"_key":46803,"_type":127,"children":46804,"markDefs":46809,"style":135},"7375282df645",[46805],{"_key":46806,"_type":131,"marks":46807,"text":46808},"b38639b79135",[],"If you are going to move to an electric car, paying for it through salary sacrifice can be a great option due to the savings that can be made. It really is one of the most cost-effective ways to drive an electric car.”",[],[46811],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":46812,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":46814,"blogPostMeta":46815,"content":46859,"tag":46935,"title":46858},"80592823-caf5-4666-8ecd-52717196fac5",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":46816,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":46854,"publishedAt":46855,"slug":46856,"title":46858},{"_type":58,"asset":46817},{"_createdAt":46818,"_id":46819,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":46820,"extension":196,"metadata":46821,"mimeType":225,"opt":46844,"originalFilename":46849,"path":46850,"sha1hash":46820,"size":46851,"uploadId":46852,"url":46853},"2026-01-12T12:35:35Z","image-be809e53f02d9245a6182f9d304c967723215483-1000x667-jpg","be809e53f02d9245a6182f9d304c967723215483",{"_type":69,"blurHash":46822,"dimensions":46823,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":46824,"palette":46825,"thumbHash":46843},"VSKKi_~W?HSiE24.jEROM_M{M{I9adbbtStlWrtRx]RP",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgAH\u002F8QAJRAAAQMDAwQDAQAAAAAAAAAAAgEDBAAFEQYSIRQiMUETI1Fx\u002F8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQT\u002FxAAbEQADAQEAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAABAhEAIUFx8P\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AeQNBuR9NSYtyMGnZaZlOAvJL\u002FayZm1zENnpTdbi24jZJWi4Md3ta23XFwe+Vy35+hxzaf6qL6owcJnTV9i2q3gnRy0QnAPu5qVXCUIfPfepKFgC3wwkZ8xlx1JsqOBqaqCbsdnGKqdX\u002FAEvap10ddlRhM0wKL4wmPFVDWm5WTm\u002F\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":46826,"darkVibrant":46829,"dominant":46832,"lightMuted":46833,"lightVibrant":46836,"muted":46838,"vibrant":46841},{"_type":81,"background":46827,"foreground":83,"population":46828,"title":83},"#4c3625",3.85,{"_type":81,"background":46830,"foreground":83,"population":46831,"title":83},"#6e472a",5.52,{"_type":81,"background":46830,"foreground":83,"population":46831,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":46834,"foreground":91,"population":46835,"title":83},"#d4bba2",2.1,{"_type":81,"background":46837,"foreground":91,"population":1159,"title":91},"#fccc84",{"_type":81,"background":46839,"foreground":83,"population":46840,"title":83},"#a5856b",4.3,{"_type":81,"background":46842,"foreground":83,"population":2637,"title":83},"#d28048","ZRgKDYLON2dwVmZGeJqXic7wyAl+",{"media":46845},{"tags":46846},[46847],{"_key":46848,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"PqarqnHXfEgJXeFk8sz-7","Debt.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fbe809e53f02d9245a6182f9d304c967723215483-1000x667.jpg",519123,"TUPse7V3SRtAdLWgqRZoSd8zQzJH1ok5","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fbe809e53f02d9245a6182f9d304c967723215483-1000x667.jpg","We ask Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work some of the things that people should consider when taking out debt.","2023-04-19T11:35:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":46857},"thing-to-consider-when-taking-out-debt","Thing to consider when taking out debt",[46860,46867,46879,46887,46895,46903,46911,46919,46927],{"_key":46861,"_type":127,"children":46862,"markDefs":46866,"style":135},"c64b0172a84f",[46863],{"_key":46864,"_type":131,"marks":46865,"text":46854},"17ec21ffe750",[],[],{"_key":46868,"_type":127,"children":46869,"markDefs":46878,"style":135},"35e733c63011",[46870,46874],{"_key":46871,"_type":131,"marks":46872,"text":46873},"0578f1ff2592",[174],"He comments;",{"_key":46875,"_type":131,"marks":46876,"text":46877},"ffcb7a630a31",[]," “Debt comes in many forms such as loans, credit cards or store cards. It is always something which needs to be carefully planned for and understood before it is undertaken, so it’s never a good idea to borrow on impulse. Debt always needs to be carefully managed, as it’s only when repayments become unmanageable or unaffordable that it becomes a problem.",[],{"_key":46880,"_type":127,"children":46881,"markDefs":46886,"style":135},"07605e2fa002",[46882],{"_key":46883,"_type":131,"marks":46884,"text":46885},"aa46efae2826",[],"Many people use credit cards and there are many different types available for different needs. Common offers include 0% finance on all new purchases, on purchases. Some money purchase cards allow you to pay off other debts, such as an overdraft, when you take out the card, and if you have an existing card with a high interest rate, it might be a good idea to transfer this balance to a credit card with a lower interest rate. It’s useful to know that if you’re making a purchase using a credit card, you get the added benefit of ‘section 75’ protection for purchases over £100 and under £30,000, which means if something goes wrong with your purchase, the credit card company is there to help.",[],{"_key":46888,"_type":127,"children":46889,"markDefs":46894,"style":135},"5051b9381801",[46890],{"_key":46891,"_type":131,"marks":46892,"text":46893},"6a678fe1bef1",[],"Generally, many people may not realise the varying levels of interest that different debt providers charge. Credit cards and overdrafts may have rates as high as 40%, with payday loans having rates of 1,500% and more! By shopping around you may be able to move to a lower interest rate, and some credit cards even offer 0% on balance transfers. If you have multiple debts, it could also be a good option to consolidate these into a 0% or low-interest balance transfer card, as more money will go towards paying the debt off.",[],{"_key":46896,"_type":127,"children":46897,"markDefs":46902,"style":135},"79f4be9ae012",[46898],{"_key":46899,"_type":131,"marks":46900,"text":46901},"403e317d55f2",[],"When paying off debt, it is usually best to do this as quickly as possible as generally a longer-term loan means more interest payments. For example, a debt of £3,000 with a rate of 18% APR, could take 10 years and 10 months to pay off if paying £50 a month, with a total interest paid of £3,495. If that monthly payment was increased to £100 a month, the debt would be paid off in three years and four months, and the interest paid would be £908.",[],{"_key":46904,"_type":127,"children":46905,"markDefs":46910,"style":135},"07b7228e6e6b",[46906],{"_key":46907,"_type":131,"marks":46908,"text":46909},"e23ae4721172",[],"When you are looking to take out a loan, it can be equally important to look at the term of the loan as it is to check the loans APR. It is the combination of these that will determine the total interest you will pay on the loan. In some cases, loans with lower APRs may not be as attractive if they tie you into long repayment terms. For example, a £10,000 loan with an APR of 6% that is repaid over 10 years would cost approximately £3,200 in interest. The same loan with a higher APR of 7% that is repaid over 5 years would cost approximately £1,800 in interest. Clearing a loan over a shorter period of time can reduce interest costs, however, monthly payments will be higher. It would be important to consider if you can afford to make these payments before committing to a loan.",[],{"_key":46912,"_type":127,"children":46913,"markDefs":46918,"style":135},"3b1f1d44227e",[46914],{"_key":46915,"_type":131,"marks":46916,"text":46917},"02095e0460dd",[],"It is important to ensure that all debt repayments are made on time. For example, if the minimum payment is not made on a 0% credit card, the 0% offer could be withdrawn for breaching the terms and conditions of the offer, and interest could be charged on the whole of the balance. Make sure you speak to your provider if you are unable to make a payment, or forget as they may be able to look for ways to help.",[],{"_key":46920,"_type":127,"children":46921,"markDefs":46926,"style":135},"0f51390679d0",[46922],{"_key":46923,"_type":131,"marks":46924,"text":46925},"f7481e30e5ed",[],"Also, ‘buy now pay later’ deals which allow you to spread the cost of items without paying interest if you repay on time, can be tempting. However, paying late can mean much higher charges. Terms, interest rates, charges and timescales can vary with buy now pay later providers, and they are not currently regulated in the UK, so make sure you check the small print.”",[],{"_key":46928,"_type":127,"children":46929,"markDefs":46934,"style":135},"9a803378a573",[46930],{"_key":46931,"_type":131,"marks":46932,"text":46933},"4aecf228bbec",[],"For anyone who is struggling with debt, many employers offer Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) that includes debt management support. This support often ranges from budgeting advice to establishing the root cause of someone’s debt issues. These types of services can be very helpful as they provide impartial third-party advice that is completely confidential. You can also contact free services such as MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice or National Debt Line.",[],[46936],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":46937,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":46939,"blogPostMeta":46940,"content":46983,"tag":47000,"title":47003},"31c3a51f-20fe-4f4c-877a-34581d64ec94",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":46941,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":46978,"publishedAt":46979,"slug":46980,"title":46982},{"_type":58,"asset":46942},{"_createdAt":46943,"_id":46944,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":46945,"extension":196,"metadata":46946,"mimeType":225,"opt":46968,"originalFilename":46973,"path":46974,"sha1hash":46945,"size":46975,"uploadId":46976,"url":46977},"2026-01-12T12:43:14Z","image-32b5a9eddf2b56282003e67be85988a58d2de88e-1000x667-jpg","32b5a9eddf2b56282003e67be85988a58d2de88e",{"_type":69,"blurHash":46947,"dimensions":46948,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":46949,"palette":46950,"thumbHash":46967},"VoNTqJ_NaJxuoe-;xtMxW?WB-:RPNIt8adM{WFt8xWV@",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYHBQj\u002FxAAhEAACAgEEAwEBAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEAAUGERIHIVEjMf\u002FEABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMCBP\u002FEAB0RAAIBBQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECABEiQaHRAxP\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FAOkZ7S11d5mVFHvknEHeXkCvXo2IdJZpLPBAdf4M1N1bej1S52kszxp1H5qfWL77EpCNlWeUAj4PmMSqi0VOh2QFZ2uNF2eSN7h023qepNcuRCSaZQxZm4JwysWvG2lTS95bFp24HsvhgfI5YzYfZcKJ\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":46951,"darkVibrant":46954,"dominant":46956,"lightMuted":46957,"lightVibrant":46959,"muted":46961,"vibrant":46964},{"_type":81,"background":46952,"foreground":83,"population":46953,"title":83},"#513e36",10.36,{"_type":81,"background":46955,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#0c3cac",{"_type":81,"background":46952,"foreground":83,"population":46953,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":46958,"foreground":91,"population":2552,"title":83},"#c39991",{"_type":81,"background":46960,"foreground":91,"population":43846,"title":83},"#49c1ef",{"_type":81,"background":46962,"foreground":83,"population":46963,"title":83},"#a37c67",3.41,{"_type":81,"background":46965,"foreground":83,"population":46966,"title":83},"#107ed4",6.63,"7wcODYRviXiahXdrl1eXetC4C46a",{"media":46969},{"tags":46970},[46971],{"_key":46972,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"YCwM6iTJ9Us8dVtf-OOv5","Salary sacrifice.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F32b5a9eddf2b56282003e67be85988a58d2de88e-1000x667.jpg",493547,"ljjJ2YUNniDTF2zQBGBlYpeMzjaoQooK","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F32b5a9eddf2b56282003e67be85988a58d2de88e-1000x667.jpg","With salary advance schemes becoming an increasingly attractive option as a result of the cost of living crisis, we ask Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, some of the things that may need to be considered.","2023-04-06T11:43:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":46981},"salary-advance-schemes:-what-needs-to-be-considered","Salary advance schemes: What needs to be considered.",[46984,46992],{"_key":46985,"_type":127,"children":46986,"markDefs":46991,"style":135},"50ac5db0f9d4",[46987],{"_key":46988,"_type":131,"marks":46989,"text":46990},"4570356dcee4",[],"\nWith salary advance schemes becoming an increasingly attractive option as a result of the cost of living crisis, we ask Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, some of the things that may need to be considered.",[],{"_key":46993,"_type":127,"children":46994,"markDefs":46999,"style":135},"fe7a38ab5df7",[46995],{"_key":46996,"_type":131,"marks":46997,"text":46998},"d5958bf8a93f",[],"He comments: “It is important that salary advance schemes are explained properly to staff so they understand the true cost of it. These types of schemes normally come with a charge, so whilst they can be helpful as a ‘one off’ (e.g. the car needs fixing and without the car you can’t get to work and earn!), they are not such a good idea if they become the norm to pay for usual weekly\u002Fmonthly expenditure. So, if employers are looking to introduce this scheme, it’s important that financial education is implemented around it so that it’s fully understood. However, to avoid getting into a cycle of debt, employees would be more likely to benefit from getting help to understand the various financial issues they may be facing, and how to better manage their finances. In the current environment, financial education, and guidance on topics such as how to budget, tips for saving money, and debt management, as well as explaining how the workplace benefits available can help, are particularly useful in helping employees build their financial resilience.”",[],[47001],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":47002,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},"Salary advance schemes: What needs to be considered",{"_id":47005,"blogPostMeta":47006,"content":47045,"tag":47160,"title":47044},"3aeb9497-7a0f-4a9b-aaf6-f59af9314820",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":47007,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":47040,"publishedAt":47041,"slug":47042,"title":47044},{"_type":58,"asset":47008},{"_createdAt":47009,"_id":47010,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":47011,"extension":196,"metadata":47012,"mimeType":225,"opt":47030,"originalFilename":47035,"path":47036,"sha1hash":47011,"size":47037,"uploadId":47038,"url":47039},"2026-01-12T12:47:58Z","image-259b1379f0743afd2d2f279ff27077d7c3ff1e0e-1000x667-jpg","259b1379f0743afd2d2f279ff27077d7c3ff1e0e",{"_type":69,"blurHash":47013,"dimensions":47014,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":47015,"palette":47016,"thumbHash":47029},"VeDmwU-o%Lt6p0TOtmj?oeadROWDWXRjjDoJjDf6kCog",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAYA\u002F8QAIhAAAgICAQMFAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDBAARIQUGEhMiMUFh\u002F8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAX\u002FxAAfEQABAwQDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAABAAIDBREScQQTITH\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FAKzuyzBWaSOeeJ5Q3uVDyMhLtdZm9XY8G5BwtiRnt2p5CXlbZLE\u002FOAHVp467BwJFQaUH63iIKwSHNI0jS08Agg7T4qIkQMqsQfzNln2u0UvRK7PApbR53myzDU4utuQ9sECTiPzNvi\u002F\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":47017,"darkVibrant":47018,"dominant":47020,"lightMuted":47021,"lightVibrant":47023,"muted":47024,"vibrant":47026},{"_type":81,"background":35255,"foreground":83,"population":6794,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":47019,"foreground":83,"population":2946,"title":83},"#1f4c6d",{"_type":81,"background":35255,"foreground":83,"population":6794,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":35261,"foreground":91,"population":47022,"title":91},6.42,{"_type":81,"background":35263,"foreground":91,"population":37384,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":47025,"foreground":83,"population":5347,"title":83},"#52729c",{"_type":81,"background":47027,"foreground":83,"population":47028,"title":83},"#3f6fb6",6.51,"4NYFPYbNuKbfh4Z0WHZ2l5pwqQmW",{"media":47031},{"tags":47032},[47033],{"_key":47034,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"amiJGgKspWJGkWl1V2EYa","Spring budget.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F259b1379f0743afd2d2f279ff27077d7c3ff1e0e-1000x667.jpg",706844,"BWAKnoK0ZUFWBlZ48JNSzLJRhh7avrJb","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F259b1379f0743afd2d2f279ff27077d7c3ff1e0e-1000x667.jpg","The Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, has today delivered the Spring Budget 2023. Please see our summary below:","2023-03-15T12:47:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":47043},"spring-budget-2023","Spring Budget 2023",[47046,47053,47061,47069,47077,47085,47093,47100,47108,47116,47124,47132,47140,47148],{"_key":47047,"_type":127,"children":47048,"markDefs":47052,"style":135},"19b295f0ec9f",[47049],{"_key":47050,"_type":131,"marks":47051,"text":47040},"d95759bcc687",[],[],{"_key":47054,"_type":127,"children":47055,"markDefs":47060,"style":135},"31bc97358e6b",[47056],{"_key":47057,"_type":131,"marks":47058,"text":47059},"83055458107c",[174],"Pension allowances",[],{"_key":47062,"_type":127,"children":47063,"markDefs":47068,"style":135},"67e6805c3126",[47064],{"_key":47065,"_type":131,"marks":47066,"text":47067},"328f5fca90cc",[],"The Government will remove the Lifetime Allowance charge, before completely abolishing it in a future Finance Bill, and raise the Annual Allowance to £60,000 from April 2023.",[],{"_key":47070,"_type":127,"children":47071,"markDefs":47076,"style":135},"994e3f759b63",[47072],{"_key":47073,"_type":131,"marks":47074,"text":47075},"2e7eaf0a16db",[],"The minimum Tapered Annual Allowance for high earners will also increase from £4,000 to £10,000 from 6 April 2023, with the adjusted income threshold set to be increase from £240,000 to £260,000.",[],{"_key":47078,"_type":127,"children":47079,"markDefs":47084,"style":135},"397d96bb6e75",[47080],{"_key":47081,"_type":131,"marks":47082,"text":47083},"d56c2c1adf24",[],"The maximum Pension Commencement Cash Lump Sum (tax free cash) for those without LTA protections, will be retained at its current level of £268,275 and will be frozen thereafter.",[],{"_key":47086,"_type":127,"children":47087,"markDefs":47092,"style":135},"8443b5419e2a",[47088],{"_key":47089,"_type":131,"marks":47090,"text":47091},"514ba968f39f",[],"Also, to support those who have left the labour market to return and supplement their income, or build up their retirement savings, the government will also increase the Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPPA) from £4,000 to £10,000 from April 2023.",[],{"_key":47094,"_type":127,"children":47095,"markDefs":47099,"style":135},"6fbbc79b0138",[47096],{"_key":47097,"_type":131,"marks":47098,"text":15856},"fde13a721b87",[174],[],{"_key":47101,"_type":127,"children":47102,"markDefs":47107,"style":135},"6794e6adecdd",[47103],{"_key":47104,"_type":131,"marks":47105,"text":47106},"d32733b3eb19",[],"“The fact that LTA has been abolished is excellent news for pension savers.",[],{"_key":47109,"_type":127,"children":47110,"markDefs":47115,"style":135},"a8abb335cebf",[47111],{"_key":47112,"_type":131,"marks":47113,"text":47114},"8829dec225ec",[],"Those who have previously chosen to opt-out of their workplace pension scheme for LTA purposes, and taken cash in lieu of their employer pension contributions, should consider reviewing their situation. This is especially important for those who have taken out LTA protection measures, as if they decide to contribute again, their protections would be lost, and this could then impact the amount of tax free cash they are entitled to. Therefore, it’s not necessarily a straightforward decision and it will depend on individual circumstances.”",[],{"_key":47117,"_type":127,"children":47118,"markDefs":47123,"style":135},"3a8588011865",[47119],{"_key":47120,"_type":131,"marks":47121,"text":47122},"92ca8f704ad0",[],"He adds; “And of course, raising the MPAA is good news for those who have accessed their pensions already, but want to remain or return to the workplace and continue saving into their pension. This will provide a vital boost to their income for retirement at a later point.",[],{"_key":47125,"_type":127,"children":47126,"markDefs":47131,"style":135},"59de40ef9c2b",[47127],{"_key":47128,"_type":131,"marks":47129,"text":47130},"0d56abe41e62",[174],"Cost of living support",[],{"_key":47133,"_type":127,"children":47134,"markDefs":47139,"style":135},"9f6cec02e38a",[47135],{"_key":47136,"_type":131,"marks":47137,"text":47138},"8bc5350dde3f",[],"The government has confirmed that it will extend its energy price guarantee for a further three months until the end of June, which will limit energy bills for a typical household to £2,500 a year.",[],{"_key":47141,"_type":127,"children":47142,"markDefs":47147,"style":135},"6e42216dd878",[47143],{"_key":47144,"_type":131,"marks":47145,"text":47146},"5e6365e8a0ed",[],"Also, currently, working parents with three and four-year-olds are eligible for 30 hours of free childcare per week. However, the government will fund 30 free hours per week for working parents with children aged 9 months up to 3 years in England, where eligibility will match the existing 3 to 4 year-old 30 hours offer, by 2027-28. From April 2024, working parents of 2 year-olds will be able to access 15 hours of free childcare per week.",[],{"_key":47149,"_type":127,"children":47150,"markDefs":47159,"style":135},"0eff79e8b9a4",[47151,47155],{"_key":47152,"_type":131,"marks":47153,"text":47154},"4795d843dfdc",[174],"Jonathan Watts-Lay comments;",{"_key":47156,"_type":131,"marks":47157,"text":47158},"14511144ab9d",[]," “Any support that helps household finances during these difficult times, is much welcomed. With the cost of living crisis hitting people hard, workplaces play a key role in supporting their employees to build their financial resilience and improve their financial wellbeing. Many employers offer financial education and guidance to help their employees understand how they can make the most of their finances such as understanding their workplace benefits, how to budget, tips for saving money, government schemes or funding available, and debt management.”",[],[47161],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":47162,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":47164,"blogPostMeta":47165,"content":47208,"tag":47308,"title":47207},"f9d08068-7470-43d8-b49a-181d21b07188",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":47166,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":47203,"publishedAt":47204,"slug":47205,"title":47207},{"_type":58,"asset":47167},{"_createdAt":47168,"_id":47169,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":47170,"extension":196,"metadata":47171,"mimeType":225,"opt":47193,"originalFilename":47198,"path":47199,"sha1hash":47170,"size":47200,"uploadId":47201,"url":47202},"2026-01-12T12:49:54Z","image-c800966916a05662534508f4534b1578c7173d34-1000x667-jpg","c800966916a05662534508f4534b1578c7173d34",{"_type":69,"blurHash":47172,"dimensions":47173,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":47174,"palette":47175,"thumbHash":47192},"VbLq@U^+R*j@j[~Wt6fkWBozt7WBWBofj[jYt8Rjofj[",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGQAAAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUEBgcI\u002F8QAIhAAAgIBAwQDAAAAAAAAAAAAAgMBBAAFERIGEyFBFFJx\u002F8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAwT\u002FxAAYEQADAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQMTEf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8A6CPUYEd5mDyo9R6\u002FXbWdUM2JWyeJlP195BK0weTImd\u002F3FxH8jlLRgvXnLVLhK6jhWpUQSsK3aJQjEDIl42wzPr3S9Rtk2A16YLzxWcxGGLmDoz\u002F\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":47176,"darkVibrant":47179,"dominant":47181,"lightMuted":47184,"lightVibrant":47185,"muted":47187,"vibrant":47190},{"_type":81,"background":47177,"foreground":83,"population":47178,"title":83},"#2a4156",8.24,{"_type":81,"background":47180,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#15456e",{"_type":81,"background":47182,"foreground":91,"population":47183,"title":83},"#a7bad2",8.64,{"_type":81,"background":47182,"foreground":91,"population":47183,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":47186,"foreground":91,"population":87,"title":83},"#a9ceee",{"_type":81,"background":47188,"foreground":83,"population":47189,"title":83},"#718ea9",7.18,{"_type":81,"background":47191,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#2a85d4","cOcJFYJuh4ePeGl5h2hqd2yPxvVo",{"media":47194},{"tags":47195},[47196],{"_key":47197,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"yUwsGjn-fsVhLMTUyAQt4","Tax allowances.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fc800966916a05662534508f4534b1578c7173d34-1000x667.jpg",273621,"tIjYqEU3naYymGKu8VKp5UeBXOAQlrvh","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fc800966916a05662534508f4534b1578c7173d34-1000x667.jpg","With the end of tax year looming, employees must act fast to make the most of their £20,000 ISA allowance before the deadline of 5 April. After all, the exemption is a ‘use it or lose it’ allowance; in other words, you cannot carry forward unused allowances from previous tax years.","2023-03-08T12:49:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":47206},"employees-must-act-fast-to-make-the-most-of-their-tax-allowances","Employees must act fast to make the most of their tax allowances",[47209,47216,47224,47232,47240,47248,47256,47268,47280,47292,47300],{"_key":47210,"_type":127,"children":47211,"markDefs":47215,"style":135},"ce34d8e0002e",[47212],{"_key":47213,"_type":131,"marks":47214,"text":47203},"23e583257053",[],[],{"_key":47217,"_type":127,"children":47218,"markDefs":47223,"style":135},"d1320f54f7b5",[47219],{"_key":47220,"_type":131,"marks":47221,"text":47222},"0673236c1554",[],"Saving in an ISA offers some great tax related benefits and employees may not realise that using their ISA allowance is more important than ever this year, due to some upcoming changes to tax allowances.",[],{"_key":47225,"_type":127,"children":47226,"markDefs":47231,"style":135},"ebb811338ad1",[47227],{"_key":47228,"_type":131,"marks":47229,"text":47230},"a552fd0b4503",[],"Firstly, the tax-free dividend allowance, the amount of dividend income savers can earn each year from stocks and shares before they pay tax on it, will be halved from £2,000 to £1,000 a year from 6 April. It will then be halved again to £500 from 6 April 2024. Yet all dividend income is tax-free in an ISA.",[],{"_key":47233,"_type":127,"children":47234,"markDefs":47239,"style":135},"5708cffa5eb6",[47235],{"_key":47236,"_type":131,"marks":47237,"text":47238},"601482f074f7",[],"Secondly, the tax-free allowance for capital gains will reduce from £12,300 to £6,000 from 6 April 2023, and again to £3,000 from 6 April 2024. However, there is no capital gains tax (CGT) due on stock market gains inside an ISA.",[],{"_key":47241,"_type":127,"children":47242,"markDefs":47247,"style":135},"a4974c336bf7",[47243],{"_key":47244,"_type":131,"marks":47245,"text":47246},"d146f91f8b20",[],"Therefore, taking advantage of the tax-free allowances on an ISA is imperative for those looking to reduce potential tax liabilities.",[],{"_key":47249,"_type":127,"children":47250,"markDefs":47255,"style":135},"1dc3f846367c",[47251],{"_key":47252,"_type":131,"marks":47253,"text":47254},"b36c0b21f035",[],"WEALTH at work shares three tax benefits of an ISA to help employees understand how it could help them:",[],{"_key":47257,"_type":127,"children":47258,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":47267,"style":135},"d95096680eaf",[47259,47263],{"_key":47260,"_type":131,"marks":47261,"text":47262},"02d9c8eb6ffc",[174],"Dividend income held in an ISA is tax-free",{"_key":47264,"_type":131,"marks":47265,"text":47266},"b3fe9ee5c1a8",[]," – All dividend income held inside an ISA is tax-free. However, for any earnings outside an ISA, for the current tax year, only the first £2,000 of dividends earned that year are tax free. Beyond this allowance, tax is due on dividends depending on your income tax band (basic rate taxpayers at 8.75%, higher rate taxpayers at 33.75%, and additional rate taxpayers at 39.35%).",[],{"_key":47269,"_type":127,"children":47270,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":47279,"style":135},"ca6508dd1811",[47271,47275],{"_key":47272,"_type":131,"marks":47273,"text":47274},"29b89f21b814",[174],"Investment gains held in an ISA are protected from CGT – ",{"_key":47276,"_type":131,"marks":47277,"text":47278},"2e1b38cbd885",[],"Any gains made by investments within an ISA are not subject to CGT. However, for any stock market gains realised outside an ISA, the CGT allowance is £12,300 for the current tax year, meaning that tax will be due on any gains above this threshold (basic rate taxpayers pay 10%, higher rate and additional rate taxpayers pay 20%.)",[],{"_key":47281,"_type":127,"children":47282,"level":1228,"listItem":2349,"markDefs":47291,"style":135},"40bcb8766a81",[47283,47287],{"_key":47284,"_type":131,"marks":47285,"text":47286},"2359b774a613",[174],"Interest earned in an ISA is tax-free – ",{"_key":47288,"_type":131,"marks":47289,"text":47290},"3fd891cf6306",[],"All interest earned from interest-bearing investments in an ISA are not liable to income tax. These investments include corporate bonds and gilts.",[],{"_key":47293,"_type":127,"children":47294,"markDefs":47299,"style":135},"e7e9ebd9abbd",[47295],{"_key":47296,"_type":131,"marks":47297,"text":47298},"4052cbe9bcfd",[174],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, a leading financial wellbeing and retirement specialist, comments;",[],{"_key":47301,"_type":127,"children":47302,"markDefs":47307,"style":135},"4e0f1c2ab24c",[47303],{"_key":47304,"_type":131,"marks":47305,"text":47306},"07676cacd10c",[],"“Unfortunately, the upcoming changes to personal tax allowances mean that more savers will be liable for tax on their investments. It’s important that employees understand their investment options including the tax implications so that this can be carefully planned for, and so that other more tax efficient options such as utilising ISAs, can be considered. And of course, financial education and guidance delivered in the workplace can help provide this knowledge. Some may even benefit from receiving regulated financial advice.”",[],[47309],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":47310,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":47312,"blogPostMeta":47313,"content":47353,"tag":47410,"title":47352},"ad8fe742-7d8a-41a8-a1fc-f61020077b4b",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":47314,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":47348,"publishedAt":47349,"slug":47350,"title":47352},{"_type":58,"asset":47315},{"_createdAt":47316,"_id":47317,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":47318,"extension":196,"metadata":47319,"mimeType":225,"opt":47338,"originalFilename":47343,"path":47344,"sha1hash":47318,"size":47345,"uploadId":47346,"url":47347},"2026-01-12T12:51:37Z","image-b9aa20cfc3d8a2c2d9e56549c5b1fcdcd31d5287-1000x667-jpg","b9aa20cfc3d8a2c2d9e56549c5b1fcdcd31d5287",{"_type":69,"blurHash":47320,"dimensions":47321,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":47322,"palette":47323,"thumbHash":47337},"V856}BpdHXR4pdyZi]VsWZjWL#VXt-oyV?bcSho~xtWC",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGQAAAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUCAwYH\u002F8QAIxAAAgEEAQMFAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDAAQFESEGEzFBQlFhcf\u002FEABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUCA\u002F\u002FEABoRAQACAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAgMTIRL\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FAOXYaGykmt5L21kEMm9Mi75HxTrqKKLHXaN2opFaIFdeF49fusZZZi7huY0EhKKOAfAqHUOYuGYyxntlNHW9g\u002FtOeytVCCar2yAsskyLl2Lq2yfb4opZYOby3E0hIZjzo0VBkHs31pyf\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":47324,"darkVibrant":47326,"dominant":47328,"lightMuted":47330,"lightVibrant":47332,"muted":47333,"vibrant":47335},{"_type":81,"background":47325,"foreground":83,"population":87,"title":83},"#2c5464",{"_type":81,"background":47327,"foreground":83,"population":32036,"title":83},"#065874",{"_type":81,"background":47329,"foreground":91,"population":20111,"title":83},"#67cfe8",{"_type":81,"background":47331,"foreground":91,"population":325,"title":83},"#8ba4ac",{"_type":81,"background":47329,"foreground":91,"population":20111,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":47334,"foreground":83,"population":6536,"title":83},"#3c5d7f",{"_type":81,"background":47336,"foreground":83,"population":13126,"title":83},"#20b7ec","UaYFDYQKpmlth4djioiXdeWyT0\u002Fq",{"media":47339},{"tags":47340},[47341],{"_key":47342,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"0RlW2EzEJAbANPT_SaXFN","HR goals.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fb9aa20cfc3d8a2c2d9e56549c5b1fcdcd31d5287-1000x667.jpg",97347,"PVzFF0e11ou4YaB8sd7VDJO2ChKwGlWN","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fb9aa20cfc3d8a2c2d9e56549c5b1fcdcd31d5287-1000x667.jpg","Financial wellbeing support is integral to employers being able to meet their high-level HR objectives, according to research by The Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA) in association with WEALTH at work.","2023-02-28T12:51:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":47351},"joined-up-financial-wellbeing-strategies-are-key-to-employers-achieving-hr-goals","Joined-up financial wellbeing strategies are key to employers achieving HR goals",[47354,47362,47370,47378,47386,47394,47402],{"_key":47355,"_type":127,"children":47356,"markDefs":47361,"style":135},"52a343d6e776",[47357],{"_key":47358,"_type":131,"marks":47359,"text":47360},"cb974c5cc293",[],"Financial wellbeing support is integral to employers being able to meet their high-level HR objectives, according to research by The Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA) in association with WEALTH at work [1].",[],{"_key":47363,"_type":127,"children":47364,"markDefs":47369,"style":135},"fdf7e5a4fc93",[47365],{"_key":47366,"_type":131,"marks":47367,"text":47368},"0be5bf56a0d0",[],"Nearly all (94%) respondents to the research hope to use their financial wellbeing strategy as a tool to meet their HR objective of improving employee wellbeing, while 81% hope to use their strategy to help retain employees and the same proportion hope to boost their employee engagement levels.",[],{"_key":47371,"_type":127,"children":47372,"markDefs":47377,"style":135},"a50da78a6354",[47373],{"_key":47374,"_type":131,"marks":47375,"text":47376},"52bf74700e1a",[],"Over half (53%) of employers hope to use their financial wellbeing strategies to attract new talent to their organisations, while 46% are focusing on attracting a more diverse workforce.",[],{"_key":47379,"_type":127,"children":47380,"markDefs":47385,"style":135},"7bca04d569ea",[47381],{"_key":47382,"_type":131,"marks":47383,"text":47384},"8c16b595613a",[],"Almost half (46%) of organisations hope to improve their employee performance and productivity, which is a key benefit of financial wellbeing support. It’s well known that employees who are supported to understand their financial situation and how to manage their money are less likely to suffer financial stress and absenteeism, resulting in higher levels of workplace attendance, engagement and productivity.",[],{"_key":47387,"_type":127,"children":47388,"markDefs":47393,"style":135},"4bd6ec76810c",[47389],{"_key":47390,"_type":131,"marks":47391,"text":47392},"86eccf46841e",[],"Employee demand is driving employers to bolster their efforts in more than four in 10 (44%) organisations.",[],{"_key":47395,"_type":127,"children":47396,"markDefs":47401,"style":135},"3b5a6ecf4404",[47397],{"_key":47398,"_type":131,"marks":47399,"text":47400},"51ff13b9e475",[],"Accordingly, the report found that employers across the board are considering providing access to and funding for financial wellbeing support for their workforce. More than a third (34%) of employers plan to fund a workplace financial education programme within the next two years, which is in addition to the 39% of organisations that already do so; 26% plan to introduce financial coaching, which is more than double the 12% of organisations already doing so; and 23% have plans to fund guidance on budgeting and general money management, with 43% currently already doing so.",[],{"_key":47403,"_type":127,"children":47404,"markDefs":47409,"style":135},"2cfdeeaccd2f",[47405],{"_key":47406,"_type":131,"marks":47407,"text":47408},"3c60709bf1ad",[],"Further, 22% of organisations plan to fund guidance on financial emergencies, with 24% currently already doing so.",[],[47411],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":47412,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":47414,"blogPostMeta":47415,"content":47453,"tag":47544,"title":47452},"6a6275fb-02ed-497e-872c-d77e1034a287",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":47416,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":47448,"publishedAt":47449,"slug":47450,"title":47452},{"_type":58,"asset":47417},{"_createdAt":47418,"_id":47419,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":47420,"extension":196,"metadata":47421,"mimeType":225,"opt":47438,"originalFilename":47443,"path":47444,"sha1hash":47420,"size":47445,"uploadId":47446,"url":47447},"2026-01-12T12:53:32Z","image-449ed869074b2f57c7b62c61bc1715660aad8de8-1000x667-jpg","449ed869074b2f57c7b62c61bc1715660aad8de8",{"_type":69,"blurHash":47422,"dimensions":47423,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":47424,"palette":47425,"thumbHash":45500},"VDHeLI00cuvdcFJPVY-m-pR+kqM{V@t7a05s-pw]o#r;",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwABAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgAEBf\u002FEACMQAAICAQQCAgMAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQABQYREiExEyJBUXH\u002FxAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEBf\u002FEABsRAAIDAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAAMREiEi\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwA1PXtTa3xKjD6AmQn2f1\u002FcW7addPE0ksZYqrEsfYHHkZwtrJLf1SR7E5ZXYN0I8Aj1i6LbHV3dL8y\u002FKT3HUcEH2MHcRWc2LqQP3xi\u002FbdrRb2jVrJkSP5ByFkbzlmepVr1KsVda8LJEvReU\u002FGWUEPkSa9WsTP\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":47426,"darkVibrant":47428,"dominant":47430,"lightMuted":47432,"lightVibrant":47434,"muted":47435,"vibrant":47436},{"_type":81,"background":45487,"foreground":83,"population":47427,"title":83},1.26,{"_type":81,"background":47429,"foreground":83,"population":17245,"title":83},"#177fa5",{"_type":81,"background":47431,"foreground":83,"population":33482,"title":83},"#a78363",{"_type":81,"background":47433,"foreground":91,"population":790,"title":83},"#a9c7ce",{"_type":81,"background":45496,"foreground":91,"population":322,"title":91},{"_type":81,"background":47431,"foreground":83,"population":33482,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":47437,"foreground":91,"population":325,"title":83},"#db9f33",{"media":47439},{"tags":47440},[47441],{"_key":47442,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"KLRxKtk06Os1h4oCDHsOb","Employers rethink.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F449ed869074b2f57c7b62c61bc1715660aad8de8-1000x667.jpg",694837,"DKZfGdlv2Q7PWL9WcjuygdupUA5DwlvT","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F449ed869074b2f57c7b62c61bc1715660aad8de8-1000x667.jpg","Employers are under renewed pressure to rethink their workplace financial support packages in light of research [1] that reveals that two thirds (66%) of organisations rate their workplace debt management support as poor, despite government claims that Britons are living through the worst cost of living crisis in a generation.","2023-02-27T12:53:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":47451},"employer-rethink-around-workplace-financial-support-is-key-in-times-of-crisis","Employer rethink around workplace financial support is key in times of crisis",[47454,47461,47469,47477,47485,47493,47504,47512,47520,47537],{"_key":47455,"_type":127,"children":47456,"markDefs":47460,"style":135},"324d8cddbf94",[47457],{"_key":47458,"_type":131,"marks":47459,"text":47448},"49c98ac38ed0",[],[],{"_key":47462,"_type":127,"children":47463,"markDefs":47468,"style":135},"ae3a92266822",[47464],{"_key":47465,"_type":131,"marks":47466,"text":47467},"a59fb18bde30",[],"Half (50%) of respondents also believe that their organisation is poor at supporting employees with budgeting and money management, and 63% believe that their efforts to help employees to build a financial safety net is also poor, according to the ‘Financial Wellbeing Research 2022’ by The Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA) in association with WEALTH at work.",[],{"_key":47470,"_type":127,"children":47471,"markDefs":47476,"style":135},"f904b4ae1307",[47472],{"_key":47473,"_type":131,"marks":47474,"text":47475},"91b9e81dedf2",[],"REBA’s research also found that pensions and insurances continue to dominate the focus of many organisations and their financial support packages. This helps to explain why the majority (76%) of respondents consider their retirement saving support as ‘very good’ or ‘fair’, while just 37% of organisations rate their support for building a financial safety net accordingly despite the current economic climate.",[],{"_key":47478,"_type":127,"children":47479,"markDefs":47484,"style":135},"82213179906d",[47480],{"_key":47481,"_type":131,"marks":47482,"text":47483},"4b98fa750798",[],"Further, 63% of organisations across the board do not offer access to financial advice; 62% do not offer access to financial coaching; and 24% do not offer support for financial emergencies.",[],{"_key":47486,"_type":127,"children":47487,"markDefs":47492,"style":135},"819cc08093bd",[47488],{"_key":47489,"_type":131,"marks":47490,"text":47491},"f928b5247cc8",[],"But encouragingly, over two-thirds (70%) of employers want to prioritise increasing financial capability in the next two years, 34% plan to offer a financial education programme, almost one quarter (23%) plan to fund guidance on budgeting and general money management, and 22% plan to fund guidance on financial emergencies in the same period.",[],{"_key":47494,"_type":127,"children":47495,"markDefs":47503,"style":135},"5a9abbed5411",[47496,47499],{"_key":47497,"_type":131,"marks":47498,"text":7369},"ac94b175393a",[174],{"_key":47500,"_type":131,"marks":47501,"text":47502},"fed0168ff431",[]," “The research highlights the need for employers to review their workplace financial support packages and assess the extent to which they can help employees through the current economic challenges by making their pay stretch further.”",[],{"_key":47505,"_type":127,"children":47506,"markDefs":47511,"style":135},"8a9cecfdd8e7",[47507],{"_key":47508,"_type":131,"marks":47509,"text":47510},"d70a05936571",[],"He adds; “Employers can start by looking beyond their pensions and insurances, which continue to dominate the focus of many organisations. Diversified financial support packages include offering benefits such as; a range of savings schemes to build financial resilience, discount schemes (e.g. money off grocery shopping), help with financial planning including debt support, and salary sacrifice schemes to help reduce costs for travel, mobile phones, gym passes and health and dental care. It is important that any scheme introduced is explained properly to staff so they understand how it works.”",[],{"_key":47513,"_type":127,"children":47514,"markDefs":47519,"style":135},"89c6044aecee",[47515],{"_key":47516,"_type":131,"marks":47517,"text":47518},"2291b92d754d",[],"Watts-Lay explains; “Financial education and guidance delivered in the workplace can really help members understand the benefits on offer and should also cover topics such as how to budget, tips for saving money, and debt management. With the cost of living crisis hitting many hard, supporting employees to build their financial resilience and improve their financial wellbeing is of the utmost importance right now.”",[],{"_key":47521,"_type":127,"children":47522,"markDefs":47535,"style":39464},"3dcbe04b4789",[47523,47527,47531],{"_key":47524,"_type":131,"marks":47525,"text":47526},"37dc340eb18c",[],"[1] The research cited is from ",{"_key":47528,"_type":131,"marks":47529,"text":46309},"2c69f254c5c7",[47530],"3fc4f486f068",{"_key":47532,"_type":131,"marks":47533,"text":47534},"b8537e5ca03b",[]," which was carried out online between April and May 2022. Responses were received from 289 wellbeing, HR and employee benefits specialists, representing around 1 million employees, working at organisations of various sizes and across a broad range of industry sectors.",[47536],{"_key":47530,"_type":1264,"href":46316},{"_key":47538,"_type":127,"children":47539,"markDefs":47543,"style":135},"87450524ef91",[47540],{"_key":47541,"_type":131,"marks":47542,"text":1899},"baad70ecfb2a",[],[],[47545],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":47546,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":47548,"blogPostMeta":47549,"content":47555,"tag":47730,"title":47554},"872ddc62-eb94-4f45-b509-b44d82386694",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":65,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":47550,"publishedAt":47551,"slug":47552,"title":47554},"In November’s Autumn Statement, despite speculation, no further news was delivered in regard to the Lifetime Allowance (LTA) or Annual Allowance suggesting that they will continue to remain frozen for three more years.","2023-02-16T12:54:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":47553},"do-employees-really-need-to-be-concerned-about-the-lifetime-allowance-right-now","Do employees really need to be concerned about the Lifetime Allowance right now?",[47556,47563,47571,47579,47587,47595,47603,47611,47619,47627,47635,47643,47651,47659,47671,47683,47695,47707,47714,47722],{"_key":47557,"_type":127,"children":47558,"markDefs":47562,"style":135},"2b0620f73539",[47559],{"_key":47560,"_type":131,"marks":47561,"text":47550},"b633d3e8d645",[],[],{"_key":47564,"_type":127,"children":47565,"markDefs":47570,"style":135},"288cd9fe755d",[47566],{"_key":47567,"_type":131,"marks":47568,"text":47569},"10099dd75bca",[],"As of December 2022, the UK Inflation rate stood at 10.5% and the Lifetime Allowance of £1.073m has effectively lost £112,676 of value in real terms in the last year alone. Therefore, people’s pension savings will likely start catching up with the frozen Allowance. As the cost of living crisis continues, it may seem surprising that anyone could exceed the Lifetime Allowance or Annual Allowance. However, while a savings limit of over £1m sounds like a huge sum, as people’s wages increase, many middle earners who save regularly over a lifetime will eventually hit the limit without even realising that they are at risk. WEALTH at work has therefore identified those employees it thinks may be affected the most. This includes:",[],{"_key":47572,"_type":127,"children":47573,"markDefs":47578,"style":135},"d5243e5eaecd",[47574],{"_key":47575,"_type":131,"marks":47576,"text":47577},"c69f4d049707",[174],"1. Those who are blissfully unaware",[],{"_key":47580,"_type":127,"children":47581,"markDefs":47586,"style":135},"bdd89529fd87",[47582],{"_key":47583,"_type":131,"marks":47584,"text":47585},"171ef7950358",[],"Most people probably think that they aren’t one of the lucky ones to have a pension pot valued at the current LTA limit or more – but it’s quite possible that the value of their pot is far higher than they realise, and they may have already breached the Allowance. This could particularly affect those who never check the value of their pension or haven’t done so for some time. Also, many employees in defined benefit (DB) pension schemes are unaware that their pension is valued at twenty times their annual pension for LTA purposes, and so an annual pension of £30,000 has a value of £600,000 for the purpose of testing it against the LTA. Further to this, any tax free cash received from the pension will also need to be added to this figure and tested against the member’s available LTA.",[],{"_key":47588,"_type":127,"children":47589,"markDefs":47594,"style":135},"f6897c39e382",[47590],{"_key":47591,"_type":131,"marks":47592,"text":47593},"9df937b88816",[],"If a member of a DB scheme decides to transfer the arrangement into a defined contribution (DC) scheme to take advantage of the pension freedoms, the transfer values offered can be much higher than the twenty times multiple used for working out the LTA value. For example, transfer values can be as high as forty times the annual pension, and so, using the above example, an annual pension of £30,000 could have a transfer value of £1.2m and therefore exceed the current LTA.",[],{"_key":47596,"_type":127,"children":47597,"markDefs":47602,"style":135},"d62271144026",[47598],{"_key":47599,"_type":131,"marks":47600,"text":47601},"6c242cf52b45",[174],"2. Those who think they are a long way off",[],{"_key":47604,"_type":127,"children":47605,"markDefs":47610,"style":135},"a7723958d605",[47606],{"_key":47607,"_type":131,"marks":47608,"text":47609},"c9207770442d",[],"This group of individuals believe that they are a long way from breaching the LTA, but in fact, aren’t. This is particularly the case where employees are making healthy contributions to their pension scheme and perhaps receiving matching employer contributions. Positive pension fund growth as well as a pay rise may easily push them over the LTA before they know it.",[],{"_key":47612,"_type":127,"children":47613,"markDefs":47618,"style":135},"70157649bc32",[47614],{"_key":47615,"_type":131,"marks":47616,"text":47617},"a0b488bec986",[],"For example*, if someone aged 45 has a pension fund of £400,000 and a salary of £50,000, saves 5% of their salary into their pension which rises by 3% p.a and receives employer contributions of 10%, it is possible for their pension fund to reach £1,381,000 by the time they retire at 65. With the LTA presently frozen until April 2026 any future increases in the LTA could be modest so you could end up exceeding the Allowance by retirement.",[],{"_key":47620,"_type":127,"children":47621,"markDefs":47626,"style":135},"fd770dd686a9",[47622],{"_key":47623,"_type":131,"marks":47624,"text":47625},"a998be6a5edb",[],"*Assumes growth rate of 5% and excludes charges on the pension plans.",[],{"_key":47628,"_type":127,"children":47629,"markDefs":47634,"style":135},"b0ec5e5f9b1c",[47630],{"_key":47631,"_type":131,"marks":47632,"text":47633},"aa042ed6a526",[174],"3. Those who think they are protected but aren’t",[],{"_key":47636,"_type":127,"children":47637,"markDefs":47642,"style":135},"485c26e57518",[47638],{"_key":47639,"_type":131,"marks":47640,"text":47641},"07658ccf2217",[],"Employees who have taken protection measures and opted out of their workplace pension scheme to safeguard their savings from a LTA charge, could still be at risk of a breach. This is because of how the rules around auto-enrolment work, meaning that employees are re-enrolled every three years.",[],{"_key":47644,"_type":127,"children":47645,"markDefs":47650,"style":135},"0a33809e22f3",[47646],{"_key":47647,"_type":131,"marks":47648,"text":47649},"bf93aa6caa4c",[],"Just one month’s contribution could invalidate protection previously granted, without employees even realising. Responsible employers will inform employees they plan to re-enrol, in order that the contributions can be stopped in time.",[],{"_key":47652,"_type":127,"children":47653,"markDefs":47658,"style":135},"4243b3ae13ef",[47654],{"_key":47655,"_type":131,"marks":47656,"text":47657},"5a2915a1739b",[],"There are some options that employees should be aware of to either avoid or reduce the impact of the LTA:",[],{"_key":47660,"_type":127,"children":47661,"markDefs":47670,"style":135},"fb9743d1d641",[47662,47666],{"_key":47663,"_type":131,"marks":47664,"text":47665},"38c5641bbba7",[174],"1. Review their current situation",{"_key":47667,"_type":131,"marks":47668,"text":47669},"50b0995f5c9c",[]," – If they have already taken some pension benefits, they should start by looking at a current pension valuation and assessing how much of their LTA they have used. If employees have more than one pension, they will need to add up what they’ve accumulated across all their pensions to work out the full amount.",[],{"_key":47672,"_type":127,"children":47673,"markDefs":47682,"style":135},"2ad5a0569613",[47674,47678],{"_key":47675,"_type":131,"marks":47676,"text":47677},"a6b4608f4e06",[174],"2. Consider alternative savings vehicles",{"_key":47679,"_type":131,"marks":47680,"text":47681},"1e5b62df7501",[]," – Individual Savings Accounts and workplace share schemes are two tax-efficient saving vehicles for employees to consider saving in as an alternative, or supplementary to a pension.",[],{"_key":47684,"_type":127,"children":47685,"markDefs":47694,"style":135},"3570f14ad419",[47686,47690],{"_key":47687,"_type":131,"marks":47688,"text":47689},"c024a040ff1b",[174],"3. Opt-out",{"_key":47691,"_type":131,"marks":47692,"text":47693},"77717e1aeb3d",[]," – Some employees may choose to opt-out of their workplace pension scheme for LTA purposes especially if their employer is offering cash in lieu of the employer pension contribution. Also, employees need to understand that a decision to opt-out should not be taken lightly and that it could well be in a member’s best interests to remain active in their scheme despite a potential tax charge. If employees are considering opting-out then it’s best that regulated advice is received from a suitably qualified adviser.",[],{"_key":47696,"_type":127,"children":47697,"markDefs":47706,"style":135},"05cd33974979",[47698,47702],{"_key":47699,"_type":131,"marks":47700,"text":47701},"b10fda74f480",[174],"4. Take early retirement",{"_key":47703,"_type":131,"marks":47704,"text":47705},"54ce71a9a478",[]," – A simple way for employees to avoid exceeding the LTA, or incurring further charges, is to stop contributing into their pension and take early retirement. Again, it’s important to consider the options available and it may be beneficial to seek regulated financial advice.",[],{"_key":47708,"_type":127,"children":47709,"markDefs":47713,"style":135},"90b011098c75",[47710],{"_key":47711,"_type":131,"marks":47712,"text":1502},"90a874875e70",[174],[],{"_key":47715,"_type":127,"children":47716,"markDefs":47721,"style":135},"98984aa1a8ea",[47717],{"_key":47718,"_type":131,"marks":47719,"text":47720},"7e25f0601966",[],"“Having over £1 million in pension savings may seem unrealistic to most, especially in the current climate, but reaching the LTA could be closer than many employees think. And it’s not just high earners and those with defined benefit schemes that will be affected, but those who have saved from an early age, and whose investments have performed well. The tax implications could be drastic and could potentially lead to many being hit with unexpected and sometimes unnecessary tax bills.",[],{"_key":47723,"_type":127,"children":47724,"markDefs":47729,"style":135},"6f9550b5ae71",[47725],{"_key":47726,"_type":131,"marks":47727,"text":47728},"553a12191eef",[],"Many workplaces now offer support to their employees in terms of financial education, guidance and regulated financial advice. This approach helps employees understand all their options before making what could be life-changing decisions, therefore leading to better outcomes for all.”",[],[47731],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":47732,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":47734,"blogPostMeta":47735,"content":47775,"tag":47847,"title":47774},"48f269be-3ec2-4c07-b9b3-df63f25730d9",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":47736,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":47770,"publishedAt":47771,"slug":47772,"title":47774},{"_type":58,"asset":47737},{"_createdAt":47738,"_id":47739,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":47740,"extension":196,"metadata":47741,"mimeType":225,"opt":47760,"originalFilename":47765,"path":47766,"sha1hash":47740,"size":47767,"uploadId":47768,"url":47769},"2026-01-12T14:14:25Z","image-d376595ce716204f868d00a9960fca20835a070b-1000x667-jpg","d376595ce716204f868d00a9960fca20835a070b",{"_type":69,"blurHash":47742,"dimensions":47743,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":47744,"palette":47745,"thumbHash":47759},"VZIi8:oMD%M_oe?^RjRkWBRjRlt7t7kCV@j[RjRjofof",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGB\u002F\u002FEACIQAAEEAgIDAAMAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQRAAUSIQcTMQZBYf\u002FEABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIBA\u002F\u002FEABkRAAMAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEhETMf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8ArPxTdwHN4+PbSprwU0lXRIv9463ewjQvIENLqrW8ypKOI+1mazRCYkNTjEUuWwkBDntqq\u002FlYi33kScqQiY3FZTJaPFC1Hlxvo11jtvhlpNI3r0XYTRINtFSQChf0UThkVrNi\u002FLhNvvkKcX2ThlpgjB\u002F\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":47746,"darkVibrant":47748,"dominant":47750,"lightMuted":47752,"lightVibrant":47753,"muted":47755,"vibrant":47757},{"_type":81,"background":47747,"foreground":83,"population":12653,"title":83},"#3a4551",{"_type":81,"background":47749,"foreground":83,"population":17245,"title":83},"#150d0a",{"_type":81,"background":47751,"foreground":91,"population":31705,"title":83},"#a9c5cb",{"_type":81,"background":47751,"foreground":91,"population":31705,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":47754,"foreground":91,"population":2080,"title":91},"#c7dcec",{"_type":81,"background":47756,"foreground":83,"population":25369,"title":83},"#667f8d",{"_type":81,"background":47758,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#447094","pucJDYRXlWx\u002Fd6aWiYd2hXdwhgeH",{"media":47761},{"tags":47762},[47763],{"_key":47764,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"Q04uBYmnba5q2IbfDxVWA","cost of living.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fd376595ce716204f868d00a9960fca20835a070b-1000x667.jpg",93950,"cKkQlrYwgZ5UuBSVXrmHQ6p5Cmmdt2NN","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fd376595ce716204f868d00a9960fca20835a070b-1000x667.jpg","We asked Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, some key questions on how employers are working to support their workforce during these turbulent times.","2023-02-02T14:13:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":47773},"how-to-support-employee’s-financial-wellbeing-during-the-cost-of-living-crisis","How to support employee’s financial wellbeing during the cost of living crisis",[47776,47783,47791,47799,47807,47815,47823,47831,47839],{"_key":47777,"_type":127,"children":47778,"markDefs":47782,"style":135},"67df71efd659",[47779],{"_key":47780,"_type":131,"marks":47781,"text":47770},"b039f662bc98",[],[],{"_key":47784,"_type":127,"children":47785,"markDefs":47790,"style":135},"7b0137637537",[47786],{"_key":47787,"_type":131,"marks":47788,"text":47789},"84fdfeab34ac",[174],"Q: As a result of the current turbulent economic times, have you seen more employers offering their staff support with managing their day-to-day finances? If so, what have they been offering?",[],{"_key":47792,"_type":127,"children":47793,"markDefs":47798,"style":135},"af431b5ed20e",[47794],{"_key":47795,"_type":131,"marks":47796,"text":47797},"04987be769ed",[],"A: We have spoken to many employers looking for ways to alleviate the financial burden placed on employees by the cost of living crisis. They recognise that supporting employees with their financial wellbeing is an integral part of creating a healthy workplace. In fact, we have worked alongside many employers to provide specialised cost of living financial education to over 3,600 employees so far. These cover a range of topics such as how to budget, what Government support is available, how to reduce costs and ways to manage debt.",[],{"_key":47800,"_type":127,"children":47801,"markDefs":47806,"style":135},"fc607d6e9bb4",[47802],{"_key":47803,"_type":131,"marks":47804,"text":47805},"c0d30435d55e",[],"We have also found that our one-to-one financial guidance sessions and digital tools including the ‘Financial Healthcheck’ can really help with these topics and signpost people to available support.",[],{"_key":47808,"_type":127,"children":47809,"markDefs":47814,"style":135},"8518ca5aeaca",[47810],{"_key":47811,"_type":131,"marks":47812,"text":47813},"4d748d82490d",[],"This support is invaluable to help employees navigate their finances during such turbulent times but also with providing them with skills and know how that they utilise in the long term.",[],{"_key":47816,"_type":127,"children":47817,"markDefs":47822,"style":135},"c06dde349359",[47818],{"_key":47819,"_type":131,"marks":47820,"text":47821},"7fb70b44f8e2",[174],"Q: What issues are employees turning to their employer for help with and what practical support can employers offer for managing financial wellbeing on a daily basis?",[],{"_key":47824,"_type":127,"children":47825,"markDefs":47830,"style":135},"2788d4f9e0db",[47826],{"_key":47827,"_type":131,"marks":47828,"text":47829},"04bd1a0e37a6",[],"A: In some scenarios employees may seek salary increases, however, offering higher remuneration alone may not solve all financial wellbeing worries. We have found employees really benefit from support from their employer on how to save costs on a day-to-day basis by utilising their workplace benefits. This may include; discount schemes (e.g. money off grocery shopping), help with financial planning including debt support, and salary sacrifice schemes to help reduce costs for travel, mobile phones, gym passes and health and dental care.",[],{"_key":47832,"_type":127,"children":47833,"markDefs":47838,"style":135},"451a80e21784",[47834],{"_key":47835,"_type":131,"marks":47836,"text":47837},"87829482be02",[],"There are also other saving hacks that employees may not yet have thought of that may seem small but can really add up. This includes checking all outgoings to find other ways to save money such as cancelling any unused subscriptions or memberships, shopping around for better deals on insurances at renewal, such as car and household insurance, as well as broadband and mobile suppliers, and switching brands on the regular shop. As we all know, rising energy costs are a big concern so things like avoiding tumble dryers, utilising smart heating, using more efficient light bulbs, and finding cheaper ways of cooking such as using a slow cooker can all help.",[],{"_key":47840,"_type":127,"children":47841,"markDefs":47846,"style":135},"809ab41209f6",[47842],{"_key":47843,"_type":131,"marks":47844,"text":47845},"f512d92a85fd",[],"Financial education and one to one guidance sessions in the workplace is key to helping employees realise all of this and build their financial resilience for the future.",[],[47848],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":47849,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":47851,"blogPostMeta":47852,"content":47893,"tag":48076,"title":48079},"662ee81e-cb0c-45d0-9e89-73ae20783c42",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":47853,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":47888,"publishedAt":47889,"slug":47890,"title":47892},{"_type":58,"asset":47854},{"_createdAt":47855,"_id":47856,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":47857,"extension":196,"metadata":47858,"mimeType":225,"opt":47878,"originalFilename":47883,"path":47884,"sha1hash":47857,"size":47885,"uploadId":47886,"url":47887},"2026-01-12T14:18:43Z","image-2dbd22ca221f888441beaaa26eb0c86ea0245efc-1000x667-jpg","2dbd22ca221f888441beaaa26eb0c86ea0245efc",{"_type":69,"blurHash":47859,"dimensions":47860,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":47861,"palette":47862,"thumbHash":47877},"VLSF@WIp?G~Vs.?axaM|IVaz?FxtIoE2WCIWM|%L-poM",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQCBQj\u002FxAAgEAABBAICAwEAAAAAAAAAAAABAAIEBQMREhMGFCFB\u002F8QAFAEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAv\u002FEABcRAQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASImH\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FANMWdjHrI3dLyBrd6G\u002F0pmJIxyo7M2Fwcxw+EFVvkFLFvoPqzeXWTsFp0QUxSVuCorsUOIHDDj+Dkdkp0hoWlh9CgTpCBv\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":47863,"darkVibrant":47865,"dominant":47867,"lightMuted":47870,"lightVibrant":47872,"muted":47874,"vibrant":47876},{"_type":81,"background":47864,"foreground":83,"population":4097,"title":83},"#476180",{"_type":81,"background":47866,"foreground":83,"population":2637,"title":83},"#0f4a9e",{"_type":81,"background":47868,"foreground":83,"population":47869,"title":83},"#3879be",1.8,{"_type":81,"background":47871,"foreground":91,"population":17245,"title":83},"#9db5c7",{"_type":81,"background":47873,"foreground":91,"population":1159,"title":83},"#6cc4f4",{"_type":81,"background":47875,"foreground":83,"population":19897,"title":83},"#618ab3",{"_type":81,"background":47868,"foreground":83,"population":47869,"title":83},"\u002FPcFDYLTj1KcRaicRRe1ivOcPc\u002Fp",{"media":47879},{"tags":47880},[47881],{"_key":47882,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"KBrRWKNDiPSjUi733bw51","Parental-leave.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F2dbd22ca221f888441beaaa26eb0c86ea0245efc-1000x667.jpg",58829,"ZjaXroSyRhPIlfbGCG411Y9xombheaGi","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F2dbd22ca221f888441beaaa26eb0c86ea0245efc-1000x667.jpg","Expecting a baby and planning maternity or parental leave is an exciting time, but it is also important to consider the financial impact that a new arrival can bring. As the cost of living crisis continues, it is now more important than ever that new parents understand how their finances will be affected and what actions they can take. ","2023-01-18T14:18:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":47891},"top-tips-to-help-new-parents-stay-in-control-of-their-finances","Top tips to help new parents stay in control of their finances",[47894,47902,47910,47918,47926,47934,47942,47950,47958,47977,47985,47993,48001,48009,48017,48025,48033,48041,48049,48057,48068],{"_key":47895,"_type":127,"children":47896,"markDefs":47901,"style":135},"82a77832d9db",[47897],{"_key":47898,"_type":131,"marks":47899,"text":47900},"5982d8aa110a",[],"\nExpecting a baby and planning maternity or parental leave is an exciting time, but it is also important to consider the financial impact that a new arrival can bring. As the cost of living crisis continues, it is now more important than ever that new parents understand how their finances will be affected and what actions they can take.",[],{"_key":47903,"_type":127,"children":47904,"markDefs":47909,"style":135},"f84e86156631",[47905],{"_key":47906,"_type":131,"marks":47907,"text":47908},"b6e28db07824",[],"WEALTH at work, a leading financial wellbeing and retirement specialist, highlights some top tips to help new parents stay in control of their finances:",[],{"_key":47911,"_type":127,"children":47912,"markDefs":47917,"style":135},"cd13d57ee757",[47913],{"_key":47914,"_type":131,"marks":47915,"text":47916},"e8a8f7e4e2d1",[174],"1. Budget Planning",[],{"_key":47919,"_type":127,"children":47920,"markDefs":47925,"style":135},"240ffe5c3f47",[47921],{"_key":47922,"_type":131,"marks":47923,"text":47924},"89ded31bf62e",[],"Employees taking maternity or parental leave should be aware that their income and expenses are set to change, it is therefore important that they take stock of their finances and revise their budget. It is imperative that they do not put this off until after the baby is born, as understanding their income and outgoings each month will help them understand what they can afford.",[],{"_key":47927,"_type":127,"children":47928,"markDefs":47933,"style":135},"f6cf6c6d9be4",[47929],{"_key":47930,"_type":131,"marks":47931,"text":47932},"464ed9d31ccd",[],"Firstly, employees should calculate all possible sources of income. These could include any maternity or paternity pay they are expecting, their partner’s income, any benefits they will receive and any other sources of income that may apply to them. Next, they should obtain bank statements and credit card bills to find a full list of expenses and include any debt repayments they will be making. If they have any money left over after they have paid for everything they have a ‘budget surplus’. If spending more money than they’ve got coming in, they have a ‘budget deficit’. For those individuals who have a deficit, it could be a good idea for them to look at their spending and find any areas where they can cut back. If they have a surplus they should consider saving these funds or ensure any debt-incurring interest is paid off.",[],{"_key":47935,"_type":127,"children":47936,"markDefs":47941,"style":135},"ab2fcbd7cfeb",[47937],{"_key":47938,"_type":131,"marks":47939,"text":47940},"89aca66604ad",[],"Statutory maternity pay (SMP) is 90% of an employees average weekly earnings (before tax) for the first 6 weeks and £156.66 or 90% of their average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for the following 33 weeks. It is paid in the same way as their wages (e.g. monthly or weekly) and Tax and National Insurance is deducted. Employees are eligible if they earn on average at least £120 a week, give the correct notice, give proof they are pregnant and have worked for their employer continuously for at least 26 weeks continuing into the ‘qualifying week’ – the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth. Many companies offer enhanced maternity pay, so staff should speak to their employer to find out what is available.",[],{"_key":47943,"_type":127,"children":47944,"markDefs":47949,"style":135},"f8f66e111bbd",[47945],{"_key":47946,"_type":131,"marks":47947,"text":47948},"d36dc35b0548",[174],"2. Plan for one off expenses",[],{"_key":47951,"_type":127,"children":47952,"markDefs":47957,"style":135},"49575aca9bec",[47953],{"_key":47954,"_type":131,"marks":47955,"text":47956},"4f7179f3bab1",[],"After planning a monthly budget, employees should start to plan how they will pay for one off expenses. A new cot can cost anywhere between £70 – £1000, whilst the average cost is £130. The average cost of a new pushchair is £340, however, these can cost over £2,000. The average cost of a car seat is £120, although these can cost up to £500.",[],{"_key":47959,"_type":127,"children":47960,"markDefs":47974,"style":135},"cd1982ae7ab7",[47961,47965,47970],{"_key":47962,"_type":131,"marks":47963,"text":47964},"fc5cc87d263e",[],"To save costs they could find out if family and friends would let them buy or borrow any items? Employees should consider if they have savings to use for these one-off expenses, or will they be able to pay for them from their income? According to Liverpool Victoria, the average cost of raising a child in the first year is £11,498, therefore it’s important to plan ahead. ",{"_key":47966,"_type":131,"marks":47967,"text":47969},"d84ac5f0ed81",[47968],"d4a05bb60703","Money Helper",{"_key":47971,"_type":131,"marks":47972,"text":47973},"fbc6e569e387",[]," has a Baby Cost Calculator to help you find out how much you might need to cover your baby’s expenses.",[47975],{"_key":47968,"_type":1264,"href":47976},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.moneyhelper.org.uk\u002Fen\u002Ffamily-and-care\u002Fbecoming-a-parent\u002Fbaby-costs-calculator",{"_key":47978,"_type":127,"children":47979,"markDefs":47984,"style":135},"b71ea298442c",[47980],{"_key":47981,"_type":131,"marks":47982,"text":47983},"f7a4c9bd4b53",[174],"3. Statutory shared parental leave",[],{"_key":47986,"_type":127,"children":47987,"markDefs":47992,"style":135},"8a85248bbbbd",[47988],{"_key":47989,"_type":131,"marks":47990,"text":47991},"8b39110f8d37",[],"Parental leave allows parents to share time off after having a baby. Eligible couples will get up to 39 weeks of shared parental pay. Up to 52 weeks can be taken, but it must be used before the child turns one years old. If an employee is planning to share paternity leave, the mother (or primary parent for adoption\u002Fsurrogacy) will need to end maternity leave (adoption\u002Fsurrogacy leave) in order for the other parent to start paid parental leave.",[],{"_key":47994,"_type":127,"children":47995,"markDefs":48000,"style":135},"ceb7b4bb0a90",[47996],{"_key":47997,"_type":131,"marks":47998,"text":47999},"f04492e5c2b6",[174],"4. Benefits",[],{"_key":48002,"_type":127,"children":48003,"markDefs":48008,"style":135},"059e6aa21213",[48004],{"_key":48005,"_type":131,"marks":48006,"text":48007},"608c3fbace58",[],"Employees who were eligible for annual leave and workplace pension contributions will continue to accrue these whilst on parental leave.",[],{"_key":48010,"_type":127,"children":48011,"markDefs":48016,"style":135},"15b73bdcad4e",[48012],{"_key":48013,"_type":131,"marks":48014,"text":48015},"ea14ca409a28",[],"They must ensure that they register for child benefits as you can receive £1133.60 per year for your first child, and £751.40 per year for further children. If either the employee or their partner earns over £50,000, they must repay 1% of child benefit for every £100 that annual income exceeds £50,000.",[],{"_key":48018,"_type":127,"children":48019,"markDefs":48024,"style":135},"22b3ad01376f",[48020],{"_key":48021,"_type":131,"marks":48022,"text":48023},"bc11c5b34637",[],"If they or their partner earn over £60,000, they won’t be eligible for child benefit. However, they should still opt to receive entitlements, but not payment, as if they don’t claim they may miss out on National Insurance credit for your state pension, and it will also ensure their child is automatically issued with a National Insurance number before their 16th birthday.",[],{"_key":48026,"_type":127,"children":48027,"markDefs":48032,"style":135},"85d30a9434b0",[48028],{"_key":48029,"_type":131,"marks":48030,"text":48031},"706d90efdcd9",[174],"5. Returning to work",[],{"_key":48034,"_type":127,"children":48035,"markDefs":48040,"style":135},"7808945f2f70",[48036],{"_key":48037,"_type":131,"marks":48038,"text":48039},"2ae76877a353",[],"Keeping in touch (“KIT”) days may include training, offsite\u002Fteam meetings, or meetings to discuss returning to work, the employee would receive full pay for these days. The employee should try to agree in advance with their manager when they think these days will be.",[],{"_key":48042,"_type":127,"children":48043,"markDefs":48048,"style":135},"b86f51059333",[48044],{"_key":48045,"_type":131,"marks":48046,"text":48047},"94140313d016",[],"On returning to work, employees are entitled to return to the job in which they were employed. Any changes to hours or working days are agreed on an individual basis.",[],{"_key":48050,"_type":127,"children":48051,"markDefs":48056,"style":135},"9bff8644eaed",[48052],{"_key":48053,"_type":131,"marks":48054,"text":48055},"66271bf50fcb",[],"For employees hoping to reduce their hours upon return, they should make sure that they understand the impact on their net income. For example, someone earning £50,000 for 5 days a week would have a monthly net salary of £3,169. If they reduce their days to 4 days per week, their reduced gross salary would be £40,000 and a net monthly salary of £2,602*",[],{"_key":48058,"_type":127,"children":48059,"markDefs":48067,"style":135},"155f9ed2f4e9",[48060,48063],{"_key":48061,"_type":131,"marks":48062,"text":1502},"92c8f938b49e",[174],{"_key":48064,"_type":131,"marks":48065,"text":48066},"5419f9e9ff73",[]," “As with all major life events, whether it be parental leave, buying a house, or retirement, it is important to face up to the reality of the situation as soon as possible, and for individuals to put a plan in place of how they are going to pay for it. Spending time with new family will be much easier for employees if they know where they stand, rather than trying to understand what they can and can’t afford to buy whilst caring for their newborn. The workplace can be a good source of information to help support staff in understanding their financial situation before and during any period of parental leave.”",[],{"_key":48069,"_type":127,"children":48070,"markDefs":48075,"style":1544},"c0f5fc13bffb",[48071],{"_key":48072,"_type":131,"marks":48073,"text":48074},"dad92cfad915",[],"*Figures don’t take into account any pension contributions the person may be making.",[],[48077],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":48078,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},"Top tips to help new parents stay in control of their finances.",{"_id":48081,"blogPostMeta":48082,"content":48125,"tag":48292,"title":48124},"113475da-d986-4ae1-8e17-a39d7659203a",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":48083,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":48120,"publishedAt":48121,"slug":48122,"title":48124},{"_type":58,"asset":48084},{"_createdAt":48085,"_id":48086,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":48087,"extension":196,"metadata":48088,"mimeType":225,"opt":48110,"originalFilename":48115,"path":48116,"sha1hash":48087,"size":48117,"uploadId":48118,"url":48119},"2026-01-12T14:20:51Z","image-ef916da39ca5743265e6fa43a2fff47d567e4ced-1000x667-jpg","ef916da39ca5743265e6fa43a2fff47d567e4ced",{"_type":69,"blurHash":48089,"dimensions":48090,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":48091,"palette":48092,"thumbHash":48109},"VMLrCVko0LMMX+uWIoD%xto|H[IWx@bpRkM_tlM#nTE1",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGQAAAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYDBAUH\u002F8QAJRAAAQMEAQIHAAAAAAAAAAAAAgEDBAAFBhESEyEjMTJBUWFx\u002F8QAFgEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgQF\u002F8QAHREAAgEEAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERAgMSFAQhQf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8A6RiUKOdxJbe4ZiQIfF8VRCTfnumLLJMC2wmkkRxcVwtIIJSjj91nxmZsdHwMovhNuK2m9fdVDm3BIzpuy+qSkvqBO35Wbr4OF2g27GDlG2+7ZG3F6htIRJyVPjftRUltxa13GAxLmMk4+6KKRctUUtV+Iiq41cuD\u002F9k=",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":48093,"darkVibrant":48095,"dominant":48098,"lightMuted":48099,"lightVibrant":48101,"muted":48104,"vibrant":48107},{"_type":81,"background":48094,"foreground":83,"population":784,"title":83},"#454b2f",{"_type":81,"background":48096,"foreground":83,"population":48097,"title":83},"#539141",2.92,{"_type":81,"background":48094,"foreground":83,"population":784,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":48100,"foreground":91,"population":18414,"title":83},"#aecaac",{"_type":81,"background":48102,"foreground":91,"population":48103,"title":91},"#bce793",4.99,{"_type":81,"background":48105,"foreground":83,"population":48106,"title":83},"#78ad61",2.76,{"_type":81,"background":48108,"foreground":83,"population":12661,"title":83},"#5aac33","LNkFFYYGhJdqlJlTeVdahWiPaASW",{"media":48111},{"tags":48112},[48113],{"_key":48114,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"CkFaltKmU3WcaKfNlVrm4","save for retirement.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fef916da39ca5743265e6fa43a2fff47d567e4ced-1000x667.jpg",689059,"0OsEQTmfjblxT1Gnqbs0rSLcmrWsFJnH","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fef916da39ca5743265e6fa43a2fff47d567e4ced-1000x667.jpg","Since the pandemic, people have been faced with a multitude of challenges impacting their finances and none more so than the cost of living crisis. ","2023-01-11T14:20:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":48123},"what-is-the-impact-of-the-cost-of-living-crisis-on-people’s-ability-to-save-for-retirement","What is the impact of the cost of living crisis on people’s ability to save for retirement?",[48126,48134,48142,48150,48158,48166,48174,48182,48190,48198,48206,48214,48222,48230,48238,48245,48253,48261,48269,48284],{"_key":48127,"_type":127,"children":48128,"markDefs":48133,"style":135},"aac35f1fa7fb",[48129],{"_key":48130,"_type":131,"marks":48131,"text":48132},"d9303c1a992a",[],"Since the pandemic, people have been faced with a multitude of challenges impacting their finances and none more so than the cost of living crisis. Recently, the pressures on household income has raised concerns that members will look at their pension contributions as a way of cutting back on their monthly costs.",[],{"_key":48135,"_type":127,"children":48136,"markDefs":48141,"style":135},"82a20c0edd77",[48137],{"_key":48138,"_type":131,"marks":48139,"text":48140},"a49336563452",[],"The Department for Work and Pensions[1] reported in October that there had been no significant rise in people who are currently saving into workplace pension schemes choosing to stop contributions.",[],{"_key":48143,"_type":127,"children":48144,"markDefs":48149,"style":135},"b70ca389b873",[48145],{"_key":48146,"_type":131,"marks":48147,"text":48148},"6a1c4e95815a",[],"However, new research from the Pensions Management Institute[2] (PMI) has suggested that this may now be changing. It revealed that of those saving into a pension scheme over the past twelve months:",[],{"_key":48151,"_type":127,"children":48152,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":48157,"style":135},"65ce51c6951b",[48153],{"_key":48154,"_type":131,"marks":48155,"text":48156},"d9dc30292262",[],"13% have reduced their contributions and a further 20% are considering doing so over the coming months.",[],{"_key":48159,"_type":127,"children":48160,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":48165,"style":135},"6a2109151d71",[48161],{"_key":48162,"_type":131,"marks":48163,"text":48164},"046256b229c4",[],"7% have already ceased their contributions.",[],{"_key":48167,"_type":127,"children":48168,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":48173,"style":135},"69b0e16ce096",[48169],{"_key":48170,"_type":131,"marks":48171,"text":48172},"fc197366dd1b",[],"17% of those old enough to do so have withdrawn money from their pension savings to meet short-term needs",[],{"_key":48175,"_type":127,"children":48176,"markDefs":48181,"style":135},"7a9001eee9ee",[48177],{"_key":48178,"_type":131,"marks":48179,"text":48180},"e4a45b666d24",[174],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work – a leading financial wellbeing and retirement specialist and also PMI’s Financial Education partner, comments;",[],{"_key":48183,"_type":127,"children":48184,"markDefs":48189,"style":135},"8b45ed5c0212",[48185],{"_key":48186,"_type":131,"marks":48187,"text":48188},"cf51b7a0a028",[],"“It’s alarming that these latest figures now suggest that the cost-of-living crisis is having a detrimental impact on pension savings, with so many already taking action and reducing or stopping their contributions, and with some even dipping in to them to supplement short-term needs. With many more considering reducing their contributions over the coming months, it is set to get worse before it gets better.”",[],{"_key":48191,"_type":127,"children":48192,"markDefs":48197,"style":135},"ba08e6372b42",[48193],{"_key":48194,"_type":131,"marks":48195,"text":48196},"16eef4ba2994",[],"He adds; “It’s vitally important for members to understand that opting out of their pension will have a huge impact in the long term and will cause damage to their standard of living in retirement. They need to understand that reducing contributions now would make relatively small savings each month but the impact on their retirement savings to be used in later life will be dramatic due to lost employer contributions and tax relief.”",[],{"_key":48199,"_type":127,"children":48200,"markDefs":48205,"style":135},"6dd576636ed8",[48201],{"_key":48202,"_type":131,"marks":48203,"text":48204},"717f22e41639",[],"Watts-Lay explains; “Not only this, the damage caused by dipping into your pension savings early to supplement your income in the short-term can be irreparable, so this really should be a last resort and considered carefully.”",[],{"_key":48207,"_type":127,"children":48208,"markDefs":48213,"style":135},"e8b5b96b7068",[48209],{"_key":48210,"_type":131,"marks":48211,"text":48212},"12cdc5a98f4d",[],"The new findings also reveal that people are concerned themselves about their retirement prospects;",[],{"_key":48215,"_type":127,"children":48216,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":48221,"style":135},"4c4bd8b95f86",[48217],{"_key":48218,"_type":131,"marks":48219,"text":48220},"3bd333b9a07e",[],"75% of working people are ‘concerned’ that the cost of living crisis will mean that they will experience a less comfortable retirement.",[],{"_key":48223,"_type":127,"children":48224,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":48229,"style":135},"fc10aa079643",[48225],{"_key":48226,"_type":131,"marks":48227,"text":48228},"fc2b4cf9e868",[],"70% believe that they would have to defer retirement, and typically expect they will need to work for an extra three years due to the crisis.",[],{"_key":48231,"_type":127,"children":48232,"level":1228,"listItem":1229,"markDefs":48237,"style":135},"09d6422e64c5",[48233],{"_key":48234,"_type":131,"marks":48235,"text":48236},"8988bb72c821",[],"28% believe that they would never be able to retire at all.",[],{"_key":48239,"_type":127,"children":48240,"markDefs":48244,"style":135},"bcdfc626c460",[48241],{"_key":48242,"_type":131,"marks":48243,"text":1502},"8c9c738d2dfc",[],[],{"_key":48246,"_type":127,"children":48247,"markDefs":48252,"style":135},"eba477dc5f48",[48248],{"_key":48249,"_type":131,"marks":48250,"text":48251},"31da0eabd8a7",[],"“For those approaching retirement, it couldn’t be more important to make sure they have a plan in place. Many will be concerned if they can afford to retire now, especially if their pension value has fallen due to market volatility. As the research shows, many are considering delaying retirement. Another option could be to work part-time instead.”",[],{"_key":48254,"_type":127,"children":48255,"markDefs":48260,"style":135},"33b3fa084fce",[48256],{"_key":48257,"_type":131,"marks":48258,"text":48259},"60f438796059",[],"He explains; “Members may also want to consider making further pension contributions to boost their pot and take advantage of the tax relief while they can. However, they should be aware that if they have already made withdrawals from their pension, other than the tax-free lump sum, the ‘Money Purchase Annual Allowance’ kicks in, which limits the amount that can be paid into a defined contribution pension to £4,000 a year.”",[],{"_key":48262,"_type":127,"children":48263,"markDefs":48268,"style":135},"c91c999a2ed9",[48264],{"_key":48265,"_type":131,"marks":48266,"text":48267},"3c01addf7ca5",[],"Watts-Lay comments; “It would be devastating for all the hard work that is put into helping pension savers build up their funds, to be undone due to a knee-jerk reaction to the current financial pressures. This is why members must be supported to protect their pensions, especially in times of crisis. As part of an overall financial wellbeing objective, many employers now offer their workforce support to help them understand the value of their pensions and workplace savings, as well as how to best manage their money during turbulent times. This includes providing financial education workshops, one-to-one guidance or coaching and digital tools and helplines, as well as regulated financial advice.”",[],{"_key":48270,"_type":127,"children":48271,"markDefs":48281,"style":135},"6f3f0ab41eb0",[48272,48276],{"_key":48273,"_type":131,"marks":48274,"text":48275},"16c5fadf2273",[],"[1] ",{"_key":48277,"_type":131,"marks":48278,"text":48280},"50936d288dda",[48279],"46acf20e19ec","DWP",[48282],{"_key":48279,"_type":1264,"href":48283},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Fgovernment\u002Fstatistics\u002Ften-years-of-automatic-enrolment-in-workplace-pensions\u002Ften-years-of-automatic-enrolment-in-workplace-pensions-statistics-and-analysis",{"_key":48285,"_type":127,"children":48286,"markDefs":48291,"style":135},"ee6328ba3d1d",[48287],{"_key":48288,"_type":131,"marks":48289,"text":48290},"53072593a255",[],"[2] Research was commissioned by the PMI and completed in November 2022. Research based on Censuswide survey of 2,000 working people.",[],[48293],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":48294,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":48296,"blogPostMeta":48297,"content":48339,"tag":48617,"title":48338},"8e37aeec-2deb-4c3f-84e6-5ea2cbd47842",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":48298,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":48334,"publishedAt":48335,"slug":48336,"title":48338},{"_type":58,"asset":48299},{"_createdAt":48300,"_id":48301,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":48302,"extension":196,"metadata":48303,"mimeType":225,"opt":48324,"originalFilename":48329,"path":48330,"sha1hash":48302,"size":48331,"uploadId":48332,"url":48333},"2026-01-12T14:23:49Z","image-a45c2351f49f965c53c3fbbc6b85daaf10d1edab-1000x667-jpg","a45c2351f49f965c53c3fbbc6b85daaf10d1edab",{"_type":69,"blurHash":48304,"dimensions":48305,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":48306,"palette":48307,"thumbHash":48323},"VDIE5]009u?bD$Dh59?G%2s9_N9GMco}M_-6RjpJt7t6",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUHBv\u002FEACEQAAIBBAIDAQEAAAAAAAAAAAECAwAEBhEFEiEiMRSR\u002F8QAFgEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABQID\u002F8QAHREAAQQCAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQACAyERMQQTQf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8Ald3j94oR4NuieSD40armDcpf8Xc\u002Fm7hUeIBVH0HVZfALZci0vIs5CuZfQ68mq\u002FxuKWEjywoZY+oGnVvb+0a8SSOrVpAGOMYO0gfIbqTq0kk3fWj0XY+0UpyuabjuXa1jlLLGoAPzf2isDxo82q7H+L\u002F\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":48308,"darkVibrant":48310,"dominant":48313,"lightMuted":48315,"lightVibrant":48317,"muted":48320,"vibrant":48322},{"_type":81,"background":48309,"foreground":83,"population":220,"title":83},"#514431",{"_type":81,"background":48311,"foreground":83,"population":48312,"title":83},"#804611",2.01,{"_type":81,"background":48314,"foreground":83,"population":22541,"title":83},"#a97334",{"_type":81,"background":48316,"foreground":91,"population":2277,"title":91},"#dac9af",{"_type":81,"background":48318,"foreground":91,"population":48319,"title":83},"#e1c289",1.88,{"_type":81,"background":48321,"foreground":83,"population":24702,"title":83},"#a87d5a",{"_type":81,"background":48314,"foreground":83,"population":22541,"title":83},"HTkODYJwenhlmXhqhoeHeSAYQlAB",{"media":48325},{"tags":48326},[48327],{"_key":48328,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"OJ9inKWqUC6hxzTXNJtSx","take control of finances 2024.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fa45c2351f49f965c53c3fbbc6b85daaf10d1edab-1000x667.jpg",456367,"9fnqUCQ3uEaatj4GwuxyWFTKWaYNAPts","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fa45c2351f49f965c53c3fbbc6b85daaf10d1edab-1000x667.jpg","With increasing costs continually putting pressure on household finances, 2023 is set to be a financially challenging year for many. It’s therefore now more important than ever to support  employees to take control of their finances to successfully navigate the cost-of-living crisis. ","2023-01-10T14:23:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":48337},"taking-control-of-your-finances-in-2023","Taking control of your finances in 2023",[48340,48348,48356,48363,48371,48379,48387,48395,48403,48411,48419,48427,48435,48454,48462,48470,48489,48497,48505,48513,48521,48529,48536,48555,48563,48571,48579,48598,48609],{"_key":48341,"_type":127,"children":48342,"markDefs":48347,"style":135},"4530360f26f5",[48343],{"_key":48344,"_type":131,"marks":48345,"text":48346},"0fe41253d887",[],"With increasing costs continually putting pressure on household finances, 2023 is set to be a financially challenging year for many. It’s therefore now more important than ever to support employees to take control of their finances to successfully navigate the cost-of-living crisis.",[],{"_key":48349,"_type":127,"children":48350,"markDefs":48355,"style":135},"59a6100bb971",[48351],{"_key":48352,"_type":131,"marks":48353,"text":48354},"0e558f3e5d78",[],"To help, WEALTH at work, a leading financial wellbeing and retirement specialist, shares its money management tips to help employees budget, save and stay on top of their finances throughout 2023.",[],{"_key":48357,"_type":127,"children":48358,"markDefs":48362,"style":135},"e927f228e7da",[48359],{"_key":48360,"_type":131,"marks":48361,"text":35070},"c2401c5ded4b",[174],[],{"_key":48364,"_type":127,"children":48365,"markDefs":48370,"style":135},"cd603828f5fa",[48366],{"_key":48367,"_type":131,"marks":48368,"text":48369},"d8ff9e6789aa",[],"The first step is to create a budget, for some this may seem like a daunting task but getting an overview of your income and outgoings can really help.",[],{"_key":48372,"_type":127,"children":48373,"markDefs":48378,"style":135},"08a0f87d197a",[48374],{"_key":48375,"_type":131,"marks":48376,"text":48377},"0f5eb83d73ef",[],"Firstly, employees should check their bank statements to determine their monthly income and then what outgoings they have. Next, making a list of these monthly outgoings i.e. mortgages or rent, energy bills, debt, car insurance, eating out and groceries, regular subscriptions etc, will highlight where their money is going and what savings could be made. Next, any unused subscriptions and memberships that may have been forgotten about should be cancelled.",[],{"_key":48380,"_type":127,"children":48381,"markDefs":48386,"style":135},"039178e7ba03",[48382],{"_key":48383,"_type":131,"marks":48384,"text":48385},"0d7d925551ec",[174],"2. Make managing debt a priority",[],{"_key":48388,"_type":127,"children":48389,"markDefs":48394,"style":135},"ddcbedaac9d0",[48390],{"_key":48391,"_type":131,"marks":48392,"text":48393},"31366e449cce",[],"There are many different types of debt with varying rates of interest. Credit cards and overdrafts can have rates of 18% to 40%, with payday loans having rates of 1,500% and more!",[],{"_key":48396,"_type":127,"children":48397,"markDefs":48402,"style":135},"d261fc91cbf1",[48398],{"_key":48399,"_type":131,"marks":48400,"text":48401},"afd289a9023e",[],"It is often a good idea to make paying off expensive debts a priority. For example, a debt of £3,000 with a rate of 18% APR, could take 10 years and 10 months to pay off if paying £50 a month, with a total interest paid of £3,495. If that monthly payment was increased to £100 a month, the debt would be paid off in three years and four months, and the interest paid would be only £908.",[],{"_key":48404,"_type":127,"children":48405,"markDefs":48410,"style":135},"afc9c8f26bd3",[48406],{"_key":48407,"_type":131,"marks":48408,"text":48409},"5f4e59cb8ae8",[],"For individuals with credit card debt, it’s possible that they could be paying more interest on the payments than they need to. By shopping around they may be able to move to a lower interest rate, or ideally to a card which offers 0% on balance transfers. If a person has multiple debts, it could also be a good option to consolidate these into a 0% or low-interest balance transfer card, as more money will go towards paying the debt off and enable them to clear it over a shorter period.",[],{"_key":48412,"_type":127,"children":48413,"markDefs":48418,"style":135},"13a5058d75c4",[48414],{"_key":48415,"_type":131,"marks":48416,"text":48417},"eb7b3d5242d1",[174],"3. Track your finances",[],{"_key":48420,"_type":127,"children":48421,"markDefs":48426,"style":135},"ec2aec36e5f3",[48422],{"_key":48423,"_type":131,"marks":48424,"text":48425},"0d376e3e19d9",[],"After creating a budget, it is important for employees to keep track of their money, scheduling regular budget check-ups can provide them with a complete picture of where their money goes. As time goes by, incomings and outgoings can change so they may need to tweak their budget. Reviewing their bank and credit card statements will ensure their spending habits are aligned with their financial goals. If not, they will discover areas where they may be overspending and can quickly adjust.",[],{"_key":48428,"_type":127,"children":48429,"markDefs":48434,"style":135},"9573ceac8783",[48430],{"_key":48431,"_type":131,"marks":48432,"text":48433},"5ae7cbbf70c6",[174],"4. Be a savvy shopper",[],{"_key":48436,"_type":127,"children":48437,"markDefs":48451,"style":135},"1b0e98bb71f3",[48438,48442,48447],{"_key":48439,"_type":131,"marks":48440,"text":48441},"2c744f3a17b5",[],"There are several steps that can be taken to help significantly reduce the price of purchases. For the weekly shop, planning a shopping list in advance will allow time to search for the best deals and reduce expenditure on non-essential items. ",{"_key":48443,"_type":131,"marks":48444,"text":48446},"6f2c5e785dba",[48445,174],"fc6a48bf8157","Switching brands can also reduce costs",{"_key":48448,"_type":131,"marks":48449,"text":48450},"171b57d880ed",[],". Supermarkets separate their products into various categories from ‘Luxury’ to ‘Value’, whilst the ‘Luxury’ product packaging is often more opulent the actual product is very similar to the ‘Value’ range. Downshifting can typically cut grocery bills by 30% so for a person who normally spends £60 a week on food, this could be cut down to roughly £40. That’s a saving of £1040 a year.",[48452],{"_key":48445,"_type":1264,"href":48453},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.moneysavingexpert.com\u002Fshopping\u002Fdownshift-challenge\u002F#:~:text=The%20theory%20is%20simple.,just%20one%20brand%20level%20lower.",{"_key":48455,"_type":127,"children":48456,"markDefs":48461,"style":135},"b6040b824b54",[48457],{"_key":48458,"_type":131,"marks":48459,"text":48460},"5544e74acafd",[],"It’s a good idea for individuals to look at what discounts are available to them as this could save them money on a range of purchases. Discount vouchers are often available through voucher and discount websites and many workplaces offer employee discount schemes with major retailers. 5 or 10% off a shopping bill can make a huge difference, especially for big purchases such as replacing a broken washing machine.",[],{"_key":48463,"_type":127,"children":48464,"markDefs":48469,"style":135},"ee61d09ffd30",[48465],{"_key":48466,"_type":131,"marks":48467,"text":48468},"43be0129d774",[174],"5. Save on household bills and auto-renewals",[],{"_key":48471,"_type":127,"children":48472,"markDefs":48486,"style":135},"1277e738ff3f",[48473,48477,48482],{"_key":48474,"_type":131,"marks":48475,"text":48476},"854d258aa80d",[],"Changes in the energy industry mean that it’s unlikely that consumers will find ",{"_key":48478,"_type":131,"marks":48479,"text":48481},"904d1b1ae0b1",[48480,174],"596b38ede54c","good deals on energy costs",{"_key":48483,"_type":131,"marks":48484,"text":48485},"154a09bba48e",[]," at the moment. For those unable to find a better tariff than the one they’re on it’s probably better to wait until deals are available again before switching suppliers. But there are still significant savings available on other bills.",[48487],{"_key":48480,"_type":1264,"href":48488},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.citizensadvice.org.uk\u002Fconsumer\u002Fenergy\u002Fenergy-supply\u002Fget-a-better-energy-deal\u002Fswitching-energy-supplier\u002F",{"_key":48490,"_type":127,"children":48491,"markDefs":48496,"style":135},"9fe541dbec9c",[48492],{"_key":48493,"_type":131,"marks":48494,"text":48495},"54c9c12bf020",[],"Many policies for car, home and travel insurance automatically renew each year, however, sometimes individuals are paying more than they need to if they allow this to happen. To ensure they get the best deal and avoid any potential price hikes, it is important for employees to be proactive by finding out when their contract is due to end and making a note in their diary for a few weeks earlier. This will ensure they have plenty of time to shop around or negotiate where appropriate. For the best deal price comparison websites are a quick and easy tool to help compare available offers and help you save.",[],{"_key":48498,"_type":127,"children":48499,"markDefs":48504,"style":135},"470766cc758e",[48500],{"_key":48501,"_type":131,"marks":48502,"text":48503},"5e7e87cf145c",[174],"6. Look for other income streams",[],{"_key":48506,"_type":127,"children":48507,"markDefs":48512,"style":135},"adaf6551c3ad",[48508],{"_key":48509,"_type":131,"marks":48510,"text":48511},"0e6cf2614600",[],"Employees may want to consider if there are other ways they can supplement their income. Is it possible to rent out a room, or take on extra jobs such as babysitting, dog walking, or freelancing? Creating multiple income streams can increase financial security, help someone tackle debt and add to their savings each month.",[],{"_key":48514,"_type":127,"children":48515,"markDefs":48520,"style":135},"0100c0ec4496",[48516],{"_key":48517,"_type":131,"marks":48518,"text":48519},"753aca8723f0",[174],"7. Build an emergency fund for the future",[],{"_key":48522,"_type":127,"children":48523,"markDefs":48528,"style":135},"52caa0f0d18e",[48524],{"_key":48525,"_type":131,"marks":48526,"text":48527},"2b5185721460",[],"It is a good idea for individuals to have an emergency fund to use if they encounter unexpected costs. They should try to aim for 3-6 months of their salary if possible and it is often a good idea to set up a standing order for saving rather than waiting to see what is left at the end of the month. Cash ISAs could be a great way to start saving whilst offering easy access to savings. Employees will also need to understand how the various workplace saving vehicles available, such as workplace ISAs and Share plans, can help them to achieve their savings goals.",[],{"_key":48530,"_type":127,"children":48531,"markDefs":48535,"style":135},"b0ec048369da",[48532],{"_key":48533,"_type":131,"marks":48534,"text":26702},"ab0fd72b5dda",[174],[],{"_key":48537,"_type":127,"children":48538,"markDefs":48552,"style":135},"d212cd553b0c",[48539,48543,48548],{"_key":48540,"_type":131,"marks":48541,"text":48542},"4ae2d36094bc",[],"Starting to save as soon as possible means that money has time to grow. It is important that employees understand the importance of saving into their pension from early on. Also, we know that many employers match additional contributions (up to certain limits), but it’s important that this is understood. For example, they may not realise that ",{"_key":48544,"_type":131,"marks":48545,"text":48547},"3883afc53458",[48546,174],"ec22885145dc","someone in their 20s can increase their pension pot",{"_key":48549,"_type":131,"marks":48550,"text":48551},"0d2efb7ad983",[]," by 25% in retirement by saving an extra 1% a year with an employer match.",[48553],{"_key":48546,"_type":1264,"href":48554},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2021\u002F04\u002F13\u002Fhow-employees-can-boost-their-pension-pot-by-25-by-saving-just-1-more\u002F",{"_key":48556,"_type":127,"children":48557,"markDefs":48562,"style":135},"16e86786662b",[48558],{"_key":48559,"_type":131,"marks":48560,"text":48561},"e5eeccd702e5",[174],"9. Don’t neglect your pension",[],{"_key":48564,"_type":127,"children":48565,"markDefs":48570,"style":135},"588254de09a4",[48566],{"_key":48567,"_type":131,"marks":48568,"text":48569},"eb66709e17eb",[],"For those in financial difficulty, it may be tempting to try and save money by reducing or pausing their pension contributions. However, employees should think carefully before doing this because opting out of their pension will have a huge impact on the amount they have to live on when they retire, and really must be an absolute last resort. Also, if they can afford to continue making regular contributions during the present market downturn, more positive long-term growth may be generated.",[],{"_key":48572,"_type":127,"children":48573,"markDefs":48578,"style":135},"b881d58f4b25",[48574],{"_key":48575,"_type":131,"marks":48576,"text":48577},"cb9ba8a31669",[174],"10. Beware of scams",[],{"_key":48580,"_type":127,"children":48581,"markDefs":48595,"style":135},"0598076450ed",[48582,48586,48591],{"_key":48583,"_type":131,"marks":48584,"text":48585},"bc8b3fc6de61",[],"Scammers tend to sound and look completely legitimate and it’s easy to see why so many people are fooled. In fact, ",{"_key":48587,"_type":131,"marks":48588,"text":48590},"09e5fefd7025",[48589,174],"2df2eb76fe0a","almost a quarter (22%)",{"_key":48592,"_type":131,"marks":48593,"text":48594},"a293494b5652",[]," of UK adults reported being approached by scammers offering free pension advice or a free pension review, investment opportunities, or a tax refund between March and May 2022. If someone reaches out with an offer which seems too good to be true, it’s vital to check whether the company is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Individuals can also visit the FCA’s ScamSmart website which includes a warning list of companies operating without authorisation or running scams.",[48596],{"_key":48589,"_type":1264,"href":48597},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.pensionsage.com\u002Fpa\u002FMore-than-a-fifth-of-people-contacted-by-pension-scammers-in-last-3-months.php",{"_key":48599,"_type":127,"children":48600,"markDefs":48608,"style":135},"19118c7e014f",[48601,48604],{"_key":48602,"_type":131,"marks":48603,"text":8697},"81de5b9ff185",[174],{"_key":48605,"_type":131,"marks":48606,"text":48607},"b481ca3c544d",[],"; “Now is a great time for employees to work out what their financial situation really is, and take action to make sure they are in control of their finances in 2023.”",[],{"_key":48610,"_type":127,"children":48611,"markDefs":48616,"style":135},"c2e885003f1b",[48612],{"_key":48613,"_type":131,"marks":48614,"text":48615},"ce09bb69a1c6",[],"He adds; “Proactive employers are actively working to help those in the workplace to improve their financial future, remove the stigma around money worries and access the support available. Key to this is offering financial education and guidance to help employees understand their finances including ways to manage a budget, make savings and manage debt, as well as how other workplace benefits available can help. With the cost of living crisis hitting many hard, supporting employees to build their financial resilience and improve their financial wellbeing is of utmost importance right now.”",[],[48618],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":48619,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":48621,"blogPostMeta":48622,"content":48662,"tag":48831,"title":48661},"07d64c65-79ef-494e-8a55-99248c9e8c48",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":48623,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":48657,"publishedAt":48658,"slug":48659,"title":48661},{"_type":58,"asset":48624},{"_createdAt":48625,"_id":48626,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":48627,"extension":196,"metadata":48628,"mimeType":225,"opt":48647,"originalFilename":48652,"path":48653,"sha1hash":48627,"size":48654,"uploadId":48655,"url":48656},"2026-01-12T12:56:46Z","image-e84365b0d1174bd3e5972b1b1e52ea2d3b74da81-1000x667-jpg","e84365b0d1174bd3e5972b1b1e52ea2d3b74da81",{"_type":69,"blurHash":48629,"dimensions":48630,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":48631,"palette":48632,"thumbHash":48646},"VCGbFu0017In-n~89atSV?%g0it7$dogE1IDs,%fM|Io",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABwAG\u002F8QAJBAAAgEDAwMFAAAAAAAAAAAAAQMCAAQRBQYTEhRBISIxMmH\u002FxAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAE\u002F8QAGxEAAgMAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREAAiEDBDH\u002F2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA\u002FAMNt5dvbX71TjklhiBE5pRUnRLHgMOScnRAPIfaDihrautStFuuTbwYxzeg9R+ox4rdWd4LRqGFfLFnpxzlmIzQj172uEcihy1FC\u002FYsbRfBehICJq4yZEefJqoAZvDUttvdp+nyj20WSlETGTHJ+B+VUtLIZvZ\u002F\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":48633,"darkVibrant":48635,"dominant":48637,"lightMuted":48638,"lightVibrant":48640,"muted":48642,"vibrant":48644},{"_type":81,"background":48634,"foreground":83,"population":36536,"title":83},"#4b3d2f",{"_type":81,"background":48636,"foreground":83,"population":1400,"title":83},"#665412",{"_type":81,"background":48634,"foreground":83,"population":36536,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":48639,"foreground":91,"population":19901,"title":83},"#aec6cd",{"_type":81,"background":48641,"foreground":91,"population":790,"title":83},"#dfc78b",{"_type":81,"background":48643,"foreground":83,"population":39529,"title":83},"#a57c54",{"_type":81,"background":48645,"foreground":91,"population":87,"title":83},"#c4c459","2xgKFYJQhpdreHmFh2aIdQp9ssA4",{"media":48648},{"tags":48649},[48650],{"_key":48651,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"jVj-W9UPScA8dPcL1lWOz","Redundancy.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fe84365b0d1174bd3e5972b1b1e52ea2d3b74da81-1000x667.jpg",135184,"NFsHAqbYsh6DyzpNQRekXuD4i8jocJYz","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fe84365b0d1174bd3e5972b1b1e52ea2d3b74da81-1000x667.jpg","Facing redundancy can be an intimidating time, therefore it is important for employees to be aware of their rights and have a clear overview of their finances.","2023-01-06T12:56:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":48660},"key-areas-employees-should-understand-if-they-are-made-redundant","Key areas employees should understand if they are made redundant",[48663,48670,48678,48711,48723,48743,48754,48765,48777,48789,48801,48812,48823],{"_key":48664,"_type":127,"children":48665,"markDefs":48669,"style":135},"d94749fd0105",[48666],{"_key":48667,"_type":131,"marks":48668,"text":48657},"5804706ee392",[],[],{"_key":48671,"_type":127,"children":48672,"markDefs":48677,"style":135},"6186143b42a8",[48673],{"_key":48674,"_type":131,"marks":48675,"text":48676},"110d97e4acf3",[],"WEALTH at work have provided an overview of some of the key areas that employees will need to understand if they are made redundant:",[],{"_key":48679,"_type":127,"children":48680,"markDefs":48706,"style":135},"a94c4d501f3e",[48681,48685,48689,48694,48698,48702],{"_key":48682,"_type":131,"marks":48683,"text":48684},"1eaf5f679944",[174],"1. Redundancy Entitlement ",{"_key":48686,"_type":131,"marks":48687,"text":48688},"d1c2f1427930",[],"– If an employer makes a job role redundant forcing an employee to leave the company, they may be entitled to redundancy pay. Redundancy packages are not set in stone, they vary according to the company but are also based on age, length of employment, and job role. For those who have been in the same job for at least two years, their employer is usually legally required to pay them. The legal minimum is called ‘Statutory redundancy pay’ however it is vital for employees to check their contracts as they may be entitled to more. There are also plenty of online resources such as ",{"_key":48690,"_type":131,"marks":48691,"text":48693},"1bb3f0042590",[48692,174],"0b7d8d11f7a8","UK",{"_key":48695,"_type":131,"marks":48696,"text":48697},"4a80c1b07ef5",[]," or ",{"_key":48699,"_type":131,"marks":48700,"text":47969},"60ae36c87475",[48701,174],"ebd109674025",{"_key":48703,"_type":131,"marks":48704,"text":48705},"d85698651f75",[],", which can help employees understand their rights.",[48707,48709],{"_key":48692,"_type":1264,"href":48708},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Fredundancy-your-rights\u002Fredundancy-pay",{"_key":48701,"_type":1264,"href":48710},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.moneyhelper.org.uk\u002Fen\u002Fwork\u002Flosing-your-job\u002Fmaking-the-most-of-your-redundancy-pay",{"_key":48712,"_type":127,"children":48713,"markDefs":48722,"style":135},"6fe651159a17",[48714,48718],{"_key":48715,"_type":131,"marks":48716,"text":48717},"6e7be13d8285",[174],"2. Taxation on redundancy payment ",{"_key":48719,"_type":131,"marks":48720,"text":48721},"de320a993d75",[],"– It is important employees understand how much they will actually receive once tax has been paid. Usually, the first £30k is tax free, with anything over this being added to your income and charged at the marginal rate. They should be aware that employee National Insurance is not deducted from a redundancy payment. For example, someone who has an annual salary of £36k, has earned £15k so far this tax year and is offered £50k redundancy would owe £4,000 in tax on their redundancy pay. This is because the first £30k of their redundancy pay is tax free but the remaining £20k is taxable. As they have earned £15k so far this year, even with the £20k added to this, they are still within the basic rate tax band, so tax of £4,000 is due on the redundancy pay (20% of £20k). Employees should also consider whether they could end up in a higher rate tax bracket, depending on their income and redundancy pay.",[],{"_key":48724,"_type":127,"children":48725,"markDefs":48741,"style":135},"88292cde40af",[48726,48729,48733,48738],{"_key":48727,"_type":131,"marks":48728,"text":32318},"63e175cf90a7",[174],{"_key":48730,"_type":131,"marks":48731,"text":48732},"b530713097a2",[]," – Employees should work out what assets they have; pensions, savings, ISAs, property and investments, and what liabilities they have; mortgage, debt, childcare, insurance and utility bills. Then they should look at any other household income and expenses. If the amount of money they need each month is more than the amount they have coming in, they can then work out what action is needed to cover the costs. Money Helper has a great ",{"_key":48734,"_type":131,"marks":48735,"text":48737},"a93615b81fa2",[48736,174],"dec831dfba8b","budget planner",{"_key":48739,"_type":131,"marks":48740,"text":1289},"5558ecaa38e6",[],[48742],{"_key":48736,"_type":1264,"href":37560},{"_key":48744,"_type":127,"children":48745,"markDefs":48753,"style":135},"f5ef148e6ca3",[48746,48749],{"_key":48747,"_type":131,"marks":48748,"text":32330},"bab090d05912",[174],{"_key":48750,"_type":131,"marks":48751,"text":48752},"1c5ecfad5aba",[]," – If they can afford to, it might be worth using some of their redundancy payment to pay off expensive debts. There are many different types of debt with varying rates of interest. Credit cards and overdrafts can have rates of 18-40%, with some payday loans having rates of 1,500% and more! For example, a debt of £3,000 with a rate of 18% APR, could take 10 years and 10 months to pay off if paying £50 a month, with total interest of £3,495 paid. If that monthly payment was increased to £100 a month, the debt would be paid off in 3 years and 4 months, and interest paid would be only £908. If this was increased to £300 a month, the debt would be paid in 10 months, with total interest of £252 paid.",[],{"_key":48755,"_type":127,"children":48756,"markDefs":48764,"style":135},"a0083116e308",[48757,48760],{"_key":48758,"_type":131,"marks":48759,"text":32342},"0ac58cf79828",[174],{"_key":48761,"_type":131,"marks":48762,"text":48763},"0fb9d29ae2f2",[]," – Mortgage interest rates tend to be significantly lower than other debts, and can include payment holidays for those who are made redundant. However, if they don’t have other debts, employees may want to consider overpaying on their mortgage. For example, with a £200,000 mortgage which has a 3% rate of interest over 25 years, an individual could pay £84,527 in interest over the 25 years. If this is overpaid by £200 a month, the interest reduces to £62,905 over 19 years. If this is overpaid by £400 a month, the interest reduces to £50,209, over 15 years and 6 months, and if this is overpaid by £600 a month, the interest reduces to £41,825 over 13 years.",[],{"_key":48766,"_type":127,"children":48767,"markDefs":48776,"style":135},"f1f5452b1455",[48768,48772],{"_key":48769,"_type":131,"marks":48770,"text":48771},"2562ce0f09a8",[174],"6. Can they afford to retire?",{"_key":48773,"_type":131,"marks":48774,"text":48775},"fec5b13e09a8",[]," – Employees who are nearing retirement age may want to consider the idea of retiring early. Depending on their circumstances, this may be more achievable than they think. An individual could use their redundancy payment or pension tax free cash to pay off any outstanding loans and mortgages, and as a result they may be able to maintain their standard of living. For example, someone earning £30,000 per year, once they have paid income tax (£3,006), National Insurance (£1,804), pension contributions via salary sacrifice (£2,400), mortgage (£6,000) and loans (£2,400), may end up with a disposable annual income of around £14,390. Realising that you may only need a retirement income of less than half of your salary to maintain your standard of living can be an eye opener, and make retirement a more realistic option.",[],{"_key":48778,"_type":127,"children":48779,"markDefs":48788,"style":135},"fb8be0609515",[48780,48784],{"_key":48781,"_type":131,"marks":48782,"text":48783},"3ae483334233",[174],"7. What happens to their company pension?",{"_key":48785,"_type":131,"marks":48786,"text":48787},"2a91b43135ae",[]," – Employees should know that it’s fine to keep their pension with their previous employer and it will remain invested and safe until they retire. Some people prefer to move their pension to their new workplace pension scheme, or a private pension. There are benefits to this in that all pensions are kept together in one place, however there can be a cost to transferring a pension; investment charges are not all the same and may not be lower, and the range of investment options vary between schemes. Employees should check these things before moving their pension.",[],{"_key":48790,"_type":127,"children":48791,"markDefs":48800,"style":135},"0806255e6bbc",[48792,48796],{"_key":48793,"_type":131,"marks":48794,"text":48795},"437fcee13807",[174],"8. Paying more into their pension",{"_key":48797,"_type":131,"marks":48798,"text":48799},"a03f5fcc3ac7",[]," – If they can afford to do so, employees may want to consider paying some of their redundancy payment into their pension to boost their retirement savings. There are limits on the tax relief they can receive from pension contributions each year, so it will be important to check these carefully first. For those approaching retirement, this may be a particularly attractive way of providing a final boost to the value of their pension pot.",[],{"_key":48802,"_type":127,"children":48803,"markDefs":48811,"style":135},"c264d4279a4d",[48804,48807],{"_key":48805,"_type":131,"marks":48806,"text":5155},"428d427eb554",[174],{"_key":48808,"_type":131,"marks":48809,"text":48810},"e8627755ef39",[]," – Unfortunately there are some really unscrupulous people in the world, who won’t think twice about scamming someone out of their redundancy pay. If employees are looking for somewhere to keep their redundancy pay beyond just their current account, they should make sure they do their research first. Before handing over any money, they should always check the firm is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).",[],{"_key":48813,"_type":127,"children":48814,"markDefs":48822,"style":135},"5370e603c077",[48815,48818],{"_key":48816,"_type":131,"marks":48817,"text":1502},"826739ab3116",[174],{"_key":48819,"_type":131,"marks":48820,"text":48821},"67b10ad7b911",[]," “For organisations that are making redundancies, it’s really important that the workforce receive the appropriate support so they understand how it will impact their finances. It can be a really difficult time and it is crucial that they get help around areas such as how to budget, manage debt and cut down on spending and bills. Employees will also need to understand how much they will actually receive from their redundancy pay after tax, how to make it last if they don’t get a new job quickly, or how it could help them afford retirement when perhaps they thought it wasn’t a possibility.”",[],{"_key":48824,"_type":127,"children":48825,"markDefs":48830,"style":135},"732d76f1a4a5",[48826],{"_key":48827,"_type":131,"marks":48828,"text":48829},"53a18913acdb",[],"He adds; “People need help when they are told they are losing their job, and it’s encouraging that many leading companies already have redundancy support programmes in place and providing financial education, guidance and regulated financial advice for their staff to help them navigate these issues at a time when financial wellbeing is so important.”",[],[48832],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":48833,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":48835,"blogPostMeta":48836,"content":48878,"tag":48943,"title":48877},"d180e26c-b4cd-4a19-9d13-8b29320cd639",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":48837,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":48873,"publishedAt":48874,"slug":48875,"title":48877},{"_type":58,"asset":48838},{"_createdAt":48839,"_id":48840,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":48841,"extension":196,"metadata":48842,"mimeType":225,"opt":48863,"originalFilename":48868,"path":48869,"sha1hash":48841,"size":48870,"uploadId":48871,"url":48872},"2026-01-12T14:28:04Z","image-a1070792721f20e98e88e3433d80bd94308b283c-1000x667-jpg","a1070792721f20e98e88e3433d80bd94308b283c",{"_type":69,"blurHash":48843,"dimensions":48844,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":48845,"palette":48846,"thumbHash":48862},"VLHBVy0eK4iGRlMbtRIVNfjYbv9a~BNGRkt5s8S%xus:",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGgAAAQUBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIDBAUGB\u002F\u002FEACUQAAEEAQMCBwAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQFAAYREgcTITEyQVFhgf\u002FEABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECA\u002F\u002FEAB4RAAEEAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAgMEETETcZGh\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwDI9Oa1UmPY0r8wwkh4nxHqHxl1NpqehmJivU7z\u002FIFSpLm5T+Y47L7lWuWlpDbzitipI2OIodX2CbKPAmcJcRxQb4OewP3lmq98XKNfUxWY2S8Z31kKUNeWDKUtQmixHbHFDaTsABhnX3en+nH+DioABKR5KOGahlXGj6gyWs7Hi\u002F\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":48847,"darkVibrant":48849,"dominant":48851,"lightMuted":48854,"lightVibrant":48856,"muted":48858,"vibrant":48861},{"_type":81,"background":48848,"foreground":83,"population":12869,"title":83},"#503f3a",{"_type":81,"background":48850,"foreground":83,"population":325,"title":83},"#145790",{"_type":81,"background":48852,"foreground":83,"population":48853,"title":83},"#32649b",9.96,{"_type":81,"background":48855,"foreground":91,"population":44677,"title":91},"#e8cdca",{"_type":81,"background":48857,"foreground":91,"population":5943,"title":83},"#f5ada4",{"_type":81,"background":48859,"foreground":83,"population":48860,"title":83},"#9a6155",2.97,{"_type":81,"background":48852,"foreground":83,"population":48853,"title":83},"HhgGFYRwUnhxZWdIb4aIo3dvJvVW",{"media":48864},{"tags":48865},[48866],{"_key":48867,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"qTOHR4OeGXWmJDQvr01ry","Pension Scamming#.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fa1070792721f20e98e88e3433d80bd94308b283c-1000x667.jpg",77635,"6765XhoronvjD0wdtf0P6TxPy7rqjMjw","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002Fa1070792721f20e98e88e3433d80bd94308b283c-1000x667.jpg","Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, looks at the scale of the problem of pension scamming and whether there may be a greater risk of it now as people grapple with the cost of living crisis.","2022-12-22T14:27:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":48876},"how-much-of-a-problem-is-pension-scamming-and-what-can-be-done","How much of a problem is pension scamming and what can be done?",[48879,48887,48895,48903,48911,48919,48927,48935],{"_key":48880,"_type":127,"children":48881,"markDefs":48886,"style":135},"ca4198eb657c",[48882],{"_key":48883,"_type":131,"marks":48884,"text":48885},"9ca7a871b55c",[],"Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, looks at the scale of the problem of pension scamming and whether there may be a greater risk of it now as people grapple with the cost of living crisis. He also outlines what can be done to help the situation.",[],{"_key":48888,"_type":127,"children":48889,"markDefs":48894,"style":135},"551ae883044d",[48890],{"_key":48891,"_type":131,"marks":48892,"text":48893},"60c6dcde215f",[],"“Our research with the Pensions Management Institute shows that a staggering 92% of Trustees expressed that they have fears that members approaching retirement will be targeted by scammers.",[],{"_key":48896,"_type":127,"children":48897,"markDefs":48902,"style":135},"93940296acd7",[48898],{"_key":48899,"_type":131,"marks":48900,"text":48901},"2e672863eb7d",[],"Unfortunately, scamming people out of their pension savings is a problem that has been around for some time. However, the strain on household finances caused by the cost of living crisis could be seen as a window of opportunity for fraudsters, meaning that some people are more vulnerable than ever. In fact, almost a quarter (22%) of UK adults reported being approached by scammers offering free pension advice or a free pension review, investment opportunities, or a tax refund between March and May 2022.",[],{"_key":48904,"_type":127,"children":48905,"markDefs":48910,"style":135},"137d6202cda0",[48906],{"_key":48907,"_type":131,"marks":48908,"text":48909},"12d25cffff05",[],"The Pension Scams Action Group (made up of The Pensions Regulator, Financial Conduct Authority and the Money and Pensions Service) have also echoed concerns over recent headlines that squeezed household finances may leave pension savers more vulnerable to scammers, as it may prompt them to incorrectly decide there is a risk to their retirement pots and result in rushed financial decisions. However, the Group is yet to see any evidence of an increase in pension scam activity, but as we know, many go unreported and it could be some time before we start to see the impact.",[],{"_key":48912,"_type":127,"children":48913,"markDefs":48918,"style":135},"13e17b47df76",[48914],{"_key":48915,"_type":131,"marks":48916,"text":48917},"93d0dd5b5dd0",[],"In light of these concerns, the Pensions Regulator launched its scam fighting strategy which will build on its pledge to combat pension scams. This includes providing regular scam warnings, encouraging members considering cash drawdown to access guidance services, and carrying out checks and providing warnings on high-risk transfers.",[],{"_key":48920,"_type":127,"children":48921,"markDefs":48926,"style":135},"f38330e5bacf",[48922],{"_key":48923,"_type":131,"marks":48924,"text":48925},"7d5fdfb6d4d7",[],"Trustees and employers play a key role in ensuring members make informed choices concerning their pensions. This includes providing financial education and guidance as it can help members understand their options and how scams operate. Scammers can be articulate, with credible websites and testimonials, meaning anyone can be the victim of a pension scam no matter how financially savvy they think they are. In our financial education seminars, we explain how pension scams work and the warning signs to look out for. The rule is, whatever investment someone is planning to make, they should check out the company with the FCA first. If the FCA hasn’t heard of them, individuals will have no place to go if they turn out to be fraudsters.",[],{"_key":48928,"_type":127,"children":48929,"markDefs":48934,"style":135},"8ca8ca5611a2",[48930],{"_key":48931,"_type":131,"marks":48932,"text":48933},"7c151c2bb903",[],"Financial education also helps members decide if they would like further support such as regulated financial advice, although this is a requirement for anyone looking to transfer a Defined Benefit scheme over the value of £30,000.",[],{"_key":48936,"_type":127,"children":48937,"markDefs":48942,"style":135},"1a36e1cda538",[48938],{"_key":48939,"_type":131,"marks":48940,"text":48941},"929248ddc177",[],"Many years of pension savings can be lost in the blink of an eye so it’s time that Trustees and employers do all they can to stop pension scammers in their tracks and put in place robust processes to support and protect members. For those looking at providers for support, carrying out due diligence is crucial. This should include checking that any financial education and guidance providers are workplace specialists with experience in providing support to members. Due diligence on regulated advice firms should cover areas such as; qualifications of advisers, the regulatory record of the firm, compliance processes e.g. compliance checks of 100% of cases, pricing structure, and experience of working with employers and Trustees.”",[],[48944],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":48945,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":48947,"blogPostMeta":48948,"content":48989,"tag":49073,"title":48988},"eb80670b-5912-4c4c-b8b2-814fe021efc2",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":48949,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":48984,"publishedAt":48985,"slug":48986,"title":48988},{"_type":58,"asset":48950},{"_createdAt":48951,"_id":48952,"_rev":5328,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":5329,"assetId":48953,"extension":196,"metadata":48954,"mimeType":225,"opt":48974,"originalFilename":48979,"path":48980,"sha1hash":48953,"size":48981,"uploadId":48982,"url":48983},"2026-01-12T14:30:17Z","image-19c6a4aafe694b8c9c9e92d49d24ec24114fd1b3-1000x667-jpg","19c6a4aafe694b8c9c9e92d49d24ec24114fd1b3",{"_type":69,"blurHash":48955,"dimensions":48956,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":48957,"palette":48958,"thumbHash":48973},"VSPZS{?b.8%Mkq.TV@ROt8V@?wWCROayRORkogoLV@s:",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGQAAAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQDBQYH\u002F8QAIRAAAgEDBAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAQMCAAQRBQYSISIxMmH\u002FxAAWAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADAQL\u002FxAAaEQADAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDERIh\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwDu27ddjpNimRTN0mSEfE+qWO6UofBbkMiDEGUiMcc1aa1YpuYLEwOWepY+azjNvJkxpuXueZEE8jQ1dp+MeZxtLaHn3YuGFg7B9H8oqRVopSxCI8Y9Ciq6Mcn\u002F2Q==",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":48959,"darkVibrant":48961,"dominant":48963,"lightMuted":48966,"lightVibrant":48968,"muted":48970,"vibrant":48971},{"_type":81,"background":48960,"foreground":83,"population":325,"title":83},"#776c6d",{"_type":81,"background":48962,"foreground":83,"population":8936,"title":83},"#5c3a1e",{"_type":81,"background":48964,"foreground":83,"population":48965,"title":83},"#a16c52",6.95,{"_type":81,"background":48967,"foreground":91,"population":46750,"title":83},"#c7bbb2",{"_type":81,"background":48969,"foreground":91,"population":1159,"title":91},"#eccc9c",{"_type":81,"background":48964,"foreground":83,"population":48965,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":48972,"foreground":91,"population":87,"title":83},"#d97e64","dBgGFYLbmldtlod\u002FdVWId0eAciMI",{"media":48975},{"tags":48976},[48977],{"_key":48978,"_ref":5362,"_type":107,"_weak":76},"6XV2pnrBwP2asPPWmtJ5I","Pension in crisis.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F19c6a4aafe694b8c9c9e92d49d24ec24114fd1b3-1000x667.jpg",106881,"9x6sCOFxY1zdnXJgwagV8EV73un4yXXo","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F19c6a4aafe694b8c9c9e92d49d24ec24114fd1b3-1000x667.jpg","Inflation was at a 41-year high in October at 11.1% and is expected to remain high for some time, intensifying the current cost of living crisis. ","2022-11-28T14:29:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":48987},"protecting-pensions-in-times-of-crisis","Protecting pensions in times of crisis",[48990,48998,49006,49025,49033,49041,49049,49057,49065],{"_key":48991,"_type":127,"children":48992,"markDefs":48997,"style":135},"b77d463d61c5",[48993],{"_key":48994,"_type":131,"marks":48995,"text":48996},"ec157f1f805b",[174],"By Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work",[],{"_key":48999,"_type":127,"children":49000,"markDefs":49005,"style":135},"d0fd15b5b0bb",[49001],{"_key":49002,"_type":131,"marks":49003,"text":49004},"f85190bc203b",[],"Inflation was at a 41-year high in October at 11.1% and is expected to remain high for some time, intensifying the current cost of living crisis. As the pressure on household income continues, it is more important than ever that employees are engaged with their finances, and this includes their pensions.",[],{"_key":49007,"_type":127,"children":49008,"markDefs":49022,"style":135},"0e4e840f0056",[49009,49013,49018],{"_key":49010,"_type":131,"marks":49011,"text":49012},"63def14c8f70",[],"So, are employees looking at their pension contributions as a way of cutting back on their monthly costs? A recent survey by ",{"_key":49014,"_type":131,"marks":49015,"text":49017},"7002b4d83bad",[49016],"9726ceeef402","PLSA",{"_key":49019,"_type":131,"marks":49020,"text":49021},"f362fcd4a995",[]," found that one in five (19%) pension schemes surveyed have seen members asking about reducing or stopping their pension contributions and 17% wanting early access to their pension after age 55.",[49023],{"_key":49016,"_type":1264,"href":49024},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.plsa.co.uk\u002FPress-Centre\u002FPress-Releases\u002FArticle\u002FPensions-see-first-signs-of-cost-of-living-crisis-and-pension-schemes-responding-by-providing-extra-support-to-their-members",{"_key":49026,"_type":127,"children":49027,"markDefs":49032,"style":135},"91c6ae1d536a",[49028],{"_key":49029,"_type":131,"marks":49030,"text":49031},"ae035e845ca4",[],"However, figures from the Department for Work and Pensions show that there has been no indication that pension savers are actually taking action, as there has been no significant rise in people who are currently saving into workplace pension schemes choosing to stop contributions. But there does appear to be an upward trend for those newly enrolled choosing to opt out. The PLSA survey also noted that only around one in ten (12%) schemes surveyed said that they have seen members wanting to opt out, which is only a little above the long-term trend of 9%.",[],{"_key":49034,"_type":127,"children":49035,"markDefs":49040,"style":135},"800566f338d0",[49036],{"_key":49037,"_type":131,"marks":49038,"text":49039},"a36f12166188",[],"However, as the cost of living crisis continues, employers should closely monitor pension opt out requests and do all they can to ensure pension scheme members recognise that it really should be a last resort.",[],{"_key":49042,"_type":127,"children":49043,"markDefs":49048,"style":135},"31a822fcb6ef",[49044],{"_key":49045,"_type":131,"marks":49046,"text":49047},"7bdba915477c",[],"It’s important for pension scheme members to understand that opting out of their pension will have a huge impact in the long term and the damage that they could do to their standard of living in retirement. Whilst reducing contributions now would make relatively small savings each month, the impact on a pension scheme member’s retirement savings in later life will be dramatic, due to lost employer contributions and tax relief.",[],{"_key":49050,"_type":127,"children":49051,"markDefs":49056,"style":135},"71112e13cb06",[49052],{"_key":49053,"_type":131,"marks":49054,"text":49055},"5713fff9f099",[],"Making the smallest reductions in pension contributions possible, and avoiding opting out altogether, will limit the reduction to future retirement savings. However, saving money is a habit, and once it has stopped, it is very difficult to start up again.",[],{"_key":49058,"_type":127,"children":49059,"markDefs":49064,"style":135},"da994730e1e8",[49060],{"_key":49061,"_type":131,"marks":49062,"text":49063},"2921a224e96a",[],"There are some practical steps that members can take to save money that they may not yet have considered. Some of them seem small but they all add up! So before reducing or stopping contributions, they should be encouraged to look at alternative options first. This includes checking all their outgoings to find other ways to save money such as cancelling any unused subscriptions or memberships, shopping around for better deals on insurances at renewal, such as car and household insurance, as well as broadband and mobile suppliers, and switching brands on their regular shop. Rising energy costs are a big concern so things like avoiding tumble dryers, utilising smart heating, using more efficient light bulbs, and finding cheaper ways of cooking such as using a slow cooker or microwave can all help. It’s always a good idea to look out for online discount vouchers for any purchases, and it’s also an ideal time to remind members of cost savings available through the workplace as part of their benefits package e.g. discount on parking, shopping, car leasing, medical care and insurance.",[],{"_key":49066,"_type":127,"children":49067,"markDefs":49072,"style":135},"6a56245671b3",[49068],{"_key":49069,"_type":131,"marks":49070,"text":49071},"10f6f9e119a5",[],"Most members would benefit from having a better understanding of money, but are confused where to start. As part of an overall wellbeing objective, many employers now offer their workforce support to help them understand the value of their pensions and workplace savings, as well as how to best manage their money in times of crisis. This includes providing financial education workshops, one-to-one guidance or coaching and digital tools and helplines.",[],[49074],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":49075,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},{"_id":49077,"blogPostMeta":49078,"content":49114,"tag":49334,"title":49113},"b883dc60-bf7a-447d-bb16-0dbc953989ae",{"_type":56,"featuredImage":49079,"featuredVideo":65,"preview":49109,"publishedAt":49110,"slug":49111,"title":49113},{"_type":58,"asset":49080},{"_createdAt":49081,"_id":49082,"_rev":49083,"_type":63,"_updatedAt":49081,"assetId":49084,"extension":196,"metadata":49085,"mimeType":225,"originalFilename":49104,"path":49105,"sha1hash":49084,"size":49106,"uploadId":49107,"url":49108},"2026-01-12T14:31:56Z","image-355889cda315edd91e1946fd111ba876029827ac-1000x667-jpg","7w637SJGtiNyz4h6VRdwNd","355889cda315edd91e1946fd111ba876029827ac",{"_type":69,"blurHash":49086,"dimensions":49087,"hasAlpha":4,"isOpaque":76,"lqip":49088,"palette":49089,"thumbHash":49103},"VRQA27X4bbs;bF?wtSkCRPogMwt7ofWBofxaWAWBkCfP",{"_type":72,"aspectRatio":1150,"height":1151,"width":773},"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj\u002F2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj\u002FwAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB\u002F8QAGAAAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYDBAj\u002FxAAiEAACAgICAAcAAAAAAAAAAAABAgADBBESIQUxQVFSgZH\u002FxAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAP\u002FEABkRAQEBAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAhITMf\u002FaAAwDAQACEQMRAD8A0iMhPkP2Vsipb7Q7MdeWgYvvYyjoyXF8TeuvgUB167gbH2jCTJURVWqB+h7mEXLcxrX5FdfcIdhHC\u002F\u002FZ",{"_type":79,"darkMuted":49090,"darkVibrant":49092,"dominant":49094,"lightMuted":49096,"lightVibrant":49097,"muted":49099,"vibrant":49101},{"_type":81,"background":49091,"foreground":83,"population":322,"title":83},"#4c494e",{"_type":81,"background":49093,"foreground":83,"population":33382,"title":83},"#462d1f",{"_type":81,"background":49095,"foreground":91,"population":32254,"title":83},"#c4b19e",{"_type":81,"background":49095,"foreground":91,"population":32254,"title":83},{"_type":81,"background":49098,"foreground":91,"population":325,"title":91},"#f0d2c0",{"_type":81,"background":49100,"foreground":83,"population":19901,"title":83},"#8f7968",{"_type":81,"background":49102,"foreground":83,"population":1159,"title":83},"#b0714e","OPgFDYKHh3ivWIiTeIh3h3hQTAXU","10 years of auto enrolment.jpg","images\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F355889cda315edd91e1946fd111ba876029827ac-1000x667.jpg",125497,"OKDIpeK2MwKlSVn8FMjwK9DzYZIhrrmY","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fsoc6bg8y\u002Fproduction\u002F355889cda315edd91e1946fd111ba876029827ac-1000x667.jpg","This October has marked the 10th anniversary of auto enrolment. Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, a leading financial wellbeing and retirement specialist, answers some key questions on the topic and gives his thoughts on how the cost of living crisis could impact pension savings and how the workplace can help.","2022-10-31T14:31:00.000Z",{"_type":9,"current":49112},"10-years-of-auto-enrolment","10 years of auto enrolment",[49115,49122,49130,49138,49153,49161,49169,49177,49185,49193,49212,49220,49228,49236,49244,49252,49260,49268,49276,49284,49292,49300,49308,49326],{"_key":49116,"_type":127,"children":49117,"markDefs":49121,"style":135},"8c93ec8a9534",[49118],{"_key":49119,"_type":131,"marks":49120,"text":49109},"b4fd9528051e",[],[],{"_key":49123,"_type":127,"children":49124,"markDefs":49129,"style":135},"f9cbbe281722",[49125],{"_key":49126,"_type":131,"marks":49127,"text":49128},"88b61201d94a",[174],"Q: How successful has auto enrolment been?",[],{"_key":49131,"_type":127,"children":49132,"markDefs":49137,"style":135},"b96fc588a421",[49133],{"_key":49134,"_type":131,"marks":49135,"text":49136},"d6f8d9a92fa1",[],"A: More than 10.7 million employees have been automatically enrolled into workplace pensions as of June 2022.",[],{"_key":49139,"_type":127,"children":49140,"markDefs":49152,"style":135},"62494d28056a",[49141,49145,49148],{"_key":49142,"_type":131,"marks":49143,"text":49144},"68e70cb8af27",[174],"Q:",{"_key":49146,"_type":131,"marks":49147,"text":35526},"f0c0242e9f83",[],{"_key":49149,"_type":131,"marks":49150,"text":49151},"85fb9542061a",[174],"What has been the impact of rising living costs on pension savings?",[],{"_key":49154,"_type":127,"children":49155,"markDefs":49160,"style":135},"d40838d7fe3f",[49156],{"_key":49157,"_type":131,"marks":49158,"text":49159},"ebef8f65f626",[],"A: Figures from the Department for Work and Pensions show that there has been no significant rise in people choosing to stop contributions who are currently saving into workplace pension schemes. However, there does appear to be an upward trend for those newly enrolled choosing to opt out. As the cost of living crisis continues, employers should closely monitor pension opt out requests and do all they can to ensure pension scheme members recognise that it really should be a last resort.",[],{"_key":49162,"_type":127,"children":49163,"markDefs":49168,"style":135},"05d914ca13dc",[49164],{"_key":49165,"_type":131,"marks":49166,"text":49167},"ff758714d622",[174],"Q: What are the risks of cutting back on pension savings?",[],{"_key":49170,"_type":127,"children":49171,"markDefs":49176,"style":135},"d84633554161",[49172],{"_key":49173,"_type":131,"marks":49174,"text":49175},"65cf34210498",[],"It is understandable that employees may look at their pension contributions as a way of cutting back on their monthly costs. But it’s important for them to understand that opting out of their pension will have a huge impact in the long term, and really has to be an absolute last resort. If employees are considering this, making the smallest reductions in pension contributions possible, and avoiding opting out altogether, will limit the reduction to future retirement savings. Saving money is a habit, and once it’s stopped it, it is very difficult to start up again.",[],{"_key":49178,"_type":127,"children":49179,"markDefs":49184,"style":135},"e7f9089b410f",[49180],{"_key":49181,"_type":131,"marks":49182,"text":49183},"150728055eb2",[],"Before reducing or stopping contributions, employees should make sure they check all their outgoings to find other ways to save money first, e.g. cancelling any unused subscriptions or memberships, shopping around for better deals on insurances at renewal such as car and household as well as broadband and mobile suppliers, and switching brands on their regular shop. Also, discount vouchers are often available online, and discount schemes may also be available through employers.",[],{"_key":49186,"_type":127,"children":49187,"markDefs":49192,"style":135},"6563f05560d5",[49188],{"_key":49189,"_type":131,"marks":49190,"text":49191},"63b624d8d225",[174],"Q: How much should someone be saving for retirement?",[],{"_key":49194,"_type":127,"children":49195,"markDefs":49209,"style":135},"a202531cbd89",[49196,49200,49205],{"_key":49197,"_type":131,"marks":49198,"text":49199},"df9dd698003f",[],"A: It can be difficult for someone to judge how much they may need to save for retirement as everyone has different circumstances and different expectations. There is much confusion about this and ",{"_key":49201,"_type":131,"marks":49202,"text":49204},"760f908a0c2e",[49203,174],"49a582d3e198","WEALTH at work’s survey",{"_key":49206,"_type":131,"marks":49207,"text":49208},"ebb9f86789bf",[]," found that more than a fifth (21%) have no idea how much their pension is worth, with almost a quarter (24%) having no idea how much they will need to have for a comfortable retirement.",[49210],{"_key":49203,"_type":1264,"href":49211},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww2.wealthatwork.co.uk\u002Fcorporate\u002F2022\u002F09\u002F05\u002Fhalf-of-young-adults-have-reduced-or-stopped-regular-saving-as-a-result-of-the-cost-of-living-crisis\u002F",{"_key":49213,"_type":127,"children":49214,"markDefs":49219,"style":135},"eb0cac44b879",[49215],{"_key":49216,"_type":131,"marks":49217,"text":49218},"3c4e0708813e",[],"Employees need to look at their pension statement, and understand the pension income they are likely to retire on based on their current contributions, and if this matches their expectations or if they need to save more.",[],{"_key":49221,"_type":127,"children":49222,"markDefs":49227,"style":135},"7510f7a6f3e2",[49223],{"_key":49224,"_type":131,"marks":49225,"text":49226},"27df7b3cfb99",[],"It can be helpful to understand what level of income they may need in retirement. Accordingly to the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA), a single person will need about £11,000 a year to achieve the minimum standard of living (this would cover all a retiree’s needs plus enough for some leisure activities such as a week’s holiday in the UK and eating out occasionally); £21,000 a year for a moderate standard of living (a two-week holiday in Europe and more frequent eating out); and £34,000 a year for a comfortable standard of living (this would cover all a retiree’s needs plus enough for two foreign holidays a year plus some luxuries such as regular beauty treatments). For couples, it’s £17,000, £31,000 and £50,000, respectively.",[],{"_key":49229,"_type":127,"children":49230,"markDefs":49235,"style":135},"6ac4be92fdf7",[49231],{"_key":49232,"_type":131,"marks":49233,"text":49234},"6aae51d7793f",[174],"Q: Should the auto enrolment age and earning limits come down?",[],{"_key":49237,"_type":127,"children":49238,"markDefs":49243,"style":135},"504b7654096c",[49239],{"_key":49240,"_type":131,"marks":49241,"text":49242},"0acfefefbbe3",[],"A: One way to enable even more employees to save into their pension through auto enrolment would be to reduce the auto enrolment age, and the earning limit.",[],{"_key":49245,"_type":127,"children":49246,"markDefs":49251,"style":135},"c8f53a3e2210",[49247],{"_key":49248,"_type":131,"marks":49249,"text":49250},"1df693c8e025",[],"A government study revealed that over two-thirds of employers are in favour of lowering the age at which people are automatically enrolled into a pension from 22 to 18, which is in line with a recommendation by The Department for Work and Pensions s in 2017.",[],{"_key":49253,"_type":127,"children":49254,"markDefs":49259,"style":135},"17d70cfb4099",[49255],{"_key":49256,"_type":131,"marks":49257,"text":49258},"613cfc2386de",[174],"Q: What about when employees move jobs? Are there any issues around having multiple pension pots?",[],{"_key":49261,"_type":127,"children":49262,"markDefs":49267,"style":135},"b2e07052e00a",[49263],{"_key":49264,"_type":131,"marks":49265,"text":49266},"ed567e8f8b1a",[],"A: Having multiple pension pots is unlikely to be beneficial for most people. Employees will need to be aware of this.",[],{"_key":49269,"_type":127,"children":49270,"markDefs":49275,"style":135},"41bf6cf2ebd4",[49271],{"_key":49272,"_type":131,"marks":49273,"text":49274},"3e1b7e5a726f",[],"Firstly, there are flat rate charges for schemes with more than £100 in, so someone could be getting charged for multiple pots which could quickly diminish their savings.",[],{"_key":49277,"_type":127,"children":49278,"markDefs":49283,"style":135},"5841524852a4",[49279],{"_key":49280,"_type":131,"marks":49281,"text":49282},"7250fe0f2012",[],"Also, different pots could each have different investment strategies, and potentially different default retirement ages. It is important for employees to understand the significance of making sure their investment strategy and expected retirement age reflect their plans.",[],{"_key":49285,"_type":127,"children":49286,"markDefs":49291,"style":135},"de859a09258e",[49287],{"_key":49288,"_type":131,"marks":49289,"text":49290},"f19e2e7e51a4",[],"It is also a challenge administratively, as people need to update each pension provider as their plans change. When moving house for example, they would need to inform each pension provider with their new address to ensure they are receiving the communications. This could require getting in touch with multiple pension providers.",[],{"_key":49293,"_type":127,"children":49294,"markDefs":49299,"style":135},"6b31e55b0464",[49295],{"_key":49296,"_type":131,"marks":49297,"text":49298},"84b05fe92d95",[],"Employees may want to consider consolidating their pensions into one pot, as it could make it easier for them to manage their finances, rather than having to check the performance of multiple accounts. If they are changing jobs, it is important that they know not to transfer their existing pension until they have left, to ensure they receive all their employer contributions.",[],{"_key":49301,"_type":127,"children":49302,"markDefs":49307,"style":135},"6068bc07b079",[49303],{"_key":49304,"_type":131,"marks":49305,"text":49306},"3ef032ef3ff5",[174],"Q: What can employers do to help?",[],{"_key":49309,"_type":127,"children":49310,"markDefs":49324,"style":135},"3d99f8842a3d",[49311,49315,49320],{"_key":49312,"_type":131,"marks":49313,"text":49314},"ed42a6e26d9c",[],"A: Overall, auto enrolment has been a great success but more needs to be done to ensure employees understand how valuable their pension savings are, as well as how to make the most of them. For example, an employee in their 20s, saving an extra 1% a year with their employer matching this, may be able to increase their ",{"_key":49316,"_type":131,"marks":49317,"text":49319},"e5e270282751",[49318,174],"58f611c662a2","pension pot in retirement by 25%",{"_key":49321,"_type":131,"marks":49322,"text":49323},"ca54afa0b01a",[],". It is also crucial that employees understand the damage they are doing to their standard of living in retirement if they reduce their pension contributions now. They are likely to make relatively small savings each month, but the impact on their retirement savings in later life will be dramatic due to lost employer contributions and tax relief, and this really should be a last resort.",[49325],{"_key":49318,"_type":1264,"href":49211},{"_key":49327,"_type":127,"children":49328,"markDefs":49333,"style":135},"31e3b3b30819",[49329],{"_key":49330,"_type":131,"marks":49331,"text":49332},"9391d798a520",[],"As part of an overall wellbeing objective, many employers now offer their workforce support to help them understand the value of their pensions and workplace savings, as well as how to best manage their money in times of crisis. This includes providing financial education workshops, one-to-one guidance or coaching and digital tools and helplines. This can help employees to build their financial resilience now and for the future.",[],[49335],{"_createdAt":475,"_id":476,"_rev":477,"_type":182,"_updatedAt":478,"brandSpecific":4,"slug":49336,"title":481},{"_type":9,"current":480},1775732385377]