2024 - Mearns & Company

The gender protection gap: Do you have enough cover?

Research suggests that women are less likely than men to take out income protection. This trend could mean women are more vulnerable to financial shocks

Good Money Week: 3 ways you could align your finances with your values

Good Money Week starts on 30 September and encourages you to think about the potential impact your financial decisions have on the environment and wider

How to join the pension treasure hunt and discover “lost” savings

You could uncover “lost” pension savings and boost your retirement by tracking down old pots you might have forgotten about. Read on to find out

How “lifestyle financial planning” could help you reach your goals

Effectively managing your finances to get the most out of your assets often means going beyond paying into a pension regularly or selecting a fund

Want to support your children through university? Here’s what you may want to consider

Millions of students across the UK are preparing to head to university and pursue their educational goals. As a parent, you may feel proud as

How understanding behavioural finance could improve your decisions

The study of how psychology affects financial behaviours is fascinating. Understanding the basics could improve your relationship with money and how it influences your financial

Explained: When do you need to declare the interest earned on savings?

Rising interest rates have been fantastic news for savers. But it might have left you wondering if you need to pay tax on the interest you’ve earned, and how to pay it if you are liable.

3 practical ways you could reduce your tax bill in retirement

The number of retirees who could face an Income Tax bill is expected to rise. If your total income could exceed tax thresholds, there might be some steps you can take to reduce your tax bill.

What 70 years of BBC news bulletins could teach you about investment markets

70 years ago, the BBC broadcast its first daily television news programme. Since then, round-the-clock news has become available, and you can get the latest headlines with a few taps on your smartphone. While being connected can be positive, for investors, it can make periods of volatility and choosing an investment even more difficult.

3 fantastic benefits of leaving a charitable legacy in your will

According to a report from the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), in 2023, three-quarters of people in the UK supported a charity in some way. Whether you donate money, fundraise, or volunteer your time, you might want to consider how to extend your actions to create a charitable legacy in your will – and there could be tax benefits to doing so.

Making your present part of your financial plan could enhance your life

As financial planners, we often talk about the importance of working towards long-term goals and security. As part of your financial plan, you might be putting money into a pension for retirement or building an emergency fund to safeguard your finances if you experience a shock.

How a financial plan could alleviate your inflation worries

The uncertainty of how the cost of living will change during your lifetime can make long-term planning difficult. After all, how can you be certain how your expenses will change in 20 years or more? If you’re worried about the effect of inflation on your security, a financial plan could provide peace of mind.

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