While inflation continued to fall in many countries, central banks in advanced economies opted to hold interest rates despite expectations they’d be cut. Find out what else may have affected your investments in April 2024.

A think tank has said Britain’s houses are smaller, less efficient, and cost more than other advanced economies. As house prices rise, securing a competitive mortgage could be more important than ever. Find out more about the report here.

Critical illness cover could provide an essential safety net if you’re diagnosed with a serious condition. However, a survey suggests many people don’t understand how it works and why it could be valuable. If you want to improve your financial resilience, read about why critical illness cover might play a role.

If you’ve heard of “ESG investing” but aren’t sure what it means if or it’s right for you, read the essential things you need to know and discover how you could make it part of your investment strategy.

The number of families that are disputing wills is on the rise. Conflicts could mean your wishes aren’t followed. Discover some of the steps you could take to minimise the risk of disputes.

A third of people don’t check their State Pension forecast before they retire. It could mean they’re missing crucial information when creating a retirement plan, including when they’ll be able to claim the State Pension and how much they’ll receive. Find out why you might want to check your State Pension forecast now.

Persistently high inflation continues to affect economies and financial markets, as do fears that some countries will fall into a recession in 2024. Discover some of the events that may have affected your investment portfolio in January 2024.

There were more mortgage options available in January 2024 than at any time since 2008. More choice could be good news for homeowners or first-time buyers searching for a deal, but it could also make it difficult to navigate the options and choose one that’s right for you.

Managing your finances as a couple could mean you’re more likely to reach goals, but it can come with challenges too. Here are five handy tips that could help you and your partner build an effective financial plan.

Government borrowing was below expectations at the end of 2023. It could mean the chancellor has more scope to make tax cuts or increase public spending in the March Budget. Read about three changes Jeremy Hunt is reportedly considering.

With the end of the tax year approaching, now could be the perfect time to boost your ISA if you haven’t already used your £20,000 annual allowance. It’s a step that could reduce your tax liability, whether you want to save or invest.

In 2023/24, your pension Annual Allowance is up to £60,000 compared to £40,000 in the previous tax year. If you haven’t reviewed whether it could be worthwhile to increase your contributions following the rise, read this article to discover why it could be financially savvy.

Discover what affected investment markets, from ongoing high inflation to weakening consumer demand, in October 2023.

Help-to-Buy equity loans are affected by inflation. Homeowners that used the scheme could find their interest payments rise at the same time as mortgage repayments may increase placing pressure on household budgets.

Life insurance could provide your family with financial security if the worst should happen. Understanding the level of cover that’s right for you may provide peace of mind. Discover three useful ways to calculate a guideline here.

Planning for your death can be emotionally difficult, but it could be a huge help to your loved ones.

Research suggests administering an estate after a loved one has passed away can affect mental health and finances. Read on to learn more about some of the steps you could take to help your family manage your affairs.

A record number of people are celebrating their 100th birthday. In fact, over a century, the number of centenarians increased 127-fold. Rising longevity means thinking about the long term, as making financial decisions could become even more important.

Regular financial reviews may help keep you on track to meet your goals and give you confidence in the steps you’re taking. As well as reviewing your assets, you might also want to make changes to your plan.

While inflation is easing in many countries, data still suggests households and businesses are facing challenges. For investors, it could mean portfolios experience volatility over the coming months. Read some of the factors that affected the markets in July 2023 here.

Applying for a mortgage can be stressful, and you may worry a lender will reject your application. Understanding what they consider during affordability tests could put your mind at ease and highlight potential issues you may be able to fix.