Beat the Clock: Your 2026 Tax Year-End Checklist for Smarter Investing and Retirement
With the 2025/26 UK tax year ending on 5 April 2026, now’s the time to act on key allowances for ISAs, pensions, and more—especially if investments and retirement are your focus. At 1st Financial Foundations, we help you maximise these opportunities without the hype. Why Act Before 5 April? Allowances like ISAs and pensions […]
February 2026: BoE hold interest rates at 3.75%
The Bank of England has maintained its current stance, and now it is your turn to respond. The base rate remained at 3.75% on February 5, following a close 5–4 vote. This indicates that while cuts are expected in the future, they are not imminent. And now a week on, the initial headlines have faded, […]
Christmas 2025 on a Budget: Enjoy the Season, Stay in Control
Christmas should feel good, not stressful. Here’s a simple, UK-specific plan to enjoy the season, protect your cashflow, and start 2026 in control. Energy bills: the Ofgem cap rises slightly in Jan–Mar 2026 to £1,758 a year for a typical household — budget for that change now. Budget 2025 headline help: £150 off energy bills […]
The Autumn Reset: Simple Cashflow Tweaks That Make a Big Difference
The Autumn Reset: Simple Cashflow Tweaks That Make a Big Difference With the Autumn Budget set for Wednesday 26 November 2025, now’s a great time to tidy your money and make small changes that add up. Think of it as an autumn reset: quick wins today, less stress tomorrow and you’ll be in a stronger […]
The £1m Pension Mistake: Are You at Risk?
For years, reaching a £1 million pension pot has symbolised success, serving as the benchmark for financial freedom. But in 2025, that milestone could quietly trigger unnecessary taxes, reduced flexibility, and a smaller legacy for your family. If you’re a business owner or approaching retirement, this isn’t just a theoretical risk; it’s a planning blind […]
Should You Overpay Your Mortgage or Invest?
As we move through Q3 2025, many homeowners are asking the same question: Should I put spare cash into my mortgage, or would I be better off investing it? With the Chancellor’s November Budget just around the corner, and new rules and allowances expected in Q1 2026, the decision feels more pressing than ever. At […]
