Claire at Blueprint

03/11/2026

As energy bills continue to rise, many households are looking for practical ways to stay in control of costs this winter.

From checking your tariff to making the most of available support, this article from the Independent shares seven simple steps that could help reduce the pressure.

There are several proactive steps you can take ahead of winter to lower your tariff.

02/11/2026

According to the latest data by the Office for National Statistics the state pension will rise by £488 a year come April. Find out what that means for the total annual amount as well as weekly in this article from Which? Money.

Pensioners could see an above-inflation rise in state pension payments from April 2027

30/10/2026

Everyday costs like living expenses, utilities, and childcare do not disappear.

If you’re not sure how your family would cope, it’s time to look at your options.

Book a no obligation chat with a qualified financial adviser.

WhatsApp link: https://wa.me/+447990451814

29/10/2026

Research suggests that 78 per cent of people aged 40 and up haven't arranged a power of attorney, meaning there's no plan in place if they became unable to make decisions relating to health and financial affairs.

Planning for later life involves thinking about topics that most of us would rather push to the back of our minds.
But it's important that we do consider them, so our loved ones aren't overwhelmed if they have to deal with practicalities such as managing our money.

This article explores what a lasting power of attorney is, how it works, and why it's so important.

Every adult should consider setting up a lasting power of attorney, but many people haven't arranged one. It can be a big help to your family - here's how to set one up.

28/10/2026

What could the Autumn Budget mean for your finances? From tax and pensions to benefits and savings, there are a number of areas to watch ahead of this year’s Budget. Read this article from Which? for more information.

We look at what could be announced, from tax and pensions to benefits, savings and more

27/10/2026

Thinking about retiring early? Financial firms are reporting growing demand for a product that helps bridge the gap between stopping work and getting your state pension.

After falling out of fashion, annuities - a pension product that provides a fixed income for life - have become more popular partly because of higher annuity rates and tax changes, but also because they offer some financial certainty during turbulent times.

Now, the demand for fixed-term annuities, which give you a fixed income for a set period and a lump sum at the end of it, is increasing. Retirees can then decide what to do with that cash based on their circumstances at the time.

Find out more in this article from The Guardian.

Fixed-term annuities give income for a set period – such as five or 10 years – and an agreed lump sum at the end

26/10/2026

Have you thought about what happens to your finances when you're no longer here? This article looks at the practical steps involved in organising your financial affairs, including important documents, accounts and estate planning considerations. For more information, read this article from MoneyWeek.

Getting your finances in order before you die can give you peace of mind and make sure your money goes to who you want it to.

23/10/2026

Christmas is fast approaching, and while the festive season is a wonderful time for families to come together, the extra costs can make it stressful.

Which? has rounded up 11 money-saving tips from its experts, from loyalty schemes to Secret Santa, to help you cut festive costs, both this year and for years to come.

Read more >

Discover expert tips to save money on presents, food and festive essentials

22/10/2026

If your mortgage deal is coming to an end, should you fix for two years or lock in a rate for longer?

Fixed rates are currently close to the 6% mark - if you're coming to the end of a two-year fixed deal, you're likely to find that today's rates are slightly higher than when you last took out your mortgage. Those coming off five-year fixed rates need to prepare for significantly higher rates; for most mortgages, this jump will result in monthly repayments increasing by hundreds of pounds.

This Which? article looks at two- and five-year fixes plus six key things to weigh up before choosing your next mortgage.

Plus, 6 key things to weigh up before choosing your next mortgage

21/10/2026

With 6% mortgage rates now being talked about as the new normal, the housing market is changing fast. The average interest rate on a new five-year mortgage deal hit 6% last week, the highest in three years. If you’re planning to buy, now’s a good time to review your budget, explore options and get clarity on what you can afford. Have a read of this in depth article from the Observer.

Global events have pushed borrowing rates to their highest level in three years, but that doesn’t mean we should expect a 1990s-style crash