Alex Thomas Independent Financial Planner

14/10/2026

🎉 Some fantastic news from DGS! 🎉

We’re delighted to share that D G S Chartered Independent Financial Advisers Ltd has been ranked 12th in the FT Adviser Top 100 Financial Advisers for 2026! 🏆

This is a fantastic achievement for the whole DGS team, particularly as this year has been described as the strongest for UK financial advisers since the rankings began 30 years ago.

The rankings look at much more than simply the size of a business. Factors include client retention, growth, years of service and professional Chartered or accredited status, making this recognition something we are extremely proud of.

Most importantly, we see it as a reflection of the trust our clients place in us and the hard work and dedication of everyone at DGS.

With financial planning becoming increasingly complex, from pensions and retirement to inheritance tax and estate planning, our priority remains the same: to provide clear, personal and trusted financial advice that helps our clients plan confidently for the future.

A huge thank you to all our clients and to the entire DGS team.

⭐ 12th in the UK’s FT Adviser Top 100. Finishing so high in such a strong field of some of the biggest names in UK financial services, is a fantastic achievement for DGS and underlines the quality and professionalism of our team.
⭐

09/10/2026

A great resource to help find those old pensions.....

💷 Lost track of an old pension?

Changing jobs can sometimes mean losing track of workplace pensions over the years.

Gretel is a free service designed to help you trace lost or forgotten pensions and reconnect with your retirement savings.

✅ Free
✅ Secure
✅ Easy to use

Knowing where your pensions are held is an important step towards planning for your future.

🔗 You can access Gretal via the link below:

https://www.gretel.co.uk/

If you would like advice or assistance regarding your pensions or retirement options, please get in touch with a qualified financial adviser here at DGS Chartered Financial Planners

Please note that pension values can fall as well as rise, and the value of any benefits will depend on your individual circumstances.

16/09/2026

The UK economy continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience.

Despite higher energy prices, geopolitical uncertainty and ongoing inflation concerns, the latest economic data shows the UK grew by 0.4% in the three months to July, with the services sector leading the way. AI and cloud computing businesses were among the strongest contributors to growth.

At the same time:
✅ Consumer spending has reached a 13-month high
✅ Property buyer demand is picking up
✅ Savings rates continue to outpace inflation

There are still challenges ahead, particularly with oil prices climbing above $100 per barrel and uncertainty around future interest rate decisions. However, the underlying message is one of cautious optimism.

For investors and savers alike, periods of uncertainty reinforce the importance of maintaining a well-structured financial plan and focusing on long-term objectives rather than short-term headlines.

09/09/2026

This weeks News in review

UK Economy: Reasons for Cautious Optimism? 📈

This week's economic updates suggest a growing focus on long-term UK growth, despite ongoing challenges.

Key highlights:
• Chancellor John Healey outlined a growth-focused agenda centred on fiscal discipline, regional investment, innovation, AI and support for high-growth businesses.
• A new £150m fund and the "Northern 500" initiative aim to accelerate business growth across northern regions and strengthen local economies.
• UK business confidence reached a five-month high, with firms reporting greater optimism about both the economy and their own trading prospects.
• The services sector continues to expand, while manufacturing growth has moderated but remains resilient.
• Household savings continue to rise, with significant flows into ISAs, while the FCA is encouraging families to check for unclaimed Child Trust Funds.

The picture remains mixed, with inflation, global trade tensions and borrowing costs continuing to create headwinds. However, improving confidence among businesses and a renewed focus on investment and innovation could provide a stronger platform for future growth.

29/08/2026

💭 Could your pension create an unexpected Inheritance Tax bill for your family?

From April 2027, unused pension funds could form part of your estate for Inheritance Tax purposes, marking one of the biggest changes to pension estate planning in recent years.

For many families, pensions have been an efficient way to pass wealth to the next generation. The upcoming changes may mean it's time to revisit those plans.

Now is a good opportunity to review:
• Your overall estate value
• Pension death benefit planning
• Existing gifting strategies
• Potential IHT exposure for beneficiaries

Planning early gives you more options and more time to make informed decisions.

Have you reviewed how these changes could affect your family?

Attached is a link to a guide to provide some further insight but get in touch if you have any questions

12/08/2026

See below the key headlines for this weeks news in review

✅ The government is introducing new procurement rules, encouraging businesses bidding for public contracts to demonstrate their contribution to jobs, skills development and local communities.

📈 The services sector returned to growth in July, with business activity expanding for the first time in three months, suggesting some resilience in the wider economy.

⚠️ Challenges remain. An exceptionally hot and dry summer is expected to impact UK crop yields, potentially pushing food prices higher, while motorists have already seen fuel costs rise due to volatility in global oil markets.

🏠 The housing market remains relatively stable, although annual house price growth has slowed significantly and affordability continues to be a key concern for buyers.

🏗️ The construction sector is showing signs of improvement, with the pace of decline easing and business confidence increasing, though activity remains below growth levels.

As always, economic developments can have important implications for personal finances, investments and long-term planning. Staying informed and reviewing your financial strategy regularly remains essential, so do reach out if you require some guidance.

05/08/2026

In this weeks news in review, markets and policymakers continue to navigate a complex economic backdrop.

📊 Key takeaways from this week's market update:

• The Bank of England held interest rates at 3.75% for the fifth consecutive meeting, although policymakers remain cautious as energy prices could push inflation higher later this year.

• UK inflation eased to 2.6% in June, providing some short-term relief, but uncertainty around global energy markets remains a key risk.

• The FTSE 100 reached a record high, supported by investor rotation away from technology stocks and renewed interest in UK equities.

• In the US, the Federal Reserve also left rates unchanged, reinforcing the message that the battle against inflation is not yet over.

• The UK Chancellor has confirmed the next Budget for 28 October 2026, with a focus on economic growth, fiscal discipline and maintaining market confidence. • While retail and private sector activity remain under pressure, recent data suggests sentiment is becoming less negative, offering some cautious optimism for the months ahead.

01/02/2026

In recent weeks I have had a few questions relating to investing for children. With this in mind and tax year end around the corner on April 5th, below are some options available.

JUNIOR ISAs

Any child under the age of 18, and who lives in the UK, can have a Junior Individual Savings Account (JISA). Like adult ISAs, there are two types of JISA: cash JISAs and stocks and shares JISAs. The maximum you can pay into either type tax-free is £9,000 for the 2025-26 tax year. Income and gains from a JISA are free of UK tax and not subject to parental tax rules. Note that children can gain control of a JISA at 16 but usually can’t withdraw anything until they’re 18.

PERSONAL PENSIONS

You may think your own pension is a world away, let alone your child’s. However, if you’re looking to secure your child’s financial future in the long term, you may wish to consider opening a Junior Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP). Junior SIPPs/Pensions are eligible for 20% tax relief; the maximum you can pay in per year is £3,600 (i.e. £2,880 with 20% tax relief).

TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF TAX-FREE ALLOWANCES

As we have seen, JISAs and Junior SIPPs will enable you to invest a set amount each tax year, without either a) incurring tax on interest or gains or b) losing valuable tax reliefs. It is therefore advisable to take maximum advantage of these allowances before moving onto other types of investments that may incur tax.

Gifts of money do not incur IHT if the donor lives for seven years after gifting. Lifetime gifting is a good option for grandparents, for example, who wish to contribute financially to their grandchildren’s future while reducing the value of their own estate for IHT purposes. There are also additional allowances, available which can reduce the Inheritance tax burden.

Feel free to reach out if you are looking for some independent financial advice, prior to the end of the tax year. You can reach me on 07584034634 or email me on [email protected]

27/11/2025

Following the budget announcements yesterday, join me for a Post Budget summary at 10.30am on Friday the 28th November on Teams to run through the key areas of change, and things to consider moving forward

09/10/2025

On Wednesday 26th November Rachel Reeves will announce the highly anticipated budget.

I am getting lots of questions around the budget, but like last year, it is uncertain what this will entail, despite the speculation.

The article below by Fidelity, provides a good overview of the speculation and perhaps some thoughts as to some actions before the budget.

ISA's seem to be in the spotlight here, with a potential cash ISA reduction so it is worth considering using this allowance before the budget if you hold savings in taxable accounts.

On top of this there are rumours around Inheritance tax, pensions and capital gains tax. The truth is it's unwise to act on rumours alone, as this may not be the right decision for you.

If you would like some guidance around your financial planning including pensions, Investments, Tax allowances, Protection and IHT do get in touch. [email protected] or call 07584 034634

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