Fairstone Group

03/11/2026

As part of the Money and Pensions Service Talk Money Week, we're encouraging everyone to feel more confident talking about their finances, asking questions and understanding the support available to them.

One question you might have is: what's the difference between a financial adviser and an investment manager?

A financial adviser takes the time to understand you, your circumstances and what you want to achieve, helping you build a financial plan around your goals.

An investment manager then focuses on how best to invest your money to help bring that plan to life.

Fairstone's Chief Product & Proposition Officer, Nick Stebbing, explains that understanding the different roles can help you feel more informed and confident when it comes to making decisions about your financial future.

This Talk Money Week, remember that every money conversation counts. You don't need to have all the answers – sometimes it just starts with asking a question.

02/11/2026

This week is Talk Money Week, a campaign led by the Money and Pensions Service encouraging people to have more open conversation about their finances.

With this in mind, we're starting the week off talking about protecting your financial future.

We often focus on building our financial future, but how much thought do we give to protecting it if the unexpected happens?

Recent FCA research found that 58% of UK adults don't have any pure protection cover, highlighting just how big the financial protection gap is.

From life insurance and critical illness cover to income protection, understanding your options can help you make informed decisions and protect what matters most.

In our latest blog, Operations Director for Mortgage & Protection, Gary Goodwin, explores the protection gap, the types of cover available and how talking with an adviser can help you find the right approach for your circumstances.

https://www.fairstone.co.uk/guide/the-financial-protection-gap-what-it-is-and-how-to-bridge-it/

30/10/2026

The Autumn Budget is here - and our latest Budget Guide is ready to help you make sense of what it means for you.

Following Wednesday's announcements, a few of our experts at Fairstone Group Ltd have shared their initial reactions to the key measures, what they could mean for individuals and families, and the areas worth keeping an eye on.

Swipe through for our experts’ insights, and explore our Autumn Budget Guide for a closer look at the announcements and their potential implications.

https://www.fairstone.co.uk/autumn-budget-2026-guide/

28/10/2026

The Chancellor has delivered this year’s Autumn Budget, with announcements affecting household finances, savings, tax and the wider economy.

From changes to energy bills and the decision to retain the £20,000 annual Cash ISA allowance, to updates on wages and business taxation, there’s plenty to consider.

Swipe through our carousel for a summary of the key announcements and what they could mean for your financial plans.

While some measures may create opportunities, others could affect your long-term financial goals. The impact will depend on your individual circumstances, so understanding what the changes mean for you is key.

If you have questions about how the Budget could affect your finances, get in touch with a financial adviser. We’re here to help you navigate the changes and make informed decisions about your financial future.

fairstone.co.uk

27/10/2026

Talking about money with family can sometimes feel uncomfortable, but avoiding these conversations could mean missing valuable opportunities to build wealth and plan for the future.

From helping children develop good financial habits to passing on wealth to future generations, open conversations can make a real difference. With changes to Inheritance Tax rules for unused pensions due from April 2027, planning ahead is more important than ever.

Here are three ways to make those conversations count:
💬 Start talking early - Open conversations about money can help families understand each other’s wishes and make more informed financial decisions.
🌱 Think long term - Small, regular contributions to savings and investments, such as a Junior ISA or a child’s pension, could make a significant difference over time.
💡 Seek expert advice - A financial adviser can help turn family discussions into a clear financial plan, support intergenerational wealth planning and help you understand the options available.

Remember, you don’t need to have all the answers to start talking about money. Taking small steps today could help create greater financial security for the next generation.

Want to find out more? Fairstone's Chief Financial Planning Officer Russell Bignall explores further into why talking openly about money could be one of the most valuable conversations you have with your family in our latest blog.

https://lnkd.in/eug5Hzdrhttps://www.fairstone.co.uk/guide/russells-view-october-2026/

26/10/2026

With the Autumn Budget approaching on Wednesday 28 October, speculation is building - but should you be making changes to your finances before the announcements?

Ahead of the Autumn Budget, a few our experts share their thoughts on what could be announced, the potential implications for your finances, and why it’s important not to make decisions based on speculation alone.

The message ahead of the Budget? Don’t panic. Take stock. Seek advice before making any decisions.

Once the announcements have been made, speak to your financial planner about what any changes could mean for you and your financial future.

Follow Fairstone on Budget Day for our take on the announcements and the key developments to be aware of.

23/10/2026

We’re thrilled to welcome 1st Financial Group in Taunton to , strengthening our presence across Somerset and the West Country.

The firm joined our Downstream Buy Out (DBO) programme in January 2022 and has now completed its partnership journey and will become Fairstone Taunton.

Led by Phil Higginson, 1st Financial Group supports more than 4,000 clients and manages £125 million in assets, providing financial planning, investment management, estate planning and mortgage advice.

As part of Fairstone, the team will benefit from access to our national infrastructure, technology and specialist expertise, helping them continue to grow while delivering excellent outcomes for clients.

We’re excited to support the team’s next chapter and continue expanding our reach across the UK to help more people achieve their financial goals.

21/10/2026

What does pension consolidation mean - and how could it help you?

Fairstone Chartered Financial Planner Elliot Shaw outlines how pension consolidation involves gathering up various pensions which someone may have during their working life and putting them into a single pension plan.

Elliot explains that having multiple pensions with various providers is quite common as people change jobs during their career and that it can be difficult to keep track of all of these plans.

He says combining a number of pensions into one plan can simplify things, cut administration costs and potentially increase the size of the pension pot.

Could pension consolidation be right for you?

Find out more in our blog.

https://www.fairstone.co.uk/guide/pension-consolidation-guide/

20/10/2026

Having multiple pensions from different jobs is common, but is combining them always the right decision?

Pension consolidation can make it easier to manage your retirement savings, reduce administration and potentially lower charges. However, transferring pensions could also mean losing valuable benefits that may be difficult or impossible to replace.

With the Government exploring ways to consolidate small, dormant pension pots and changes to inheritance tax rules due from April 2027, it’s a good time to review your pension arrangements.

Before making a decision, consider these three key points:
🔎 Review your pensions - Understand what you have, where your money is invested and what charges you’re paying.
⚖️ Check the benefits - Older pensions may include valuable features, such as guaranteed annuity rates, protected pension ages or enhanced tax-free cash allowances.
💡 Seek expert advice - A financial adviser can help you weigh up the benefits and drawbacks of consolidation and determine what’s right for your circumstances.

Remember, having fewer pensions doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be better off. The important thing is understanding what you could gain, and what you might lose, before making a decision.

Want to find out more? In our latest Fairstone blog, Harry Sims - Chartered Financial Planner, explores the pros and cons of pension consolidation and what to consider before bringing your pensions together.

Should you consolidate your pensions? Discover benefits and risks of combining pensions, including benefits you may lose when transferring.

19/10/2026

A huge thank you to colleagues from our West Midlands Hub who volunteered their time to support Black Country Foodbank earlier this month.

Black Country Foodbank provides essential emergency food and practical support to individuals and families experiencing hardship across the Black Country, making a real difference to people in our local communities.

We’re proud to have played a small part in supporting their incredible work.

Volunteering is a great way to give back to our local community and a reminder of the importance of compassion, teamwork and supporting those who need it most.

A big thank you to the Black Country Foodbank team for welcoming us, and to all our colleagues who got involved and gave their time to make a difference!👏