Invest Southwest Independent Financial Advisers

29/10/2026

26/10/2026

Inheritance Tax Changes 6 April 2027 – are you prepared?

Important changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) are coming, with most unused pension funds and certain pension death benefits set to be included in estate valuations for IHT purposes.

These changes could affect how much wealth you leave to loved ones, making it a good time to review your pension(s) and estate planning.

Every family’s circumstances are different, and understanding your options early could help you make informed decisions.

Be cautious of schemes promising to avoid IHT.

Get in touch to discuss how these changes could affect your financial plans.

23/10/2026

UK housing market remains cautious...

With autumn well underway, the UK housing market remains fairly subdued, with higher borrowing costs and economic uncertainty continuing to affect buyers and sellers.

Lloyds’ August Housing Price Index showed the average UK house prices were £298,468, down 0.4% on the previous year. Savill’s forecasts a further 2% fall during 2026, before growth returns in 2027.

Mortgage rates remain unpredictable, while the supply of newly built homes continues to face pressure.

Whether you’re moving home or remortgaging, understanding what you can comfortably afford is more important than trying to predict the market.

Our mortgage advisers are here to help. Get in touch to discuss your options.

20/10/2026

Autumn Budget 2026: Planning Ahead, Not Predicting...

With the Autumn Budget just around the corner, speculation is building about what changes could be announced on 28 October and what they might mean for your finances.

It’s easy to get caught up in the headlines, but good financial planning is about preparing for the future, not trying to predict it.

Focusing on what we already know, including previously announced pension and ISA changes, can help you make informed decisions.

Get in touch to discuss your financial plans.

14/10/2026

The Changing Mortgage Landscape...

The traditional journey of buying a home, paying off a mortgage and entering retirement debt-free is changing. According to UK Finance, the average first-time buyer is now 33, while longer mortgage terms mean some homeowners could still be making repayments into their 60s.

Borrowing in later life is becoming more common, with remortgaging now the largest area of lending for older borrowers. Options can also include standard mortgages, later life lending and equity release, depending on individual circumstances.

With more options available, it is worth considering affordability, lifestyle needs and how your mortgage fits with your longer-term plans.

Considering your mortgage options? Get in touch to discuss your plans.

12/10/2026

Why Later Life Financial Planning Matters...

Planning ahead for later life isn’t always an easy conversation. Aegon research found that while 83% of UK adults believe financial preparation for death is important, 32% say they have yet to take any action.

Only 38% have written a Will, 26% have communicated their wishes and 18% have organised important financial documents, such as pension(s), bank account and insurance information.

Putting your financial affairs in order can help make things clearer for you and your family.

Contact us to review your financial plans and estate planning needs.

08/10/2026

Retirement Planning for the Self-Employed...

Only 38% of self-employed people and 40% of freelancers are actively saving for retirement, according to research from Aviva.

Without the workplace pension contributions that employees may benefit from, planning for retirement requires more personal responsibility. When income varies from month to month, pension contributions can easily slip down the priority list.

Making regular contributions can help make retirement saving part of your routine. Pensions can also offer valuable tax benefits, depending on your circumstances.

If you’re self-employed or a freelancer, regularly reviewing your retirement plans can help you stay focused on your longer-term goals.

Talk to us about your retirement plans.



https://www.investsouthwest.co.uk/content/large/documents/money_%26_wealth_news/2026/260713_money_and_wealth_magazine_summer_2026.pdf

07/10/2026

Congratulations Linda on receiving a very special professional honour

Linda Fisher, who manages Will Management Services, is incredibly proud and honoured to share: "I have been awarded Companion of the Society of Will Writers (Cmpn.SWW).

This is particularly meaningful to me because Companion is not a membership grade that can be applied for. It is awarded at the discretion of the Society’s Board to individuals recognised for ‘long and distinguished service to the profession.

After many years working in the will-writing profession, to have that contribution recognised in this way is a very special moment for me.

I have always believed that writing a Will is about far more than completing a document. It is about listening to people, understanding what matters to them, protecting their families and helping them make important decisions with confidence.

I’m extremely grateful to the The Society of Will Writers for this recognition, and to all the clients, colleagues and professional contacts who have been part of my journey over the years.

I’m very proud to add Cmpn.SWW to my name and to continue doing what I love. ❤️

Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way.”

06/10/2026

Are your savings working hard enough?

The amount of money held in savings accounts paying 1% interest or less rose sharply during 2025, increasing by more than £67 billion, according to research published by Spring in 2026.
This highlights just how much money continues to be held in low-interest savings accounts.

With inflation affecting the purchasing power of cash over time, it’s worth reviewing your savings regularly and checking whether your money is earning a competitive rate.

Contact us to review how your savings fit with your wider financial plans.



https://www.investsouthwest.co.uk/content/large/documents/money_%26_wealth_news/2026/260713_money_and_wealth_magazine_summer_2026.pdf

30/09/2026

UK dividends made a strong start to 2026...

UK dividends started 2026 on a positive note, with companies paying £16.4bn to shareholders in the first quarter. That represents a 21.1% increase compared to the same period last year, according to Computershare.

Special dividends helped drive the increase, while regular payouts also performed better than expected. Medium-sized UK companies performed particularly well, with dividend growth stronger than many larger companies.

Following the stronger than expected start to the year, Computershare upgraded its forecast at the time, with UK equities expected to provide a yield of around 3.5%.

Dividends are not guaranteed and can rise or fall.



https://www.investsouthwest.co.uk/content/large/documents/money_%26_wealth_news/2026/260713_money_and_wealth_magazine_summer_2026.pdf