Archive: September 2026

Not exactly. You can’t backdate an actual pension contribution to an earlier tax year — HMRC treats a contribution as made on the date it’s actually paid. But if you have unused pension Annual Allowance from the last three tax years, you may be able to carry it forward (often searched for as “carrying back”) Read More +

Work-life balance for business owners is something I think about constantly — not just as an adviser, but as someone who talks to owner after owner who can’t quite manage it. Summer’s winding down. The suitcases are unpacked, the out-of-office is switched off, and — if I’m honest — so was quite a lot of Read More +

As Managing Director of FH Manning, I am asked one question more often than almost any other. Clients want to know whether they should put extra money into a pension or an ISA. It usually comes up when someone has had a pay rise, a bonus or simply feels ready to take their long term Read More +

It’s that time of year again. The school run has an end date in sight, the diary is filling up with “what are we doing with the kids for six weeks” panic, and somewhere between the sun cream and the packed lunches, the pace of everything else in life quietly… drops. I call it the Read More +

Your portfolio matters. I’m Claire Markham, and it’s my job to care about it. As an independent financial planner, I work for you, with a local focus on Horncastle, and a global focus on your wealth. That doesn’t mean though that I don’t have carefully-chosen partners to help me do my job and help you grow your Read More +

Picture the scene. It’s a Tuesday morning in June. You’re sitting at a small wooden desk that’s somehow far too small for a grown adult, the clock is ticking ominously on the wall, and someone’s just handed you a paper that begins: “Answer ALL questions. Time allowed: two hours.” Your palms are sweaty. You haven’t Read More +

I speak with a lot of professionals who are, by any measure, doing well. Successful careers, good incomes, busy lives. And yet, when the conversation turns to retirement, there’s often a familiar pause — a slight uncertainty about whether what they’re doing right now will be enough to fund the life they actually want later. It’s Read More +

Though Mental Health Awareness Week of 2026 has just ended, the need to pay attention to mental health–and take steps to protect it–is just as critical as ever. Financial struggles and mental health are deeply connected. No matter your income level, if you have significant financial stress, you also have a greater likelihood of mental Read More +

Inheritances are left to enhance our quality of life. However, you have to consider the downside of an inheritance. Specifically, the inheritance tax. The inheritance tax (IHT) is typically paid at a rate of 40% on all amounts exceeding the applicable threshold. The ceiling will vary based on individual circumstances. Navigating the stringent rules that Read More +

Teaching children the value of money has never been more important. With the rising cost of living and the ease of digital spending, helping young people understand how to save is a crucial life skill. Teach Your Children to Save Day in 2026 falls on April 27th. and is the perfect opportunity for families to Read More +