Your Spring Statement update – the key news from the chancellor’s speech

After Rachel Reeves’ impactful first Budget in autumn 2024, you might have been concerned about the announcements that would be included in her Spring Statement on 26 March 2025.

Reassuringly, the major headline from this year’s springtime fiscal event is that Reeves made few announcements that are likely to affect you and your personal finances directly. Although, it did reveal that none of the changes made in the Autumn Budget would be overturned. However, one significant change has been made to the High Income Child Benefit Charge, which could affect you or your family.

The chancellor did announce that, due to global uncertainty and after the economy declined in January, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has downgraded its 2025 forecast for UK growth from 2% in October 2024 to 1% as of March 2025. She also noted the OBR’s long-term forecast, indicating that growth would increase for each year remaining in this parliament.

In addition to growth figures, the chancellor’s Statement introduced a range of measures designed to increase economic activity in the UK, as well as cost-saving initiatives, predominantly at state level, to reduce government debt.

Read on for your summary of the chancellor’s 2025 Spring Statement.

Personal tax thresholds and allowances are set to remain unchanged

Those who were concerned the chancellor would announce sweeping changes that might affect their personal finances will be breathing a sigh of relief as many worries didn’t materialise.

Personal tax

Reeves stuck to a pre-Spring Statement commitment to not increase personal taxes.

So, Income Tax thresholds and rates will remain unchanged, and thresholds are frozen until April 2028. As a result, your Income Tax liability is likely to rise in real terms.

Similarly, the rates and thresholds for paying Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Dividend Tax will remain the same.

Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) 

Before the Spring Statement, the government was reportedly considering reducing the amount you can tax-efficiently place in a Cash ISA each tax year to £4,000 in a bid to encourage greater investment.

The good news is the ISA subscription limit will remain at the current level (£20,000) in the 2025/26 tax year. The ISA subscription limit is frozen until 2030.

The Junior ISA (JISA) allowance will remain at £9,000 in 2025/26.

However, the government did note it will continue reviewing ISA reform options to improve the balance between cash and equities to earn better returns for savers, boost the culture of retail investment, and support its growth mission.

Pensions

Last year, the government announced a new Pension Schemes Bill, which will legislate several areas of pension policy. However, further reforms weren’t announced in the Spring Statement.

The Annual Allowance will remain at £60,000 in 2025/26. Your Annual Allowance may be lower if your income exceeds certain thresholds or you have already flexibly accessed your pension.

As usual, there was also speculation that the amount you could withdraw from your pension tax-free would be reduced, but this has remained unchanged. So, when you reach the normal minimum pension age (55, rising to 57 in 2028), you may withdraw up to 25% of your pension (up to a maximum of £268,275) before paying Income Tax.

State Pension

As expected, there were no announcements relating to the State Pension or the triple lock, which guarantees the State Pension will increase every tax year by either the rate of inflation, average earnings growth, or 2.5%, whichever is higher.

As a result, the full new State Pension will pay a weekly income of £230.25 in 2025/26.

High Income Child Benefit Charge reforms will come into place this summer

Although the chancellor did not explicitly announce the change, the Spring Statement document revealed that those who pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge will be able to do so through PAYE from summer 2025.

As it stands, those who pay the charge need to register for self-assessment to do so, even if they do not otherwise need to self-assess. But this year, the government is making it easier for families to pay the charge without needing to submit a tax return.

Inflation is forecast to meet the Bank of England’s 2% target by 2027

After reaching a 40-year high of 11.1% in October 2022, inflation, as measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), has gradually fallen, bringing it closer to the Bank of England’s (BoE) target of 2%.

The chancellor announced in her Statement that in the 12 months to February 2025, inflation rose by 2.8%, down from 3% in January. Now that inflation is better under control, the BoE has cut its base rate three times since the general election, bringing the rate down from 5.25% to 4.5%. These cuts mean borrowers will likely pay less while savers may see their interest payments fall.

It was then announced that, according to the OBR’s forecast, inflation will average:

  • 3.2% in 2025
  • 2.1% in 2026
  • 2% in 2027, 2028, and 2029 – the BoE’s target rate.

The key fiscal announcements from the 2025 Spring Statement

The chancellor’s speech largely revolved around changes to government spending and investment. Some of the key measures and announcements included in the Statement were to:

  • Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, including providing an additional £2.2 billion to the Ministry of Defence next year
  • Rebalance payment levels in Universal Credit to incentivise people into work, and review the assessment for Personal Independence Payments, with the OBR stating these changes will save £4.8 billion from the welfare budget in 2029/30
  • Crack down on promoters of tax avoidance schemes, as initially announced in the Autumn Budget in October 2024
  • Invest £2 billion in social and affordable housing, so housebuilding reaches a 40-year high that helps put the government on track to reach its target of building 1.5 million homes by the end of this parliament
  • Introduce a £3.25 billion Transformation Fund to streamline public services using technology and Artificial Intelligence, making the government “leaner and more efficient”. Additionally, government departments will reduce their administrative budgets by 15% by the end of the decade.

2024 Autumn Budget changes remain intact

In October 2024, the chancellor announced a series of tax-raising measures during the Autumn Budget, some of which could have affected your personal finances. These included:

  • Inheritance Tax (IHT) will be levied on unused pension benefits from April 2027.
  • Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief will be reduced from April 2026.
  • CGT rates for non-property gains were raised in line with property rates with immediate effect, and Business Asset Disposal Relief and Investors’ Relief were both reduced.
  • Employer National Insurance contributions (NICs) will rise from April 2025, from 13.8% to 15%, and the threshold at which employers start paying NICs will also fall.
  • Income Tax thresholds will remain frozen until 2028.
  • The IHT nil-rate bands will remain fixed for a further two years, until 2030.
  • VAT was levied on fee-paying schools, effective from 1 January 2025.
  • The non-dom tax regime is set to be abolished from April 2025.
  • The Stamp Duty Land Tax surcharge on second home purchases rose from 3% to 5% from 31 October 2024.
  • Corporation Tax is now capped at 25% for the duration of the parliament.

While many hoped the chancellor would row back on some or all of these measures, all remain intact.

Please note

All information is from the Spring Statement documents on this page.

The content of this Spring Statement summary is intended for general information purposes only. The content should not be relied upon in its entirety and shall not be deemed to be or constitute advice.

While we believe this interpretation to be correct, it cannot be guaranteed and we cannot accept any responsibility for any action taken or refrained from being taken as a result of the information contained within this summary. Please obtain professional advice before entering into or altering any new arrangement.

 

Discover why arts and heritage could be good for your health

People walking through a museum.

Most people are familiar with the joy you experience after a fantastic concert, play, film, or art exhibit.

However, did you know that an official government study has found that consuming culture and heritage is good for your health and wellbeing?

Read on to discover the effects art and culture can have on your health, as well as some of the most exciting arts and heritage sites across the UK that you can explore in 2025.

How can arts and culture affect your physical health?

Engaging in arts and culture might feel like it shouldn’t be able to affect your physical health, but a government study found that it can help alleviate pain, frailty, and dependence on medication.

For a more specific example, you can look to the British Heart Foundation’s research into music therapy for people who have suffered strokes, dementia, and other brain injuries.

Roughly 1 in 3 people who survive strokes have aphasia, a speech disorder that makes it difficult to express or understand language. But while they might have lost the ability to speak, they are often able to sing, and joining a choir or other singing group can help them build stronger connections between brain regions and aid in their recovery.

Furthermore, The Times found that dancing for 20 minutes each day – whether you’re in a professional class or bopping around your kitchen – could be enough to fulfil your recommended weekly exercise quota.

What about mental health benefits?

A comprehensive report by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that listening to music, dancing, and looking at art can come with benefits such as:

  • Alleviated symptoms of depression and anxiety
  • Improved cognitive function
  • Enhanced emotional resilience.

While the government survey found that people with the highest engagement in the arts were rewarded with the most benefits, the WHO study found that even occasional engagement was associated with an increased sense of purpose and a better outlook on life.

5 fantastic cultural sites to visit in the UK

If you’re looking for some of the best historical sites in the UK or upcoming art exhibits you can explore, why not try visiting one of these fantastic locations?

  1. National Justice Museum, Nottingham

This gorgeous Grade II-listed Shire Hall is designed to transport you back through the history of justice in the UK.

Watch iconic characters from Nottingham’s history be tried for their crimes in the Victorian Courtroom, explore their Georgian gaol and ancient cells, and even take part in the most popular entertainment of the past – a recreation of a murderer’s execution!

  1. Unearthed: The Power of Gardening, London

This upcoming exhibit explores the enriching and sometimes radical power of gardening in British history, and how it can bring communities together and impact the environment.

From rural gardens and allotments to plants grown on windowsills, the exhibit features fascinating items ranging from the only surviving illustrated collection of herbal remedies from Anglo-Saxon England to new short films about two Afro-diaspora-led community gardens in London.

The exhibit will be running from 2 May to 10 August 2025 in the British Library, with accompanying Living Knowledge Network displays at public libraries across the UK.

  1. York’s Chocolate Story, York

This unique museum offers you the opportunity to take a guided tour through the history of York’s most famous chocolate-making families and their finest creations.

Where other cities were funded by the production of steel, coal, or wool, York’s fame and fortune rested on chocolate for hundreds of years. Unwrap the stories behind the chocolatiers and even learn how to make your own chocolate – with taste tests included, of course.

  1. Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years, Edinburgh

Born in Scotland, Andy Goldsworthy is internationally known for his extraordinary creations made from natural materials.

From photographs, sculptures, and expansive new installations, be sure to head to the Royal Scottish Academy from 26 July to 2 November 2025 to see over 200 of his most famous works, as well as some new pieces created specifically for this exhibit.

  1. Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery, Merthyr Tydfil

Wealthy ironworks owner William Crawshay built his 19th-century stately home in the shape of a castle, and the incredible building is still standing as a museum of local history today.

From Laura Ashley dresses to the first steam whistle, the castle is one of the most frequently visited free tourist attractions in Wales. Explore the gorgeous grounds, delve into the rich history of the area, and keep your eyes peeled for the many events going on throughout the year – including concerts, firework displays, and craft fairs.

The potential perils of accessing your pension at 55

A couple looking at the architecture on an old city street.

Reaching the minimum pension age and being able to access your retirement savings might mean new possibilities opening up. You may start thinking about giving up work, withdrawing a lump sum to pursue a goal, or using your pension to boost your regular income.

It’s an exciting time, but it’s also important to evaluate your decisions and consider how they could affect your long-term plans. Indeed, spending too much too soon could lead to a shortfall later in life.

Usually, you can access your pension from age 55 (rising to 57 in 2028). For many people, this milestone will come before their planned retirement date.

Yet, January 2025 research from Legal & General suggests 1 in 5 people access their pension at 55.

32% of those withdrawing from their pension at 55 said it was to cover essential expenses. However, 46% simply said they did so “because they could”.

Worryingly, 27% of UK adults aged over 50 make decisions about their pension without seeking any advice or guidance. It could mean a significant proportion of those accessing their pension as soon as possible don’t fully understand the long-term implications it could have.

If you’re thinking about withdrawing money from your pension, here are three potential risks to consider first.

1. It could increase your risk of running out of money later in life

Pensions are often among the largest assets people own. So, it’s not surprising that some look at the value and believe they have enough to splurge.

Yet, it’s important to consider why you’ve saved into a pension – to create financial security once you give up work.

If you start accessing your pension at 55, you could be at greater risk of facing a shortfall later in life as it’s likely to need to last several decades. Indeed, according to the Office for National Statistics, the average 55-year-old woman will live until they’re 87. For a man of the same age, life expectancy is 85.

Even if you don’t plan to take a regular income from your pension straightaway, withdrawing a lump sum can have a significant effect on the value of your retirement savings.

Your pension is normally invested with the aim of delivering long-term growth. Taking a lump sum could mean investment returns are lower than expected, which, in turn, may lead to a lower income when you retire.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t access your pension at 55, whether you want to use the money to travel or start reducing your working hours. However, understanding the potential long-term implications of doing so and how it might affect your retirement lifestyle is important.

2. You may face an unexpected tax bill

You can usually withdraw up to 25% of your pension without facing a tax bill, either as a lump sum or spread across multiple withdrawals.

However, if you exceed the 25% tax-free portion, your pension withdrawals may become liable for Income Tax. According to the Legal & General study, around a third of those accessing their pension at 55 are withdrawing more than 25%.

The withdrawal above the tax-free amount would be added to your other sources of income when calculating your Income Tax liability. So, you might want to consider whether it would push you into a higher tax bracket and increase your overall tax bill.

It’s also worth noting that if you receive means-tested benefits, taking a lump sum or income from your pension could affect your entitlement – something a quarter of people didn’t realise.

3. It could limit how much you can tax-efficiently save in your pension

Accessing your pension might reduce how much you can tax-efficiently contribute to your pension each tax year.

In 2024/25, the pension Annual Allowance is £60,000. This is the amount you can personally contribute while retaining tax relief benefits. However, you can only claim tax relief on up to 100% of your annual earnings.

You can normally withdraw your tax-free lump sum from your pension without affecting the Annual Allowance, but if you take a flexible income, you might trigger the Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA).

The MPAA is just £10,000 in 2024/25. As a result, it can significantly reduce how much you’re able to tax-efficiently add to your pension and it might negatively affect your retirement income.

Financial planning could help you understand the effect of accessing your pension at 55

One of the challenges of understanding whether accessing your pension sooner is the right decision for you is that you often need to consider the long-term effects.

Financial planning could help you see how accessing your pension at 55 might affect your long-term finances and review other options as part of a wider financial plan. If you withdraw some of your pension now, it could help you feel more confident, or you might decide an alternative option makes more sense for you.

If you’d like to access your pension, we’re here to help you calculate the potential long-term consequences and more. Please get in touch to arrange a meeting.

Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice, which should be based on your individual circumstances. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028). The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Your pension income could also be affected by the interest rates at the time you take your benefits. The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances, tax legislation, and regulation, which are subject to change in the future.

How financial planning could help you overcome decision paralysis

A close-up of a person walking in the woods.

How long do you leave essential tasks on your to-do list? If you’ve put off tasks because they feel overwhelming, you’re not alone, but delays could be harmful. Read on to find out how financial planning may help you overcome decision paralysis.

According to a January 2025 study from the Post Office, half of adults in the UK have delayed important tasks because they feel too overwhelmed. As well as potentially affecting your plans, procrastinating can harm your wellbeing. Indeed, 63% of survey participants said they feel “weighted down” by their to-do lists.

Commonly delayed tasks include writing a will (25%) and filling in tax returns (18%). For those under 35, managing a pension was also a common sticking point, with 87% feeling overwhelmed by the task.

For some, procrastination can be due to having too many options or worrying about making the “right” decision, leading to decision paralysis – where you know you should tackle a task but don’t know where to start or what to do next.

If it’s financial tasks you’ve been putting off, working with a financial planner could help you overcome decision paralysis.

We can help you prioritise your to-do list

If you have a long to-do list, one of the first challenges might be deciding where to start. Should you write your will first, or spend some time reviewing your pension options?

As your financial planner, we could help you prioritise the tasks depending on your circumstances and needs. Having a clear order could mean your list feels more manageable and give you the confidence to focus on one thing at a time, which could be more productive than trying to multitask.

We can explain the different options to you

Modern life often means you have a lot of options. While this can be a good thing, it may also feel overwhelming as well – how do you sift through all the different options and decide what’s right for you?

This can affect many aspects of your to-do list, including financial tasks. Perhaps you want to start investing but aren’t sure where to invest or how to create a balanced portfolio that reflects your goals. Or maybe you want to set up a trust to protect assets for your child, but you aren’t sure how to compare the different types of trust.

Working with a professional means you have someone to turn to when you have questions. It might mean your options are clearer and you feel empowered to make a decision.

With 30% of people telling the Post Office survey too much information was a barrier for them completing tasks, having someone who can simplify the details and highlight which parts might be important for you could be invaluable.

We can help you understand the long-term effect of your decisions

Financial decisions may be complex and could affect your long-term financial security. So, decision paralysis might occur if you’re worried about making the “right” choice.

Let’s say you’re ready to retire and access your pension. You may be concerned about withdrawing too much and running out later in life. Or you may be unsure if purchasing an annuity or taking a flexible income is right for your lifestyle.

A financial planner could help you understand the long-term effects of your decisions, so you can feel confident about the future.

This may include using cashflow modelling to visualise how your wealth might change depending on how much income you withdraw from your pension each year. You could even use it to model financial shocks to see how you might create a safety net, which may put your mind at ease and help you move forward with a decision.

We can handle tasks on your behalf

43% of UK adults told the Post Office survey that they would hire a personal assistant to help them with life admin if they could.

If you want to take a hands-off approach to managing your finances, building a long-term relationship with a financial planner could be right for you. We’d take the time to understand your aspirations and how your assets might be used to support them to create a tailored plan.

With regular reviews, we can work with you to ensure your plan continues to reflect changes to your circumstances and wishes and make adjustments if necessary.

Contact us to create a financial plan that works for you

If you’d like to review your finances and how they might support long-term goals, please get in touch. We could work with you to create a tailored plan that suits your needs, offers a clear direction, and provide ongoing support should you have any questions or concerns.

Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice, which should be based on your individual circumstances. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate trusts or will writing.

 

Behavioural bias: 5 cognitive biases that could affect your finances

Two women talking in a coffee shop.

When you’re making large financial decisions, basing them on facts and logic could help you choose the option that’s best suited to your needs. Yet, even when you take this approach, cognitive biases may affect the conclusions you draw.

Over the last few months, you’ve read about how past experiences and emotions might affect your financial decisions. Now, read on to find out more about cognitive bias.

Cognitive bias refers to processing errors that might arise from problems with your memory, attention, attribution, or other mental mistakes.

Lots of different factors can affect how you think from your attention wandering if you’re feeling stressed about something else to mental shortcuts known as “heuristics”. Cognitive bias happens to everyone, so read on to discover how it could affect your financial decisions.

1. Confirmation bias

Researching your options when making an investment decision is important. However, confirmation bias might mean you don’t give new information the attention it deserves.

With this bias, you’d favour data that corroborates your pre-existing belief. So, if you already believe that a particular investment opportunity is right for you, you’ll seek out information that supports this view. It could mean you dismiss vital details because it contradicts what your mind has already decided.

By focusing on information that confirms your belief, you may end up making investment decisions that aren’t appropriate for your goals or financial circumstances.

2. Anchoring bias

Anchoring bias occurs when you rely too heavily on a single piece of information, so your views are “anchored” when making decisions.

When you’re investing, the anchor might be the first piece of data you see, such as the value of a stock or share, or you might focus on it because of where it’s come from, like a trusted friend.

Tethering your decisions to a piece of information that might not be relevant can be damaging.

For example, as an investor, you may anchor how you value a particular investment to the price you initially paid for it rather than assessing its current or future value. This could mean you’re more likely to hold on to an investment even if that doesn’t align with your wider investment strategy.

Anchoring bias could lead to you avoiding new opportunities or failing to make changes because you’re focused on a particular data point instead of looking at the bigger picture.

3. Framing bias

How opportunities are presented to you could affect how you perceive them.

Imagine you’re talking to a friend about an investment. If they say there’s a 20% chance that you’ll lose all your money, you’re likely to start worrying about how the loss could affect your finances. On the other hand, if they said there’s an 80% chance of success, it can sound far more appealing.

Even though both statements convey the same chance of success and failure, they can lead to very different outcomes. You may be more likely to make riskier decisions if it’s communicated to you in a positive way that focuses on potential gains.

4. Sample size neglect

Researching financial options can feel overwhelming, whether you’re looking for the best way to invest or are seeking financial protection, as there’s often a lot to weigh up. One shortcut that could lead to bias is basing your decisions on a small sample size.

If you’re looking for the best account for your savings, you might ask family or friends and follow their advice. However, what’s right for them, might not be suitable for you, and if you researched your own options, you could find that a different account is better suited to your needs.

Alternatively, you might review investments and see that a particular sector has performed well over the last few months, so you decide to move more of your money into this area. Yet, as you’re basing a decision on short-term figures, you could miss out on wider trends and inadvertently increase the financial risk you’re taking.

Sample size neglect may lead to overconfidence in predictions that are based on limited experiences.

5. Loss Aversion

Loss aversion is similar to framing bias as it’s about how you perceive losses and gains.

The theory suggests that you feel losses more keenly than you do gains. So, if your investment portfolio falls by 5%, it would affect your emotions more than if it had increased by 5%.

For some investors, this cognitive bias could lead to them becoming risk-averse and potentially missing out on opportunities, even if they’re appropriate for them. A cautious approach may seem “safe”, but it has the potential to harm your long-term wealth creation and affect your plans.

An outside perspective could help you limit the effects of bias

It can be difficult to recognise when bias might be affecting your decisions. Sometimes an outside perspective could help you identify where past experiences, emotions or cognitive errors are influencing the conclusions you’ve drawn.

As financial planners, we can work with you to create a financial plan that aligns with your goals and circumstances. Please get in touch if you’d like to arrange a meeting.

Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice, which should be based on your individual circumstances. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.

4 ways that money can make you happy

A woman in a museum looks at an art exhibition.

This guest blog was written by Chris Budd who wrote the original Financial Wellbeing Book, and also the Four Cornerstones of Financial Wellbeing. He founded the Institute for Financial Wellbeing and has written more than 100 episodes of the Financial Wellbeing Podcast.

Money holds an important role in all our lives. Whether it is enabling transactions, or providing security and peace of mind, we simply can’t avoid the fact that money and our wellbeing are inextricably linked.

This relationship, however, can be both positive and negative. Seeing money as a tool for joy can increase our long-term wellbeing. Go too far and see money as an objective, however, and this can actually make us less happy.

Here are four financial wellbeing tips for how to have a relationship with money that will help you to be happier, not just wealthier.

Tip 1: Understand what makes us all happy

There are things about wellbeing that are true of all of us. A hug with a loved one will make any of us feel happy.

Research tells us that there are two main sources of long-term wellbeing.

The first is the quality of our social relationships. Not the quantity – the quality. How are you using your money to foster those relationships that are important to you? This goes for how you spend your time as much as how you spend your money.

The second source of long-term wellbeing is having something purposeful in your life. This could take many forms. Perhaps it comes from doing something creative. Community is also a huge part of wellbeing, so perhaps it could be getting involved with supporting your children’s sporting activities. It might be being a parent – but this can be problematic as your children grow up, so having something in addition to this is a good idea.

Starting a business is another source of long-term wellbeing – but only if this is because you want to make a difference in the world. If your business objective is just to make money, then this is unlikely to have the same level of impact on your long-term wellbeing.

Tip 2: Look past the goal

Many people set themselves goals. This could be retiring at a certain age, achieving a promotion, selling a business, or a specific target.

Ask yourself this question: What happens once I achieve that goal?

Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps achieved his goal when he won eight medals at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Not long after, he faced mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression.

The problem with achieving a goal is that when you have achieved it, you need to find a new one. What will you do after you sell your business, receive that promotion, or retire?

Look back at the answers you gave to where purpose comes from in your life. What gives you long-term wellbeing in life, and how can you get more of it?

This might be something to discuss with your financial adviser. What is your financial plan going to allow you to do after you achieve your current goal?

Tip 3: Spend for joy

There is a lot of pressure, through advertising and social comparisons, to spend money. It’s worth taking time to think about your spending habits, and whether they are making you happy.

One tip is to slow down the buying process. When you put something in your Amazon basket, don’t click on the checkout button, but leave the item in the basket for a few days. Perhaps remove your credit and debit cards from your phone, which means you must get up and find the cards before you make the purchase.

Consider spending on experiences, rather than buying stuff. When you buy a present for a loved one, perhaps buy a ticket to a future concert or event which you can attend together. This ticks lots of wellbeing boxes, such as the joy from anticipation, and nurturing the quality of your social relationships.

Tip 4: Don’t look at your money

Money should be our servant. All too often, we realise that it has become our master.

The only prediction about investment markets that we absolutely know to be true is that they will go up and down. When our investments or pensions go up, we get a false sense of security. When they go down, we get a false sense of panic.

Having a better relationship with money, and having improved financial wellbeing, involves reducing the amount you think about money.

The best financial wellbeing involves having a financial plan. This means setting future objectives that will increase your wellbeing, not just your wealth – and then get on with enjoying your life!

Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice, which should be based on your individual circumstances. The information is aimed at retail clients only.