We are a firm of Chartered, Independent Financial Planners based in County Durham.
11/03/2026
This weeks reading along with some nice biccys from Lovley clients:
Die with Zero! Getting all you can from your money and your life.
Let’s see if we can get some helpful insights for our clients. 😊
05/02/2026
Please share! Underpaid state pension for women mainly over age 65. Iv had clients paid out £thousands :
Tens of thousands of women, particularly those aged 65 and over (including age 74), may be entitled to a, state pension top-up due to historical underpayments by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The issue stems from a failure to automatically increase pensions for married women, widows, and those over 80.
Key Information for Claiming Shortfalls (LEAP Exercise)
Who is affected: Women who reached state pension age before April 2016, specifically married women whose husband turned 65 before March 17, 2008, and women who did not have a top-up applied automatically.
The Problem: Many women should have had their basic pension increased to 60% of their husband's rate (approx. £101.55 per week in 2024/25) but did not.
Action Required: While the DWP is conducting a "Legal Entitlements and Administrative Practices" (LEAP) exercise to correct this, those who believe they are affected should contact the Pension Service to request a review.
Contact Number: 0800 731 0469 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm).
Divorced Women: Women who divorced after reaching State Pension age may also be eligible for an increased pension based on their ex-husband's National Insurance record.
Important Distinctions
Underpayment Correction (LEAP): This is a correction of existing rules, with thousands having already received backpayments.
WASPI Compensation: This is separate from the LEAP underpayment corrections. The Ombudsman found that women born in the 1950s (WASPI women) were not properly notified of pension age changes. While an official investigation concluded they are owed compensation, the government has not yet confirmed the amount.
How to Check
You can check if you have a shortfall by calling the Pension Service, or if you are the executor/next of kin of someone who has passed away, you can also request a check.
02/01/2026
Did you make any New Year's Resolutions? 🤔
If you have been thinking about organising your finances for some time, you could start this year!
Speak to our team below to secure your financial future:
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We are Chartered Financial Planners providing independent advice
Lifeplan was founded with a clear purpose: “to deliver financial peace of mind and help our clients prepare for retirement”.
We believe the best financial advice comes from a full understanding of your personal situation; not from a list of financial products you or anyone else thinks you might need. It comes from a strategy that has your best interests, goals and ambitions at its heart.
It comes from a Lifeplan.
Founded in 2011, our team consists of two Financial Planners, Gary and Kate, and our Administrator Abigail.
Whether you want to prepare for retirement ten years down the line, want to retire this year or are already retired but need financial guidance, we will create a Lifeplan that will ensure you’re able to achieve all the things you want to.
Over the years, we have developed a specific specialism in helping people at every stage of the retirement process:
Approaching retirement
At retirement
In retirement
Wills & trusts services
If you would like to learn more about our services or arrange an initial, no-obligation meeting, we’d love to hear from you.