Alex Thomas Independent Financial Planner

12/08/2026

See below the key headlines for this weeks news in review

✅ The government is introducing new procurement rules, encouraging businesses bidding for public contracts to demonstrate their contribution to jobs, skills development and local communities.

📈 The services sector returned to growth in July, with business activity expanding for the first time in three months, suggesting some resilience in the wider economy.

⚠️ Challenges remain. An exceptionally hot and dry summer is expected to impact UK crop yields, potentially pushing food prices higher, while motorists have already seen fuel costs rise due to volatility in global oil markets.

🏠 The housing market remains relatively stable, although annual house price growth has slowed significantly and affordability continues to be a key concern for buyers.

🏗️ The construction sector is showing signs of improvement, with the pace of decline easing and business confidence increasing, though activity remains below growth levels.

As always, economic developments can have important implications for personal finances, investments and long-term planning. Staying informed and reviewing your financial strategy regularly remains essential, so do reach out if you require some guidance.

05/08/2026

In this weeks news in review, markets and policymakers continue to navigate a complex economic backdrop.

📊 Key takeaways from this week's market update:

• The Bank of England held interest rates at 3.75% for the fifth consecutive meeting, although policymakers remain cautious as energy prices could push inflation higher later this year.

• UK inflation eased to 2.6% in June, providing some short-term relief, but uncertainty around global energy markets remains a key risk.

• The FTSE 100 reached a record high, supported by investor rotation away from technology stocks and renewed interest in UK equities.

• In the US, the Federal Reserve also left rates unchanged, reinforcing the message that the battle against inflation is not yet over.

• The UK Chancellor has confirmed the next Budget for 28 October 2026, with a focus on economic growth, fiscal discipline and maintaining market confidence. • While retail and private sector activity remain under pressure, recent data suggests sentiment is becoming less negative, offering some cautious optimism for the months ahead.

01/02/2026

In recent weeks I have had a few questions relating to investing for children. With this in mind and tax year end around the corner on April 5th, below are some options available.

JUNIOR ISAs

Any child under the age of 18, and who lives in the UK, can have a Junior Individual Savings Account (JISA). Like adult ISAs, there are two types of JISA: cash JISAs and stocks and shares JISAs. The maximum you can pay into either type tax-free is £9,000 for the 2025-26 tax year. Income and gains from a JISA are free of UK tax and not subject to parental tax rules. Note that children can gain control of a JISA at 16 but usually can’t withdraw anything until they’re 18.

PERSONAL PENSIONS

You may think your own pension is a world away, let alone your child’s. However, if you’re looking to secure your child’s financial future in the long term, you may wish to consider opening a Junior Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP). Junior SIPPs/Pensions are eligible for 20% tax relief; the maximum you can pay in per year is £3,600 (i.e. £2,880 with 20% tax relief).

TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF TAX-FREE ALLOWANCES

As we have seen, JISAs and Junior SIPPs will enable you to invest a set amount each tax year, without either a) incurring tax on interest or gains or b) losing valuable tax reliefs. It is therefore advisable to take maximum advantage of these allowances before moving onto other types of investments that may incur tax.

Gifts of money do not incur IHT if the donor lives for seven years after gifting. Lifetime gifting is a good option for grandparents, for example, who wish to contribute financially to their grandchildren’s future while reducing the value of their own estate for IHT purposes. There are also additional allowances, available which can reduce the Inheritance tax burden.

Feel free to reach out if you are looking for some independent financial advice, prior to the end of the tax year. You can reach me on 07584034634 or email me on [email protected]

27/11/2025

Following the budget announcements yesterday, join me for a Post Budget summary at 10.30am on Friday the 28th November on Teams to run through the key areas of change, and things to consider moving forward

09/10/2025

On Wednesday 26th November Rachel Reeves will announce the highly anticipated budget.

I am getting lots of questions around the budget, but like last year, it is uncertain what this will entail, despite the speculation.

The article below by Fidelity, provides a good overview of the speculation and perhaps some thoughts as to some actions before the budget.

ISA's seem to be in the spotlight here, with a potential cash ISA reduction so it is worth considering using this allowance before the budget if you hold savings in taxable accounts.

On top of this there are rumours around Inheritance tax, pensions and capital gains tax. The truth is it's unwise to act on rumours alone, as this may not be the right decision for you.

If you would like some guidance around your financial planning including pensions, Investments, Tax allowances, Protection and IHT do get in touch. [email protected] or call 07584 034634

Get market news, fund ideas and the latest investment insights from Fidelity’s savings & investment experts. Helping you make the most of your money.

04/06/2025

Read our latest News in Review via the link below

• UK economic growth has been revised upwards by the International Monetary Fund – 1.2% in 2025 and 1.4% in 2026
• The government plans to double £25bn+ pension megafunds to improve retirements and boost UK investment
• Retail confidence plunges to a five-year low, with sales falling and businesses bracing for tougher conditions

16/04/2025

Markets surged after Trump paused tariffs for 90 days—but uncertainty remains. UK GDP grew 0.5% in Feb, surprising economists. Meanwhile, the UK government steps in to save British Steel. Pay growth is strong, but job vacancies dip. Read more in the news in review link below

15/03/2025

Very proud to appear in this years top rated adviser guide, published in the Times today.

Very grateful, thankful and humbled for everyone who has written a review of my services, resulting in me qualifying as a top rated adviser every year since 2021.

It's great to have been able to support so many people in their financial journey over the years and looking forward to supporting many others moving forward. A huge thankyou to everyone who has supported me on my journey.

Congratulations to all advisers who qualified for VouchedFor's 2025 Top Rated Financial Adviser Guide, distributed in The Times today. Their excellent feedback from over 61,000 clients is a powerful reminder of the value of great advice.

This year's Guide was made possible with the kind support of BlackRock and Fundment.

11/03/2025

An insightful article on sky news yesterday titled "This is the financial advice over-50s would give their younger selves"
https://news.sky.com/story/money-latest-pension-mortgage-pound-sky-news-live-13040934?postid=9253229 -body

Part of this focussed on pensions with a quarter of people interviewed saying they would have taken their pension more seriously, with 16% saying they would have created a more comprehensive retirement plan, and one in five would have invested more into their pension overall.

As the tax year draws to a close, it's a good time to review your pension contributions and make the most of your annual allowance.

There are some key points to consider:

Maximising Your Pension Contributions
Annual Allowance: The current annual allowance for pension contributions is £60,000 or the value of your earnings, whichever is lower1. This is the maximum amount you can contribute to your pension while still benefiting from tax relief.

Carry Forward Unused Allowance: If you haven't used your full pension allowance in previous years, you can take advantage of the 'carry forward' rule. This allows you to use up to three years of unused pension allowance while still benefiting from tax relief

Tax Efficiency: Pension contributions are one of the most tax-efficient ways to save for the future. Contributions receive tax relief at your marginal rate, meaning for every £100 you contribute, it only costs £80 if you're a basic-rate taxpayer, £60 for higher-rate taxpayers, and just £55 for additional-rate taxpayers.

Reduce Your Taxable Income: Contributions can lower your adjusted net income, helping you avoid the High-Income Child Benefit Charge or bringing your income below the £100,000 threshold where the personal allowance starts to reduce.

Employer Contributions: If you're an employee, check whether your employer offers matching contributions or salary sacrifice options. These can further boost your pension pot while also reducing National Insurance contributions.

Limited company Directors: Benefit from corporation tax and NI savings, and ability to move funds from the company to your own name!

Important Considerations
With less than a month left in this tax year, it's crucial to act quickly. Reviewing your pension contributions now can help you optimise your tax relief and secure a more comfortable retirement.

If you need more detailed advice, do consider consulting an independent financial advisor. We can help you navigate the complexities and make the most of your pension contributions, and create that all important "retirement plan"

[email protected]
07584 034634

10/03/2025

I get lots of questions in relation to the state pension so here's a few things to help understand your future benefits.

1) You can check your state pension age here https://www.gov.uk/state-pension-age

2) It's then crucial to check your future state pension using a government gateway sign in via this link https://www.gov.uk/check-state-pension
If you don't have a gateway account you can
-apply for one or fill in the BR19 application form and send it by post or
-call the Future Pension Centre on 0800 731 0175 who will post the forecast to you.

3) If you are missing any years NIC, You have until 5 April 2025 to top up your state pension by filling in any gaps in your National Insurance record from 2006 to 2018. From 6 April this year, you will only be able to fill in gaps for the last six tax years. To qualify for the max new state pension you need 35 qualifying years of NIC.

Given the wait times on the phone, HMRC will give a dispensation if you contact the future pension centre prior to the 5th April. If struggling to get through you can register here for a call back. https://secure.dwp.gov.uk/request-a-call-back-to-pay-voluntary-national-insurance-contributions/contact-form

Hope it helps!

Complete this form if you're struggling to contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) by phone to pay voluntary National Insurance Contributions.