Matthew Wykes Financial Services

16/07/2026

With most pensions set to fall within inheritance tax rules, many people are rethinking how and when to use their retirement savings.

While annuities can provide guaranteed income and may support estate planning by reducing pension wealth over time, they’re not without trade-offs.

Read on to explore why demand is growing, the key risks to consider, and how annuities can fit within your broader retirement strategy.

🔗 https://www.matthewwykes.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/the-axable-benefits-of-buying-an-annuity.html

Taxation rules can change at any time and are dependent on individual circumstances.

Matthew Wykes Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

SJP Approved 02/07/2026.

Changes to inheritance tax (IHT) rules which will bring most pensions into scope from next April are changing how people think about retirement planning, with more turning once again to annuities.

09/07/2026

Everyone faces challenges at different points in life.

Periods of vulnerability can be short or long term, and may arise from a wide range of situations.

What matters is having access to the right support when it’s needed.

This article explores how planning ahead and asking for help can make difficult times feel more manageable:

https://www.matthewwykes.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/vulnerability-isnt-a-label-its-part-of-life.html

07/07/2026

New 22% charge on cash in investment ISAs

The government has announced a 22% charge on the interest on cash savings held within non-cash ISAs, including stocks and shares ISAs and innovative finance ISAs, from April 2027.

🔗 Read more on this topic here:

https://www.matthewwykes.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/isa-changes-22-percent-charge-on-cash-in-investment-isas-plus-simpler-first-time-buyer-isa.html

Matthew Wykes Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

SJP Approved 24/6/2026

25/06/2026

10 years on from the Brexit referendum, what material impact has leaving the EU had on UK trade, the pound, the stock market and personal wealth?

To shed light on this, SJP have a range of charts to give you the tools to judge for yourself:

https://www.matthewwykes.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/brexit-a-decade-in-charts-how-has-the-uk-fared.html

19/06/2026

When markets are noisy, it can feel natural to react. But often the most effective approach is to stay focused and avoid short‑term decisions.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.matthewwykes.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/investing-and-penalities-a-game-of-nerves-or-reactions.html

Matthew Wykes Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

SJP Approved 10/6/2026

With the start of the 2026 World Cup, fans across the globe will be excited to see their team perform but also dreading the stress of a potential penalty shootout.

16/06/2026

There could be important changes ahead for unmarried couples.

New proposals being consulted on by the government include potential rights around inheritance and financial arrangements after separation.

This article takes a clear look at what’s being considered and what it could mean for couples.

🔗 Learn more:

https://www.matthewwykes.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/proposed-rule-changes-could-boost-financial-security-for-cohabiting-couples.html

The proposals also include new rights for unmarried couples who separate. Providing they have lived together for at least three years – or have children together – they would have similar rights to divorcing couples, such as claims on property and pensions.

12/06/2026

Women are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the financial future, yet confidence and engagement can still vary.

Research from SJP’s Behavioural Science Report, in partnership with Ipsos, shows the right support and communication can make a real difference in how women approach investing and long term planning.

This article introduces a new series by SJP, exploring key financial topics, with the aim of helping women feel more informed and empowered.

Take a look here:
https://www.matthewwykes.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/women-and-wealth-navigating-the-financial-future.html

Matthew Wykes Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

SJP Approved 8/6/2026

Female wealth is growing at pace, fuelled by inheritance, more women in higher earning careers, and a rise in female entrepreneurship. Yet it is not a consistent picture across the board; research tells us that many women are facing gaps in their finances.

09/06/2026

Approaching retirement: what is the right time to de-risk?

Here we explore how to approach de-risking and some of the strategies available.

Read more here:
https://www.matthewwykes.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/approaching-retirement-what-is-the-right-time-to-de-risk.html

Matthew Wykes Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

SJP Approved: 02/06/2026

Moving from decades of building wealth to relying on investments for income is a significant transition. At this point, many people begin to think more carefully about risk, particularly how much of it they are comfortable taking.

28/05/2026

Strong UK savings culture – but persistent investment gap

How can we get more people to invest? For savers, it’s the next step, according to a UK-wide campaign aimed at encouraging UK savers to invest for long-term growth – and closing the UK’s persistent investment gap.

Find out more here: https://www.matthewwykes.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/strong-uk-savings-culture-but-persistent-investment-gap.html

Matthew Wykes Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

SJP Approved 27/04/2026

How can we get more people to invest? For savers, it’s the next step, according to a UK-wide campaign aimed at encouraging UK savers to invest for long-term growth – and closing the UK’s persistent investment gap.

26/05/2026

Saving and investing for children and grandchildren

Many parents worry that their children will struggle to find their financial feet in the current environment. Concerns include the flagging jobs market and inadequate retirement savings. Meanwhile, high house prices make it increasingly difficult to take the first step onto the property ladder. These are all factors driving fears that younger generations will face a tougher financial future.

Read more: https://www.matthewwykes.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/saving-and-investing-for-children-and-grandchildren.html

Matthew Wykes Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

SJP Approved: 12/05/2026

Many parents worry that their children will struggle to find their financial feet in the current environment. Concerns include the flagging jobs market and inadequate retirement savings. Meanwhile, high house prices make it increasingly difficult to take the first step onto the property ladder. Thes...