The rise of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini have taken the world by storm in recent years. Of these, OpenAI’s ChatGPT is certainly the most popular model. In essence, an LLM is designed to understand, generate, and interact using human language. This software can excel at answering questions, summarising text, and even generating “new” pieces of writing. LLMs are trained on large datasets that allow them to recognise patterns, understand context, and, for the most part, produce coherent and relevant responses to many queries. So, it’s no wonder that these AI tools are being used by people all over the world for tasks ranging from making shopping lists to building websites from scratch. More people are... Read More

“Decumulation” is a term that you may or may not be familiar with, but it is one of the most important financial steps a person can take in their life. Decumulation is the opposite of accumulation. In essence, decumulation is when you begin to turn the money you’ve been saving in your pension over the last few years (or decades) into a retirement income. This will usually involve drawing funds from your various pension pots to supplement other sources of income, such as your State Pension. You may also have investments, in ISAs for example, that you wish to decumulate. Ultimately, the goal in most cases is to have enough money to live the lifestyle you desire. While this may... Read More

Investing can seem daunting if you don’t know where to start, but it’s an important step towards building a secure financial future. One of the most important principles to understand is how your age can and should influence your investment strategy. For example, a 20-year-old just starting their career is likely to make very different choices compared to someone in their 50s who is nearing retirement. Understanding these differences, while also appreciating a few universal truths about investing, could be key to building a robust and long-term financial plan. Here’s what you need to know about investing at every stage of life. And remember, it’s never too late, or too early, to get started. Younger investors should focus on building... Read More

Many people aren’t ready to process their complex feelings around family, death, and their estate. This could be one of the reasons why dying without a will is a surprisingly common occurrence in the UK. Indeed, the Money & Pensions Service notes that 53% of UK adults aged 50 – 64 don’t have a will. Dying without a will, or “dying intestate”, can make administering your estate challenging for your loved ones, as the law will decide who inherits what based on intestacy rules. This is particularly evident in the complex cases of celebrities and historical figures who passed away with no will, leaving behind a minefield of legalities for their families to navigate. These situations beg the question: How... Read More

Navigating life’s pivotal moments can bring a mix of both excitement and apprehension. While some situations might be joyous, such as a marriage or the birth of a child, others can be challenging to navigate, such as divorce or separation. Moreover, while these life events can enrich our journey, they might also come with substantial financial implications. From helping a loved one take their first step onto the property ladder to embracing retirement, understanding and preparing for these milestones is crucial. I want to talk about the key life events where the expertise of a financial planner could be invaluable and highlight how proactive planning can help improve your future financial wellbeing. Here are six important life events where the... Read More