Author name: Emma Bennett

Retirement is often envisioned as a time of freedom and relaxation after decades of work. However, for an increasing number of people who rent, it can bring ongoing financial pressures, particularly with housing costs continuing into later life. The full new State Pension currently provides £241.30 per week, or around £12,548 per year (as of […]

At Lazenby’s Financial Services, we regularly speak with clients in Leeds and across Yorkshire who are curious about investing but feel a little daunted by the jargon, the headlines about market ups and downs, and the fear of getting it wrong. A recent episode of The Martin Lewis Money Show on ITV delivered a clear,

When the richest man in the world tells ordinary people not to worry about saving for retirement, it is worth asking: is this visionary advice, reckless optimism, or something in between? Elon musk has recently stated ‘Don’t worry about squirreling money away for retirement in 10 or 20 years. It won’t matter’. Understandably this has

At Lazenby Financial Services, we regularly help clients in Leeds and across Yorkshire plan for the future. One topic that’s generating plenty of questions is Inheritance Tax (IHT) – especially with several important changes taking effect between 2025 and 2027. While most estates still won’t pay IHT, rising asset values and frozen thresholds mean more

Many of our clients at Lazenby Financial Services follow the financial news closely. When the FTSE 100 hits a new high – or takes a tumble – they often ask me what this means for the UK economy and, more importantly, for their own pensions and investments. It’s a natural question, but there’s a common

Interest rates have been a hot topic for retirees and those nearing retirement. The Bank of England base rate currently stands at 3.75% (as of early 2026), following a series of cuts from higher levels in previous years. While the recent trend has been downward, with expectations of potential further modest reductions if inflation continues

Inheritance Tax continues to be a growing concern for many families across the UK. With thresholds frozen and property values rising, more estates are now being pulled into the tax net than ever before. Planning ahead can make a significant difference to how much of your wealth is passed on to the people you care

How Much Do I Need to Retire Comfortably in the UK? Planning for retirement often starts with one big question: how much income will I actually need to enjoy my later years? There’s no single magic number. It depends on your lifestyle, location, health, and whether you’re retiring alone or as a couple. However, clear

Annuity vs Pension Drawdown: Which Retirement Income Option Suits You Best? Deciding how to turn your pension pot into a reliable income is one of the most important choices you’ll make in retirement. For many people in the UK, the two main routes are buying an annuity or entering pension drawdown (also known as flexi-access

Why Having a Will Is Essential for Financial Planning Financial planning is often associated with pensions, investments and retirement strategies. However, one of the most important, yet frequently overlooked, aspects of financial planning is having a legally valid will. Without a will, your estate could be distributed according to UK intestacy rules, rather than your