Private Pain

Changes to when you can access your pension could affect your retirement plans. It’s no secret that the state pension system is creaking. An ageing population means fewer workers supporting more retirees. The number of pensioners is projected to rise by 25% by 2050¹. What’s also common knowledge is that the age at which you …

Halifax 5% Mortgage & £5k Deposit Mortgage Explained: What First-Time Buyers Need to Know in 2026

For many first-time buyers, saving for a house deposit is the biggest hurdle to getting on the property ladder. Rising rents, higher living costs, and soaring property prices mean that even people who can comfortably afford monthly mortgage repayments often struggle to save tens of thousands upfront. That’s why Halifax has introduced a range of low-deposit mortgage …

What is AI in financial planning?

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept. It is here, and it is reshaping how we think about money, investments and long-term planning. For individuals and businesses alike, the rise of AI brings both opportunity and uncertainty. The key question is not whether AI will impact financial planning, but how to use it effectively …

Getting a Joint Mortgage With a Friend or Partner: What You Need to Know

With rising property prices and the challenge of saving for a deposit, more people are considering buying a home with a friend instead of waiting to meet a partner. A joint mortgage with a friend can be a smart way to get onto the property ladder but it’s not a decision to take lightly. What …

Spring Forward: A Fresh Financial Start This March

March is a month of transition. The days grow longer. The light shifts. There’s a subtle sense of momentum building. And in financial terms, it marks one of the most important periods of the year, the final stretch before the end of the tax year. Just as spring is associated with renewal, March is the …

A Thoughtful February: Looking After Your Finances (and Your Future)

February is often associated with Valentine’s Day. A time when we are encouraged to think about care, commitment and long term intentions. While it is usually framed around relationships with others, it can also be a meaningful moment to reflect on your relationship with money. After the intensity of January, February offers something different. A …

A Fresh Start: Getting Your Finances on Track This New Year

The start of a new year often brings a sense of possibility. It’s a natural pause point, a chance to reflect on where you are now and where you’d like to be in the years ahead. While January can sometimes feel overwhelming, it can also be a powerful moment to reset your financial direction with …

The Biggest Financial Mistakes People Make in Their 30s, 40s, and 50s

Each decade brings new financial priorities and new challenges. From getting established in your 30s to planning for retirement in your 50s, avoiding common pitfalls can make a lasting difference to your financial wellbeing. At Albon Financial Planning, we work with clients across every stage of life to help them plan ahead with clarity and …

Can I Afford To Retire?

Retirement is one of life’s biggest transitions and one of the most personal financial decisions you will ever make. Yet the question at the heart of it sounds deceptively simple: Can I afford to retire?  The truth is, much like markets navigating geopolitical tensions, the answer is not always straightforward. But with the right planning and …