NorthStar Blog
Welcome to the NorthStar Blog. The place for the latest news, information and opinion from the NorthStar team helping you stay on top of what's going on in the world of finance.
Stay Ahead of Scammers: Your Essential Guide to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Financial Fraud
Financial scams are an escalating concern in the UK, with an alarming £1.17 billion lost to fraud in 2023 alone, as reported by UK Finance. Nearly 3 million people fall victim to financial fraud every year, highlighting the critical need for increase…
Six Top Tips to Be a Successful Investor
We all want to see our money grow but how can you become a successful investor? It may be surprising to learn that your mindset and behaviours could be one of the most important factors. Your approach to investing influences decisions like the amount…
A Dozen Essential Finance Lessons to Teach Your Teenager
Gaps in financial education are leaving many teenagers unprepared for managing their money and becoming independent. The good news is that most teenagers are eager to learn and understand the importance of mastering their money. As a parent or guardi…
Don’t Miss the Deadline to Increase Your State Pension by up to £60,000
Many people are unaware that the government has extended the deadline for filling gaps in your National Insurance record for the tax years 2006 to 2016. This article breaks down the crucial information you need to make informed decisions about your…
How The General Election Result Could Affect Your Finances
As the upcoming election approaches, the parties are setting out their plans for the economy. With just a few weeks to go, voters are keen to understand how proposed changes will affect their personal finances. From taxes and pensions to childcare an…
Intergenerational Wealth Planning – Your Options to Pass on Wealth to the Next Generation
Passing on wealth from one generation to the next is a timeless endeavour that requires careful consideration and strategic planning. Intergenerational wealth planning involves the thoughtful arrangement of assets, investments, and financial strategies…
Mastering FIRE: Unveiling the Path to Financial Independence and Early Retirement
FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) embodies a movement where individuals adopt aggressive saving strategies to retire many years ahead of the conventional retirement age. While the idea of leaving the workforce at the age of 40 holds allure…
New Study Reveals a Quarter of Britons Have Sleepless Nights Due to Money Worries
A major new study by Standard Life has shed new light on the state of Britain’s personal finances and the results are far from rosy. ‘Retirement Voice 2023’ captured the thoughts of 6,350 people, right across the UK between July and September 2023…
How the Abolition of the ‘Lifetime Allowance’ Could Benefit Your Retirement Plans
Putting financial plans in place for retirement can often feel overwhelming and navigating the complexities of the pension system can be daunting for many. With further changes to an extremely complicated system recently announced, it’s never been mo…
Budget 2024: The Key Announcements
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivered the final Budget before the next general election yesterday. With almost all of the key measures being leaked before the event, there were few surprises in the list of announcements. With the Conservative Party trail…
Embrace Evidence-Based Investing to Grow Your Wealth
Evidence-based investing stands in stark contrast to speculative hunches or arbitrary guesswork when it comes to managing investment portfolios. At its core, this investment strategy hinges on comprehensive research and the meticulous study of market…
Fall in Love with Your Finances This Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is more than just chocolates and roses; it’s a time to celebrate love and unity. Amidst the romantic gestures and thoughtful gifts, it’s also an ideal moment to consider your financial journey with your partner. Establishing a robust…
Preparing for a Century: Financial Considerations for Living to 100
As human lifespans extend further, it’s crucial to address the financial implications this longevity brings. This article explores the challenges ahead and provides actionable steps to ensure a financially secure life as we consider the prospect of…
The Ten Most Common Money Mistakes
When it comes to managing our personal finances, navigating the path to financial prosperity can be as challenging as it is rewarding. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting to build your financial foundation, understanding and sidestep…
The New Year Financial Detox: Transforming Your Finances for a Prosperous 2024
As the New Year approaches, it’s the perfect moment to start thinking about a financial detox journey – revitalising your money habits to secure a brighter financial future in 2024. Much like detoxing your body, detoxing your finances involves a deli…
Everything You Need to Know About the 2023 Autumn Statement
Jeremy Hunt delivered the Autumn Budget yesterday against a backdrop of a cost of living crisis and a looming general election. The economic situation and outlook remain challenging and government finances relatively tight. Despite inflation falling…
The Money Conversations All Couples Need to Have
In the pursuit of love, many of us seek that elusive ‘perfect person’- someone attractive, kind, engaging, sharing our interests and a person who makes us feel special. There’s a pervasive belief that when we encounter this person, we’ll instinctively…
How to Become a Pension Millionaire
Becoming a ‘pension millionaire’ might seem like a pipe dream, particularly in view of the cost-of-living pressures many people are facing. But it may be more attainable than some people think when you combine regular and cost-efficient investing with…
The Dangers of Investing in Cash for the Long-Term
In today’s financial landscape, many individuals are considering the allure of cash investments as a safe haven for their hard-earned money. While the appeal of easy-access savings accounts offering interest rates of around 5% is evident, it’s crucia…
We’re Proud to Be Supporting Talk Money Week 2023
Talk Money Week is taking place from 6th – 10th November 2023 and is the annual event all about getting the public talking about money. The week is overseen by the Money and Pension Service – a national body bringing toget…
New Survey Reveals a Worrying Level of Financial Literacy in Britain
A recent survey conducted by Shepherds Friendly revealed that Britain is facing a significant challenge in terms of financial literacy among its population. Financial literacy, in this context, refers to the understanding and knowledge of basic finan…
New Report Finds One in Three Brits Facing Hardship in Retirement
Retirement should be a period of relaxation and enjoyment after years of hard work. However, a recent report has revealed a concerning trend in the retirement landscape for Britons. The study conducted by Scottish Widows, a renowned pension provider…
Women’s Pensions Worth a Third Less Than Men’s – How Can We Close the Gender Pensions Gap?
In today’s society, achieving financial security in retirement is a crucial concern for individuals. However, a disheartening disparity persists between women and men when it comes to pension savings. Recent statistics reveal that women’s pensions ar…
Seven Great Reasons to Take Financial Advice in 2023
The increasing cost of living has brought to the forefront the importance of seeking advice when making significant financial decisions. In 2023, the need for financial advice has never been more crucial. Here are seven compelling reasons why:
Pension vs Property: Which Is the Better Investment?
Both pensions and property investments can deliver long-term growth – and, when it comes to funding your retirement, both could have an important role to play. Here we weigh up the advantages and limitations of both property (whether buy-to-let or y…
Five Crucial Questions for the Bank of Mum and Dad
Adult children are increasingly banking on the financial support of their parents, but older generations must not lose sight of their own needs. If only all banks were as charitable as the Bank of Mum and Dad. Parents and grandparents handed over ne…
Cost of Living Crisis and Market Volatility Drive Increased Demand for Retirement Advice
New research from Aegon and NextWealth shows demand for retirement advice continuing to increase. The 2023 edition of the ‘Managing Lifetime Wealth: Retirement Planning in the UK’ report builds upon research conducted in previous years to show a numb…
Six Reasons to Top Up Your Pension
With the end of the 2022/23 tax year almost upon us, time is running out to make the most of your tax-free exemptions and allowances before they disappear forever.There is so much more to pensions than just providing an income when you stop working…
Spring Budget 2023 Special
The Chancellor presented a ‘back to work’ budget focused on encouraging the economically inactive population to return to work with major changes to pensions and childcare funding announced. Fortunately, the economic outlook is not as dire as predict…
What’s the Real Value of Financial Advice?
There is now mounting empirical evidence that financial advice can provide significant benefits for people of all ages and backgrounds. While many individuals may believe that they can manage their finances on their own, research now shows that those…
Awards, Accreditations & Trade Associations
NorthStar is proud to be a member of the leading financial planning trade associations. Through a continued commitment to adhere to the highest professional standards and deliver exceptional service, NorthStar has received a number of awards and professional accreditations.
