by Brian Downton | J, May, 2026 | blog, general
According to a recent report from Skipton Building Society, the first step onto the property ladder is the hardest. There’s no question that it can all seem very daunting for first-time buyers who want to purchase their first home. For those saving hard to get a...
by Brian Downton | J, May, 2026 | blog, general
We all like to think we’ve got life under control. A stable job, a roof over our head, savings for the future — or at least a plan to get there. But then something happens. A job loss. A health diagnosis. A bereavement. A family change. A decision you didn’t expect to...
by Brian Downton | J, Apr, 2026 | blog, general
When people think about professional financial advice, they often picture help with tax planning, pensions, investments or mortgages. While these are all important areas, they only scratch the surface of what a financial adviser really does. A helpful way to think...
by Brian Downton | J, Jul, 2025 | blog, general
We’re living in unpredictable times; from rising living costs and market fluctuations to fast-moving changes in jobs, tech, and even family structures. For many people, the old financial playbook no longer applies. In these moments, advice isn’t about chasing the...
by Brian Downton | J, May, 2025 | blog, general
Cybercriminals use a wide range of tactics to con people out of their money. Stay one step ahead with these five crucial tips to avoid financial scams. 1. Stay informed Knowing how to spot a financial scam is your first line of defence. Fraudsters are constantly...
by Brian Downton | J, May, 2025 | blog, general
Knowing what to do if you’ve been scammed and where to get help is crucial. Here are five key steps to recover from a financial scam. 1. Act quickly Time is crucial when dealing with financial scams. Take immediate action if you think you’ve been scammed to minimise...
by Brian Downton | J, Apr, 2025 | blog, general
We’d like to think we wouldn’t fall for a financial scam, but the truth is we’re all vulnerable. Even amateur fraudsters can create convincing ads or replicate the websites, emails and phone calls of genuine financial businesses. But no matter how sophisticated the...
by Brian Downton | J, Apr, 2025 | blog, general
Fraudsters use a variety of approaches to convince you to part with your money. Here are 8 financial scams you should be aware of. 1. Impersonation fraud Scammers often pretend to be a familiar organisation like your bank, a utility provider or HMRC. They might inform...
