Read the latest news and articles from the Gem & Co team
Financial planning is all about helping you to reach your life goals. Ultimately, the objective is for your wealth to allow you to achieve all the things you want to do now and in the future. That might be as simple as being able to relax and enjoy a comfortable retirement or helping your children
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When was the last time you stopped and paid attention to the sounds around you? It’s easy to become accustomed to the racket of your busy life – honking traffic, dogs barking, phones ringing – but just because you can ignore the constant noise doesn’t mean you should. A 2006 study on music unexpectedly discovered
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Trade wars and fears that tariffs could spark recessions meant investment market volatility continued in March 2025. Read on to find out more about some of the factors that may have affected the value of your investments recently. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development slashed the growth forecast among advanced economies this year due
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After Rachel Reeves’ impactful first Budget in autumn 2024, you might have been concerned about the announcements that would be included in her Spring Statement on 26 March 2025. Reassuringly, the major headline from this year’s springtime fiscal event is that Reeves made few announcements that are likely to affect you and your personal finances
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Whether you’re just exploring your options or already have a property earmarked for your next move, there are some important things to consider when it comes to buying your next home. The housing market and mortgage landscape may have changed in the years since you bought your last home and though it may be an
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After reading headlines throughout February, you might be expecting a gloomy investment outlook. Yet, despite threats of trade wars and uncertainty around the world, there were market highs. Read on to find out more about some of the factors that influenced investment markets. As investment markets are experiencing volatility, it’s perhaps unsurprising that some investors
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Endorphins are the body’s feel-good hormone, and it is released by your brain in response to pain or stress. While most people are familiar with endorphins from the “runner’s high”, a state of euphoria induced by strenuous physical activity, there are other ways to increase your endorphin levels. Read on to discover 10 surprising ways
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A combination of rising rates and panic ahead of the current government’s first Autumn Budget has led to HRMC collecting a record amount in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) towards the end of 2024. According to a report in the Telegraph, between July and November 2024, CGT generated more than £1 billion for the government –
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Those who have retired or are nearing the milestone are consistently overlooking the risk of financial shocks when compared to other generations, a survey published in PensionsAge in December 2024 suggests. According to the report, 43% of over-50s had thought about financial shocks but not included the risks in their retirement plan. A further 32%
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Handling finances is a part of life and something that most people do, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t stressful. Indeed, many people don’t feel confident making financial decisions, and financial advice could ease their mental load. Even when you’re relatively comfortable, managing your finances can be a cause of concern. Indeed, you might find
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How you approach managing your finances could affect your ability to reach long-term goals. The Japanese spending philosophy “kakeibo” could help you practice financial mindfulness and get more out of your assets. Spending money without thinking about how it’ll affect your long-term finances could mean you miss opportunities to secure the lifestyle you want. On
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When you’re making large financial decisions, basing them on facts and logic could help you choose the option that’s best suited to your needs. Yet, even when you take this approach, cognitive biases may affect the conclusions you draw. Over the last few months, you’ve read about how past experiences and emotions might affect your
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