Pearce Sargent Financial Planning

The self-employed, older borrowers, first-time buyers, and workers paid in a foreign currency are among those who could benefit from a relaxation in mortgage lending rules.

The regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, has published a consultation into its proposed mortgage rule changes . The reforms, if introduced, would give lenders greater flexibility when lending to specific groups.

It could help many more borrowers secure a mortgage, where previously they have struggled, or been locked out of the market, due to rigid lending criteria.

Mortgage advisers report that borrowing can be difficult for those with a non-standard profile or income. This can include workers with an irregular income, older borrowers, and those with slightly impaired credit (even where this dates back many years).

Under the proposed changes lenders would have greater flexibility when assessing the individual circumstances of borrowers. A lender would be able to consider a borrower’s ‘full and current’ financial picture. This would give greater flexibility over sticking to rigid rules around income, affordability and credit score.

Lenders could also develop products that better meet borrowers’ needs. This could include offering flexible repayments for example, while still providing robust protection for borrowers to ensure a loan is affordable.

Read more: https://www.pearcesargent.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/mortgage-rule-changes-could-help-more-self-employed-and-older-borrowers

What happens to your pension when you're no longer here?

Changes announced in Labour's first 2024 Autumn Budget mean that from April 2027, any inherited pension funds may be liable for inheritance tax.

Find out what this means for you: https://www.pearcesargent.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/can-i-pass-on-my-pension-when-i-die

More of us are reaching our 100th birthdays than ever before. While a letter from the King may seem exciting, funding a long and comfortable retirement requires careful planning.

This article explores what you need to consider to ensure your pension savings can stretch across 35 years or more: https://www.pearcesargent.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/living-to-age-100-how-to-make-your-pension-last-longer

The value of your investment can go down as well as up. You could get back less than you invested.

Pearce and Sargent Financial Planning is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

SJP Approved 18/09/2025

You might not follow bond markets every day, but they definitely affect you. What happens in bond markets flow through our everyday lives, influencing mortgages, car loans and savings rates.

Want to understand how bonds work and why they matter? Read more: https://www.pearcesargent.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/bonds-made-simple-a-beginners-guide-to-the-worlds-largest-asset-class

The value of your investment can go down as well as up. You could get back less than you invested.

Pearce and Sargent Financial Planning is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

SJP Approved 7/10/2025

From inflation worries to the property ladder, every parent wants the best for their children.

Research conducted for St. James's Place by Opinium show those who take ongoing financial advice are more optimistic about their children’s future, 54% vs 34%.

Because confidence is something you can pass on.

Pearce and Sargent Financial Planning is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).



SJP Approved 14/10/2025

At St James's Place Wealth Management, we believe that improving young people’s understanding of money is one of the most powerful ways to support long-term financial wellbeing across the UK.

Each year, we've reached over 14,000 students through financial education programme, but in 2026, we’re aiming even higher.

That’s why we’re proud to announce a new collaboration with the Personal Finance Society. By joining forces, we’ll reach more children and young people up and down the country, helping them build the confidence and skills they need to make informed financial decisions for life.

SJP Partner and President of the Personal Finance Society, Carla Brown CFP™️, FPFS, TEP, says:

"When young people understand money, they gain confidence, choice and control over their futures. This collaboration is about making sure far more young people leave education equipped for the financial decisions they’ll face throughout life."

Understanding money is a key life skill and the foundation in building financial wellbeing. Yet too many young people leave education without the tools they need. Together, we’re working to change that.

The titles 'Partner' and 'Partner Practice' are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives.

This year has shown me once again the value of advice.

Research conducted by Opinium on behalf of St. James's Place shows almost a third of those getting advice increased their savings or investments in 2025. Only 3% of people without advice increased their investments.

Advice can help you focus on your goals and feel confident to take action, even when the future is unclear.

Pearce and Sargent Financial Planning is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).



SJP Approved 19/09/2025

We’re delighted to be part of the UK Retail Investment Campaign, a landmark initiative to help Britons invest for their financial future.

With the lowest level of retail investment in the G7, this industry-wide initiative, supported by His Majesty’s Treasury, the FCA, and the Money and Pensions Service, aims to make investing more accessible and empower people with the information to take control of their families’ financial wellbeing.

Discover how our collective efforts are set to inspire a new generation of investors: https://ow.ly/Il0Y50XGIwq