Mathieson Financial Services Ltd

23/10/2026

This is awesome! We’re super proud to be based in Inverurie.

Inverurie in Aberdeenshire lands a title which was won in previous years by Paisley and Oban.

22/10/2026

Most of us understand that inflation pushes up the cost of everyday essentials, from food shopping to energy bills. But fewer people realise it can also reduce the future value of their protection cover.

If you have life insurance or critical illness cover, the amount paid out might stay the same while the cost of living continues to rise. Over time, that could mean the policy provides less financial support than you originally intended. That’s why it’s worth considering ways to help your protection cover keep pace with inflation, so it continues to provide a valuable safety net for you and your loved ones.

Read more: https://www.mathieson-financial-services.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/shielding-protection-cover-from-inflation

20/10/2026

The start of a market rotation, or another temporary blip for chip makers? After AI-related companies suffered notable share price drops last week, this is the question investors will be asking.

After posting huge gains for much of 2025 and 2026, while seemingly overcoming the concerns about higher energy prices caused by the Iran conflict, Samsung and TSMC have faltered in recent weeks. Both companies’ share prices fell further last week. On Thursday, TSMC reported record third quarter profits that were up 69% on the same quarter last year. Yet, despite better-than-expected results and an upgraded outlook, the company’s share price dropped more than 7%. Samsung dropped almost 15% over the course of five days – leaving it down over 30% from its mid-June peak.

Several issues are contributing to the current sell-offs. Part of it will no doubt be profit taking. Even after the recent falls, many of these companies’ share prices are still substantially higher year-to-date.

Read more: https://www.mathieson-financial-services.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/weekwatch-19-10-2026

02/10/2026

With less than four weeks before the chancellor John Healey stands up to give his first Budget, leaks about what might be announced have been few and far between.

The lack of rumours has also led to a notable reduction in speculation, which has been welcomed by both SJP and markets. The panic seen in previous years around potential changes to pensions for example, appears to have been largely muted.

However, in his keynote speech to the Labour Party conference in Birmingham on Tuesday, the prime minister Andy Burnham set out a pledge to offer access to free social care services to everyone in England – on which he intends to lead Labour into the next election.

Read more: https://www.mathieson-financial-services.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/autumn-budget-2026-with-a-month-to-go-what-lies-ahead

25/09/2026

Inheritance Tax planning isn't only about how much tax might be due. There’s another question worth considering:

**Will your family have access to the money to pay it when it's needed?**

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is generally due by the end of the sixth month after someone dies. This can create practical challenges where much of an estate is tied up in assets such as property and cannot easily be accessed or sold.

Changes from April 2027, when most unused pension funds are due to be included when calculating the value of an estate for IHT purposes, could make this an important consideration for more families.

One option that may form part of an estate plan is whole of life assurance.

A whole of life policy provides a guaranteed lump sum on death, provided the policy remains in force and the required premiums have been paid. When appropriately written in trust, the proceeds will usually sit outside the estate for IHT purposes and can generally be accessed without waiting for probate.

This could provide beneficiaries with funds that can be used towards an IHT liability without necessarily having to sell other assets or borrow money at what may already be a difficult time.

However, whole of life assurance isn't suitable for everyone. Premiums are normally payable for life and the cost can vary significantly depending on factors such as age, health and the level of cover required.

Whether it is appropriate will depend on your individual circumstances and should be considered as part of your wider estate and financial planning.

If you'd like to understand the options available when planning for Inheritance Tax, we're here to help.

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time and are generally dependent on individual circumstances.

Trusts are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

This content is for information only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.

Read more: https://www.mathieson-financial-services.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/whole-of-life-assurance-the-quiet-solution-to-the-iht-landscape

23/09/2026

One but not done? First US rate hike in three years

It was a busy week for central bank watchers. First up was the US Federal Reserve’s rate-setting committee, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), which on Wednesday voted unanimously to raise US interest rates by 0.25%. This was the first Fed hike in three years. Following this move, shares and bonds rose as investors reacted positively to the implicit message that under new chair Kevin Warsh, the Fed’s priority remains targeting inflation.

Appointed by President Trump, Warsh took over in May 2026. Trump wanted a Fed chair who he hoped would be more amenable to lower interest rates than Warsh’s predecessor, Jerome Powell. Warsh voting for a rate hike demonstrated to financial markets he is not just a 'Trump proxy'.

Read more: https://www.mathieson-financial-services.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/weekwatch-21-09-2026

17/09/2026

The run-up to a Budget often prompts people to think about tax and their finances. While future tax policy remains uncertain, understanding the rules that apply today can help avoid costly surprises. Capital gains tax (CGT) is one area where unexpected bills can arise, particularly as allowances have reduced in recent years. As a result, more people may find themselves facing a CGT bill when selling or gifting assets.

If you’ve received a CGT bill you weren’t expecting, don’t panic. Understanding why it has arisen is the first step towards dealing with it and reducing the chances of it happening again.

Read more: [post.link}

15/09/2026

There’s been plenty happening across markets and the wider economy recently.

Government bond yields have continued to rise across a number of developed markets, while inflation and higher energy prices remain areas of focus for investors.

In the UK, there was some more positive economic news, with the economy growing by 0.4% in July, according to the Office for National Statistics. The information and communications sector was among those contributing to growth, including businesses involved in areas such as AI and cloud computing.

Closer to home, mortgage pressures also remain in focus. FCA data showed that 15,200 mortgages were switched from capital repayment to interest-only in the second quarter of 2026, compared with 14,578 in the previous quarter.

The wider property market has also shown signs of cooling, with average UK house prices falling by 0.2% in August and sitting 0.4% lower than a year earlier, according to Lloyds Banking Group.

It’s another reminder of how quickly economic conditions can change and why keeping up to date with the wider picture can be important when considering your financial plans.

The value of an investment with St. James's Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested.

Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

This content is for information only and does not constitute financial advice.

Read more: https://www.mathieson-financial-services.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/weekwatch-14-09-2026%23Stock-Take

14/09/2026

A huge shoutout to Steven and Mason for crushing the Beast Race on Saturday! 🏃💨 They tackled the course with determination and, thankfully, made it back in one piece!

A big thank you to everyone who supported them – your generosity helped raise £360 for Halfpenny Farm Animal Sanctuary. 🐾

It’s not just about the race; it’s about coming together for a good cause. See you both again next year guys 💪🏼🏆💪🏼

14/09/2026

For years, many people viewed their pension as more than just a source of retirement income. It was also a tax-efficient way to pass wealth on to future generations. But changes coming into force in April 2027 could prompt many families to reconsider their retirement and estate planning.

Read more: https://www.mathieson-financial-services.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/the-new-retirement-dilemma-preserve-or-spend-your-pension