Mathieson Financial Services Ltd

Anxiety can change the way we view problems. A setback can seem much worse than it really is when we let our emotions take over.

If you are worried about money, that usually means financial security matters to you – which is a positive. Worrying is often a sign that something isn’t right. But it doesn’t always mean there is an immediate problem. Taking time to understand the facts, and talking things through with someone, can help separate genuine concerns from anxious thoughts.

Often, if you have money worries, it can feel easier to ignore a bank statement or account balance. But avoiding or delaying dealing with a problem can make things worse. As with many of life’s challenges, most problems will have a solution.

Anxiety can also cause us to catastrophise. A setback can escalate in your mind until you feel that everything is going wrong. But while these thoughts are understandable, they’re typically driven more by fear than by facts.

Read more: https://www.mathieson-financial-services.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/finding-control-when-money-feels-overwhelming

As we step into September, there's just 11 days left until Steven and Mason tackle The Beast Race! They've been putting in the work, and it shows - they're looking fit and ready to go! 💪🏼😉
There's still time to show your support by sponsoring them via the gofund.me page link below, with all proceeds going to the Halfpenny Farm Animal Sanctuary, our chosen charity for 2026.
You've got this guys 💪🏼💪🏼

https://gofund.me/8379d87d4

For many people, a pension is one of their biggest assets. From April 2027, it could also become an important inheritance tax (IHT) consideration. From this date, most unused pension funds will be included when the value of someone's estate is calculated for IHT purposes.

For some families, this will make little difference. For others, especially those with larger pension pots or estates, it could mean that more tax is due and less wealth passes to loved ones.

In the coming months, we’ll publish a series of articles exploring what the new rules could mean for people and their estate-planning decisions.

In this article, we explain what’s changing, who may be affected and some practical steps to consider.

Read more: https://www.mathieson-financial-services.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/how-pension-changes-could-affect-your-inheritance-tax-plans

Lovely evening had celebrating the Pride of Inverurie Awards.
Well done to all the Winners and to the Inverurie First Responders for winning the Unsung Hero Award.
Great time had by all and always good to celebrate our local area.

Weathering the drought

While opinions may vary on whether the current hot, dry summer is nicer than Britain’s typical grey and drizzly experience, its effects on farming are less up for debate.

According to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), the heat has encouraged the spread of Bluetongue (a disease that particularly affects sheep) across southwest England. At the same time, several crops – such as winter wheat – are experiencing notably poor yields. Lower food production are likely to translate to inflationary pressures, though the extent of this may take time to fully materialise.

The weather situation is equally tough on mainland Europe. As well as the humanitarian costs, the wildfires that spread through France and Spain are estimated to have cost billions of euros in damages. Meanwhile, low water levels in rivers such as the Rhine have meant commercial shipping vessels have had to lighten their cargo.

So far, however, the weather hasn’t put too much of a dampener on equities. Both UK and EU markets are trading at, or near, all-time highs on the back of strong company results and optimism around a potential deal with Iran.

Read more: https://www.mathieson-financial-services.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/weekwatch-10-08-2026

💪🏼💪🏼The Beast Race - 12 September 2026 💪🏼💪🏼

The countdown is on for Steven and Mason taking part in The Beast Race on Saturday 12 September 2026, with under 5 weeks to go!

If you'd like to support them in this challenge the link for the Go Fund Me Page is below, with all proceeds going to the Halfpenny Farm Animal Sanctuary in Kintore. All donations, however big or small, will be very gratefully received.

Lets see how their training goes (hopefully they have started) you've got this Steven & Mason 💪🏼

https://gofund.me/8379d87d4

🥳🥳Happy Birthday to our Financial Adviser, Chris 🥳🥳
Hope you have a great day Chris!
🥳🎂🍻🥳

🥳🥳Happy Birthday to our Practice Manager Jacquie 🥳🥳
Jacquie looks after us all and ensures the business runs smoothly on a day to day basis.
Hope you have the best day Jacquie and are enjoying your holibobs!
🥳🥳🎂🥂🥳🥳

🥳🥳Happy Birthday to our Receptionist Emma 🥳🥳
Emma welcomes all our new and existing clients to the office and makes the best cups of coffee and tea.
Hope you have a lovely day Emma!
🥂🎂🥂

Does your business rely on the talent or expertise of a key individual? If so, how would it fare if they were no longer able to work?

Small to medium businesses in the UK are notoriously underinsured, leaving them exposed to serious risks. For many, the loss of a key person may result in a major risk. However, putting protection in place to cover this risk can help shield your business from financial vulnerability in the event that one of your key people falls seriously ill or dies.

Read more: https://www.mathieson-financial-services.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/could-your-business-survive-losing-its-most-valuable-person