Alex Ziff Financial Planning Ltd

How does an offset mortgage work and is it right for you?

Our guide explains more: https://www.alexziff.com/article/detail/sjpp/what-are-offset-mortgages.html

Bonds are back in the headlines, with political uncertainty driving fresh volatility in what is usually seen as a steadier part of the market. But why does this matter for investors? We answer some of the key questions.

You can read the full article here: https://www.alexziff.com/article/detail/sjpp/why-bonds-are-back-in-the-spotlight-and-why-it-matters.html

Many parents worry that their children will struggle to find their financial feet in the current environment. Concerns include the flagging jobs market and inadequate retirement savings. Meanwhile, high house prices make it increasingly difficult to take the first step onto the property ladder. These are all factors driving fears that younger generations will face a tougher financial future.

You can read the full article here: https://www.alexziff.com/article/detail/sjpp/saving-and-investing-for-children-and-grandchildren.html

Households are feeling less resilient and finances have worsened over the past 12 months, against a backdrop of continued cost of living pressures and global turmoil. These are the findings of St. James's Place’s fifth Financial Health Report, published 13 May.

You can read the full article here: https://www.alexziff.com/article/detail/sjpp/financial-health-report-financial-resilience-falls-but-a-plan-can-boost-confidence.html

The American dream is beginning to look more tarnished. The US-Iran war, combined with volatile and unpredictable behaviour by the US president and his administration, have taken the shine off. Meanwhile the divide between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ is growing ever larger. We look at what this might mean for investments in the region.

You can read the full article here: https://www.alexziff.com/article/detail/sjpp/the-special-k-shaped-economy.html

“A good financial plan is a roadmap that shows us exactly how the choices we make today will affect our future.” — Alexa Von Tobel

A quarter of the world’s oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz – the narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman – making it one of the most important trade routes globally.

You can read the full article here: https://www.alexziff.com/article/detail/sjpp/the-busiest-shipping-lanes-in-the-world.html

The Bank of England (BoE) held the base rate at 3.75%. But market expectations are now that the base rate will rise during 2026. This is because inflation is likely to go up due to increased oil prices caused by the prolonged conflict in Iran.

You can read the full article here: https://www.alexziff.com/article/detail/sjpp/fixed-rate-or-tracker-choosing-the-right-mortgage-in-uncertain-times.html

The Renters’ Rights Act came into force on 1 May 2026. It brought in new rules and requirements for private landlords in England, including the banning of no-fault evictions and fixed term tenancies. There are also new regulations around increases to rent.

You can read the full article here: https://www.alexziff.com/article/detail/sjpp/renters-rights-act-what-landlords-need-to-know.html

The Bank of England (BoE) held the base rate at 3.75% on Thursday (30 April). It is the third successive ‘hold’ vote by the BoE’s monetary policy committee (MPC), and it means rates have been stable at this level since December 2025. But with inflation likely to spike in the coming months due to sustained turmoil in the Middle East, the BoE’s balancing act is becoming more difficult.

You can read the full article here: https://www.alexziff.com/article/detail/sjpp/bank-holds-base-rate-as-balancing-act-gets-tougher.html