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Enabling families we work with to live their best life possible, by making great decisions with their money, time and future - and supporting them with clear, thoughtful financial planning every step of the way.

From 6 April 2027, proposed changes to ISAs could affect how some people use their annual allowance.For people under 65:...
08/10/2026

From 6 April 2027, proposed changes to ISAs could affect how some people use their annual allowance.

For people under 65:

- The amount that can be paid into a Cash ISA each tax year is expected to reduce from £20,000 to £12,000.
- The overall ISA allowance will remain £20,000, so the balance may still be used in other types of ISA.
- Interest earned on cash held within a Stocks and Shares ISA is expected to be subject to a 22% charge.

For people aged 65 and over, the £20,000 Cash ISA limit is expected to remain unchanged. The higher limit will also apply from the start of the tax year in which someone turns 65.

Existing money held in a Cash ISA is not being taxed. The proposed £12,000 limit relates to new contributions from April 2027.

Find out more by reading our latest blog post here: https://www.spendtimefp.com/post/isa-changes-from-april-2027-what-could-they-mean-for-you

This is general information, not personal financial advice.

Your National Insurance record can affect how much State Pension you’re entitled to receive.So, if you’re approaching St...
27/09/2026

Your National Insurance record can affect how much State Pension you’re entitled to receive.

So, if you’re approaching State Pension age, it’s worth checking your record.

You may find that:
• You have gaps in your record
• You’re entitled to credits you didn’t know about
• You may be able to increase your State Pension entitlement

But before paying to fill any gaps, check whether you might qualify for credits without paying.

For example, credits may sometimes be available because of caring responsibilities or certain periods when you were looking after children.

This area can be complicated, so it’s important to check your individual circumstances carefully.

Nothing in this post should be taken as advice – we’d love to chat with you first.

A will and a Lasting Power of Attorney do very different things.📜 A will comes into effect after you die and sets out wh...
25/09/2026

A will and a Lasting Power of Attorney do very different things.

📜 A will comes into effect after you die and sets out what should happen to your estate.
📝 A Lasting Power of Attorney applies during your lifetime and allows someone you trust to make certain decisions for you if you’re unable to make them yourself.

They’re not alternatives to one another.

For some people, both may form part of their wider plans for the future.

The important thing is understanding what each one does - and when it applies.

Nothing in this post should be taken as advice.

Before transferring money, always pause and ask yourself five questions:1. Was I expecting this request? 2. Have I indep...
21/09/2026

Before transferring money, always pause and ask yourself five questions:

1. Was I expecting this request?
2. Have I independently checked who I’m speaking to?
3. Am I being pressured to act today?
4. Would I feel comfortable waiting until tomorrow?
5. Have I spoken to someone I trust?

If the answer to any of these questions makes you uncomfortable, take a step back.
Contact the organisation using details you know are genuine. Don’t rely solely on the phone number, email address or link provided in the unexpected message.

Taking time to check is not being difficult. It’s being careful.

Winter Fuel Payment: what do the latest changes mean?The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free payment intended to help elig...
16/09/2026

Winter Fuel Payment: what do the latest changes mean?

The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free payment intended to help eligible people with their heating costs. Under the updated rules, many people in England and Wales born on or before 27 June 1960 may receive between £100 and £300 for winter 2026 to 2027.

However, if your total income is over £35,000, HMRC will recover the payment through your tax code or Self Assessment. You can choose to opt out instead:

• By phone: before 6pm on 18 September 2026
• Online: before 11:59pm on 20 September 2026

Most eligible people will receive a letter in October or November, with payments generally made in November or December.

Our latest blog explains the changes, what counts as income, and why the process has become more complicated:

https://www.spendtimefp.com/post/winter-fuel-payment-a-messy-update

This is general information only and is not personal financial advice. Rules and eligibility can change, so please check the latest guidance on GOV.UK or seek advice about your own circumstances.

Changed jobs over the years? You may have more than one pension pot.Pension Awareness Day is a useful reminder to find o...
15/09/2026

Changed jobs over the years? You may have more than one pension pot.

Pension Awareness Day is a useful reminder to find out what you have and where it is held. Before deciding whether to combine pension pots, it is important to check the details, including:
• Charges
• Investment choices
• Benefits you could lose by transferring
• Any guarantees or special features
• Whether the new arrangement is suitable for your circumstances

Combining pensions is not automatically the right answer. Understanding your options comes first.

You can find free pension information and live sessions at pensionawarenessday.com on 15th and 16th September.

This post is for general information only and is not a recommendation to transfer or combine pensions. Pension and investment values can fall as well as rise.

Do you know how your workplace pension works?Pension Awareness Day, on 15 September, is a good opportunity to check:• Ho...
13/09/2026

Do you know how your workplace pension works?

Pension Awareness Day, on 15 September, is a good opportunity to check:
• How much you and your employer are paying in
• Whether you are receiving the full employer contribution available under your scheme
• Where your pension is invested
• Whether your details and nominated beneficiaries are up to date

The right choices will depend on your circumstances, your scheme rules and your aims. It is worth checking the facts before making changes.

Free information about workplace pensions is available through the Pension Awareness Day live sessions on 15 and 16 September.

This post is for general information only and is not personal financial advice. Pension and investment values can fall as well as rise.

Pensions can be easy to put off, but Pension Awareness Day is a useful prompt to give yours a little attention.On Tuesda...
10/09/2026

Pensions can be easy to put off, but Pension Awareness Day is a useful prompt to give yours a little attention.

On Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 September, there will be free information and live sessions covering topics including workplace pensions, bringing pension pots together and preparing for retirement.

A good starting point is to check:
• Where your pension savings are held
• Whether your personal details are up to date
• Whether you have old pension pots you may have forgotten about
• What retirement income you might need in future

Small steps can help you understand where you stand. Find out more at pensionawarenessday.com.

This post is for general information only and is not personal financial advice. Pension and investment values can fall as well as rise. You should consider whether you need personal advice based on your own circumstances.

What would happen if you couldn’t make important decisions for yourself? A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to...
28/08/2026

What would happen if you couldn’t make important decisions for yourself?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to choose someone you trust to make certain decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so yourself.

There are two types:
💙 Health and Welfare – covering things such as care, medical treatment and your daily routine.
💷 Property and Financial Affairs – covering things such as bank accounts, bills, pensions and other financial matters.

An LPA isn’t about giving up control.

It’s about choosing who you would want to step in if life took an unexpected turn.

You need to have mental capacity when making an LPA, so understanding how they work before you need one can be helpful.

Nothing in this post should be taken as advice.

The power of pausing.A pause can be one of the best ways to protect yourself from a scam. Fraudsters often create a sens...
24/08/2026

The power of pausing.

A pause can be one of the best ways to protect yourself from a scam.

Fraudsters often create a sense of urgency.

You might be told:

• “You need to act today.”
• “Your account is at risk.”
• “You must transfer the money immediately.”

But you are allowed to take your time.

Hang up. Close the message. Step away from the computer.

Then contact the organisation using a phone number or website you know is genuine.

A genuine organisation should not mind you taking time to check.

And if something doesn’t feel right, it’s always okay to pause and ask someone you trust.

It’s better to take five minutes to check than to feel pressured into making a decision you’re not comfortable with.

Address

The Barn
Wokingham
RG403BY

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441182142140

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