According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were 16,600 centenarians in 2024 – double the number in 2004 (21 October 2025).

Among those marking the milestone this year is the renowned natural historian Sir David Attenborough. The broadcaster turned 100 on 8 May, and he continues to share his passion for nature with the world.

Attenborough shows that entering later life doesn’t have to mean taking a step back. You could still embrace new experiences and create a life you love.

However, planning for a 100-year life often raises important questions about how to arrange your finances to secure the life you want, including how to ensure you have “enough” and what strategies are appropriate for you.

This guide explores some of the steps you might take to plan for a 100-year life.

Download your copy here: How to plan for a 100-year life

If you have any questions about planning for your later years, please get in touch.

Please note: This guide is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing (April 2026) and is subject to change in the future.

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A financial or health shock could have long-term implications for your finances. For example, if you’re unable to work due to an accident, your income might stop. In turn, you may not be able to make mortgage repayments and could risk losing your home.

Yet, many people put off taking steps to improve their ability to weather shocks. Some overlook it because they believe they won’t experience a shock, while others might be unsure where to start and, as a result, don’t act.

Being proactive could mean you’re in a far better position should you experience a shock and help you feel more confident about your finances overall.

Here’s a step-by-step guide that could help you review and improve your financial resilience.

Review your current provisions

Worryingly, the Cover Magazine article suggests there’s a significant disconnect between how protected people feel and the reality. Indeed, 41% of people said they believe they had sufficient cover.

Taking a transparent approach to reviewing your finances could establish a clear idea of how well you’d handle a financial shock.

Start by gathering information on what your essential outgoings are. From here, you can see how long your savings would last if you needed to draw on them. If you already have financial protection in place, check if it would still provide enough cover for your lifestyle now.

Check what cover your employer provides

As well as the steps you’ve already taken, check if your employer benefits could aid you during a financial shock.

In 2026/27, Statutory Sick Pay is just £123.25 a week, and it’s only paid for up to 28 weeks. For many households, this would lead to a hefty income shortfall. However, your employer might provide an enhanced sick pay policy, such as paying all or a portion of your income for a defined period, which could ease a shock.

Your employer might also provide financial protection as a benefit, which could pay out if you’re ill or support your family if you pass away.

Check your contract or employee handbook to understand what benefits your employer offers and how they might support your financial health.

Build a financial safety net

It’s often recommended that you hold enough in an emergency fund to cover six months of essential outgoings. This could provide you with the funds to overcome a financial or health shock.

If your review revealed your savings would last less than six months, you may want to prioritise building up your emergency fund to create a safety net.

Take out appropriate financial protection

The research published in Cover Magazine found that one of the key reasons families were unprepared for shocks was due to the low take-up of financial protection. Just 14% of adults in the UK have taken out income protection.

Income protection could pay out a regular income if you were unable to work due to an accident or illness during the term. Usually, the income provided is a portion of your usual salary, and it could help you ensure you can keep up with essential bills as you recover.

Other forms of financial protection you might want to consider include:

• Critical illness cover, which could pay out a lump sum if you were diagnosed with a covered illness
• Life insurance, which could pay out a lump sum to your beneficiaries if you passed away during the term.

To maintain the cover financial protection provides, you’ll need to pay regular premiums. The cost of the premiums will depend on your health, level of cover, and the provider you use.

Talk to us about financial protection

We could go through the different financial protection options with you and calculate what level of cover would be appropriate for your circumstances. Please contact us to arrange a meeting.

Please note: This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

Note that financial protection plans typically have no cash in value at any time and cover will cease at the end of the term. If premiums stop, then cover will lapse.

Cover is subject to terms and conditions and may have exclusions. Definitions of illnesses vary from product provider and will be explained within the policy documentation.

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Each year, the amount of IHT paid to HMRC is increasing. By 2030/31, the Office for Budget Responsibility (February 2026) forecasts that IHT receipts will reach £14.5 billion, up from £8.3 billion in 2024/25.

Frozen tax-efficient allowances are a key driver behind this trend. As your estate grows, a larger portion could exceed the threshold and become subject to IHT.

What’s more, once your estate reaches £2 million, your tax-efficient allowance can start to reduce, exposing more of your wealth to IHT.

Read on to learn how the value of your estate could affect the amount you can leave behind tax-efficiently.

The nil-rate bands allow you to pass on some assets tax-free

Your IHT allowances are known as “nil-rate bands”.

As of 2026/27, the nil-rate band is £325,000. This is the amount you can leave behind when you die without the value being included in IHT calculations. The portion of your estate exceeding the nil-rate band is usually taxed at 40%.

You may also have a residence nil-rate band if you leave a primary residence to a direct descendant. This can be up to £175,000, as of 2026/27, bringing your potential tax-efficient allowance to £500,000.

If you’re married or in a civil partnership, the spousal exemption usually allows partners to leave assets to one another tax-free. Any unused nil-rate band typically transfers to the surviving spouse, potentially allowing couples to pass on up to £1 million tax-efficiently.

The nil-rate bands are expected to remain frozen until at least 2031, meaning a larger portion of your estate could be taxable than if the thresholds had risen with inflation.

You could start to lose your residence nil-rate band when your estate exceeds £2 million

The residence nil-rate band usually begins tapering once the value of your total estate reaches £2 million.

For every £2 your estate exceeds the threshold, you lose £1 of your residence nil-rate band. So, if your estate were £100,000 over the threshold, your allowance would reduce by £50,000.

The taper continues until your estate reaches £2.35 million, at which point you lose your full residence nil-rate band. This can mean an additional £175,000 of your estate could be subject to 40% tax, potentially increasing your IHT bill by £70,000. For a couple losing the full allowance, the IHT bill could rise by £140,000.

While married and civilly partnered couples can typically transfer unused nil-rate bands to potentially double their tax-efficient allowance, the taper threshold remains fixed at £2 million. In some cases, if assets are transferred to a surviving spouse, their total estate could exceed the threshold, and they could lose both partners’ residence nil-rate bands.

More estates are passing the threshold

MoneyWeek (February 2026) reports that the number of estates valued at over £2 million could rise from 3,620 in 2023 to 16,000 by 2030/31.

The level at which the residence nil-rate band begins to taper is set to remain frozen at £2 million until at least 2031, having not changed since it was introduced in 2017.

According to the Bank of England’s (April 2026) inflation calculator, the threshold would have risen to over £2.7 million if it had grown with inflation since 2017.

As earnings rise and asset values increase with inflation, more estates could pass the £2 million threshold and start losing their tax-efficient allowance.

In particular, rising property prices are pushing up the total net value of many estates. With the threshold frozen, it’s important to consider how the value of your assets might grow over the long term when planning to pass them on tax-efficiently.

What’s more, from April 2027, your unused pension pots could be included in your estate for IHT purposes when you pass away. Depending on how much is left in your pension when you die, this could add a significant amount to your estate’s net value, potentially pushing your total over the £2 million threshold.

3 ways to potentially mitigate an Inheritance Tax bill

If you’re worried about your estate exceeding the taper threshold and losing your nil-rate band, you might consider taking proactive steps to mitigate your estate’s IHT liability.

1. Give gifts in your lifetime

Gifting wealth in your lifetime could be an effective way to reduce the value of your estate. Gifts that do not qualify for an exemption may be included in your estate for up to seven years after they were given. If you die within seven years, the value could be subject to IHT.

However, when it comes to determining whether you have exceeded the £2 million taper threshold, only assets you owned at the time of death are usually included in calculations. Therefore, gifts made within the seven years prior to death typically do not count towards the threshold.

So, by gifting your wealth, you may reduce the likelihood of losing your residence nil-rate band, while reducing the size of your estate being taxed.

That said, it’s important to ensure gifts are affordable and will not impact your current financial wellbeing or long-term financial goals. A financial planner can support you in incorporating tax-efficient gifting into your wider financial plan.

2. Leave a charitable legacy

If you leave 10% or more of your net estate to charity when you die, your IHT rate could reduce from 40% to 36%. In addition, gifts left to charities when you pass away are not included in IHT calculations. Depending on your circumstances, it could be an effective strategy to reduce your IHT bill while supporting a cause close to your heart.

Additionally, giving to charity during your lifetime can help reduce the size of your estate to mitigate an IHT bill and prevent your residence nil-rate band from being reduced.

3. Place assets in trust

You may be able to mitigate an IHT bill by putting assets in a trust.

Assets held in a trust may still be liable for IHT, depending on the type of trust used and when you pass away. However, typically, the value will not be considered when calculating whether your estate exceeds the £2 million threshold for losing your residence nil-rate band.

The rules for placing assets in trust and the IHT implications can be complex and vary between different trust types. Usually, you will be unable to remove assets from a trust once you have transferred them in. So, it’s important to seek legal and financial advice before making any irreversible decisions.

Get in touch for estate planning support

If you’re worried about your estate’s IHT liability, get in touch to find out how we can support you to pass on wealth tax-efficiently.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

Please do not act based on anything you might read in this article. All contents are based on our understanding of HMRC legislation, which is subject to change.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate estate planning, tax planning, Inheritance Tax planning, or trusts.

The post How the value of your estate affects a key Inheritance Tax allowance appeared first on Morgan Williams & Co..

Many people taking a career break will consider the effect on their short-term finances, such as how they’ll pay essential bills and if they’ll need to dip into savings. However, they may not consider the potential long-term implications of pausing pension contributions.

A two-year career break could mean your pension is thousands of pounds less

According to figures published in the i Paper (4 March 2026), a 27-year-old with a £9,000 pension pot contributing £200 a month who takes a two-year break at age 30 would see their projected retirement pot shrink from £199,130 to £188,727 – a difference of more than £10,400.

One of the most common reasons to take a career break is for maternity leave. Indeed, Scottish Widows states that the biggest driver of the gender pension gap remaining “stubbornly wide” is career breaks. Around half of women have taken a career break at some point, compared to 1 in 5 men.

Of course, there are other reasons to take a career break. You might have caring responsibilities for elderly relatives, further your education, or simply take a break.

Whatever your reasons for taking a career break, there might be some steps you could take to keep your retirement on track.

5 practical tips that could support your long-term finances during a career break

1. Assess the potential impact

Don’t bury your head in the sand when you’re taking a career break. Instead, work out what you expect the financial impact to be before you stop working.

It might feel like a daunting task, but knowing where you stand could help you feel more in control. Armed with this information, you can create a plan to mitigate the implications of a career break and boost your confidence about the future. You might even find that you’re in a better position than you expect, and your pension will remain on track without any adjustments.

2. Consider your National Insurance record

For many people, the State Pension plays an important role in their retirement finances, as it provides a reliable income.

The amount you’re entitled to when you reach State Pension Age is linked to your National Insurance (NI) record. Usually, you’ll need 35 qualifying years on your record to receive the full State Pension. If you take a career break, you could be left with a gap.

In some cases, you may be able to claim NI credits to fill these gaps. For example, if you receive Child Benefit for a child under 12 or are a carer for a disabled person, you might receive NI credits.

Depending on your circumstances and plans, a career break might not harm your State Pension entitlement either. If you started working full-time at 20 and plan to retire at 65, you’d have 45 years on your NI record. So, even if you took a break for a few years, you’d still have the required 35 years to receive the full amount.

You can check your NI record online to understand if a career break might affect your State Pension income.

3. Continue to make pension contributions during a career break

Taking a career break doesn’t mean you have to stop pension contributions. If you’re in a financial position to do so, you could make one-off or regular contributions into your pension, which would benefit from tax relief.

One thing to note is that the limit for receiving tax relief on your pension contributions as a non-taxpayer in 2026/27 is £2,880. If you deposit the full amount, it will attract tax relief of £720.

However, it is possible to carry forward unused pension Annual Allowance from the previous three tax years if you’ve exhausted this year’s allowance, which might allow you to make higher contributions tax-efficiently.

4. Make pension contributions from your partner’s salary

If you’re taking a career break while your partner continues to work, for example, as the primary caregiver to young children, they could make contributions to your pension alongside their own.

This option could ensure both you and your partner’s pensions continue to grow to keep your shared retirement on track.

5. Make higher pension contributions when you return to work

Being aware of a potential pension gap before you take a career break could allow you to create a long-term plan. To make up for a shortfall, you might be able to increase your pension contributions when you return to work.

We could help you assess the impact of a career break

Whether you’ve taken a career break or are planning one in the future, we could work with you to understand how it might affect your pension. By being proactive, you could keep your retirement plans on track and feel confident about your finances.

Please note: This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028). The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances. Thresholds, percentage rates, and tax legislation may change in subsequent Finance Acts.

The post How to take a career break and keep your pension on track appeared first on Morgan Williams & Co..

If you’re simply accumulating wealth, your assets don’t have a clear structure. Seeing the balance in your bank account rise can be comforting, but you’re taking a passive approach.

In contrast, with a financial plan, your assets have an intentional structure designed with your goals in mind. As a result, the decisions you make are deliberate.

If the value of your assets is rising, you might assume you’re on the right track, but creating a financial plan is often still valuable.

Why a tailored financial plan matters

1. Looking beyond the value of assets could paint a clearer picture

An increase in the value of an asset can feel like you’re on the right track to reaching your financial goals, but the number is only one part of the information you need to build a full picture.

Imagine you’re reviewing your pension and whether you’re on track for retirement. Seeing that you have £300,000 in your pension might feel good. However, that figure alone doesn’t tell you what income you might receive when you retire or when you’ll be able to step back from work.

A financial plan can help you understand what your assets could mean for your lifestyle now and in the future. It could also help you identify potential gaps and provide an opportunity to close them.

2. A financial plan may bring together multiple assets

One of the challenges of simply focusing on wealth is that you might view each asset in isolation. Often, you’ll need to bring together multiple assets to gain a clear idea of your financial health and what your options are.

Returning to the retirement planning example, you may use your pension alongside savings and investments to create an income. In addition, whether you may have debts, such as a mortgage, in retirement will affect the income you’ll need. So, if you only consider your pension, you may be missing essential details.

3. You could identify tax allowances and exemptions

Working with a financial planner could help you identify appropriate tax allowances and exemptions that might allow you to get more out of your finances.

Let’s say you’ve decided to invest £250 a month to support your long-term goals. Using a Stocks and Shares ISA could mean your potential investment returns are not liable for tax. Tailored advice might help you recognise how changes to the way you manage your finances could make them more efficient.

4. A strategy might help you measure the impact of your decisions

If you’ve not set clear goals and planned for them, it can be difficult to assess the impact of your decisions.

Working with a financial planner to create a cashflow model could provide a way to visualise your finances and how they might change over time. You can use this model to test different scenarios, so you might see the impact of adding money to your pension compared to overpaying your mortgage.

It’s important to note that the outcomes of a cashflow model are not guaranteed, but it can provide useful insights when you’re making decisions.

5. A clear plan could reduce impulsive decisions

Another benefit of understanding the effect of your decisions is that it could reduce impulsive or emotional decision-making, as you’re able to see the bigger picture.

Get in touch to talk about your financial plan

If you’d like support in creating a long-term financial plan, we’re here to help.

Please note: This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate cashflow modelling or tax planning.

The post Wealth v strategy: Why a financial plan is essential appeared first on Morgan Williams & Co..

Last month, you read about how you might manage your wealth when working towards short-term goals. Now, read on to discover some options you might want to consider for medium-term goals.

Medium-term goals are often defined as those that occur within two to five years. They might include extensive travelling, buying a new car, paying for a wedding, or saving a deposit for a home.

Between your day-to-day budget and long-term goals, you might find it difficult to prioritise medium-term goals, even when they’re important to you. Making them part of your overall financial plan could help you give them the attention they deserve and highlight how to make the most of your money.

Investing in stocks and shares could expose your money to too much risk

While you’d be holding assets for medium-term goals longer than short-term ones, the time frame is still often too short for investing in stocks and shares to be appropriate.

The value of stocks and shares is often influenced by numerous factors, which could result in more volatility than is appropriate when you’re working towards a medium-term goal.

When you’re working towards medium-term goals, you might use the same strategies as when you’re saving for a short-term goal, such as a savings account or Cash ISA. But that doesn’t mean your only option is to leave money in a regular savings account. These two options may also be suitable and could help you reach your goals sooner.

2 useful options that could help you reach medium-term goals

1. Fixed-term Cash ISA

Cash ISAs are a tax-efficient way to save. The interest you earn from money held in a Cash ISA is not subject to tax, and this applies to fixed-term accounts too.

Typically, a fixed-term Cash ISA will offer a higher, guaranteed interest rate than a regular Cash ISA and could help you reach your savings goal more quickly.

However, your money will be locked away for a defined period, such as two or five years. Cash ISA providers must allow you to access your money, but withdrawing money from a fixed-term Cash ISA is likely to result in a heavy penalty. As a result, fixed-term Cash ISAs may not be suitable for short-term goals or an emergency fund.

Usually, fixed-rate Cash ISAs require you to deposit a lump sum within a short window when you open an account, such as 30 days. This type of account could be useful if you already have the money for a goal, but you don’t need to pay for it yet.

For example, if family members have gifted money for your wedding, you might choose a fixed-term Cash ISA with a term that aligns with when you’ll need to pay vendors. Or if you’ve saved money for a long trip when you retire in three years, you might move the money into a fixed-term Cash ISA that will mature before you leave.

In 2026/27, you can place up to £20,000 into ISAs, and you may deposit the full amount into Cash ISAs if you choose.

From April 2027, the total ISA allowance will remain at £20,000, but if you’re under 65, the amount you can place in Cash ISAs will be capped at £12,000.

2. Bonds

While investing in stocks and shares could expose you to too much investment risk if you have a medium-term goal, bonds might be an option you want to explore.

Governments or companies can use bonds to raise money, and you could use them as a form of fixed-income investment. As an investor, assuming the company or government doesn’t default, you’d receive regular interest payments during the term and the amount you initially paid when the bond matures.

You should note that while bonds don’t usually pose as much risk as stocks and shares do, there is still a chance that you could lose money. It’s important to review the risk associated with each investment opportunity and consider how it fits into your wider financial plan, which your financial planner could help you do.

Contact us

Please get in touch if you’d like to talk about how a financial plan could help you balance competing financial goals.

Next month, read our blog to discover how you might invest for long-term goals.

Please note: This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028). The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available.

The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances. Thresholds, percentage rates, and tax legislation may change in subsequent Finance Acts.

The post Balancing your goals: How to manage your medium-term goals appeared first on Morgan Williams & Co..

One effect of the conflict on global markets is the rising price of energy. Indeed, analysis from UBS suggests that March 2026 experienced the largest increase in global energy inflation for at least 25 years.

Remember, market volatility is a part of investing, and it’s important to take a long-term view when reviewing the performance of your portfolio.

Uncertainty in the Middle East led to volatility

April 2026 started with the hope that the conflict in the Middle East would be resolved, which led to rallies in European and US markets.

Among the indices that were up on 1 April were the UK’s FTSE 100 (1.85%), France’s CAC 40 (2.3%), Italy’s FTSE MIB (2.6%), Spain’s IBEX (2.7%), and the US’s Dow Jones Industrial Average (0.6%).

However, on the evening of 1 April, US President Donald Trump delivered a primetime address. His speech suggested the situation in the Middle East would escalate and dented hopes of an early end to the conflict.

As a result, when markets opened in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the US on 2 April, they dipped.

Following news of a ceasefire agreement between Iran and the US on 8 April, the FTSE 100 was up 2.6%. Only three companies fell: oil companies BP and Shell, and British Gas owner Centrica. European stocks were also up – the pan-European Stoxx 600 index jumped 4%.

Yet, it didn’t take long for worries to emerge that a ceasefire would falter. On 9 April, concerns led to Asian and European markets falling again.

The soaring price of oil and the need to reroute some flights led to airline stocks being hit on 13 April when talks between Washington and Tehran broke down. IAG, the parent company of British Airways, was down 2%. Wizz Air (-6.5%) and easyJet (-3.8%) were also among those affected.

On 17 April, it was revealed that the UK government was considering ways to break the link between gas and electricity. The potential change would ease the burden on households and businesses, but could affect the profits of energy companies. When the FTSE 100 opened, it dropped 0.14%, with energy companies among the biggest losers, including SSE (-4%) and Centrica (-3.5%).

Later in the day, Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz, an important waterway for trade, was now fully open. The news led to indices rising, including the Dow Jones (1.2%), the S&P 500 (0.7%), and the FTSE 100 (0.6%).

However, over the following days, there was uncertainty over a ceasefire and the accessibility of the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran declared closed. As a result, on 20 April, European markets fell when opening. Again, airlines were among the biggest fallers, while stocks in energy producers increased.

On 24 April, Trump threatened the UK with a “big tariff” if the UK did not drop its digital services tax on US social media firms. On opening, the FTSE 100 was 0.46% lower.

In contrast, Japan’s Nikkei closed on a record high thanks to earnings reports from the technology sector. In the week to 24 April, the index was up 2.1%. 

The good news continued for the Nikkei when markets reoponed on 27 April. The index surpassed 60,000 points for the first time on the back of peace talks taking place between the US and Iran.

UK

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggests the UK economy was on a better footing than expected at the start of the year. GDP in February 2026 increased by 0.5% when compared to January.

Additionally, unemployment unexpectedly dropped to 4.9% in the three months to February 2026. However, wage growth was at its lowest level since 2020. Excluding bonuses, wage growth was 3.6%.

It’s important to note that these indicators were recorded before the conflict in the Middle East, which the International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects to harm the economy. The organisation downgraded the UK’s growth expectations for this year to 0.8%, compared to 1.3% it projected in an earlier forecast.

The economic shocks from the conflict could lead to higher mortgage repayments for 1.3 million households, according to the Bank of England. Potential increases in borrowing costs may also affect businesses.

A construction index from Glenigan suggests that activity in the sector has tumbled due to pressure from the conflict and a persistently weak economy. In the three months to March 2026, work starting on site declined by 17% when compared to the final quarter of 2025.

Similarly, S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data shows business activity weakening in the service sector. The PMI was 50.5 in March against a reading of 53.9 in February – a reading above 50 suggests growth.

The PMI for the manufacturing sector also highlighted the effect the conflict is having. UK factories were hit by the biggest month-on-month jump in costs since 1992.

Perhaps unsurprisingly due to ongoing uncertainty, a survey by YouGov and Cebr found that UK consumers are feeling gloomier about their household finances and job security. The survey recorded a reading of 105.8 in March, the lowest figure recorded since December 2023.

Europe

Inflation in the eurozone increased faster than expected. In the 12 months to March 2026, the rate of inflation across the bloc was 2.6%. There were significant differences between countries. Denmark reported the lowest rate of inflation of 1%, compared to 9% posted in Romania.

PMI data also indicates that while business activity is growing, it is weakening. According to S&P Global, the PMI reading in March was 50.7, which could suggest the economy is grappling with stagflation.

The ifo Institute reported that German business morale fell to its lowest level since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in May 2020. Businesses are concerned that rising energy costs due to the ongoing conflict could derail the country’s economic prospects. 

US

The IMF warned that Trump’s trade war would slow the US economy. The organisation said that imposed tariffs would offset the benefits of falling inflation. However, the IMF does expect the US economy to grow by 2.4% in 2026, compared to 2% in 2025.

The energy shock caused by the conflict has led to US inflation rising 0.9% in March 2026 when compared to the previous month. The rate of inflation in the 12 months to March 2026 was 3.3%, putting it above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.

Figures suggest that the energy shock is already hampering businesses. Indeed, production at US factories, mines, and utility companies fell by 0.5% in March.

A survey from the National Federation of Independent Businesses also suggests that business sentiment fell to an 11-month low due to concerns about oil prices increasing.

Asia

To ease concerns over an energy shortage caused by conflict in the Middle East and the potential economic effects, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the release of additional oil reserves. It was hoped the move would head off a spike in energy prices.

China beat growth expectations in the first quarter of 2026. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows the country’s economy grew by 5% between January and March 2026, 0.5% higher than the previous quarter.

Following this news, credit reference agency Moody’s lifted its outlook for China’s government debt from negative to stable. The organisation said the changes reflect its assessment that the economy will be resilient to ongoing domestic, trade, and geopolitical challenges.

Please note: This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.

The post Investment market update: April 2026 appeared first on Morgan Williams & Co..

• It’s designed to encourage people of all ages to enjoy some of the many health benefits of walking, including: Improving your mood
• Helping you sleep better
• Boosting your immune system
• Easing muscle pain and stiffness
• Helping with weight management.

According to the British Heart Foundation, it can also reduce your risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases and cancer.

If you fancy a challenge, spectacular scenery, or simply a nice walk, read on to discover six epic walks across the UK you could try this year.

Epic for: The challenge

Cape Wrath Trail, Scotland

According to Walk Highlands, this route has the reputation of being Britain’s toughest long-distance walk, so only undertake this if you’re an experienced walker.

It’s an unmarked route, which stretches around 350km, from Fort William up to Cape Wrath. Along the way, you’ll experience wild terrain and beautiful landscapes. As it’s unmarked and such a long walk, you’ll be able to plan your own exact route, although many operators can help you map out the separate stages.

You’ll be backpacking and will need to carry food and a tent, so you do need to be self-sufficient. There are plenty of “bothies” along the way, unlocked shelters which provide four walls and a roof, if you need to take a break.

It’s undeniably tough, but it’s also a true adventure.

The Pennine Way, England

This 431 km route begins in Edale in the Peak District and ends in the Scottish Borders. The first National Trail in England, it’s perhaps one of the UK’s most famous walks.

Although you can walk the trail all year round, it’s at its best from May to September. Just be warned, you might find snow in the more northerly parts of the walk if you do go during the winter months.

Along the route, you’ll take in the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Swaledale Valley, and North Pennines. Finally, you’ll reach Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, before you end at Kirk Yetholm in the Borders.

It’s a hilly walk, with some rough and rugged terrain. There are plenty of great places to take rest days, such as Hebden Bridge, Skipton, and Hadrian’s Wall.

Epic for: Scenery

Rhossili Headland, Gower, Wales

This walk is just 3.5 miles, but what it lacks in distance it makes up for with its picturesque views.

The full scenic sweep of Rhossili beach is the main event, but even right at the start of the walk, you’ll enjoy stunning scenery, such as the view of the Worm’s Head, a winding tidal island. You’ll also see the shipwreck of the Helvetia if you go during low tide.

Plus, you can take in the unusual sight of The Vile, a rare example of a medieval open-field strip system, with each distinctive, individual strip separated by low grassy banks.

Epic for: History

Hadrian’s Wall Path, England

Step into history as you follow Hadrian’s Wall, built by the Romans around AD 122 under Emperor Hadrian.

The wall was designed to control movement and acted as a physical boundary marking the north-west frontier of the Roman Empire.

Spanning around 135 km, the trail stretches coast to coast across northern England. Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of terrain and landscapes, including urban areas, rolling farmland, and remote, open countryside.

Plus, there are spectacular views which stretch for miles.

You’ll also see small Roman forts, turrets, and defensive structures as you walk, with parts of the wall still visible.

Hadrian’s Wall is part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes sites across the UK and connected Roman frontiers in Germany and beyond.

Epic for: Filming locations

Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland

Game of Thrones fans will instantly recognise many of the spots along the way, as the region acted as a central filming base for the highly popular series.

Ballintoy Harbour was used as the setting for the Iron Islands, with its rugged, dramatic, exposed coastline proving the perfect backdrop.

Meanwhile, Cushendun Caves feature in key scenes involving Melisandre. Tucked away into the coastline, the smaller cave is open to visitors, but be aware that access is via a rocky, uneven beach.

And although the Giant’s Causeway isn’t directly seen in the show itself, it features more of the same type of beautiful coastal views and natural terrain.

Whether you’re a Game of Thrones fan or not, the whole area offers a dramatic, picturesque setting for a long coastal walk or a series of shorter walks.

Epic for: An easier walk

Buttermere Circuit, Lake District, England

If you’re looking for a scenic walk without the effort, this is the perfect choice. With flat, well-maintained paths, it’s often described as one of the most rewarding short walks in the UK.

The circular loop follows Buttermere Lake, and you’ll experience spectacular scenery and a constantly shifting landscape as you walk, from woodland paths to open lakeside.

Burtness Wood is a peaceful, shaded stretch offering a direct contrast to the open lakeside walks. Take a short detour, and you’ll reach Sourmilk Gill waterfall, which offers stunning views right across the valley.

The whole route is just 7.2km, making it ideal for beginners, families, or simply if you fancy a low effort walk instead of a demanding hike.

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Whether you want to make changes to your lifestyle or achieve a lifelong dream, the thought of how far you have left to go can put you off even trying.

Rather than focusing on the long road ahead, it can help to take your journey one step at a time. By breaking your objectives down into regular, smaller milestones, you can make your goals feel less overwhelming.

Read on to learn how this “marginal gains” approach could empower you to make steady, continuous progress in improving your wellbeing.

What are “marginal gains”?

In 2003, cycling coach Dave Brailsford used his “aggregation of marginal gains” philosophy to transform the Great British cycling team.

His strategy was fairly simple: improve everything by 1% at a time, from redesigning bike seats to finding the right pillows to improve riders’ sleep quality. These enhancements combined and compounded to deliver significant performance improvements over time.

In just a few years, they went from being notoriously mediocre to record-breaking Olympic gold medallists. Having won only a single gold medal in the previous 100 years, British cyclists took home 60% of the gold cycling medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In 2012, the team set nine Olympic records and seven world records.

You can apply this philosophy to almost any goal. Making small, regular improvements could add up to a significant evolution and allow you to achieve big things with a series of small tweaks.

“Something” is better than “nothing”

When you adopt an “all or nothing” approach, you might often default to “nothing”. Going all-in and trying to do everything at once can be overwhelming, causing you to shut off from the goal completely.

For example, if you want to exercise more, the thought of going to the gym for an hour a day might be too much. As a result, you may end up doing no exercise at all.

The marginal gains philosophy means accepting that “all” might not be feasible right away, and “something” is better than “nothing”.

In some cases, you might continuously increase your effort to build up towards your goal. The NHS’s “Couch to 5k” is a prime example of this, where you start your exercise off at a low level and gradually increase it until you can run a full 5k.

In others, just a few small changes might be enough, provided they’re sustained over a prolonged period.

3 lifestyle tweaks to enhance your wellbeing

When it comes to boosting your wellbeing, even small changes can have a big impact.

A study published by the Lancet found that tweaking your sleep, diet, and exercise behaviours can deliver significant benefits and even prolong your life. In fact, it suggests that small improvements in these three areas can deliver a greater impact than focusing heavily on just one.

1. Sleep

The University of Sydney found that the least healthy people in the study got five and a half hours of sleep each night. For this cohort, getting just an extra five minutes of sleep each night could help extend their life by a year.

2. Diet

According to the study, those with the lowest average “diet quality score” could also help add an extra year to their life simply by eating an extra half-serving of vegetables a day.

3. Exercise

Finally, just two more minutes of exercise a day could also contribute to a longer life for those with the least healthy lifestyles.

These three changes may be barely noticeable. After all, who’s going to notice you eating one more broccoli spear or going to bed five minutes earlier? But by making all three changes together, you could make a notable difference to your wellbeing and longevity.

What’s more, the study suggests that by continuing to make marginal gains in all three areas, you can form healthy habits that could help add nine years or more to your life.

Start small

If you’re looking to boost your overall health and wellbeing, here are just a few ideas of small steps that could help you get started:

• Drink an extra glass of water a day
• Swap one daily snack for a healthier alternative
• Incorporate small amounts of exercise throughout your daily routine
• Move your regular bedtime forward
• Cut back on weekly units of alcohol.

By adopting this marginal gains philosophy, you may find you can change for the better, without changing much at all.

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Telling the story of Odysseus’s journey home after the battle of Troy, the film brings Homer’s epic poem to the big screen. The hero faces a multitude of challenges along the way, clashing with sea monsters, Sirens, the Cyclops, and the god of the sea himself, Poseidon.

Greek myths are enduring, captivating tales which can still hold our attention thousands of years after they were first written. They can teach us plenty about the world and life, too.

Read on to discover seven lasting financial lessons we can learn from Greek myths.

1. Odysseus: Adapt your plan to weather the unexpected

King of Ithaca, Odysseus, embarks on a 10-year journey to return home from Troy to his wife and son. However, the journey is fraught with danger. Along the way, he faces the one-eyed Cyclops, the alluring but murderous Sirens, the many-headed monster Scylla, and the wrath of the gods. He and his men have to demonstrate resilience at every turn, as they face up to each new challenge.

While today’s challenges may be a little less dramatic, the concept remains the same. Creating a plan for your financial journey is an important starting point. However, it’s wise to always expect the unexpected, and having a robust plan that can be adapted to encompass changing circumstances can help you withstand any of the more modern trials life can throw your way.

2. King Midas: Wealth alone won’t bring you happiness

King Midas famously wished that everything he touched would turn to gold. However, when his wish was granted, he found he was unable to smell flowers, taste food, or even hug his beloved daughter without turning everything to gold.

It’s not a difficult jump from his tale to the present day, as the same caution around an excessive focus on wealth accumulation still applies. While it’s a good idea to save and invest for your future, we will always encourage you to consider what makes you happy in life.

Smelling the roses and hugging your family can always continue to be a priority. Your wealth is there to help your wishes come true; it’s not the end solution in itself.

3. Icarus: Overconfidence can be as dangerous as not taking any risk

Escaping imprisonment, Icarus and his father Daedalus fly away using wings made of wax and feathers. Filled with hubris, Icarus flew too close to the sun, the wax melted, and he fell to his death.

When we help you create your financial plan, we’ll always discuss your attitude to risk and plan your investments accordingly. For the most part, a balanced portfolio can offer you long-term returns. Overconfidence, especially early on, can be almost as bad as taking no risk at all, as Icarus found out to his detriment.

4. Ariadne: A safety net is important

The story of Ariadne tells how she fell in love with Theseus and gave him a ball of thread to help him navigate the labyrinth of the Minotaur, so he could always return to his starting point.

This safety net stopped Theseus from getting hopelessly lost and was a simple act which likely saved his life.

In financial terms, your safety net is also important. This could be in terms of protection, such as life insurance or critical illness cover. Or it could be in terms of keeping a small amount of your wealth as cash reserves, saving between three to six months’ worth of basic expenses in an accessible account.

5. Achilles: Understand your weaknesses

The Greek warrior Achilles was dipped in the River Styx as a baby, with his mother holding his heel as she did so. He became invulnerable except for this tiny area, and the Achilles heel is now the common term for a sign of weakness.

Ultimately, Achilles was killed by an arrow which hit his weak point. Understanding more about your own weaknesses can protect your wealth from suffering.

For example, are you prone to taking too much risk, or too little? Do you struggle to stick to a budget? Once you’ve identified your financial vulnerabilities, it can be much easier to overcome them.

6. The Trojan Horse: Be aware of hidden risks and costs

Hiding inside the Trojan Horse, the Greeks managed to enter the city of Troy unnoticed, going on to conquer it.

It’s always a good idea to understand exactly what the implications are of any financial transaction or investment, so you don’t get trapped by hidden issues in the shape of risks or costs.

Always do your due diligence before making any commitment, and if you’re in doubt, please speak to us first.

7. Orpheus and Eurydice: Don’t keep checking your investments

After his beloved wife Eurydice died, Orpheus persuaded Hades, the god of the underworld, to release her. Hades agreed, but on the condition that Orpheus not look back until he and Eurydice were both in the sunlight. Orpheus was unable to resist the temptation to look, and his wife was swallowed by the underworld forever.

While this darkly tragic tale is an extreme example, it can demonstrate the risks of constant checking. By all means, look at how your investment portfolio is faring a few times a year. But if you fall into the trap of checking every day, you could start to panic during times of volatility. Historically, these have righted themselves, and there is nothing to gain from constant over-checking.

Please note: This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.

Note that life insurance and financial protection plans typically have no cash in value at any time and cover will cease at the end of the term. If premiums stop, then cover will lapse.

Cover is subject to terms and conditions and may have exclusions. Definitions of illnesses vary from product provider and will be explained within the policy documentation.

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