October 14th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

A worrying 53% of people over 55 in the UK have no Will or an out-of-date one, according to new research – sparking fears thousands of families could face uncertainty, stress and financial hardship after a loved one dies.

A survey of 2,000 people across the UK, carried out by the Will-writing campaign Will Aid, has revealed that 41% of over-55s have never even written a Will, while a further 12% admit theirs no longer reflects their wishes.

And with two fifths (40%) of over-55s saying they’re unlikely to write or update one in the next 12 months, experts are warning the problem is only getting worse.

Lauren Poole, Chair of Will Aid, said: “These numbers should set serious alarm bells ringing. The absence of a valid Will won’t just cause legal delays – it creates confusion, stress and even conflict for grieving families.

“Writing a Will is one of the simplest, kindest things you can do – and Will Aid makes it accessible to everyone.”

The top reasons UK adults gave for not sorting their Will were that they didn’t understand how it works or thought it was too complex (26%), it was too costly (20%), or they hadn’t found time (20%).

A further 17% said they felt uncomfortable thinking about death.

Among those who do have a Will, almost half (45%) said they hadn’t updated it in more than four years – and one in five admitted they’d never updated it at all.

Lauren added: “We know that many people are put off by the perceived cost or complexity, but with Will Aid, the process is simple, secure and incredibly worthwhile.

“You protect your loved ones – and you support life-changing work across the UK and globally. It’s a win-win.”

Will Aid is a nationwide campaign that takes place every November and sees participating solicitors across the UK volunteer their time to write basic Wills, waiving their usual fee in exchange for a voluntary donation.

Suggested donations are £120 for a single Will and £200 for a pair of mirror Wills – with all donations supporting the vital work of eight leading UK charities.

These include Age UK, Christian Aid, NSPCC, British Red Cross, SCIAF (Scotland), Trócaire (Northern Ireland) and – new for this year, Shelter and Crisis.

Appointments are available now and can be made with a participating firm either in person or remotely.

Sunil Kambli, of Premier Solicitors in Bedford, has been taking part in Will Aid for 20 years and have raised more than £163,000 for the scheme since then.

Sunil said: “Having a Will is essential for ensuring your wishes are respected and for giving peace of mind to your loved ones. But keeping that document up to date is just as important – especially when life circumstances change.

“Whether it’s the death of a relative, a divorce, a new relationship, or having children or stepchildren, we always advise reviewing your Will regularly to make sure it still reflects your wishes.

“Will Aid is a brilliant opportunity to get your Will professionally drawn up or updated, while supporting charities that help some of the most vulnerable people here in the UK and around the world.”

You can find your Will Aid solicitor by visiting www.willaid.org.uk/lookup

For more information on Will Aid and how to get involved visit www.willaid.org.uk

October 14th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

With inflationary pressures and the cost-of-living squeeze continuing to impact households across the UK, one of the lesser-discussed challenges for consumers isn’t the big, one-off expenses, but the small, incremental rises in everyday bills.

According to Christie Cook, Managing Director of Retail at Hodge Bank, it’s these subtle changes, such as a £2 increase in streaming services, a few pounds more on a phone contract, or slightly higher utility charges, that can catch people off guard and quietly destabilise monthly budgets.

“Most of us are naturally alert to large financial outlays, such as buying a new appliance, booking a holiday, or even a significant increase in mortgage repayments. These are obvious, one-off costs that people tend to plan for or at least notice. 

“However, when bills creep up by just a few pounds here and there, they don’t trigger the same alarm bells. The problem is, added together, these small rises can make a big dent in household budgets.”

This phenomenon, sometimes described as the ‘bill shock’ effect, reflects a psychological blind spot.

“The increases appear manageable in isolation, which means individuals are less likely to adjust their spending habits to account for them. Over time, however, the cumulative impact can feel just as destabilising as a larger, one-off cost.

“Households are often surprised when they reach the end of the month and discover their disposable income is far less than expected.

“It isn’t always due to a single big payment; it’s the drip effect of multiple, smaller increases that quietly erode financial resilience.”

For many, this highlights the importance of awareness as much as budgeting. The culture of subscription models, from entertainment to shopping to fitness, has normalised smaller, recurring outgoings that people often sign up for and forget about. When the prices of these services rise, often with little fanfare, they rarely prompt the same scrutiny as headline increases elsewhere.

“What this really shows is how financial behaviour isn’t just about pounds and pence, it’s about psychology. People feel in control when they manage big-ticket spending, but the smaller costs slipping under the radar can be just as impactful.”

As the cost-of-living landscape continues to evolve, understanding these behavioural tendencies is critical. By recognising the ‘bill shock’ effect, consumers can be more aware of the hidden pressures on their budgets and take a more holistic view of their spending habits.

October 13th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Divorce is as much a financial journey as it is an emotional one and while, many people focus on the court fee, they usually forget the legal, mediation, valuation, and complexity costs that can accumulate. With recent reforms and fee increases, it’s more important than ever to understand the full landscape up front.

Court & Government Fees: The Basic Cost of a Divorce Application

In England and Wales, divorces incur mandatory court (or HMCTS) fees. As of 8 April 2025, the application fee for filing a divorce has increased from £593 to £612.

Other family court fees have also been adjusted upward by about 3.2%. For example:

• The fee to commencefinancial remedy proceedings now rises from £303 to £313.
• The fee for submitting aconsent order (when both parties agree on finances) increases from £58 to £60.
• Applications under the Children Act (e.g. child arrangements orders) increase from £255 to £263.

Note that there is limited help with fees available (a “Help with Fees” remission scheme) for those on low incomes or in receipt of certain benefits.

Legal & Solicitor Costs (Uncontested vs Contested)

Legal costs vary widely depending on how amicable the divorce is, the complexity of finances or child arrangements, and your region or choice of firm.

• In a straightforwarduncontested divorce (where both parties agree on everything), solicitors’ fees might run from £700 to £2,000 (excluding court fees).
• Some firms quote starting fees of around£500–£1,000 plus VAT, depending on how much drafting and legal support is needed.
• Forcontested divorces, legal fees can escalate rapidly. In complex cases with property, pensions, business interests, or disputes, total costs (legal + court) can reach £15,000 to £30,000+ or more.

You should always discuss with a family lawyer upfront (whether they charge hourly or fixed rates) to avoid surprises as matters evolve.

Financial Settlement, Mediation & Additional Costs

Even if divorce paperwork is simple, the financial settlement is often where cost and conflict concentrate.

• Consent Order drafting: If both parties agree, a consent order is needed to make the agreement legally binding. Solicitors typically charge to draw this up, and there is a court fee (rising from £58 to £60).
• Mediation: Many couples use mediation to negotiate financial and child matters. Mediators in the UK typically charge£130 to £170 per person per hour for sessions and document drafting.
• Expert reports & valuations: Complex divorces may call for pension actuaries, business valuation experts, forensic accountants, and even property appraisers.
• Court hearings & litigation: If no agreement is reached, one or more court hearings may be needed. This adds more court fees, solicitor time, barristers in some cases, and further complexity costs.

When Costs Balloon: Complex or Contested Divorce Scenarios

In high-conflict or high-asset divorces, costs can become vast. Key cost drivers include:

• Multiple court hearings, appeals, and procedural complexity
• Expert evidence (valuations, forensic accounting, pension splitting)
• Disputes over international assets or jurisdictional issues
• Private negotiations or alternative dispute resolution (e.g. retained arbitrators)
• Legal teams for each party, sometimes including barristers

It is not uncommon for fully contested high-value divorces to result in £25,000–£30,000+ in total costs. In some cases, a court may also order one party to pay a portion or all of the other’s legal costs, especially where one spouse’s behaviour has been judged unreasonable.

October 13th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

If you are feeling the pinch lately then you are not alone. There are thousands of households that are just living paycheck to paycheck. However, it doesn’t have to be like this forever. You can make positive changes now that will last well into the future. Check out the article below to find out more.

Work To A Budget 

Budgets can be your best friend when you are trying to save money. If you need to work out just how much you will have left at the end of each month then write it all down. Include your incomings and outgoings then bear in mind your final figure. You should include all your bills and any debts that you need to repay. 

If you need help with your budget then there are many apps out there that you can link your bank account to. This will do everything automatically for you so you don’t have to sit there and enter the numbers manually. 

Plan For Retirement

Another great idea when it comes to your finances is to plan and prepare for your retirement. You might be wondering why, especially if you are young. However, with the cost of  everything rising, it is better to start saving now. You should ideally be putting money away for retirement from the age of twenty. This will give you a nice lot of savings to fall back on when you no longer have a steady wage coming in. If you want to look into pensions then these are also an option, you pay in a set amount each month and then withdraw it when you reach retirement age. 

Prepare For Emergencies – use savings etc 

Now, think about if there has ever been a time when you needed money and didn’t have it. This might have been when you took extended time off work due to an accident or illness. The struggle is real and emergencies can strike at any time. For instance, you may have been injured by someone either in the street, at work, or even while driving your car. If this is the case then speaking with a bodily injury claim solicitors could go a long way in helping you get the money you are owed. 

Shop In Different Stores 

Lastly, consider where you are doing your weekly shopping. There are many different supermarkets and they can all have different offers each week. It helps to shop around to find the best cost for you so you aren’t out of pocket. If you want to save even more money with your shopping then create a shopping list. That way you aren’t adding random items that you don’t actually need to your basket or trolley. Even better idea, do your shopping online then you won’t be tempted with various sweet treats while wandering around. 

We do hope you found this article helpful and now have a greater understanding of how to deal with your finances. Making small changes now will work wonders for you in the future.

October 8th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Sophie Graham, a personal finance expert at Sunny, says:

“Autumn can be a costly time of year, with festive expenses ahead and rising energy bills adding extra pressure. Before setting your heating timers for the season, try these simple tricks so you don’t have your heating on as often.

1. Layer up your clothing

“Before turning on the heating for the whole house, focus on keeping yourself warm first. Adding extra layers, like thermal socks, tops, or leggings, helps trap body heat so you rely less on the thermostat. And don’t be shy about wearing a cosy dressing gown during the day too.”

2. Rearrange your furniture

“Make sure your sofas and chairs aren’t positioned near any cold drafts, as this is when you’ll most likely be tempted to turn the heating on. Moving your seating so they are further away from walls and more central can also make a noticeable difference. If you have a chair near the window, consider moving it near other furniture as this can create a warmer seating area.

3. Use soft furnishings to trap heat

“Investing in good-quality rugs and curtains can have a significant effect on insulation and how your home retains heat. Rugs are great with wooden or tile flooring, as they aren’t as chilly under your feet. Also, adding layers like cushions and throws not only makes your room feel cosy, but they also keep you feeling warmer when relaxing in front of the television.

4. Make the most of natural light

“While the days are shorter towards the end of the year, you can still maximise the exposure of natural light in the home. From the moment the sun rises, open all curtains and blinds so that the daylight can naturally heat the home. Then, in the evening, close all windows and blinds to keep that heat in. This simple daily routine costs nothing but can make a measurable difference to your home’s temperature.

5. Keep active 

“Light activities around the home, such as cleaning, tidying, and cooking, can improve circulation. Even short bursts of exercise, like a ten-minute workout, can help get your blood pumping, keeping you warmer. Also, a brisk walk outdoors can make returning inside feel noticeably warmer and more comfortable.

6. Keep doors closed 

“By shutting doors to rooms you’re not using, you prevent heat from escaping and concentrate warmth where you need it most. It’s important to bear this in mind if you have a hallway, which can act as a cold corridor. You want to ensure that the living spaces contain the heat, so shut the doors of the rooms you want to keep warm also.

7. Draught-proof your home 

“Small gaps around windows, doors, or even letterboxes can let a surprising amount of cold air in. Simple draught excluders, weather stripping, or even rolled-up towels can block these gaps and help keep the warmth inside. Sometimes it can be difficult to work out where a draft is coming from, so you can also walk around the cooler area with a candle to see if the flame flickers to identify where you need to block the draft.

8. Use hot water bottles or heat pads

“Instead of turning on the heating, a hot water bottle or microwaveable heat pack can provide instant warmth and comfort. Place it on your lap while working from home or relaxing on the sofa. At bedtime, slip the hot water bottle between your sheets about 15 minutes before getting in; you’ll be greeted by a cosy, pre-warmed bed that makes the cold nights much more bearable.

9. Leave the oven door open

“After you’ve finished using the oven, safely keep the oven door open to let the heat escape to the room. This is particularly useful if you’re dining in the kitchen area, as it won’t require you to turn on the heating. If you use this method, just make sure there are no babies or pets around.

For more money-saving advice and personal finance tips, visit Sunny.co.uk.

October 8th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Many people decide to get involved in franchise businesses as they think that it automatically puts them on the fast-track to success. While it is true that the core principles of the business have already been laid out for you, there are still plenty of common mistakes that need to be avoided. The risks of starting a franchise business are just as real as the risks of starting a regular one. With this in mind, here are a few common mistakes that franchisees make and the ways in which you can sidestep them. 

Underestimating the Costs 

When many people look at a franchise opportunity, they automatically look at the franchise fee and don’t look beyond it. However, there are many other costs involved in a business of this variety that you need to be aware of. There are plenty of other overheads that you need to take into account. When you are working out your sums initially, it is always better to overestimate rather than underestimate. It is much better to be pleasantly surprised rather than crushingly disappointed! 

Insufficient Research 

A lot of potential franchisees fall into the trap of not doing enough research as they think that this has already been taken care of by the parent company. However, you shouldn’t just take all your information from the website of the franchising company. Instead, you should seek to find out about the experiences of the people who have actually been there and done it. You may be able to find some accounts online and connect with people via social media or forum sites. If possible, you should aim to speak to people face to face and even pay a visit to one or two branches. This way, you can get a much clearer picture of how everything is run. Not only this, but you can also ask all the questions that you would like along the way. 

Expecting to Have Complete Control 

If you want to run a business in which you have complete control, the best course of action is to open an original company. A degree of control is always going to be inevitably relinquished to the parent company. The franchise model will be set in stone, and there is a clear roadmap that you will have to follow. This is the price that you will naturally find yourself paying for a business model in which the risks have been brought down to the minimum. If you fail to follow some of the clear instructions that have been set out for you by the parent company, this will mean that you invalidate your legal agreement. As you would expect, this can end up getting you into all sorts of hot water. If you are willing to stick to the tried and tested formula, this may well be the type of business for you.

Not Fully Understanding the Terms and Conditions

When you go far enough along the route of launching a franchise, you will also receive a document that outlines all of your terms and conditions, as well as your legal responsibilities. Unless you have a legal mind, it is worth having a solicitor look over the document for you. This way, you will have a much clearer picture of what you are letting yourself in for. There are legal specialists available that specifically deal in the franchising field. While they may seem like a high initial expenditure that you have to bear, they can end up saving you a hefty sum of money in the long run, as well as plenty of legal headaches in trying to work out everything yourself.

Failing to Learn the Basics First 

Anyone who runs a business is a driven individual, and this often means a high level of impatience as well. However, a lot of people think that because the business model is already set out, they can start with all guns blazing. In truth, you should focus on doing the basics right first. After this, you can then grow the business further and even acquire more outlets. 

There are plenty of opportunities in starting a franchise business. However, there are also a lot of mistakes that you can make along the way as well, and it is worth knowing about all of them. By avoiding these common traps, you make it much more likely that you are going to achieve the type of success that you are looking for.

October 6th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

A new survey conducted by Will Aid, the national Will-writing campaign, has revealed an alarming gap in public understanding about inheritance laws affecting cohabiting couples.

The survey found that 68% of cohabitees were unaware of the rules of intestacy and what happens to their estate if they die without a Will.

This lack of awareness could have devastating consequences for many families across the UK, as cohabiting couples—regardless of how long they have lived together or whether they have children—are not automatically entitled to inherit from one another if one partner dies without leaving a Will.

Key findings from the poll, include:

• 25% mistakenly believe their estate would automatically pass to their partner
• 20% admitted they were unsure what would happen
• 17% said they had never even thought about the issue
• 7% thought their estate would go to close friends

The Rules of Intestacy dictate how a person’s estate is distributed when they die without a Will.

These rules prioritise spouses, civil partners, and blood relatives, often leaving cohabiting partners with no legal right to inherit anything. This could leave surviving partners facing significant financial hardship, particularly in cases where they are dependent on the deceased’s income or home.

Trusha Velji, solicitor at Touch Solicitors said: “Many people assume that after living together for a period of time, they automatically become common law husband and wife, but this is not the case. The concept of ‘common law marriage’ ceased to exist a very long time ago.

“If you are cohabiting as a couple, the law does not recognise you as common law spouses, even if you have children together and have lived together for many years.

“Therefore, if you do not have a Will, the Rules of Intestacy will apply, and your partner will be completely disregarded.”

The annual Will Aid campaign sees solicitors across the UK volunteering their time to write Wills throughout November, so it is an ideal time for people who are cohabiting to get their wishes professionally drafted in a legal document, which will help to protect their loved ones in the future.

Peter de Vena Franks, Will Aid Campaign Director, said: “Will Aid is the perfect opportunity for unmarried and cohabiting partners to get a professionally written Will in place.

“Without a Will, surviving partners may not be automatically entitled to inherit, leaving them in a vulnerable position – and it’s particularly worrying that so many people aren’t aware of this, and don’t fully understand the Rules of Intestacy.

“By participating in Will Aid, couples can ensure their wishes are clearly documented, giving both partners peace of mind that their loved one will be provided for in the event of their death.”

Will Aid is a partnership between the legal profession and eight of the UK’s best-loved charities.

The initiative, which has been running for more than 35 years, sees participating solicitors waive their fee for writing basic Wills every November.

Instead, they invite clients to make a voluntary upfront donation to Will Aid – the suggested amounts are £120 for a single basic Will and £200 for a pair of basic ‘mirror’ Wills.

Appointments are available now, and you can sign up by visiting www.willaid.org.uk

Will Aid is encouraging people to use its upcoming campaign month to write or update their Wills with a participating solicitor, while also supporting UK charities including Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, SCIAF (Scotland), Trócaire (Northern Ireland), and – new for this year – Shelter and Crisis.

For more information on Will Aid and how to get involved visit www.willaid.org.uk

October 6th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Purchasing a vehicle is one of life’s significant financial commitments, yet few people can afford to pay the full price upfront. Car finance gives you a practical solution, allowing buyers to spread the cost over manageable monthly payments whilst using the vehicle immediately.

1. What is Car Finance, and Why Use It?

Car finance refers to borrowing money to purchase or use a vehicle, with various arrangements available depending on whether you want eventual ownership or simply access to transport. The fundamental distinction is between secured and unsecured loans. Secured finance uses the vehicle itself as collateral, meaning lenders can repossess it if you default on payments. Unsecured personal loans don’t carry this risk but typically need better credit scores and may charge higher interest rates. According to Statista, millions of cars were bought using financing instruments in the UK in the twelve months to May 2024, just to show how essential these arrangements have become for British motorists.

1. Common Types of Car Loans and Finance Arrangements

Hire Purchase (HP) involves paying a deposit followed by fixed monthly instalments covering the vehicle’s full value plus interest. Once you’ve completed all payments and paid a small transfer fee, ownership transfers to you. Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), Britain’s most popular option, works differently. For instance, you pay a deposit and lower monthly payments covering only the vehicle’s depreciation. At the term’s end, you choose whether to return the car, pay a large balloon payment to keep it, or trade it towards another vehicle. Personal loans from banks or building societies give you immediate ownership and more negotiating power with dealers since you’re essentially a cash buyer, though monthly payments tend to be higher than PCP. Personal Contract Hire (leasing) means you never own the vehicle but simply rent it long-term, often with servicing and maintenance included. Each option suits different circumstances and ownership intentions.

1. Risks, Fees and Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

Car finance carries numerous potential pitfalls beyond the headline APR. Variable interest rates can increase your payments unexpectedly, whilst PCP and leasing agreements often include strict mileage limits. For example, exceeding these triggers substantial penalty charges. Condition requirements mean you could face additional fees for excessive wear and tear when returning leased or PCP vehicles. Early repayment charges penalise those wanting to clear their loan ahead of schedule, and missed payments damage your credit score whilst risking repossession. The ongoing motor finance commission scandal has exposed widespread industry malpractice. The FCA confirmed in August 2025 it would consult on an industry-wide compensation scheme following Court of Appeal rulings that dealers receiving undisclosed commissions from lenders was unlawful. This scandal could result in billions in compensation for customers who unknowingly overpaid between 2007 and 2021.

1. Choosing the Right Loan for Your Situation

Choosing appropriate car finance needs an honest assessment of your circumstances. Credit history influences available options and rates, such that those with excellent credit access the lowest APRs and widest choice, whilst those with impaired credit face higher costs or limited options. If you have a weaker credit record, you might search for bad credit car finance deals, though you’ll need to compare the higher interest rates or stricter conditions carefully. Consider your intended ownership period, like, if you change vehicles every few years, PCP’s flexibility suits you, but HP makes more sense for long-term keepers. Driving habits are important as well; high-mileage drivers should avoid PCP’s restrictive limits. Available deposit funds affect affordability, like larger deposits reduce borrowing and improve rates. Always compare total amounts repayable instead of focusing solely on monthly payments and scrutinise all fees and charges before committing.

Understanding car finance options empowers you to make informed decisions that match your financial circumstances and motoring needs, potentially saving thousands over your loan term.

October 1st, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

With the new university term starting this month, money stress among young adults is once again in the spotlight. In fact, 72% of students report feeling hopeless about their financial situation, and Aqua’s survey of 500 18-24-year-olds reveals the knowledge gaps and misconceptions that make financial management more challenging.

Key Findings

• More than 1 in 5 (21%) 18-24-year-olds wish they had learned how to invest sooner

• Nearly 1 in 5 (19.2%) 18-24-year-olds want more guidance on building an effective budget

• 18.6% of 18-24-year-olds say they wish they had known more about the significance of a credit score before reaching adulthood

Other key findings from the data:

• 18-24-year-olds are more likely to turn to TikTok (22.2%) than to their university (15.8%) for financial guidance

• Nearly a third of 18-24-year-olds (30.3%) say they would rely on friends and family above any professional or institutional source

• 20% of 18-24-year-olds  explicitly distrust schools and universities for financial advice, highlighting a significant credibility gap

Sharvan Selvam, Commercial Director at Aqua, shares insights into the findings: “These results show that many young people feel underprepared when it comes to managing their money, especially around credit and budgeting. It’s worrying to see such high levels of stress around finances at such a formative stage in life, and it highlights the need for more practical, accessible guidance.

“There are a few simple steps that can help students feel more in control.

1. First, for activities such as entertainment or shopping, it’s recommended that you set a monthly budget and determine which items fall within it. Before buying anything you don’t really need, give yourself time to think about it to ensure it’s something you truly need or want , rather than impulse buying.

2. A budgeting app can be a great way to track recurring charges and identify any hidden fees, allowing you to cancel services you’re not using. These small changes can help you cut back on unnecessary spending.

3. It’s also important to understand how everyday habits impact your credit score, things like paying bills on time, keeping balances low, and not applying for too much credit at once. A strong credit score not only helps with future borrowing but can also make essentials like renting a flat or getting a phone contract much easier.

4. Set automatic payments for your regular bills, but pay for subscriptions manually so you can review their usage.

5. Finally, if money worries are causing stress, don’t keep them to yourself. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or even a professional adviser can help you see things more clearly and feel less isolated. Often, just sharing concerns is the first step to finding a practical solution.”

October 1st, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | Press Releases