April 6th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

Your business has its doors open, you’ve got a website up and running, and you’re ready to get to work. That’s all it takes to be a successful business owner in 2026, right? Not quite. You need people to know you’re there as well – even in a hyperconnected, digital world where everyone can be discovered. 

That’s where your marketing focus comes in. The cost can be heavy, with small businesses spending up to 20% of their total revenue on marketing year by year. But when you don’t invest in your marketing, your business can feel like it exists in a vacuum. 

So it’s key to strike a balance between this cost and marketing methods that feel like they’re actually worth your time, effort, and investment. And in 2026, these practices may just be more worth the cash than any other.

Building a Social Media Audience

Social media is a landscape that’s noisy and fast. Content schedules tend to prioritize quantity over quality, and there’s a real issue of FOMO affecting both individual and business accounts. There’s so much to see, and also so much to miss. 

But social media is a personal landscape. It’s the kind of place where both your closest friends and your favorite brands post in equal measure. That meshes these two sides of life together, and allows for a greater content scope. 

As such, there’s more room for creativity on social media. There’s room for video content as well as static posts. Content can also be time-limited, in the case of stories. And it’s much easier to both find and share user generated content from your customer base. 

Plus, social media is a great place to repost the content you’ve made elsewhere. You can recycle and reuse well performing pieces from your blog or Youtube channel, allowing you to engage a whole new audience at a very low cost.

SEO Link Building

SEO is always going to be worth the investment, thanks to its long term success model that means you build up bit by bit. 

However, in the current search engine landscape that prioritizes AI overviews, as well as many ChatGPT users directly asking for recommendations on where to find the product they’re looking for, link building is the number one SEO practice to invest in this year. 

Why? Because link building builds authority. A strong digital PR campaign will have you front and center, where you’re mentioned time and time again on high traffic pages. And when you’re positioned as this expert in multiple places, you’re hard to ignore. 

That’ll get search engines noticing your website, and all due to your expertise – no one would have linked to you otherwise.

When you invest in your marketing, you want some guarantee that you’re going to make a good return. And in 2026, it’s easier than ever to waste your marketing budget chasing traffic down channels that don’t work. Instead, focus on where your customers are, and what they want to see. 

April 2nd, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

In a world where we are obsessed with flashy headlines about cryptocurrencies, stocks, or property, the real wealth builders often stay very quiet and can hide in plain sight. Unassuming habits or assets that compound over time without fanfare can quietly multiply into serious wealth. 

For any saver or investor, it’s all about spotting these overlooked opportunities so you can outpace inflation and build lasting financial security. As with any investment, they demand consistency rather than speculation. Here we’re going to think beyond the usual suspects like stocks or bonds and highlight some niche assets that can reward the long game. Here’s a few to watch closely:

Private Number Plates

You might be quite surprised, but private number plates are a great investment, as number 1 registrations, 2×2, or single number, two-letter private number plates have tripled in value over the last 5 years. 

These are not just vanity items, but are actual tangible assets, particularly dateless or prefix/suffix plates that appeal to collectors and high-net-worth individuals. Plates can appreciate steadily as desirable combinations dwindle, and like volatile markets. A plate like “1 ABC” or “AA 12” can fetch tens or hundreds of thousands at auction, with low holding costs beyond DVLA transfer fees. 

The key is about buying low with private sales, then holding on for a decade, and then selling on via specialists. With UK roads growing and prestige being an enduring factor, this niche is quietly earning people a lot of money, and could do the same for you.

Vintage Wine and Whiskey

Fine wines and single malt whiskies from Scotland or Bordeaux offer stealthy returns, typically between 10% and 15% annually. Platforms like Liv-ex track indices showing Bordeaux first growths or rare Islays, often performing equities. 

The key is about starting small and purchasing cases of investment-grade labels via bonded warehouses to defer the duty. Don’t forget to store it in climate-controlled facilities, which may seem like an extra expense, but you’ve got to weigh this up against the actual gains. Recessions barely dent top-tier spirits, because if you start to track auctions at Sotheby’s, you can see how a £5000 bottle turns into £50,000 over 20 years.

Rare Books and First Editions

First editions of classics often fetch a lot of money, but the key is to focus on modern literary gems or Victorian sets. Purchasing graded copies via a bookseller or Sotheby’s is the best place to begin, but then store it in archival conditions, and you will see a return on average of between 8% and 12% every year. 

Another thing to bear in mind is that inheritance tax relief applies to historic items, so that means if you keep your books in mint condition, you will see a starter collection compound as cultural nostalgia swells, which turns more modest investments into a ton of wealth.

Peer-to-Peer Lending Niches

You should skip mass P2P platforms, but instead target niche lending like bridging loans for UK property flips or invoice financing for SMEs. Platforms such as Funding Circle offer 7% to 12% yields, but with careful selection, a curated deal via your network can net you a lot more. The key to this is about diversifying across over 50 loans to mitigate any defaults. 

While mainstream warns of risks, it’s vital to remember that cash-strapped developers can ensure returns, so if you had £10,000 at 10%, this can net £1,000 a year passively, but then scale it over a decade, it can be life-changing if you are patient enough.

Domain Names and Digital Real Estate

Voice.com sold for 30 million dollars, and UK equivalents like cars.co.uk can command six figures in hot sectors. The best way to find this is to hunt for expired domains via GoDaddy auctions, focusing on brandable or keyword-rich names. 

A portfolio of 50 domains could generate easily £20,000 every year through flipping, which can build some solid wealth through digital scarcity. With AI and e-commerce exploding, the value of these can grow predictably, so you could either flip or choose to hold, and with the latter, parking pages can earn ad revenue and sales via Sedo, which can average 20x multiples and low entry domains with negligible upkeep.

Personal Skill Compounding

It’s one of those things that we don’t always consider, but as Warren Buffett said, the best investment he made was in himself. If you can master a high-leverage skill via free resources, you could demand top-tier freelance rates. 

This is all about deliberate practice that pays dividends, as UK freelancers can earn 50k-plus in side hustles, which you can scale to six figures via networks such as LinkedIn.

Vintage Fountain Pens

High-end vintage fountain pens have quietly appreciated among collectors every year. For example, a 1920s duofold in restored condition can rise from £800 to £8,000 over time. Look at a pen specialist auction and focus on limited editions or rare nibs. 

Looking at the fact that executive gifting is big now, and with many people pushing back against technology, analogue writing is resurging. Low entry pens between £300 and £1,500 are going to be minimal in maintenance and can compound as pen craftsmanship becomes scarce.

Small-Scale Renewable Energy Setups

Micro hydro or ground source heat pumps on rural land can deliver between 12% and 18% ROI over 15 years because of government subsidies and energy price hikes. 

It is a very passive earning potential after being set up, and as the UK net zero push ensures demand, you can then tie it to off-grid trends and turn 20k into 100k equity as the technology matures. They are less obvious investments than solar panels, but can be very resilient.

Hopefully, some of these investments are food for thought, but you have to remember that whether you plan on buying a house or want to invest in old books, the fact is a quiet portfolio is going to cushion life’s curve balls, turning modest starts into something far more income-generating than you realise.

April 2nd, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

New research has revealed that broadband customers could be losing up to an estimated £118 million every month due to being out of contract with their current provider.

According to the study, approximately one in nine UK adults (11%) are out of contract with their current broadband provider and are yet to switch to a new deal. Out-of-contract customers are often moved to a more expensive standard rate, often costing more than £20 extra per month compared to their contract rate.

This means an estimated 5.9 million people could be paying more than they need to for their broadband, equal to up to £118 million in additional costs every month, simply because they’ve delayed switching providers.

The figures, which come from a survey by Go.Compare broadband, added that a further 4% of adults don’t even know whether or not they’re out of contract with their provider. This means the true figure of those making this error could be even higher if these users are also out of their minimum term.

This comes just days before broadband providers’ annual price hikes are set to be implemented, with some increasing rates by as much as £4 per month. This means those who are out of contract could see bills increase even further if they don’t switch by the end of the month, but they can avoid the rises and make a huge saving by getting a new deal now.

Men and younger adults are most likely to make this mistake, according to the comparison site’s survey. Overall, 12% of men said they are out of contract and yet to switch (compared to 9% of women) while 15% of under 25s stated being in the same position – the highest percentage of any age group.

Previous research by Go.Compare also found that many broadband users also pay for faster speeds than they actually need. It revealed that just over a quarter (29%) of broadband users could switch to a cheaper package with slower speeds without noticing a difference in their broadband performance.

These users are thought to be overpaying by around £7 per month on average. Nationwide, this would be the equivalent of up to £52.1 million per month being overpaid on unneeded broadband speeds, equal to a potential £625.3 million every year.

The average broadband speed users pay for in the UK was found to be 115 Mbps. But these speeds aren’t needed for those who just require basic internet usage, like general web browsing and HD video streaming on a small number of devices.[5]

Catherine Hiley, spokesperson at Go.Compare broadband, said: “Out of contract rates are almost always much higher than contract prices, with costs going up by around £20 per month or even higher in some circumstances. For example, my own broadband price will rise by around £50 a month if I don’t switch at the end of the contract. So forgetting to compare deals and switch providers when your contract is up can be a very costly error.

“This is especially important now, as providers’ annual price hikes are set to take effect in a matter of days. This means your rate could go up even more if you don’t switch by the end of the month. But you have the chance to make a big saving and avoid the increase altogether by locking into a new contract before the rises are implemented. Doing this sooner rather than later could bring substantial savings over the course of the year.

“Try to avoid overpaying for faster speeds than you need, too. While it’s tempting to go for the fastest speeds you can afford, there’s no need to fork out if you only use your internet for basic activities. For example, if you just use your internet to browse your emails and watch low-resolution videos from time to time, speeds around 30 Mbps might suffice.

“On the contrary, if you have a house full of people who are streaming 4k videos, gaming online and working from home at the same time, you’ll probably need speeds in excess of 100 Mbps. It can be complicated to work out what speeds you need, but there are plenty of speed recommendation tools out there like this one to help you work it out. Just tell us how many devices your household uses and what type of devices they are and we’ll give you an instant estimate.

“Remember that there are other factors to consider aside from speed and price, too. Many broadband packages include extra perks like streaming deals and free gifts, so be sure to take these into account to make sure you’re getting the best value for money.”

More information on reducing broadband costs can be found on Go.Compare’s website.

March 30th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

You might feel ready to apply for a loan the moment you see a competitive rate online, especially if you want to improve your home or bring expensive debts under control.

Before you go ahead, it’s important to know that lenders assess your risk. They look at your income, your credit history and, if you own a property, the value tied up in your home. If you apply without checking those details first, you leave the outcome to chance.

When you prepare properly, you put yourself in a stronger position to secure approval and a better rate.

The foundation of a strong application

When you understand your financial position clearly, you show lenders that you approach borrowing responsibly. Start by defining exactly why you need the funds. If, for instance, you plan to renovate your kitchen, gather written quotes so you base your borrowing figure on real costs. If you want to consolidate debts, list each balance and its interest rate so you know the total you must clear.

This process stops you from choosing an inflated amount. Borrowing only what you need keeps your monthly repayments lower and reduces long-term interest. It also allows you to explain your reasoning confidently if a lender asks about the purpose of the loan. Clear intent signals to lenders your reliability when it comes to managing money.

Evaluating your credit health

Your credit report acts as a snapshot of your financial behaviour. Before you apply, download your report from a credit reference agency and check every entry carefully. Even small errors can delay a decision or trigger extra checks. Confirm that your address history matches your current details and that all listed accounts belong to you. Also, registering on the electoral roll strengthens your profile because lenders use it to verify identity and stability.

If you find incorrect information, raise a dispute straight away so the agency can investigate before you submit any application. By resolving issues in advance, you reduce the risk of rejection and improve your chances of accessing competitive interest rates.

Check your credit score too. This is typically a three-digit figure and the higher the number, the better your score. The score is a snapshot for potential lenders who need to know quickly if you’re a dependable borrower.

You won’t have identical scores when you check with the main credit referencing agencies. This is because they each have their own criteria for measuring your score, but they’ll usually be similar unless one of the referencing agencies has some incorrect information on your credit report.

Understanding your home’s value

If you’re considering taking out a secured loan, your property also becomes part of the equation. Lenders calculate risk using your loan-to-value ratio, which compares the loan amount with your home’s market value.

You can estimate your equity by subtracting your outstanding mortgage balance from a realistic sale price based on similar homes in your area. There are online calculators that make this easy to do.

Check recent local sales rather than relying on optimistic estimates. If you hold a strong equity position, you present less risk because the lender has a larger financial cushion. That lower risk often translates into more favourable rates. When you understand your numbers, you can decide if a secured option works in your favour.

Refining your monthly budget

Lenders carry out affordability checks to ensure you can manage repayments. Review at least three months of bank statements and categorise your spending so you see where your money goes. Fixed commitments such as your mortgage and utilities differ from leisure spending like subscriptions or meals out.

If credit card payments take up a large share of your income, consider clearing smaller balances first to improve your disposable income. Additionally, avoid submitting multiple credit applications in a short period, as each search leaves a mark on your file. You need to present a stable and consistent spending pattern before you apply.

Gathering your evidence

You speed up the process when you organise your documents early. Most lenders request recent payslips, your P60 and proof of address. Self-employed applicants usually need SA302 tax calculations from HMRC. The government outlines accepted identification documents.

Create a clear digital folder so you can upload everything quickly if requested. When you prepare thoroughly, you can be confident in your application and give lenders every reason to view you as a safe and organised borrower.

March 30th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

• More than half of people surveyed said they feel stressed (52%) or overwhelmed (53%) when thinking about investing for the future.
• Money stress is already a routine part of life for many, with more than half (61%) experiencing it at least weekly, including over a quarter (27%) who say it impacts them daily.
• Nearly one in ten say finance admin is a bigger stress trigger than work OR public transport (8%).
• Money decisions impact mood (14%), sleep (13%), and social plans (11% reconsidered, 10% cancelled)
• People feel the most stressed, anxious and sad when it comes to unexpected expenses of financial surprises (24%).
• This outweighs when dealing with health concerns (24%).
• Londoners are nearly three times more likely to say looking at their finances is more stressful than the tube (21% vs 8%).

Commenting on the findings, Camilla Esmund, personal finance expert at interactive investor, says:

“Our aim with our ‘Tax Year Zen’ campaign is to help people to cut through the noise at what can feel like an overwhelming time of year. We want to make the key deadlines and allowances clearer, show why they matter, and highlight what one simple step could look like for different investors.

“Putting your money to work shouldn’t mean last-minute panic. It’s about building small, sustainable habits and understanding your options. With so many pressures on our personal finances, long-term saving or investing won’t always feel easy, but steady action over time can make a meaningful difference.

“Tax year end is a natural check-in point, and we want to help investors approach it with confidence. When people feel calmer and better informed, they’re far more likely to take positive steps – not just before 5^th April, but all year round.”

See below for ii’s five simple steps for those looking to take calm, practical action before the 5^th April deadline:

1. Top up your ISA if you can:  Tax wrappers such as ISAs help shield your investments. Investors can make the most of the current tax year £20,000 allowance by adding cash to an ISA before April 5^th – even if they’ve not decided how to invest it yet.

1. Start small: The existing ISA allowance is generous, but even modest contributions from as little as £25 each month can help build momentum and confidence over time, thanks to the magic of compounding.

1. Remember that you can keep it simple: If choosing investments feels overwhelming or time consuming, consider managed options – like ii’s Managed ISA – where experts make the decisions on your behalf.

1. Don’t forget the power of a pension: Pensions remain one of the most tax-efficient ways to save, especially if you pay higher rates of tax. Bear in mind, this is a long-term strategy – this money is tied up until retirement, but you’ll get upfront tax relief on those contributions. Maximise your workplace pension if you can – Employers must pay at least 3% of ‘qualifying earnings’ into your pension, provided you pay 5%. Plus, some workplaces offer pay in more, though you might have to increase what you contribute to receive it. As this is essentially free money, it can be savvy move, and means your employer is doing more of the heavy lifting. Your pension pot still has so much time to grow, so this can help turbocharge it.

1. Get the whole family on board: Investors who have children can also open a Junior ISA and start saving for their future. With a £9,000 allowance every tax year, this can help with big expenses their children might face in early adulthood, like education or their first car. Plus. it can be a fantastic way to engage your children with investing from an early age and encourage open conversations about money.

March 26th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

ROI through sustainability is possible, especially when investments are made with a long-term view. Of course, not everything has to return funds, and some sustainability initiatives will cost money. However, there are a few that small businesses can benefit from, even if through cost reduction. From improving energy efficiency to sustainable branding, here are some ideas.

Upgraded Property Drainage Solutions

Drainage is often one of the most overlooked parts of sustainability and general property maintenance, especially at a business. However, drainage can be a great investment that pays over time, including a reduction of up to 80% in surface water charges by managing runoff. For many businesses, though, something as simple as permeable pavers can be a major upgrade that reduces long-term drainage costs and improves investor appeal.  

Improved Energy Efficiencies

One of the most talked-about subjects when it comes to sustainability is energy efficiency. This is critical for small businesses for a number of reasons, not least the high cost of electricity and other essential utilities. While you can’t do anything about the costs you are expected to pay, initial investments in specific products and upgrades can reduce overall costs. These include LED lighting, smart thermostats and appliance (fridges, dishwashers, etc.) replacements.

ROI through Sustainability and Zero Waste

All businesses produce waste, and some take it more seriously than others, as poor waste management can result in hefty penalties. However, reducing single-use items alone can increase cost savings by around 10%, and that’s just a small part of a circular zero-waste policy with small efficiency tweaks. To further reduce costs and maintain a good ROI on waste management efforts, enact policies for recycling and reuse to eliminate high disposal costs.

Sustainable Branding and Packaging

From a consumer perspective, one of the strongest investments a small business can make is switching to sustainable branding and packaging partners. Modern customers will align with companies that make such changes, and you can also expect higher brand loyalty through this type of sustainability. Of course, this needs to be authentic and highlighted for customers to get on board, but overall, it has been shown to increase customer acquisition for the past few years.

Green Incentives for Employees

Customers aren’t the only gateway into returns when investing in sustainability, and employees can be a major motivator and proponent for green policies that impact the bottom line. To get them on board, it helps to offer green employee perks with a high environmental impact, such as cycling initiatives and ride sharing. But why and how? Various recent studies have shown that talented employees will remain at green companies, reducing the high costs of recruitment.

Summary

Upgrading property drainage is one of the easiest but most powerful ways of boosting ROI through sustainability schemes. However, small businesses are also avoiding the high costs of waste disposal by implementing a zero-waste policy that handles waste efficiently. Yet further savings can be made by retaining talent who enjoy being part of the company’s green policies.

March 26th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

An unexpected injury is one of those things in life that can really turn everything upside down in the blink of an eye. Alongside the physical and emotional impact it can have on you, there is often a financial side of being injured that can feel just as overwhelming to deal with. Time off work, medical expenses, and day-to-day costs can all add pressure and time when you really need to feel some stability and have peace and time to recover.

The good news – Having a clear plan can help you to handle the financial side of injury more effectively while you focus on your recovery…

Understand your immediate financial position

The first thing to do is to take a look at your current situation. What income do you still have coming in? What expenses will you need to cover in the short term?

List your essential outgoings, such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities, food, and transport. This helps you prioritise what needs to be paid and where adjustments may be necessary.

Clarity is the key to avoiding unnecessary stress in financial situations like this.

Check what support you are entitled to

Depending on your exact situation, you may be entitled to some form of financial support while you are out of action and recovering from your injury. This might include things like statutory sick pay, employer benefits of government assistance.

So, take a look your employment contract and speak to your employer to see what help they might be able to offer. If you have any insurance policies, you should also check over them to see if you have income protection or accident cover included. The more you know about your options, the easier things will be. 

Seek professional advice early on

If your injury was caused by an accident or someone else’s negligence, it may be worth seeking legal advice. Speaking with experienced personal injury solicitors can help you understand your rights and whether you may be entitled to compensation.

Getting advice early allows you to make informed decisions and avoid missing important deadlines. Professional guidance can make a difficult situation more manageable, so it is one step you should not skip.

Adjust your spending where possible 

While you may not be able to control your income while you are incapacitated, you can, to some extent, control your spending, so be sure to look for any areas where you can reduce costs on a temporary basis.

This could mean pausing non-essential subscriptions, cutting back on discretionary spending, and maybe even talking to the bank to see if you can arrange a temporary mortgage holiday for a month or so. 

Even small adjustments t0 your spending can help when things are tough, and you need to recover in peace, so even if you think there is not much to be cut, still have a look at your budget anyway. 

March 25th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

Regardless of how much money you earn, it’s always important to make your funds last longer. Unfortunately, that becomes very hard when you unknowingly waste cash on ongoing expenses. Worse still, this type of financial waste often goes unnoticed.

By understanding where people typically lose money, you can take the steps needed to avoid a similar fate. Here are some of the most common pitfalls, along with how you can avoid them in the rest of 2026 and beyond.

Excessive Bills 

We all have bills to pay, and often take the first choice through convenience. Or we may delay switching providers because staying on the current plan feels easier. Opting for dedicated services rather than generic ones can save you a small fortune. For example, Lancaster classic car insurance could save you hundreds annually. This is due to specialised products. Given that you’ll probably keep the vehicle for many years, this becomes thousands over time.

Switching to a new energy supplier or broadband package can have a similar impact. Spend a day reviewing your bills and you could unlock huge cumulative savings.

Unnecessary Expenses

As well as excessive costs, you must look to rule out unnecessary ones. Duplicated or unused subscription services cost people dearly. Even a few pounds per month adds up. Other forms of unnecessary expenses include food that ends up in the bin or branded goods when unbranded items do the same job. There are plenty of projects that require an expert, but paying someone to complete the most basic tasks is another major waste of funds.

Meanwhile, it’s important to review all luxury purchases to determine whether they represent value for money. If they don’t, you should lose them ASAP.

Unexpected Bills

Life has a nasty habit of serving up unwanted surprises from time to time. That’s not a major problem if you are equipped to handle the unexpected costs. If you’re not, though, they don’t only threaten your short-term finances. The fallout of being forced to take credit plans, interest rates, and missed payment fines can be huge. Not least if one unexpected expense makes you fall behind elsewhere. Besides, being prepared puts your mind at ease.

Creating a financial safety net should be the priority. Meanwhile, using tools that can predict issues like faults with home appliances can aid the cause too.

Living For Others

The digital age has encouraged us all to embrace performative lifestyles. You feel the pressure to create experiences where you can grab the perfect photo. Likewise, FOMO can cause us to make purchases we can’t afford. When it comes to vacations, for example, a few days at a Haven holiday park can deliver the same magic as a five-star vacation. Holidays are what you make of them. As long as you enjoy it, nothing else should matter. 

It’s not just about the financial factors. It encourages a mindset shift in which you learn to do what works best for you. Calculated choices that serve your interests are the key to success.

March 24th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

Unexpected bills can happen to anyone, whether it’s a broken boiler, an urgent car repair or a higher-than-expected utility charge.

When they do, you may feel anxious about how to cover the cost, but there are practical steps you can take to handle the situation.

Here are several tips to help you manage unexpected costs with confidence.

1) Check how urgent the bill is

Start by working out how quickly the bill needs to be paid.

Some expenses, like emergency home repairs, may need immediate attention.

Others might allow for short delays or flexible payment arrangements.

Before you act, check the due date, any penalties for late payment and whether you can spread the cost.

2) Assess non-essential spending

If you need to free up cash quickly, look at your non-essential spending.

Pausing subscriptions, reducing takeaways or delaying discretionary shopping can make a noticeable difference.

Even small changes can add up over a few weeks.

The goal isn’t to cut everything permanently, but to create breathing room while you deal with the unexpected expense.

3) Speak to the provider

If you’re struggling to pay, contact the provider as soon as possible.

They may be able to offer support such as payment plans, temporary adjustments or breaks.

It’s also worth checking if you’re entitled to financial help through benefits or grants.

You can find guidance on dealing with bills via Citizens Advice and support through GOV.UK cost of living guidance.

4) Think about short-term solutions

If the bill is unavoidable and urgent, you might consider a range of short-term financial solutions.

Options may include using savings if you have them, asking family for help or checking whether your bank offers an overdraft or other type of credit.

Some people consider same-day loans in these situations, but these should only be used as a last resort.

Before borrowing, make sure that you can afford the repayments and understand the total cost, including interest. Explore all other options first.

Debt advice services can help you weigh up your options and choose the best solution for you.

5) Adjust your budget afterwards

Once the immediate pressure has passed, take time to rebalance your budget.

You may need to reduce spending over the next few weeks or months to recover.

This is also a good opportunity to start building an emergency fund.

Even setting aside a little each month can help you feel more prepared if another unexpected bill arises.

Sudden bills can be stressful, but by following tips like these, you can make the most appropriate decision for the situation.

Remember to seek support from a qualified professional before making any financial decisions.

March 24th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

New research shows the importance of savings habits in achieving a shift within UK consumers towards a more investment-oriented mindset, as the UK prepares to roll out new ‘targeted support’ rules.

It finds savings will play an ‘indispensable role’ in supporting an emerging nation of investors but also reveals significant confusion around when to save and when to invest.

The report highlights that cash savings remain popular not only because they provide security, but because their simplicity makes them the preferred choice for goals such as saving to buy a property, paying for a holiday or saving for retirement.

‘A Nation of Investors: The Indispensable Role of Savings’ is an independent report by the London Foundation for Banking & Finance, supported by Leeds Building Society, which explores the broader savings and investment landscape and the intention of building a nation of investors in the UK.

It shows that many consumers misjudge the level of risk involved in different products, with some viewing investments as suitable for emergency funds or short‑term goals, while others see cash savings as appropriate for long‑term objectives.

These gaps in understanding underscore the importance of building financial capability and confidence alongside greater promotion and access of investment opportunities.

From April 6^th, changes to regulation will usher in ‘targeted support’, a new form of financial help that aims to sit between general guidance and full financial advice. Targeted support will allow authorised firms to give suggestions to consumers with similar characteristics, without giving full advice which can be costly for many consumers.

The changes are being introduced alongside a widescale promotional campaign funded by retail investment firms aimed at increasing the take up of investments.

Leeds Building Society has more than 750,000 savings members and advocated last year to protect Cash ISA allowances after its members voiced their concerns over the impact of proposed changes.

The research, carried out among a nationally representative sample of 1,000 people^[i], indicates that gaps in understanding can influence when people choose to save versus when they might consider other options for long-term goals.

While 59% of people say they feel confident managing their money, only 26% were able to answer the report’s financial capability questions ^[ii]correctly. Strikingly, almost half (46%) of those with low capability scores still believe they make decisions confidently.

Key findings from the report include:

• Consumers are potentially exposing themselves to too much or too little risk, with widespread misunderstanding of the differences between saving and investing: 22% said investments were suitable for emergency funds and 31% for short or medium-term goals, while 23% identified cash savings for long term goals.
• Only just over half (51%) of consumers with more than £10,000 to invest described their savings as “significant”, emphasising the need for financial choices to be based on individual circumstances not illustrative thresholds.
• In an uncertain world, the security provided by savings gives psychological safety for consumers: a third of consumers with “some” or “significant” savings are put off investing by global instability, and high-profile political figures such as Vladimir Putin (net 30% unfavourable) and Donald Trump (net 26% unfavourable) make them less likely to invest.
• Consumer preferences are strongly influenced by the purpose of their savings, with many saying they are drawn to cash savings for their accessibility (49%), predictable returns (46%) and simplicity (45%), which in turn help to reduce financial stress. There were major gaps in understanding of concepts which are key to good financial security: 45% of respondents did not know that buying a single company’s stock is riskier than a diversified fund and 47% of respondents did not understand that money loses value when inflation outpaces interest rates, despite inflation dominating the headlines in recent years.
• Consumers are generally open to receiving financial recommendations based on “people like me” (48%) but large numbers were neutral on topics around segmentation and how well financial providers knew them, suggesting these are areas of focus for providers of targeted support.
• The need for trustworthy information from regulated financial guidance channels is high: 61% of respondents said they distrust social media and 48% are put off investing by the fear of scams.

As the drive towards building a nation of investors gathers pace, the report’s findings highlight the risk of overlooking the enduring importance and popularity of savings, which can provide the security that many people need before they can consider investing.

It says if targeted support relies on a consumers’ self-reported readiness, then it alone may not close the gap between savings and investing.

Andy Moody, Chief Commercial Officer at Leeds Building Society, said:

“Cash savings are the backbone of achieving good financial outcomes and they remain extremely popular. This research shows why Cash ISAs and cash savings in general must play a central part in any shift towards building a nation of investors in the UK.

“Savings need to exist alongside greater investing to help people maintain financial resilience, achieve their money goals and withstand the volatility of the markets. We must ensure the role of cash savings within the mix of financial opportunities is treated fairly and we build people’s financial capability to manage the risks and opportunities properly.”