Matthew Wilkes Wealth Management Ltd.

20/05/2026

Saving and investing for children and grandchildren

Most long-term investment options for children and grandchildren, such as junior ISAs, personal pensions and accounts held in trust, are subject to specific access rules.

Savings accounts may be more suitable, particularly if money is likely to be needed in the short term.

Parents and grandparents should consider making full use of a child’s available allowances where appropriate, while keeping their own estate planning goals in mind.

Many parents worry that their children will struggle to find their financial feet in the current environment. Concerns include the flagging jobs market and inadequate retirement savings. Meanwhile, high house prices make it increasingly difficult to take the first step onto the property ladder. Thes...

14/05/2026

Yesterday, Matthew attended a local “Well Walk” event, meeting fellow local businesses and supporting the fantastic charity 21 Together

Despite the heavy rain, spirits stayed high — although Matthew’s dog Murphy ended up absolutely soaked by the end of the walk! A great community event for a very worthwhile cause.

12/05/2026

If you are considering consolidating your pensions, please contact us for advice first on
01634 670424 for a review of your individual circumstances and requirements.

The value of your investment can go down as well as up. You could get back lessthan you invested.
Matthew Wilkes Wealth Management Ltd is an
Appointed Representative of and
represents only St. James's Place Wealth
Management plc (which is authorised and
regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority)
SJP Approved 19/02/2026

Please feel free to contact us on the details below with any financial queries or concerns which you may have.

12/05/2026

Fixed rate or tracker? Choosing the right mortgage in uncertain times

Fixed rates appeal to buyers who need the certainty of knowing what they will be paying every month.
The rate on a tracker mortgage is directly linked to any changes in the Bank of England base rate. This means the mortgage rate may go up and down during the term.
Comparing multiple lenders and deals and acting early can improve your chances of accessing a competitive mortgage rate.

But market expectations are now that the base rate will rise during 2026. This is because inflation is likely to go up due to increased oil prices caused by the prolonged conflict in Iran. The Bank of England uses interest rates as a tool to control rising inflation.

05/05/2026

If you are considering consolidating your pensions, please contact us for advice first on
01634 670424 for a review of your individual circumstances and requirements.

The value of your investment can go down as well as up. You could get back lessthan you invested.

Matthew Wilkes Wealth Management Ltd is an
Appointed Representative of and
represents only St. James's Place Wealth
Management plc (which is authorised and
regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority)
SJP Approved 19/02/2026

Please feel free to contact us on the details below with any financial queries or concerns which you may have.

27/04/2026

New tax year: maximising opportunities at every life stage

Individual savings accounts (ISAs) and pensions are core pillars of financial planning, given their favourable tax treatment.
Financial priorities evolve through life, making regular reviews essential.
Everyone’s circumstances are different, so solutions should reflect individual need, goals and circumstances.

Household finances continue to be squeezed in 2026. With income tax thresholds frozen until at least 2031, more taxpayers are being pulled into higher tax bands. Plus, years of high inflation have compounded the problem as rising prices mean less disposable income.

27/04/2026

Matthew and Becky from Matthew Wilkes Wealth Management were delighted to take part in the 21 Together online quiz Friday evening — and managed not to embarrass themselves! 😄

It was a fantastic evening for a brilliant cause, and we’re pleased to hear the quiz raised £600 for this wonderful charity. Well done to everyone involved! 👏

17/04/2026

New tax year: Round-up of rate and allowance changes

Dividend income tax rates have increased by 2% at the basic and higher rates.
There is a reduction in business asset disposal relief (BADR) from 6 April, meaning businesses will now pay a higher rate of CGT when selling qualifying assets.
The ‘Making Tax Digital’ (MTD) regime has started. This brings in new requirements for self-assessment taxpayers, and some property investors, to file tax information quarterly.

The new tax year (2026/27) began on 6 April. Updated tax rates and allowances have been well-trailed by the government so there shouldn’t be any nasty surprises for taxpayers. That said, it pays to take note of how the adjustments, including new requirements for filing tax information, will affect...