Chase Financial Planning

09/04/2026

The Strait of Hormuz: Why Does It Matter? 🤔

It may be a narrow stretch of water, but the Strait of Hormuz plays an outsized role in global trade and energy markets. Around 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through it, making it one of the most important shipping routes on the planet.

This article looks at why the strait matters, what’s at stake if tensions rise, and how disruption in this key chokepoint can ripple through energy prices, supply chains and wider markets.

Read the full article here:

The Strait of Hormuz - why does it matter?

06/04/2026

Emerging Markets – The Next Generation 🌍

Emerging markets are no longer just about growth potential — they are increasingly being shaped by innovation, stronger regulation and more attractive valuations.

This article explores how these economies have moved up the value chain, why they continue to offer long-term opportunities, and what may be driving renewed investor interest in the asset class.

From technology and demographics to diversification and global growth, there is plenty to consider when looking at the next generation of emerging markets.

Read the full article here:

Emerging markets – the next generation…

03/04/2026

A 5-star review means a great deal, and I’m always grateful when clients take the time to share their experience. 🌟

It’s a privilege to support people with their financial planning and to help make the process as clear, straightforward and reassuring as possible.

If you’d like to read the review, you can find it here:
https://www.vouchedfor.co.uk/financial-advisor-ifa/lowestoft/065221-stuart-chase

01/04/2026

From Optimism to Uncertainty: What Business Owners Need to Know

Business owners have had plenty to contend with in recent years, but the latest shift in global sentiment is a reminder that uncertainty is still very much part of the landscape.

This article explores how optimism has given way to renewed caution, and why many UK SMEs are better equipped than ever to navigate volatility, having already adapted through Brexit, Covid-19 and other major shocks.

The key message is clear: resilience matters, but so does clarity. Understanding what your business needs to deliver — and what could get in the way — is essential if you want to stay on track in uncertain times. 📈

Read the full article here:

Business owners – from optimism to uncertainty in a volatile world

12/02/2026

Wondering If Your Pension Will Fund Your Dream Retirement? Try This Free Calculator! ⏳

Ever asked yourself if you're saving enough for the retirement lifestyle you really want?
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Try it now:
https://partnership.sjp.co.uk/advice-and-services/calculators/pension-calculator
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The value of an investment with St. James's Place is directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.

Pension calculator

09/02/2026

Navigating Divorce?

Divorce is one of life's toughest challenges, emotionally and financially. If you're going through it, know you're not alone – this St. James's Place article offers five compassionate, practical steps to steady your finances during this difficult time.
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Key takeaways:

Take stock early 📊: List all joint assets, debts, pensions, and income – knowledge is power before lawyers get involved.
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Get your own accounts 💳: Open solo bank accounts and redirect income/payments ASAP to protect your cash flow.
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Check pensions properly 🏦: Don't overlook hidden pension values – sharing or offsetting needs expert valuation.
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Update wills & powers of attorney ✍️: Marriage breakdown invalidates old arrangements – sort new ones immediately.
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Plan your new budget 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦: Factor in single-income living, child costs, and rebuild with professional cashflow help.
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Read the full guide:
https://partnership.sjp.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/getting-a-divorce-five-financial-tips-to-help-you-through-the-process.html
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The value of an investment with St. James's Place is directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.

Getting a divorce - five financial tips to help you through the process

05/02/2026

Don't Fall Into These IHT Traps – Safeguard Your Legacy! ⚠️

Worried about inheritance tax eating into what you leave your family? With pensions soon counting towards your estate and business relief rules tightening, it's easy to trip up. This St James's Place article flags the main traps in plain English.
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Watch out for gifting money but still using it (HMRC claws it back), forgetting your home allowance drops over £2m, gifts getting taxed after 14 years, pensions going to the wrong person (double tax hit), and sloppy paperwork that fails checks. Start gifting early, use trusts, or get life cover in trust to protect your cash.
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Read the full guide:
https://partnership.sjp.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/how-to-avoid-inheritance-tax-traps.html
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Tax rules and reliefs can change anytime and depend on your situation. Wills and trusts aren't FCA regulated.

How to avoid inheritance tax traps

03/02/2026

⭐ A Massive Thank You to for the great reviews! 🙌

None of this would be possible without your continued trust and support – you've been the heart of Chase Financial Planning from day one!

Thrilled to be Top Rated 2025 on VouchedFor. It's an honour to help clients reach their financial goals.
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See what clients are saying:
https://www.vouchedfor.co.uk/financial-advisor-ifa/lowestoft/065221-stuart-chase

01/02/2026

Business Owners: Make 2026 Your Exit-Ready Year! 💼

Struggling to grow or exit your business? Martin Brown from Elephants Child shares smart tips below.
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Nail your exit vision first – sell, control, or step back? Then audit fragilities like owner dependency or customer concentration, and build a simple 1-3 year plan to fix them. Delegate, document processes, diversify clients, and keep clean books for easy due diligence.
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Full read:
https://partnership.sjp.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/how-business-owners-should-approach-2026.html
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Services by specialists like Elephants Child are separate from St. James's Place.

How business owners should approach 2026

30/01/2026

Don't Let Market Swings Derail Your Retirement! 📉

Planning for retirement in volatile times can feel daunting, but smart strategies can help smooth the ride. Here's a quick summary from our latest article!
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Key takeaways:

Stay invested long-term ⏳: Time in the market beats timing it -missing the best 10 days over 20 years could halve your returns (£10k grew to £65k vs £37k).
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Pound-cost averaging 💰: Regular investments buy more when prices dip, aiding recovery.
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Diversify widely 🌍: Spread across assets, sectors, and regions to offset losses.
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Read the full article here:
https://partnership.sjp.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/planning-for-retirement-in-volatile-times.html
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The value of an investment with St. James's Place is directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.

Planning for retirement in volatile times

20/01/2026

Chase Financial Planning were proud to be match ball sponsors of GYTFC’s recent FA Vase match against Haywards Heath FC.
We were lucky to witness a record crowd at one of ‘The Bloater’s’ biggest matches for many years. Unfortunately the match was abandoned at half time due to heavy fog. We are now looking forward to the replay on Sunday 25th Jan. Come on the Bloaters! Great Yarmouth Town F.C.