Hampshire Hill Group Ltd

27/08/2026

Do you have a clear idea of what your retirement is going to look like? I don't mean your dreams, I mean in reality?

Over our working lives many of us build up pension pots with various providers. This can make it difficult to have a real handle on your retirement savings. I'd recommend considering whether moving them in to one account with one provider would be a sensible move.

We can not only help with consolidating pension pots but we can also help you decide whether an early withdrawal from your private pension is a good idea or not. We know some people are tempted by this option when they turn 55/57, but actually making an informed decision about whether it's the right choice for you is important.

Here at Hampshire Hill we pride ourselves on developing relationships with our clients. We like to remove complications from the world of finance so our clients can make informed decisions. If you'd like to discuss pensions please do get in touch.

17/08/2026

Do you have savings sat in a bank account earning minimal interest? Research says that there are many who have money earning less than 1% interest. Working with a firm of independent financial advisors isn't just for the wealthy. Our knowledge and advice can help everybody, even those with a small savings pot which is currently earning a low rate of interest.

You see, what we're about is making sure you know what options are available and how those options can work for you. You don't need to be earning a vast amount of money or be sitting on a big sum of savings!

Our approach at Hampshire Hill is one of transparency and working in partnership with our clients. We believe that clients who make informed decisions are the happiest when it comes to finances. We know that planning can help clients achieve their financial goals and can also ensure their better placed to face the unexpected, should it happen.

So, regardless of whether you have a small amount of savings sat in a low interest account or whether you’re just interested to learn more about our approach, get in touch. You really do have nothing to lose!

07/08/2026

Recent research undertaken by Aegon suggests that making a Will isn't a priority for adults as their findings are that only 38% of adults have written one. This is such a low figure and I really don't understand why so many shy away from putting their wishes in to a legal document, in the form of a Will.

Here at Hampshire Hill we work with our clients on helping them make informed decisions. Our lifestyle planning process looks at all areas of finance but we'll also have a conversation about the importance of writing a Will. I see it as being such a vital piece of a financial jigsaw; don't place all your focus on savings, investments and pension planning without determining what you'd like to happen with your estate on your passing.

We have a Will writing service in house as we appreciate that clients need to make their final decisions known to their loved ones. In the same way we know one size doesn't fit all in terms of financial planning, the same is also true of estate planning. As with everything we offer, we are able to explain the decisions open to them and advise as necessary.

So, don't forget to prepare for the inevitable and make sure you make time to write a Will. To me it's the natural extension to financial planning and I'm proud that this is a service we also offer to our clients. Don't put it off, drop us a line and we'll help you ensure your wishes are included in your Will.

Richard

Your Window on Wealth: In the news - a recap of recent financial news

31/07/2026

We all know and understand that the property market can be difficult to navigate. Whether you're a buyer or a seller, making sure the price is right is key.

If you're buying it's also important to consider how much you can realistically afford to pay each month on your mortgage. Make sure you have some wiggle room too as it's highly likely your interest rate will go up at some point.

We work with buyers and have a lot of experience with helping first time buyers throughout the process. Our experienced independent mortgage advisers can work with all buyers to make the whole thing easier. We offer a transparent service and welcome the opportunity to help clients get the best mortgage deals we can .

https://hampshirehill.co.uk/selling-this-summer-follow-the-seven-day-rule/

Your Window on HomeFinance: Selling this summer? Follow the seven-day rule

24/07/2026

How do you ensure you're on top of current legislation regarding pensions and inheritance tax? By working with a firm of independent financial advisers, like us!

We've been working with our clients making sure they're aware that from next year pensions will no longer be excluded from inheritance tax. Preparing for such a significant change in regulation is key and we pride ourselves on our pro activity in making clients aware.

Inheritance tax isn't going to go away and it's highly likely that more changes will be coming along in the future. If you haven't already considered how the changes which come in to effect next year impact you and your family, then now is the time to get in touch.

https://hampshirehill.co.uk/pensions-and-iht-the-shake-up-many-are-missing/

Your Window on Wealth: Pensions and IHT shake up from 2027

17/07/2026

I know there’s always conflict somewhere in the world, unfortunately, and the impact on financial markets does depend on where the conflict. Although we experienced very high fuel prices at the pumps earlier this year the prices have fallen (albeit not fully) and have settled at the new level. The longer term impact of the ongoing conflict is difficult to predict but the effect on financial markets does seem to have settled.

There is yet another reason for a degree of uncertainty regarding finances with the forthcoming change at Number 10. None of us really know what to expect and to be honest, speculating isn’t helpful either.

What I’m saying is that there will always be external factors which impact how savings and investments perform. When we meet as a team to consider what changes need to be made to some funds, we take this and so much more into account.

If you ever want to discuss your savings and investment strategy with us or have any specific questions, please don't hesitate to contact me or your financial adviser.

Richard

10/07/2026

We often hear the term 'bank of mum and dad'; in fact it has become a firm addition to our financial vocabulary.

Whether parents or grandparents are helping younger adults in the family with their first home deposit, study costs or perhaps purchasing a car, the effect is the same. It means that their savings are being reduced. Obviously for many this is a cost they're happy to absorb if it helps others who are in greater need. I'm not saying we shouldn't help family members if we can, what I am saying though is make sure you know what the real cost to you is.

By working with a financial advisor you can have a clear understanding of your financial position and it can help you identify how much you can give or lend. You can draw a clear picture of what the cost may be to you and yours; for example, not being able to replace your car as frequently as you had initially planned for in retirement. As long as both parties have an understanding of the true cost and the agreement they come to, whether it is a loan or a gift for example, there is, in my opinion, a place for the bank of mum and dad.

Richard.

Your Window on Wealth: Balancing family support and retirement goals with supporting adult children

02/07/2026

I know people can be put off hearing about how they should plan for retirement, particularly those for whom it seems a long way off. I'm not saying that our focus should be on retirement throughout our working life but it is good to have it as a goal. I mean, no matter how much we might love our jobs we all hope to retire one day!

Personally I'd say that it's good to have our retirement goals in mind but it's as equally important to know where your money is going each month. Meeting with an independent financial adviser is a good way to start this process; looking at what your short to medium financial plans are and trying to put some sort of plan in place. It all starts with understanding where you are now...without this, any plan is rather fuzzy!!

So, even if retirement is a long way in the future and even if you have only recently moved in to your first home, now is a good time to have a conversation. Determine some clear objectives you'd like to achieve and with regular reviews you can see how your plan is coming together. It may start with just a small monthly payment in to a savings account for example; something manageable that you can commit to each month.

It's important to reiterate that talking with me, or a member of my team, isn't intimidating, honest! Working through our lifestyle planning process with us will help you achieve clarity, determine what is important to you and help you have a better understanding of what can be achieved. It's never too early to start having a real handle on your finances.

It just starts by getting in touch 😊
Richard

26/06/2026

How do we learn financial management skills? Well, as it’s not a requirement to be covered by the school curriculum I’d say it’s from family and friends mainly. What does this mean in reality?

It’s quite simple. Those parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles who know of the different financial products and schemes available will, I’m sure, share their knowledge. For example, the benefit of receiving a savings boost from the government when saving in the Lifetime ISA (soon to be changed). The additional payments received in this scheme can really make saving for a home of their own a true reality.

Unfortunately there isn't a good understanding in general of all things finance so many youngsters will not benefit from the knowledge. It's highly unlikely that ISAs and the like will pop up in their social media feed so they will most certainly be at a disadvantage.

I don’t really know why I’m mentioning it now, I think if anything it’s out of frustration! What are the pros and cons of different schemes and are they the sensible choice? There's such a general lack of awareness about higher purchase/lease agreements, credit card debt and savings opportunities that I think we all have a duty to share what we do know. Helping youngsters grow up to be financially aware adults is a responsibility we should all share.

Richard

18/06/2026

Have you thought about how the Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) accounts you have could affect your ability to get a mortgage? Have you recently opened a couple of new credit cards or store credit accounts?

In recent years there's been a significant rise in BNPL being offered, partly due to the ease of integration offered by providers such as Klarna. Giving your online customers the choice of paying in full in the checkout or paying over several instalments, at no additional cost to you, no longer requires sophisticated technical know-how to install. The market leading e-commerce platforms have made it so easy to add Klarna or PayPal instalment plans it could be seen as a no-brainer for retailers. I suppose it's highly dependent on the retail market they're operating in.

Anyway, I digress. It's not for me to question whether these payment options should be offered. Instead it's up to me, and in fact anybody who has conversations about mortgages, to make sure that people are aware of the impact they could have on an individual's ability to get a mortgage. The problem is that no real credit check is done at the point of purchase so this now sees some in the position of having signed up to monthly payments which they could end up defaulting on. This is when the higher costs come in to play and one of the ways these financial providers are financed.

So, what I'm saying is although paying in instalments may seem like a sensible choice, we need to be educating young adults, in particular, about the potential pitfalls and knock on impact on credit ratings. When a bank is considering the question of affordability and attitude to debt then these BNPL do come in to play.

If you, friends or family members are thinking of getting a mortgage then I would strongly suggest limiting, or even stopping entirely, the use of BNPL payment plans. Don't forget, we can work with you to find the best mortgage deal available for your personal circumstances. It's just one of the many services we provide.

Richard