The blog.
Quick, actionable and up-to-date advice and insights from the knowledgeable Virtu team.
Investment market update: September 2026
In September 2026, markets experienced some volatility due to conflict in the Middle East and the impact it had on energy prices. Discover other factors that may have affected the performance of your portfolio.
Why gifting your home during your lifetime could be a mistake
Thinking about gifting your home to family during your lifetime? Discover the hidden tax traps, care cost rules, and legal risks before making a move.
5 tips for managing your personal tax as a business owner
Discover five practical tax planning strategies you can use as a UK business owner to help you withdraw profit efficiently, manage your tax thresholds, and protect your wealth.
5 frightful tax mistakes you should be mindful of this Halloween
Halloween is the season of goblins, ghouls, and frightening tax mistakes. Learn how a financial planner can help you excise yours from your financial plan.
How to balance your goals when you’re flexibly accessing your pension
While total control over your retirement fund is liberating, it brings an important challenge. Learn how to balance the lifestyle you want today with the financial security of tomorrow.
The hidden emotional challenges of gifting assets during your lifetime
Passing assets to your loved ones during your lifetime could have many benefits. Yet, that doesn’t mean it’s simple, and you might experience emotional challenges even if you’re sure it’s the right thing to do in your circumstances.
Investment market update: June 2026
Markets continued to be affected by ongoing conflict in the Middle East and technology stock volatility in June 2026. Find out what else may have affected the performance of your investments.
5 fantastic reasons to make volunteering part of your retirement plan
Volunteering can be a fantastic way to help others while gaining a new sense of purpose in retirement. Discover five compelling reasons to get involved.
How business owners could help employees build pension confidence
The workplace pension employers provide is a valuable employee benefit. Yet, research suggests many workers lack confidence when dealing with their pension. This can provide an opportunity for business owners to offer support and boost staff morale.
The £12.3 billion cost of delaying estate planning
Affluent families who delay estate planning could miss out on chances to reduce a potential Inheritance Tax (IHT) bill and pass more on to their families. Find out if you could benefit from considering IHT and how you might pass on assets tax-efficiently.
4 practical reasons to regularly contribute to your child’s pension
In a bid to pass more wealth to their loved ones, a growing number of families are opening pensions for their children. Whether your child is still in nursery or already working their way up the career ladder, there could be benefits to making pension contributions on their behalf.
The psychology of fear in investing: Why mastering it could support long-term success
Investing is often as much about emotions as it is about numbers. One emotion that might affect how you invest at times is fear. Learning why fear influences investment decisions and how to master it could support your long-term success.
Investment market update: March 2026
Conflict in the Middle East caused market volatility throughout March 2026. Find out what other factors may have affected your investments.
How to plan for retirement as a small business owner
Research suggests that many small business owners and self-employed workers aren’t prioritising their retirement, and could face uncertainty later in life as a result. However, opening a pension could benefit both you and your business.
Should you delay your State Pension? The pros and cons explained
Thousands of people delay claiming their State Pension every year. There are some potential benefits, including managing their tax liability, but there are also drawbacks that are important to consider.
5 ways a cashflow model could support your estate plan
Deciding how you’d like your assets to be managed later in life and after you pass away may be intimidating. However, a cashflow model could help you answer both financial and emotional questions, so you’re in a better position to make important estate planning decisions.
What past market volatility has taught us about investor behaviour
The current situation in the Middle East has led to market volatility. While it might seem new, similar movements have happened before, and looking at how these events may affect investor behaviour could be useful.
How psychology might affect your view of cash and safety
How your brain works can affect how you view wealth and different assets. For many, this can mean cash feels like a safer option than alternatives, but it’s not always the right one. Indeed, sometimes choosing to hold cash could mean you miss growth opportunities.
What is the bank rate, and how it could affect your mortgage?
When you take out a mortgage, you pay interest on the amount you borrow, and the bank rate set by the Bank of England (BoE) can affect your repayments. Find out why and how the bank rate might affect you in 2026.
Why business owners may want to consider a pension alongside their exit strategy
Overlooking your pension when thinking about your future as a business owner could leave you in a difficult situation when you want to retire. Find out why you might consider your exit strategy alongside your pension, rather than as a replacement for it.

