Hello! Can you believe Christmas is just around the corner? We are touching base with our clients to check in and make sure everything’s on track, from your mortgage to your protection plans. If you need help reviewing your cover, planning for the year ahead, or just want to talk through your options, we are here to help.
In this edition, we’re sharing a few quick reads. How to bust mortgage barriers when it’s time to remortgage. Why a yearly insurance check in matters. How your life insurance, critical illness, and income protection needs evolve over time. The importance of trust in later-life lending. A look beyond health insurance basics and at some of the fun perks! As always, it’s about giving you the tools and confidence to make informed choices that support your goals and wellbeing. Now, and into the new year.
Meanwhile, this month, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to deliver the Autumn Budget on 26 November 2025, focusing on measures to stabilise the economy and address financial gaps. While major tax rate increases are unlikely, there could be freezes or reductions in tax reliefs. Discussions are ongoing about overhauling systems like council tax and stamp duty. Potentially introducing a more equitable annual property tax based on current values. And we could see spending priorities change across areas like defence, welfare, and public services, potentially leading to cuts.
These developments could impact your financial planning, especially concerning property, pensions, and investments. If you’d like to discuss how these potential changes might affect you, give us a buzz or send a quick email, and we’ll be in touch.
In this month’s newsletter:
Your guide to smooth remortgaging
Refinancing a mortgage isn’t always as simple as finding a lower rate. Changing incomes, property values, and tighter lending rules can all create barriers that make remortgaging more complex than expected. With many fixed-rate and introductory loans coming to an end in 2026, now is the perfect time to review your options and get organised!
Many homeowners face common barriers when considering remortgaging:
Reduced equity: If your property has decreased in value, you may have less equity available, which can affect your ability to refinance. A broker can help assess your situation and explore solutions, such as lenders that consider alternative criteria or flexible loan structures.
Serviceability and income changes: Lenders review your ability to repay a loan based on current income and expenses. Changes such as job shifts, reduced hours, or new financial commitments can make approval trickier. Brokers guide you through preparing documentation and identifying lenders most likely to accommodate your circumstances.
Credit history and existing debt: Even minor changes in your credit profile can influence refinancing options. A broker can help review your credit standing, suggest ways to improve it, and match you with products that fit your risk profile.
Finding the right product: With so many mortgage options available, selecting the right product for your needs can be overwhelming. Brokers provide expert comparisons, helping you secure better rates, lower fees, or features that match your goals.
Don’t wait until your current loan term ends – acting now can save you stress and money. Contact us today for a no-obligation mortgage review. We’ll guide you through every step, from assessing your current loan to helping you refinance efficiently. You can call, email, or book an appointment online; whichever is easiest.
Our goal is to make remortgaging simple, stress-free, and tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking to reduce repayments, unlock equity, or simply ensure your mortgage is still the right fit, we’re here to help. Reach out now and take control of your home loan before your current deal ends in 2026.
Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it.
Is it time for a policy review?
1. Gather All Your Policies
Start by collecting your current insurance documents – digital or paper copies. Include:
- Home and contents insurance
- Car insurance
- Health insurance
- Life or income protection insurance
- Travel or pet insurance (if relevant)
2. Check Policy Dates and Renewal Cycles
Look at the policy start and end dates. Most policies renew annually, so set a reminder 4–6 weeks before renewal to review and compare options.
3. Review Your Coverage Levels
Ask yourself:
- Have your assets increased in value (e.g. home renovations, new valuables)?
- Have your circumstances changed – such as a new job, family member, or property?
- Does your coverage match current needs (e.g. underinsurance is common after home upgrades)?
4. Compare Premiums and Excesses
Check whether your premiums have increased and if your excess (the amount you pay when making a claim) still makes sense for your budget. It can be worth shopping around or asking your insurer for a loyalty discount or multi-policy bundle.
5. Check Exclusions and Conditions
Review the fine print. Look for:
- Any new exclusions added at renewal
- Changes to claim limits or sub-limits
- Clauses that may no longer suit your lifestyle (e.g. working from home, home-based business use, etc.)
Make sure your contact details, nominated beneficiaries, and vehicle or property information are current. Outdated details can cause claim delays or rejections.
7. Seek Professional Advice
Consulting an insurance broker or financial adviser can streamline the process. We’ll review your policies, compare options across insurers, and help tailor coverage to your goals.
Quick Checklist
- Policies collected and renewal dates noted
- Coverage matches current assets and lifestyle
- Premiums and excess reviewed
- Exclusions understood
- Details and beneficiaries updated
- Professional review completed
Smart insurance planning over a lifetime.
1. Early Career (20s)
- Life Insurance: Think of policies that can cover debts (like student loans or mortgages) and provide initial protection for a young family if applicable.
- Critical Illness Cover: Affordable early policies can lock in better premiums, so it’s definitely worth considering on that alone. And you’ll hopefully avoid ‘pre-existing’ illness clauses if you take out a policy early.
- Income Protection: Key focus on protecting your salary in case of illness or injury, especially when establishing your career and savings.
- Life Insurance: Coverage typically increases to protect mortgage, dependents, and long-term financial commitments.
- Critical Illness Cover: Becomes more relevant as family responsibilities grow. Policies may cover serious illnesses that could impact earning ability.
- Income Protection: Essential for maintaining household stability if the main income earner cannot work. Policies may need updating to reflect higher salary and financial commitments.
- Life Insurance: Focus may shift toward debt reduction, children’s education, and securing spouse’s financial future. Some may reduce coverage if children are independent.
- Critical Illness Cover: Higher premiums due to age, but still valuable for covering major health risks that could affect finances.
- Income Protection: Remains important, especially for self-employed individuals or high earners, but coverage amounts may be reviewed as mortgage and family costs decrease.
- Life Insurance: Often reduced or converted to smaller policies, sometimes for estate planning purposes or to cover final expenses.
- Critical Illness Cover: Consider policies that pay out for illnesses that could impact retirement savings or lifestyle.
- Income Protection: Typically reduces as income needs decline and retirement draws closer; may be less critical if other savings exist.
- Life Insurance: Usually only needed for estate planning or covering any remaining debts.
- Critical Illness Cover: Can provide funds for medical care or unexpected expenses not covered by health insurance.
- Income Protection: Often no longer required, as regular income is replaced by superannuation, pensions, or savings.
A better way forward for Equity Release
Equity release has helped thousands of UK homeowners unlock the value in their property, but it hasn’t always had a spotless reputation. Older cases – often taken out decades ago – tell cautionary tales of high interest rates, poor advice, and families shocked by how quickly the debt grew. These so-called “equity release horror stories” still appear in the media today, reminding homeowners of the importance of understanding what they’re signing up for.
Thankfully, the modern equity release market looks very different. New regulations, clearer advice standards, and products backed by the Equity Release Council’s “no negative equity” guarantee have transformed consumer protections. The introduction of Standards 2.0 in 2025 has further improved transparency, ensuring clients receive personalised advice and written illustrations before making a decision.
Most of the negative experiences stemmed from older lifetime mortgages where rolled-up interest wasn’t well explained, leaving borrowers unaware of how quickly balances could grow. Today, advisers are required to outline repayment options, interest roll-up impacts, and long-term effects on inheritance. Many plans also offer flexible features like voluntary repayments, downsizing protection, and drawdown facilities, giving homeowners far more control.
It’s key that we focus on the importance of independent, FCA-regulated advice and realistic expectations. While equity release won’t suit everyone, it can be a valuable financial tool when used responsibly. If you’re considering releasing equity, take time to understand all your options and work with a qualified adviser who’ll ensure the product offers income, supports family members, or funds home improvements without selling your home.
Thinking about equity release? Speak with a specialist adviser to explore how the right plan could support your financial goals while protecting your long-term security.
This is a lifetime mortgage. To understand the features and risks, please ask for a personalised illustration. Check that this mortgage will meet your needs if you want to move or sell your home or you want your family to inherit it. If you are in any doubt, seek independent advice.
Insurance that works harder!
As your adviser, I want to help you understand not just what’s covered, but what value you can unlock through your health insurance membership. Here’s a guide to the traditional and surprising benefits offered by leading UK providers.
All the main providers, Aviva, Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, The Exeter, and Benenden Health, offer the core protections you rely on.
- Inpatient and Outpatient Care: Covers hospital stays, surgeries, consultations, and diagnostic tests.
- Mental Health Support: Access to counselling or therapy sessions to maintain emotional wellbeing.
- Cancer Care: Comprehensive coverage for treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
- GP Access: 24/7 consultations via phone or video to get advice when you need it.
- Health Screenings: Regular check-ups to spot potential issues early and stay proactive about your health.
Beyond standard hospital cover, many UK health insurers now offer perks that make staying healthy easier.
- Vitality Health rewards members with weekly free or discounted coffee, cinema discounts, cashback on healthy food, and even an Apple Watch for completing health activities.
- Aviva Health provides the DigiCare+ app with mental health support, nutrition advice, wellbeing articles, and exclusive discounts.
- Bupa Health lets members earn points through its Life Rewards Programme
- AXA Health offers discounted gym memberships and reduced-rate health assessments.
- Benenden Health includes employee wellbeing programmes, such as bike loans and EV salary sacrifice schemes, plus free tea and coffee at work.
- The Exeter, via its HealthWise app, provides unlimited remote GP appointments, an annual finger-prick Health MOT, and video consultations with mental health specialists, dietitians, lifestyle coaches, and physiotherapists.
If you’d like to explore your current health insurance benefits or see what other providers could offer, get in touch today. Whether it’s via phone, email, or in-person consultation, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.