2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for personal finance.
After years of economic uncertainty, the landscape is finally shifting — creating a powerful opportunity for those who plan ahead. With tax thresholds tightening, savings rates softening, and major life costs rising, the decisions you make this year will have a lasting impact. Smart planning in 2026 isn’t just about reacting to change — it’s about positioning yourself to benefit from it.

Every year, the run-up to the Chancellor’s Budget sparks rumours, speculation, and last-minute financial panic. With talk of tax tweaks, ISA adjustments, and pension changes ahead of the 2025 UK Budget, it’s easy to make rushed decisions that could hurt your long-term plan.

At Universal Finance, being a financial advisor means more than managing money — it’s about empowering people to live with confidence and clarity. We build lasting relationships, combining expertise and empathy to help clients reach their goals and create a secure, fulfilling financial future.

If you’re a higher-rate taxpayer in the UK (earning over £50,270 in 2025/26), your pension could be working harder for you. Beyond the 20% basic-rate relief added automatically, you can reclaim another 20% — meaning £600 out of pocket could become £1,000 in your pension.

In our latest “Meet the Team” feature, we caught up with Phebe Brown, Head of Administration at Universal Finance. She shares how she balances studying pharmacy at Queen’s University with supporting clients, why she loves the UF team, and why financial advice matters for young people.

Small steps can build big wealth. The 1% rule shows how tiny, consistent improvements — like increasing pension contributions, cancelling unused subscriptions, or saving spare change — can compound into life-changing results. You don’t need drastic changes, just steady progress.

If loved ones depend on you financially, life insurance is essential. It covers mortgages, childcare, education, and daily living costs. With policies starting under £10/month, it’s an affordable way to protect your family and ensure they aren’t left financially exposed.

Give your child a financial head start by investing £112 monthly Child Benefit into a Junior Stocks & Shares ISA from birth to 18. With a 7.5% annual return, compounding can grow a tax-free pot to £50,000. Start early, stay invested, and secure a transformative gift for their future.

Inheritance Tax (IHT) doesn’t have to be unavoidable. Through careful planning using gifting, trusts, and charitable giving, you can reduce or eliminate IHT, protect your wealth, and leave more for loved ones while minimising the portion paid to HMRC.