A woman sits in a dark bedroom looking sad.

How to beat the winter blues this year

Have you noticed your mood changing as the nights start to draw in? You’re not alone. In fact, researchers believe that around 3% of people are affected by seasonal affective disorder (SAD), otherwise known as “winter depression”. However, there are some simple steps you can take to...

A woman and her child in the kitchen.

The gender protection gap: Do you have enough cover?

Research suggests that women are less likely than men to take out income protection. This trend could mean women are more vulnerable to financial shocks and is a useful reminder to check how you’d cope if the unexpected happened. According to a report from Royal London,...

A couple toasting with a glass of wine.

Could “lifestyle creep” affect your retirement plans?

When you received your last promotion or pay rise, your first instinct might have been to celebrate by splashing out on a new gadget, booking a holiday or allocating more of your money to your disposable income. However, if you overlook reviewing your finances, “lifestyle...

A mother and daughter pushing a wheelbarrow together.

10 surprising benefits of gardening

With summer finally here, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the warmer weather by exploring the great outdoors.  Yet, although the 2021 census found that 87% of UK households have a garden, many people overlook the simple joy of spending more time looking after it. As well...