Start the Year Right: Plan Ahead Now
January often feels like one of the longest months of the year. With extended gaps until payday and the financial strain left by the festive season, many find their budgets stretched to the limit. If you’re feeling the squeeze right now, take it as an opportunity to plan ahead for the future.
Post-Christmas Financial Vulnerability
The period after Christmas can leave many of us in a precarious financial position. According to the Legal & General Deadline to Breadline report, the average UK household is just 19 days from the breadline if their income were to stop suddenly1. This reality highlights the importance of careful financial planning and having plans in place should the worst happen. If you find yourself dipping into savings or relying on credit to cover essential expenses, now is the perfect time to take action to protect what matters most to you and your family.
Planning Ahead for the New Financial Year
The start of a new year is the perfect time to reassess your mortgage & protection arrangements. We’re here to support you with mortgage and protection reviews to ensure your finances are set up to match your current needs and future goals.
By reviewing your mortgage, we can help you:
- Ensure you’re on the most suitable rate for your situation.
- Avoid slipping onto expensive Standard Variable Rates (SVRs)2.
- Plan for any upcoming changes, such as job transitions or family growth.
We also recommend taking the time to review your protection arrangements. This will help ensure your income, health, and lifestyle are adequately safeguarded. Regular reviews of life cover, critical illness cover, and income protection ensure you and your loved ones remain protected in the face of life’s uncertainties.
Why Regular Mortgage and Protection Reviews Matter
Life evolves, and so do your financial needs. That’s why it’s essential to regularly review your mortgage and protection arrangements. Changes in income, marital status, or family size can mean your current setup no longer aligns with your requirements, potentially leaving you overpaying or under-protected.
From a mortgage perspective, regular reviews can help you identify opportunities to save money by accessing better rates or switching to products that better support your financial goals. If your circumstances are changing, or you’re approaching the end of a fixed-term period, we can assess your current situation and advise on tailored mortgage options that may suit your needs better than your existing deal.
We have access to a wide range of remortgage and product transfer options, including many exclusive deals not available on the High Street. While your existing lender may contact you with their latest offers, we recommend booking an appointment with us. We’ll help ensure you’re not just choosing the most convenient option, but the one that truly aligns with your goals and where you want to be in the future.
Protection Review: How Long Could You Last Without an Income?
We’re dedicated to keeping you protected, because life has a way of presenting unexpected challenges when you least expect them.
The Legal & General Deadline to Breadline Report 2022 found that 37% of UK households have less than £1,000 in savings, and 16% have no savings at all1. This underscores the importance of having a financial safety net. If you’re one of the 42% of employed adults who believe they could only survive a month or lesson savings1, it’s time to think about income protection.
Income protection policies provide a safety net by replacing a portion of your income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury3. Critical illness cover and life insurance also ensure your loved ones are cared for in the event of the unexpected4. By reviewing your protection arrangements, we can help you close any gaps in your financial safety net and reduce the risk of financial hardship.
Sources
- Legal & General (2022). Deadline to Breadline Report. Available at: https://www.legalandgeneral.com/landg-assets/adviser/files/protection/sales-aid/deadline-to-breadline-report-2022.pdf [Accessed 21 Jan 2025]
- Money Advice Service (2025). Understanding Mortgages and Interest Rates. Available at: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/homes/buying-a-home/mortgage-interest-rate-options [Accessed 21 Jan 2025]
- Moneyhelper (2025) What is income protection insurance?. Available at: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/insurance/what-is-income-protection-insurance[Accessed 21 Jan 2025]
- Moneyhelper (2025) What is critical illness cover?. Available at: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/insurance/what-is-critical-illness-cover [Accessed 21 Jan 2025]
All the information in this article is correct as of the publish date 30th January 2025. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. The information provided in this article, including text, graphics and images does not, and is not intended to, substitute advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this article are for general informational purposes only. Information in this article may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.
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Start 2025 on the right foot
The start of the year is the perfect time to take charge of your mortgage and protection arrangements. Reach out to us for tailored advice, designed to address any gaps in your protection and ensure you’re on a mortgage deal that fits your unique circumstances. Together, we can help you build a secure and stable future for you and your family.
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