Recent research suggests that growing concerns around safety and global instability are encouraging more people to consider protection insurance as a financial safety net. What is the changing sense of security? Research suggests many people feel more vulnerable and uncertain than they did a decade ago. Ongoing geopolitical tensions and concerns around global terrorism are continuing to shape public attitudes towards personal and financial security. The research also found women are more likely to feel uneasy about their personal safety today, with 52% saying they feel more uncertain than they did 10 years ago, compared with 38% of men. Everyday activities are also increasingly contributing to feelings of unease. Research found that 54% of fearful adults no longer feel safe in crowded places, while concerns around travelling abroad and attending large, organised events have also risen sharply in recent months. Travelling alone remains a particularly significant concern for women, with 61% saying they feel less safe doing so, compared with 32% of men. Younger adults are also becoming more aware of the importance of financial protection, with many recognising the pressure that illness, injury or loss of income could place on their households. Why does protection matter? Protection insurance can provide financial support if illness, injury or death affects your ability to earn an income. Depending on the policy, this support can come as a lump sum or regular monthly payments. For many homeowners and families, protection offers reassurance that mortgage payments, bills and everyday living costs could still be managed during difficult periods. In uncertain times, this financial safety net can provide valuable peace of mind. Common forms of protection include life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection insurance. Some policies are designed to help cover mortgage repayments and essential household costs, while others provide support following serious illness or long-term absence from work. As concerns around financial resilience continue to rise, research also suggests more households are taking practical steps to improve their financial security. Four in 10 fearful adults said they had become more interested in protection insurance products during March 2026. The value of professional advice Many people assume protection insurance is too expensive or complicated, but policies can be tailored to suit different budgets and needs. We can help you understand your options and ensure you have appropriate cover in place. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Source: https://nationalfriendly.co.uk/adviser/bruised-britain/

Home insurance premiums have continued to fall, with average UK premiums dropping by 9% year-on-year in January 2026, according to recent analysis. The improvement follows a significant reduction in severe weather warnings across the UK. Red storm warnings reportedly fell from 18 in 2022 to just four in 2024, while amber warnings also declined sharply over the same period. However, insurers are cautioning households about the risk of wetter-than-average weather and the potential for property damage later in the year. This means reviewing cover levels and policy terms remains important, even as premiums begin to ease. We can help review your options and ensure you have suitable cover in place. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. Sources: https://theintermediary.co.uk/2026/04/home-insurance-premiums-ease-as-storm-warnings-fall-compare-the-market/ https://www.comparethemarket.com/inside-ctm/media-centre/home-premiums-continue-to-fall-as-households-urged-to-brace-for-wetter-than-average-autumn/

Calls for Stamp Duty reform are continuing to grow as first-time buyers face rising purchase costs. Research suggests first-time buyers have paid an extra £307m in Stamp Duty since the tax-free threshold changed in April 2025. On average, buyers have reportedly paid £4,618 more to complete a purchase over the past year. For many households already struggling with deposits and affordability pressures, Stamp Duty remains another significant barrier to getting onto the property ladder. Industry figures continue calling for reform to help improve affordability. We can help you understand the costs involved with buying a home and explore mortgage options suited to your circumstances. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Source: https://www.rightmove.co.uk/news/articles/property-news/rightmove-calls-for-stamp-duty-reform/

Many prospective buyers feel ready to move in 2026, but affordability concerns and uncertainty are still causing hesitation. Confidence versus action Research shows that 52% of prospective buyers believe they are ready to purchase a property this year. However, there remains a significant gap between confidence and actually making a move. High property prices and the challenge of saving for a deposit continue to be major barriers for many households. Rising living costs and uncertainty around mortgage affordability have also made it harder for some buyers to feel financially prepared. For first-time buyers in particular, balancing rental costs with saving for a deposit continues to be a significant challenge, despite improving confidence across parts of the housing market. Understanding the process The research also found that 31% of respondents felt they lacked understanding of the homebuying process itself. Many prospective buyers are also unclear about the different mortgage products available. We can help Seeking professional mortgage advice can help buyers better understand their options and feel more confident. We can help you explore suitable mortgage options. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Source:https://www.mortgageadvicebureau.com/press-releases/four-in-ten-aspiring-homeowners-still-holding-back-despite-rising-confidence/

Going through a divorce can be a very challenging time for you and your family; on top of the emotional stress of separation, there are many practical logistics for you to deal with. Amidst all this, it can be easy to forget about life insurance, but your policy won’t change automatically when you divorce, so it’s important to review it as soon as you can. If you have an individual policy… Even if you and your former partner had separate life insurance policies, you will still need to inform your insurer of your change in circumstances. Divorce can significantly affect your financial situation, so you will need to check if you have the right level of cover for your new lifestyle. You may also wish to review your beneficiaries. If your ex-spouse is still listed, they may remain entitled to a payout unless you update your policy. If you have a joint policy… A joint life insurance will remain in place until you make any changes to it. What you can do next will depend on your insurer and the terms of your policy. In some cases, it may be possible to split the joint policy into two individual policies. If you are not able to do this, there are other options… If your insurer allows it, you could arrange for either you or your ex-partner to take over the existing policy, while the other arranges new cover in their own name. Alternatively, you could cancel the joint policy altogether and both take out new individual cover. However, this may cost more as premiums are typically higher with age. You may also need to submit your medical history again. Plus, if your policy was written in trust, you will need permission from all the trustees before cancelling your cover. Your mortgage and life insurance If your joint life insurance helps protect your mortgage, you and your partner will need to decide what to do next. The person who stays living in your home may be able to take over the policy, but it’s important to ensure the level of cover still matches the outstanding mortgage and their financial circumstances. If the existing policy is no longer suitable, replacing it with a new one that reflects current needs may be necessary. We’re here for you If you’re unsure how your divorce affects your life insurance, speaking to a professional adviser can help you make informed decisions. Get in touch with our team today to review your policy and ensure your protection is right for you. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Source: https://www.legalandgeneral.com/insurance/life-insurance/family/life-insurance-after-divorce/