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Why is Probate So Complicated?

April 15th, 2025 Posted in Money Tips, Wellbeing
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Financials can get complicated; an example is the probate process. Let’s look at why it’s so complex in the UK. While the legal process of dealing with another person’s estate after they pass away can seem straightforward at first, sharing out the assets and other details can be intricate.

Why is Probate So Complicated? - pen to sign a contract image

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio:

A Lot of Legal Procedures

There is a lot to know, and it is not like you do this all the time. In fact, you have likely not gone through this process before. If you are the executor, the legal word for the person named in the will, or the administrator, if there is no will, you will have responsibilities under a legal framework. For example, you must complete certain forms, such as PA1P or PA1A. Making a mistake on a form can delay the process, so getting help from experts when you apply for probate can ease your stress. You also may need to submit Inheritance Tax forms.

Details Regarding Inheritance Tax

The word taxes is stressful. Now, make it a part of the probate process, and, understandably, it is likely to trigger a headache. Accurately valuing the estate is important, and that can be difficult to do if you’re unsure about investments, pensions, savings, and more. Before probate is granted, these taxes must be paid, and if there is a great deal outstanding, that may involve digging into savings.

Family Arguments about the Will

This already challenging time can bring tension within the family in ways you may not have imagined. For example, children or others may want valuables of the deceased person that they have not been awarded in the will. Along with challenging how assets were distributed, they may also question whether the will is valid. You may even have a family member say that they were supposed to be the executor and challenge you in this role. The result of family fights over inheritances can be a significant delay in the probate process, from a few months to years.

Different Rules Bring Different Situations

The law is not always clear-cut, whether it is regarding finances for probate or anything else. Things can get more complicated if the person who passed had business assets or owned foreign property. They might also have had bank accounts overseas. Given the implications, you may need a solicitor who is knowledgeable in this area to assist, making sure everything is done correctly to move the process along.

Conclusion: Probate Is Easier with Support

By now, it is clear that probate is complex. Even when all rules are followed, it can still be a lengthy process. With a knowledgeable expert as a resource, you can get through it more easily.  That helps reduce stress during an already difficult time. From financial tax to legal requirements, there is a lot to know. And family disputes, inheritance taxes, and overseas assets can make it more complicated. May you have a smoother time ahead after reading the details above, and may you have the time to grieve and heal from the loss of your loved one.

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Surprisingly Rewarding Careers You Probably Never Considered

April 1st, 2025 Posted in Money Tips
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Not everyone dreams of being a doctor, teacher, or lawyer, and that’s completely okay. In fact, there are so many other jobs that people don’t talk about much, even though they can be just as rewarding and exciting.

Some of these careers might not sound interesting at first, but once you learn what they involve, you might change your mind. They often come with great benefits like learning hands-on skills, meeting new people, or helping your community in a big way. If you’re open to new ideas, you might find something that’s a better fit than you ever expected.

Surprisingly Rewarding Careers You Probably Never Considered - female vet with cat image

Photo by Parker Coffman on Unsplash

Working with animals outside of vet clinics

If you love animals but don’t want to become a vet, there are still jobs that let you work with them in fun and meaningful ways. Animal shelters, wildlife parks, and pet grooming services all need people who care and know how to handle animals gently.

Some animal control officers help rescue lost or hurt pets, while marine rescue workers deal with sea life that needs help. These jobs can be tough, but knowing you’ve made a difference for an animal that can’t speak for itself can feel really powerful.

Discover hidden opportunities in the print industry

Most people don’t think of printing as a modern or exciting field, but it actually includes a wide mix of creative and hands-on roles. From operating machines to managing packaging projects or working in design, there’s plenty going on behind the scenes to bring ideas to life.

If you’re curious about this space, Print Jobs is a great job board that helps people find real opportunities in the print industry, from entry-level to experienced roles. It’s a great place to explore if you’re looking for something practical, creative, and often overlooked.

Helping others through trades and repair work

Electricians, plumbers, and mechanics often get overlooked when talking about career paths, but they’re some of the most respected and needed jobs out there. People rely on them for everyday problems that need real skill and fast thinking.

If you’re someone who enjoys solving problems and working with your hands, this kind of career could make you feel proud of what you do. Plus, it usually pays well and doesn’t always require a college degree, which makes it a smart option for a lot of people.

Teaching or supporting students in different ways

You don’t have to be a full-time classroom teacher to help people learn. There are support roles like tutoring, mentoring, and working as a classroom assistant that make a big impact on students.

Some people also help students with special needs or work in after-school programs where learning happens in fun and active ways. If you enjoy helping others succeed, this kind of role might bring more meaning to your day than you’d expect.

Working in nature and the outdoors

Spending your workday outside might sound like a dream, but it’s real for people who work in landscaping, gardening, or conservation. These jobs allow you to stay active, enjoy fresh air, and care for the planet at the same time.

For example, park rangers often protect nature, guide visitors, and help keep public spaces clean and safe. If you like being outside more than inside, these kinds of careers might suit you better than anything behind a desk.

Supporting travel and tourism

You don’t have to be a flight attendant or tour guide to work in travel. Hotels, travel planning, and visitor centres all need people who are friendly and organised.

Some jobs even let you combine travel with work, like cruise ship staff or people who plan events in other countries. If you dream of working abroad, a career in tourism might open doors to places you’ve always wanted to see.

Caring for others through health or community roles

Not every health job involves hospitals or long hours. Many people find joy in community roles like being a care worker, home health aide, or wellness coach, which focus on helping others live better lives.

These jobs often give you a chance to connect with people and make a real difference in someone’s day. If you’re a good listener and enjoy helping others feel supported, this kind of work could be very fulfilling.

Sometimes the most rewarding jobs are the ones that don’t get much attention. When you stay open-minded and explore new options, you might find a career path that surprises you in the best way. There’s more than one way to find success and happiness in your work.

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Savings Slip-Ups: 7 Mistakes People Make With Their Savings

March 9th, 2025 Posted in Money Tips
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Having savings is always handy. But there’s a right way and a wrong way to save. This post takes a look at a few common savings mistakes to avoid.

Savings Slip-Ups: 7 Mistakes People Make With Their Savings - hand putting coin into a piggy bank

Photo by Joslyn Pickens:

Not setting clear savings goals

First, it’s important to consider what you’re saving for. Without a clear savings goal, you’re likely to be more tempted to dip into your savings for all kinds of reasons. Setting strict purposes for your savings accounts can help you to ensure that your money is put to good use. This could include setting aside some savings for emergencies, saving up for a holiday or saving up for a deposit on a house.

Putting it all in one account

Having all your savings in one account is not recommended. Consider setting up savings accounts for different purposes – such as one for emergencies and one for personal luxuries such as a hot tub. This could prevent you from draining your savings to buy a hot tub without leaving anything left for emergencies. You may also find that different savings accounts are better suited to different purposes. 

Saving in too many places

It’s also possible to set up too many different savings accounts for too many different purposes. The more spread out your savings are, the less interest you’ll make on each savings pot. You also won’t be able to contribute as much to each savings account, leading to slower growth of savings. A savings account for emergencies, a savings account for a primary personal goal and a savings account for secondary goals is all you need. 

Settling for a low interest account

A lot of people don’t take the time to shop around when choosing a savings account. Some banks could pay much higher interest than others. It’s important to occasionally compare different banks and make sure that you’re earning as much interest as you can. 

Ignoring withdrawal penalties

Some high interest savings accounts require you to make a compromise – often including withdrawal penalties such as paying you no interest for a month if you take money out or only allowing you to withdraw a certain amount per month. Factor these in when choosing a savings account. 

Not seeking out professional advice

Putting your money into a savings account may not always be the best way to manage your savings. There could be other options to consider like bonds or stocks. By talking to a financial advisor, you can work out the best way to manage your savings based on your investment goals. Try to seek out independent advice rather than talking to someone at a bank. 

Not topping up your savings

It’s important that you’re constantly contributing to your savings – even if it’s just a small amount each month. Too many people who come into money quickly fritter it away without putting anything back into it. Similarly, many people stop saving once they’ve reached a certain goal (such as buying a house) – continuing to save could allow you to chase other goals without having to rely on borrowing (such as home improvements). 

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Are Hidden Money Blocks Holding You Back?

February 11th, 2025 Posted in Money Tips, Wellbeing
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Have you ever felt like no matter how much you earn, your financial goals always seem just out of reach? Or perhaps you find yourself making the same financial mistakes repeatedly, despite your best intentions. If so, you might be experiencing the impact of hidden money blocks. These subconscious barriers can significantly affect your financial well-being and hold you back from achieving true financial freedom.

Are Hidden Money Blocks Holding You Back? - woman holding empty purse image

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio:

What Are Money Blocks?

Money blocks are deep-seated beliefs and emotions about money that influence our financial behaviours and decisions. They often stem from childhood experiences, cultural conditioning, or past financial traumas. These beliefs can manifest in various ways, such as:

  • Fear of Loss: The constant worry about losing money can lead to overly conservative financial decisions, preventing you from taking necessary risks.
  • Scarcity Mindset: The belief that there is never enough money can cause anxiety and lead to hoarding or impulsive spending.
  • Self-Worth Issues: Associating your worth with your financial status can result in self-sabotaging behaviours, such as underpricing your services or avoiding wealth-building opportunities.
  • Negative Money Associations: Viewing money as evil or corrupting can create a subconscious aversion to acquiring wealth.

Identifying Your Money Blocks

Recognising money blocks is the first step towards overcoming them. Here are some signs that hidden money blocks might be holding you back:

  • Financial Inconsistency: Frequent fluctuations in your financial situation, such as cycles of saving and splurging, could indicate underlying money blocks.
  • Self-Sabotage: Procrastinating on financial tasks, avoiding budgeting, or missing bill payments are common signs of self-sabotaging money habits.
  • Emotional Spending: Using shopping as a way to cope with stress or emotional turmoil can be a red flag for unresolved money blocks.
  • Persistent Debt: Struggling to get out of debt despite efforts to pay it off may suggest deep-rooted money beliefs that need addressing.

How a Money Coach Can Help

Working with a money coach can be a transformative experience in uncovering and shifting these hidden money blocks. Here’s how a money coach can help you:

  • Personalised Support: A money coach provides tailored guidance based on your unique financial situation and goals. They help you identify the specific money blocks that are holding you back.
  • Mindset Shift: By exploring your beliefs and emotions around money, a money coach helps you develop a healthier relationship with your finances. This shift in mindset is crucial for long-term financial success.
  • Accountability: A money coach keeps you accountable for your financial decisions and actions. They ensure you stay on track and follow through with your financial plans.
  • Educational Empowerment: Money coaches educate you on financial management strategies, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions. This empowerment fosters confidence and independence in managing your finances.
  • Holistic Approach: Money coaches take a holistic view of your financial situation, considering not just your income and expenses, but also your emotional and psychological relationship with money.

Taking the Next Step

If you suspect that hidden money blocks are holding you back, consider seeking the support of a money coach. By addressing these subconscious barriers, you can unlock your full financial potential and achieve the financial freedom you’ve always desired. Remember, it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about transforming your mindset and building a healthy, positive relationship with money.

Investing in a money coach is an investment in yourself. Take the first step towards financial empowerment today and start your journey to uncover and shift those hidden money blocks.

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Landlord-Busting Financial Strategies (for a happy new year)

December 29th, 2024 Posted in Money Tips
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Landlords can take home a lot of your money at the end of the month. Yes, they provide you with housing, but it often seems to come at an exceptionally high cost, especially considering where your income is at the moment. 

That’s where this post can help. It looks at some of the landlord-busting strategies you can use to get back on your financial feet and enjoy living again. 

So, what should you be doing? 

Landlord-Busting Financial Strategies (for a happy new year) Couple moving into a new home image

Maximizing Savings From Rent


The first step is to maximize the savings from your rent. You want to invest in strategies that let you cut down on the costs you already face. 

The simplest solution is often to go to your landlord and negotiate with them for a lower price. Many of the entrepreneurs who own these buildings won’t increase rent if they know you are a long-standing, high-quality tenant who is likely to remain in the property after the initial term. 

You can also do things like splitting the costs with a roommate. Yes, that will involve sharing the space, but it is a tried-and-tested way to reduce outgoings substantially. 

Look For Ways To Fight Back

Another approach is to look for ways to legally fight back against your landlord and get them to foot some of the bill for your accommodation (instead of putting everything on your shoulders). The compensation for housing disrepair amount can be high, so always explore this avenue. Look at the current condition of your rental property and ask whether you could work with a lawyer to benefit from compensation. 

Embrace A Smaller Home

Landlord-Busting Financial Strategies (for a happy new year) Keys and a small house keychain image

Another approach is to embrace a tiny home. Usually, you can buy these yourself from savings. But even if you can’t, tiny homes can be a great way to cut down on living expenses overall. 

If that doesn’t work, you can try co-living spaces. These are usually fixed buildings with like-minded people who simply want to find living arrangements offering them lower costs. Even if it means sharing with other individuals, they don’t mind. 

Partner With Others

Sometimes, you can also partner with other people through so-called “shared ownership schemes.” These are where you split the equity with people you know (or professionals), lowering your mortgage costs and making it easier to move into a home. Yes, you will still need to maintain the property to the desired standards, but you are also building up equity in your house, helping you avoid some of the pitfalls. 

Use Rent-To-Own Agreements

Sometimes, landlords will allow you to enter into rent-to-own agreements. These schemes see part of your rent go to building equity in the property over time. This option is ideal for landlords who want to exit a position, but don’t want to kick you out. This approach lets you pay them extra for the equity in their property over time, eventually turning it into yours. 

So there you have it: some of the landlord-busting strategies you can use to get your own back. Use these when you can’t see a future beyond renting.

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