Your retirement. Your choices in later life. Your family’s inheritance.
Decisions about pensions, investments and care can affect all three. With political proposals and financial headlines competing for attention, it can be difficult to separate what matters today from what might change tomorrow.
In October’s Money Minder Market Insights, Chartered Financial Planner Ray Black MSc FPFS is joined by former BBC presenter Melvyn Prior to explore these questions in plain English.
Watch the full October Market Insights podcast here
The State Pension: increases, tax and the triple lock
The State Pension remains an important part of retirement income for many people. But how does the triple lock work, and why is its long-term affordability being debated?
Ray and Melvyn discuss proposals for changing the way increases are calculated, alongside the pressure on public finances and the funding of care.
They also explore how rising pension income interacts with frozen personal tax allowances. Ray uses examples to explain why the position can differ depending on someone’s other income and how tax is collected.
Paying for care—and retaining your choices
The potential cost of care is a concern for many families. Planning for it involves more than considering how much money might eventually pass to children or grandchildren.
Ray explains why having resources available in later life can help preserve choice, including where and how care is provided.
The discussion also considers why the price and appearance of a care home do not necessarily tell the whole story about the care someone receives.
Your home, your pension and inheritance tax
Political proposals concerning homes and inheritance tax have attracted attention. But what might they mean in practice, and how does inheritance tax differ from paying for care during your lifetime?
Ray and Melvyn discuss the connections between property, pension savings and wider estate planning. They also consider proposed changes affecting pensions and inheritance tax, and why the details matter.
A recurring message is that helping the next generation should be considered alongside your own retirement needs, standard of living and financial security.
What is happening in investment markets?
The conversation then turns to oil and energy, gold, silver and corporate bonds.
Ray discusses how geopolitical events, inflation and interest rates can affect different investments, and why an investment that appears more attractive may still carry risks.
The focus is on understanding the wider picture rather than following whichever asset is currently making the headlines.
Stay informed without rushing into decisions
With the Budget approaching, speculation is inevitable. But proposals, forecasts and confirmed rules are different things.
Before making significant changes to a pension, investment or financial plan, it is important to understand what has actually changed and how it relates to your circumstances.
Watch the full discussion for the explanations and examples behind these topics.
Watch October’s Money Minder Market Insights with Ray Black and Melvyn Prior
To discuss your own financial planning, call the Money Minder team on 01529 300 300.
Important information
Recorded on 9 October 2026. The discussion reflects information, proposals and views at that date. Government proposals and forecasts should not be treated as confirmed rules.
This article and podcast provide general information and education, not personal financial advice or a recommendation to buy, sell or change any investment or pension. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change. Investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise, and you may get back less than you invest. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
Money Minder Financial Services (UK) Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.