Articles & Insights

Expert insights on salary calculations, tax planning, and financial strategies for UK and US professionals.

Jul 21, 2025

How Much Tax Do I Pay on a £10,000 Bonus in England?

Wondering how much of your £10,000 bonus you'll actually keep? In England, bonuses are taxed just like regular income—meaning Income Tax, National Insurance, and even student loan repayments can chip away at that figure. Depending on your tax band, student loan plan, and any pension contributions, your take-home bonus might be quite different than expected. In this guide, we break down what really happens to your bonus before it hits your bank account—and how you can estimate it accurately using a bonus calculator. Whether you're in the basic or higher tax bracket, this article helps demystify bonus taxation in plain English.

Jul 21, 2025

Why Your Bonus May Be Taxed at 40%, 45% or More in England

Bonuses in England are taxed just like your salary—meaning they can push you into higher tax bands. If your bonus lifts your total income above £50,270, you’ll be taxed at 40%. Over £150,000? That jumps to 45%. And if your income crosses £100,000, you start losing your personal allowance—effectively pushing your tax rate on part of your income to nearly 60%.

Jul 21, 2025

Do You Pay National Insurance on Bonuses in England?

Do You Pay National Insurance on Bonuses in England? Short answer: yes. Bonuses in England are treated just like your salary—meaning they’re subject to both Income Tax and National Insurance Contributions (NICs). If your bonus pushes your earnings above the NI threshold, you’ll pay 12% on the amount up to £50,270, and 2% beyond that. It’s not all downside though. More income can also mean higher pension contributions from you and your employer, helping your retirement pot grow faster.

Jul 21, 2025

How Pension Contributions Affect Your Bonus in England

Got a bonus—but noticed it's smaller than expected? Pension contributions might be the reason. In England, workplace pensions often deduct a percentage of all income—including bonuses. While it may sting in the short term, there’s good news: these contributions are tax-efficient. Contributing from your bonus reduces your taxable income, potentially lowering your tax bill and boosting your retirement savings. For example, a 5% pension deduction on a £10,000 bonus means £500 goes into your pension—and you may pay less tax on the rest.

Jul 21, 2025

Student Loan Repayments on Bonuses in England

Bonuses are exciting—but if you’re repaying a student loan in England, they can also increase your monthly repayment. That’s because your bonus counts as income, and any earnings above the repayment threshold are subject to a 9% deduction under Plans 1 and 2. Whether it’s a £1,000 or £10,000 bonus, your repayment that month could spike—but only for that month. The good news? If your earnings drop the next month, so do your repayments.

Jul 21, 2025

Should You Defer Your Bonus to the New Tax Year in England?

Getting a bonus is always a welcome reward—but timing can make all the difference. In England, if your bonus pushes your income above £100,000, you’ll start losing your personal allowance, which means a higher tax bill. Deferring your bonus into the next tax year might help you stay under that threshold and keep more of your hard-earned cash. But it’s not always a win-win. If you’re already in a higher tax band or future rates rise, deferring might not pay off. That’s why it’s smart to run the numbers first. Our Bonus Tax Calculator gives you a clear view of your take-home pay based on when you receive your bonus. Short-term gain or long-term strategy? You decide—with the facts in hand.

Jul 21, 2025

Bonus Tax Calculator for England – How Much Will You Keep?

Bonuses are exciting—but before you plan how to spend yours, it’s worth asking: how much will actually reach your account? In England, bonuses are taxed just like your salary, meaning your take-home might be less than expected. That’s why a bonus tax calculator is so useful. By adding your bonus to your total income, HMRC determines your tax bracket. If your bonus pushes your income into a higher bracket, a larger portion is taxed at a higher rate—potentially up to 40% or even 45%. Plus, National Insurance still applies.

Jul 21, 2025

How Bonuses Are Taxed in England (2024/25)

Bonuses are a great way to be rewarded for your hard work—but before you celebrate, it’s important to understand how they’re taxed. In England, bonuses are treated just like regular income, meaning they’re subject to Income Tax and National Insurance. The exact amount you take home depends on your total earnings for the year, your tax code, and even the month your bonus is paid.

Jul 18, 2025

Crypto market hits $4 tn for 1st time on altcoins rally; Bitcoin holds near $118K

In a landmark moment for digital finance, the global cryptocurrency market has surpassed $4 trillion in value for the first time — a surge largely powered by an unprecedented rally in altcoins. While Bitcoin remains a dominant force, now accounting for nearly 60% of the market, alternative cryptocurrencies are stepping into the spotlight. With $260 billion in daily trading volume, this historic rise highlights growing investor confidence in a diverse digital asset ecosystem. As the crypto frontier expands, so too does the promise — and complexity — of the road ahead.

Jul 18, 2025

Navigating retirement when closing your small business

Closing your small business and entering retirement without a traditional pension can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. If you're in your early 60s, managing health concerns, and navigating a mix of savings, investments, and business assets, this guide walks you through tax-efficient strategies for building a stable retirement. From dividend planning and last-minute pension contributions to professional financial advice, discover how to turn uncertainty into a confident financial future.

Jul 18, 2025

ETH ETFs See Record Inflows, Over 100x Daily Ethereum Network Issuance

Unprecedented Bull Run: Ethereum ETFs Witness Record-Breaking Inflows!

Jul 18, 2025

Should I hire an AUM advisor?

Ever felt like your growing finances might be outgrowing your ability to manage them? You're not alone. Whether it’s an unexpected inheritance or a steadily growing portfolio, many people reach a point where they wonder: Should I hand this off to a professional? This article explores when — and why — it might make sense to hire an Assets Under Management (AUM) advisor, and how to know if you’ve reached that turning point in your financial journey.

Jul 18, 2025

What would you do with 9.5b?

Ever caught yourself drifting into a daydream where you're suddenly worth $9.5 billion? Same here. But beyond the fantasy lies a fascinating question: what would you actually do with that kind of wealth? From savvy stock investments to leaving a philanthropic legacy (with a few yachts thrown in for good measure), this playful yet thought-provoking journey explores how to turn unimaginable fortune into lasting impact — without losing your head (or your billions). Ready to find out what kind of billionaire you’d be?

Jul 15, 2025

What Is a SIPP? A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Invested Personal Pensions

What is Sipp? A Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) offers more control and flexibility than traditional pensions, letting you choose where your retirement money is invested — from shares and ETFs to commercial property. Whether you're self-employed, consolidating old pensions, or just want to take charge of your financial future, this beginner’s guide explains how SIPPs work, their tax benefits, risks, and how to get started.

Jul 15, 2025

How to Manage Your SIPP Portfolio: Tips for DIY Investors

Taking control of your retirement savings through a SIPP can be empowering — but managing your own portfolio requires careful planning. This guide offers practical tips for DIY investors on building a diversified portfolio, managing risk, rebalancing, and maximising tax relief, so you can stay on track for a confident retirement.

Jul 15, 2025

SIPP Investment Options Explained: What You Can and Can’t Hold

A Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) offers a wide range of investment choices — from shares and funds to commercial property. But not everything is allowed. This guide explains what you can and can’t hold in a SIPP, including key restrictions like residential property, crypto, and personal assets. Make smarter retirement decisions by understanding the full list of permitted investments.

Jul 15, 2025

Best UK SIPP Platforms for 2025: Fees, Features and Comparison

Looking for the best UK SIPP provider in 2025? Whether you're a DIY investor or prefer a fully managed pension, this guide compares the top SIPP platforms by fees, features, and investment flexibility. We break down AJ Bell, Vanguard, Interactive Investor, Hargreaves Lansdown, and more—so you can confidently choose the right platform to grow your retirement savings.

Jul 15, 2025

Can I Transfer My SIPP to Another Country? QROPS and Beyond

Thinking about moving abroad or retiring overseas? Discover whether you can transfer your UK SIPP to another country, how QROPS work, when the 25% Overseas Transfer Charge applies, and whether it’s better to keep your pension in the UK. This guide breaks down your options, tax implications, and key risks for expats.

Jul 15, 2025

Double Taxation and SIPPs: What If You Retire Abroad?

Planning to retire abroad with a SIPP? Learn how double taxation works, which countries have UK tax treaties, and how to avoid being taxed twice on your pension income when living overseas.

Jul 15, 2025

Using a UK SIPP as an Expat: Tax Tips for Non-UK Residents

If you're living abroad with a UK SIPP, understanding the rules around contributions, tax relief, and pension withdrawals is essential. This guide covers key tax tips for non-UK residents, including what limits apply, how different countries treat UK pension income, and whether transferring to a QROPS makes sense. Make smarter decisions about your pension while living overseas.