InsureWithMax Blog

This is a scary statistic: only 8% of adults took financial advice last year. The UK regulator wants financial advice to be accessible, by introducing a new style of advice for people with about £10,000 to invest. The regulator is hoping to add 1m adults using IFAs (independent financial advisers). Would you like to take financial advice?

For all teenagers, the question of shaving will arise. Ultimately shaving is an individual decision based on cultural or family traditions, hormonal development, and society’s expectations. A teenager will know when they’re ready for their first shave. Is there a best way to shave?

Most people shop as an enjoyable activity. Sadly, some shop as an obsession, and for a few are addicted to spending. Up to 350,000 people are shopping addicts in the UK. More women suffer from compulsive shopping than men. The good news is that shopaholics can be professionally treated. Do you know a possible shopaholic?

The pressure cooker is coming home. They have been updated and are simpler to use. Remember that pressure cooking is a wet cooking with at least 2cm of water in bottom the pan. There are lots of easy recipes. Is it time to cook with a pressure cooker

There are many TV adverts encouraging consumers to buy alternative cow’s milk products. Supermarkets stock many animal (e.g. sheep, goat) and plant-based (e.g. oat, almond) alternatives. Few people have a milk intolerance; many may be vegan or take an environmental standpoint. Are you seeking alternatives to cow's milk?

Younger workers often see older workers (over 55's) as off sick, slow and stuck in their ways. Given the staff shortages, the government is encouraging early retirees to return and older workers to stay on longer. The good news is that older workers make a win-win situation for both employee and employer. Do you believe in the power of older workers?

Many people are worrying about paying for Christmas, but few are worrying about finding a lost pension pot. The number of unclaimed pension pots has risen to 2.8m, valued at £26.6bn. It is tricky to keep on top of pension schemes in a long career. Your workplace pension contributions are your money. Are you missing any of your pension pots?

The UK insurance industry is the 4th largest in the world and over 300 years old. We often buy motor and home insurance and some of us buy life insurance. Most working adults have long-term saving products, like a work pension. Why buying insurance/long term savings is a good thing?

January is about to end. Many of us like to set New Year’s Resolutions. Sadly, few of us achieve our goals, as we blame changed circumstances or changed priorities. Most of us simply gave up after one week. Are you succeeding in achieving your New Year goals?

Self-harming is a tricky subject to talk about. The reasons for young people self-harming are complicated and varied. The numbers are hard to find, but girls are 4 times more likely to self–harm than boys. Is child self-harming on your radar?

Wood burning stoves saw a 40% increase in sales, showing that consumers are trying to counter the rapid cost of heating. An eco-burning stove costs £1,000-£1,500, plus installation* and burns about £650 in logs for evening and weekend use. If your home has a chimney, have you thought about buying a wood burning stove?

Many make a New Years' resolution to save money. The amount saved often depends on the size of the income. Those with higher wages have higher expenses and save more for their retirement. Around one-third of the adults have savings less than £600 (2020). Have you got a decent savings plan for 2023?

We learnt last November that the cost of living is rising at its fastest rate for 41 years, making a tough winter for many people. When under pressure, it’s easy to use alcohol as self-medication. A dry January is not drinking alcohol, knowing that it will not only bring health benefits, but also save money. Are you joining the dry January wagon?

Although not wanting to put a damper on a fantastic Christmas, it’s worth noting that Divorce Day is the first working Monday of the New Year. This year saw the biggest reforms to our divorce laws in 50 years. Ignoring blaming spouses, do you someone divorcing in 2023?

Christmas is an important event in the Christian calendar. For the first time the 2021 census showed that only 46% of UK adults identify as Christian. Likewise, the number who said they had no religion increased to 37% of the population. Are primary and secondary faith schools a good idea in a growing sectarian society?

It’s easy to argue about the way things should be done at Christmas. Each partner having grown up with different ways of celebrating Xmas. Even deciding on the best time to open presents can create conflict. Christmas frustrations can boil over. Have you argued over the Christmas schedule and/or process?

Winter has arrived with cold days and freezing nights, increasing the risk of burst pipes. Water damage to a home is covered by buildings insurance. Simple steps can prevent frozen pipes in seasonally cold weather. Do you know how to reduce the risk of a burst pipe?

In the UK, it’s estimated 2.5-6% of the population is affected by a hoarding disorder. Hoarding often begins in adolescence and can become a problem for people in their 30s. The average age of people seeking treatment is about 50. Do you know a hoarder?

The cost pressures are having a real impact, given almost half of UK families have less than a month’s income in savings. Worse, around 1.3m families have no savings at all. Family money worries can impact children. How do you talk to your kids about the money pressures?

Yes, investing in shares is riskier than keeping money in a bank, but it can be more rewarding. Imagine saving £10,000 over 15 years to 2020. If invested in the UK stock market it would be worth £22,069, while the same cash held in a bank account would be worth £12,293. Is it time to invest in shares?