For generations, choosing a new home revolved around familiar concerns—school catchments, transport links, local crime rates, garden size. But there’s a new variable reshaping the property landscape, and it’s both silent and surging: climate risk.

Across the UK, and much of the world, flood zones are being quietly redrawn. As weather patterns shift and sea levels rise, once-safe postcodes now sit within high-risk boundaries. This is having a profound impact on the way people approach property purchases—not just emotionally, but legally and financially, too.

Via Pexels

The New Cartography of Risk

Flood maps used to feel abstract to most people. Something for rural farmers or coastal cottage owners to consider. Not anymore. Redrawn flood zones are creeping inland. Properties once advertised as “never flooded” are suddenly within high-risk areas. 

Insurers adjust premiums based on this data. Mortgage lenders reassess borrowing risk. Councils can impose planning restrictions. What looks like a perfect three-bedroom semi could carry the baggage of repeated water damage and expensive insurance exclusions.

Conveyancing in the Age of Climate Data

Conveyancing solicitors are increasingly playing a pivotal role in helping buyers navigate these new complexities. It’s no longer enough to check the Land Register and skim through a Home Report. Now, buyers are demanding detailed environmental searches—flood risk, subsidence potential, proximity to coastal erosion zones.

Many forward-thinking firms now incorporate climate screening into their conveyancing processes as standard. A good legal team can flag risks before you fall in love with a property that may become a long-term liability. It’s worth asking early on what checks are included and whether they extend beyond traditional environmental searches.

If you’re in the market and want to understand how climate risk might affect your purchase, you can find out more about how expert conveyancing can help clarify your legal exposure before you commit.

Understanding the Small Print

Even if a property isn’t in a newly defined flood zone, it doesn’t guarantee immunity. Buyers need to check whether a property has ever been subject to insurance claims for flooding or subsidence. Some of this information is buried deep within insurance histories or planning permissions. Others may come from neighbour disclosures—or, unfortunately, not at all.

It’s also worth noting that some homes, once designated as low risk, may no longer be insurable at all, or only at a prohibitive cost. Flood Re—a government-backed scheme—does offer a lifeline to homeowners in certain high-risk areas. But buyers need to know if their future home qualifies, and how long that support will last.

The Emotional Impact

There’s also the psychological weight of knowing your home is at risk. Flooding doesn’t just cause structural damage. It displaces families, ruins sentimental belongings, and forces people into temporary accommodation. Buyers now ask: If I purchase this home, will I be able to sleep during a winter storm warning?

Increasingly, this is becoming part of the due diligence process—not just “is this house nice?” but “can I live here safely and securely?”

A New Kind of Property Savvy

Being property-savvy in 2025 means understanding climate exposure, scrutinising flood zones, and asking uncomfortable but necessary questions. It means balancing dream-home aesthetics with future resilience. There’s no need to panic, but there is a need to be better informed.

 

Many buyers are now using this opportunity to negotiate more favourable terms, request additional reports, or even reconsider location priorities entirely. As local authorities adopt more granular data and climate mapping improves, what once felt like guesswork is becoming a crucial layer of property intelligence. And perhaps that’s the biggest shift of all: not just how we buy, but why we buy. In a changing world, a wise homebuyer isn’t just thinking about today’s view—but tomorrow’s forecast.

Are you interested in setting up a new business? If so, then you might want to consider creating your own farm. There’s a lot of talk about this in the news lately but the reality is that a farm can be a winning business idea as long as you consider the factors that will almost certainly come into play. 

 

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Location 

First, you should think about the location of your new farm. It’s not just about finding the cheapest piece of land you can get on the market. Instead, it has to be viable, which means that you need to check things like the quality of the soil. You should also think about the transport links and whether or not there are any which you can use to ensure that your farm is both efficient as well as cost effective.

Cost

The next point to keep in mind is the cost of running a farm in the long term as well as the short term cost of setting one up in the first place. It’s fair to say that there are a lot of costs to take into account when you are running a farm. You might even find that with the costs building you struggle to break even. This is another reason why you should consider how to make your farm as efficient as possible. For instance, you should shop around to find the best farm supplies for the right price. It’s a little thing but it will help you keep your costs under the right control. 

Reality 

Next, you should consider the reality of running a farm. We’re not just talking about the cost. The reality goes far beyond this. For instance, you should think about whether or not you can handle the idea of farming livestock. This means that you’ll have to raise animals for slaughter which can take quite a bit of getting used to. The easiest way around this is to only farm crops, but if you do this, then you are limiting your farm’s potential for profit. To hit the right mark, you need to diversify into as many farming areas as you can. 

Time 

Last, but certainly not least, you need to consider the amount of time it will take to run a farm daily. Unlike all other businesses, farming really is a 24/7 job, particularly if you are choosing to farm livestock. It will require some early morning rises and you will lose quite a fair few weekends in the month. Even if you do hire help, it’s still going to eat up a lot of your time. 

We hope this helps you understand some of the key steps that you should consider before you commit to the possibility of setting up a farm. While this can be a worthwhile business venture, you must understand the reality of this possibility. What you get back will depend how much you put in and – in truth – no short amount of luck.

When it’s time to say goodbye to a loved one, families often face many decisions such as how to honor their memory. While traditional funerals were once the norm, more people today are choosing simpler and more personal options.

From cost concerns to changing attitudes about rituals, these choices reflect a shift in how people approach saying goodbye.

Source: Unsplash (CC0)

Finding simplicity in difficult times

Modern life can be overwhelming, and for some, a traditional funeral feels like an added burden during an already stressful time. Instead of organizing a large service, families may prefer smaller gatherings or private moments to reflect.

Some families also opt for a no funeral cremation, which skips the formal ceremony entirely. This option allows loved ones to focus on creating personal memories instead of following formal customs, offering a sense of peace through simplicity.

Cost is a major consideration

Traditional funerals can be expensive, often costing thousands of dollars. For families who can’t or don’t want to spend so much, alternative options provide a welcome relief. This is especially important for those without funeral insurance or savings set aside for such events.

Choosing a non-traditional route doesn’t mean skipping a meaningful goodbye. Families might still host an informal memorial, like a picnic or home gathering, which costs less and feels more personal.

Flexibility to honor loved ones in unique ways

When a traditional funeral isn’t part of the plan, families have the freedom to celebrate a loved one’s life in creative and personal ways. For instance, some choose to scatter ashes in a place that held special meaning or hold a private ceremony in their backyard.

This approach can also allow families to take their time. Instead of rushing into planning a funeral, they can organize a tribute months later when they’re emotionally ready and everyone is available to gather.

Changing views on traditions

In the past, funerals were often guided by religious or cultural customs. Today, with diverse beliefs and lifestyles, people feel less tied to these practices. Many prefer to honor a loved one in ways that reflect their unique personality rather than following conventional steps.

For example, a family might plant a tree or create a scrapbook to remember someone, focusing on what feels meaningful rather than what’s expected. These choices often feel more personal and sincere.

Privacy and personal grieving

Grief is deeply personal, and some people don’t feel comfortable mourning in a public setting. A large funeral can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions are raw. Choosing a simpler or private option gives families space to process their loss in their own time.

For some, hosting a small memorial later allows for a more intimate and supportive environment, free from the pressures of traditional customs.

The way people honor their loved ones is changing, and for good reason. Whether it’s about cost, flexibility, or personal beliefs, non-traditional choices allow families to focus on what truly matters when a loved one passes away. In the end, what’s important is remembering a loved one in a way that feels right, meaningful, and comforting for those left behind.

Your 60s might be a rediscovery phase, a time when you can take some time to focus on yourself and celebrate those things that truly make you happy. Now is the time to revisit old hobbies or pick up a new one when there is not so much tugging at your day-to-day life. What is nice about trying something for the first time at this stage in life is the pure pleasure coming out of it- pressure-free.

 

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-people-doing-pottery-together-6023607/ 

Why Hobbies Matter at This Age

Hobbies are so much more than a way to pass the time; they’re integral for keeping the body, mind, and emotions healthy. There have been studies to show that enjoying activities can relieve stress, enhance cognitive capability, and increase overall well-being. It could be anything really from gardening, painting, or even playing the violin; hobbies give life meaning and a reason to wake up every morning filled with anticipation and zest for life.

For years, a luxury for many who juggled careers and family, finding time for personal interests is now a necessity.

Ideas to Inspire You

Creative Arts and Crafts

It may be painting, pottery, knitting, or photography—just an introduction to arts that allows one to express feelings while engaging both hands and head. Making something right from scratch can be so exciting. Take an art class through your local recreation department or search on the internet for classes prepared for beginners. It is never too late to unlock your creativity.

Joy of Gardening

Gardening is one of those serene activities that immediately links one to nature. It may range from the design of a flower garden to growing one’s own herbs. The sense of satisfaction derived from tending something beautiful or edible is incomparable. It’s excellent for keeping one active, too, without being overly strenuous.

Music and Dance

Learn to play an instrument or join a choir. Music will stimulate your memory and lift your spirit. Dancing keeps you fit, as well as social. Always wanted to try salsa or ballroom? Now’s the time to give it a go.

Writing and Keeping a Journal

Writing—poetry, memoirs, or day-to-day reflections—may be an outlet for the therapeutic emotions in someone. Quite a number of people have utilized their 60s in setting down in narrative, in words, their life stories and legacies that loved ones could cherish. Who knows? You may even find in you a hidden genius for telling tales.

Overcoming Common Hesitations

It’s very natural to feel a little hesitant in trying new things. Many questions come up, like, “What if I am bad at it?” or “Is this something a person my age should begin?” But here’s the thing: hobbies are not about perfection but enjoyment and staying curious.

Where there are mobility or health challenges, making certain activities quite difficult, there is always an alternative. Most hobbies can be adapted to ensure comfort within the home environment, community groups, and even in care homes, where programs are devised to ensure participation.

The Gift of Time

Your 60s bring one truly priceless thing: time. Time to explore, learn, and play. Because if you think about it, life in your 60s isn’t about slowing down; it is all about finding new things and ways to enjoy life and to live.

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Car loan and car lease are two popular funding options for those that don’t have the money to buy a car outright. But just which is the better solution?

This post aims to clear up some of the differences between a car loan and a car lease, so that you can determine which is the better choice for you.

Why choose a car loan?

A car loan involves borrowing money to buy a vehicle. You then pay the total amount of the vehicle back in installments. Most car loans come with interest fees that can vary depending on the lender you choose. You can shop for specific car loans, or you can take out a general personal loan to buy a car. Car dealerships can also connect you with lenders to help set up car finance plans. The benefits of a car loan include:

Ownership

While there are some exceptions like PCP finance, most car loans grant you full ownership of the car as soon as you buy it. Just be wary that your car may be used as collateral if you fail to keep up with payments. 

Freedom to modify

Full ownership of your car means that you can modify it however you want. Lease cars typically cannot be modified in any permanent way because you do not own them. 

Freedom to sell

Full ownership also allows you to sell the vehicle at any point. You will usually still have to pay off any remaining amount of your loan, however you may be able to pay some of this off using any money you make from selling your vehicle. Leased cars cannot be sold because you don’t own them. 

No mileage restrictions

PCP finance aside, there are no mileage restrictions when you buy a car with a loan, allowing you to travel as far and wide as you wish. With a leased car, you may have to pay a penalty if you exceed the annual mileage limit. 

Why choose a car lease?

A car lease involves renting a car for an agreed period (usually three years). You pay monthly installments like a car loan, but do not own the vehicle. At the end of three years, you have the choice to buy the vehicle, return it or sign up to a new lease. The benefits of a car lease include:

Lower monthly payments

Leasing a vehicle costs less per month than your average car loan lasting the same period. This is because you are not paying off the entire value of the vehicle.

Warranty coverage

A warranty covers many car leases for the entire length of the lease – which can help pay for certain repairs and maintenance. While a car dealership may provide a warranty when buying a car with a car loan, such warranties rarely last more than 6 months. 

Tax deductible

If you’re leasing a car for business purposes, your monthly lease payments are eligible for tax deductions. Car loan payments may not be eligible for such deductions (only loan interest). 

End of lease options

You have multiple options once your lease ends, providing you have kept up with payments. You can return the car and not have to pay anything else. You can set up a new lease and drive a new vehicle (or a newer model of the same vehicle). Or you may have the option to buy the car if you want to keep it and own it (but, of course, this may require taking out a loan if you don’t have the funds to buy it outright).

Which should you choose?

If you want full ownership of the vehicle and don’t want to deal with modification restrictions and mileage restrictions, it’s better to take out a loan. Just be sure that you can pay the higher monthly repayments.

If you’re looking for an affordable option and you don’t mind returning the car after three years, consider a lease. But be prepared to deal with the restrictions that come with leasing.

The World Economic Forum’s statement that people will “own nothing and be happy” is now mainstream news. It’s the idea that we won’t have anything because the powers that be want to make a world where private ownership becomes a thing of the past. 

But I’m not so sure this world they envision for us all will ever come to pass. After all, why would you go to the expense and inconvenience of renting a car (which someone presumably owns) when you can just buy one and get cheap transport as standard?

Here are some of the reasons I love my car and won’t give it up: 

It’s A Memory Machine

I don’t know about you, but my car is something of a memory machine. So many important life events occurred either inside it or using it. 

I’m sure you can relate. Perhaps you used your car to go to the hospital to have a child or went somewhere unique on vacation. It wouldn’t be the same if you had a subscription to Uber’s fleet or robot vehicles. 

It’s A Bubble Of Freedom

Then there’s the fact that vehicles are a bubble of freedom in an increasingly controlled world. Most humans feel like they live in a zoo. But getting out in a motor vehicle reminds you that the globe is a gigantic place, and nothing is stopping you from exploring it in all its glory. 

Compared to public transport, owning a car is a joy. You don’t have to wait in the cold at the bus stop, and you can avoid squeezing into tight seats next to people with personal hygiene issues. 

It’s Reliable

There’s also the argument that cars are reliable. Now, I know that some aren’t. But for the most part, the motor vehicles we buy today just work and can drive hundreds of thousands of miles before conking out. 

Skoda approved used is a good example. These vehicles (and others like them) are engineered to such a high standard that there’s no need to replace them. You can simply swap out defective parts for new ones, keeping them in service for decades. 

It’s Special

But perhaps the ultimate reason I don’t want to get rid of my car and live like the World Economic Forum wants me to is because it is a special experience. While it might sound strange, getting into a car feels different from virtually any other form of transport, even the first-class cabin on an international flight. 

My car, like many, has a certain personality I love. I don’t want to change to a subscription service where a soulless autonomous vehicle collects me from my home and takes me to the store. I want to do it myself. 

I also don’t want to give up the fact that I own the vehicle. It isn’t the property of some vast corporation that can be taken away from me at any time. 

So there you have it: why I’m not going to be giving up my car any time soon. 

 

The reality of getting a car isn’t as simple as it used to be. Not only are vehicles becoming increasingly expensive to buy, but they are also pretty pricey to maintain. This is why many people choose car financing as their most viable option, as it doesn’t involve paying for the car outright. Whether you want to invest your money into financing a car, or you’d rather look into options there are numerous considerations you need to make this commitment. Although there are many advantages of car financing, here are some of the main downsides you should also be aware of.

Not all Finance Deals are Legitimate

Unfortunately, some finance deals don’t always live up to expectations, especially when they seem too good to be true. Today, many vehicle owners are looking into PCP Refunds as they were mis-sold their car finance plan in the past. Some agreements may not have been clear about monthly instalments, restrictions on mileage and other stipulations. This could leave someone struggling to keep up with their monthly payments and in financial hardship as a result. This is why it’s so important to stay across legitimate finance deals and look into every possible flaw that you’re presented with. You may be able to take out a car lease that aligns with your expectations and monthly budget but be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

There May Be Limits on Mileage

As mentioned earlier, not all car finance options are viable and suitable for your needs, so you should be clear on what the expectations are in your contract. Many car finance loans are inclusive of mileage caps which means you’re not always able to use it as freely as you’d like to. This type of agreement is most common with PCP options, so a hire purchase may be a well-suited option for you.

Owning the Car Outright May Not Be Possible

If your end goal is to own your car outright, then you may struggle with many of the usual car finance options. Not only do you have to pay for all of your instalments before you’re close to owning your car, but you may also need to settle any additional costs incurred during your contract too. This is one of the biggest downsides of financing a car as you’re in a cycle of making large payments, but not actually owning your vehicle.

You May Be Liable for Damage

Accidents and general wear and tear is very common with vehicles, but when you don’t own the car, you could be liable for this damage. Anything abnormal after an inspection may be chargeable, from exterior scratches to interior damage, so you have to be extra careful when leasing a car.

You Can’t Make Alterations to the Car

Many vehicle owners like the idea of personalizing their car and making it their own, however, you won’t have the freedom to do this if you’re financing your vehicle. Changing the registration plate, upgrading the interior or altering the exterior colors are usually a strict no-no for car finance companies, so this is worth keeping in mind too.

You’re Tied to Fixed Monthly Payments

If your financial situation changes, you are still going to be tied to the same monthly payments until your contract is over. This is the risk you run with any car financing deal and it may not suit everyone’s work situations. If you’re self-employed this may be something you’re worried about when it comes to staying on top of payments.

There May Be Limited Options When Choosing a Vehicle

When it comes to choosing the best car for you, it’s always good to have a wide variety of options. If you’re looking for a finance deal, you may be quite limited on what brands and styles you can choose from. You often have to go with the options that are given to you by the lenders, which can be quite basic.

As you can see, there are several different downsides you need to consider when financing a car. Understanding the terms and conditions of financing a car is the most important aspect, but you also need to be careful not to get caught out by deals that are too good to be true. Hopefully, this gives you a transparent idea of what you’re getting into when financing a car so that you can make the most sensible option to suit your circumstances. 

 

 

Sometimes, you just miss a decent cuppa! Nostalgia does that to you.

You just can’t get a brew like a proper British cuppa abroad, can you? Sure, the sunshine’s lovely, and the sangria ain’t bad either, but there’s something about a nice strong cuppa with a biscuit that hits the spot, you know?

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good sunny adventure! But sometimes you just fancy taking a moment and having a trip down memory lane; revisit places that you remember from your childhood.

Things like walking along a promenade with a newspaper full of fish and chips or hiding in little shop doors as you wait for the classic British rain to dry off—there’s a reason we Brits moan so much about the weather—it’s because deep down, we secretly love it!

Sadly, in the UK, many of the places that we remember have changed so much since we last visited. For example, with the announcement of the classic UK holiday village Pontins in Southport closing its doors following the closures of both the Camber Sands and Prestatyn villages in 2022, it feels as though the physical reminders of our memories are slowly disappearing.

Despite losing some of our iconic locations and landmarks, with the magic that is AI, we are fortunately able to visualise what these places would look like today if they were still standing. Chums took advantage of this impressive tool and used it to envision five of the UK’s most nostalgic lost landmarks.

Surprisingly, one of these visualisations made me feel a little sentimental, as it depicted the once-infamous Margate Jetty!

James Walvin claims in his book ‘Beside the Seaside’ that a Margate has had at least one form of landing jetty as early as 1800. Margate Jetty itself was built in 1824. This first iteration was crafted from wood and was then named ‘Jarvis Landing Stage’; this iteration of the jetty was only accessible at low tides and was frequently damaged and needed repairs. It was in November of 1851 that a storm broke the Jetty in two separate places, prompting the decision that a new jetty would be needed to replace the wooden one.

Eugenius Birch, a famous 19th-century English seaside architect, started work on a new design in 1853. In 1855, Margate unveiled the world’s first-ever iron seaside pier, and work was officially completed in 1857, with several additions being added in the following years.

Despite this much stronger structure, the Jetty was still not impervious to the extreme weather of the sea, and in January of 1877, the pier was severed in half by a shipwreck driven by a storm! This incident left 40 to 50 people trapped on the seaward half of the broken Jetty, where they were rescued the following day. There are no known reports of deaths or serious injuries caused by this incident, and the Jetty was repaired once more and remained open nearly a century later, closing in 1977 to safety grounds.

The Jetty remained standing for another year before being almost destroyed entirely by a storm in January 1978. Its skeletal remains stood for a further twenty years before being properly dismantled in 1998.

To this day, pieces of the old jetty continue to wash up on the beach, and many relics of Margate Jetty can be found in the Margate Museum.

The loss of landmarks cannot always be helped, as was the case with the Margate Jetty, but many of our histories are lost due to development. This loss of history can create a sense of Saudade, a longing for something absent. Despite the often good intentions for modernising, it can often feel like they are ripping out a page from your own life story!

Progress, they call it. But sometimes progress feels like losing a bit of yourself, a bit of your history, wouldn’t you say? It makes you long for a time travel machine just to spend an afternoon flicking through the rails of Liverpool’s Littlewoods building or choosing a classic pick ‘n’ mix from your local Woolworths without having to worry about the price tag!

Are there any local landmarks that you wish still stood? Perhaps an old theatre that is long gone or a railway line that no longer runs. Share which lost landmarks you’d love to see brought to life again with AI using #VisionsOfTomorrowUK.

There is nothing quite like the drag of waking up for work every single day. For a day to be a good one, you should feel excited about going to work and what you are doing for a living. You should be planning for every single day of your career to be this way and once you do, you can feel grateful for what comes next: retirement.

It doesn’t matter how young you are, retirement is the gift at the end of the career you have put all of your education and energy into and there is nothing wrong with planning for it now.

You can be a part of a Gen Z generation and be concerned about retirement, but you can also look at websites like Boomer Benefits and remind yourself of what’s coming next. Are you planning for your retirement yet? If you’re not, it’s time to get started. You need to plan for your retirement as early as possible to maximize those years when you won’t be able to work anymore.

You need to consider what it’ll mean for you to live comfortably and thrive in your retirement. If you plan it right, with the right benefits we’ve outlined below, you should be able to live a comfortable and happy retirement in years to come:

Infographic generated by Boomer Benefits

There’s much to love about adulthood, but it’s also true that there are a few things that are a little more difficult than when we’re younger. And we’re not just talking about waking up without aches and pains! There’s also the matter of making new connections. When we’re young, we’re constantly meeting new people, but as we age the number of people we naturally interact with begins to decline.

But that doesn’t mean that you can’t meet new people. You absolutely can! It’s just that it’ll take a little extra work. In this post, we’ll look at some simple ways you can bring new people into your life. 

Pexels – CC0 Licence

Join a Club

Looking for a way to meet new people and have a lot of fun? Then consider joining a club. This will give you easy access to a whole host of new people, and the best part since they also share your interest/hobby, you’ll likely find it easier to make a connection. There’s no shortage of clubs you can join. For example, you may consider signing up for a sports team, joining a book club, or anything else — whatever you’re interested in, there’ll likely be a club available.

Attend Events

Another way to meet new people is to attend an organized event. If you live anywhere near a big city, then you’ll likely have plenty of options available to you. Choosing the right one is all about thinking about what you’re looking for. If you’re looking to meet a romantic partner, then you could take a look at speed dating events; if you’re just looking for something fun to do with new people, then maybe an organized hiking day out will be the way to go. There are also language exchanges and creative meetups you can participate in, too. 

Say Yes to Social Invites

It’s very easy — and tempting — to say no to social invites, especially when we’re not 100% sure that we’ll enjoy it. But it’s worthwhile taking a chance every now and again. After all, you never know who you’re going to meet! If a friend says that they’re getting some drinks with friends you don’t know, then go along. If your friend likes them, then there’s every chance that you will too. 

Get Chatting at Work

We get it — you might just want to do your job and then go home to do your own thing, not speak to colleagues. Yet, keep in mind that the people you work with might be awesome people, so it can be beneficial to strike up a conversation. Just keep work-related topics off the table — you’re trying to make friends, not extend your working hours!

Push Yourself 

Finally, consider pushing yourself to meet new people. You could do this by traveling alone, for example, when you’ll be forced to speak to others. You can also just spark up conversations when you’re about town. Even if you don’t become best friends, it’ll get you used to being open to letting new people into your life.