News

At Brancaster House Financial Planning, people are always at the heart of the advice. And few people represent that better than Shane Julian; Co-Owner and Managing Director, whose journey into financial planning started earlier than most.

If you’ve been keeping an eye on mortgage rates recently, you might be feeling a bit confused. At the start of the year, things looked like they were settling. Rates were easing slightly, confidence was returning… and then suddenly, they started creeping back up again. A big part of that shift has been global uncertainty ; particularly the ongoing conflict involving Iran. It might feel far removed from everyday life in Norwich or Norfolk, but it has a very real impact on the

Recently, Shane Julian  from Brancaster House Financial Planning  was pleased to speak to members at a Norfolk Chamber Charities United  event, sharing how Brancaster House can work in partnership with local charities to provide free, accessible financial advice . During the session, Shane talked about Brancaster House’s ongoing work with Priscilla Bacon Hospice , where the team has been delivering financial advice drop-in sessions  for over 18 months. These sessions support

At Brancaster House Financial Planning , we believe financial advice should feel approachable, practical and genuinely useful - not intimidating or sales-led. That’s why we’re proud to be collaborating with the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce  to offer FREE Financial Health Check Drop-In Sessions  exclusively for Chamber members and their teams. This partnership is all about giving back to the local business community and making it easier for people to get clear, professional gui

A new strategic collaboration between two Norfolk companies will see families across Norfolk benefit from clearer, more joined-up legal and financial advice - particularly at times of stress, vulnerability and major life change.

If you’re building a business, growing your career, or juggling both, your money can easily become something you react to rather than something you lead with intention. You might be earning more than ever… but still feel like you’re not fully in control.

Why Use a Buying Agent When Purchasing a Property? Guest article by Oscar Bedford, Queenstone Property We’re pleased to welcome Oscar Bedford of Queenstone Property  as a guest contributor to the Brancaster House property resource area. Oscar is a specialist buying agent , working exclusively for purchasers across Norfolk. His role mirrors what we do in financial planning; providing independent, professional advice that protects your interests and helps you make confident, w

We’re Here for Every Chapter The Bank of England’s has cut base interest rates to 3.75% - the lowest level since early 2023. The news made huge headlines - and understandably so. Interest rates affect almost everyone, but especially those with a mortgage or plans to buy property. What it means for you depends entirely on which chapter of life (and property) you’re in ; whether you’re buying your first home, upsizing, downsizing, or building a buy-to-let portfolio. At Brancas

Last week, we were delighted to welcome Oscar Bedford from Queenstone Property  to Brancaster House Financial Planning  for a conversation about potential joint opportunities and how our two businesses can work together to better support clients across Norfolk. Oscar is a property buying agent , acting exclusively for buyers. His role is all about representation, clarity and confidence - helping clients find the right  property, negotiate the right  deal, and navigate the buy

The Autumn Budget 2025 brings a number of tax, pension and savings-rule changes that will ripple through people’s finances, depending on their stage of life. At Brancaster House Financial Planning , we believe financial planning should evolve with each life stage. Here’s how the new budget could impact different kinds of clients - and where a tailored plan matters more than ever. Key Highlights from the Autumn Budget 2025 Before diving into life-stages, here are the main head

If you’re thinking about buying a home - whether you’re a first-time buyer, moving somewhere bigger, or remortgaging - your credit score plays a bigger role than most people realise. And here’s the thing: lenders don’t just look at a single “score.” They look at your behaviour. Every financial habit leaves a footprint. Some help you look like a dream borrower. Others… don’t. So let’s break down, in plain English, what actually affects your credit score when it comes to

At Brancaster House Financial Planning, we believe good financial advice starts with understanding you. Your career stage, goals, and priorities all shape what “financial security” really means, and that’s why no two clients are ever the same.

We’re delighted to share some exciting news: Brancaster House Financial Planning  has been shortlisted for Small Business of the Year  at the 2025 EDP Business Awards ! Brancaster House Shortlisted for Small Business of the Year at the 2025 EDP Business Awards The awards celebrate businesses across Norfolk and Suffolk that demonstrate excellence, innovation, and real impact within their industries and communities. For us, being recognised alongside such remarkable local organ

At Brancaster House, we believe that financial planning isn’t just about securing your future - it’s also about helping build a stronger, more supportive community today. That’s why we’re so proud to sponsor Hethersett Athletic Juniors Football Team  this season. This one’s extra special for us because it’s close to home: our very own Shane Julian’s nephew  plays for the team! Seeing young players grow in confidence, teamwork and resilience reminds us why community support ma

The rules of financial planning are constantly evolving, and staying ahead of those changes is crucial for protecting your wealth. A significant shift is on the horizon that could dramatically impact how you pass on your assets. The government's recent announcement, and a detail that might have slipped under the radar for many, is set to fundamentally alter the relationship between pensions and inheritance tax (IHT). What the April 2027 Pension Changes Mean for Your Inherita

Imagine you’re building a retirement house. The foundation? That’s your pension pot. The rooms you’ll live in - the lifestyle you’ll enjoy - depend entirely on how solid your base is. But how big does that base need to be? What size pension pot do I need? It’s a question almost everyone asks, at some point. And the truth is: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But with a few guiding principles and a bit of number crunching, you can get a ballpark and, more importantly, a pla

Last weekend, the Brancaster House team temporarily traded tax efficiency for turbo slides as we took on the Inflatable 5K at the Norfolk Showground, raising money for Priscilla Bacon Hospice.

At Brancaster House Financial Planning, we believe that true prosperity is built on strong foundations – not just financially, but within the communities we serve. That's why we are incredibly proud of our diverse and ongoing commitment to local initiatives and organisations across Norfolk. Nurturing Local Talent: Our Partnership with Old Catton FC Under 14s Tigers One of our most recent and rewarding partnerships is with Old Catton FC , specifically the spirited Under 14s Ti

Last week, Norwich’s vibrant 20s and 30s networking community had the opportunity to hear from our director Shane about the risks and...

At Brancaster House Financial Planning, we believe retirement is about how you want to live, what you value, and feeling confident you’ve got a plan in place. That’s why we’re introducing our Retirement Income & Lifestyle Planner Tool: a bespoke way to map out not just how much income you’ll need, but how to make your retirement lifestyle a reality.