Autumn Budget worries? Five ways to help stay in control

Uncertainty is all around us – whether it’s speculation about the Autumn Budget and its potential implications for personal wealth, or broader concerns such as geopolitical unrest, trade tariffs and the rapid rise and impact of artificial intelligence (AI).

Indeed, the World Uncertainty Index¹, which is based on the political and economic conditions in 71 countries, indicates that uncertainty has reached a record high in 2025.

Note: The World Uncertainty Index (WUI) is computed by counting the percent of the word ‘uncertain’ (or its variant) in the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) country reports. The WUI is then rescaled by multiplying by 1,000,000. A higher number means higher uncertainty and vice versa. For example, an index of 200 corresponds to the word uncertainty accounting for 0.02 percent of all words, which – given the EIU reports are an average about 10,000 words long – means about two words per report.

Such uncertainty can cause anxiety and make it hard to plan your finances with confidence, leaving many people unsure what action to take and at risk of rushed decision-making.

“Given the current landscape, it’s natural to want to protect your finances and your future,” says Alan Rodgers, Director – Wealth Manager, at RBC Brewin Dolphin. “However, we can’t understate how people should avoid knee-jerk reactions and hasty decisions based on speculation and uncertainty – especially as this can have a negative impact on achieving your long-term goals.”

Taking a proactive, measured and pragmatic approach during uncertain times can help create a resilient and flexible long-term plan that can override any speculation and short-term nerves. 

Here are five practical ways to ease your concerns, take control and stay focused on your financial goals.

1. Turn down the ‘noise’

With headlines about the Autumn Budget, trade tensions and AI dominating media coverage, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed trying to figure out if and how your finances might be impacted. Constantly tuning in to financial speculation – especially when predictions are often contradictory – can lead to rushed decisions.

For example, there was an expectation last year (which has resurfaced again) that the UK government would reduce the 25% tax-free pension lump sum or cut the higher-rate tax relief on pension contributions. Neither happened.

Yet this speculation, along with the announcement that pensions would come in scope for inheritance tax (IHT) from April 2027, triggered some people to make decisions that may not have been in their overall best interests. Data from the Financial Conduct Authority, for example, revealed that tax-free pension withdrawals in the six months to the end of March 2025 were 72% higher than the same period in 2024.²

As Shaz Bishop, Director – Wealth Manager, at RBC Brewin Dolphin explains: “In some cases, this may well have been an unwise decision and made without consideration for the wider wealth planning picture. Constantly following the news and reading financial headlines can cause anxiety and confusion. Stepping away at times can help you remain focused on your longer-term goals.”

2. Focus on what’s certain

While speculation dominates headlines, it’s important to zero in on what we know for sure – facts, rather than rumours. This, says Bishop, creates a stronger starting point for planning.

For instance, seeing as we actually know very little about what the Autumn Budget will include, we should focus on what we do know, such as:

• From 6 April 2026, planned reforms to agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR) will come into effect.
• From 6 April 2027, undrawn pension funds are expected to come into scope for IHT.

These are matters that can be planned for. “While pension pots have typically been viewed as a retirement planning tool, they’ve increasingly been used for inheritance tax planning,” says Bishop. “But with pensions expected to come into scope for IHT in 2027, it’s important to have a conversation about your options now.”

3. Think long-term

A lot of our finances are interconnected. A decision in one area – such as withdrawing from your pension – can have knock-on effects on other areas, like retirement income or tax liabilities, and influence the long-term strategy you have in place.

For Bishop, when concerns arise – whether it’s about the Budget or market volatility – the first thing to do is go back to basics. “A regular review of your wealth plan is crucial as it will reveal any changes to your financial circumstances, goals and objectives, and help ensure the plan you have in place will get you from A to B based on your situation and current legislation. Thinking about the bigger picture and the long-term position can help avoid rushing decisions that might throw that off course.”

4. Speak to your wealth manager

When you’re worried about your financial position, the current market environment or anxious about the headlines, your first port of call should be your wealth manager. They can:

• Help you understand how potential changes might affect your finances.
• Reassure you that your plan is aligned with your goals.
• Suggest adjustments to keep you on track.

“Your wealth manager will be able to provide you with reassurance that your wealth plan is fully aligned with the goals you have for yourself and your family, both during your lifetime and beyond,” says Rodgers. “And if changes are needed, they’ll help you make those adjustments thoughtfully and effectively.”

5. See uncertainty as an opportunity

Uncertainty can feel unsettling, but it’s also an opportunity to refocus on what matters most. Working with your wealth manager now means you can be ready to adapt when change comes.

The good news? Most changes, even those that feel significant, are usually manageable. What’s more, being forced to take stock of your finances can provide peace of mind – giving you a plan to follow and the flexibility to make course corrections should things change.

Next steps

Uncertainty is part of life, but it doesn’t have to derail your plans. Whether it’s speculation about the Autumn Budget, global trade challenges or another factor making the headlines, staying focused on what you can control is key. If history has shown us anything, it’s that speculation doesn’t necessarily turn into fact.

By stepping back, reviewing your goals and working with your wealth manager, you can confidently navigate whatever changes come your way – and help stay on track toward a more secure financial future.

Find out more from our dedicated support team by calling us on 020 7246 1111. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

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1. Uncertainty about Uncertainty, IMF, September 2025 ↩︎
2. Pre-Budget rumours spark record lump sum withdrawals, data shows, Pensions expert, September 2025 ↩︎

The value of investments, and any income from them, can fall and you may get back less than you invested. This does not constitute financial planning, tax, or legal advice. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in the future. You should always check the tax implications with an accountant or tax specialist. Information is provided only as an example and is not a recommendation to pursue a particular strategy.