Financial advisers call for composure as budget speculation grows

October 16, 2025

Finance experts have issued crucial advice and called for considered planning in response to a growing panic fuelled by Autumn Budget rumours.

With Chancellor Rachel Reeves set to deliver the Autumn Budget on 26 November this year, many are speculating that this will include tax increases, reduced allowances, and sweeping reforms.

As the headlines grow louder, financial experts at Shackleton Advisers are already seeing heightened concern among clients and are urging investors and planners to stay calm, warning that reacting to rumours could do more harm than good.

Mark Chandler, Chartered Financial Planner at Shackleton Advisers, commented: “I speak with clients daily who are understandably concerned about pending legislation and circulating rumours ahead of the forthcoming Budget. In particular, many are worried about the Government’s stance on inheritance tax and the future of the tax-free lump sum available from pensions.

“Many of my clients have asked whether they should withdraw all their tax-free cash now or gift large sums to their children while the current rules still apply. These are sensible questions in the face of uncertainty, but if not addressed with sound financial advice, making such moves prematurely can create long-term inefficiencies.”

In the run-up to the 2024 Autumn Budget, market chatter triggered premature pension withdrawals and other rash financial moves. Data from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) showed a significant increase in pension withdrawals, with total withdrawals rising by over 35% to £70.9 billion in 2024/25. Shackleton Advisers warn that the same risks are present today, as uncertainty can easily nudge people into hasty action.

“Remaining calm isn’t just a virtue – it’s a strategic imperative,” says Mark Chandler, “acting on misinformation can have lasting consequences, especially in areas like pensions, where long-term planning is paramount. Even when changes are immediate, a measured response, ideally after professional consultation, is often more effective than a knee-jerk reaction.”

Shackleton Advisers recommend these guiding steps to help individuals navigate the coming weeks with confidence:

Filter the noise, focus on facts: Limit exposure to speculative commentary and prioritise updates from official sources such as HM Treasury and the OBR.
Scrutinise the source before you act: Not every headline reflects confirmed policy. Verify whether changes are confirmed, consultative, or speculative before making decisions.
Assess personal relevance, not just general impact: Financial headlines often paint with broad strokes. Evaluate how changes actually affect your individual plan.
Understand the implementation timeline: Most Budget announcements are phased in. Even immediate changes often allow time for a careful and strategic response.
Get in touch with a financial adviser early: Professional guidance helps distinguish fact from noise and ensures decisions are tax-efficient and tailored to your goals.

“Speculation is inevitable, but your financial plan should be built on clarity, not conjecture,” adds Mark Chandler. “By following these principles, investors can approach the Autumn Budget with confidence and make decisions that truly support their long-term ambitions.”