What the 2024 general election could mean for your finances
2024 has been called “the year of elections” with an estimated 2 billion people around the world heading to the polls. Voters in the UK will have their say on 4 July. Now that each of the main parties has published their manifestos, here’s what the 2024 general election could mean for your finances. Conservatives […]
The essential guide to mortgages
Most people who buy property will use some form of mortgage. Indeed, according to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), in the final quarter of 2023, the total amount borrowed through residential mortgages was £1,657.6 billion. While buying a property is an exciting time, the mortgage market may seem confusing. It can feel like there are […]
Financial wellbeing: 4 steps to creating a financial wellbeing plan
While growing wealth is often an important part of a financial plan, understanding how you can use your money to reach goals and improve your wellbeing is crucial. It could help you get the most out of your wealth and lead to a more fulfilling life. This guide offers practical steps that could help you […]
Your autumn statement update
It has been a tumultuous year in British politics, with three Prime Ministers and four Chancellors holding office. After the calamitous “mini-Budget” ushered in the demise of Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng, new Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has delivered his first autumn statement. Mr Hunt’s speech came at a tricky time for the UK economy, with […]
Market volatility can be attention-grabbing, but you should focus on these 3 areas instead
The last couple of years have been challenging for investors. Factors outside of your control are likely to have led to your portfolio experiencing volatility. However, while market performance often grabs news headlines and your attention, the short-term movements of your portfolio shouldn’t be your main focus. Market volatility characterised the first half of 2022 […]
Cost of living crisis: Why you should review your budget and plans
The cost of living is rising. Reviewing your finances now is crucial for understanding what effect inflation could have on your lifestyle and long-term plans. Inflation is at the highest level it’s been in 40 years. In the 12 months to July 2022, it was 10.1%. It’s the first time price rises are in double […]
Trustees, here is what you need to know about the Trust Registration Service deadline
Being a trustee comes with many responsibilities, and, in some cases, you will need to register a trust with the Trust Registration Service (TRS) by 1 September 2022 or you could incur a fine. A trust is an arrangement that lets someone, known as the settlor, set money or assets aside for someone else, known […]
Explained: The social care cap and what it means for you
Next year, Boris Johnson’s social care cap will be introduced. So, what is it and what does it mean for you? The social care cap limits how much an individual will pay for care during their lifetime. It will start in October 2023. The cap is £86,000, but it may not be as generous as […]
52% of savers don’t understand the effects of inflation, and millions think they’ll be better off. Here’s why it can harm your savings
Inflation has been in the news for months now, as the rate increases. While you may notice the effects inflation has on the price of goods when you visit the supermarket, it can be more difficult to understand how and why it’ll affect things like your savings. More than half of cash savers don’t know […]
Three practical things to remember in times of economic uncertainty
Over the last few months, the financial media has been full of negative headlines, which can leave one concerned given their relentless nature. Whether it’s the rise in the energy price cap and the rate of National Insurance contributions (NICs), the increasing cost of goods and services, or the impact of stock market volatility on […]
One in Three people say financial protection is too expensive, but can you afford to overlook it?
Financial protection can provide you with a lump sum or regular income when you need it most, for example, if you’re unable to work due to a long-term illness. Research finds it’s something many people are putting off because they deem it too expensive, but you might be surprised by how affordable it is. According […]
The ESG investment trends to watch out for this year
ESG investing means considering environmental, social, and governance factors when deciding how to invest. ESG investing continues to grow and more investors are considering how they reflect their values in financial decisions. It covers a broad range of areas, but here are some of the trends that are set to affect ESG investing this year. […]
Inheritance Tax receipts rise again. What can you do to minimise the bill?
Official figures show that the amount paid in Inheritance Tax (IHT) has increased again. As the IHT thresholds are set to remain the same despite rising inflation, more people will need to consider how IHT could affect what they leave behind for their families. According to a report in FT Adviser, IHT receipts between April […]
More people than ever are saving into a pension, but 6 in 10 aren’t confident about their knowledge
The latest figures from the Pension Regulator prove that pension auto-enrolment has been a success – more people than ever are saving into a pension. Yet, research also shows that many people don’t think they know enough about saving for retirement. Before the government introduced auto-enrolment in 2012, just 4 in 10 private sector workers […]
Why retirees need to consider the effect of inflation on their long-term income
As you may know, inflation (or the “cost of living”) has been rising at a faster pace than usual. If you’re retired, the effect of inflation can be more pronounced and it’s important to understand how it could affect your lifestyle now and in the future. The Bank of England (BoE) aims to keep inflation […]
Three tips to manage any concerns you may have in an uncertain time
Since the start of 2022, you’ve probably noticed that global markets – and perhaps the value of your pension or investments – have been more volatile than we saw in 2021. Over the last week or two, the ongoing situation in Ukraine has exacerbated this volatility. It’s natural to feel nervous or worried when national […]
Your complete 2021/22 end of tax year guide
The 2021/22 tax year ends on Monday 5 April 2022. This is the date when many allowances reset, and it could be your last opportunity to make use of some of them. Keeping track of how you’ve used your allowances can reduce your tax liability and help you boost your wealth. Reviewing your finances ahead […]
The pension Lifetime Allowance: Why you could be closer to exceeding it than you think
The pension Lifetime Allowance limits how much you can have in pension benefits tax-efficiently. While you may think exceeding the allowance is a long way off, you could be closer to the threshold than you think. If you haven’t considered how close you are, you could be liable for much more tax than expected. What […]