8.5 million over-65s are paying Income Tax. Do you need to consider your tax liability?
A combination of frozen tax thresholds and rising inflation mean an increasing number of retirees need to consider tax. Read on to find out what you need to know about Income Tax in retirement and how you could manage your tax liability. According to the Independent, in 2023/24, 8.5 million over-65s are paying Income Tax […]
Should you take your pension tax-free lump sum to kickstart retirement?
When you access your pension, you can often take a tax-free lump sum. While this may seem an attractive way to fund your early retirement plans, there are some essential things you need to consider first. You can usually access your pension from the age of 55, rising to 57 in 2028. You can typically […]
Regulators get tough on greenwashing. Here’s why it could be good news for ESG investors
Investment and pension funds are set to face closer scrutiny when they label investments as “sustainable”. For investors who want to consider ESG (environmental, social, and governance) factors, it could make selecting investments more straightforward. Regulators getting tough on how products are marketed follows growing concerns about “greenwashing”. When a company makes exaggerated or misleading […]
Why inaction is a crucial part of successful investing
When you think about investing, it’s probably the actions you take that come to mind. That could be researching a fund or actively investing in a company by purchasing shares. However, the steps you don’t take are just as important for your portfolio to be successful. That may sound strange, but not acting on impulses […]
4 essential estate planning steps you should take if your family is blended
If you’re part of a blended family, it can make some decisions more complex, especially when you start to consider how to pass on wealth and provide for the people that are important to you. Don’t ignore the potential challenges, as being proactive could improve the financial security of you and your family. Data from […]
Pensions v ISAs: Tax relief makes a huge difference to your calculations
When you’re saving for long-term goals, choosing the right place to put your money is crucial. It could mean you have far more financial freedom later in life. If you’re thinking about retirement or your later years, you have multiple options, including pensions and ISAs. While ISAs are more accessible, read on to find out […]
Want to retire early? Financial planning could make it a reality
Retiring early is an aspiration for many workers looking forward to greater freedom. If early retirement is something you’re dreaming about, a survey suggests financial planning could help you turn it into a reality and enjoy the next chapter of your life more. A Standard Life study found, on average, people receiving financial advice plan […]
Investing 101: Why investing could boost your long-term wealth
Investing is often a crucial part of creating a long-term financial plan. Over the next few months, you can read about the investment essentials you need to know if it’s something you want to start doing or simply learn more about. Read on to find out what investing means, and why it’s something you should […]
All the winners and losers from the 2023 spring Budget
Just six months ago, Kwasi Kwarteng stood up in the House of Commons and delivered his controversial “mini-Budget”. The announcements ultimately brought down the short-lived Truss administration, with current chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, announcing a series of policy measures in November 2022 aimed at calming the markets. Having taken “difficult decisions to deliver stability and sound […]
Your spring Budget update – the key news from the chancellor’s statement
On Wednesday 15 March 2023, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt presented his Spring Budget. Focusing on the government’s aims to halve inflation, reduce public debt, and boost economic growth, Hunt delivered his first official Budget alongside the latest economic and fiscal outlook from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). “Despite continuing global instability, the OBR report today […]
Explained: The 4 main asset classes that could form part of your portfolio
You may have come across the term “asset class” when reviewing your finances or investing, but what does it mean? And which asset class suits your goals? In finance, asset class is often used to describe a group of investments that are similar and are subject to the same regulations. There are four main asset […]
5 inaccurate expert predictions that prove why you shouldn’t try to time the market
When you look at investment performance with the benefit of hindsight, you may think you could predict how markets will move. Yet, markets are unpredictable and expert forecasts prove how difficult timing the market is. Every investor has heard the advice “buy low, sell high”. So, it can be tempting to try and guess how […]
Premium Bonds prize rate hits 15-year high, but are they worth it?
There are now more chances to win through Premium Bonds as the prize rate reaches a 15-year high. So, what are your odds of becoming a millionaire overnight and are they worth it? Read on to find out. Premium Bonds were first introduced in 1956 to encourage more people to save. They’re issued by National […]
5 practical things to check as part of a financial midlife MOT
Rishi Sunak is reportedly drawing up plans to provide a “midlife MOT” to assess the financial health of workers and retirees. Taking stock of your finances in your 40s and 50s could lead to greater financial freedom in the future. Read on to discover five initial steps you can take to review your wealth. Sunak’s […]
Soaring inflation drives up retirement costs by almost 20% in just a year
High inflation means retirees could need to increase their budget by almost 20% to maintain the same lifestyle, research suggests. If you’re drawing an income from your pension, it’s vital you understand whether withdrawing more is sustainable. The UK experienced high inflation throughout much of 2022, and inflation remains above the Bank of England’s target […]
Estate planning: 3 different ways you can pass on wealth to your loved ones
A key part of your estate plan is setting out how you’d like to pass on assets to loved ones. There’s more than one option to consider, so read on to find out more. Your estate plan should consider how you’ll use your assets during your life and what you’d like to happen to them […]
How does the Cop27 climate conference affect ESG investing?
Recently, world leaders gathered to discuss climate change at a United Nations (UN) conference. While the talks that took place may seem far removed from your investment portfolio, they can affect the ESG investment market, which considers environmental, social, and governance issues. The 2022 meeting of the United National Framework Convention on Climate Change, dubbed […]
Experts forecast a recession in 2023. Here’s why and what it means for your investments
Experts are predicting that the UK will face a recession in 2023. While it can be tempting to react to this news by changing your investment strategy, sticking to your long-term plan makes sense for most investors. Read on to find out why. Several factors are contributing to economic uncertainty, including high inflation and concerns […]