One in three retirees will have to rely on the state pension
The Financial Conduct Authority recently carried out research1 into the financial arrangements of just under 13,000 consumers in the UK. The results make for worrying reading. One of the findings that really stands out is that 31% of UK adults have no private pension provision, meaning they may have to rely solely on their state […]
Global markets were surprisingly bullish
Investors found much to be cheerful about in 2017, a year which was characterised by a general upswing in the global economy. Several stock markets worldwide traded at all-time highs, European manufacturing bounced back and the Bank of England finally increased interest rates. It’s now over a year since Donald Trump was elected, and while […]
Could you be an isa millionaire?
Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) are a great way to invest free of tax on the income and any capital gains. The amount you can put in each year has gradually increased. A growing number of people are becoming ‘ISA millionaires’ as a result of rising stock market prices, and the steady increase in the annual […]
Interest rate rise– the aftermath
The increase in the Bank of England’s base rate from 0.25% to 0.5% at the beginning of November represented the first rise in rates in over a decade. Most lenders swiftly announced that they would be passing on the full increase to their variable rate mortgage borrowers. Low interest rates have been a major characteristic […]
Buy-to-let landlords raising rents as tax changes bite – tenants beware
The last few years have been a boom time for buy-to-let landlords, with rental properties in high demand. However, in 2015 the then Chancellor, George Osborne, introduced measures that he hoped would ‘level the playing field’. To deter more buy-to-let landlords from entering the market and encourage some to sell their properties, he restricted the […]
Lifetime ISAs growing in popularity
Despite a relatively low-key launch, the Lifetime ISA, or LISA as it is often referred to, is proving popular with young savers. So far, 28,000 savers have opted for the cash edition of the product and early indications are that the stocks and shares version is proving equally attractive. The LISA is a tax-free account […]
Insuring Musical Instruments
For many people, enjoying music is an important part of their lives. Owning a musical instrument or other related equipment like DJ gear can be a significant investment. Theft, loss or damage can often be a musician’s worst nightmare. Whatever type of musical instrument you own, from a grand piano to a classic electric guitar, […]
Plan now for a comfortable retirement
It’s no secret that the pensions landscape has altered dramatically in recent years, with legislative changes giving people much greater flexibility when accessing their retirement income. However, coupled with State Pension age changes and increased longevity, this pension freedom has heightened the need to plan ahead in order to enhance future financial security. A well-structured […]
Property market overview
Over the last ten years, the average UK house price has risen 10% from August 2007, to £219,266 in July 2017. The average deposit has increased too, from £68,663 in 2012 to £96,109 in 2017. However, after several years of continued growth, the UK property market is now showing signs of slowing down. The housing […]
How employees can unlock ‘free’ pension cash
Millions of workers are spurning the opportunity to significantly boost their pension pots by failing to take advantage of ‘free’ matched contributions from their employers. Workplace pensions growth Rules introduced in 2012 obliged companies, broadly in order of size, to begin automatically enrolling most of their staff into a workplace pension. And data from The […]