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 […]
What does it cost to move?
Moving can be an exciting but expensive time. Drawing up a budget will help you work out how much cash you will need for the fees you can expect to pay. The exact figure will depend on which rung of the housing ladder you’re on, whether you’re buying and selling, and which part of the […]
Long or short-term income protection – which is right for you?
Experts have long expressed their concerns for those who don’t have protection policies, fearing that millions of households could face real financial hardship if the main breadwinner was unable to work due to a serious illness, accident or unemployment. For those new to insurance, short-term policies can be a cost-effective way to get some cover […]