Take control to improve your wellbeing
With financial concerns at the fore for many people, unfortunately it’s no surprise over half of adults have experienced anxiety as a direct result of rising bills, with a quarter suffering with feelings of depression as escalating costs take their toll, according to a new study1. Nearly half of adults are staying at home more […]
Stamp Duty in the Autumn Statement
Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt delivered his Autumn Statement on 17 November, with a host of announcements on personal taxation and public spending. Housing was largely absent from the key fiscal event, though a significant statement was made on Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). In September, then-Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng had increased the nil-rate threshold […]
Home Finance – In the news
Green mortgages – a mystery A recent survey1 has revealed that four out of five (83%) people have no understanding of green mortgages. Each lender’s criteria will differ, but typically they may offer a discounted rate, or cashback, if a property has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A or B. The government has […]
Money – In the news
Child Trust Fund – on your radar? His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has reminded teenagers and people in their twenties to claim their matured Child Trust Fund (CTF) savings. CTFs are long-term savings accounts set up for every child born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011. The government provided an initial deposit […]
Plan now to buy in 2023
Even in times of economic uncertainty, the fundamentals of house buying remain mostly the same. For those looking to make a purchase in 2023, it’s never too early to start planning. Why buy now? House prices have stayed high over the past year thanks to sustained buyer demand and restricted supply. Trying to predict future […]
Resolution – review and rebalance
Did you know that during periods of market volatility, portfolio drift can be accelerated, meaning your investments may no longer be aligned with your risk preferences and objectives? This is why it’s good practice to have regular portfolio reviews, in order to implement effective rebalancing if required. Regular reviews are also a great opportunity to […]
New year prompt to check your protection
The start of a new year is a great opportunity to reassess your finances. In 2023, with difficult economic conditions causing cost-of-living difficulties for many, it is especially important to make sure everything’s in order. Protection is an essential part of long-term financial planning. The right protection for your unique needs is an indispensable safety […]
What’s next for housing and mortgages?
After a turbulent 2022, the new year brings hope and uncertainty in equal measure. So, what does 2023 have in store for the housing and mortgage markets? Back to normal? Average mortgage rates rose sharply after the ‘mini-budget’ announced by former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng in September 2022. Although significantly higher than at the start of […]
Financial fitness: Building retirement resilience
Although there are many challenges on the household finance front at the moment, the start of a new year always provides the perfect opportunity for a financial health check; and a key element of any finance MOT will inevitably be an honest appraisal of your financial fitness for life after work. Retirement income targets A […]
Retire early – repent at leisure?
It is the dream of many to retire early. Indeed, 270,000 people in their 50s and 60s left the UK workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Concerns about retirement poverty However, two thirds of people aged 50–70 who quit work or lost their job during the pandemic left the […]