In the news – Money/Wealth
Healthy dividends UK listed companies paid out £37bn in shareholder dividends between April and June, up 38.6% from the same period last year, making Q2 the second largest UK dividend payout on record1. Large one-off special payments were a key driver, but underlying dividends, which exclude these volatile specials, jumped by 27.0% to £32.0bn, boosted […]
Green home improvements adding value
With energy bills soaring, the advantages of improving energy efficiency are becoming evident to many homeowners seeking to reduce their outgoings. Research1 suggests that over a quarter (26%) of British homeowners want to carry out improvements in order to make their home more energy efficient. Give your home a price boost Not only could energy […]
Your financial wellbeing hub
The past couple of years have undoubtedly been a challenge for us all but, by pulling together, we have managed to get though an extraordinarily difficult period of time. Now, as we emerge into the post-COVID economy, we face a different set of challenges which, in their own way, appear no less daunting. One thing […]
Your protection, your peace of mind
We all know financial commitments are a fact of life. Mortgage repayments and household bills aren’t glamorous expenses, but they are unavoidable in spending our hard-earned cash. Protection insurance too should be seen as a certainty in your financial plans. With living expenses rising considerably, many people are having to tighten their spending reins. Cutting […]
Approach mortgages for over-65s positively
Are you over sixty-five and finding it challenging to get a mortgage? You’re certainly not alone, according to recent findings1. With the number of people in the UK aged over 65 soon expected to surpass those aged 18 and under, just 37% of potential borrowers aged 65 and over are offered the size of loan […]
Demand for energy-efficient properties strengthens
A growing proportion of house hunters are focusing on energy-efficient considerations when looking to buy a new home. Research1 suggests that rising energy prices and the cost-of-living crisis are having a significant impact on how buyers prioritise various desirable features, with an increasing number focusing on aspects related to energy efficiency. Key features Cavity wall […]
Sandwich generation: how are you?
The sandwich generation are certainly used to challenges and putting other people’s needs before their own. However, cost-of-living challenges look set to heap further pressure on this group which makes it vitally important they seek advice before taking any rash decisions which could sacrifice their financial futures. Stiff upper lip Research1 suggests that, although many […]
Considerations when buying new builds
Demand for new builds is on the up due to more people seeking energy efficient homes, but research1 has revealed other factors people wish they had considered before purchasing a new build. Top of the list (36%) is researching the property manager as well as the developer, closely followed (35%) by checking out the parking […]
Good to know – JISA to adult ISA transition period
Currently a Junior Individual Savings Account (JISA) can be held by a child until the day they turn 18, the annual allowance for which is currently £9,000. On their 18th birthday, the child can open an adult stocks and shares ISA, the annual subscription which is currently £20,000. All pretty straightforward. Now, for the interesting […]
Five common mortgage myths
Getting a foot on the property ladder is an aspiration that dates back generations. Unfortunately, some mortgage myths are just as old. If you’re looking to buy in 2022, it’s important to know fact from fiction. 1. MYTH: You need a perfect credit rating A bad credit history can have a negative impact on your […]