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With so many financial priorities to juggle, it can be hard to put your pension first, especially with spiralling household costs. Starting or maintaining your pension contributions is important. Whatever type of pension plan you have, you get tax relief at the highest rate of Income Tax you pay on all contributions you make, subject […]

With households facing the biggest squeeze on their incomes in many years, it’s understandable that families are looking for ways to cut costs. When looking to cut back, reviewing subscriptions and direct debits (for example, for streaming services, food subscription boxes or gym memberships) is often a good place to start, but there is one […]

The great bungalow shortage Demand for bungalows has increased over 60% in 20221, while supply has flattened, meaning prices for single storey properties has risen at double the market rate in some areas. Popular because of their large gardens and potential to extend, families are now keen to make offers, debunking the myth that only […]

‘Side hustling’ becomes the norm Nearly half (46%) of people are supplementing their income with a ‘side hustle’, according to recent research1. The phrase, which originated in the United States, means taking on a part-time job in addition to one’s regular job in order to make more money. Of those who have a side hustle, […]

All equity release plans sold to new customers from 28 March 2022 must feature penalty-free partial loan repayments, enabling customers to reduce their loan size and save money on interest. The new standard introduced by the Equity Release Council (ERC) could save customers millions of pounds. While ERC standards aren’t legally binding, almost 700 firms […]

According to a recent survey1, 90% of households are worried about rising prices. Financial worries can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety; nearly one in five people say they have lost sleep over soaring prices in recent months2. Money and wealth often feel like a bit of a taboo topic for families. Research3 […]

The pandemic was a tumultuous time for us all – and the property market was not immune. As things begin to normalise, some pre-pandemic patterns are returning to property trends. Double speed Q1 2022 was the fifth busiest quarter since 2007, according to HM Revenue and Customs. Likewise, data1 analysis has found that UK properties […]

Hindsight, they say, is a wonderful thing and that is certainly true for many retirees struggling financially. Diligent planning at the earliest opportunity, however, can make all the difference between enjoying a comfortable retirement and enduring a regretful one. Retirement regrets Research constantly shows that people typically leave retirement planning too late and regret not […]

In recent times the importance of expert financial advice has become greater than ever, as people seek reassurance that their pensions, investments and protection plans are being professionally looked after during uncertain times. How to value financial advice Good financial outcomes are obviously important, but these can only be measured over the long term and […]

Bristol, Oxford, Cambridge, Manchester and Luton have been hailed the best top five cities for landlords to invest in this year, based on analysis of key indicators impacting buy-to-let desirability (including average total rent, the best short-term returns through yield and long-term return through house price growth).1 Investors have been eschewing London, which has slipped […]