Investing & Pensions

I’ve got a lump sum of money, how and where should I invest? | May 31, 2018

Starting out in investing can be confusing, with a bewildering array of options open to you. Active or passive? Pension or ISA? Now or later? Get the lowdown from the UK’s Financial Professional of the Year 2017.

New tax year: what’s changed for 2018/19 | April 19, 2018

The 2018/19 tax year brought in a number of changes to allowances and tax that affect all of us. Get the lowdown on what’s changed and how you can take advantage.

Happy New Tax Year – Invest Options | April 10, 2018

Now is a great time to make an ISA and Pension investment, taking advantage of your ISA and Pension allowances early in the tax year means you get an extra 12 months tax free growth plus you’re sat happy when everyone else is rushing around at the last minute!

Tax year end: making the most of your last-minute opportunities | April 1, 2018

With only days left before the tax year ends, here’s a guide to making the most of your opportunities to make some savings before it happens.

Six types of ISA: how to make the most of your tax-free savings | March 23, 2018

As ISAs have become increasingly complex, it’s worth taking a little time to find out which is the right ISA for you – there are six main types on the market, so plenty of choice before the tax year ends on 5 April.

Help to Save Scheme | March 13, 2018

Have you heard of the brilliant new savings scheme being offered by your government, to help you save?  You really should consider this if you qualify.  It’s called the Help to Save Scheme. The Help to Save scheme is a new government saving scheme to support working people on low incomes to build their savings. Basically it […]

The Warren Buffett Million Dollar Bet | February 20, 2018

Last year saw the conclusion of a 10-year wager between Warren Buffett, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., and Ted Seides, a New York hedge fund consultant. Seides responded to a public challenge issued by Buffett in 2007 regarding the merits of hedge funds relative to low-cost passive vehicles. The two men agreed to bet $1 […]

The stock market and potential interest rate rises: what, why and how am I affected? | February 12, 2018

There’s a lot of talk about stock market volatility, potential interest rate rises and the impact on the economy and our lives. Here’s what’s going on.

Interview between Paul and Warren about the recent stock market volitiltiy | February 10, 2018

Does the stock market volatility or the risk of interest rate rises concern you? In this video, Paul Stafford asks Certified Financial Planner Warren Shute what are the wider implications of this for both investors and non-investors, property owners and renters.   The video finishes with Warren letting us know that he’ll be speaking on […]

Pensions, Pensions, Pensions ……Read all about it! | February 9, 2018

All you need to know about Pensions – and I promise not to send you to sleep! Do you find pensions boring?  They don’t need to be!  Below is a summary of the main questions I get asked about pensions, I think you’ll find it easy to follow and make them less complex!  It’s worth […]

To Bit or Not to Bit: What Should Investors Make of Bitcoin Mania? | February 8, 2018

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are receiving intense media coverage, prompting many investors to wonder whether these new types of electronic money deserve a place in their portfolios. Cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin emerged only in the past decade. Unlike traditional money, no paper notes or metal coins are involved. No central bank issues the currency, and […]

Did you know you could get a 25% government bonus to buy your first house, from LISA? | January 24, 2018

The Lifetime ISA (LISA) which launched in April 2017 enables savers to subscribe up to £4,000 a year and receive a government bonus of 25% of the money saved every year until age 50. Anyone from 18 to 39 is able to open a LISA and the funds are accessible, penalty-free and tax-free, either at […]

Secret to quadruple your retirement pot! | January 23, 2018

If I could share a secret, which would show you how you could double or maybe quadruple your retirement savings, you’d be interested right?  Read on… Quadruple Your Retirement Savings? The HSBC global retirement survey ‘The Future of Retirement – A New Reality’ show that on average, people who have a plan for retirement not […]

Pension freedom: Q&A | December 10, 2017

Are annuities still worthwhile? What are the dangers in drawing down on my pension? Should I be more cautious as I get older? Get the info you need.

Buffett wins the $500,000 bet against the active manager | October 6, 2017

To the ordinary man or women on the street in the UK, the name Warren Buffett may not mean much, but to others, especially those in the financial world, his name is gospel. Warren Buffett made billions thanks to his ability to successfully analyse companies and investment over the years. Now, it looks like he’s […]