It’s predicted that the pound could slide further against the euro because of Brexit. But if you look back over the past decade of exchange rates between the two currencies, the reality is a little different than some headlines would have you believe.
There’s been a lot of economic modelling in the news lately as the Brexit debates roll on. Steering well clear of any politics, what’s the potential impact of next week’s vote in parliament on the markets and our investments? The possibilities outlined by Mark Carney were stark – but it’s important to remember he was talking about the worst-case scenario, the extreme that might occur according to his modelling.
The NHS pension scheme has made a change to the scheme rules to permit voluntary scheme pays. Which schemes offer voluntary scheme pays has been brought to the fore because of the impact of the tapered annual allowance and the need for the individual to have to meet the annual allowance charge personally, in line with the self-assessment deadlines.
In most cases, the answer to this question is more than you’re putting in now! The minimum that you should be putting aside for your retirement plans, if you’re free of unsecured debts like credit cards and loans, is 12.5% of your income.
The government have just launched a new savings scheme called “Help to Save”. It allows you to save upto £50 a month over four years (up to a maximum of £2,400) and receive a 50p bonus for every £1 you save. Find out more about the benefits on this scheme along with how you open an account.
Parents helping out their children (and grandchildren) financially is a tricky topic because it’s so caught up in emotion and love that it’s not always easy to make sensible decisions. I have two kids and I love them dearly – but there’s a reason it tells you on the airplane safety briefing to put your own mask on first before you help your children. In the same way, financial support for your family is a case of secure yourself first.
More people are selling second properties. This could give rise to substantial CGT liabilities. How are those CGT liabilities calculated? Advance planning can reduce those CGT liabilities.
Following the anniversary of the crash, the financial landscape changed; here’s what it all means for your investment strategy.
Last week the USA stock market established another record – the longest bull run ever.
The care fee problem is massive, it is estimated that in 2020/21 there will be a £5.5 billion funding gap in the costs of social care. This is set to rise to £12 billion by 2030. Meeting the potential huge future costs of care is therefore a massive headache for the Government and the elderly.…
They’re up, down then up again…cryptocurrencies are back in the news for all the wrong reasons. Are they an opportunity or something to avoid?
I love what I do, and I’m very fortunate to work with some amazing people who I really enjoy meeting with. However I recognise that some of the people that really need the help from a financial planner, don’t have an opportunity to see one, whether they feel it’s because they don’t earn enough money,…
How do you know what you’re on track for when it comes to your pension, and what approach should you take to get there if you’re starting later in life?
The Money Plan hit No1 bestseller in financial planning paperbacks on Amazon in its first day – amazing! Here’s the story behind the book.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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…
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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
Helping clients to make the right choices for regular savings and lump sum investment is one of the key roles of financial planners. Making the wrong choices can cause serious financial detriment and this consequence, together with relative complexity over the choices and difficulty in “self-serving” the answers, are the three key components underpinning most…
