A 2023 Review of the UK Financial Sector

appletree annual finance review

Introduction The year 2023 has been a remarkable one for the UK financial sector. Amidst a landscape of economic fluctuations and regulatory evolutions, the realms of mortgages, pensions, and investments have experienced significant shifts. This review delves into the key trends, challenges, and successes that have shaped these vital areas over the past year. Mortgage […]

Is your pension underpaying you

The state pension is an essential source of income for many retirees in the UK, providing financial stability and security in retirement. Unfortunately, recent reports suggest that the state pension system is underpaying thousands of individuals, resulting in financial difficulties and reduced quality of life. This article will explore the issue of underpayments in the […]

The pros and cons of 40-year mortgages

The UK mortgage market has a wide selection of both variable-rate and fixed-rate mortgages.  It also has other niche mortgage products such as offset mortgages.  One of the more recent entrants to the market is the 40-year mortgage on a fixed rate.  In principle, this offers long-term certainty.  In practice, it has significant, potential drawbacks […]

Spring statement – Investors

Like its predecessor, the spring budget, the spring statement heralds the beginning of the end of the financial year.  It also sets out what investors can expect from the year ahead.  Here are its key points. The UK is expected to avoid a recession The Office for Budget Responsibility now predicts the UK will avoid […]

Are Voluntary National Insurance Contributions Worth The Money?

In the UK, every new year, financial writers remind their readers to organise their finances before the end of the financial year. For some people, this may include deciding whether or not to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions. If you are one of these people, here is a quick guide to what you need to […]

Are You On Top Of Retirement Planning?

It’s probably fair to say that, right now, many people are more concerned with getting through the present than planning for their retirement. This is understandable. The problem with this approach, however, is that the future can arrive much quicker than it seems like it should. This means that retirement planning should always be a […]

Are You (Financially) Ready For Retirement?

If you’re at the younger end of the boomer generation, then retirement should be high on your list of priorities.  In fact, even if you’re in Gen X, retirement should be one of your key considerations, especially if you’re at the older end of it.  This means you should be assessing your financial provisions for […]

What Does Inflation Mean For Modern Retirees?

Retirees have traditionally hated inflation. It often has a brutal effect on fixed incomes such as the State Pension and annuities. Pension freedom may have helped to take the edge of this somewhat. Even so, inflation is likely to have to remain a concern for retirees for many years to come. Here are some of […]

Are you approaching retirement?

If you are nearing retirement, you may have been particularly worried about the impact of recent market volatility on your pension assets and perhaps you are reassessing your retirement plans. There are several things to consider if you are planning to retire, which will depend very much on your own circumstances. Since pensions freedoms were […]

Should You Prioritise Property Or Your Pension?

wealth management blackpool

Both pensions and property can be good ways of financing your retirement.  It is, however, important to think carefully about which you prioritise.  Here is a quick guide to what you need to know. The basics of pensions. In the UK, public-sector employees may still have defined-benefits pensions.  These are often called final-salary pensions as […]