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Springing into action
Successful vaccination programmes are rolling out on both sides of the Atlantic, pointing to a brighter economic outlook. The US and UK continued their rapid vaccine programmes to combat the coronavirus pandemic, while Europe lagged in its rollout, resulting in a...
Can You Be Your Own Financial Adviser?
Thanks to the internet, the average person can now access vast amounts of information on just about any topic. That’s amazing in so many ways. It’s also potentially highly dangerous. There’s a difference between having access to information and being able to apply it...
A Roundup of The March 2021 Budget
Given the events of the past year, it was only to be expected that the March 2021 budget would be dominated by COVID19. It was also only to be expected that Brexit would also be a factor. Here is a quick guide to the main parts of the budget and what they mean....
No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow
As we entered the new year with further lockdowns and history making world events, the hope of spring hangs in the air, an enticing prospect, this year, more than ever. While we’re waiting for the green shoots of spring to emerge, why not use the time effectively by...
The Bank of…Granny and Grandad?
For many younger people struggling to get a foot on the property ladder, the Bank of Mum and Dad is the only option. With rent taking a huge chunk out of their income and the requirement for increasingly onerous deposits, two in five renters do not believe they will...
Achieving your financial goals
We lead complex lives in an increasingly complex world. As financial planning experts we can help you better understand your financial challenges, goals and needs, and help you find appropriate ways to meet them. Even a seemingly straightforward financial goal can...
A Matter Of Trusts
Taking out a life insurance policy gives you valuable peace of mind: you know you’ve protected your family against financial hardship, should the worst happen. But how can you make sure your policy will pay out quickly, to those who’ll need it most, if you died...
The new £1m Inheritance Tax allowance
In the wake of the 2015 General Election, the Conservative Party confirmed it would deliver on its Manifesto promise that parents could pass their property up to the value of £1m to their children free of Inheritance Tax, thanks to a new ‘family home allowance’. The...
How Will You Protect Your Pet?
Pet insurance can be a bit of a controversial topic amongst pet owners. Some people wouldn’t be without it. Other people think it’s over-priced and never there when you need it. Here are some points to consider when deciding whether or not it’s right for you. Can...
Death Cover – Are You and Yours Protected?
Losing your partner at any stage in life can be devastating, but it may be particularly devastating when children are involved because of the financial pressures of raising a family. Ensuring your children and other dependants are provided for in case you die should...
Exchanging contracts? Get insured first
Purchasing a property can be a busy, stressful time and it can seem like there are a million things to remember. Some things however, are more important to remember than others – for example, getting the right insurance in place at the right time. Many people believe...
Working from home – are you covered?
Following lockdown, many firms have closed workplaces, meaning that millions of people across the UK have are now required to work from home. Should I inform my insurer that I am working from home? The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has issued reassurance that,...
Where Now For Mortgages?
The Stamp Duty holiday appears to have stimulated the housing market. It is, however, only of benefit to people who can afford to buy. For many people, their ability to buy depends on their ability to get a mortgage. Right now,...
Get mortgage fit for 2021
Estimates suggest that well over one million borrowers have lapsed onto their lender’s default standard variable rate (SVR). Has this happened to you? If so, now could be the perfect time to consider a remortgage, to get your finances in good shape for the year ahead....
Help To Buy 2.0
During the (virtual) Conservative party conference, Boris Johnson announced his intention to create “Generation Buy”. It looks as though he may introduce two separate schemes to make this happen. The details of one of these schemes are, currently, very hazy. The...
Government Winter Financial Support
In the Budget 2020 on Wednesday 11 March, the Chancellor announced significant support for businesses and individuals to financially survive the coronavirus pandemic. This evolved throughout the summer with more support and schemes extended. On 24 September 2020,...
Can You Afford Your Pension Income?
Since April 2015, pension savers have been able to choose between buying an annuity and receiving a standard investment income. Getting this decision right can make a huge difference to a person’s retirement. That’s why the government is taking steps to ensure that...
Should you be Pension Planning?
Plan for what is difficult while it is easy – Sun Tzu We all know we need to save for our pension, don’t we? But we also know it’s not always that easy to find the spare cash required to do so, especially amid a global pandemic. Research studies, though, typically...
Making the Most of Your ISA Allowance
The COVID19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of having both cash savings and insurance (for all the complaints about the latter). At the same time, it’s still important to prepare for the future, especially your retirement. Your ISA allowance could be used...
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...
Can You Afford Your Pension Income?
Since April 2015, pension savers have been able to choose between buying an annuity and receiving a standard investment income. Getting this decision right can make a huge difference to a person’s retirement. That’s why the government is taking steps to ensure that...
Should you be Pension Planning?
Plan for what is difficult while it is easy – Sun Tzu We all know we need to save for our pension, don’t we? But we also know it’s not always that easy to find the spare cash required to do so, especially amid a global pandemic. Research studies, though, typically...
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...
COVID-19 affects retirement plans for over three million
Recent research shows 1 in 10 UK adults with a pension (and not yet retired) have reduced or stopped pension contributions because of Covid-19. 1 in 10 UK adults have reduced or stopped pension contributions 1 in 4 workers are worried about paying for everyday...
Making the Most of Your ISA Allowance
The COVID19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of having both cash savings and insurance (for all the complaints about the latter). At the same time, it’s still important to prepare for the future, especially your retirement. Your ISA allowance could be used...
The Bank of…Granny and Grandad?
For many younger people struggling to get a foot on the property ladder, the Bank of Mum and Dad is the only option. With rent taking a huge chunk out of their income and the requirement for increasingly onerous deposits, two in five renters do not believe they will...
Why are equities volatile?
The more experienced investors among us will know that investing in equities involves a more volatile journey than some other asset classes, such as fixed income. What causes this volatility? When you invest in a bond, you are effectively lending money to the issuer,...
A global approach to asset allocation
Asset allocation is one of the key tools in our investment proposition to help strike the right balance between risk and reward in your portfolio. It applies to asset classes, such as equities, bonds and cash, and different global regions. The actively-managed Omnis...
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Bridging Finance
If you’re an existing homeowner and you want or need to move, there’s a lot to be said for moving into your new property before you sell your old one. The main advantage is that you know you have somewhere to go. This saves you either having to rush to find a...
What’s the point of a property survey?
You're not bound by law to have a survey done on a property you're buying, but while it may feel like an unnecessary expense given all the other costs involved in homebuying, it could actually save money and stress in the longer-term. A survey is basically a health...
Protection in trust
Taking out a Life Insurance policy gives you valuable peace of mind; you know you’ve helped protect your family against financial hardship, should the worst happen. But how can you make sure your policy will pay out quickly, to those who’ll need it most, if you...
