Winter 2019 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: In the News / What the 2018 Budget means for older people / Number of working women aged 60-64 has doubled / Gifting early to avoid IHT / Trends in baby boomer retirement plans / Where we spend our money / Over-55s feel the pinch from being the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’. What money rules would you pass to the next generation? As parents and grandparents, we all hope the values that we […]
WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THE GLOBAL ECONOMY? The last few months have seen the release of positive economic reports and grounds for optimism remain with regards to future growth rates, certainly in terms of the US economy. However, while no one is currently predicting the onset of a sharp slowdown or recession, there are signs that the global economy may be starting to lose momentum. The OECD* composite leading indicator, which covers advanced economies plus China, India, Russia, Brazil, […]
ONE IN TEN BRITONS ADMIT THEY ARE BAD WITH MONEY – HOW TO BUCK THE TREND A recent survey1 has shown that for many, building up their savings is not top of their agenda. Everyone should think about putting some money aside for emergencies, and for the bigger things in life like the deposit on a home, a child’s education or a wedding. So, for most of us having some cash that we can access quickly to pay for unexpected […]
Client Privacy Notice Why should you read this document? During the course of dealing with us, we will ask you to provide us with detailed personal information relating to your existing circumstances, your financial situation and, in some cases, your health and family health history (Your Personal Data). This document is important as it allows us to explain to you what we will need to do with Your Personal Data, and the various rights you have in relation to Your […]
FIVE PERSONAL FINANCE HABITS WE SHOULD ALL ADOPT While most of us think we’re pretty good with our money, we can all benefit from giving our finances a regular health check. If you’re looking to get to grips with your finances and develop better habits, then setting yourself some financial goals and drawing up a budget is a good way to get motivated. Priority debts are those that have the most serious consequences if you don’t repay them, and aren’t […]
COULD YOU BE AN ISA MILLIONAIRE? Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) are a great way to invest free of tax on the income and any capital gains. The amount you can put in each year has gradually increased. A growing number of people are becoming ‘ISA millionaires’ as a result of rising stock market prices, and the steady increase in the annual ISA allowance. GENEROUS ANNUAL LIMITS The allowance for the 2017-18 tax year is set at £20,000, meaning that couples […]
In Philip Hammond’s first Autumn Budget, the second Budget of 2017, the Chancellor of the Exchequer promised that his Government would, “invest to secure a bright future for Britain”. Set amid a backdrop of political and economic constraints, and with Brexit negotiations at a critical phase, the Conservatives are under intense pressure. The abolition of stamp duty for most first-time buyers and an array of other housing measures were prominent announcements. OBR FORECASTS The Chancellor began by confirming that […]
MILLIONS OF WOMEN WILL BE POORER DUE TO STATE PENSION CHANGES More than a million women are now worse off by an average of £32 a week because of changes to the state pension, according to recent research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies. It found that the phased increase in the state pension age for women was saving the government billions, but having a marked effect on household incomes. Many of the affected women are worse off each week […]
THE RESULT IS IN After seven weeks of campaigning and two electioneering suspensions, due to the tragic Manchester and London terror attacks, the jury – in the form of the electorate – has delivered its verdict. After a tense night, the Conservative Party has emerged as the largest party, however they have failed to reach the magic 326 seat mark which would give them a majority. Theresa May’s gamble has not paid off, this general election has failed to deliver […]
THE 2017 GENERAL ELECTION – COUNTING DOWN TO 8 JUNE Theresa May’s surprise decision to call a General Election for 8 June immediately sent ripples through stock and currency markets; Sterling rallied to a six-month high and the FTSE 100 fell back, but has since rebounded. According to the polls, (and how much credence can we all put in those, based on previous elections?) Theresa May started the campaign more popular than any other leader since Margaret Thatcher back in […]