14th April 2022 Over the past two years, the eventuality that you might become too ill to make your own decisions might have crossed your mind. While this is not a pleasant thought, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused us all to consider what life would be like if we became seriously ill. If you are […]
24 March 2022 Against the backdrop of the continuing war in Ukraine, the chancellor has delivered his spring statement. The war has contributed to uncertainty in the global economy, with the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) saying that, “given the unfolding situation in Ukraine, there is unusually high uncertainty around the outlook”. Disruptions in global […]
14 March 2022 In the last quarter of 2021, the UK government repaid £42 million in overpaid tax to pension withdrawers. What’s more, according to Money Age, pension investors have claimed more than £835 million in tax repayments since the Pension Freedoms reforms were implemented in 2015. If you are approaching 55, or are already […]
14 March 2022 The newest cinematic iteration of the 1937 Agatha Christie novel, Death on the Nile, hit UK cinemas in February 2022. If you’ve been to see Death on the Nile already, you might be inspired by the slick and incisive portrayal of the iconic sleuth, Hercule Poirot, played this time by legendary actor […]
14 March 2022 In the first three months of 2022, the stock market has proved volatile for investors all around the world. The continued concern surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, supply chain disruptions, and the rising rate of inflation, have all caused turbulence in global markets. In the below graph, depicting […]
28 February 2022 Since the start of 2022, you’ve probably noticed that global markets – and perhaps the value of your pension or investments – have been a little uncertain. Over the last week or two, the ongoing situation in Ukraine has exacerbated this volatility. It’s natural to feel nervous or worried when national or […]
9 February 2022 In 2022, the idea that you become an “old person” when you reach your 50s and 60s is becoming increasingly outdated. After all, the UK’s average life-expectancy has steadily grown over the past 100 years. According to Statista, the current UK life-expectancy is around 81, compared with just 67 in the mid-20th […]
9 February 2022 Inheritance Tax (IHT) is often called “Britain’s most hated tax” – and for good reason. Charged at a rate of 40% on the value of your estate above the applicable nil-rate bands when you pass away, it can make a significant dent in the wealth you pass on to loved ones when […]
9 February 2022 In recent years, the so-called “Bank of Mum and Dad” has become synonymous with the idea of helping younger generations onto the property ladder. As property becomes less and less affordable for first-time buyers, the term has been coined to reflect the increasing contributions parents (and grandparents) are making towards helping their […]
18 January 2022 After a couple of quarters where it seemed as if life was slowly returning to normal, the Omicron variant of the coronavirus emerged in the final three months of 2021. Cases have once again risen, although a major vaccine booster drive has helped to reduce serious instances of illness. In addition, while […]