10th November 2021 Since the global financial crisis in the late 2000s, interest rates in the UK have been at historic lows. Indeed, the Bank of England’s decision to cut the base rate in response to the initial lockdown saw rates fall to the lowest level in the Bank’s 326-year history. However, a recent spike […]
19th October 2021 After a positive few months, the third quarter saw global markets become more uncertain. Fears of rising inflation, increasing fuel prices, and continued Covid issues means the MSCI World Index was essentially flat during the three months to the end of September 2021. Emerging and Asian markets were particularly hard hit, most […]
19th October 2021 On 7 September 2021, the prime minister, Boris Johnson, announced the government’s plans to pay for proposed social care reforms and increased NHS funding in England. The most notable announcements included a new Health and Social Care Levy on employment income alongside an increase in the rates of Dividend Tax. These two […]
19th October 2021 Whether you grew up with their songs dominating the charts, or your first exposure was the musical Mamma Mia, ABBA have been part of the UK’s cultural landscape for almost half a century. Originally formed in 1972, the foursome of Agnetha, Anna-Frid, Bjorn, and Benny recently announced an unexpected reunion, with their […]
30th September 2021 Each year, the Moneyfacts Investment Life and Pensions Awards showcase the best service and expertise across the UK’s financial sector. From investment trusts to tax and estate planning, the awards recognise market leaders across a wide range of categories. This year, Moneyfacts has named us as the 2021 Retirement Adviser of the […]
14th September 2021 Discussing personal finances can be a tough conversation for many people. It can be a stressful topic to face, particularly with your loved ones. Perhaps it’s embarrassing, fills you with anxiety, or simply makes you feel uncomfortable? In 2019, Lloyds Bank conducted a survey and found that half (50%) of UK adults […]
14th September 2021 According to FTAdviser, registrations to make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) have dropped by 23% over the last year. An LPA is a legal document that enables you to elect a trusted individual or individuals to take care of your finances should you be unable to do so through a loss […]
14th September 2021 The recent record A-Level results saw 44.3% of entries obtain a grade A or above. This terrific success means that more than 210,000 18-year-old students in England have had their university places confirmed already. Heading off to university can be a fulfilling and enriching experience – but these days it doesn’t come […]
9th September 2021 This week, the government has made two major policy announcements that are likely to directly affect your finances. A much-anticipated National Insurance rise will result in an increased burden on workers including, for the first time, those above State Pension Age. In addition, the government has suspended the State Pension triple lock, […]
8th September 2021 Have you thought about how you’ll pass wealth on to those who are important to you? Traditionally, this has been done through inheritance, but it’s becoming more common to gift during your lifetime. Our latest guide explains why more families are choosing to gift during their lifetime and the pros and cons […]