10th June 2021 In the 2017/18 tax year, almost 4% of all deaths in the UK resulted in an Inheritance Tax (IHT) charge. It’s commonly considered one of the UK’s most hated taxes, with the Treasury raising £5.2 billion from the duty in the 2019/20 tax year. With good planning, it is possible to mitigate […]
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Guide – Your retirement choices: how to generate an income in later life
7th June 2021 Since Pension Freedoms were introduced in 2015, retirees have had more choice when they access their pension. However, it also means you have more responsibility for generating an income later in life and it’s important to understand what your options are. Our latest guide explains the basics you need to know, including: […]
Can you really become an ISA millionaire?
Since Gordon Brown introduced Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) in 1999, they have become one of the UK’s most popular savings vehicles. The most recent figures showed that more than 11 million adults subscribed to an ISA in 2018/19, with a staggering £584 billion currently invested in the tax-free accounts. Considering that the annual subscription limit […]
7 ways your 2021 tax bill could rise – and practical ways you can pay less
In his spring Budget, the chancellor was keen to point out that, as a result of his measures, “nobody’s take-home pay will be less than it is now”. While he may have resisted the temptation to raise Income Tax, VAT, or National Insurance contributions, Rishi Sunak’s announcements will see many people pay more tax in […]
5 things Line of Duty can teach you about good financial planning
Over the last couple of months, the hit BBC drama Line of Duty has become must-see appointment television. The thrilling series finale generated record viewing figures for a drama, as the AC-12 team of Steve Arnott, Kate Fleming, and Ted Hastings finally uncovered the identity of the infamous “H”. While six series of the show […]
Guide: 10 things that could increase the value of your property
6th May 2021 Talking about homes and property values is something of a pastime in the UK. Property is probably among one of the largest assets we own, so it’s not surprising that we want the value to go up. While property prices have soared in recent years, investing in your home could push up […]
Why you should overpay your mortgage with pandemic savings
26th April 2021The pandemic has meant some families have been able to save more. Those that have continued to work during the last year are often finding their outgoings have been lower and they now have more cash put to one side. If you still have a mortgage, overpaying is one option worth considering. According […]
Employee benefits that self-employed workers miss out on, and how to bridge the gap
26th April 2021There are more than five million self-employed workers in the UK, according to government statistics. This figure is rising, with around one in six people now working for themselves. There are advantages to being self-employed, but some workers could be missing out on benefits worth thousands of pounds compared to their traditionally employed […]
What does “rebalancing” your portfolio mean and why is it important?
26th April 2021When discussing investments or reading the news, you may have heard the phrase “rebalancing”. It’s an important part of making sure your portfolio continues to reflect your goals, but it can be overlooked or misunderstood. Read on to learn what rebalancing involves and why it’s part of investment strategies. Investing: A long-term game […]
Why opening a pension for a child before they start school can unlock powerful growth
26th April 2021It really is never too soon to start investing through a pension. You may not be thinking about the retirement lifestyle that your children or grandchildren will enjoy quite yet, but opening a pension before they even start school can be worthwhile. If you’re looking for a way to help secure a child’s […]