In uncertain periods, it’s very easy for emotions to take over decisions. This is certainly true if we consider the recent stock market uncertainty caused as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Sharp falls in the market are worrying for any investor, and fear can be a powerful emotion. However, when your investing decisions are […]
If you’re an investor, you’ve probably come across the phrases ‘bull markets’ and ‘bear markets’. Indeed, over the last 12 months or so you may have seen both terms used to describe global stock markets! But what are bull and bear markets? Why do they occur? And should we be worried about the current bear […]
The last few weeks have seen an unprecedented change in the way the UK economy works. Supply of many goods and services has essentially dried up as workers stay at home and businesses furlough staff. Demand has also fallen off a cliff for all but the basic essentials. This combination of issues and the fact […]
If you’re approaching or in your 60s, it might seem a little late to be contributing to a pension to boost your income for when you retire. So, it’s perhaps no surprise that new research has revealed that pension opt-out rates are higher for over 60s than for any other age group. But should you […]
On 10th March, the Bank of England unanimously decided to reduce interest rates to bolster the economy amid the coronavirus outbreak. The Monetary Policy Committee made the emergency decision to cut the Base rate from 0.75% to 0.25% to ‘manage through an economic shock’. So, what does the Base rate cut mean for your finances? […]
In recent weeks, the outbreak of Covid-19 (previously known as ‘coronavirus’) has made headlines around the world. By mid March, the World Health Organisation reported that there had been more than 110,000 reported cases globally, with more than 4,000 deaths. With outbreaks recorded in locations as diverse as Austria, Iran and Singapore it’s clear that […]
This week, Rishi Sunak has delivered the first Budget of the new Conservative government. With a large majority behind him, the theme of the Chancellor’s speech was to deliver the promises made in the party’s election manifesto or, as Sunak himself repeatedly said, to ‘get things done’. Of course, the coronavirus outbreak has significantly changed […]
After delays and the appointment of Rishi Sunak as Chancellor just weeks ago following the resignation of Sajid Javid, the Budget was finally delivered this week. It’s the first to be given since the UK left the EU on 31st January 2020, with the country now in a transition period, and comes amid the coronavirus […]
The current tax year ends on 5 April 2020 and this date represents the final chance to use many of your annual thresholds and allowances. And, as you don’t have the option of carrying forward many of these allowances, failing to use them means you lose them. Keeping track of changing thresholds and effectively managing […]
In recent months, problems with pension allowances have made national news. A particular area of concern has been the impact on NHS staff, as it has emerged that the number of members leaving the NHS pension scheme was five times higher than other public pension funds. Issues with the controversial Tapered Annual Allowance have caused […]