News

Earlier this year, the government announced plans to scrap two types of tax relief for landlords who sell a property that was once their home. Homeowners in these circumstances are often referred to as ‘accidental landlords’, as when they originally acquired the property it was not with the intention of letting it out. They may […]

On your radar – key personal finance tips Taking the time to tune in to a few key pointers can really benefit your finances, helping you plan and manage them effectively. SAVE INTO YOUR ISA The ISA allowance for 2019-20 is £20,000. Don’t miss this opportunity to save or invest tax-efficiently. We can help you […]

Gender protection gap revealed Figures released by financial software firm IRESS highlight a substantial difference in protection sums assured across the gender divide, raising concerns that women are at far greater risk of being underinsured than their male counterparts. Stark contrast While the analysis* found no significant difference in the number of men and women […]

Although the overall level of dividend payments recently rose to another all-time high, the outlook is less favourable, and it may be time to temper expectations. Underlying weakness According to data*, total dividends paid by UK listed firms rose to £37.8 billion in the second quarter of 2019, a rise of 14.5%. This can be […]

The average time a homeowner in the UK stays in their property is 21 years*. This contrasts with the 1980s, when a fast-rising property market encouraged a move every eight years on average. Now though, high prices and Stamp Duty, combined with the other costs of moving, are encouraging us to stay put and spend […]

A recent study2 has found that a significant proportion of over-55s struggle to understand a range of key terms and rules relating to pensions. The survey asked 2,002 UK adults to identify and define various pension-related terms and acronyms. Baffled… Findings from the survey highlighted a serious lack of pensions knowledge, even amongst those people who […]

The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) has published a second report in relation to its Inheritance Tax (IHT) review. The report, published in July, spans 103 pages and is entitled ‘Simplifying the design of Inheritance Tax’. Recommendations The report explores the main complexities and technical issues associated with IHT, making 11 recommendations which the OTS […]

All successful gardeners will understand the need to regularly tend their plants, shrubs and lawns in order to ensure a garden can flourish. And, for investors, taking a similar approach with their financial affairs can also bear fruit by ensuring their investment portfolios don’t become neglected and, as a result, underperform. Weeding, sowing… As with […]

Understanding the value of protection Working out the difference between life insurance, critical illness, income protection and buildings and contents insurance can be difficult, especially when they are wrapped up in the blanket term ‘protection’. While it’s easy to presume there is an overlap and that an individual policy for each one isn’t necessary, they […]

Understanding the value of protection Working out the difference between life insurance, critical illness, income protection and buildings and contents insurance can be difficult, especially when they are wrapped up in the blanket term ‘protection’. While it’s easy to presume there is an overlap and that an individual policy for each one isn’t necessary, they […]