HOW TO ACT YOUR (INVESTOR) AGE Whilst we are all aware of the age differences between the generations, we might not have thought about how our age bears any relation to our investments. However, the number of years you have left to invest can help you make the right decisions about how much and where to put your money. 20s AND 30s The financial habits you form during these years will determine whether you have a secure retirement, or will…
Working for yourself has never been so popular. According to figures from the Office for National Statistics, there are around 4.8 million self-employed workers in the UK. Whilst many of this number are young people seizing the opportunity to go it alone, some are in their 50s, 60s and even 70s. Being your own boss has many advantages, including the freedom to choose what type of work you do and when and where you do it. But it does mean…
THE RESULT IS IN After seven weeks of campaigning and two electioneering suspensions, due to the tragic Manchester and London terror attacks, the jury – in the form of the electorate – has delivered its verdict. After a tense night, the Conservative Party has emerged as the largest party, however they have failed to reach the magic 326 seat mark which would give them a majority. Theresa May’s gamble has not paid off, this general election has failed to deliver…
IS IT TIME TO REMORTGAGE WHILST RATES ARE STILL LOW? With the monthly mortgage payment representing a major chunk of the average family budget, it can make sense to shop around from time to time to see if there’s a better, more cost-efficient mortgage deal available to you. According to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (1), around 36,000 people remortgaged in November alone, up 13% on the year before. In some cases, homeowners can save hundreds of pounds a year…
Savvy savers are planning to save both in their pension plan and in the Lifetime Individual Savings Account (LISA), following its launch this April. The new LISA has been designed as a savings vehicle for those aged 18 to 40 who want to save up to £4,000 a year. The government offers a big incentive by adding a 25% bonus, meaning that for every £4 saved, the government adds £1. The money can be used to buy a first home…
Couples have a lot of things in common, and that can include financial commitments like bank accounts and mortgages. However, when it comes to life insurance it can make sense for each partner to have their own separate policy. SINGLE VERSUS JOINT POLICIES A ‘single’ life policy provides cover for that person only, and pays out the amount of cover provided under the policy if the insured dies during the term of the policy. By contrast, a ‘joint’ policy covers…
Our monthly property market review is intended to provide background to recent developments in property markets as well as to give an indication of how some key issues could impact in the future. 45% OF INVESTMENT IN UK FROM OVERSEAS BUYERS The independent property agent Knight Frank has reported that 2016 saw 45% of commercial property investment in the UK coming from overseas investors. This amounted to £1.1bn. The rapid devaluation of sterling, following the Brexit vote back in June…
For many, the start of a new year is a time of reflection and a renewed determination to do things differently in the months that lie ahead. Whilst overhauling your finances could seem less exciting than taking up a new hobby or challenge, it could make a big difference to your future wealth. CHECK YOUR MORTGAGE Often a family’s biggest monthly outgoing, it makes sense to check that you’ve got the best, most cost-effective deal for your circumstances. MAKE PENSION…
Our monthly economic review is intended to provide background to recent developments in investment markets as well as to give an indication of how some key issues could impact in the future. It is not intended that individual investment decisions should be taken based on this information; we are always ready to discuss your individual requirements. We hope you will find this review to be of interest. STRONG UPTURN INWORKPLACE ACTIVITY SEEN In the latest ‘Household Finance Index’ from IHS…
Will your need for income change during your retirement years, and if so, by how much? This can be a difficult question to answer and the response is likely to differ from person to person. It will depend on factors that are personal to you such as the age at which you retire and your state of health in your later years. Stock market performance and the impact of inflation also need to be taken into consideration when planning your…
