Articles
Read the latest news and insight on a range of financial matters from our qualified financial advisers and expert technical and investment team.
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- Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax
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Market Review – February 2024
We reflect on the recent performance of global markets and picks out some key economic and financial dates.
Retirement just got more expensive
Research by the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association reveals retirees now need substantially more income in retirement. We discuss how you can ensure you have enough to meet your needs.
Market Review – January 2024
We reflect on the recent performance of global markets and picks out some key economic and financial dates.
Market Review – December 2023
We reflect on the recent performance of global markets and picks out some key economic and financial dates.
Tax Year End – are you maximising your savings?
With UK taxpayers set to have the highest tax bill on record, are you making the most of important opportunities before 5 April 2024?
How much money will you save with National Insurance cuts?
From January 2024, millions of workers will take home more pay due to a cut in the National Insurance rate. Find out how much you’ll save.
Market Review – November 2023
We generally recommend that you hold investments for the medium to long-term, which we would view as being for five years or more.
Market Review – October 2023
We generally recommend that you hold investments for the medium to long-term, which we would view as being for five years or more.
Are you saving enough for the next generation?
With both increasing life expectancy and many workers struggling to save, this is creating a ‘perfect storm’ for future retirees from the younger generations. We look at how you can help future generations.
Market Review – September 2023
We generally recommend that you hold investments for the medium to long-term, which we would view as being for five years or more.
What’s Capital Gains Tax and can you reduce it?
With Capital Gains Tax receipts at record levels, Alan Ferguson looks at options to mitigate paying unnecessary tax.
It’s good to talk money: Helping elderly relatives manage their finances
Throughout time, societies have known that in order to survive, knowledge and experiences must be passed on through the generations.
Is a second property still a solid investment?
Higher interest rates, changes to the Capital Gains Tax allowance and various other factors are casting doubt over the investment value of second homes and buy-to-let properties.
What’s the future of Inheritance Tax?
With record receipts generated over the past year, we look at the potential future of what’s often branded as Britain’s ‘most hated tax’ and actions you can take.
Market Review – August 2023
We generally recommend that you hold investments for the medium to long-term, which we would view as being for five years or more.
Are you on the right runway to retirement?
Building a financial plan for your retirement can be complicated, particularly given the current inflation and interest rate challenges – but do not put it off.
Inflation warning for cash holdings
Discover more about the FCA’s new rules which is directing firms to warn clients about the eroding effects inflation has on cash savings.
Market Review – July 2023
We generally recommend that you hold investments for the medium to long term, which we would view as being for five years or more.
Three ways to boost your financial resilience
Discover the significance of financial resilience in today’s economic landscape. Learn how to prioritise financial well-being, craft an emergency fund, and how to form a confident, long-term plan for a brighter financial future.
Market Review – June 2023
We generally recommend that you hold investments for the medium to long-term, which we would view as being for five years or more.
Are you passing on your knowledge?
We look at how you and your family can boost retirement savings and protect wealth together.
Getting the better of rising interest rates
Within this article we look at the impact of rising interest rates on your financial planning.
Market Review – May 2023
We generally recommend that you hold investments for the medium to long-term, which we would view as being for five years or more.
Market Review – April 2023
We generally recommend that you hold investments for the medium to long-term, which we would view as being for five years or more.
75% of savers don’t know the value of their pension
Following new research carried out by Standard Life, we share key insights and actions you can take to improve your financial position.
Market Review – March 2023
We generally recommend that you hold investments for the medium to long-term, which we would view as being for five years or more.
Voluntary National Insurance contributions – deadline extended
We take a look at the impact on your State Pension and whether you should consider topping it up before the deadline.
Keeping your money safe
In this article we explain the protection provided to customers of UK financial services firms through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
Significant changes to pension taxation
It’s not that often pensions make headline news. However, in last month’s Budget announcement the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveiled significant changes that impact higher earners and those with larger pension funds.
Market Volatility Update: Volatility in the Financial Sector
Introduction There has been significant market volatility in recent days, with sentiment hit by the collapse in the US of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) following the decision by regulators to shut down the bank on 10 March on concerns over its liquidity and solvency. SVB was the 16th largest bank…
Market Review – February 2023
Introduction There was mixed performance from global equity markets in February, with UK and European indices finishing the month with gains, supported by improving company earnings. However, the US finished lower as inflation appeared more persistent than expected, whilst Asian and Global Emerging Markets suffered the biggest losses, partly due…
Market Review – January 2023
We generally recommend that you hold investments for the medium to long-term, which we would view as being for five years or more. The monthly market commentary provides an insight into the current factors that are affecting short-term global returns, but should not be viewed as a basis for making…
Are annuities making a comeback?
With annuity rates on the increase, we look at whether they are making a comeback and how it can play a valuable role for many people as part of their overall retirement income strategy.
How can you keep you tax bill low ahead of tax year end?
With inflation and living costs continuing to rise, we look at some important tax-saving opportunities before the end of the tax year on 5 April.
Market Review – December 2022
We generally recommend that you hold investments for the medium to long-term, which we would view as being for five years or more. The monthly market commentary provides an insight into the current factors that are affecting short-term global returns, but should not be viewed as a basis for making…
Defined benefits aren’t the only way to guarantee income
It is fair to say that the gilt market has been more volatile than usual over the course of 2022. At the start of January this year the average yield on a UK 15 year gilt was 1.144%.
Time to look again at annuities
In this article we analyse why annuities have become a more attractive option when it comes to planning your retirement income.
Market Review – November 2022
We generally recommend that you hold investments for the medium to long-term, which we would view as being for five years or more. The monthly market commentary provides an insight into the current factors that are affecting short-term global returns, but should not be viewed as a basis for making…
Market Review – October 2022
Richard Wallis Head of Research and Investment Market Overview CR = Capital return; LC = Local currency Source: Lipper for Investment Management Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance UK markets rose in October, with the FTSE 250 outperforming the FTSE 100. Despite the concerns…
Inflation – Is your pension income protected?
We take a look at how rising prices affect people with different types of pension, as well as everyone facing a cost of living crisis.
Mini Budget Announcement – September 2022
The Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, has announced the biggest parcel of tax cuts in 50 years at today’s ‘mini-Budget’.
Market Review – August 2022
We generally recommend that you hold investments for the medium to long-term, which we would view as being for five years or more. The monthly market commentary provides an insight into the current factors that are affecting short-term global returns, but should not be viewed as a basis for making…
Don’t let good habits go to waste
We take a look at how savings increased during the pandemic and share some helpful tips to boost your savings habit.
The impact of raising the State Pension age
The last change in State Pension age (SPA) was phased in between December 2018 and October 2020. We take a look at new research that shows how the most recent increase in State Pension age has hit those affected.
