Make the most of your tax allowances

Each tax year, there are several tax allowances available which can be used to make the most of your financial plans. Unused allowances can be lost ? although you will have new allowances in the new tax year which starts on the 6th April.
Making the most of pension freedoms

Since the introduction of pension freedoms in 2015, you can access your retirement savings in full from age 55. £6.7 billion was withdrawn from pension funds in 2017, the highest amount since the new rules were introduced. Find out how can we help you provide for your retirement income in the most tax efficient way?
Second properties – friend or foe?

Over 11 million UK residents have to complete their Self-Assessment tax return for the 2017/18 tax year by 31st January 2019. For many, the need to complete a self-assessment return is due to the additional income received from buy-to-let properties.
The value of staying invested

When markets are experiencing volatility, it can be a human instinct to gather your investments and withdraw them from investment risk and shelter them into a safe haven. Belinda Coombs provides her insight into why remaining invested in the markets is beneficial over the long term.
Using your powers responsibly

Being given the responsibility to act as an attorney to manage the financial or health affairs of another person can be a considerable task and for many clients it can be a challenge. Salvatore Volante provides some guidance on the responsibilities of an attorney and explains how our advisers can help you if you become an attorney.
MIFID II – A clearer view on charges

We always aim to be clear and transparent about our charges. New regulations that have been introduced will provide further clarity on the fees and charges which you pay on your investments, both at outset and on an ongoing basis. Helen Luton looks at these new rules and what you can expect from Origen.
The 2018 Budget

In the Budget speech on Monday 29th October, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Phillip Hammond, announced several tax proposals. With the prospect of higher UK growth than previously anticipated and better than expected public finances, he was able to announce tax changes which could benefit financial planning for individuals and business.
Origen wins ‘Adviser of the Year’ – for the third consecutive year!

Origen has won Financial Adviser of the Year (Medium to Large Firm) 2018 at the MoneyAge awards in October 2018 in the face of very strong competition.
Child Trust Funds – coming of age

Lesley McReynolds reflects on how Child Trust Funds (CTF) and Junior ISAs can be used to help towards your and your children’s financial goals.
A valuable boost for retirement savings

Whenever you contribute to your pension, the Government will also add money, via pension tax relief. Pam Henley assesses the value of pension tax relief and how it can benefit your retirement savings.
Have you lost the savings habit?

Recent reports suggest that savings across the UK are in decline. Jayne Lucas reflects on the benefits of having a savings habit and shows the importance of setting an example for friends and family and the younger generation.
US protectionism – a threat to global investments?

Kerry Thomson asks Edward Smith of Rathbones, who are on our panel of discretionary fund managers, about the growing threat of protectionism and considers how this could impact global economies and investments.
On budget, on time and on target

Taking the time to review your financial situation can really save you money and give you greater opportunity to save for your future. Vanessa McCloy explains the benefits of good preparation when it comes to financial planning.
What shape is your retirement?

Income needs change in retirement and keeping track of your funds can be a hard task. Michael Spence shows how we use cash flow modelling to help you get the most out of your retirement funds and stay in control
The changing state of estate planning

Financial planning can quickly evolve; as regulation and tax changes, we often see new challenges arise which may bring into question existing arrangements. Barry Crawford guides you through some options for protecting the value of your estate for your chosen beneficiaries.
Providing income in retirement tax efficiently

After receiving an income through employment during working life, Nella Correia considers the options for providing retirement income and the tax consequences of these actions.
ISAs – The fast track to growing your wealth

A new tax year gives new ISA allowances for tax-free investments.
Sian Kent demonstrates the value of ISAs and how they can really save you tax and help you get more from your savings.
Tax planning opportunities

As we approach the end of another tax year, you should take the time to check that you have made best use of the tax allowances available.
Learning to speak the language of funds

Understanding the information provided on a fund factsheet can give you a good headstart in helping you to check that your selected funds match your attitude to risk and that the fund is delivering in line with your expectations. Michael Pashley provides a guide to the common information provided on fund factsheets.
How to manage your retirement income

The Freedom and Choice changes in 2015 gave people at retirement greater flexibility over access to their pension funds. Salvatore Volante looks at some of the potential pitfalls and how to manage your retirement income.
Building foundations for successful financial planning

Taking the time to review your financial situation can really save you money and give you greater opportunity to save for your future. Leon Hunt gives some handy tips on how budgeting can help you and your finances.
Be wary of investment scams

Over recent years there has been a concerning increase in investment scams. Alec Ramsey, Head of Compliance, provides an insight into watching out for warning signs and how you can avoid becoming a victim of investment scams.
The Autumn Budget 2017

Following the Chancellor Philip Hammond?s first Autumn Budget in November 2017, here are the key announcements which affect financial planning.
How does a rise in interest rates affect your finances

Many of our borrowings and savings are linked to the Bank of England’s base rate so what impact could a 0.25% rate rise have on our savings and borrowing?
Investments on a platform or do the leg work yourself?

Keeping track of all your investments can be time consuming and a real challenge to maintain. You may have investments, including ISAs, and pension plans, but they may be spread across many different banks and product providers.
Origen wins top award at MoneyAge awards…again!
Origen has won Financial Adviser of the Year (Medium to Large Firm) 2017 at the MoneyAge awards in October 2017.