Choosing which of theworld’s stock markets you want to invest in Unit trusts are a collective investment scheme that enables you to invest money with others and participate in a wider range of investments and share the costs and benefits of doing so. They have proved popular over the years because cash is invested in… Continue reading Unit trust groups
Category: Financial News
How much life insurance do you need?
Protecting your family’s financial security Having the correct protection strategy in place will enable you to protect your family’s lifestyle if your income suddenly changes due to premature death or illness. But choosing the right options can be difficult without obtaining professional advice to ensure you protect your family from financial hardship. We can ensure that you find the… Continue reading How much life insurance do you need?
Making the most of your investments
Safeguarding your money at a time of low interest rates During these difficult economic times, one of the tools available to the Bank of England to stimulate the economy is interest rates. Lower interest rates mean that it is cheaper to borrow money and people have more to spend, hopefully stimulating the economy and reducing… Continue reading Making the most of your investments
Drawing your pension income
What the new retirement rules could mean for you Deciding how to take your pension benefits is one of the most important financial decisions you’re ever likely to make. As part of the new 2011 retirement rules, from 6 April this year the pension annuity rules will change, meaning that UK pensioners will no longer… Continue reading Drawing your pension income
Protecting business continuity
Don’t overlook your most importan tassets, the people who drive your business Every business has key people who are driving it forward. Many businesses recognise the need to insure their company property, equipment and fixed assets. However, they continually overlook their most important assets, the people who drive the business – a key employee, director… Continue reading Protecting business continuity
Pension Simplification
The biggest change in pension legislation in a lifetime The introduction of Pension Simplification legislation on 6 April 2006 (A-Day) brought about the biggest change in pension legislation in a lifetime with the following aims: – to reduce the complexity of pensions – to offer simpler and more flexible retirement arrangements – to encourage saving… Continue reading Pension Simplification
Contracting out of the Additional State Pension
Comparable benefits in return for lower National Insurance Contributions In 1988 it was possible for employees to contract out of the State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme (SERPS), now called the State Second Pension (S2P), where their work scheme did not do this for them already, and set up a form of Personal Pension Plan called ‘Protected… Continue reading Contracting out of the Additional State Pension
Pension options
Planning for your retirement years There are three types of non-State pension. Some are offered by employers and some you can start yourself. They are: – Occupational Final Salary Schemes – offered by some employers – Occupational Defined Contribution Schemes (also called Money Purchase Schemes) – offered by some employers – Stakeholder Pension Schemes and Personal Pensions – offered… Continue reading Pension options
Diversifying your investments
Selecting assets that behave in different ways Investment is intrinsically linked with risk and return – they go hand in hand. Which is why it’s important that any investment vehicle matches your feelings and preferences towards risk and return. There are a wide variety of different asset classes available in which to invest and there… Continue reading Diversifying your investments
In search of boosting your income
Strategies that pay dividends For UK savers investing for income, it is important to strike a balance between hunting out good dividend paying shares, robust corporate bonds, well-managed funds or just the best savings account. Investing for income for most requires a mixture of investments, to balance risk with returns. Historically low interest rates have left many UK… Continue reading In search of boosting your income
