How to UNLOCK your assets from unnecessary tax £325,000 The first £325,000 value of your estate is called the ‘Nil Rate Band’ because although it is taxable to Inheritance Tax (IHT), it is taxed at 0% (tax year 2014/15). 40% Currently, IHT is payable on death at this rate on the value of your net… Continue reading Do you know your Inheritance Tax numbers?
Category: News
Save smart and make your existing money grow
5 tips to help you be more confident about your financial future 1 Always have some money that you can access easily and quickly for emergencies, before looking to invest for the longer term. It’s reassuring to know you’ve got money set aside to cover your rent, mortgage, food and utilities for a number of… Continue reading Save smart and make your existing money grow
Clever retirement strategies
How to influence the income you’ll receive in your retirement On 10 July this year, the Office for Budget Responsibility warned that many of us might not be eligible for a State Pension until we reach the age of 70. That’s the minimum age AT WHICH the Government will be able to afford to pay… Continue reading Clever retirement strategies
A new-look NISA way to save and invest
Have you taken advantage of your larger tax-efficient allowance? The new Individual Savings Account (ISA) rules were introduced in July, giving savers and investors more flexibility and a larger tax-efficient allowance than ever before. Four out of ten people told the consumer organisation Which? that they would save more as a result of the annual… Continue reading A new-look NISA way to save and invest
Part-time pensioners
Taking a more gradual approach to retirement The nature of retirement has changed – it is no longer a matter of leaving the workplace with a golden carriage clock and entering a quiet life of leisure. According to research from LV=, many people are taking a more gradual approach to retirement and are working beyond… Continue reading Part-time pensioners
What next for interest rates?
Why the days of ultra-low interest rates look numbered Inflation figures recently showed a sharper than expected drop in prices, cementing expectations that any rise in interest rates would be delayed until next year. ‘Smart’ money Until recently, the ‘smart’ money has been on a November rate rise. However, given the Bank of England’s weaker… Continue reading What next for interest rates?
Geo-political matters
Significant challenges for investors this year and beyond In the first half of the year, geo-political unrest has dominated the headlines. There have been significant challenges for investors in recent months – geo-political upheavals, economic growth and monetary policy. Once the summer is out of the way, the attention will turn to domestic political uncertainty. It’s… Continue reading Geo-political matters
The hidden cost of divorce
UK couples are spending more than £44,000 on average when they divorce or separate Achieving a fair resolution of all the financial issues surrounding divorce or the dissolution of a registered civil partnership can be highly stressful. Alongside wanting to resolve these effectively and affordably you may also be worrying about how you will achieve… Continue reading The hidden cost of divorce
Financial support when your family needs it most
Why reviewing your level of life insurance is time well spent to ensure you look after their future May 2014 marked the 253rd anniversary of the first life insurance policy being issued in the USA. Life insurance protects your family and anyone else who may depend on you for financial support. If you die prematurely, the people… Continue reading Financial support when your family needs it most
Pensions grab headlines
Taking centre stage in the Queen’s Speech This year is best described as the year of the pension. After grabbing the headlines following the Chancellor’s Budget 2014 speech, pensions were once again top of the agenda. In an 11-bill programme, pensions took centre stage, with major changes to annuities and workplace schemes also announced. T he… Continue reading Pensions grab headlines
