When a relationship breaks down it is never easy. Groucho Marx, the American comedian, famously said - “Marriage is a fine institution, but who wants to live in an institution.” First of all, couples who are living together often do not realise that they don’t enjoy the same legal rights as those married or [...]
By Rachel Efetha, Chartered Financial Planner. For parents earning between £100,000 and £125,140, the financial impact of crossing key thresholds can be significant. Beyond the 60% effective tax rate caused by the gradual loss of the personal allowance, parents of young children may face additional challenges. The government’s expanded childcare schemes, set to take [...]
By Caroline Anstee, Managing Director of Anstee & Co. The new Labour Government announced the autumn budget on Wednesday the 30th of October 2024. Since then there has been much speculation and we have seen the cut in the winter fuel payment, now means tested, which was a bit of a shock. The recent [...]
You may be one of the millions of people in the United Kingdom who have critical illness cover. This vital protection was often taken out when you took out your first mortgage or renewed it. A good mortgage broker will renew your policies for you to ensure that they still provide the level of [...]
On the 6th of April 2024, the Individual Savings Account (ISA) celebrated it's 25th Anniversary. When Gordon Brown, the then Labour Party Chancellor introduced them in 1999 it was seen as the rebranding of two existing schemes. The Tax Exempt Special Savings Accounts, better known as TESSAs and the Personal Equity Plans commonly referred [...]
Firstly, moving into retirement can be one of the most exciting times of your life. However, it can also be daunting if you do not plan wisely. We can help you with retirement advice. Here are a few tips to help you plan to make the most of your retirement. State pension. How much [...]
So, what is a Trust? A trust is a legal arrangement where you give property, investments or cash to someone else so they can look after them for the benefit of a third party. An example of this would be if you put some of your savings aside in a trust for your children. [...]
So, why should you complete a Financial Life Plan and regularly review it? People do not buy pension plans because they want a pension plan! What they want is the lifestyle a pension can bring. Financial Life Planning looks at the purposes for which you want to use your money. Our Financial Designers discuss [...]
By Rachel Efetha, Chartered Financial Planner " No more work for us, in our retirement" * To the tune of "Jingle Bells". No more work for us In our ret-ire-ment Out the door we go On our big holiday Pubs, bars n cafes Drinking spirits bright Oh what fun it is to [...]
The demand for places for long term care is increasing due to us all living longer. However, funding to cover the care home, which is mainly paid for by Local Authorities is under pressure. Many Local Authorities resources are limited. This is leading to them demanding places at below their cost price. Care homes are [...]
