As a homeowner, you will be aware of the increasing value of your home. Like many other people, you may find that your property is now worth much more than the amount you originally paid. How can you release this equity? Equity release allows you to unlock money from your home. This could be in [...]
So what is Inheritance Tax and how does this affect you? Inheritance tax is a tax on your assets that belong to you when you die. Each person can pass on up to £325,000 (£650,000 for a couple) without their heirs having to pay any inheritance tax (IHT). Above this amount, the estate is taxed at [...]
If you have an estate that is worth more than £325, 000, Inheritance Tax (IHT) of 40% is paid on the excess. You can pass on your estate to a spouse or civil partner completely tax-free on death. If you leave it to your children or others, they will not benefit in the same way. [...]
Over the last few years, mortgage lenders have become more amenable to older borrows who are moving into retirement. We have seen mortgage rates improve and there's now greater flexibility in the products available. Traditional mortgage lenders are now will to extend the borrowing term of the mortgage beyond state pension age. The requirement that [...]
If you are approaching retirement and are worried about how you will coupe to maintain your lifestyle then we may be able to help. It may be that you wish to make improvements to your home or wish to see more of the world now that you have more time in retirement. It might be [...]
By Rachel Efetha, Chartered Financial Planner based in Bedford. Last year I took part in the Prudential Ride London 100-mile bike ride and took the opportunity to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK. The reason I chose this particular charity is because a friend of friends, Mark, who I had met from time to time [...]
I am often asked about Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS). Often people are aware that they are a way of saving tax but are not sure if they are right for them. So here is a simple, straightforward guide. The Enterprise Investment Scheme is a tax- efficient investment that was introduced by the Government back in [...]
Couple planning their retirement People retiring over the last twenty years, have on average, seen enormous rises in the value of their homes. Figures show that house prices have risen in England by 42% in the last twelve years alone. These figures highlight that your home could be an obvious asset to tap [...]
Investing in a volatile market Recently the markets have been more volatile and this often causes concern to investors who do not fully understand this complex subject. Volatility can be triggered by many events and is a normal part of investing and generally should not be feared. However, market volatility is also a reminder that [...]
Chancellor Philip Hammond delivered his first Spring Statement on 13th March 2018. Below is a summary of the key points from his speech: Spring Statement 2018 Economy The UK economy has grown every year since 2010 and is now expected to grow at the faster rate of 1.5% this year, compared to the forecast of [...]
