by Brian Downton | J, Dec, 2017 | blog, Pensions
Changes to the State Pension which took effect on 6 April 2016 were designed to simplify the system. With the earnings-related part applying to employed people removed, what you could qualify for depends on your National Insurance (NI) record For the current tax year...
by Brian Downton | J, Dec, 2017 | blog, mortgages
34% of first-time buyers relied on their parents for financial help, making the bank of mum and dad’, the equivalent of the UK’s ninth largest lender in 2017. If you’re trying to get on the housing ladder, you’ll know how hard it can be: The average price...
by Brian Downton | J, Dec, 2017 | blog, general
Taking out a life insurance policy gives you valuable peace of mind: you know you’ve protected your family against financial hardship, should the worst happen. But how can you make sure your policy will pay out quickly, to those who’ll need it most, if you died...
by Brian Downton | J, Nov, 2017 | blog, Pensions
Financial decisions affecting your retirement income will be among the most important you’ll make during your lifetime and investing in timely financial advice could provide a welcome boost. Since April 2017 it has been possible to withdraw £500 from pension pots...
by Brian Downton | J, Nov, 2017 | blog, Pensions
Since April 2015, pensioners have had greater freedom over how they manage their retirement savings. No longer forced to buy an annuity, they can now leave their money invested and draw an income from it (known as flexi-access drawdown). Whether you’ve already stopped...
by Brian Downton | J, Nov, 2017 | blog, mortgages
The UK’s Buy to Let market is in a state of flux, with an extra 3% Stamp Duty on the purchase of additional properties and changes to the way a landlord’s income is taxed. Landlords used to be able to deduct all finance costs from their rental income, with net profits...
by Brian Downton | J, Nov, 2017 | Charity Blog
Wow it’s been an eventful month on my fundraising activities! I’ve completed two major challenges: First off was the Royal Parks Half Marathon on 8th October, which I completed in 2 Hours 12 Minutes 56 seconds! My biggest challenge in...
