by Brian Downton | J, Jan, 2017 | blog, general, Pensions
Research carried out by the Small Business Research Centre at Kingston University revealed there are an estimated 1.9 million freelancers in the UK, representing 36% growth over the past eight years. Almost two thirds of all freelancers work in four main industry...
by Brian Downton | J, Jan, 2017 | blog, Pensions
Between December 2015 and May 2016 around 400,000 people accessed their State Pension statements, a 40% increase on 2015 when there were 400,000 requests in total for the entire year. This significant increase is down to the launch of a new online system which...
by Brian Downton | J, Jan, 2017 | blog, mortgages
With continuing low interest rates, you may be considering remortgaging to save money. Even if your mortgage provider has recently reduced its Standard Variable Rate (SVR), moving to a new mortgage deal could save you money. But before you’re tempted by an attractive...
by Brian Downton | J, Dec, 2016 | blog, Pensions
In April 2015 the government introduced the most significant pension reforms for a generation. The reforms give people who’ve worked and saved hard greater flexibility over how and when they access their pension savings and mean anyone reaching retirement age has been...
by Brian Downton | J, Dec, 2016 | blog, Pensions
A financially rewarding retirement is not the only contributor to a satisfying, healthy and enjoyable life, it’s still a pretty important one. For most, during working life, financial wellbeing will depend on whatever they do to earn money. However, as well as...
by Brian Downton | J, Dec, 2016 | blog, wealth-management
Since 2012, the average cash ISA rate has fallen from 2.84% to just 0.82%, while stocks and shares ISAs are performing far better, delivering an average growth of 7.4% during the 2014/15 tax year. Clearly the latter carry a varying degree of investment risk (depending...
by Brian Downton | J, Dec, 2016 | blog, mortgages
With rising house prices outpacing income an increasing number of young people will borrow from parents and family in order to get onto the property ladder. The 10th largest mortgage lender The combined amount which parents and grandparents will be prepared to gift or...
by Brian Downton | J, Dec, 2016 | blog, protection
Going through a divorce, dissolution or separation is one of life’s most stressful events, so it’s important to have people around you to help with the practicalities. This is particularly true when it comes to financial matters, which can be complex and emotionally...
