by Brian Downton | J, Jun, 2016 | blog, wealth-management
If you’ve always been a saver but never considered an Individual Savings Account (ISA) you could be losing out to the tax man. Make your savings work harder ISAs are tax-efficient savings plans that allow you to shelter up to £15,240 in the 2016/17 tax year from...
by Brian Downton | J, May, 2016 | Budget
Mr Osborne’s third Budget in the space of a year included a number of re-announcements from his Autumn Statement, but there were a few surprises. Lifetime ISAs From April 2017, adults under 40 will qualify for a new Lifetime ISA. The maximum annual contribution will...
by Brian Downton | J, May, 2016 | blog, Pensions
AEGON’s latest annual retirement readiness survey highlights the challenges faced by homemakers when it comes to retirement and reinforces the importance of advice when it comes to financial planning. The survey identifies homemakers as typically women, aged between...
by Brian Downton | J, May, 2016 | blog, protection
If you use social media, you may have posted a picture by the pool or a selfie from the slopes. Even if you haven’t, you probably know someone who has. Did you know that sharing your current location or travel plans could void your home insurance? A quick swipe...
by Brian Downton | J, May, 2016 | blog, general
The average cost of a funeral in the UK has risen by £140 in the last year to £3,702. It’s hardly the most cheery subject, but updated figures suggest that funeral costs are on the rise, increasing faster than the rate of inflation over the past year. But it’s clear...
by Brian Downton | J, Apr, 2016 | blog, mortgages
The Bank of England (BoE) last increased the base rate in July 2007 and interest rates hit rock bottom in March 2009. This has meant over 1.75 million UK homeowners have never faced a rise in the BoE base rate. Mortgage payments around 18% of income During 2014 these...
by Brian Downton | J, Apr, 2016 | blog, protection
More accidents happen in the home than anywhere else. And during the winter months more time at home means more chance of an accident. You may take extra care whilst taking down the Christmas decorations or spring cleaning for Easter, but can you be sure your family...
by Brian Downton | J, Apr, 2016 | blog, wealth-management
New research suggests under-40s face a 148% hike in retirement living costs, while many over-45s are exposed to financial ‘shocks’ that could upset their retirement plans. monthly retirement expenditure to rise from £1,183 to £2,930 by 2050 (For pensioners who are not...
