Our Blog
Thinking of Fixing Your Mortgage?
If you think an increase in your mortgage repayments could have a negative impact on your lifestyle or financial wellbeing, you may want to consider fixing your mortgage. With a fixed rate mortgage, your payments are set at a certain level for an agreed period,...
The State Pension – all you need to know
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...
The Ninth Largest Lender
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 of a first...
The matter of trusts
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...
Downton and Ali Charity Presentation – 19th October 2017
Pension Advice Allowance
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...
Buy to Let Mortgage Market Changes
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...
Charity News November 2017
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 November was...
Lasting Power of Attorney
A will deals with matters in the event of your death, but what if you became unable to handle your affairs while still alive? As you get older, a physical or mental illness could affect your ability to manage personal affairs. If the prospect of this worries you, you...
Day 5 – India Cycle Challenge
Today was the last day but no let up with the early mornings. We were up again at 6am for breakfast and the morning warm up was delivered by our two resident Geordies, David and Davie, where we learned the Geordie butcher's song (you have to see the video). 55Km today...
