Every six weeks or so, all eyes are on the Bank of England and its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) – the group that decides whether interest rates will be increased, held or cut. How they choose to act has an impact on how much it costs banks to borrow money and what...
What’s the difference between a product transfer and a remortgage?
If you want to stay on top of your mortgage repayments and ensure you’re getting the right deal for your circumstances then remortgaging is one of the most important financial decisions you can make. But is it best to change to a new mortgage product with your current...
Consolidating your pensions – is it a good idea?
Jenny is a 47-year-old Account Manager with a long and varied CV. She hasn’t quite had more jobs than hot dinners but, when she thinks about the various pensions she’s acquired over the years, sometimes it feels that way. Jenny has recently been considering...
Stamp Duty relief not extended for buyers – what you need to know before rules change
In Labour’s first Budget since taking office, the Chancellor announced her plans to fix the so-called ‘black hole’ in the UK’s public finances and increase investment in public services, setting out £40 billion worth of tax rises. While changes to stamp duty did form...
5 essential tips to protect yourself from financial scams
Cybercriminals use a wide range of tactics to con people out of their money. Stay one step ahead with these five crucial tips to avoid financial scams. 1. Stay informed Knowing how to spot a financial scam is your first line of defence. Fraudsters are constantly...
How to recover from a financial scam
Knowing what to do if you’ve been scammed and where to get help is crucial. Here are five key steps to recover from a financial scam. 1. Act quickly Time is crucial when dealing with financial scams. Take immediate action if you think you’ve been scammed to minimise...
The Value of Investment Advice
Seeking advice on how to look after your money may not be as fun as the immediate thrill of spending it, but it could be a rewarding decision in the long run. Investing can be a daunting task, especially if you're not sure where to start, that’s where advice can be...
4 key signs of a financial scam and what to do if you spot one
We’d like to think we wouldn’t fall for a financial scam, but the truth is we’re all vulnerable. Even amateur fraudsters can create convincing ads or replicate the websites, emails and phone calls of genuine financial businesses. But no matter how sophisticated the...
8 types of financial scams to watch out for
Fraudsters use a variety of approaches to convince you to part with your money. Here are 8 financial scams you should be aware of. 1. Impersonation fraud Scammers often pretend to be a familiar organisation like your bank, a utility provider or HMRC. They might inform...
Investing for children
As a parent, you want to do everything you can to ensure that your children have a bright and secure future. One way to do this is by investing on their behalf. Not only can they start adulthood with some savings, but getting children involved early with saving also...