Downton and Ali Associates
info@downtonandali.co.uk
020 3021 0075 or 020 3135 0246
The coronavirus outbreak is having a widespread impact across all aspects of our financial life, with many people finding their income reduced. At times like this it can be challenging to stay focused. No matter what age you are, now is not the time to neglect your...
With policies like home insurance or car insurance, we’re all in the habit of reviewing our cover annually. With a life insurance policy potentially lasting for 20 or 30 years, it goes without saying that over that time, your lifestyle and therefore your cover...
There are 4.8 million self-employed people in the UK and only a third have any kind of pension arrangement. A shocking statistic when you consider that State support is shrinking and we’re all living longer. Saving for a pension when you’re self-employed is not as...
Complex tax-efficient investments such as Enterprise Investment Schemes (EIS) and Venture Capital Trusts (VCT) are a consideration for those who may be able to tolerate a high level of investment risk. EIS and VCT are investment vehicles which encourage investment in...
Evidence suggests that many more of us are putting down roots and choosing to stay in our current homes for longer. The average time a homeowner in the UK stays in their property is 21 years. This contrasts with the 1980’s, when a fast-rising property market...
20 Things You Need To Know About Business Protection No-one wants to think about dying or becoming seriously ill. But the truth is, if you own or co-own a business and either you or one of your co-owners were to become seriously ill or die, it could lead to serious...
It’s seems like every day you see another article in a newspaper about millennials ‘killing industries’ in recent times young people were said to have caused the demise of doorbells, napkins and even breakfast cereal. These tales of millennials bring the end to...
“In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Financial planning is all about preparing for those things that may not be so certain (and taxes). Plans should be reviewed regularly so they adapt to changes in your circumstances and reflect...
If you’re thinking of building your own home, financing the project may be high on your list of priorities. Self-build mortgages are different from normal mortgages. They release funds at stages during the building work, rather than in one lump sum when you complete a...
When you set your goals for 2020, I’d be willing to bet you didn’t imagine the events of the last few months. For many people who have lost loved ones, or have been ill, or have had their jobs or businesses badly affected by Covid-19, it’s been a devastating time. We...