Downton and Ali Associates
info@downtonandali.co.uk
020 3021 0075 or 020 3135 0246
Let’s be honest. 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. Research published last summer by the International Longevity Centre for Royal London found...
You're not bound by law to have a survey done on a property you're buying, but while it may feel like an unnecessary expense given all the other costs involved in home-buying, it could actually save money and stress in the longer-term. A survey is basically a health...
Since its launch in April 2013 more than 145,000 properties have been bought using the Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme. Five years on and the interest-free element of the loan is due to end, with homeowners potentially facing expensive fees. The Help to Buy Equity Loan...
The most popular markets among investors typically fall into one of two categories – developed or emerging. There’s no universal definition for either category, but MSCI, a research firm which provides many of the indices used by investment funds as benchmarks,...
The introduction of automatic enrolment in 2012 has led to a record high in pension participation, with more than 9.5 million people enrolled through the scheme, but contributions are at minimum levels, ONS data has shown. The number of employees who contribute to a...
Financial wellbeing is an important factor when it comes to being able to enjoy life. While we’re earning, it’s possible to secure the living standards we want for ourselves and our families, but it’s also important to put some of that income aside to build up your...
When it comes to selling your house first impressions count, and that starts with kerbside appeal. Start with free Before spending any money, have a look around your property to see what improvements you can make that won’t cost a penny. If you have a garden, plants,...
Every commentator will have a different idea about which areas and which funds are the best bet and these varying opinions can cause confusion for anyone relying on their expertise. It’s also important to note that none of these talking heads will be privy to your...
Frank Field, Labour MP and chair of an influential parliamentary committee, has called for legislative action to help keep pension savings safe. This comes after Police data shows that more than £43m of people’s retirement savings have been lost to fraud since the...
If we asked you to list the most common reasons for claiming on your household insurance, you’d probably say theft, accidental damage, or damage caused by storms and flooding. The following claims, however, are slightly more unusual… Animals do the strangest things...