by Brian Downton | J, Mar, 2018 | blog, wealth-management
Much of the discussion and commentary around ISAs is positive, particularly comments that come from the government. However, is an ISA the best place to invest your hard-earned money? What interest can you expect to earn? Here’s what you need to know. What is an...
by Brian Downton | J, Mar, 2018 | blog, wealth-management
The original use of the term ‘nest-egg’ comes from an artificial egg being put into a nest to induce a hen to lay. These days we often refer to our hard-earned savings as our nest-egg, and the recent rise in the ISA allowance gives additional incentive to...
by Brian Downton | J, Feb, 2018 | blog, wealth-management
Keeping your investments close to home may have its advantages, but only by looking globally can you be sure you’re making the most of diversification. Imagine mealtimes without choice; your culinary options limited only to British food. No stir-fries, no fajitas, no...
by Brian Downton | J, Feb, 2018 | blog, wealth-management
The Junior Individual Savings Account (ISA) was introduced in 2011, 12 years after the launch of the original ISA in 1999, which recently celebrated its 18th birthday. In a nutshell, the Junior ISA is a long-term, tax-free savings account for children. It effectively...
by Brian Downton | J, Oct, 2017 | blog, wealth-management
After the Bank of England (BoE) cut interest rates to reassure the market following the Brexit vote, cash ISA returns plummeted. According to Telegraph Money cash ISA returns fell by as much as 35% in the six months after the BoE’s decision. A quick Google shows the...
by Brian Downton | J, Sep, 2017 | blog, wealth-management
Investment jargon explained. In this post, we explain everything from ‘asset classes’ to ‘default risk’. Assets: anything an individual, company or fund owns which has economic (tradable) value. Asset classes: Groups of securities or investments with similar...
by Brian Downton | J, Jul, 2017 | blog, general, wealth-management
Much is made about the impact of inflation on the ‘real’ value of your income and investments. That is, the impact inflation has on your ability to continue affording your lifestyle. The magic number The Bank of England Monetary Policy Framework has an inflation...
by Brian Downton | J, Feb, 2017 | blog, wealth-management
While homeowners can still benefit from low mortgage rates, savers will be struggling to enjoy any kind of growth on money they have on deposit, leading some to consider a riskier investment. If you’re considering investing in the stock market, one crucial and...