29 November 2019

JISAs gaining in popularity

As the emphasis on intergenerational wealth planning intensifies, the popularity of the Junior ISA shows no sign of subsiding. The JISA star continues to rise, with almost 15% more plans subscribed to in 2017/18 than the previous year. Some of this growth can be attributed to the flexibility of the JISA to fit into financial […]

29 November 2019

Financial lessons for the next generation

Passing money from one generation to the next can be a difficult issue for parents, particularly when it comes to ensuring children are ready to take on the responsibility of handling family wealth. However, while discussions about money can be uncomfortable, the key to instilling financial responsibility undoubtedly centres on education and communication. Sooner rather […]

29 November 2019

The UK’s lack of age friendly homes

Although new housing is appearing in towns and villages across the UK, it seems these estates are not including homes which appeal to the over-55s. The focus to date has been on building new homes for first-time buyers and families, but a swell in the numbers of elderly people looking to move to these out-of-city […]

13 November 2019

Accidental landlords could face a large tax bill

Earlier this year, the government announced plans to scrap two types of tax relief for landlords who sell a property that was once their home. Homeowners in these circumstances are often referred to as ‘accidental landlords’, as when they originally acquired the property it was not with the intention of letting it out. They may […]

13 November 2019

On your radar – key personal finance tips

On your radar – key personal finance tips Taking the time to tune in to a few key pointers can really benefit your finances, helping you plan and manage them effectively. SAVE INTO YOUR ISA The ISA allowance for 2019-20 is £20,000. Don’t miss this opportunity to save or invest tax-efficiently. We can help you […]

13 November 2019

Gender Protection Gap revealed

Gender protection gap revealed Figures released by financial software firm IRESS highlight a substantial difference in protection sums assured across the gender divide, raising concerns that women are at far greater risk of being underinsured than their male counterparts. Stark contrast While the analysis* found no significant difference in the number of men and women […]

5 November 2019

UK Dividend Outlook

Although the overall level of dividend payments recently rose to another all-time high, the outlook is less favourable, and it may be time to temper expectations. Underlying weakness According to data*, total dividends paid by UK listed firms rose to £37.8 billion in the second quarter of 2019, a rise of 14.5%. This can be […]

5 November 2019

Improving Instead of Moving

The average time a homeowner in the UK stays in their property is 21 years*. This contrasts with the 1980s, when a fast-rising property market encouraged a move every eight years on average. Now though, high prices and Stamp Duty, combined with the other costs of moving, are encouraging us to stay put and spend […]