24 February 2020

In the news

IHT BILL RISES TO RECORD LEVEL Figures released by HMRC show a record amount of Inheritance Tax (IHT) was collected in the last financial year. In total, UK citizens paid £5.4bn in death duties in 2018/19, an increase of 3% on the previous year. This rise continues a long-term trend, with IHT receipts having doubled […]

20 February 2020

The evolution of ethical investing

Ethical investment has traversed into the mainstream, as people increasingly choose to allocate their investable funds toward companies whose values and practices align with their personal beliefs, whether they be environmental, social, religious, or political. Some investors may choose to eliminate specific industries or allocate to other sectors which meet their ethical preferences. This involves […]

20 February 2020

In the news

FAMILIES RELYING HEAVILY ON GRANDPARENTS FOR FREE CHILDCARE For many families, childcare is a significant expense that often eats a good chunk out of their monthly income. It’s no surprise then, that many parents are turning to their own parents for help. Recent research1 shows that 85% of grandparents offer some kind of support with childcare, […]

20 February 2020

Protect yourself as you move through life’s stages

Your protection needs will change as you travel along life’s journey, making it difficult to keep on top of what type of protection you need. A recent survey shows that only 27% of people are confident they have the right protection cover in place10. The survey also shows that our perception of the likelihood of […]

10 February 2020

State Pension top-ups surge

Figures recently released by HMRC have revealed a sharp rise in voluntary National Insurance Contributions (NICs) over the past couple of years as people seek to top up their State Pension record. Chance to boost your pension In 2018/19, the total value of voluntary ‘Class 3′ NICs amounted to £119.3m; in comparison, the figure was […]

10 February 2020

Work for yourself? Make your pension work for you

Self-employment offers many benefits: being your own boss and having the flexibility to choose your working hours being but a couple of examples. But when it comes to pensions, those who work for themselves are finding they’re at a disadvantage. Research7 has revealed that, although 74% of self-employed people think it’s important to save for retirement, […]

10 February 2020

Older people lack suitable housing options

Around 7.2 million over-65s would consider buying a bungalow, showing a strong demand for single-storey homes among the older population. With only two million bungalows ever having been built in the UK, however, it’s clear that demand far outstrips supply7. As our population ages, more thought needs to be given to the provision of housing […]

4 February 2020

Don’t sell yourself – or your contents – short

Recent research has revealed that we could be undervaluing the contents of our home by £115 bn6 – meaning that millions of people across the UK may not have the right level of cover for their possessions. Contents insurance covers anything in your home that isn’t fixed down (think furniture, electrics, clothes, toys, books etc.). Over […]

4 February 2020

University challenge of digs and tuition

In recent years it has become more widely accepted that university isn’t the only route to satisfying and rewarding employment. Apprenticeships and vocational training are among the other paths available; and there are many instances of success in business by those who entered a workplace direct from school and worked their way to the top. […]