Social media and the younger investor
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is concerned about the influence social media is having on younger investors, who it believes are taking on significant financial risks. This younger, more diverse group of investors, it said, is highly reliant on social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for investment tips and advice, but lacks […]
Retirees tempted by ‘risky’ investments
A new study conducted by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) suggests the UK’s prolonged low interest environment is encouraging retirees to consider riskier pensions and investment products, which could ultimately result in them losing significant sums of money. Taking a risk The FSCS poll of 2,000 retirees aged 55 to 75, found that one […]
Keeping up with the Joneses? – your personal goals matter more
Did the way some people tend to crave and display material success all start with yuppies and Harry Enfield’s ‘Loadsamoney’ character in the 1980s? No, it goes back much further, to 1913, when a New York Globe comic strip ‘Keeping Up With the Joneses’ first appeared and created an enduring, meaningful expression. Envy about others’ […]
Mortgage myth-busting
When it comes to taking out a mortgage, there are lots of myths flying about – especially when it comes to that all-important deposit. We’re here to bust those mortgage myths and help you onto the property ladder. You need a huge deposit to get a mortgage There’s a prevailing belief that you need a […]
Stay one step ahead
Nearly a third of homeowners (31%) would only consider purchasing protection insurance if they fell ill1 – too late to support them financially if they couldn’t work. Other triggers for taking out protection cover include a change in employment status (25%) or having an accident (24%), while 22% say there is no circumstance that would […]
Saving for private education
The average termly fee for private schools has reached £12,000 (£36,000 annually) for boarders and £5,064 (£15,191 annually) for day pupils, according to the Independent Schools Council1. Planning for the future It is a big decision to privately educate your child; school fees could easily be a family’s largest expense after their home. Starting to […]
Mortgage guarantee scheme reassures lenders
Launched in April 2021, the government guarantee scheme for 95% loan to value (LTV) mortgages has been welcome news for prospective homebuyers with a 5% deposit. The scheme offers a government ‘guarantee’ on 95% LTV mortgages to encourage cautious lenders to bring back these deals. The guarantee applies to the portion of the loan over […]
COVID: Changing the way we invest
While ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ has perhaps been the most apt mantra for investors over the past year, the pandemic has clearly had a profound impact on the investment landscape. The global spread of the virus has prompted a seismic shift in public behaviour and investors need to consider the implications of these changes […]
Holiday season is officially on (but make sure your home is protected)!
With the limited resumption of international travel prompting a flurry of holiday bookings, whether you’re raring to fly or sticking with a staycation, make sure you don’t leave your home vulnerable. With lockdowns preventing us from going on holiday for much of the past year, it’s little wonder we’re all desperate to get away. However, […]
Multi-jobbers – listen up!
Workers on lower salaries with more than one job are at risk of a poorer retirement, as they miss out on employer pension contributions, a new study has concluded1. Excluded from auto enrolment Auto enrolment was introduced to encourage people to save more in their pensions during their working years. Under the scheme, employers are […]