Cost-of-living difficulties are forcing people to reconsider their housing situations, with a new survey1 showing that three in ten UK homeowners are considering saving money by moving to a smaller property, relocating or living with others. Race for space? After the pandemic-induced race for space, downsizing is back on the cards. Almost one in five […]
Author archives: matthew
Do I need to insure my solar panels?
More people are installing solar panels to their homes, spurred on by environmental concerns or the prospect of reduced reliance on the National Grid. Putting thousands of pounds on your roof can boost the value of your property, but do solar panels affect your home insurance? Come rain or… Having emerged in the 1950s, solar […]
Family finances: It’s good to talk
New research1 suggests young adults and their parents are becoming increasingly comfortable talking about money matters, which should ensure future generations are much better equipped to tackle their financial affairs. Breaking the taboo Historically, intergenerational discussions about finances have too often been viewed as a no-go area, but the research suggests UK families are beginning […]
Income protection crucial for renters
The number of households renting privately in the UK increased by 63% in the decade to 20171, reaching an estimated total of 4.5 million. As the rising cost of living continues to cause difficulties for many, the importance of protection becomes increasingly apparent. Safety net Tenants in the private rental sector generally have lower financial […]
Spring Budget 2023
“A Budget for Growth” Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, delivered his first Spring Budget on 15 March declaring it was “A Budget for Growth.” The fiscal update included a range of new measures, some of which had been widely trailed prior to Budget day, in order to achieve growth “by removing obstacles that stop […]
FCA issues ‘magic’ scam alert
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has warned pension holders to beware of scammers’ ‘magic tricks’ as research shows the economic squeeze is encouraging more people to withdraw pension savings. ScamSmart Britain’s financial watchdog recently launched its latest ScamSmart campaign aiming to give consumers the knowledge and tools to avoid scams. Over 700,000 pension plans were […]
It pays to think about estate planning
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is once again in the spotlight following the Chancellor’s decision to freeze IHT thresholds for a further two years until April 2028. Extending the frozen thresholds, together with rising house prices and soaring inflation mean that more estates are likely to be affected. IHT receipts on an upwards trend The latest IHT […]
Take control to improve your wellbeing
With financial concerns at the fore for many people, unfortunately it’s no surprise over half of adults have experienced anxiety as a direct result of rising bills, with a quarter suffering with feelings of depression as escalating costs take their toll, according to a new study1. Nearly half of adults are staying at home more […]
Stamp Duty in the Autumn Statement
Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt delivered his Autumn Statement on 17 November, with a host of announcements on personal taxation and public spending. Housing was largely absent from the key fiscal event, though a significant statement was made on Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). In September, then-Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng had increased the nil-rate threshold […]
Time for a retirement reboot?
Nowadays there are more choices open to you than ever before. This means there are more things you need to consider and have a plan for, like how to manage your finances to provide the income you’ll need to live on, how you’ll transition into full retirement and what lifestyle you want to enjoy in […]