Rising rates have been a feature of the mortgage market for almost a year. Following the latest Bank Rate rise, how should mortgage holders react? What happened? With Bank Rate at its highest level in 15 years, in the short term, this will affect anyone with a tracker or variable rate mortgage through higher repayments. […]
Author archives: matthew
Investor confidence returns
A recent survey1 suggests investors are becoming more confident despite ongoing challenges on the economic front. While this is certainly encouraging, maintaining a long-term outlook and retaining a strong sense of discipline in investment positioning remains a prerequisite for any successful investor. An air of optimism It’s fair to say 2022 was a turbulent year […]
Take advantage of the new tax year
A new tax year has begun and with it comes the chance to start your tax planning early, but why rush when there’s almost a year to go? Here are a few reasons: Why not get the new tax year off to the best start – get in touch. 1Vanguard, 2023 The value of investments […]
How to sell your house this spring
If you’re planning to put your home up for sale, there’s a lot to think about right now. As the first daffodils start to bloom across gardens and verges, the housing market usually blossoms too. In 2023, with expectations of slowing demand and house price falls, it has never been more important to focus on […]
Spring Budget 2023 – key points
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivered the Spring Budget on 15 March declaring it to be “A Budget for Growth.” The fiscal update included a range of new measures, starting with the latest economic projections from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR): The Chancellor’s strategy for growth focuses on four pillars ‘Everywhere, Enterprise, Employment and Education.’ Key […]
Downsizing on the up
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 […]
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 […]