Research1 suggests a significant minority of over-55s either have or are planning to unretire. Worryingly, though, a majority in this group have not checked the tax implications associated with such a decision, leaving many potentially at risk of falling foul of the unretirement ‘tax trap.’ The great unretirement continues According to the research, more than […]
Author archives: matthew
Equity release update
Data suggests that confidence is growing among new and existing equity release customers. Equity release customers rose by 12% in Q2 of this year, with total lending increasing by 15% to £578m1. There was also a quarterly and annual increase in the average loan size, which indicates that customer confidence is being restored. More taking […]
In the news
Equity fund inflows on the up Statistics1 show that, during the first half of 2024, net inflows to equity funds were over £11.3bn, the best six-month recording for equity funds according to global fund network Calastone’s ten-year record. Of the most positive inflows, North America and global funds recorded £7.8bn and £7.2bn respectively, with emerging […]
Which pension personality are you?
A recent study1 has identified several distinct pension personality types, each with its own strengths and challenges. Which one resonates with you? Procrastination Pete and Paula are the most common type, often overwhelmed by the complexities of pensions. This group is likely to make poor decisions, such as hastily withdrawing a 25% tax-free lump sum […]
HNWIs on the rise – and their needs are changing
A new report1 suggests the wealth of ‘high-net-worth-individuals’ (HNWIs) – grew by 4.7% in 2023, with the HNWI population increasing by 5.1% to 22.8 million globally. What’s behind the increase? Global economic uncertainty, higher interest rates and rising political tensions led to significant declines in HNWI wealth (3.6%) and population (3.3%) in 2022. However, the […]
In the news
Northern cities surge in mortgage searches As buyers consider more affordable housing options beyond the capital, the six major Northern cities of Leeds, Bradford, Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield and Newcastle have witnessed a significant increase in purchase mortgage searches and now account for almost 11% of all mortgage search activity, up by two-thirds on last year1. […]
Finding midlife balance
Midlife can be demanding. Having moved onto – and, perhaps, up – the housing ladder, started a family and settled down, you would think you might have earned an easy ride. Yet midlife demands on your time and money can make you feel you are being pulled in a hundred different directions. Between supporting your […]
The new Renters’ Rights Bill – what does it mean?
The Labour government has designed a Renters’ Rights Bill, aiming to improve the rights and protections for tenants. Changes have already been made to improve rights in Scotland and Wales, so the proposed Bill will be applicable to renters in England, with some elements stretching to Wales. No more no-fault evictions The Bill will include […]
Economic Review October 2024
Economy set for short term Budget boost New economic projections produced by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) suggest the Labour administration’s first Budget will provide only a ‘temporary boost’ to UK economic output. Chancellor Rachel Reeves revealed the independent fiscal watchdog’s latest forecast during her Autumn Budget delivered to the House of Commons on […]
Autumn Budget 2024
“Our mission to grow the economy” Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, delivered the Labour government’s first Budget on 30 October with a promise to “restore economic stability” and “invest, invest, invest” to promote growth. In her statement, she outlined a number of new tax and spending measures that she said would create “an economy […]