Throughout March, the war in Ukraine continued to dominate headlines and affect investment portfolios around the world. Many companies, from well-known businesses like L’Oréal and Coca-Cola to smaller firms, have withdrawn operations from Russia, including online sales. Others, such as Unilever and Nestlé, have halted investment in the country but are continuing to provide some goods. This has led to …
When applying for a mortgage, being well-prepared can make a huge difference. Although the mortgage application process can be tricky, doing the relevant research and preparing in advance can make the whole process go more smoothly. One step some buyers choose to take before applying for a mortgage is to secure a mortgage in principle, also known as an “agreement …
Have you watched the Tinder Swindler or Puppet Master on Netflix and wondered how people could fall for the scams? Watching the stories unfold through a screen means you can spot the red flags and inconsistencies, but when a scammer is targeting you, it can be much harder than you think to look at your situation objectively. Over the last …
Over the last two years, investors have experienced a lot of volatility. If you’ve been tempted to change long-term plans, data can highlight why you shouldn’t panic. At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, markets fell sharply, and investors continued to experience volatility as the situation and restrictions changed. Just as things were slowly getting back to “normal”, tensions with …
If you’re nearing retirement, you may be starting to think about planning the next stage of your life. What steps spring to mind? You may prioritise organising your pension, claiming your State Pension, or reviewing how much you have in a savings account. These steps are important for creating security, yet good retirement planning goes further than your finances. So, …
If you opened a defined contribution (DC) pension in the 1990s or 2000s, the charges you’re paying could be higher than comparable pensions opened more recently. Between now and your retirement, the difference could add up to thousands of pounds. Research conducted by the Institute for Fiscal Studies found that many older DC pensions deliver “poor value for money”. Among …
Throughout February, tensions between Russia and western countries caused concern for investors. As Russia invaded Ukraine, stock markets around the world fell and it’s expected that volatility will continue. If you’re an investor, remember to keep a long-term outlook when reviewing your portfolio, and if you have any questions, we’re here to help you. UK Inflation continued to be a …
Are you looking for ways to keep children entertained over the Easter school holiday? Look no further, as here you can find seven excellent projects and activities designed to create memories and have fun with your children or grandchildren this spring. 1. Bake some Easter-themed treats together After 40 days of Lent, Easter is often associated with indulging and enjoying …
At the end of 2021, the Bank of England (BoE) raised its base interest rate from 0.1% to 0.25%. Then, the Bank increased the rate further in February to 0.5%, and now it has increased again to 0.75%. While the changes may seem small, they can have a significant effect on your mortgage – and further increases could happen this …
Financial protection can provide you with a lump sum or regular income when you need it most, for example, if you’re unable to work due to a long-term illness. Research finds it’s something many people are putting off because they deem it too expensive, but you might be surprised by how affordable it is. According to a report in Professional …
