Investment market update: October 2024

While inflation is stabilising in many major economies, markets continue to experience some volatility, which may have affected your investment portfolio.  According to the latest International Monetary Fund’s Global Financial Stability Report, markets could be underestimating the risks of conflicts and upcoming elections. Indeed, the rising price of gold suggests some investors are seeking a safe haven amid news of …

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How to spot a real deal during Black Friday sales

Spotting a great Black Friday deal might be harder than you think – especially after Which? reported that 98% of products that were on sale in 2021 were cheaper or the same as their Black Friday price at other times in the year. In fact, 86% of the items had also been the same price or cheaper in the six …

5 savvy ways you could pay off your mortgage sooner

Paying off your mortgage might come with a sense of relief and far more financial freedom. If reaching that milestone as soon as possible is one of your goals, there are ways to pay off your mortgage quicker.  Being mortgage-free could open up doors for you. Without mortgage repayments, you might be able to travel more, retire sooner, or simply …

A woman talking on the phone at home.

The voice cloning AI scam you need to be aware of

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is providing scammers with new ways to try and dupe you. One type of scam that’s on the rise that you should be aware of is “voice cloning”. Voice cloning uses AI technology to replicate the voice of a friend or family member. Fraudsters then use this to contact you to ask you to transfer funds or …

A couple looking at paperwork together in their home.

10 financial tasks to complete this year to head into 2025 feeling confident

The end of the year is fast approaching, and while your mind might be on celebrating the festive period, it’s the perfect opportunity to tick off some financial tasks you might be putting off.  Spending some time going through your finances and thinking about what you want to achieve next year could help you step into 2025 feeling confident about …

Multi-generational family playing football in a park.

2 key Budget announcements that may affect your financial plan

Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered the new Labour government’s first Budget on 30 October 2024. Amid the announcements were key changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Inheritance Tax (IHT) that could affect your financial plan.  Ahead of the Budget, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it would be “painful” as there was a £22 billion black hole in the public finances. …

exterior of HM Treasury, London

Your Autumn Budget update – the key news from the chancellor’s statement

Almost four months after Labour won the general election, chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered her 2024 Autumn Budget, outlining the government’s plans for this tax year and beyond. Arguing that the July general election had given Labour a “mandate to restore stability and start a decade of renewal”, Reeves described it as “a Budget to fix the foundations and deliver …

A worker in an automotive factory.

Investment market update: September 2024

Economic data suggesting some developed countries, including the US, could fall into a recession continued to affect investment markets in September 2024. Read on to discover other factors that may have affected the performance of your investments. UK Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows inflation remained stable at 2.2% in the 12 months to August. The figure …

A woman walking downstairs.

Everything you need to know about loan-to-value ratios

When you’re taking out a mortgage, it can be difficult to understand the terminology, which might seem like it’s filled with jargon and acronyms. Indeed, one such term “loan-to-value” or “LTV” can be confusing. If you’re unsure what LTV means, read on to find out and discover why it could be important if you’re searching for a mortgage. LTV is …

A woman looking at a receipt in a supermarket.

Why inflation solutions should remain part of your long-term financial plan

High inflation has been a hot topic over the last couple of years, and as its pace stabilises, you might think it no longer needs to be part of your financial plan. Yet, skipping inflation when calculating your long-term finances could leave you with a shortfall. The government sets the Bank of England (BoE) a target of keeping inflation at …