In July, the markets were affected by general elections taking place in the UK and France, and the ongoing presidential campaign in the US. Read on to find out what else affected investment markets in July 2024. Uncertainty and numerous other factors may affect the value of your investment portfolio. However, for most investors, long-term trends are a better indicator …
Labour secured a majority in the general election, and their manifesto included several pledges that could affect the property market over the coming years. Read on to discover three pledges that could have an impact. Labour has pledged to build 1.5 million new homes Over the next five years, Labour has pledged to build 1.5 million new homes. Demand for …
Building a nest egg for your child or grandchild could give them a head start when they reach adulthood. It might allow them to pursue further education, get on the property ladder, or even enjoy a gap year. While saving is one option you might want to consider, investing for children could yield higher returns. Investing could help the nest …
Taking a lump sum out of your pension could provide you with more financial freedom. Yet, it could also land you with a large and unexpected tax bill. Read on to find out what you need to know about tax and withdrawing lump sums from your pension. Your pension withdrawals may be liable for Income Tax You can take up …
Deciding how to sustainably access your pension is often a big decision. If you’re planning with a partner, you might have an added layer of complexity – how can you make sure they’d be financially secure if you pass away first? It may be a question that’s difficult to consider. Yet, if your finances are intertwined, particularly if one of …
Often dubbed “death tax” or “Britain’s most-hated tax” in the media, Inheritance Tax (IHT) may seem complex, and you might be unsure if it’s something you should consider as part of your estate plan. Over the next few months, you can read about the essentials you need to know, how to reduce a potential tax bill, and the importance of …
2024 is a historic election year – elections will take place in 50 countries. More than 2 billion voters will head to the polls in countries including the UK, US, France, and South Africa throughout the year. Political uncertainty can affect investment markets and there was evidence of this in June. During market volatility, remember that markets have, historically, recovered …
Changing lifestyles and affordability challenges mean a growing number of people are buying their first home in their 50s and 60s. Stepping onto the property ladder later in life can still be rewarding and financially worthwhile, but it could present some additional obstacles to overcome. According to data from Legal & General, in the first three months of 2024, there …
Taking out a new mortgage is often a trigger for considering how you or your family would cope if you faced a financial shock. Yet, a report from Which? suggests that more than half of homeowners don’t have enough life insurance to protect them. If you took out life insurance, it would pay a lump sum to your beneficiaries if …
Identity theft is a significant problem in the UK. Indeed, Infosecurity Magazine reports that 4.3% of the population – that’s 1.9 million Brits – had their identity stolen and used by fraudsters to open a financial account in 2023. Your private information is incredibly powerful. You can use it to take out loans and credit cards or enter into phone …
