Taking a tax-free lump sum from your pension could be a fantastic way to kickstart your retirement plans. If it’s something you’re thinking about, it’s important to consider the long-term implications and understand how much you could withdraw from your pension before facing a tax bill, as the rules have changed in 2024/25. Previously, you could take up to 25% …
Investment market update: February 2024
While many economies are still struggling with high inflation there are signs that the pace is starting to slow, which could pave the way for interest rate cuts later this year. To reflect this, the OECD has lifted its 2024 global growth forecast by 0.3%, when compared to the end of 2023, to 2.9%. However, the international organisation warned that …
7 historic houses to visit during Easter
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend time with your loved ones over Easter, why not explore one of Britain’s many impressive country houses? Discover the beautiful landscapes and incredible stories while enjoying brilliant Easter activities at these seven historical homes. 1. Dunham Massey, Cheshire Step into the 17th century in this gorgeous Georgian home and investigate their …
1.5 million households could see their mortgage repayments soar when their deal ends in 2024
Homeowners with fixed-rate mortgage deals that end in 2024 could face much higher repayments due to rising interest rates. If your mortgage deal expires this year, being proactive could help you manage your outgoings. High inflation over the last couple of years has led to the Bank of England (BoE) increasing interest rates. In November 2021, the BoE base interest …
Have you overlooked speaking to your beneficiaries as part of your estate plan?
You may already have your estate in order and have written your will accordingly, but have you overlooked the value of speaking to your beneficiaries? A new report by PIMFA suggests that 58% of people in the UK have never discussed inheritance with their family members. Not doing so could mean that your beneficiaries may be unprepared for receiving an …
More than 1 million investors are expected to pay Dividend Tax for the first time in 2024/25
More than 1 million investors will be hit with a Dividend Tax bill for the first time in the 2024/25 tax year, according to an AJ Bell report. Read on to find out if you could be affected and discover some of the steps you could take to mitigate a tax charge. A dividend is a way of distributing a …
7 practical tips that could help Generation X feel more confident about their retirement
As Generation X starts to retire, research has found that many don’t feel confident about their financial future. If you’re worried about how secure your life will be once you stop working, there may be some practical steps you could take. According to a survey from Just Group, 52% of Generation X say they are not confident that they will …
Secure Your Finances: Online Shopping Tips for Global Money Week
Global Money Week serves as a reminder of the importance of financial literacy and responsible money management. In an increasingly digital world, online shopping has become the norm, it can save your time and effort while giving you a wide variety of products that you can choose from. Report by Statista shows that over 80 percent of the UK population …
Your Spring Budget update – the key news from the Chancellor’s statement
The 2024/25 tax year is just a month away, and chancellor Jeremy Hunt has delivered his 2024 Spring Budget, outlining the government’s plans for the next fiscal year and beyond. With a general election looming – prime minister Rishi Sunak has said he will call it before the end of the year – the chancellor claimed that the government had …
All the winners and losers from the 2024 Spring Budget
With one eye on a forthcoming general election, the chancellor has announced a Budget aimed at generating long-term growth, with “more investment, more jobs, better public services and lower taxes”. While the headlines will inevitably focus on Jeremy Hunt’s cut in National Insurance contributions (NICs), many less headline-grabbing messages will affect millions of families and businesses. Read on to find …