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 …
Understanding The UK Tax System and The Tax Year-End
Demystifying the labyrinthine UK tax system and its year-end procedures can seem like a daunting task. Yet it’s crucial for both individuals and businesses. Within this complex structure, we must navigate income tax, corporation tax, capital gains tax, and VAT, to name just a few. This guide seeks to shed light on this intricate system and empower you with the …
Investment market update: January 2024
While a new year started, many of the key factors affecting economies and markets in January were the same as those in 2023, namely high levels of inflation and recession fears. The World Bank warned the global economy is set to slow for a third successive year in 2024 and is on course for the weakest half-decade of growth since …
6 imaginative books to read with children this World Book Day
Are you taking part in World Book Day this year? The annual celebration of books and reading takes place on 7 March 2024 and aims to encourage children and adults alike to enjoy the hobby. Reading with your children can provide a range of benefits. The BookTrust found that children who read regularly are more likely to: Overcome disadvantages caused …