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 …

Shoppers walking down a high street.

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 …

A father and his daughter reading together.

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 …

The House of Commons, London.

Government borrowing halves and opens room for tax cuts in March’s Budget

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt could have more options ahead of March’s Budget as government borrowing halved at the end of 2023. With a general election looming, Hunt may take the opportunity to ease the tax burden. Read on to discover some of the personal finance changes that could be announced. Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that government …

A woman using her phone for online banking.

4 excellent reasons you may want to boost your ISA now

If you haven’t used your ISA allowance for the 2023/24 tax year, it could be wise to review your options over the next few weeks before the 2024/25 tax year starts. Read on to discover some of the reasons why an ISA could make sense for you. Government statistics show that ISAs are a popular way to save and invest. …

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How to move into the decumulation phase of retirement planning

Transitioning into retirement can present new challenges, not least, understanding how to sustainably start using your assets to create an income. As you move into the decumulation phase, you might worry about balancing your needs now with your long-term financial security, but a plan could give you more confidence. Managing the decumulation of assets is something more people will need …

Couple up your finances on this Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is not just about flowers and chocolates; it’s an ideal time for couples to strengthen their bond, and one crucial aspect of this is organising finances together. However, this year Valentine’s Day could be on a shoestring for many couples as the Office for Budget Responsibility recently downgraded its economic forecasts for 2024, predicting higher-for-longer inflation and borrowing …

Someone looking at stock market performance on their phone.

Investment market update: December 2023

Many markets rallied during December based on the expectation that interest rates will start to fall in 2024. Read on to discover what else may have affected your investment portfolio in the final month of 2023.  On 27 December, the MSCI World Stock Index, which comprises stock from nearly 3,000 companies to track global equity-market performance, was up 4.5% when …