Applying for a mortgage, whether you’re buying your first home or remortgaging, can feel like a daunting task. While you might be putting it off, tackling it sooner could save you money and make it well worth your while over the long term. As mortgage advisers, we’re here to help you find the right mortgage for your needs, and offer …
Data released by Scotland’s largest health board has highlighted the potential challenges families could face if a loved one doesn’t have a Power of Attorney in place. According to a BBC report, in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, a third of patients who are delayed getting out of hospital are stuck because they don’t have a Power of Attorney, the …
An incoming change to the way pensions will be taxed when they’re inherited might mean you’re rethinking how you use your pension. Before you dive into updating your retirement plan, it’s important to understand what the changes could mean for you and how to balance passing on wealth with your retirement aspirations. During the Autumn Budget in October 2024, chancellor …
As some cryptocurrencies have delivered large returns in the past, you may be more likely to overlook red flags when you’re assessing an investment opportunity. Yet falling victim to a scam could leave you out of pocket and affect your mental wellbeing, so being aware of the warning signs could be essential. According to the City of London Police, more …
Even if your current mortgage deal doesn’t expire for a few months, searching the market now could be worthwhile and might even save you money. You can usually lock in a new mortgage deal up to six months before your existing one ends. While it might seem like a non-essential task right now, tackling it sooner rather than later could …
A combination of rising rates and panic ahead of the current government’s first Autumn Budget has led to HRMC collecting a record amount in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) towards the end of 2024. According to a report in the Telegraph, between July and November 2024, CGT generated more than £1 billion for the government – more than a £200 million …
Reaching the minimum pension age and being able to access your retirement savings might mean new possibilities opening up. You may start thinking about giving up work, withdrawing a lump sum to pursue a goal, or using your pension to boost your regular income. It’s an exciting time, but it’s also important to evaluate your decisions and consider how they …
Those who have retired or are nearing the milestone are consistently overlooking the risk of financial shocks when compared to other generations, a survey published in PensionsAge in December 2024 suggests. According to the report, 43% of over-50s had thought about financial shocks but not included the risks in their retirement plan. A further 32% haven’t considered risks at all. …
The gender pension gap is a pressing issue, and it grows wider after women have children. While men’s pensions tend to stay on track, for women, the gap between their retirement savings and a typical man’s starts to widen significantly. Here’s why: Career Breaks for Childcare It’s no secret that women tend to take on the lion’s share of childcare. …
Finding a mortgage with a poor credit score may seem like an uphill battle, but it isn’t impossible. If you’re an aspiring homeowner but are worried about how your credit report could affect your chances, read on to discover some of the steps that might help. 1. Save a larger deposit As lenders will view you as more of a …
