As inflation persists, central banks were forced to announce further rises to interest rates in March. Coupled with the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, it has been an uncertain few weeks in the world economy. As an investor, remember that volatility in the markets is normal. Take a long-term view of your portfolio’s performance and focus on your overall goals …
A strong financial plan will help you to stay on course to meet your long-term goals, as you navigate your way through life towards your eventual retirement. The aim is that when that day arrives, you’ll be in a position to live the kind of lifestyle you desire. It can be easy to focus on the financial aspects of your …
Self-employed workers have always faced additional challenges when trying to get on the property ladder. But stringent affordability tests mean it’s becoming even more difficult to secure a mortgage. Government statistics show in 2021 around 13% of the UK’s labour force was self-employed. So, the barriers for self-employed workers are something thousands of aspiring homeowners need to overcome every year. …
Over the last year, interest rates have steadily increased. If you have a mortgage, it may have affected your repayments, or could in the future. So, does your financial protection still provide the cover you need? The Bank of England has increased its base interest rate to tackle high inflation, which has led to a rise in the cost of …
The benefits of having a will in place are well-documented, although if you don’t have a will, or haven’t updated it in some time, you’re not alone. A recent survey from MoneyAge has found that 51% of adults in the UK currently don’t have a will in place. Of those with a will, 43% haven’t updated it since it was …
Inheritance Tax (IHT) can affect what you leave behind for loved ones. It’s essential you understand if it’s something you need to think about, as there could be steps you can take to reduce a potential bill. Over the last few months, you’ve read about what estate planning is and how to calculate the value of your estate. Mitigating an …
On Wednesday 15 March 2023, chancellor Jeremy Hunt presented his spring Budget. Focusing on the government’s aims to halve inflation, reduce public debt, and boost economic growth, Hunt delivered his first official Budget alongside the latest economic and fiscal outlook from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). “Despite continuing global instability, the OBR report today that inflation in the UK …
Just six months ago, Kwasi Kwarteng stood up in the House of Commons and delivered his controversial “mini-Budget”. The announcements ultimately brought down the short-lived Truss administration, with current chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, announcing a series of policy measures in November 2022 aimed at calming the markets. Having taken “difficult decisions to deliver stability and sound money”, the chancellor has delivered …
Statistics suggest that some of the pressures facing economies, such as high inflation and recession concerns, are starting to ease. However, there is still a risk that economies could fall into a recession in 2023. Read on to find out what influenced the markets in February 2023. As an investor, remember to focus on your long-term goals when making decisions. …
It’ll come as no surprise that the most expensive UK street to buy a property on is in London. But how much do you think a house on Phillimore Gardens will set you back? According to Halifax, an average property on the tree-lined street of Victorian houses will set you back £22.8 million – 83 times the national average property …
