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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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How to secure a competitive interest rate to cut your mortgage costs

With interest rates at their highest level since the 2008 financial crisis, finding a mortgage deal that’s right for you could save you thousands of pounds over the long term. Following the 2008 financial crisis, the BoE slashed its base interest rate, and it remained below 1% for more than a decade. During the Covid-19 pandemic, it cut the rate …

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Why general elections in 2024 could lead to volatile investment markets

The last few years have seen volatile investment markets due to the pandemic, lockdowns, and fears that high inflation could lead to economic recessions. Looming general elections could mean investors continue to experience ups and downs throughout 2024.  UK prime minister Rishi Sunak is expected to call a general election at some point in 2024. Indeed, the last nationwide vote …