This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “Accelerate Action”. While huge strides have been made in improving financial independence for women, there’s still a significant gap. It could harm your overall wellbeing and your options in the future. If you want to take steps to improve your long-term financial security, there are things you can do now. 1. Don’t …
When you’re deciding how to pass on assets and who you want them to go to, understanding their value, and how this might change, is crucial. Last month, you read about why estate planning should be part of your overall financial and life plan. Now, read on to discover why getting to grips with what your estate covers is important. …
Over the last year, interest rates have increased from historic lows. Fixed-rate mortgage payers that have been shielded from the rises so far could find their outgoings rise if their deal ends in 2023. The Bank of England increased its base interest rate several times over the last 12 months to tackle high levels of inflation. For savers, it’s been …
You have until 5 April 2023 to make the most of your ISA allowance for the current tax year. If you want to boost your savings or investments, adding more to your ISA could make sense. For the 2022/23 tax year, you can add up to £20,000 to adult ISAs. The allowance is for each individual. So, if you’re planning …
If you’re saving into a defined contribution (DC) pension, you can choose how you access the money. You’ll also be responsible for ensuring the savings provide you with an income for the rest of your life, so understanding the different options available to you is crucial. Most workers saving for retirement will have a DC pension. This is where your …
While you can take out a mortgage without the support of a mortgage broker, their help can be invaluable. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, moving home or remortgaging, a broker can help you understand all your options and could help you save money. Here are five reasons to choose an independent broker. How could a mortgage broker help you? 1. …
The majority of Brits feel stressed about planning their retirement, a survey from Aviva finds. While later-life planning can seem complex, taking control of your goals and pension during your working life can mean you feel more confident. The survey found that 61% of Brits feel stressed when they think about retirement planning. Unsurprisingly, given the current economic uncertainty, money …
Fewer workers are choosing to give up work on a set date. A study by WTW in its 2024 Global Benefits Attitudes Survey showed that 49 per cent of workers aged 50 or older have either started phasing into retirement or want to do so. What is a phased retirement plan? A phased retirement can take many forms. You may decide to …
Have you thought about how you’ll use assets later in life or what you’d like to happen to them when you pass away? Planning for the future with an estate plan now could improve your long-term security and ensure your wishes are followed. While it can be difficult to think about long-term challenges and understand what decisions are right for …
Two-thirds of families could find themselves in financial difficulty if they face a shock because they don’t have enough saved in an emergency fund, research suggests. Do you have enough saved to cover potential emergencies? An emergency fund is an important part of creating financial resilience. It means you could maintain financial commitments and your lifestyle even if something unexpected …
