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 …
Financial Groundhog Day: Let’s Put an End to Recurring Financial Mistakes
If you’re like most people, no matter your age, you often decide to save more and spend less. But life gets in the way, and you end up going back to your usual money habits. In the 1993 movie Groundhog Day, Bill Murray’s character experienced the unusual scenario of waking up to the same day repeatedly. Watching it was quite …
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 …
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 …
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 …
“Stealth taxes” will push more than 3 million workers into a higher Income Tax bracket by 2029
While chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced he’d cut the rate of National Insurance (NI) in the 2023 Autumn Statement, he failed to change the thresholds or rates for Income Tax. While that might seem like a good thing – it’s better for your finances than a rate rise after all – your tax liability could still increase. “Stealth taxes” refer to …
Inflation is falling. Here’s what it could mean for your finances
High inflation has dominated headlines over the last two years. With the rate now slowly nearing the Bank of England’s (BoE) target, taking stock of what it means for your finances could be useful. The BoE is responsible for managing inflation and aims to keep it at 2%. The central bank explains keeping inflation stable helps everyone plan for the …
The pension Annual Allowance increased in 2023/24. Have you reviewed your contributions?
The pension Annual Allowance increased significantly in the 2023/24 tax year. If you haven’t already reviewed whether the changes could mean you can tax-efficiently add more to your pension, doing so before the current tax year ends on 5 April 2024 might be beneficial. The Annual Allowance is up to £60,000 in 2023/24 The Annual Allowance is the amount you …
Essential Tax Year-End Tips for Individuals and Businesses
As the tax year draws to a close, both individuals and businesses need to engage in diligent tax planning. By addressing essential tax matters in a timely and efficient manner, you can identify opportunities for savings and ensure compliance with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) regulations. TPD Wealth Management, a Stockport-based financial planning firm, provides bespoke financial advice to individuals …
TPD Wealth Management Festive Period Opening Hours
As we head into Christmas and New Year, we would like to share with you details of our office opening hours during the festive period. Office Opening Hours: Friday 22nd December: 9.30 – 15.30 Monday 25th December (Bank Holiday) – Closed Tuesday 26th December (Bank Holiday) – Closed Wednesday 27th December: Closed Thursday 28th December: Closed Friday 29th December: Closed Monday 1st January …