24% of people think all their savings are tax-free, according to a Lloyds Bank survey carried out in February 2025. However, they could be in for an unexpected shock, as the interest earned on savings might be liable for Income Tax. The good news is, there are often ways to reduce a potential tax bill on your savings. Read on …
Creating a financial plan can seem complicated, especially if you need to take into account your partner’s views, assets, and goals. At times, you might have conflicting ideas about what is “right” and it can be a difficult situation to navigate. Working with a financial planner as a couple could help you overcome some of the key challenges you might …
The global economy is facing significant disruption following President Donald Trump’s recent imposition of trade tariffs. These sweeping measures have triggered sharp declines in stock markets worldwide, leaving many investors and businesses concerned about the potential long-term impact. Market reactions to tariffs This morning (7th April 2025), the UK’s FTSE 100 index fell by nearly 6%, reflecting widespread unease about …
Your home may be one of the largest assets you own, and unlocking property wealth using equity release could significantly boost your funds later in life. According to the Equity Release Council, in the final quarter of 2024, homeowners withdrew around £622 million from their homes. The average person withdrawing a lump sum for the first time received £115,243. A …
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 …
