Care home fees are rising – have you made a plan?
The importance of saving for retirement is shouted from the treetops – but a topic that gets less attention is paying for long-term care in old age.
2 mins 
Equity release – Do I take the plunge?
Retired people looking for a boost to their income can use the value of their home to access cash.
3 mins
Five reasons why you should consider life cover
Life cover is an important part of financial planning - it might not be first on your list of priorities and as a result is commonly overlooked. Life insurance pays out a lump sum on your death which can be a lifeline for those you leave behind.
3 mins
Annuities are back – what’s the deal?
Careful planning for retirement is essential to ensure your pension savings last as long as you need them to.
< 1 min
The State Pension 2023
The weekly state pension increased by 10.1% in April - the highest ever rise - for the 12.5 million people receiving the retirement benefit.
< 1 min
UK house price recovery – are we there yet?
Recent Bank of England data suggests that housing market activity remained subdued in the opening months of 2023, with the number of mortgages approved for house purchase in February nearly 40% below the level prevailing a year ago, and around a third lower than pre-pandemic levels.
2 mins
Should I stick or twist in a volatile market?
A question we are asked by clients at the moment is whether they should move to cash or stay in for the long run.
3 mins
The importance of estate planning – and making a Will
Don’t underestimate the importance of estate planning – and making a Will The idea of having to pay inheritance tax (IHT) is unpopular to say the least. This tax is charged on an estate, which is the property, money and possessions left behind to loved ones who will pay 40% anything above the threshold.
4 mins
Tax rises are coming
A whole host of tax rises and cuts to allowances will soon be upon us. Income tax bills are to rise as the bands for basic and higher rate were frozen in the Autumn Statement by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt.
4 mins
What lies ahead for investors in 2023?
Last year was challenging for stock markets to say the least. In the UK, both bonds and equities fell in value – and there was the gilt market turmoil of September following the mini-Budget.
3 mins