Clouds and silver linings

Published 21 November 2008

Spend, spend, spend has been the message coming out of the Treasury and the Bank of England over the last few weeks.

Grab yourself a hassle-free new deal

Published 14 November 2008

Over the last 10 years or so, house prices have risen rapidly and mortgages have been relatively easy to get. All good things, as they say…

There’s relief for investments in these most taxing of times

Published 14 November 2008

Up until last April the normal rate of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) was 40 per cent. Now it is true that, for some, tax reliefs could lower the effective rate to as low as 10 per cent, but the majority paid tax at 40 per cent.

Tips for a troubled market

Published 7 November 2008

Competitive pricing is key to boosting the housing market. In its October survey of house prices, property website Rightmove reported that unsold properties on estate agents’ registers remain at historically high levels and that average asking prices had fallen by seven per cent in the north of England over the past year compared to 4.9 per cent nationally.

Don’t expect pre-Budget fireworks

Published 7 November 2008

The traditional British firework night is a feature of this time of year. We are taught to remember, remember the fifth of November – but how many of us do remember the origins of the tradition?

Is your life insurance up to the job?

Published 31 October 2008

It is so easy to put your head in the sand and try and not think about life’s downs such as critical illness or death but it is important that you do actually plan to ensure that your finances are secure if the worst should happen.

Spread the financial risk – don’t put all your eggs in one basket

Published 31 October 2008

There are many questions that people ask about investments portfolios such as:

Beating the credit crunch

Published 28 October 2008

If the recent injection of capital into the banking system becomes the event which is seen to mark the end of the credit crunch, October’s increase in unemployment figures and fall in econmic output signals the beginning of the recession.

If your money was on your payroll you’d be making it pull its weight!

Published 24 October 2008

The financial world has undergone a significant upheaval through 2008 with the banks being hit hard by the credit crisis.

One size of annuity does not fit all

Published 24 October 2008

In recent articles I’ve written about the advantages of pension plans in saving for retirement; the tax relief available, how you should ensure that the investments within your pension plan match your attitude to risk and that they are regularly reviewed to make sure they continue to match your objectives.

So happy to be called old-fashioned

Published 20 October 2008

Last week, the absurdity of the credit crunch was summed up in one hour of television. A breaking story about the first Icelandic bank to go into receivership was closely followed by a commercial for an electrical retailer offering the latest plasma screen TVs in return for monthly payments and no credit checks.

Brave enough to buy now?

Published 20 October 2008

As I write this article the FTSE-100 has fallen by about 31 per cent since the start of 2008. Banks are going bust and turning to the Government for help, governments in Europe, UK and USA are co-ordinating surprise interest rate cuts and injecting billions into the financial system without, it would seem, any effect.

Keeping your money safe with banks

Published 17 October 2008

Pay now, live later. That is the golden rule for a happy retirement

Published 10 October 2008

Retirement is often described as the ‘golden years’. Free from the burden of work, you can enjoy yourself with your family and do the things you’ve always wanted to do.

Countdown to the new tax deadline

Published 10 October 2008

The annual trauma of tax return submission time is no longer a distant prospect. It has been heralded early this year by reminders from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) popping through people’s doors.

Safeguard your home with a survey

Published 6 October 2008

Most property, irrespective of its age, condition or value must have a valuation carried out on it before any lender will agree to advance a mortgage for its purchase. This safeguards the interests of the lender.

Can you afford to stop work at 65? Advice now could give you a choice

Published 6 October 2008

This year sees the 100th anniversary of the 1908 Old Age Pensions Act. The first pension payments were made in January 1909 when more than half a million old and very poor people collected their state pension from their local post office.

Leave St Leger out of the equation

Published 29 September 2008

The St Leger is a 230-year-old horse race which marks the end of the flat season. It also gives a clear date for an old financial adage – ‘Sell in May and go away. Stay away till St Leger’s day.’

The hospitality trade offers you a cautious welcome...

Published 29 September 2008

As the tourist season comes to an end traditionally many guesthouse and hotel owners place their properties on the market.