Personal finance advice

Affordable renting?

forrentpic278 In the past, many people regarded buy-to-let as a means of making money quickly rather than as a long-term investment.

Last updated 2 September 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

School costs are an expensive exercise

As the new school year looms closer many parents will let out a sigh of relief as their children leave the summer hibernation of their bedrooms, switch off the games console and emerge into the sunlight to be reunited with their school friends.

Last updated 2 September 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Beware the banking scams

Earlier this month, it was reported in national media that six people had been arrested over a scam which police believe compromised the security of more than 20,000 bank accounts and credit cards in the UK.

Last updated 28 August 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Avoid getting burnt

The prospect of having somewhere abroad where the sun shines reliably and it doesn’t rain is an appealing one for many. Putting together the ready cash to fund such a dream (be it a villa or timeshare) is not the end of your worries, however.

Last updated 28 August 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Buyers still in the driving seat

The downturn in the housing market caused by the economic downturn and tighter lending conditions together with the recent withdrawal of compulsory Home Information Packs has led to an increased supply of properties for sale and much fewer buyers, especially those who can immediately proceed with a purchase.

Last updated 17 August 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Savers and investors need to take long term view

It continues to be a tough time for savers and investors with the base rate showing little sign of moving upwards.

Last updated 13 August 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Give the gift of tax relief

In last week’s article I discussed the need for individuals to examine their estates and consider whether they need to plan for Inheritance Tax given the freeze on the nil rate band, currently £325,000.

Last updated 13 August 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Personal choice in savings

If you are thinking about saving for a rainy day, there are a number of options available to you. Depending on what is important to you will determine which saving option you take. For example, how long you can tie your cash up for, how quickly you are likely to need access to it, and whether you pay tax.

Last updated 6 August 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

How to protect your assets from the taxman

The election is long since over and the coalition, after the emergency Budget, has turned its attention to addressing the budget deficit.

Last updated 6 August 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Protect yourself in business

To most business owners it would be inconceivable to operate their business without proper insurance cover, against the risk of fire or flood for example.

Last updated 1 August 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Ask crucial questions when picking a mortgage

Buying a property is one of the biggest purchases you’re likely to make, and your mortgage will probably be your single biggest outgoing each month.

Last updated 31 July 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Landing a good deal

With increased land prices in much of the north of England, selling off a piece of land can provide a sometimes much needed capital boost to a farming business from the vendor’s point of view, and can throw up different challenges for the purchaser.

Last updated 25 July 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Make your dream a reality

To many people not involved in the property industry, the thought of building your own house is daunting.

Last updated 25 July 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

We’re still living a traditional life

Our political and economic lives may be uncertain, but when it comes to home life it’s good to know that some things are as traditional as they ever were.

Last updated 22 July 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Avoiding Capital Gains Tax

With the increased Capital Gains Tax rate of 28 per cent, Capital Gains Tax planning should once again be at the forefront of our minds, particularly for those with second properties.

Last updated 22 July 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Facing up to large liabilities

Many households are faced with the daily challenge of reducing expenditure in order to meet liabilities. But what would happen if a large or unexpected liability arose? Could you cope? What should you do?

Last updated 2 July 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Competition in mortgages market

Mid-summer would traditionally be considered a prime time of the year to move home.

Last updated 2 July 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Britain’s unavoidable Budget

This was, in the Chancellor’s words, an unavoidable Budget. It was a densely packed Budget in which nothing, he claimed, would be hidden in the small print or sneaked out in the press notices.

Last updated 25 June 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Take that first step

The last decade was not particularly kind to first-time buyers. Demand and competition for houses in the first half of the decade caused prices to rise at an alarming rate.

Last updated 25 June 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Beat the fraudsters

According to fraud prevention service CIFAS, 27,000 British people fell victim to ID fraud between January and March this year. That’s more than one person every five minutes...

Last updated 22 June 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk