Changes to lending rules aim to avoid past pitfalls

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is proposing new changes to mortgage lending regulation, with plans for this to be introduced during the summer of 2013.

Last updated 3 February 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Best resolutions to put finances on form

It’s that time of the year again, when we draw a line under the successes and failures of the past year and shift our thoughts towards ideas of perhaps stopping smoking, eating less and exercising more, etc. However, it’s often a case of another year another list of New Year resolutions only half completed.

Last updated 24 January 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Tax form deadlines: all you need to know

With the holiday season well behind us and the month of January stretching out in front my mind turns to the impending end of the filing season for tax year 2010/11 (the year ended April 5 2011) on January 31.

Last updated 24 January 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Mortgage deals helping housing market

Last updated 24 January 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Over-55s see value in their homes but little in savings

Despite a quarter on quarter rise in income and savings, the UK’s over-55s are now significantly poorer than they were 12 months ago, reveals Aviva’s latest Real Retirement Report.

Last updated 24 January 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Junior ISA - a new way to save for children’s futures

There’s a common myth that children don’t pay tax – that’s simply not true. In fact, they’re taxed in exactly the same way as adults; which means that in the tax year 2012/12 each child can earn up to £7,475 tax free from earnings, savings or investments.

Last updated 24 January 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Tackle your tax and fatten your finances for the year

The Christmas period is coming to an end and as the New Year rolls in there comes with it the inevitable resolutions for the year ahead.

Last updated 30 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Make sure you fold money – not firms

Small businesses sometimes ignore paperwork, concentrating on what they know best – their business. It is, however, a sad fact that many businesses fail because they run out of cash rather than not being profitable.

Last updated 30 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Christmas 2012 is coming...

Christmas is nearly upon us, and with just two days to go I am in the privileged position of being ready for it, for the first time in my life…

Last updated 23 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Things can only get better. Can’t they?

The year is nearly over and now is the traditional time to look back and review some of the highlights and, indeed, disappointments of the year.

Last updated 23 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Chancellor’s tax problem that we’re all likely to inherit

I apologise for talking about a rather morbid subject at this festive time of year but I couldn’t help but notice that one of the more significant features of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement had gone virtually unreported.

Last updated 16 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Smart banking to stop mobile fraud

According to an online consumer study released in the second half of this year, one in four UK mobile internet users now use mobile banking.

Last updated 16 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Ensure you plan for care in retirement

Seven out of 10 over-55s don’t believe they should pay for care in retirement, according to the sixth Real Retirement Report produced by insurer Aviva in June.

Last updated 9 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Youth’s strong foundations

Britain’s 25-35 year olds are defying the challenging economic times as they plan their finances for today and show a determination to save for the long-term, research from Aviva shows.

Last updated 9 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

No gifts for Mr Tax Man

The festive season seems to approach with more speed each year, so about now the more organised will be starting the search for “something different” to give over the festive season.

Last updated 5 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Grand designs on building your own home? It needn't cost the earth

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

Last updated 5 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

How to cushion the blow to your business of hard economic times

In recent months there has been much talk in the media of the possibility of a double dip recession.

Last updated 29 November 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Pension flexibility advised

Pensions are an issue which continue to cause debate across Cumbria and which show no signs of disappearing.

Last updated 25 November 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Plan for your future, prepare for the worst

Over the last couple of weeks my colleagues Bob Wheatcroft and Graham Poles have covered student finance and student property, both pieces providing those of us with dreams and aspirations for the future of our children with some food for thought.

Last updated 25 November 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk