Personal finance advice
Can you afford to stop work at 65? Advice now could give you a choice
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.
Last updated 6 October 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk
Leave St Leger out of the equation
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.’
Last updated 29 September 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk
The hospitality trade offers you a cautious welcome...
As the tourist season comes to an end traditionally many guesthouse and hotel owners place their properties on the market.
Last updated 29 September 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk
Why don’t more people switch bank?
According to recent research carried out by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), the most important factor to us when choosing a current account provider is whether the bank of building society has got a branch near to where we live or work.
Last updated 20 September 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk
Keeping trimmer and fitter, but just how long can we afford to live?
We all know it’s important to plan for retirement and that the State pension isn’t going to be enough to provide the lifestyle we want in retirement.
Last updated 20 September 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk
Cashing in on the April tax changes
Last year the Chancellor announced major changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT). These changes came into force in April this year and have changed the arithmetic of much of the basic planning for those with investment portfolios.
Last updated 13 September 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk
First time lucky for buyers who will share ownership
Although house prices have been falling, the tightened lending conditions arising from the credit crunch are preventing many first-time buyers from acquiring a home as they cannot raise deposit funds and can be off put by high product rates and substantial mortgage arrangement fees.
Last updated 13 September 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk
Always seek help on mortgage difficulties
With no end in sight to the increases in costs of living, nobody needs to be reminded that times are getting tough financially. But what happens if you start getting into difficulties repaying your mortgage?
Last updated 5 September 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk
Invest your time in looking at ways to beat inflation
Inflation has been getting a lot of press lately – so should you be worried and what can you do?
Last updated 5 September 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk
Death, taxes – and complications
Inheritance Tax is an unpopular tax, but, as most of the collection is done by accountants and solicitors, it is a cheap tax to run with growing receipts. I suspect that makes its abolition unlikely.
Last updated 29 August 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk
Face it: The credit crunch has now joined with inflation and low growth
In a piece of analysis that stretches the definition of optimism, a number of commentators have leapt on the recent reductions in mortgage rates as a sign that the current market conditions are coming to an end.
Last updated 29 August 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk
Take a pension tax break
In recent articles my colleague Derek Baty has covered issues ensuring pension investments are suitable from a risk Investment basis, the importance of funding adequately, and the “Open Market Option” when trying to secure maximum income at retirement.
Last updated 27 August 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk
Give your finances a regular health check
Many people approach financial planning as they do their own health – wish for the best and only visit the doctor when you have a problem.
Last updated 27 August 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk
Structure in a sliding scene
With stockmarkets falling around the world, what’s available if you’re nervous but still looking for longer term returns?
Last updated 27 August 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk
Make it your business to save
While the impact of the credit crunch continues to affect peoples domestic budgets, the knock-on effects for business owners creates equal uncertainty.
Last updated 12 August 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk
Do you care what your savings fund?
When I was asked to write this article on ethical or socially responsible investment my initial thought was ‘Here we go, another piece on saving the environment’.
Last updated 1 August 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk
How to keep it in the family
How does inheritance tax work? Quite simply, if all of your assets put together are worth more than £312,000 in total when you die the tax man could potentially take a 40 per cent chunk out of anything over this.
Last updated 1 August 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk
Tales of the unexpected debt
The rising cost of motor fuel and household bills is in the press on a daily basis. With the cost of living increasing faster than earnings, your disposable income is constantly being reduced.
Last updated 28 July 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk
Buying an annuity? Check the options
If you want a happy retirement, but haven't made pension provision you need to seek advice and fast.
Last updated 21 July 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk
Let savings take the strain
Too few are saving on a regular basis, but there has never been a better or more important time to save.
Last updated 21 July 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk
More Money Talk
Search for:
Quick links
Vote
