Money Matters advice from the experts
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.
Why don’t more people switch bank?
Published 20 September 2008
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.
Keeping trimmer and fitter, but just how long can we afford to live?
Published 19 September 2008
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.
Cashing in on the April tax changes
Published 13 September 2008
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.
First time lucky for buyers who will share ownership
Published 13 September 2008
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.
Always seek help on mortgage difficulties
Published 5 September 2008
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?
Invest your time in looking at ways to beat inflation
Published 5 September 2008
Inflation has been getting a lot of press lately – so should you be worried and what can you do?
Death, taxes – and complications
Published 29 August 2008
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.
Face it: The credit crunch has now joined with inflation and low growth
Published 29 August 2008
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.
Take a pension tax break
Published 27 August 2008
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.
Give your finances a regular health check
Published 27 August 2008
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.
Structure in a sliding scene
Published 27 August 2008
With stockmarkets falling around the world, what’s available if you’re nervous but still looking for longer term returns?
Make it your business to save
Published 12 August 2008
While the impact of the credit crunch continues to affect peoples domestic budgets, the knock-on effects for business owners creates equal uncertainty.
Do you care what your savings fund?
Published 1 August 2008
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’.
property
jobs
date