Talking about homes and property values is something of a pastime in the UK. Property is probably among one of the largest assets we own, so it’s not surprising that we want the value to go up. While property prices have soared in recent years, investing in your home could push up its value even … Continue reading Guide: 10 things that could increase the value of your property
During March there were reasons to be optimistic. In fact, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) raised global growth forecasts following Covid-19 vaccination and stimulus package news around the world. It’s now expected the global economy will expand 5.6% this year. Despite the pandemic dominating headlines, a survey from the Bank of America … Continue reading Investment market update: March 2021
Britain has a long history of fantastic storytellers, and a new generation of authors have filled this year’s British Book Awards shortlist with excellent reads. If you’re looking for some new books to read as the weather warms up, there are some fantastic options to choose from. The British Book Awards is an annual celebration … Continue reading 10 books to fall in love with from the British Book Awards 2021 shortlist
In 2020, the government spent an unprecedented amount supporting the economy through the Covid-19 pandemic. The economic consequences are expected to be felt for years to come and will no doubt influence policy that will affect personal finances. For the 2020/21 tax year, public sector net borrowing – the difference between public spending and total … Continue reading The cost of Covid-19: How does pandemic borrowing add up?
Technology has made investing far more accessible. You can now invest and make changes to your portfolio with just a few taps on your smartphone. While more people investing for their future is a good thing, technology is instilling bad habits in some investors. Far from investing with a long-term goal in mind, some investors, … Continue reading Technology encourages more investors to seek the “thrill” of trading and take bigger financial risks
The cost of funding care and delivering support to the elderly has become a national priority. However, research suggests it’s still not something individuals are thinking about when they make retirement plans. As average life expectancy has risen, the demand for care has soared and more people are living with complex needs. A report from … Continue reading 3 reasons to make social care part of your retirement plan
In March, chancellor Rishi Sunak delivered his second Budget. After a lot of speculation that taxes would rise to pay for the cost of Covid-19, you may have been relieved to discover your tax bill won’t be going up. However, you could still be worse off. Rather than increasing taxes, the chancellor said he would … Continue reading How the tax freezes announced in the Budget could leave you worse off
A year after lockdowns around the world began, Covid-19 continues to affect economies and investment markets. While the volatility experienced almost 12 months ago may have calmed, uncertainty remains and it’s important for investors to focus on their long-term plan. In February, Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), called on leaders … Continue reading Investment market update: February 2021
It’s been a year since lockdown was first announced in the UK in order to slow the spread of Covid-19. While restrictions have varied over the last 12 months, they have significantly affected daily life. If you’ve been feeling stressed or anxious recently, you’re not alone, and a new hobby to focus on could relieve … Continue reading 5 excellent hobbies that could help you overcome lockdown stress
In 2020, Covid-19 dominated the headlines. There were concerns that it would mean some of the challenges and opportunities ESG investing represents would fall to the wayside. However, in many cases, the pandemic has actually moved ESG investing up the agenda. “ESG investing” refers to making investment decisions that consider environmental, social or governance practices. … Continue reading How has Covid-19 affected ESG investing? Signs suggest it could become mainstream
The pandemic has led to more people taking control of their finances and investing. If you’re looking for some investing tips, the following pearls of wisdom from Warren Buffett are a great place to start. Known as a businessman and philanthropist, Warren Buffett consistently ranks on lists of the world’s richest people, with an estimated … Continue reading 7 powerful investment lessons from Warren Buffett
2020 was an eventful year. The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns around the world had a huge impact on life, which inevitably affected stock markets and investment portfolios. The stock market volatility experienced a year ago will be fresh in the mind of investors, but the crash wasn’t unique. Investors have experienced ups and down for … Continue reading The history of investing: What the past can teach us about market cycles
Is the common saying “money can’t buy happiness” true? Research suggests that it isn’t, and that the opportunities financial security brings can deliver happiness and improve wellbeing. This latest study refutes often cited research, which claims money could buy happiness but only up to a point. A 2010 paper written by psychologist Daniel Kahneman and … Continue reading Can money buy happiness? It’s the freedom to reach goals that adds value to your life
A year ago, Rishi Sunak delivered his first Budget just as the pandemic began to take hold. While his £30 billion package sounded significant, it’s a sum that has paled into insignificance over the last 12 months as the chancellor has spent £280 billion shoring up the UK economy. As the chancellor acknowledged in his … Continue reading Budget 2021 – The winners and losers
On Wednesday 3 March, Rishi Sunak delivered his second Budget as chancellor. The Budget outlines the state of the economy and the government’s spending plans. The World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a pandemic on 11 March 2020, the same date as the 2020 Budget. Since then, the pandemic has led to lockdowns, restrictions, and an … Continue reading Your 2021 Budget summary
Our latest guide is in partnership with Neil Bage, founder of Be-IQ, a fintech company focused on behavioural insights. The guide gives a fascinating overview of how our behavioural biases can affect the decisions we make. It could help you better understand your own decisions and what you can do to reduce your biases. We … Continue reading Guide: Behavioural biases, and how they affect your financial decisions
As we start 2021, there are reasons to be optimistic and some of this is showing in market movements. However, there are still obstacles which could have an impact on investments in the coming months. The International Monetary Fund has upgraded its global outlook for this year by 0.3%, taking expected growth for 2021 to … Continue reading Investment market update: January 2021
As we continue to be in lockdown, you may find that you have far more time on your hands. It makes it the perfect time to look at how you can improve skills, whether you want to get ahead in your career or simply learn something new. While traditional classes are not possible at the … Continue reading 5 places you can find online courses perfect for improving skills and professional development
Are you looking to improve your health in 2021? After a year where health was one of the most talked-about topics due to the pandemic, it’s set to be a movement this year. While you might have a set routine, mixing it up with some of the new trends emerging can help you get the … Continue reading The 2021 health trends you should try
The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) is reviewing Capital Gains Tax (CGT) after being ordered to by chancellor Rishi Sunak. Changes that are made following the review could affect tax liability and how you make use of allowances. While changes have yet to be announced, there are two key areas that are being considered for … Continue reading Capital Gains Tax review: 2 things that could change
Following a year of uncertainty, you may be worried about your finances. Covid-19 has had an impact in many ways, from reducing income to affecting investments. Some financial firms have also been affected and this may mean you’re concerned about how secure your assets are. The good news is that there are protective measures in … Continue reading How the Financial Services Compensation Scheme protects you
The current 2020/21 tax year will end on 5 April 2021. As a new year starts, many allowances reset. For some, it will be your last opportunity to use them. Using these six allowances before the deadline can help you get the most out of your money. 1. ISA allowance ISAs are a popular way … Continue reading 6 tax allowances to use before 5 April 2021 to boost your finances
The current tax year will end on 5 April 2021, a date when many allowances and tax breaks will reset. In some cases, it will be your last chance to use them. Making use of appropriate allowances can help you get the most out of your money. Our guide explains seven key allowances you should … Continue reading The 2020/21 end of the tax year guide
2020 was a year marked by volatility and uncertainty. With everything that was going on, you might think that investors finished the year with losses. Yet, world markets ended the year almost 13% up. It’s a reminder that while short-term volatility does happen, focusing on the long-term and your plans is important. The Covid-19 pandemic … Continue reading Investment market update: December 2020
What are your plans for 2021? Staying motivated when you’re working towards a goal can be challenging for everyone, but these ten books can provide a boost when you need it most. 1. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson You can learn a lot by delving into the history and mindset of leaders. In this case, … Continue reading 10 motivational books to help you get the most out of 2021
As the NHS continues to battle the challenges of Covid-19, you may be considering taking out health insurance. The pandemic means many people are facing delays and unable to book appointments when they want to speak to a health professional due to backlogs and restrictions. Taking out private health insurance could provide you with an … Continue reading Is health insurance something you should consider?
When investing, it’s the performance and returns that are often the focus. Yet, more investors than ever are also considering ESG (environmental, social and governance) factors when deciding where to invest. As ESG investing grows, trends for 2021 are emerging. In 2020, investors placed nearly four times the amount of cash into responsible investment funds … Continue reading Top ESG trends for 2021
With interest rates low and investment markets experiencing volatility throughout 2020, you may be looking for an alternative place to put your money. Premium Bonds are an option you may be considering, but you could end up missing out on returns. What are Premium Bonds? Premium Bonds are a type of investment product issued by … Continue reading Are Premium Bonds a good place for your savings?
Have you started preparing for retirement yet? If you’re nearing this milestone you may have contemplated whether your pension will be enough and how you’ll create an income. It’s often the financial side of retirement that people focus on. It’s understandable why. Retirement is a big change to your income. But the lifestyle and emotional … Continue reading Have you prepared emotionally for retirement?
This year has meant cancellations and a need to rearrange travel plans thanks to Covid-19. Now, as vaccines have been unveiled, you may be thinking about where you can visit in 2021. Whether you hope to visit a destination you’ve visited before or somewhere new, the pandemic may influence your plans as it has done … Continue reading Travel trends for 2021
2020 has been an eventful year for investment markets. Impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and government responses to this, there have been many valuable investment lessons that will apply in 2021 and beyond. As the extent of the pandemic became known in March, stock markets around the world suffered sharp falls. In fact, fears of … Continue reading What has 2020 taught us about investing?
Stock markets in 2020 have been characterised by volatility and uncertainty. If you’ve made financial decisions based on your feeling towards this, it could have cost you money. Whenever we make a decision, we have to weigh up the different options. While reasons and facts should be the basis for any decision you make, emotions … Continue reading Has financial bias cost you money this year?
Naming a Lasting Power of Attorney is something that we should all do. It’s something that can provide us with security if we’re unable to make decisions. While it’s often something that’s associated with being elderly, it’s just as important for younger generations to take this step too. A Power of Attorney gives someone you … Continue reading Lasting Power of Attorney: Why is it something we put off?
If you’ve yet to finish your Christmas shopping and simply don’t know what to buy for a child, a financial gift can last far longer than the latest fad. It might not be as exciting as unwrapping a toy, but at a time of year when they’re going to receive plenty of presents, money can … Continue reading 3 options for gifting money to children this Christmas
When you’re looking forward to retirement, working out your life expectancy may not be something that’s on your mind. Instead, you’re likely to be planning how you’ll spend your time now you’ve reached the milestone. But life expectancy is an important part of retirement planning. Life expectancy is rising. And while pension age has increased … Continue reading Why life expectancy matters when planning your retirement
In October, there were signs of economic recovery from the impact of Covid-19. However, over the month, many countries have reimposed restrictions and, in some cases, full lockdown, to stem the spread of the virus. As a result, it’s expected that volatility and uncertainty will continue into winter. The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Managing Director … Continue reading Investment market update: October 2020
When you think of your childhood home, what technology did it boast? While we don’t think too much about how homes change from year to year, tech and gadgets do influence our personal spaces and how we use them. It wasn’t too long ago that it was unheard of to have a computer in your … Continue reading The tech that could transform your home this decade
The season for giving is here and there’s more than one way you can help communities and tackle wider issues. The 5th December marks International Volunteer Day. It mobilises thousands of volunteers lending their support to charities and other organisations every year. This year supporting charities is more important than ever. Lockdown restrictions mean some … Continue reading 7 ways you can support charities to mark International Volunteer Day
It should come as no surprise that we believe financial advice adds real value to the lives of our clients. While the financial benefits of advice are often discussed, the value it can add in terms of wellbeing is sometimes overlooked but is just as valuable. The improvements to wellbeing that financial advice can offer … Continue reading Revealed: the wellbeing and emotional impact of financial advice
For many, retiring abroad is a dream. Enjoying your golden years in a sunnier country and experiencing a new culture certainly has an appeal. But with many retirement hotspots in Europe, Brexit could derail some plans and make moving to a new country far more difficult. Almost half are reconsidering retiring abroad due to Brexit … Continue reading Retiring abroad: What does Brexit mean for your plans?
Do you know how much you need to save into your pension for the retirement you want? Millions of pension savers are underestimating how much they’ll need once they give up work. It’s a miscalculation that could lead to a retirement that doesn’t meet expectations. Even if retirement seems a long way off, a pension … Continue reading Underestimating the amount you need in retirement: How a mid-life check can help
As countries around the world eased lockdown restrictions, there are positive signs that economies are recovering following the Covid-19 pandemic. However, with new measures in place potentially for months, the virus continues to have an impact and the future remains uncertain. The Organisation for Economic Co-operations and Development (OECD) now expects the global economy to … Continue reading Investment market update: September 2020
Want to learn something new but can’t seem to find the time to dedicate to it? Using an app on your phone is the perfect way to pick up small chunks of knowledge when it suits you. From listening during a commute to watching a quick video during lunch, it’s an excellent way to make … Continue reading 5 apps that can help you learn something new every day
Do you consider sustainability when making financial decisions? With Good Money Week starting on the 24th October, which aims to encourage people to think about sustainability when it comes to banking, pensions, savings and investments, now is a good time to learn more. While sustainability in finance is often associated with incorporating ethics and values, … Continue reading Good Money Week: ESG and investment sustainability
October is Free Wills Month, an initiative solicitors can be part of that offers free will writing expertise to over 55s to support charities. The key reason to write a will is to ensure your wishes are carried out, but did you know it could help you mitigate how much Inheritance Tax your estate will … Continue reading How a will can help you reduce Inheritance Tax
More people are becoming self-employed and it’s a step that’s been linked to improved wellbeing. But it can mean your financial security falls, particularly when looking ahead to retirement. For self-employed workers, it’s important to take steps that can ensure your financial security in the long term. According to research from the Institute of Fiscal … Continue reading 5 steps the self-employed should take to prepare for retirement
From 2028, you won’t be able to access your Personal Pension until the age of 57. The government’s decision could affect your retirement plans and it’s important to review what it means for your future. The government previously stated it intended to increase the age people could access their Personal Pensions, currently set at 55. … Continue reading Pension age rises to 57: What does it mean?
Most people require good financial advice at some point. It could be for pension planning, investments, family protection and inheritance tax planning. Research from the International Longevity Centre has revealed that on average, financial advice leaves people £40,000 better off compared to those taking no advice. The research looked at those taking financial advice … Continue reading Could You Be £40,000 Better Off?
You may have woke up this morning to a flurry of emails clogging up your inbox advertising the amazing savings retailers are offering for Black Friday. If you are looking for alternatives ways to save money, try these 3 simple things: Make a pension contribution. You can receive up to 45% pension tax relief for … Continue reading Black Friday – 3 Alternative Ways To Save Money
Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond will deliver his Autumn Budget next Wednesday (23rd November). The political backdrop means it is going to be a tricky balancing act. The government has a small majority, there have been high profile Cabinet resignations in recent weeks and Brexit negotiations appear to have stalled. All of these issues … Continue reading 4 things you should be looking for in next week’s Budget
John* approached us earlier this year as he wanted to consider his options regarding whether he should keep or transfer his Final Salary pension with Barclays. Enhance Financial Planning researched and analysed all the appropriate options and advised that John transfer the pension allowing the withdrawal of a large tax free lump sum and giving … Continue reading Barclays Final Salary Pension Transfer
The Bank of England raised interest rates by 0.25% to 0.5%, the first rise in more than a decade. This may seem like a small move; however, it will have an immediate impact upon personal finances. Those with mortgages and other borrowing will face higher costs but for those with savings it will offer some … Continue reading Interest Rate Rise – What Does It Mean For Your Money?
A recent study has revealed the worrying statistic that over a fifth of all people with multiple pensions have lost track of at least one, with some admitting to have forgotten the details of all of them. With around two thirds of UK residents having more than one pension, this amounts to approximately 6.6 million … Continue reading 4 Steps To Keeping Track Of Your Pension
A recent poll found that 45% of working people would retire immediately in return for a lump sum of £1 million or less. For £2 million, a larger amount of people (53%) would be prepared to quit the rat race for good. Two-thirds (66%) would quit on the spot for £10 million. Have you ever … Continue reading What Is Your Number?
The biggest risk is not taking any risk… In a world that’s changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.”– Mark Zuckerberg People often ask me this question – “where should I invest my money”? The simple answer is there isn’t a simple answer! I always start by … Continue reading 3 Important Things To Consider About Investment Risk
Each demographic cohort has its own name. Those born between 1980-2000 are called ‘Millennials’. If you were born between 1960-1980 you belong to ‘Generation X’. The most widely talked about generation, the ‘Baby Boomers’, were born during the years following the 2nd World War. You’ve no doubt encountered these descriptions before. However, have you ever … Continue reading Are You A Member Of The Sandwich Generation?
Have you noticed how many people wear fitness trackers? Seeing a Fitbit around someone’s wrist is now a common sight. I’ve tracked my daily step count, sleep patterns and even my heart rate for a couple of years now and I’d like to think that I’m healthier and more in tune with my physical condition … Continue reading 5 Easy Ways You Can Achieve Your Personal Financial Goals