HOW MANY OF YOU have your ISA’s or Pension invested in cash? The British consumer price index has risen to 3.7% in December, its highest rate in eight months, according to the Office for National Statistics. The rate is up from 3.3% in November 2010, while the retail prices index rose from 4.7% to 4.8%. The hike comes amid concerns that the rise in VAT from 17.5% to 20%, which came into effect from January 4, could act as a further [...]

Do you know any grandparents who would like to help the education of their grandchildren and minimise their inheritance tax liability – in an income tax efficient manner Hello, my name is James. I’m 63, married to Helen, and we have two grandchildren – Sam, aged 8 and Rebecca who’s 13. We know we have an inheritance tax issue and we’ve been putting off doing anything about it. But we know we need to do something about it sooner or [...]

We all know that it makes sense in our financial plans to keep some of our savings – investments in cash so that we can access them in an emergency. ISA’s (Individual Savings Accounts) are the most tax efficient way for most of us as the interest is tax free and (and gains for a stocks & shares ISA) we can put away £5,100 per annum in cash ISA and £10,200 p.a. in a stocks & shares ISA

As the property market continues to be uncertain, many people are putting on hold their plans to sell their homes until the situation improves. For many retired people, who have built up a substantial amount of equity in their homes, a lifetime mortgage can allow them to improve their quality of life now, without the need to sell their home. Customers can do this by using a lifetime mortgage. Mr & Mrs C had considered downsizing as they lived in [...]

We live in an uncertain world where maintaining financial security is essential for us all. That’s why you need to make sure that you, your home, family, income and lifestyle are financially protected if the worst should happen. Mark Gregory offers a range of protection products for you and your family’s financial protection. Life cover can help your family should you die prematurely, income protection can provide cover if you suffer accidental injury or illness and critical illness can provide [...]

The Bank of England again this month decided to keep the interest rate at 0.5% for the 14th consecutive month. After comments made by the Bank of England Governor, Mervyn King, on 12th May, economists suggested that the Bank could keep interest rates at their record low well into next year. Also, The Mortgage Works launched a range of Buy To Let products at 80% loan to value – which is excellent news for investment buyers who have been struggling [...]

We all know that it makes sense in our financial plans to keep some of our savings – investments in cash so that we can access them in an emergency. ISA’s (Individual Savings Accounts) are the most tax efficient way for most of us as the interest is tax free and (and gains for a stocks & shares ISA) we can put away £5,100 per annum in cash ISA and £10,200 p.a. in a stocks & shares ISA The Best [...]

You may have heard that the government is trying to encourage all of us to take more responsibility for our income in retirement. In 2012 the UK Government will introduce a new pension scheme to the UK. Previously known as Personal Accounts, pensions minister Angela Eagle announced the new brand – The National Employment Savings Trust – NEST on 7th January 2010. The initiative is part of an overall general pensions reform strategy and will create a significant change in the way [...]

Do you have children under 18? Imagine your children being left without their parents before they are old enough to care for themselves. It may not be a comfortable thought, but it’s something that you urgently need to consider. Don’t leave it to chance… Every day, this nightmare becomes reality for young families all over the country. In an age when we spend so much time in our cars, a night out, a party, even a simple trip to the [...]