Monthly Archives: May 2017

Pension freedoms

Retirement savers say they are still confused by the rules

On the second anniversary of the pension freedoms reforms THAT took effect from April 2015, some retirement savers say they are still confused by the rules and want no more changes.

Hello LISA

Saving for a first home or retirement at the same time

The start of the new tax year on 6 April 2017 saw the launch of the Lifetime ISA (LISA), which was announced in the 2016 Budget.

Untying the knot

Divorcees twice as likely to have no savings

A daunting part of a separation or divorce for most couples is sorting out the finances. Financial disputes can be a major stumbling block in the divorce process and could take longer than the divorce itself.

Road to Brexit

Biggest investment planning challenge over the coming years for all investors

Brexit has created an air of uncertainty, and no one really knows what’s coming next or what it could all mean in the long term. On 29 March, Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty in a letter to EU Council President Donald Tusk, starting two years of divorce proceedings.

Protecting your finances and well-being

Millions of Britons face financial fallout should serious illness strike

It’s easy to think that we will never be diagnosed with a critical illness, particularly when we feel healthy and energetic, but we can fall ill with very little warning. A critical illness can have a serious impact not only on Your OWN life, but also on the lives of your children, spouse or partner. So it’s important to make sure that you financially protect yourself and your family.

Spring Budget 2017

What did it mean for your financial plans?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, delivered his Spring Budget to Parliament on 8 March 2017. This Budget was the last one to take place in the spring. The Chancellor said last year that he wanted to simplify the whole business of setting taxes and government spending, which had become too complicated.

Passing on wealth without further tax charges

Over-55s risk falling prey to the inheritance ‘sibling tax trap’

On 6 April 2017, a new additional main residence nil-rate band (RNRB) was introduced, which allows for less Inheritance Tax to be paid in situations when a family home is left to children, grandchildren or certain other ‘qualifying beneficiaries’ – including stepchildren and foster children.

Golden years

Key to a positive retirement lifestyle

Unfortunately, some individuals do not realise the importance of planning for their retirement. The amount of money saved for retirement will eventually have a profound impact on how we live our lives and our standard of living in our golden years.

Navigating markets

UK and European investment company managers comment on the outlook post-Brexit

On Wednesday 29 March, Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon was triggered, formally notifying the EU that the UK intends to withdraw from membership and starting the clock for leaving negotiations.