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Investment market update: December 2019
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Why financial planning is important when purchasing a home
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Decade of low interest rates: How has it affected your savings?
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DIY money management could cost you in the long run

Category: News

The basics of Inheritance Tax and why it’s being reviewed

31.07.2019

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is one of the most unpopular types of tax in the UK and often referred to as a ‘death tax’. With the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) reviewing it and recommending changes, it’s the perfect opportunity to look at why and what the current rules mean for you. IHT is paid on around one in 20 estates in the UK. Whilst that’s relatively few, the bill can be significant and it’s one that your estate could be liable for...

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People risking financial security due to ‘illness denial’

09.07.2019

No one wants to think about becoming seriously ill. However, it’s an approach that could be leaving millions of people open to financial insecurity if something did happen. Research has revealed that Brits are often in ‘illness denial’ believing something won’t happen to them, even if the odds aren’t in their favour. Focussing on the likelihood of being affected by a serious medical condition, research from AIG Life discovered many Brits...

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Five benefits of estate planning

09.07.2019

Planning how you’ll pass your estate to loved ones can be challenging, both practically and emotionally. But taking some steps to understand how you can efficiently achieve your goals, can make them more likely to become a reality. From writing a will to discussing potential inheritance with loved ones, estate planning is a task that many put off. However, it should be considered an essential part of your financial plan that’s just as...

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What influences your risk profile?

09.07.2019

Risk profile is something we mention a lot when looking at investments and other key financial decisions. But what has an impact on your risk profile? Investing naturally comes with some level of risk and values will rise and fall over time. However, the amount of volatility experienced varies hugely. Typically, the greater the level of risk and volatility you take on, the higher the potential returns, but there is a greater chance that values...

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Getting to grips with Power of Attorney

09.07.2019

Naming a Power of Attorney is often one of those tasks we know we should get around to but inevitably put off. The number of people registering a Power of Attorney has been rising, yet figures suggest millions could still be left in a vulnerable position should something happen to them. If you’ve yet to name a Power of Attorney, we take a look at the reasons to consider doing so and how to go about it. Let’s start with the basics: What is a...

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What can you do to minimise objections to your will?

09.07.2019

When you write a will, you expect your wishes to be upheld, but that’s not always the case. It is possible for those left behind to contest a will if they believe it is invalid or doesn’t make reasonable financial provisions for certain relatives or dependents. As the number of contested wills increases, it’s important to understand why this is and what can be done to minimise the risk of it happening. In simple terms, a will contest is a...

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What we can learn from the Woodford fund suspension

09.07.2019

Fund manager Neil Woodford has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons recently after suspending withdrawals from his flagship Equity Income fund. Unsurprisingly, it’s caused concern among investors, whether they held cash in the fund in question or not, but there are some things that can be learnt from it. What happened with the Woodford Equity Income fund? During his time at investment managers Invesco, Neil Woodford built up a stellar...

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Six things to check before you apply for a mortgage

06.06.2019

Applying for a mortgage can be a daunting prospect, whether you’re buying your first home, looking to take a step up the ladder or remortgage. With so much hinging on being approved for a mortgage, it makes sense to improve your prospects as much as possible beforehand. A mortgage application being rejected can seriously affect your plans. You may not be able to move to the house you’d hoped or find yourself paying more than anticipated in...

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Exiting a business: Six steps you should take to prepare

06.06.2019

Are you thinking about selling a business? It’s often a difficult decision that comes with challenges. As well as the practical challenges, there are likely to be emotional ones too. After all, it’s your business that you’ve spent countless hours building up to get to this point. Setting out the steps you need to take as you prepare to hand over a business can help you stay focused and increase value. So, what essential actions should you be...

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Trusts: What are they and what are they used for?

06.06.2019

A trust may be one of those financial tools you’ve heard of but know little about. In some circumstances, they can be an excellent way to help manage assets and reduce tax liabilities. However, it’s important to understand what they are and where setting up a trust can be useful before proceeding. What is a trust? Even the basics of a trust can seem complicated due to the legal jargon used. But the principle is relatively simple. A trust is...

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