Stamp Duty has been a topic of discussion this year as chancellor Rishi Sunak introduced a Stamp Duty holiday to encourage the housing market to keep moving during the pandemic. With the holiday now over, homebuyers are having to pay the tax again and figures show the amount being paid has soared. Stamp Duty was first introduced in 1997 and the amount paid by homebuyers has increased by an average of 8.4% every year, according to the Financial...

There is a growing interest in investments that are “sustainable” or “green”. Yet, it can be difficult to spot which investment opportunities will have a real impact, and research shows investors are increasingly sceptical about “greenwashing”. Greenwashing is when companies or funds give a false impression or provide misleading information about how environmentally friendly they are. These claims may be partly true but are exaggerated...

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) took place in November in Glasgow. The climate change summit brought together countries to discuss how they can tackle the global issue. It was the first time since COP21, which took place in 2015, that parties were expected to enhance their commitments to climate change. The outcomes were disappointing for some, with activists arguing they did not go far enough. Yet, an agreement was made that, while not...

4 in 10 people are worrying about the impact Inheritance Tax (IHT) could have on the legacy they leave behind, according to Canada Life research. Yet, despite these concerns, just 20% are taking steps to reduce liability and only 7% seek professional advice. With a standard rate of 40%, IHT can mean a hefty tax bill for your loved ones. The good news is that there are often things you can do to reduce the amount due. While there are steps you can...

When you invest, how much do you expect to receive in return? A survey suggests that some investors have unrealistic expectations that could affect their long-term financial security. Research from Aegon found that half of UK adults have put money into investments because interest rates are low. While this can be a positive step for long-term financial security, it’s important to understand the risks and potential returns. Of those that...

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that the world economy remains “hobbled” by Covid-19 and revised its global growth forecast for this year downwards. The organisation now expects the world economy to grow by 5.9% in 2021. The IMF also noted that the emergency support provided by central banks and finance ministries during the Covid-19 crisis could leave the world vulnerable to another financial crisis. UK As we entered...

Over the last year, house prices have continued to rise rapidly. Figures show that house prices have reached record highs, but is it a trend that will continue? Even the challenges the pandemic presented to the housing market did not stop house prices from increasing. In fact, the pandemic may have contributed to their rise. After spending more time indoors and embracing working from home, many families have been seeking more floor space and a...

If you read the financial sections of the newspaper, you may have come across the Theranos scandal recently. The company’s former CEO Elizabeth Holmes is facing accusations that she knowingly defrauded clients and investors. Investors in the Silicon Valley health technology company lost millions of dollars when allegations began to surface. The case of Theranos is being closely followed in the US, but it can provide valuable lessons to investors...

If Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a concern for you, taking out a life insurance policy could mean your estate passes to loved ones intact. With some careful planning, a life insurance payout can cover your IHT liability and ensure assets are passed on to your loved ones. Planning what will happen after your death isn’t easy, but being proactive is important and can help ensure your assets are passed on effectively. £2.7 billion paid in IHT between...

Thinking about passing away and leaving loved ones behind can be incredibly difficult. While it can be challenging, many Brits have thought about what their preferences would be, and millions want their loved ones to celebrate their life. According to a survey from Co-op Funeralcare, a third of Brits feel like funerals, in general, are too sombre and should be more uplifting. So, it’s not surprising that an estimated 35 million would prefer...