July 2010 (13 articles)

Categories: Uncategorized

Staying on track for a comfortable retirement

Saving for your retirement is one of the most important financial plans you can make. You can choose to save in a pension scheme and/or a savings plan, but whatever you decide, you’ll want your funds to grow and be worth as much as possible in the long term.

Categories: Uncategorized

‘One of the most chaotic areas of tax’

During his first emergency Budget speech, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne MP, announced that higher-rate taxpayers would see the rate of capital gains tax (CGT) increase to 28 per cent from the previous 18 per cent, while the annual exemption of £10,100 would remain in place. He also said basic-rate taxpayers will continue to pay CGT at a rate of 18 per cent.

Categories: Financial News

Rebalancing the British economy

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne MP, delivered on 22 June what he described as a ‘tough but fair’ emergency Budget. In his speech, the Chancellor set out his five-year plan to reduce the Budget deficit, rebalance the British economy and design a new model for economic growth.

Categories: Financial News

Were you a winner or a loser?

Take a look at our guide and see how your finances may have been affected by the emergency Budget.

Categories: Financial News

Securing a retirement income

A rule that requires all pension savers to purchase an annuity by age 75 will cease next year, the government announced on 22 June. Initially at least, the age will be revised up to 77, with a consultation process on whether the rule should be removed altogether.

Categories: Financial News

We take the time to find out about you

In times of turbulent markets and changing tax legislation, you want to be certain your future is adequately planned for. That is why, rather than offering clients an off-the-shelf financial planning solution, we take the time to find out about you, your current financial situation and your short-, medium- and long-term goals. Only then will we make firm recommendations about how you should plan for your future.

Categories: Financial News

Business taxes given some respite

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne MP, said in his emergency Budget speech that he wants a sign to go up over the British economy saying ‘Open for Business’.

Commenting, Richard Lambert, Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Director-General, said there was clear recognition in the Budget of the role that business needs to play in getting the economy back into shape and generating the jobs and wealth needed to sustain economic recovery.

Categories: Financial News

Alternative homes for your nest eggs

The Bank of England’s decision to keep interest rates low means that many savers will now receive virtually no return from their money. As a result, many will be looking for alternative homes for their nest eggs. If you are considering building a portfolio of income-producing funds, your first priority should be to decide the level of risk you’re happy with and the investment term. Let’s consider some of the options available.

Categories: Financial News

Has your need for protection changed?

Most people fully understand the need to protect their valuables, but when it comes to protecting their ability to provide for their loved ones after their death, this can get overlooked. In the event of your premature death, having the correct level of life assurance will ensure that your dependants are able to cope financially and their lifestyle is protected.

Categories: Financial News

Risk is an implicit aspect OF investing

When deciding whether to invest, it is important that any investment vehicle matches your feelings and preferences in relation to investment risk and return. Hence your asset allocation needs to be commensurate with your attitude to risk. Another key question to ask yourself is: ‘How comfortable would I be facing a short-term loss in order to have the opportunity to make long-term gains?’ If your answer is that you are not prepared to take any risk whatsoever, then investing in the stock market is not for you.