The announcement of the new UK ISA marks 25 years of tax-efficient savings

Since they were introduced in 1999, ISAs have become a finance staple for many households thanks to providing a tax-efficient way to save and invest. As ISAs turn 25, chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveiled plans to launch a new UK ISA and has previously announced changes that could provide you with more flexibility. Read on to…

Could you face an unexpected bill now the Capital Gains Tax allowance has halved?

The gains you can make before potentially paying Capital Gains Tax (CGT) have halved for the 2024/25 tax year. If you plan to dispose of assets, the change could affect you. Read on to find out when you could be liable for CGT and some steps you might take to manage a bill. CGT is…

3 valuable ways business owners could extract profits

As a business owner, deciding how to extract profits from your firm could be a crucial decision. It may affect your tax liability and that of your company. Read on to understand three essential ways you could take money from your business and potential tax implications you might want to weigh up before deciding which…

Investment market update: March 2024

While inflation continues to be a challenge for many economies, there are positive signs in the UK and around the world. Read on to find out what may have affected stock markets and your investment portfolio in March 2024. Remember, volatility is part of investing and most people should invest with a long-term outlook. If…

What you need to know about taking your pension tax-free lump sum in 2024/25

Taking a tax-free lump sum from your pension could be a fantastic way to kickstart your retirement plans. If it’s something you’re thinking about, it’s important to consider the long-term implications and understand how much you could withdraw from your pension before facing a tax bill, as the rules have changed in 2024/25. Previously, you…

Retirement planning: Bringing together your goals and finances

Effective retirement planning often involves weaving together lots of different threads. As you think about your retirement, you might be unsure how to bring everything together, but a bespoke financial plan could put your mind at ease. Over the last few months, you’ve read about the importance of deciding how you’ll retire, why you should…

Financial stress costs UK businesses £10.3 billion a year. Could financial advice help your firm?

Financial worries can harm the mental wellbeing of employees, and research suggests it could negatively affect the productivity of businesses too. As an employer, offering financial advice to your team could be a win-win. Inflation has led to the cost of living soaring, so it’s not surprising that more households are concerned about their finances....

Have you overlooked speaking to your beneficiaries as part of your estate plan?

You may already have your estate in order and have written your will accordingly, but have you overlooked the value of speaking to your beneficiaries? A new report by PIMFA suggests that 58% of people in the UK have never discussed inheritance with their family members. Not doing so could mean that your beneficiaries may...

How to calculate the level of income protection that would provide you with financial security

Income protection could provide you with an essential safety net if you’re unable to work due to an accident or illness. Yet, research suggests it’s a valuable step that some people might be overlooking. If you’re too ill to work, income protection could provide you with a regular replacement income. Usually, income protection would pay...

Investment market update: February 2024

While many economies are still struggling with high inflation there are signs that the pace is starting to slow, which could pave the way for interest rate cuts later this year. To reflect this, the OECD has lifted its 2024 global growth forecast by 0.3%, when compared to the end of 2023, to 2.9%. However,...

A worrying 2 in 5 wealthy individuals have fallen victim to a financial scam

A recent survey reported by Professional Adviser revealed that 2 in 5 wealthy individuals have been the victim of financial crime. Of the 2,000 people with assets worth more than £250,000 who were surveyed, 41% of them reported they had been scammed, with more than a third saying they had fallen victim in the last...

Retirement planning: The 3 main ways you could access your pension

When you give up work, your pension is likely to play a key role in creating an income. So, an essential part of retirement planning is often deciding how you’ll access your retirement savings. Last month, you read about the importance of setting out your retirement lifestyle goals and how financial planning could help. Your...