Archive

17Feb
2016

Keeping your head

Keeping your head When Rudyard Kipling starts his famous poem, “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs …” he is alluding to that serenity of mind that allows you to stand back from the fray with ...

24Dec
2015

The new flat rate state pension and the ‘top-up’ scheme

The new flat rate state pension and the ‘top up’ scheme Those retiring after 6 April next year will be the first to experience the latest big shake-up of the state pension – the introduction of ‘the flat rate’ ...

24Dec
2015

Bank deposit protection is reducing

The level of protection provided for UK bank cash deposit accounts is changing. From 1 January 2016 the new limit will change to bring the UK into harmony with existing EU legislation. From then the Financial Services ...

24Dec
2015

Reductions in pension allowances

The amount that high earners can contribute to their pensions and claim tax relief is reducing from April 2016. For every £2 you earn over £150,000, your annual pension allowance will reduce by £1. This reduction continues ...

24Dec
2015

Dividend taxation is changing

The way dividends are taxed will change from April 2016.  If you own a limited company and pay yourself by means of dividends this will affect you the most.  People who have higher levels of dividend income from ...

24Dec
2015

Changes to care costs deferred

A key concern for many of our clients is paying for long term care sometime in the future. Proposals for improvements to the system have been floated but won’t see the light of day for another five years at least. The ...

24Dec
2015

NS&I 65+ bonds – maturity options

If you have invested in a 1 Year NS&I 65+ bonds you will be receiving notification about your maturity options after 15 January 2016. Your maturity date will depend on the day your bond started. Unfortunately, and ...

16Oct
2015

When Greed is Not Green

My last blog focused on fear – the fear that rumbles when markets grumble – this blog shines the spotlight on greed. Fear and greed – the emotions I was taught to look out for in my early days as a financial adviser. ...

01Sep
2015

The Great Fall of China

Having survived the potential for economic tragedy in Europe courtesy of Greek-style money management the investment world is now being traumatised by the all-together more calamitous drama taking place behind the Great Wall. ...

21Mar
2014

2014 Budget changes to pensions and savings

Changes to Pensions and ISAs In the recent budget Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne announced far reaching changes to the way pension benefits may be taken.  He also announced the development of  Individual Savings ...