Library.
Yorkshire 3 peak Challenge Completed
On Saturday, October 5th, the following members of the Foresight team – Daniel Willoughby, Damienne Mitchell, Ben Dyson, Thomas Filby, Alex Youngs. Greg Blease and Callum Kingsley-Rivans, completed the Yorkshire 3-Peak challenge. Living in another County meant an early start of 4:45 am. Arriving at 6:20 am, at Horton-in-Ribbleside designated car park to the sight…
Read articleThe Three Peaks Challenge
Mark Hughes – Foresight’s Head of Operations – was recently diagnosed with tongue cancer. The cancer appeared one week and was so aggressive that it resulted in Mark being fast-tracked through our wonderful NHS system which enabled him to be treated within 4 weeks. A 10-hour operation followed, and he is now going through…
Read articleMastering Change with The Quantum Programme
Bespoke Wealth Management for Every Stage of Your Life In an era where financial landscapes are perpetually shifting, The Quantum Programme from Foresight Wealth Strategists offers a pioneering approach to wealth management. This bespoke process is designed to adapt and evolve, perfectly aligning with your personal and financial aspirations at every stage of life. The…
Read articleLearn To Enjoy Your Money
As a Wealth Strategist, one of the things that you learn at a very early point is that it is not theamount of money you have that makes you happy, it’s what you do with it that gives the enjoyment.And, although the richest clients are not necessarily the happiest, it is also true to say…
Read articleAre Get Rich Schemes Worth It?
With many of the major indices fluctuating and some disposable income to spare, people have beenlooking at alternative ways to make money. Many have gravitated towards cryptocurrencies, mostparticularly Bitcoin, although a plethora of these currencies have been created over the past fewyears. With the rise of social media in recent years, it is impossible to…
Read articleAvoid Pitfalls When Making Financial Gifts
Making a gift to your family and friends while you are alive can be a good way to reduce the value ofyour estate for Inheritance Tax purposes, ensuring those closest to you benefit from a lifetime ofyour hard work. Estate and tax planning is a complex area and professional financial advice can helpyou avoid several…
Read articleWelcome to Damiene
Join us in welcoming Damiene Mitchell to the Client Manager Team. Damiene has a background in financial services administration and is delighted to have a new role where his technical knowledge will be expanded under the guidance of Foresight. Outside of work, Damiene loves sports but being originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, his passion…
Read articleWelcome to Dan!
We’re thrilled to announce that Dan Willoughby has joined the Foresight Wealth Strategists team as our new Client Manager. With his extensive background in financial services and a particular passion for estate planning, Dan is perfectly positioned to support our clients in navigating their financial journeys. Outside the office, Dan is an avid basketball…
Read articleForesight Wealth Strategists Bank Holiday.
Foresight Wealth Strategists Bank Holiday. We’re pleased to announce our very own Foresight Bank Holiday on July 12th. This unique day is dedicated to celebrating our team’s hard work and commitment. It’s a time for us to unwind, recharge, and enjoy some well-deserved rest. As we take this day to reflect on our achievements, we…
Read articleMark Hughes helps to raise over £8,000 for local charity
On the 13th July 2016 tragically Dave Holman lost his life in a road traffic accident he was only 38 he was a loving son, brother, Uncle and great friend to many and is missed beyond measure. Every year since Dave passed away his friends have organised what has become “The Dave Holman Challenge” raising much…
Read articleSpring Budget 2024
The Chancellor delivered the last Spring budget of this on 6th March. In his speech, Jeremy Hunt said he was setting out to reward hardworking families with National Insurance tax cuts – leaving the average worker over £900 better off. However, it remains to be seen as to whether the tax cuts have moved Tory sentiment in…
Read articleKey Dates in March
Pension Credit, which averages over £3,900 a year, is there to lend a hand with day-to-day expenses for those who have reached state pension age and are on a low income. About 1.4m people are already receiving Pension Credit, but an estimated 880,000 eligible households are yet to claim it. In the Spring Budget,…
Read articleVacancy – Receptionist/Admin person
Up to £25K pa, depending on experience. Foresight Wealth Strategists has an exciting opportunity for a Receptionist/Admin person to join our growing team. As one of the leading financial planning practices in the North-West, we are looking for someone who will be able to provide our clients with an unrivalled front of house customer experience. Our clients are…
Read articleChildren Should Be Saving For Themselves
Children are expensive! The cost of raising a child from birth to their 18th birthday currently stands at nearly £250,000. Their wants and needs are satisfied more inexpensively when young – although childcare is becoming an ever-increasing burden. But when they get to their late teens and early twenties those ‘must-haves’ – the first car,…
Read articleTax doesn’t need to be Taxing
The UK Government is forecast to take a total of £950bn in tax this year, approximately 36.9% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which makes this the highest tax burden the UK has faced since just after the Second World War. Tax is important as it helps pay for services such as schools, the NHS, and…
Read articleGet to know: Josh Lenihan, Senior Wealth Strategist
We believe that our team members are what sets us apart from other businesses. Join us as we sit down with Josh, to talk about his day-to-day life at Foresight, and what he gets up to when he’s not in the office. Tell us a bit about yourself Throughout my time in education, I was…
Read articleConsidering Animals and Pets in your Will
We all want the best for our pets and animals during our lifetime, but consideration also needs to be given to what happens beyond this. This is important from an animal welfare point of view, but also from an estate planning perspective as well. Pets are considered ‘personal chattel’, meaning that the changing ‘ownership’ of…
Read articleSolidus Achievement of Excellence for Estate Planning 2023
We are delighted to announce that we have once again been awarded the Solidus Achievement of Excellence for our Estate Planning and Trust based solutions. Solidus is a leading Estate Practitioner and has now been the preferred provider of Trusts and estate planning solutions for Foresight clients for over 10 years. At Foresight, our aim…
Read articleGet to know Mike Barnes
Our team members are one of the main factors that sets us apart from other businesses. Join us as we sit down with Mike to talk about his day-to-day life at Foresight, and what he gets up to when he’s not in the office. Tell us a bit about yourself All through school and…
Read articleA week in the life of…Work Experience
After arriving at the office, I was warmly greeted by Clair Davis, Receptionist, before being taken on a quick tour, followed by a briefing on how to use the various facilities and a health and safety induction. Later that day, I met with one of the Client Managers, Ben Holland, who told me about his…
Read articleForesight Shortlisted for Money Marketing Awards 2023
We are thrilled to announce that we have been shortlisted for two awards in the 2023 Money Marketing Awards. Josh Lenihan has been shortlisted for Financial Adviser 2B – for future generation advisers, and we have also been shortlisted for our Quantum Academy as the Best Adviser Academy. This is great confirmation of the importance…
Read article2023 Budget Announcement
The aims of the Chancellor in this year’s Spring Budget were to get people into work and keep them there, with key changes to childcare and pensions. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) stated that the UK will not enter a technical recession and inflation will more than halve and reduce to 2.9% by the…
Read articleISA deadlines for 2023
Using Individual Savings Accounts (ISA) has always been a very tax-efficient way of investing, with no liability to either income tax, or Capital Gains Tax on the invested funds. These days ISAs offer the opportunity for every individual to invest up to £20,000 per annum. Unlike pension allowances, ISA allowances cannot be reclaimed from previous…
Read articleHow can a book or a small habit change transform your life?
Ever thought about how a book or a simple change in your habits can spark massive growth in your life? In the journey of life, the pursuit of personal development and growth stands as a beacon, guiding us towards our fullest potential. It’s a commitment to continuous learning, embracing change, and cultivating a growth mindset…
Read articleFeel overwhelmed by investment options?
Do you understand the investment options that are on offer? Do you feel overwhelmed and uncertain of their meaning? Let’s make it simple: Strategic Asset Allocation – diversifying your investments across different asset classes such as stocks, bonds, property, and even cash to spread your risk – accounts for about 80% of investment performance – meaning…
Read articleCase Study: Estate planning – BPR/Trusts/Wills
Glenda was recommended to Foresight by a friend following the death of her husband. Her husband had recently died and she knew that, on her subsequent death, the children would be left with a significant Inheritance Tax liability. Glenda also had concerns about protecting the wealth she would be passing on, due in part to…
Read articleTransform Your Financial Destiny: Empowerment Through Education
In a world full of opportunities, mastering your finances goes beyond the numbers; it’s about empowering you to make wise, informed decisions. With Foresight Wealth Strategists, it’s not just about planning; it’s about tailoring a strategy that aligns with your aspirations, leveraging our bespoke Quantum Programme for a personalised journey. Here’s how to take the…
Read articleInvesting with Purpose
The choices we make today define the world we live in tomorrow. The concept of sustainable and ethical investing has emerged not just as an option but as a critical consideration for forward-thinking individuals. Here’s why: Impactful Investing: The power to foster change lies within our portfolios. Aligning investments with our core values, we contribute…
Read articleFinancial Planning Across Life’s Stages: Wealth Strategy Tips for the UK
Effective financial planning is crucial throughout life’s various stages, from starting a career to planning for retirement and beyond. This guide explores the unique financial needs at each life milestone for you, providing tailored advice to ensure financial stability and growth. Starting a Career: Building a Financial Base: Begin with solid budgeting practices, save diligently,…
Read articleHow Safe Is Your Final Salary Pension?
Services provider Carillion has found itself joining the likes of Toys ‘R’ Us and BHS, in becoming the latest company to self-destruct. Leaving a devastating effect on defined benefit (DB) pension savers. The Carillion disaster happened just as the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) reported that roughly two-thirds of the DB pension schemes in operation in…
Read articleMastering Financial Planning Techniques with Foresight: Your Path to Empowerment
Navigating the complexities of personal finance requires more than just saving for a rainy day; it demands a comprehensive understanding and application of financial planning techniques. At Foresight Wealth Strategists, we’re dedicated to empowering individuals through education and strategic planning, ensuring your financial goals aren’t just dreams but achievable realities. This article explores essential financial…
Read articleRecommended Internet Provider
Foresight has been using Zen Internet for our internet connection for over 20 years. I have always been a fan of Zen, based in Rochdale, which are the only internet provider that has remained in business since 1995. They offer an amazing product, excellent and knowledgeable service, and at a competitive price. Not the cheapest,…
Read articleVacancy – IFA Administrator
Location – Richmond House, Hale, UK Salary – £22,000 -£30,000 (DOE) Due to continued expansion, we are delighted to announce that we are looking to recruit an IFA Administrator to join our dynamic and forward-thinking team. Our ambitious plans can only be achieved by recruiting the right people. We provide an excellent on the job…
Read articleA week in the life of…Work Experience
In August 2023 we welcomed Theo into the offices to do a week of work experience with us. He spent the week shadowing various people around the business and learning how day-to-day life is in a busy office. Let’s see what he got up to while he was with us… Embarking on my week of…
Read articleCan I stop my spouse sharing my inheritance on divorce?
A party to a marriage or civil partnership may understandably want to know whether their spouse would be awarded a share of assets they have inherited if they ever divorce, and what they could do to reduce the chance of this happening. Firstly, there is a general principle even where short marriage or civil partnerships…
Read articleProfessional Advisor Nominations
We are delighted to announce that this year we have been shortlisted by Professional Adviser again, this time not for one but three awards! At Foresight, we pride ourselves on excellence and are committed to providing the best advice and a great experience for our clients, whilst also supporting our team members through their careers. …
Read articleWebinar: When is the best time to sell my business?
Hosted by Simon Booth, CEO of Foresight, and Paul Dodgshon, Managing Director of Uscita. This webinar is specifically aimed at business owners who might be looking to sell their companies at some point in the future. You may not be looking to sell right now, however, this webinar will highlight just how much work needs to be…
Read articleVacancy – Client Manager
Location – Richmond House, Hale, UK Salary – £22,000-£45,000 (dependant on experience and qualifications) Who are we… Foresight Wealth Strategists are an award-winning financial planning practice, based in the centre of Hale, near Altrincham. Since 1998, we have been specialising in providing high-quality financial planning advice to business owners, professionals, and high net worth individuals.…
Read articleSmell the Liniment
I was speaking with Martin Cockx, our partner at Life After Law, who we featured in last month’s Wealth Management Update. We were talking about what makes you actually take action in life. Martin’s journey included a great improvement in his fitness, so we got talking about what is most evocative. Which is where the subject of…
Read articleDo you Feel Lucky?
As people live ever longer, the conundrum of working out how to make ends meet in retirement becomes ever more complex. Especially for those that live in valuable property and who have no children to pass their assets on to. In France, they have the option of ‘Viager’ agreements – a real estate agreement where…
Read articleAn evening with Barack Obama
We were fortunate to get tickets to An Evening with Barack Obama – his only UK event – at the O2 in London a few weeks ago. So, what was it like to be in the presence of a truly Presidential individual – who is a complete contrast to the current incumbent? Well, firstly, we…
Read articleAltrincham makes the top 10
Foresight is fortunate to be based in the beautiful village of Hale, near Altrincham, in Cheshire, and a recent survey by solicitors Irwin Mitchell suggests that local residents – or more accurately, former residents, are among the highest Inheritance Tax (IHT) payers in the UK. Inheritance Tax always comes at the top of the most…
Read articleTeam Spotlight: Ben Dyson – Award Winning
At Foresight, we’re proud to celebrate the achievements of our team and this year, Ben Dyson has certainly given us something to celebrate. Ben has been recognised as the United Kingdom’s Wills and Trusts Adviser of the Year for both 2023 and 2024 in the prestigious Finance Monthly Global Awards. Being honoured once is an…
Read articleWhat Drives a Successful Entrepreneur?
Entrepreneur noun 1. A person who sets up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit. Starting a business is often the ultimate dream—breaking free from the constraints of employment, taking control, and building something your own. But what truly drives an entrepreneur? The Motivation to Succeed Entrepreneurs come from…
Read articleWelcoming Sharon to the Foresight Team
At Foresight, we believe that every member of our team plays a vital role in shaping our client experience. With that in mind, we’re delighted to introduce Sharon, who joins us as our new Receptionist. Bringing over 37 years of administrative experience, including 17 years in Public Relations, Sharon is no stranger to building strong…
Read articleWelcome to Holly
We welcome Holly to the Foresight team as a Financial Administrator. Holly has worked in the financial planning industry for several years and comes complete with a methodical and organised approach to her work. Holly has a keen interest in social media from a previous career and will be posting team news on Instagram Outside…
Read articleWelcome to Thomas
We are delighted to welcome Thomas as a Client Manager who has joined us after working as a Paraplanner for another financial adviser. He has a Finance and Banking Degree from Sheffield Hallam and is another United supporter in the office – a Peterborough United fan. Keeping fit is important to Thomas and is a…
Read articleHappy Steaming!
It’s that time of the year where we need to heat our homes to keep warm. However, in doing this, we also dry the air around us. It is a well-known fact that dry enclosed air isn’t a great environment to live in. For many years I have used steam diffusers both at home and…
Read articleWelcome to the team Charles Truswell
Join us in welcoming Charles to the Team! Charles joins us as a Client Manager, with a background in financial services in administration, he’s delighted to have a role where he can expand his technical knowledge under the guidance of our team. Outside of work he enjoys all sports, particularly cycling or grappling, whether watching…
Read articleWelcome to the team Greg Blease
Greg has recently joined us as a Wealth Strategist, having advised clients for a couple of years in his previous role. Greg is Diploma qualified and close to completing the work to become Chartered, he prides himself on producing the best possible outcomes for clients and delivering an exceptional client experience. Outside of work Greg…
Read articleAnother Chartered Financial Planner in the Foresight Ranks
Fantastic news! We are delighted to announce that Josh Lenihan has been awarded both his Chartered and Fellowship status with the Chartered Insurance Institute. This is the pinnacle of the financial planning profession, which very few planners ever achieve. Better than that, Josh is almost certainly the youngest recipient of these qualifications in the country…
Read articleDiscover our brand new look
You may have heard over the past few months that we have been working hard on developing our branding, and building a new website? We’re pleased to say that we are now live! Have a look here… Our new brand and website reflects the evolution of Foresight Wealth Strategists, we are a modern and dynamic team…
Read articleWelcome to Meg!
We are delighted to welcome Meg to the Foresight Team as our newest Client Manager. Meg is working towards her Diploma and brings a wealth of knowledge over with her from her previous roles. Meg is already settling in to the team and we look forward to supporting her through this next stage of her…
Read articleSolidus Achievement of Excellence for Estate Planning 2022
At Foresight, we always aim to provide the best service for our clients and work hard to maintain these standards. However, we’re always happy to be recognised for our efforts. We are delighted to announce that we have once again been awarded the Solidus Achievement of Excellent for our Estate Planning and Trust based solutions.…
Read articleUse those Tesco Clubcard Points!
More than two million Tesco customers could potentially lose out on a total of £13 million worth of Clubcard vouchers if they do not use them. The vouchers, first issued in December 2020, expire automatically after 2 years if not claimed, meaning that customers would lose out on the savings. The benefit of the vouchers…
Read articleInterest Rates on the Up!
The Bank of England has raised interest rates again – the 7th time this year and only 6 weeks after the previous rise – this time by 0.75 percentage points to 3%. Not so good for those with large mortgages, but the first time in well over a decade that interest rates for savers have…
Read articleThe Gender Saving Rate
Recent research has shown that men have £599 billion more in their ISAs, investment accounts and private pensions than women. This staggering figure equates to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Switzerland. Other research by the consumer money website, Boring Money, found that 3.3 million fewer women hold investments in the UK compared with men…
Read articleHow does the weakness in Sterling affect me?
The pound slid to an all-time low against the dollar amid worries about the direction of the Government’s economic policy, following the much-derided mini-budget from the now ex-Chancellor of the Exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng. Although the political situation has swiftly moved, the longer-term effects of a government prepared to unveil deep unfunded tax cuts with no…
Read articleIn Conversation with…Ben Dyson
In October 2022 Ben Dyson our Senior Wealth Strategist joined Kimberley Dondo on her In Conversation With… Podcast. They discussed a number of things, including how Ben got into a career in finance, and how he uses his knowledge to empower clients to be financially free listen to the entire podcast here. Author Foresight Foresight…
Read articleThe End of an Era
For most people, the period of financial excitement that came to a messy end in 2008 will always be the point of comparison for future recessions. For reference, I was still in education at this time, so largely sheltered from the worst of things. However, the ripple effects were still felt. Prior to ’08, university…
Read articleHow to avoid a pension scam
Pension scams are on the rise, with at least £2,241,774 reportedly lost to pension scammers in the 5 months between January and May 2021, the problem is getting bigger. Scammers try to persuade you to transfer your pension savings, or to release funds from it, by making attractive-sounding false promises that whilst sounding appealing have…
Read articleJoin us in welcoming Michael to the Foresight Team
We are delighted to welcome Michael to the team as our newest Wealth Strategist. Michael has been working in the Financial Services Industry for a number of years and is currently working towards becoming Chartered, alongside his numerous other qualifications. Michael is already settling into the team really well and we look forward to working…
Read articleJoin us in welcoming Damian to the Foresight Team
Damian has joined our team as our newest Client Manager, Damian has previously worked in the Financial Services industry at a compliance firm doing research and has transitioned into paraplanning. Damian is currently working towards his diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and in his spare time competes all over Europe in Buhurt (medieval armoured combat)…
Read articleRevelations for Revolut
Back in 2008 we saw a number of banks collapse and others bailed out by the taxpayer. This highlighted that savers needed to make sure their money was protected if the worst ever happened again. Broadly speaking, bank savings are covered for up to £85,000 through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). The FSCS protects…
Read articleA week in the life of….Work Experience
In August 2022 we welcomed Harry to do a week of work experience with us, Harry has never worked in an office before and wanted to get an idea of what to expect before he heads off to university. Let’s see what he got up to while he was with us… For a college student…
Read articleSearch behind the sofa
People now have only 100 days left to use the paper £20 and £50 banknotes before they are no longer in circulation. The last day of legal tender status is 30th September 2022. People who still have them need to use them or deposit them at their bank or a Post Office before that date.…
Read articleState of the Nation for Quarter 2
Every quarter, we sit down together and discuss what has happened so far in the year, look at where we are in regard to our targets and what our focus is going to be for the next quarter. We have found doing this quarterly works particularly well, as it ensures the team are kept abreast…
Read article4 of our Client Managers gain Diploma Qualifications in 2022
As the end of the academic year arrives, it feels good to announce that the last of our Client Manager team has achieved their Diploma qualification. The financial planning profession is one of the most highly regulated, and anyone advising clients must hold a Level 4 qualification, usually the Diploma in Financial Planning from the…
Read articleMoney Marketing Awards 2022 – Nomination
We are really proud of every member of our team, they work really hard for our clients as well as on their own development, so you can imagine our elation when they receive recognition from the wider industry. Ben Dyson has been with us for 7 years and is our Senior Wealth Strategist, his passion…
Read articleIs HMRC the major beneficiary of your estate?
The latest HMRC data reveals that Inheritance Tax (IHT) receipts for the period April 2021 to February 2022 stood at a whopping £5.5 billion, £700 million higher than the corresponding period in 2021. The average amount paid per estate was around £209,000 and this amount can often be mitigated by various well-accepted financial planning techniques,…
Read articleMeet Our Little Bits of History
Throughout June, Altrincham Town Centre found itself being watched over by 50 life-sized, artistically, designed Corgi statues. As part of the celebrations for the Queens Platinum Jubilee in June 2022, Altrincham BID worked with Inch Arts to create “Trooping the Corgis”. Businesses across the town commissioned artists, schools and community groups to decorate each dog…
Read articleSaving Less Than You Think
One of the biggest worries for new retirees is that they will run out of money. However, there is now evidence that the opposite seems to be happening, retirees are not actually spending enough. Researchers at Texas Tech University stated, “Rather than spending down savings during retirement many studies have found the value of retirees’…
Read articleThe 4% Rule
In 1994, William Bengen published research that revolutionised the financial planning world. He was trying to figure out how much money retirees could withdraw from their portfolio each year without running out of money. Bengen found that retirees throughout history could have withdrawn 4% from an investment portfolio that held 50% in bonds and 50%…
Read articleForesight Wealth Strategists Summer Day Out 2022
On Wednesday, 16th June, the Foresight team went to Alton Towers Resort for a well-deserved Summer day out. The British weather was very kind and the sun shined all-day. Even better, not many others had the same idea, so everyone was able to experience all the rides with very little queuing! In the past we…
Read articleThe Tax Claw is coming
Within this new tax year, which started on 6th April, there are a couple of new ways in which you could potentially pay more tax. National Insurance (NI) is rising, but the threshold at which it starts to be paid will also be raised. NI is set to rise by 1.25% from April and…
Read articleLeave a legacy not a fight
Leaving money to a charity of your choice within your Will is a great way to ensure a positive legacy for the future. It makes the money you worked so hard for during your lifetime continue to do good when you are no longer here. Additionally, if you give at least 10% of your…
Read articleNew Starter
We are pleased to welcome James Allen to the team as our latest Wealth Strategist, to ensure that we are able to maintain and improve our service levels as we continue to grow. James has been working in financial services for 14 years in areas such as mortgages and protection and is looking forward to…
Read articleNew Starter
We are delighted to welcome Kat Thanes to our team as our in-house Marketing Executive. Kat has been with us since April and has been working away behind the scenes. You may have noticed some of the changes she has already implemented and over the next few months many more will appear. Kat’s role with…
Read articleHow can wealth be transferred successfully without destroying the recipient and the wealth itself?
Future planning is a key factor for many people in later life. Having an up-to-date Will is the number one way that people use to communicate their wishes and, although it is an important element, it might not be the most effective way to ensure your children, family or friends get the best outcome from…
Read articleWe are delighted to announce that Platinum SRI Ltd is joining the Foresight Family.
Foresight has continued to grow, even through the pandemic, and the acquisition of Platinum is another step in our ambitious growth plans. Over recent years it has become apparent that the ever-increasing level of regulation and compliance is leading to a smaller number of larger financial advisers, who are able to deal with this overhead…
Read articleWe’re making some changes at Foresight
The pandemic has made us all take a step back and reassess how we are working. Having a good work life balance has never been more important. We are really appreciative of our team at Foresight and have already made a number of internal changes to reflect this, such as offering flexible and hybrid working. We…
Read articleThe question is…are you feeling lucky?
With interest rates now the highest they’ve been since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), are Premium Bonds still worth it? The answer depends on who you ask. With Premium Bonds, it has long been considered that there is no risk to your capital, it is only the ‘interest’ element that is a gamble. And as…
Read articleHMRC calculated that the number of people would increase by 300,000 to 4.6 million people in the 2021/2022 tax year
However, these HMRC estimates were based on Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) estimates for wage growth from March 2021, which have since changed significantly. Parliament has also frozen current long term tax thresholds, as well as ever-increasing inflation appearing on the scene. HMRC’s estimated number of higher rate taxpayers was based on a 0.9% growth…
Read articleInvestment Update – August 2020
Stock prices started the month strongly thanks to good early results from COVID-19 vaccine trials, better-than-expected employment reports, and higher-than-anticipated manufacturing activity. In the US, despite multiple States reporting increased COVID infections, stocks continued to climb, especially in large technology. American indices are now back in positive territory for the current year. These behemoth companies,…
Read articleBehavioural Finance – Emotion vs. Rationality
Behavioural finance is the study of how human behaviour, driven by emotions and sentiment as much as rational decision-making, affects how we act in relation to our investments and financial decisions. Whilst there is clearly underlying rationality to financial markets and how assets are priced, the human element must be considered as part of this…
Read articleBrexit: What’s happening?
Whether you were a Brexiteer or Remainer, we can all agree that the Brexit ordeal has been as confusing as it has been arduous. Even the most diligent of us have found it difficult to keep pace with the twists and turns of the negotiations; with an ever-changing cast of politicians and tabloid rhetoric only…
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