National Savings and Investments (NS&I) announced at the end of September that they would be drastically cutting their interest rates to as low as 0.01% per annum. This has left many cash savers scrambling to the private banks still offering accounts rates above 1%. However, with the river of new money in the form of…
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Currently, there are around 3.3 million unmarried cohabiting couples in the UK. Yet most legislation focuses mainly upon protecting married couples when it comes to estate planning, meaning that many cohabiting couples face large Inheritance Tax (IHT) charges on both first and second death. This is because unmarried couples do not benefit from spousal exemptions…
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Around the world, economies have re-opened with a degree of reservation. However, since August many countries have faced a resurgence in coronavirus cases, prompting concerns that a ‘second wave’ is already underway. Several European countries have witnessed a spike in coronavirus cases including France, Spain, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Even once ‘safe’ countries such as Denmark & Iceland have been…
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Traditionally, investment decisions have been made using standard methodology. A balanced portfolio should have a diversified asset allocation with elements of equity, fixed interest, and cash. But, until recently, there has been little thought as to the underlying companies and, more importantly, how companies use the invested money. But there is now an ever-increasing movement…
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The age that savers will be able to access their pensions will rise from 55 to 57 in 2028. The Government wants to delay the age savers can access their private pensions to keep it in line with the state pension age, which is also scheduled to rise to 67 in 2028. The logic behind…
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During 2020 the world economy shifted from a position of strong growth to severe global recession. Although this is clearly a significant concern, recessions are a normal part of the economic cycle so it is important to look at this in the right context to understand what is occurring now and what might happen next.…
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The UK has been in lockdown since March 2020 as part of the measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 across British society. Countries around the world have adopted a variety of strategies with many across Europe following a similar stance. This strategy was put in place following the alarming figures coming out of China…
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Writing a Will is the only way to ensure your wishes are carried out as you intend on death. Without this your estate will be subject to the intestacy rules, meaning you have no control over its’ administration, creating heartache and uncertainty for those you have left behind. So why should you get a Will?…
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Inheritances can provide a real springboard for future generations. They can give much-needed capital to buy property, start businesses, or just assist in improving day to day living. However, it requires specific strategies to be in place to maximise and maintain these funds through the generations. This article looks at the way parents can ensure…
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This year is definitely like no other – for all the wrong reasons. But this period of isolation is giving us the time and space to organise ourselves. It is also a time for contemplation. As we enter another three weeks of lockdown, people are starting to focus on what we are gaining by being…
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