News

– Consumer ‘demand for cash ISAs has increased’, report claims – Existing homeowners boost mortgage market – Most gifters are ‘unclear on inheritance tax rules’ – More people downsizing to boost retirement savings

Having celebrated its 30th birthday this year, the self-invested personal pension (SIPP) remains a popular choice for savers who want to take control of their pension investments.

Who would pick up the bill if something happened to the people you employ, the building you work in, or the equipment you use?

– Savers withdraw £25.62b through pension freedoms – Inheritance tax receipts projected to double by 2030 – Over-50s support introducing new tax break for downsizing – FCA consults on plans to change mortgage advice rules

When someone dies without leaving a legally valid will, their estate is distributed in line with a set of rules covering what known as intestacy. Subsequently, if you die without making a will, you will be defined as an intestate individual.

By their nature, small and relatively new companies tend to be considered a higher-risk investment than buying shares in larger, better-established businesses.

-Oblivious workers over 65 are being taxed on their stats pension -Under 35s call for advice to prepare for life’s milestones -Retirees’ income levels off over the last eight years -Pension dashboards get the green light from government department

There’s no doubt that the older you get, the faster time flies, and with it comes less time to plan for a comfortable retirement. In this document, we look at when, why and how to start saving for a pension.

Nobody likes paying tax, but most people would like to receive a brown envelope through the post from HMRC containing a tax rebate. Find out how to claim tax back through PAYE or self-assessment.

Following the latest market trends when it comes to your investment strategy usually pays off, but while most stick with the safety of the shoal there are always a few sharks swimming against the tide.

Another minimum contributions rise is upon us. When auto-enrolment was first introduced back in October 2012, nobody could have envisaged it being a policy as widely admired as it is today.

Your height and weight, your blood pressure levels and whether or not you smoke might not seem like information you’d want to give your pension provider, but it could be in your favour.

With each passing day, more news and speculation emerges about the future relationship between the UK and the EU, as we move a step closer to the planned Brexit date at 11pm on 29 March 2019. How could Brexit affect mortgage and interest.

Following the latest market trends when it comes to your investment strategy usually pays off, but while most stick with the safety of the shoal there are always a few sharks swimming against the tide.

-Minimum workplace pension contributions rise to 5% -Government consults on new stamp duty surcharge -Employees over the age of 50 are working longer -FCA: Pension savers ‘cashing in, but losing out’

Once again, Chancellor Philip Hammond has demonstrated his commitment to the principle of the Spring Statement as a low-key event, at least in terms of tax and public spending announcements.

Young people in the UK are finding it increasingly hard to save, either for that elusive deposit needed to secure a mortgage on their first home or to fund their retirement. What’s the answer to this modern-day dilemma?

Download your updated quick reference guide to UK taxation and available exemptions.

Getting married or entering into a civil partnership is a moment to cherish, and with it comes both an increased emotional and financial bond.  But what happens if things don’t work out?

-Over-50s are open to a transitional retirement -Think tank proposes tax changes to hit the wealthy -Pensions cold-calling ban takes effect -Savers hit by avoidable ISA tax charge

Insurance can often seem a strangely intangible product. It’s something that affects the future more than the present, and provides a safety net rather than an immediate reward. Find out about financial protection for you and your family.

-Government reveals plans for pension dashboards -1 in 4 don’t know their state pension -Office for tax simplification calls for digital inheritance tax system -Most adults have not got around to writing a will

What alternatives do you have at retirement? Raiding your pension before retirement remains a popular option, with more than 1.3 million savers taking flexible payments from their pensions in the three years since 2015.

Anyone who reads the papers knows that the world’s economies are going through a period of uncertainty. It’s natural at these times for some investors to get twitchy, which only serves to make the situation even less predictable.

Estate planning is a complicated process, and can seem a morbid task, so it’s tempting to put it off or avoid it altogether. A trust can help manage your assets for the benefit of others.

A must have handy guide to actions you need to take before the end of the current tax year.

Investing in property is usually about as close as it comes to a safe bet. The value of your asset tends to increase the longer you hold onto it, while the short and medium-term yields from rental income can cover the mortgage.

-Quarter of over-55s unaware of pension tax -Lettings relief restricted from 2020 -Pensions dashboard to include state pension data -Stamp duty relief extended to shared ownership

When you look for an investment opportunity, you want something that will earn the best possible returns with the lowest possible amount of risk. Fixed-interest investments offer alternative options for investing with less risk.

When you’re juggling the many day-to-day responsibilities of running a business, planning for your retirement might well slip down your list of priorities.

-Budget 2018 round up: Personal allowance to rise -Auto-enrolment contributions fall 5.5% in five years -Long-term investors reap the rewards from financial crisis -Women ‘missing out on pension income in divorce’