Useful Articles

Common ways fraudsters can steal your personal information

Identity theft is frighteningly widespread. No one can prevent all identity theft, and cybercriminals are getting more sophisticated in their attempts to steal your identity. Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information and uses it to commit fraud or other crimes in your name. Continue reading “Protecting your identity” →

Building wealth for a solid financial future

As a parent, guardian or grandparent, you’ll want to provide the best future for your children or grandchildren that you can. Christmas is an excellent time to encourage children to start thinking about the value of money. Many children have hundreds of pounds spent on them at Christmas. But could that money be put to better use? Rather than buying yet more toys for your children or grandchildren, why not consider setting up a tax-efficient Junior ISA for them? Continue reading “Festive gifts” →

Tax aspects require careful planning after recent government changes

Pensions have the reputation of being confusing, but they needn’t be. Private pensions are usually used by people who don’t have access to a workplace pension scheme, but you can also have one if you are employed or not working. They work in much the same way as workplace pension schemes, but you, rather than an employer, are responsible for choosing the provider and setting up your plan. Continue reading “Funding your golden years” →

Taking responsibility for funding our own retirement

Although each generation will likely face different challenges and opportunities, achieving retirement readiness will require actions common to us all. Continue reading “Pension freedoms” →

Build a portfolio that meets your needs

The earlier you commit to an investment strategy, the longer your money can work in the market. However, the world is an uncertain place at the moment. The deadline for the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU is edging closer, and there is also the ongoing threat of an all-out trade war breaking out. Continue reading “Market exposure” →

Financially squeezed between elderly parents and children

Faced with the task of caring for elderly parents alongside your children, being in the Sandwich Generation can be a testing time. Finding yourself squeezed between – and often by – these two generations can be very stressful. Continue reading “Sandwich Generation” →

Why sorting out your pension may not be the biggest priority

What is likely to be a divorcing couple’s most valuable asset? The family home will spring to most people’s minds first. But the value of a pension could well be the biggest single asset in the relationship. Continue reading “Relationship breakdowns” →

Passing your wealth on to the next generation

You have worked hard to build your wealth. Passing it on to the next generation fairly, safely, effectively and efficiently takes skill and careful preparation. But some people find the idea of discussing inheritance uncomfortable and subsequently put off estate planning until, in some instances, it may be too late to make a difference. Continue reading “Inheritance Tax concerns?” →

The greatest strains on physical and mental health

There is an increasing trend of people working for longer and delaying their retirement, with some staying in work out of financial necessity. Continue reading “Work pressures” →

Impact of rising prices on investments

A pound saved is a pound earned. But thanks to inflation, over time, the value of the pound saved could be much less than when it was earned. One cannot ignore the corrosive impact of rising prices on investments. Continue reading “Inflation matters” →