To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Case Study: Mortgage advice, exploring alternative options clients may not think of
/in Case Studies /by AdminOur client was recommended to us by a family member who is also a friend of one of our advisers. She had recently split up from her partner, and as part of this they were selling their property and she was relocating, and asked for our advice on a new mortgage. During our initial chat […]
What happens to my pension when I die?
/in Pensions /by AdminIf you die before you’ve taken everything from your pension pot, its value will normally be paid to your beneficiaries, providing that you have nominated them. This could be your spouse, civil partner or long-term unmarried partner, or it could be to your children or grandchildren for example, or even wider family or friends or […]
Your pensions questions answered
/0 Comments/in Pensions /by AdminWe wanted to answer some of the most popular pensions questions we get asked by new clients. Of course we can only give general guidance in a short blog, so if you would like to discuss your own specific circumstances, please call the office and make an appointment with one of our advisers. Our first […]
Pension sharing: what is it and how we can help
/0 Comments/in Pensions /by AdminWhen a marriage ends in divorce, one of the key parts of the legal process is to come to a financial settlement between both parties. In order to achieve this, they will need to declare all their assets. Aside from property, pensions can be one of the biggest financial assets that either party has, especially […]
What is ethical investing and is it right for you?
/0 Comments/in Investments /by AdminAre you interested in the idea of using your money to change the world for the better via ethical investing? Since the pandemic and with climate change high on the news agenda more and more people are looking at the ethical aspects of their investments. It is something we are discussing more frequently with clients. […]
Peace of mind for our clients
/0 Comments/in Pensions /by AdminWhen we work with clients we know that helping them with their financial situation is about more than just money. Having finances in order enables clients to achieve their goals, whatever they are. They can support their families and have the peace of mind to be able to focus on other things. We were really […]
An update on pension changes
/0 Comments/in Pensions /by AdminThe pension market is ever changing, and this year has seen more changes than most as the Covid-19 pandemic affects the financial services industry. Here is an update on some key changes to help you plan your pension arrangements. Has my pension changed in value? At the start of lockdown, stock markets fell considerably and […]
Case study: Drawing funds from an occupational pension
/0 Comments/in Case Studies /by AdminThe client Our client approached us as she had received a pre-retirement pack from an old company occupational pension scheme, from a well known high street name. This was for a relatively small plan value, and the pension offered was only £70 a year. Our client asked if we could arrange for her to draw […]
Case study: Mortgage advice at the end of product life
/0 Comments/in Case Studies /by AdminThe client One of our long-standing clients approached us for mortgage advice as his product was ending. He was looking to take out a new 5-year fixed rate product. Our solution: mortgage advice We reviewed his options, and looked at suitable products from a number of lenders. The best option for him was to take […]
Financial resilience: how would you cope with a life changing event?
/0 Comments/in Protection /by AdminAccording to Scottish Widows, in the UK up to six million people each year suffer a life changing event that causes a sudden loss of income. Many more experience events that cause a sudden rise in outgoings. Examples include: Loss of a job Sickness leading to absence from work Becoming a carer to a relative […]
3 financial steps to take to protect the important things in life
/0 Comments/in General Advice /by AdminIn the last few months have you stepped back to consider what is important? Have you been reviewing your future plans and finances? Have you realised the importance of ensuring your family and future are protected? After three months of lockdown, we are starting to see shops and businesses opening up. We are all getting […]
Changes on pension tax relief for higher rate tax payers
/0 Comments/in Pensions /by AdminWhat is pension tax relief? When we are advising clients on their pension options, we often need to explain pension tax relief. Tax relief is the biggest advantage that pensions have over ordinary investments. This is an incentive set by the government to encourage you to pay into your pension pot. When you pay money […]
Financial planning when going through a divorce
/0 Comments/in General Advice /by AdminDivorce is stressful. We can at least help in taking part of that stress away for you. Sometimes our services are needed most when our clients are going through a stressful change in their lives. Recently Paula has been advising several clients who are going through the divorce process, working with them and their solicitor. […]
How much should I save in my pension?
/0 Comments/in Pensions /by AdminThis is a question that our clients always ask us when we are discussing their private pension arrangements. Putting money away every month or year to benefit us at some point in the future is a major decision to make, and can feel very unreal, when you are more concerned about covering your day to […]
Old Pensions and Coffee
/0 Comments/in Pensions /by AdminOur client asked us to review a number of pension schemes from old employers, with one of the schemes run by a well-known Scottish insurer dating back to the 1980’s. As part of our review of any pension scheme we write for detailed information on the scheme, and we look at the charges on the […]
If it seems too good to be true it probably is!
/0 Comments/in Investments /by AdminA company which offered ISAs and bonds online, has gone bust owing £237 million to over 11,000 people. These bonds and ISAs were advertised online on a comparison site and tempted investors by indicating a return of 8% per year. The serious Fraud Office are now investigating. An 8% return on a low risk investment […]
Mortgage product ending soon? Thinking maybe of just changing product?
/0 Comments/in Mortgages /by AdminLet us check whether this is best for you, and if it is we can normally arrange it for you, without charging you anything. That’s right. There has been a seed change in the mortgage market, with lenders trying to keep their borrowers more actively, rather than borrowers having to change lender every time their […]
Paying the price of the “University Experience”
/0 Comments/in General Advice /by AdminIt’s no secret that the cost of the “University Experience” is now higher than it has ever been. According to The Guardian, the average cost of a degree per child is now around the £85,000 mark, and it is Parents and Grandparents who are playing an increasingly significant role in funding this. The estimated cost […]
An Extra £700 Income Per Year? Yes Please!
/0 Comments/in Pensions /by AdminOur client had several older style pension plans with guaranteed annuity rates and asked us to look at these, to obtain the best income available for him. We obtained quotations from the provider, and these showed an annuity rate of only 7.07%. This was less than we expected from our knowledge of this type of […]
Born between 6 April 1970 and 5 April 1978? Unlucky, you may now have to work a year longer.
/0 Comments/in Pensions /by AdminThe government has today announced that the predicted rise of the state pension age to 68 will now happen in 2037, 7 years earlier than was planned. This affects about 6 million people born between 6 April 1970 and 5 April 1978. We would not be at all surprised if the state pension age were […]
Today is the right time
/0 Comments/in Pensions /by AdminWe advised our client to delay taking his pension a few years ago, as it had special benefits. We’ve today set up an annuity for him, which is 159% higher than he could buy on the open market. Why not make an appointment with us TODAY on 01543 410512 to review your finances, and see […]
One in three families in England could not pay their rent or mortgage for more than a month if they lost their job, a study for the charity Shelter suggests
/0 Comments/in Protection /by Adminhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-37017254 Planning for this kind of event can often be a forgotten activity. Call or email us to look at protection costs, you’ll be surprised at how affordable peace of mind is.