Mortgage rates in the UK have been on a rising trend since the end of 2022, following a period of historically low rates in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and exascerbated by the war in Ukraine and its knock on effects globally. The Bank of England (BoE) has been
types of and stratagies for risk management of investments
review of investment stratagies including passive, active, income, growth, value, balanced, ethical & tax efficient.
uk investment regulations including the FCA, FSMA & other relevant acts & schemes.
tax considerations for investment including income tax, CGT, Inheritance & wrappers for efficiency.
overview of investment tools including online platforms, calculators, research tools & management tools
overview of investment research covering company & economic analysis, risk assessment and tools etc to assist.
overview of investment planning covers goals and timescales, risk tolerance, diversification, costs and taxation
overview of typres of investments including direct and indirect investing, peer to peer lending, crowdfunding & ethical
explores risk and return, asset classes, investment vehicles & strategies for invesment
As a UK consumer, you have certain rights and protections regarding debt collection practices. Here's a breakdown of the key rules: Who can contact you? * Only authorized debt collectors working for the original creditor or a debt purchasing company can contact you about outstanding debts. They must be
Managing your finances effectively is crucial for achieving your financial goals and securing a stable future. However, understanding complex financial matters and making informed decisions can be challenging without professional guidance. That's where a financial advisor can play a vital role.
As a Consumer, avoiding debt requires proactive financial planning and responsible spending habits. Here are some good techniques to help you achieve that: Budgeting and Tracking: * Create a budget: Plan your income and expenses realistically, allocating funds for essential needs, savings, and discretionary spending. Tools like budgeting apps can help
In the UK, the tax implications of debt repayment generally depend on the type of debt you're repaying and the methods used to repay it. Here's a breakdown: Debt types and tax implications: * Mortgages: Interest payments on mortgages are tax-deductible for higher-rate taxpayers (40% and 45%
The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) sets the base rate of interest, also known as Bank Rate, with the primary goal of achieving the government's inflation target of 2%. The MPC considers various economic factors when making its decision on interest rates, including: 1.
Inflation
UK inflation has been on a rollercoaster ride in recent years, reaching a 41-year high of 11.1% in October 2022. Since then, it has gradually subsided, and has fallen to 4.6% as of 15th November 2023. The Bank of England expects inflation to fall to around 2% by
Mortgages
Mortgage rates in the UK have been on a rising trend in 2023, following a period of historically low rates in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bank of England (BoE) has been increasing the base rate of interest in an effort to combat inflation, which has led to
Debt
In the UK, bankruptcy and debt forgiveness options should be considered as last resorts due to their potential consequences. However, understanding them can be helpful for individuals facing overwhelming debt and considering all their options. Here's an overview: Bankruptcy: Individual Bankruptcy (England & Wales): This option allows individuals
Debt
Having a bad credit score in the UK can have a significant impact on various aspects of your financial life. Here's a breakdown of some key consequences: Difficulties Accessing Credit: * Loan applications: Bad credit can lead to loan rejections or higher interest rates for mortgages, personal loans, car
Debt
There are various options available for managing and reducing credit card and loan repayments, depending on your specific situation and the type of debt you hold. For a wider overview of ways to manage & reduce Debt Consumer Debt view our article here Here's a breakdown of some
Debt
* Different types of debt have varying interest rates and consequences. Prioritise paying off high-interest debts like credit cards and payday loans first to minimize interest charges. Consider strategies like the avalanche method (focusing on high-interest debts first) or the snowball method (prioritising smaller debts for quicker payoffs). For an introduction
Interest Rates
The UK's interest rates have been on an upward trajectory in recent months, as the Bank of England attempts to combat rising inflation. In December 2021, the BoE's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted to raise the base rate from 0.1% to 0.25%. This was
Debt
UK Consumer debt is the money owed by individuals or households to various lenders for personal expenses or purchases. This excludes debt related to businesses or investments. Here's a breakdown of the two main types of consumer debt in the UK: 1. Secured Debt: This type of debt
Debt
As a UK consumer facing consumer debt, there are various ways to manage and reduce it, depending on your specific situation and the type of debt you hold. Here are some key strategies: 1. Create a Budget and Track Expenses: * Track your income and expenses to understand where your money
Consumer duty
St James’s Place (SJP) has announced modifications to its charging structure for new investment bonds and pensions. The primary change is the removal of exit fees, transitioning to a structure comprised of initial and ongoing charges without early withdrawal fees. This format is already employed in SJP's
The UK housing market has been through a tumultuous period in recent years, with house prices soaring to record highs during the pandemic and then falling back in 2023. However, the market is now showing signs of stabilizing, and prices are expected to remain relatively flat for the rest of
Pensions
At retirement when we take our pension from a defined contribution scheme we have a number of options available to us. * The open market option * Tax free cash lump sum * The frequency of payment * Escalation in payments * Spouses provisions * Guarantee periods Each of these options can be taken in conjunction
family
As a 52-year-old man with three teenage kids, securing your family's financial future is undoubtedly a top priority. With retirement looming and the expenses of raising children, it's crucial to make informed financial decisions today to ensure a stable and prosperous future for your loved ones.
FCA
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK proposed a new "Consumer Duty" to ensure that firms provide higher standards of care for their customers. This duty aimed to ensure that consumers are provided with products and services that genuinely meet their needs and that they are not
Cost of living
Potential Benefits of Buying a House in 2023 * Building Equity: Homeownership allows you to build equity over time as you pay down your mortgage. This equity can serve as a valuable financial asset, providing you with a source of wealth that can be tapped into for various purposes, such as
Consumer duty
There Are 2 Types Of Investment Advice: ‘Independent’ And ‘Restricted’. It Is Also Possible To Obtain ‘Guidance’ (Or No Advice). If you are getting advice about investing your money, you need to know there are two different types of financial advisers – independent and restricted – and this can affect the advice