The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), on the 16th March 2015, outlined how it will implement new regulatory regimes to preserve the integrity of the UK finance industry and financial markets. The FCA stated that the new framework comprises two regulatory regimes, a ‘Senior Managers Regime’ and a ‘Certification Regime’, both of which are underpinned by […]
According to HMRC, 45% of savers in stocks and shares ISAs are aged 55 or over. These savers already understand the mantra of ‘gross is good’ and have chosen an investment on which there’s no additional tax due on investment growth and income. What many investors seem to be unaware of is that the exact […]
The focus in March inevitably turned towards the UK Budget – delivered by Chancellor George Osborne on March 18th – and the forthcoming General Election, with the two main parties currently running neck and neck in the opinion polls. It was therefore easy to overlook significant events that happened at the beginning of March. The […]
Most business owners go into business planning to make profits and to maximise the value of the business ready for selling when they exit. Then many fail to either maximise or extract their business’ value, because they don’t have the strategy to do so. This should include a plan to ensure that the business is […]
We are hearing a lot through the media about the attacks we may experience under the new UK Pension Reform arrangements and regulations, when we gain access to our pension pots and can choose to do what we like with them. What an opportunity for fraudsters who right now are ready to assault our new […]
ISAs have been a hot topic for politicians recently, with multiple changes to the savings vehicles made over the last few years. The most recent major announcement, George Osborne’s 2015 Budget, was no exception, with several interesting new developments for ISAs announced as part of the Budget document. Help to Buy ISA Arguably the biggest […]
Introduction and Political Background As the Chancellor stood up to speak on Wednesday March 18th there were less than 50 days to go until the General Election on May 7th. The opinion polls – and the bookmakers – still had the Conservatives marginally ahead, with David Cameron expected to remain in 10 Downing Street after […]
Are you relishing the arrival of your retirement, whenever it may be due? A recent survey from Aegon found that whilst people continued to have positive aspirations for retirement, there was nevertheless a widespread lack of confidence that retirement would actually deliver. With careful planning though, you can address all of your potential concerns and […]
The Chancellor announced on 9th February that Pensioner Bonds will now remain on sale until 15th May 2015 – meaning that eligible investors will not be turned away in the run up to the general election (7th May). Following the unprecedented demand for products that, with annual interest rates of 4% for the 3 year […]
1 – How long will my money have to last? We now tend to live longer. An average 65 year old in good health is expected to live for another 24 years and one in four people could now live to see their 95th birthday. Our retirement savings are going to have to last us for […]