Investment market update: October 2024
While inflation is stabilising in many major economies, markets continue to experience some volatility, which may have affected your investment portfolio. According to the latest International Monetary Fund’s Global Financial Stability Report, markets could be underestimating the risks of conflicts and upcoming elections. Indeed, the rising price of gold suggests some investors are seeking a...
Interest rates are predicted to fall to 3% next year and could slash mortgage repayments
There could be good news on the horizon for mortgage holders. Experts are predicting that the Bank of England (BoE) will gradually reduce the base interest rate over the next 12 months, which could slash your mortgage repayments. The BoE’s base rate has a direct effect on the cost of borrowing, including through a mortgage....
The pensions basics you need to know as a self-employed worker
As a self-employed worker, managing your finances can be more complex. One area you might have overlooked or be unsure where to start with is saving for your retirement. According to the House of Commons Library, there are 4.24 million self-employed workers in the UK as of July 2024, and research indicates many don’t understand...
4 valuable ways lifetime cashflow forecasting could give you financial confidence
Lifetime cashflow forecasting is a core part of financial planning that could help you understand how your future may look. It could provide essential information that means you’re able to feel confident about what’s to come and the decisions you make. Read on to find out how it works and why it might be valuable…
Why your financial plan could benefit more than you by creating a legacy
You might think of your financial plan as being a way to help you reach your life goals. But it could benefit more than just you. As a financial plan focuses on your goals, you might choose to include ways to create a legacy for your loved ones. It could mean your wealth provides long-term...
10 financial tasks to complete this year to head into 2025 feeling confident
The end of the year is fast approaching, and while your mind might be on celebrating the festive period, it’s the perfect opportunity to tick off some financial tasks you might be putting off. Spending some time going through your finances and thinking about what you want to achieve next year could help you step...
2 key Budget announcements that may affect your financial plan
Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered the new Labour government’s first Budget on 30 October 2024. Amid the announcements were key changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Inheritance Tax (IHT) that could affect your financial plan. Ahead of the Budget, prime minister Keir Starmer said it would be “painful” as there was a £22 billion black...
Your Autumn Budget update – the key news from the chancellor’s statement
Almost four months after Labour won the general election, chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered her 2024 Autumn Budget, outlining the government’s plans for this tax year and beyond. Arguing that the July general election had given Labour a “mandate to restore stability and start a decade of renewal”, Reeves described it as “a Budget to...
Investment market update: September 2024
Economic data suggesting some developed countries, including the US, could fall into a recession continued to affect investment markets in September 2024. Read on to discover other factors that may have affected the performance of your investments. UK Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows inflation remained stable at 2.2% in the 12…
Why inflation solutions should remain part of your long-term financial plan
High inflation has been a hot topic over the last couple of years, and as its pace stabilises, you might think it no longer needs to be part of your financial plan. Yet, skipping inflation when calculating your long-term finances could leave you with a shortfall. The government sets the Bank of England (BoE) a…
3 useful steps that could prevent your business falling victim to a scam
It’s not just your personal finances that may be attractive to fraudsters. As a business owner, you might also want to consider the steps you could take to halt a potential scam that targets your firm. Indeed, research suggests it’s something overlooked by many small business owners. According to UK Finance’s Annual Fraud Report 2024,…
Climbing annuity rates could boost your retirement income
Purchasing an annuity could provide you with a regular income throughout retirement. And rising annuity rates could help your pension savings go further. An annuity is something you buy, often with the money saved in your pension, which then provides a guaranteed income. The annuity rate offered affects the income you’d receive and it can…