Investment market update: June 2024
2024 is a historic election year – elections will take place in 50 countries. More than 2 billion voters will head to the polls in countries including the UK, US, France, and South Africa throughout the year. Political uncertainty can affect investment markets and there was evidence of this in June. During market volatility, remember […]
Higher-rate taxpayers: Beware of the 60% tax trap
The tapering of the Personal Allowance means some higher-rate taxpayers effectively pay an Income Tax rate of 60%, sometimes without realising. Fortunately, if you’re affected, there could be ways to reduce your tax bill. A report in the Telegraph suggests 1.35 million workers were affected by the 60% tax trap in 2023/24. Collectively, they paid […]
How to use life insurance to cover a future Inheritance Tax bill for your family
The amount the government collects through Inheritance Tax (IHT) is on the rise, and freezes to allowances mean it’s expected to increase further. If your family could face a bill when you pass away, life insurance could provide a valuable way to cover the expense. According to MoneyAge, the amount collected through IHT hit a […]
78% of retirees could be missing out on investment returns by accessing their pension early
According to research from Scottish Widows, more than three-quarters of retirees could be missing out on potential investment returns by accessing their pension before their retirement date. Understanding the implications of withdrawing money from your pension could help you to make a decision that’s right for you. Read on to find out some of the […]
Why mental shortcuts could harm your financial decision-making skills
Every day you’ll take mental shortcuts, known as “heuristics”, to help you solve problems quickly. This can be incredibly useful in some circumstances and help you avoid becoming overwhelmed by decisions. Yet, when you’re making large decisions, including how to handle your finances, it could be harmful. Heuristics are necessary for people to navigate their […]
The value of financial planning: How it could help you achieve your aspirations
Often one of the biggest benefits of a bespoke financial plan is that it allows you to devise a blueprint to follow, with your goals placed at the centre. It’s a strategy that could help you focus on what you want to achieve in life and make working with a professional even more valuable to […]