Starting a pension in your twenties can save you hundreds in your thirties

Workers who start contributing to their pension in their twenties are likely to save themselves hundreds of pounds a month in their thirties, analysis shows. A single person who wants to retire at 55 on a £13,000 annual income would need to save £496 a month from the age of 25, according to wealth manager [...]

What You Need to Know About Stamp Duty in 2021

Stamp duty is a tax that is much-hated by many a homebuyer. Just as you’re handing over thousands of pounds in deposits, mortgage charges and solicitor fees, you’re hit with a levy on the price of the property you’re buying. And in recent years, Stamp Duty has got even more confusing, with a number of […]

Two-thirds of advisers resume face to face meetings

Many advisers are resuming face to face meetings with clients following the lifting of all Covid restrictions, research commissioned by insurer Zurich finds. The research shows that more than two-thirds (68%) of advisers have restarted face to face meetings with clients and around 66% have returned to working with colleagues in the office. Nearly a […]

FCA must urgently clarify Consumer Duty for firms

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) must urgently clarify expectations around its new Consumer Duty so firms are not caught out, PIMFA warns. The adviser trade body wants firms to be assessed for their ability to discharge their obligations under the duty. In May the regulator announced plans for a new Consumer Duty that aims to provide a higher level [...]

Our Expert Advice Can Help Reduce Your Mortgage Stress

Moving home is known to be one of life’s most stressful events. In fact, a survey earlier this year, found the process can cause us more stress than other major life events such as having a baby, getting married, starting a new job or getting divorced. Sorting Out Your Finances The biggest cause of worry [...]

The World is Changing – So Should Your Insurance

The world is changing rapidly in a way that nobody could ever have expected, meaning your personal and financial circumstances are likely to have changed. It is important to regularly review all aspects of your finances and that includes reviewing your protection insurance, to make sure your policy provides adequate cover for your changing needs. [...]

Mortgage Affordability in a Post-COVID World

Back in March, the Bank of England slashed interest rates to an all-time low of 0.1%, in a bid to alleviate the severe economic pressure caused by coronavirus. As the base rate cut fed through to mortgage rates and with the continuing pressure of a closed mortgage market, lenders responded by withdrawing mortgage offers, increasing [...]

Look Beyond the Price of Your Protection Policy

Most of us celebrate the start of life and pay tribute to the end of life, but are we placing enough importance on everything in between?   If we’re lucky we’ll enjoy certain life events like finding a lifelong partner, marriage / civil partnership, having children, enjoying a career, and ultimately retiring. But how many of [...]