What is Income Protection
Posted by Nigel on Thursday 18th of November 2021
In very simple terms, income protection is an insurance policy that pays out a percentage of your monthly income if you are unable to work.
Income protection is different to life insurance or critical illness cover, both of which do not pay a monthly benefit, but instead give you one-off lump sums in the event of your death or the diagnosis of a critical illness. That’s why it’s important to seek financial advice if you are thinking about getting cover.
How do I know if I need it?
Here are some of the things you need to consider:
- Wha...
Be wary of the crypto craze
Posted by Nigel on Thursday 11th of November 2021
Reasons to be crypto cautious
- Crypto currencies are a volatile choice and susceptible to stock market bubbles, which can affect investments negatively during a downturn.
- They’re not a tangible form of investment, and are not regulated, which can be a red flag when it comes to your investments.
- Volatility means investors are likely to act on doubts and sell if they fear a fall in return.
This year has been eventful for bitcoin, with the cryptocurrency reaching a record high and then almost halving in value in the space of six weeks. ...
Bank of England Holds Interest Rates
Posted by Nigel on Thursday 4th of November 2021
Autumn Budget 2021
Posted by Nigel on Thursday 28th of October 2021
In Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s second financial statement this year, there were few surprises as he looks to fix the economy following the pandemic.
With inflation climbing and interest rate rises on the horizon, Britain is at a critical period in terms of its economic future. Multiple lockdowns caused the UK economy to slump by 10% while the government spent more than £100 billion supporting jobs.
Now the economy is recovering the chancellor is under increasing pressure to balance the books and claw back money spent on fighting ...
Autumn Newsletter
Posted by Nigel on Wednesday 22nd of September 2021
Our latest newsletter, should it raise any queries for you, please do get in touch!
Jargon & Lingo - Let's talk Mortgages
Posted by Nigel on Tuesday 18th of May 2021
The A-Z, well V, of mortgages explained.
Agreement in principle
A document from a mortgage lender with an estimate of how much money you may be able to borrow. You can use this to prove to a seller that you can afford to buy their property.
Annual percentage rate (APR)
The overall cost of a mortgage, including the interest and fees. It assumes you have the mortgage for the whole term.
Arrangement fee
A set-up fee for your mortgage.
Base rate
The interest rate the Bank of England charges other banks and lenders when they borrow money...
May Newsletter
Posted by Nigel on Tuesday 18th of May 2021
The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
Posted by Nigel on Monday 29th of March 2021
The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to many lenders withdrawing their 90% LTV (loan to value) products during the first months of lockdown, meaning many potential first time buyers suddenly found themselves needing to raise more than the 10% deposit they had already saved.
90% LTV products started to reappear, on a restricted basis, following the announcement by the Chancellor in July that SDLT (stamp duty land tax) would be frozen on main residential properties up to the value of £500,000. A potential saving for buyer and mov...
Use it or lose it
Posted by Nigel on Monday 22nd of March 2021
Use it or lose it
The current tax year ends on 5 April 2021, so now’s a good time to make sure your finances are in order and book an annual review with your financial adviser. We’ve taken a look at some of the main allowances you’ll need to bear in mind as you prepare for the end of the tax year.
ISAs
An ISA is a tax-free wrapper in which you can hold various types of savings and investments. There are different types and the amount you can place in them without being charged tax (the tax-free allowance) varies. You can spread your money...
Extended Support Package
Posted by Nigel on Thursday 4th of March 2021
Budget March 2021 - UK Government financial support for business, employees and self-employed 4 March 2021
In the Budget on Wednesday 3 March 2021, the Chancellor set out plans for what we all hope will be the last phase of the financial support to help businesses, employees and self-employed financially survive the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The key points of the latest announcement are:
- Extend the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme further, until the end of September 2021.
- Details about the fourth Self-employed Income Suppo...