Money Matters Advice from the Experts
Make it your business to save
Published 12 August 2008
While the impact of the credit crunch continues to affect peoples domestic budgets, the knock-on effects for business owners creates equal uncertainty.
Take a pension tax break
Published 12 August 2008
In recent articles my colleague Derek Baty has covered issues ensuring pension investments are suitable from a risk Investment basis, the importance of funding adequately, and the “Open Market Option” when trying to secure maximum income at retirement.
Do you care what your savings fund?
Published 1 August 2008
When I was asked to write this article on ethical or socially responsible investment my initial thought was ‘Here we go, another piece on saving the environment’.
How to keep it in the family
Published 1 August 2008
How does inheritance tax work? Quite simply, if all of your assets put together are worth more than £312,000 in total when you die the tax man could potentially take a 40 per cent chunk out of anything over this.
Tales of the unexpected debt
Published 25 July 2008
The rising cost of motor fuel and household bills is in the press on a daily basis. With the cost of living increasing faster than earnings, your disposable income is constantly being reduced.
Buying an annuity? Check the options
Published 21 July 2008
If you want a happy retirement, but haven't made pension provision you need to seek advice and fast.
Let savings take the strain
Published 21 July 2008
Too few are saving on a regular basis, but there has never been a better or more important time to save.
Two good reasons why saving is not a luxury
Published 14 July 2008
Saving is often thought of as a luxury. After all, don’t we have enough demands on our cash without having to worry about the future?
Saving pence will spare financial pain of credit crunch
Published 5 July 2008
Chris McDonald has some useful advice on the essential steps you should be taking to avoid financial pain over the next 12 months.
Be smart, stay one step ahead of the taxman
Published 5 July 2008
Many of us have just received a dull-looking brown envelope from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) containing a demand for tax. Unfortunately, the contents cannot be ignored.
One third will be disappointed with pensions
Published 27 June 2008
With the average UK weekly wage at £457 it might be reasonable to expect a pensioner to have an income not far below that.
Don’t buy to let on a falling market
Published 23 June 2008
Here in the UK we are obsessed with property. People who would not invest £10 in the stockmarket because it is too risky are comfortable with the notion of borrowing thousands of pounds to buy a house, spend thousands more on renovations and then let a complete stranger live in it.
Saving in shifting scenarios
Published 23 June 2008
The credit crunch and the subsequent liquidity freeze has made borrowing money difficult and more expensive, writes Philip Ward.
Whose hands is your future in?
Published 13 June 2008
When things are going well it’s tempting to put planning for more uncertain times to the back of our minds.
Don’t let your home (or homes) become too taxing
Published 13 June 2008
When you sell your own home the question of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rarely rates a mention.
Grandparents are having fun... by cashing in on their valuable home
Published 6 June 2008
After years of working hard, you should expect a carefree and enjoyable retirement. We’re not talking about yachts or world cruises.
First-timers’ day may be dawning
Published 6 June 2008
The biggest investment most people make in their lives is buying a home. Where do you start? How do you do it? What are your options?
Why first-timers have lots to look forward to
Published 4 June 2008
With the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) predicting a seven per cent fall in house prices, the cost of living continuing to rise, and mortgage rates remaining stubbornly high, you would be forgiven for thinking that first-time buyers have disappeared.
Do you believe in pensions?
Published 4 June 2008
If you want to make the most of your retirement is a pension plan your only option? Some people challenge the received wisdom by suggesting money would be better placed in property or in a building society. Derek Baty, of Armstrong Watson, weighs up the options.
List your outgoings, then cut them
Published 29 May 2008
Rising fuel costs and food bills have left us all feeling the pinch. Phillip Ward of the Cumberlnad Building Society has some tips on surviving the credit crunch.
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