Steps to tax-efficient retirement planning
The key factors that determine your income in retirement are: when you retire; the level of tax-free cash you take; and how you access your defined contribution pots – in other words, do you stay invested and draw an income from your funds, or buy an annuity. Read More
UK bank bosses to discuss weak savings rates.
UK bank bosses have been summoned to a meeting with the financial watchdog this week amid mounting concerns that they are profiting from rising interest rates by offering paltry savings rates to customers. Read More
Annuity or tax-free cash?
The 25% tax-free lump sum is one of the most popular pension benefits. It feels like a one-off retirement bonus and can go towards the holiday of a lifetime, paying off your mortgage or helping children and grandchildren — but taking it all isn’t necessarily best for your finances long-term.
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New year financial resolutions
New year financial resolutions only work when the reasons for doing it are real. The subconscious controls your actions and the subconscious will reject any ‘wish’ as a dream, and will hijack any actions you may be considering. A resolution will be real if your why behind it is real. Now, consider your goals and what you really want to do over six months, a year and five years. Read More
Mortgage crisis deepens as buy-to-let loans disappear
Landlords are being warned to brace themselves for a mortgage crisis with a hike in mortgage rates that will force many to sell up – or create financial misery for their tenants with rent rises.