Being steadfast, sensible and taking time to consider important matters is part of our national character … and that applies equally to financial challenges. So no surprise then that most, but not all, have taken pension freedoms in their stride....
Balance risk and reward when exploring new frontiers (Birmigham Post article 23.05.2019)
I was in a meeting with a fund manager not long ago and he asked the question: How many companies are there in Africa with annual revenues greater than $1 billion? It turns out that there are over 400 (not...
How do you avoid the kids inheriting a tax headache? (Birmingham Post article 25.07.2019)
The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) has described inheritance tax as appearing to be “almost uniquely unpopular”. Why is it so hated? Because it is seen as double taxation, levying a death tax on assets built up from taxed income...
Life insurance covers more than your back (Birmingham Post article 19.09.2019)
We all spend a lot of money on insurances – car, house, pet, dental … the list goes on. But the most important of all, ourselves, is often neglected. Obtaining life cover is cheap and simple yet so many don’t...
Choosing the right shares can reap rewards and help save the planet (Birmingham Post article 17.10.2019)
It is asserted that the hottest acronym in asset management today is ESG – environmental and social governance. It is pretty safe to say ESG is having a huge effect on funds under management. But how much is hard to...
Stay invested through tough times (Birmingham Post article 10.10.2019)
Threats to the world economy appear to be mounting – the trade war between China and the United States continues, Germany’s GDP is shrinking, Brexit is causing angst and global tensions are spooking oil prices. Some particularly nervous investors might...
Finding relief amidst a taxing share sale (Birmingham Post article 29.08.2019)
You are a small businessman who has built up a nice little company but you are no spring chicken anymore. You are fed up of the uncertainties surrounding Brexit and worried about what sort of government might emerge should there...
Lessons of the Woodford mess (Birminham Post article 27.06.2019)
When investment managers reach near cult status it is time to be wary. Neil Woodford has been taking a kicking in the wake of a mass exit from his flagship Equity Income fund, tumbling from £10.2 billion under management to...
New ruling tax threat to some pension transfers (Birmingham Post article 27.12.2018)
Defined benefit (DB) transfers have surged since the introduction of pension freedoms. It is reckoned that more than 100,000 people have left their final salary pension in the past 12 months, and rising. According to Retirement Planner, there are a...
Be sure to make the most of your State Pension (Birmingham Post article 20.12.2018)
Looking to maximise your income in retirement? A good place to start is with your State Pension. If you’re not getting the full amount or are not on track for it, then, as highlighted in Royal London’s State Pension Guide...