It’s the time of year when people reassess their financial health – from pensions, investments and savings to mortgages and protection. Mortgages are a hot topic at present with the rate rise late last year. That made people stop and...
Auto-enrolment set for major expansion (Birmingham Post Article 18.01.2018)
Pension auto-enrolment, so far considered a significant success, is set to take a great leap forward. It is being strengthened and expanded but how will those affected react? Could it increase rates of opt-out? Nobody really knows. Auto-enrolment started in...
Opportunity knocks as tax year end looms (Birmingham Post Article 03.08.2018)
According to Benjamin Franklin in 1789: “In this world nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes.” A more meaningful certainty is that 5th April marks the end of this current tax year and having, no doubt,...
Vital to prepare for care costs (Birmingham Post article 28.12.2017)
Planning how best to pay for long-term care will increasingly become a huge issue for an ageing society. And especially as Government promises to sort out the mess have failed to materialise beyond allowing councils an extra rates precept to...
Bitcoin – scam or sensation? (Birmingham Post article 21.12.2017)
Bitcoin has been generating publicity and added value in almost equal measure. Having risen dramatically, the cryptocurrency is a phenomenon lauded by fans. But some countries have banned it, some regulators have put out warnings and some financial services experts...
Getting wise to pension freedom opportunities (Birmingham Post article 14.12.2017)
Pension freedoms have allowed those who want to get their hands on the money now to do exactly that. But taking everything out in one go can result in a heavy tax bill. However, it seems that individuals, many guided...
Don’t get caught in the Inheritance Tax trap (Birmingham Post article 07.12.2017)
Since the introduction of the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB) in the spring, we have been advising clients about possible solutions for those whose estates are over the £2 million limit. And this is getting more urgent with Treasury figures...
Growth v value – does the distinction really exist? (Birmingham Post article 30.11.2017)
Commentators and analysts seem to spend a huge amount of time arguing the relative merits of growth stocks versus value stocks when it comes to investing in company shares. Are we currently experiencing the “Great Rotation” from growth to value?...
The challenging environment for investors continues (Birmingham Post article 23.11.2017)
With interest rates just raised from 0.25 per cent to 0.5 per cent, and banks reluctant to pass on the benefits to savers although applying the increase to mortgages, the thrifty are having to look elsewhere for returns, especially those...
China still has plenty to offer investors (Birmingham Post Article 09.11.2017)
Confucius said – I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Which surely has a kind of message for those thinking of investing in China. Many were worried about a sharp slowdown only...