Financial illiteracy has long been an issue but, according to Old Mutual Wealth’s Jane Goodland, it is now an epidemic. The problem is – what to do about it? There have been plenty of initiatives in recent times but none...

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...

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...

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,...

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 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...

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...

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...