Independent Financial Advice Articles

The True Economic Crisis: Our Children’s financial knowledge The United Kingdom is facing a financial crisis and by this we do not mean the current economic down turn. The financial crisis we are referring to is the complete lack of financial knowledge that children in the UK have.
Parents Give Children’s Savings Accounts the Cold Shoulder as Piggy Banks Fill Up Consumer group Which? has warned that there is a worrying new trend in the savings market. Recent findings suggests that parents are no longer saving for their children due the extremely low interest rates being offered by UK Banks Instead of placing money in a children’s savings account as parents have traditionally done, many are now opting to keep this money in their child’s “piggy bank” at home A study of the children’s savings account market shows that on average Banks are offering interest rates as low as 0.
Gone in Sixty Seconds – Burglary Now One Every Minute in the UK The British Crime Survey has revealed that Burglary rates in the United Kingdom have soared by 14%, taking Burglary rates to their highest level since 2004 This 14% increase equates to 94,000 more homes being the target of Burglars in 2010/2011 In fact the survey shows that approximately 745,000 homes were burgled in this period in total. Put into context this means that 1 in 40 people experienced a Burglary last year or that there is one burglary every minute in England and Wales Police believe that there are likely to be several reasons for this sudden hike in crime.
House Sale Surge Leaves Home Owners in the Lurch Newly published statistics from the National Association of Estate Agents indicates that Estate Agents have more unsold homes on their books than at any point since 2009. Furthermore, although there are regional differences in the statistics, it appears that this is a problem being experienced through- out the United Kingdom This increase in unsold homes is a result of a drastically heightened demand from Home Owners desperate to move.
The Rising Cost of Cigarettes – How to kick the habit and stop your money going up in smoke Smoking is a habit which millions of people across the United Kingdom indulge in every day. The impact and potential consequences of smoking in terms of physical wellbeing and health are heavily documented and widely understood The Government, NHS and other health organisations continuously seek to send out the message of how bad smoking is.
Life Insurance – Are you paying more than you need to? Life insurance is a hugely popular type of Insurance. Many people purchase this type of Insurance at some stage in their life and as such most people have an understanding of the basic details of how this type of policy operates.
Payment Protection Insurance – How to avoid financial folly Payment Protection Insurance has been the subject of vast amounts of media speculation in recent months. Banks have been widely criticised for miss-selling this Insurance and as a result are now having to withstand the financial burden of having to compensate thousands of customers.
Fixed Rate Mortgages Vs Tracker Mortgages – Know your facts Mortgages can be extremely confusing and sometimes mentally navigating this topic can seem almost impossible. However, for most people their Mortgage is the biggest and longest financial commitment they will ever have and having at least a basic understanding of some simple facts can make a huge difference Due to the fact that the current Bank of England base rate is at an all time low, many people are currently torn between the low interest rate they could obtain by choosing a Tracker Mortgage and the security and peace of mind that is often provided by a Fixed Rate Mortgage.
Interest Only Mortgage – Is your Mortgage a Ticking Time Bomb? Interest Only Mortgages are relatively common in the United Kingdom and are used by many to great effect. However, unfortunately in the hands of someone who fails to understand the true purpose of this type of Mortgage, an Interest Only Mortgage can be a ticking time bomb.
Should you be prepared for the forthcoming Pensions Reforms? Pensions Reform are arriving at some stage over the next of couple of years, so now is the time to consider what actions they should be taking to help mitigate any additional costs that may arise. Employers will have to automatically enrol all eligible employees in a qualifying pension scheme, and make compulsory contributions.
Lord Hutton addresses Pension conference Following the publication of the Independent Public Service Pensions Commission’s recommendations for public service pensions, Lord Hutton stated, “We need to ensure the sustainability of good quality public service pension schemes?” According to official estimates, there is a £4 billion gap between the pension payments currently being made to retired public sector staff and the total of employer and employee contributions. The shortfall is projected to rise to £10.
Treasury launches unfunded pension transfer consultation The Treasury has launched a consultation on whether public sector workers should be able to keep pension rights equivalent to their unfunded scheme when their posts are transferred to the private sector. Under Fair Deal legislation any private sector employer who buys a business run by the public sector must not only retain the same staff but replicate their public sector pension benefits.
New Income Drawdown Rules The Government recently published changes to compulsory annuitisation and income drawdown which comes into effect from 6th April 2011 As of 6th April 2011 you will no longer be forced to buy an annuity at the age of 75. Changes to drawdown plans Income limits reduce from 120% GAD (Governments Actuary Department) to 100% GAD income and must be reviewed every three years (yearly from age 75) which is presently every five years.
Staging and Phasing Staging and phasing The introduction of the new employer duties will be rolled out from 2012. known as 'staging'.
Pension changes in 2010, a summary 2010 has seen a radical change in pension legislation; at last the government has made headway in to dealing with the pension conundrum. Now we need the coalition to come good on their intentions and deliver the reform they have promised.
Offshore Bonds and Pension Planning The promotion of offshore bonds as an alternative to pension investing is a very credible one. tax relief in pension saving has always served as a compelling force for most people investing in the long term.
Proposed changes to pensions 9th December 2010 On 9 December 2010, the Treasury released the draft of the proposed changes to pension legislation from 6th April 2011. The new rules will revolutionise the way pension benefits are taken, making retirement more flexible.
Pension options at Retirement Planning your retirement if you are planning to retire in the next few years, you are no doubt thinking about how to take an income from your hard-earned pension fund. There are a number of options available.
Want to feel great this Christmas? Give yourself a gift by giving to others! Billions will be spent this Christmas as the UK public rush to empty their purses and wallets in order to purchase an array of gifts aimed at pleasing family and friends. For many the magic of Christmas involves giving fantastic gifts to those we love, spending time with those we love and enjoying some much appreciated time away from work.
The True Cost of Owning a Dog As Christmas draws ever closer the question of what to buy loved ones will become a central issue that most people will begin to ponder. For some people the answer to this question will be to buy a Dog.
Unexpected Christmas Costs – Make sure the only surprises you get this Christmas are nice ones! The cost of Christmas is something most people begin to worry about months before it actually arrives. Some people are only too aware of the cost that Christmas brings and begin saving much earlier in the year in order to combat the financial burden.
Christmas Shopping – Make sure you know you legal rights Christmas is a time for giving. This is why we all strive to find the perfect gifts for our friends and family.
Britain Tips the Scale when it comes to obesity Statistics have revealed that one quarter of people in the United Kingdom now fall into the category of being obese. In fact, the United Kingdom is now the fattest nation in the European Union just in front of Ireland, Malta, Iceland and Luxembourg.
The top 5 Highest Paid Careers If you have been wondering what you need to do to earn more or which professions enjoy the highest annual basic salaries then look no further. Here, for your enlightenment, is a list of the United Kingdom’s highest paid professions.
Home Improvements on a Budget – The 3 Home Improvements you can make without Breaking the Bank We would all love to give our home a makeover. Many people dream of a brand new kitchen or bathroom or maybe even an extension.
3 Signs that a Website may be unsafe Christmas shopping is something most people prefer to put off for as long as possible.  Busy shops, cold weather and a lack of time often mean that the thought of Christmas shopping is enough to cause dread in the heart of even the most avid shopper.
Going on Holiday – Make sure you avoid these three money drainers If you are planning on packing up your things and going on holiday you will probably want to ensure that you have everything you need to enjoy your time away. However, like most people you may well be throwing your money away without even realising it.
3 Signs that you’re heading For Financial Trouble Keeping your finances on track is not always easy, especially in recent times. Many people are struggling to meet all of their financial commitments and many are failing.
Buying a used car? – Here are 3 Basic Rules You Need to Know If you are thinking of buying a used car, you will no doubt want to drive away with a great deal on a great car. Unfortunately, this is not always an easy task.
The Cost for Education – Home Tutoring In recent years the education system in the United Kingdom has been called into question time and time again. Parents throughout the country have raised concerns about the quality of the education their children are receiving from Primary School to High School.
3 Big Mistakes that result in Business Failure If you are self-employed or you are responsible for running a Business then you will be only too aware of the sheer weight of responsibility that lies squarely on your shoulders on a daily basis. When running a Business it is exceptionally easy to get caught up in performing the day to day tasks that need to be carried out and as a result to lose sight of the bigger picture.
The Real Cost of Junk Food We all like to treat ourselves when it comes to food. As the saying goes a little bit of what you like does you good.
5 Celebrities who truly understand financial hardship 2010 has been an extremely difficult year for the vast majority of people in the UK. As a country we have experienced a rise in unemployment, a drop in average income and spiralling debt, but if you thought that the recent economic issues are only relevant to the average person, think again.
New Year, New You – Lose Pounds and Save Money The end of the Christmas period can come as a relief to many, especially those who have consumed far more food and alcohol than they intended to. Of course, once Christmas is over and we welcome the New Year with open arms, our thoughts begin to turn towards the fresh start we have been afforded.
Christmas Shopping? - The 3 Gift Flops you need to Avoid Finding the perfect gifts for your friends and family this Christmas is likely to take a lot of time, energy and maybe even money. Hectic shops, massive queues and a complete lack of inspiration can make it difficult to find the perfect gift for everyone.
The 3 Financial Changes That Could Make or Break Your Relationship Relationships require hard work and commitment and like most things in life there can be no denying that they always have their ups and downs. One of the biggest issues that couples must negotiate is that of their finances.
An Early Christmas Present: Cure Your Panic Attacks without Spending a Penny If you or someone you love suffers from panic attacks, you will know that they can be debilitating. Panic attacks can leave people feeling a constant sense of fear and often prevent them from enjoying a good quality of life.
Protect Your Family’s Finances in 3 quick Steps If you have a family, protecting them is likely to be one of the highest priorities you have. Part of protecting your family concerns ensuring that your family are financially secure regardless of the twists and turns life throws their way.
Britain Goes Technology Mad This Christmas Are you wondering what the top presents will be this Christmas? A recent study carried out by Ofcom suggests that when it comes to the UK’s top Christmas presents in 2010, the latest technology will play the leading role both in terms of what we purchase and even how we choose to purchase it. The study shows that of all European nations, Britain is the nation which has embraced new technology most quickly and continues to do so.
Keep your Family Safe This Christmas- 3 Potential Disasters You Must Avoid Christmas is something that most people look forward to. It is known as a time to relax and have fun and at this time of year people begin to focus on spending time with their family and friends.
3 Ways to Look Beautiful for Less This Christmas  Christmas is quickly approaching and with the party season starting to get into full swing the frantic struggle to look your best begins here.  This year looking good on a budget is a real priority so with this in mind here are 3 sure-fire ways to look great without breaking the bank Be Colourful In the winter month’s people tend to be more concerned with comfort and begin to wear darker colours.
Gas companies leave customers out in the cold As the temperatures drop around the United Kingdom and the nights draw in, it seems Gas Companies are intent on putting the people of the United Kingdom into further financial difficulty For most of us in the UK, this year has been a very difficult one. Many of us have lived in fear of losing our jobs, some of us have lost our jobs and all of us have felt the pinch as our finances have been stretched and stretched beyond their limits as our economy remains in absolute turmoil.
NHS Cuts Could Cost Lives As Well As Jobs The recent cuts to public services have come as no shock to most people. The Government has made it extremely clear that these cuts are vital if the United Kingdom is to recover from the economic downturn and as a nation we are beginning to feel the impact of these cuts more and more as time passes.
5 Christmas Gifts You Can Give For Free As Christmas rapidly approaches many people around the United Kingdom will be desperate to strike a balance between buying gifts that their family and friends will truly love and being careful with their finances. This Christmas more than ever, people are struggling to maintain the delicate balance between buying great gifts and spending beyond their means.
5 Ways to stay stress free this Christmas For most adults from the moment we get up until the moment we go to sleep our lives can be full of things that we have to do for one reason or another. Of course, we don’t always want to do these things, but we do them anyway out of necessity.
Pension planning for high earners Background The Chancellor announced in last year’s Budget on 22 April 2009, that too much of the tax relief given on pensions was going to a relatively small number of high earners. He outlined the Government’s plans to remove this ‘unfairness’ by restricting the higher rate tax relief available to high earners with effect from 6 April 2011.
Link of CPI to Pensions Most of the British public do not understand the government’s plans to link public and state pensions to the consumer price index (CPI) instead of the retail price index (RPI) and more importantly why. The move from RPI to CPI is this government’s equivalent of linking the basic state pension to prices rather than earnings back in 1980.
Abolishment of compulsory Annuities The Coalition back in June 2010 announced during the emergency budget it is committed to abolishing compulsory annuitisation. Which is great news as the majority of people resent the forced purchase of annuities, especially as annuity rates are seen as unfavourable at present.
How not to lose your personal allowance How not to lose your personal allowance Those with an ‘adjusted net income’ in excess of £100,000 saw their basic personal allowance reduced or removed entirely from April 2010. There will be a loss of £1 in personal allowance for every £2 of income earned over £100,000.
Why choose a Pension What is a pension? £97. 65 a week could you live on £97.
What is a Pension Pensions plans are financial tools whose purpose is the provision of money in old age. They are saving plans with tax relief which provides a regular income in retirement.
The Pension reforms on public sector pensions Lord Hutton has this week published his interim report on pension’s reform in the public sector. • His initial findings suggest there is no evidence that public sector workers have in the past accepted lower pay than the private sector in order to get better pension provision.
The changing Face of equity release customers The perception of what an equity release customer looks like has changed over the last 15 years. A vulnerable, elderly widow who needs to release equity from her home to survive is wrong.
N.E.S.T. (update - 13/11/2010) Because NE. S.
Making the right choice on Retirement What is the Open market option? One of the key points in your retirement planning and turning your pension fund in to a retirement income is the choice you have when you decided to retire. Too few people are not aware they can purchase an annuity or take income drawdown with any provider, so why are customers not exercising their right to obtain the best possible income in retirement.
Major overhaul for State pension Basic state pension to undergo major overhaul There is to be a major shakeup of the state pension system which will see pensioners receiving higher and easy to understand pay out under the new plans. A simplified payment system is being drafted which may involve a flat rate pension £140 per week (£7,280 per annum) and bring an end to means testing.
Last chance to contribute more than £50,000 The emergency Budget in June 2010 introduced the Coalition’s alternative proposal to limit tax relief on pension contributions in the future. The intention is to do this by reducing the annual allowance (currently £255,000) to £50,000 from 6 April 2011 onwards.
The Emergency Budget June 2010 The emergency Budget in June 2010 introduced the Coalition’s alternative proposal to limit tax relief on pension contributions in the future. The intention is to do this by reducing the annual allowance (currently £255,000) to £50,000 from 6 April 2011 onwards.
Important changes to Pensions 2010 Retirement age moved to 55 Change in normal minimum pension age from 50 to 55. This increases occurred overnight on 5 April 2010 and caused concern for those who intend to retire after this date but who will not be aged 55, including those ‘phasing’ their pension benefits.
Contracting out for Defined Contribution schemes abolished Contracting out for defined contribution schemes will be abolished on 5 April 2012 Sro there will be no forced separation of protected and non protected rights benefits. All defined contribution funds will be treated the same by legislation.
When to transfer your Pension To transfer, or not to transfer All You Need To Know About When To Transfer Pensions Opting for a pension transfer is something you can do at any stage of your working career. Like many investment decisions, though, the timing of a pension transfer is crucial, and it's for this reason that you should never transfer your pension without consulting a pensions expert.
Could you live on £97.65 per week The Baby boomers grow old and start to put a strain on state pension could you live on £97. 65 a week (£156.
10 Tips to save money on your supermarket bill Rising fuel bills and increases in VAT are having a major impact on our food costs. So what can we do to save money? Follow these 10 simple steps to reduce the cost of your food bill.
The Financial Squeeze is felt by new mums Recently released Government data indicates that new mums are finding it impossible to spend the time they would like to with their new born child due to the financial need to return to work too soon after they have given birth The data shows that the number of stay at home mothers has dropped to just over 2 million with around 50,000 stay at home mothers returning to work this year alone. These figures mean that the number of stay at home mums has reached an all time low This sudden rush to return to work is a result of the financial difficulties that families through-out the United Kingdom face under the current economic conditions and more specifically due to the general rise in the cost of everyday living and also the burden of Mortgage payments.
Social Media Sites - The 3 mistakes that could cost you thousands Social media sites, like Facebook, may appear to be totally free to use, but if you make the mistake of using them without being extremely careful, they could end up costing you thousands of pounds. Unfortunately, a significant number of people share their information freely on these sites without every really thinking about the financial consequences of doing so.
How getting a University Degree might put your child at a disadvantage There will come a point when your child will need to decide whether to further their education by attending University and of course this will be a big decision which will need to be given a great deal of thought. For most parents having a child who is attending university is a great source of pride, but of course it is not the main reason why most parents are thrilled at the prospect of their child attending university.
Trick or Treat? - The car dealer tricks that could give you a fright If you are in the market for a new car, you are probably looking to bag yourself a bargain. Sadly, there are some car dealers out there who have other ideas and you can be sure that they will go out of their way to make sure that you don’t get one.
Three ways to protect yourself against the impact of redundancy If you pick up a newspaper, turn on a television or surf the internet it is extremely likely that you will find it very difficult to avoid news of the proposed Government spending cuts. What is more, this news is likely to be followed by warnings of job cuts and rising levels of unemployment.
5 Ways to Save Money Every Month Times are tough for many people living in the United Kingdom and right now we all want to save money wherever we possibly can.   You may feel that your finances are already stretched and that you have very little chance of reducing your outgoings at this moment in time, but by using the following 5 insider tips given to us by money experts, you may just find that you’re wrong Tip 1: Review your finances When we say review your finances we mean everything.
Mortgage Deal Coming To An End - Look Before You Leap - 5 Factors to consider Throughout the United Kingdom people are finding that their Mortgage deal is coming to the end and it is time to start looking around again for a brand new deal. For some people who were perhaps tied into a high fixed rate this could be a real cause for celebration as they see their rate come down due to the exceptionally low Bank of England Base Rate.
5 Quick and Easy things you can do to help get your Mortgage Application Approved With the general tightening in Mortgage lending criteria many people are finding it extremely difficult to get a Mortgage, but with a little bit of inside knowledge you can help smooth the way for your Mortgage application to be approved.  So whether you are worried about your Mortgage application or not take a look at the 5 quick easy things you can do to give your Mortgage application every chance of success  Tip 1: Get a copy of your credit report from Equifax or Experian Quick and relatively inexpensive, getting a copy of your credit report before you make an application can make a world of difference.
5 Ways to Save Money Every Month Times are tough for many people living in the United Kingdom and right now we all want to save money wherever we possibly can.   You may feel that your finances are already stretched and that you have very little chance of reducing your outgoings at this moment in time, but by using the following 5 insider tips given to us by money experts, you may just find that you’re wrong Tip 1: Review your finances When we say review your finances we mean everything.
Been Made Redundant -Top Tips for getting yourself a new job Unfortunately in this economic climate redundancies have become more and more common. Every day people are turning up for work to be told that their job no longer exists leaving them desperately hunting for a new job.
Behind on your Mortgage repayments - 3 potential ways to take control Getting behind on your Mortgage repayments is an extremely serious situation to be in. It can put you at risk of losing your home.
Looking to Remortgage, but have bad credit - what your lender might say If you are looking to make changes to your Mortgage, but you have experienced credit problems in the past or are still currently experiencing credit problems then you might want to find out how they will affect your application. The only definitive way to find out is to speak to your lender and make them aware of your situation.
Protect your home, your possessions and your finances in 5 quick steps Unfortunately some people want to steal your possessions and perhaps even your identity. These people would like to use your identity to obtain credit in your name leaving you to pay for it.
Struggling to sell your home? - Here are the top 3 Mistakes people make when selling their home It is no secret that many people are finding it exceptionally difficult to sell their home causing widespread frustration and misery for people across the United Kingdom. There are many factors affecting people’s ability to sell their home such as our struggling economy and the problems that some people are having in getting a Mortgage, but for some people the reason they can’t sell their property is because of something they are getting wrong.
The Bank of England Base Rate - The facts you absolutely need to know With so many people considering taking out a Tracker Mortgage or simply staying on a variable rate they have dropped onto at the end of their deal, the movement of the Bank of England Base Rate has become a topic that many people are becoming ever more interested in. Let’s be frank the only people who truly know what the Bank of England Base Rate will do going forward are the members of the Monetary Policy Committee and even they may not be certain as to the best course of action in terms of future Base Rate movements right now Having said that, if you are on a variable rate Mortgage or you are thinking about moving onto a variable rate Mortgage, there are some Bank of England Base Rate facts that you should definitely take note of.
The top 3 Financial Fibs we tell our partners Ladies and Gentleman, the cat is well and truly out of the bag, according to a recent survey carried out by IFA Compare most of us are all guilty of lying to our partners at least once a month in regards to our finances. The survey, carried out in Liverpool, Manchester and London found that the vast majority of people have lied to their spouse or partner about a financial matter at least once in their relationship, with around 68% of people lying to their spouse or partner about a financial matter around once each month.
5 Christmas Spending Crackers - 5 ways to cut your Christmas Spending As Christmas once again looms on the horizon, people around the United Kingdom are preparing for the usual onslaught of costs. Perhaps this year more than ever before there is a very definite need to keep those costs down without sacrificing the pleasure we are rewarded with from giving gifts to the friends and family we love.
Puzzled at the Petrol Pump - 5 Way to reduce your petrol costs Once again stark warnings that petrol prices could rocket are ringing in the ears of the Great British public who are already trying desperately to cope amid what seems to be an ever increasing cost of living. So for those of you who are being driven around the bend wondering how you are going to cope with these increases, take a quick pit stop to read our 5 petrol pump tips and keep your car and your finances ticking over nicely Tip 1: Choose wisely It’s so obvious that it almost goes without saying, but it’s so important that we just can’t help say it.
Energy Price Increase - Four easy ways to save over a 1000 pounds on your energy bills The energy companies have made it clear that we are on the brink of yet another hike in energy prices and this coupled with the colder weather conditions we can expect as winter steadily approaches will leave many seriously out of pocket. Worse than this, energy companies have also warned that price increases will become common place as fuel sources run ever lower.
Staying in is the new going out If your finances are at breaking point you may find it impossible to go out as often as you would like. With this in mind we have come up with 5 fun and unusual ways to entertain yourself and your family without breaking the bank.
Axe falls on Child Benefit With the Government needing to slash the national debt it is no secret that the Government have been finalising plans to make huge spending cuts. Over recent months there has been much speculation about where the spending axe might fall and finally we have been given a glimpse of the Governments intentions.
Saving - A distant memory Research undertaken by the Office of National Statistics has revealed that people in the United Kingdom are now saving less than at any point in the last forty years. Of course, may people may consider this to be unsurprising given the current economic climate.
Couples forced to live apart A newly published study claims that approximately 25% of couples are unable to live together due to an inability to afford to purchase a joint home When asked why they are not living together couples responded that although they were committed to each other, they were unable to afford current property prices and some said they were experiencing difficulty in obtaining a Mortgage at all Sadly, the study also indicates that as a result of living apart the 1. 1 million couples affected by this issue actually spent more per month on accommodation than they would do if they were to purchase a home together.
Life Insurance - How to pay less There is no doubt that purchasing a Life Insurance policy can be an extremely smart move. In fact, in many cases the pay out from a Life Insurance policy can keep a loved one or even an entire family financially afloat at the most difficult time in their lives.
Pension misery Continues It has recently been reported that there is a huge deficit in the funding of Public Sector pensions. The Deficit amounts to approximately 1 Trillion pounds and Business experts from the confederation of British industry are now calling for immediate action as the situation continues to get worse But what does this mean for you? As things stand it will be left to the tax payer to meet the shortfall, which will result in a contribution of approximately 10 Billion pounds per year.
Selling your House the tips you can't afford to miss With the number of Mortgages being agreed decreasing, the amount of people in significant financial debt increasing and house prices in some areas fluctuating it isn’t always easy to sell your home. In fact, you need every advantage you can get.
Personal Debt - Lesson Learned? The Recession is over according to Government officials and the UK is making a slow recovery, but have we learned our lesson? In recent years personal debt has risen to unprecedented levels, £3. 2bn to be exact, and some experts have claimed that this has been a factor in causing the Recession.
Debt Solutions - Do you know your options? Research carried out by the insolvency trade body R3 indicates that as many as four in ten people are extremely worried about the amount of debt they are in. In fact for many people this constant source of worry leads to sleepless nights and an inability to lead a normal life.
UK Pension Problem - What can you do? UK Pension Problem – What can you do? A recent study carried out by AVIVA has confirmed that the United Kingdom has a Pension shortfall of approximately £318 Billion, the biggest Pension shortfall in Europe Worryingly, those wanting to maintain a financially comfortable lifestyle once retired would need to plough an additional £10,000 per year into their Pension in order to fill the gap, which for the vast majority of people is simply impossible. Perhaps even more worryingly a recent survey carried out by IFA Compare suggests that approximately 37% of people have no idea what level of income they will require upon retirement or what level of income they are actually due to receive.
Home Insurance - A Complete Waste of money? The saying that there is no place like home is true. Home is the one place you can truly relax surrounded by the things you treasure.
The Spending Cuts - Where Will The Axe Fall? The Government have made it abundantly clear that in order for there to be any chance of economic recovery massive spending cuts in the Public Sector must be expected over the next year. These assertions have prompted concern amongst Public Sector Organisations and of course the public.
Thinking of letting a property? - Here are the key facts you need to know With the downturn in the housing market and the difficulty that many people are experiencing in selling their homes more and more people are turning to letting their property as a solution to their problems Letting your property could turn out to be the answer to your financial worries. In fact letting out property can be very profitable in the correct circumstances.
Potential Change to Maternity Entitlement Raises Big Questions The European Union will take a vote next month to decide whether to change the current maternity law. If the proposed changes are given the go-ahead, women who take maternity leave from work can expect 20 weeks leave on full pay.
Mortgage Lenders Turn Their Backs on Customers in their hour of need UK Banks/Mortgage lenders are happy to spend millions of pounds on TV advertising campaigns aimed at letting existing customers know how important they are to them and what they are doing for them, but the reality is when their existing customers truly need help, the same Bank/Mortgage lenders simply turn their backs Across the UK millions of people are struggling to meet their financial commitments as a result of the current economic situation. For those people with a Mortgage, this monthly repayment will be their major concern and no doubt they will do everything in their power to remain in the black where their Mortgage is concerned.
For Sale at any price - Britain It's no secret that Britain has been going through a very difficult economic period and the record amount of debt our nation is carrying is certainly a massive cause for concern. However, there is something far more terrifying than the current economic situation, something that should be keeping everyone awake at night and that is our willingness to sell the British companies and brands that we are so proud of to the highest bidder without a second thought The biggest problem this nation has is that we are so eager to sell the very things that make it what it is.
Guide to opportunities in Retirement Being retired may mean you have more time to do the things you've always wanted to. Or you might want to look for new ideas to do things you never knew you'd enjoy.
Getting Ready for Retirement Planning for retirement is more than just paying into a pension plan, there are other arrangements you may want to consider. Considerations Benefits Find out your entitlement to benefits, you may be able to claim to top up your income or get help with specific costs.
Will 70 become the new 62? Will 70 become the new 62? Brits are living longer and retiring younger. We continue as a nation to retire younger.
Greater Manchester - Not any more I was born and live in Greater Manchester and I am proud of my area. On the whole the people are really friendly and there are some really scenic places to enjoy.
Tax Man - You should be ashamed!! We all go to work every day in order to earn an honest wage and when we get paid at the end of the month and check our Bank accounts, we accept that whatever we get must be correct. I mean the tax man knows what he is doing, right?  Erm, no - wrong actually.
Financial Crisis - Don't blame the Banks, blame yourself! The UK is still in the grip of a huge financial crisis and according to the media the Banks are at fault. This is the message we have been fed for the last couple of years, but if you want someone to blame, start looking a little closer to home! Perhaps Banks have been too flippant in their attitude towards lending in recent years, but the truth is nobody forced the British public to borrow more than they could afford It is time to wake up and face the reality that this financial crisis is self-inflicted.
Business Lending - The top 3 reasons Business Loan Applications are declined It is no secret that the Government feel that more must be done to by Banks to help Businesses. The Prime Minister has already made his intention to put pressure on the Banks to up their Business lending clear Despite these facts many Businesses will see their loan application declined with potentially devastating consequences.
Reducing your Mortgage Repayments - The facts you should know! With the current state of the economy and the cost of living many people are now looking to reduce their Monthly Mortgage repayments. If you are one of them, you will need to know the factors which affect how your monthly Mortgage repayment is calculated.
Applying for a Mortgage - Top tips Whether you are buying your first home, moving home or you're simply shopping around the Mortgage market for a better deal, applying for a Mortgage may be at the top of your to do list. However,  before you make a Mortgage application take a look at our top tips to make sure you give your application the greatest chance of being successful Check out your credit record first When you apply for a Mortgage, your potential lender will run a credit check on you to ensure you do not have a history of bad credit.
Health statistics you can't afford to ignore When most people are asked about Life or Critical Illness Insurance their eyes glaze over. With the ever increasing cost of living paying for Life or Critical Illness Insurance, for something that may never happen can seem to be one financial commitment too many.
Ten ways to revive your finances Whether you’re trying to save money for a specific purpose or would simply like to reduce your outgoings, have a look at our expert tips for saving money. 1) Have a Financial Audit – Many people don’t know where their money goes.
Credit Killers - Is your credit record really as good as you think? If you are applying for a Mortgage or any kind of credit, it is extremely likely that your potential lender will need to carry out a credit search on you. You may think that your credit report is in good shape.
IFAs advice has saved my home There is no substitute for sound financial advice. I was recently made redundant from work and it's been a really stressful time, it was completely unexpected.
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