Blog
Brian’s Sri Lanka Challenge Day 6: Uda Walawe to Galle (approx. 89km)
This year my annual charity bike challenge takes me to Sri Lanka. It will be a hard challenge with 457km of riding and numerous climbs over 6 days. I am raising funds for The Openwork Partnership Foundation, who give grants to small local charities supported by the many members of the Openwork family, and Holding on […]
Brian’s Sri Lanka Challenge Day 5: Ella to Uda Walawe (approx. 102km)
This year my annual charity bike challenge takes me to Sri Lanka. It will be a hard challenge with 457km of riding and numerous climbs over 6 days. I am raising funds for The Openwork Partnership Foundation, who give grants to small local charities supported by the many members of the Openwork family, and Holding on […]
Brian’s Sri Lanka Challenge Day 4: Nuwara Eliya to Ella
This year my annual charity bike challenge takes me to Sri Lanka. It will be a hard challenge with 457km of riding and numerous climbs over 6 days. I am raising funds for The Openwork Partnership Foundation, who give grants to small local charities supported by the many members of the Openwork family, and Holding on […]
Brian’s Sri Lanka Challenge Day 3: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
This year my annual charity bike challenge takes me to Sri Lanka. It will be a hard challenge with 457km of riding and numerous climbs over 6 days. I am raising funds for The Openwork Partnership Foundation, who give grants to small local charities supported by the many members of the Openwork family, and Holding on […]
Brian’s Sri Lanka Challenge Day 2 – Sigiriya to Kandy
This year my annual charity bike challenge takes me to Sri Lanka. It will be a hard challenge with 457km of riding and numerous climbs over 6 days. I am raising funds for The Openwork Partnership Foundation, who give grants to small local charities supported by the many members of the Openwork family, and Holding on […]
Brian’s Sri Lanka Challenge Day 1: Cycle to Polonnaruwa Ruins and Climb Lion Rock
This year my annual charity bike challenge takes me to Sri Lanka. It will be a hard challenge with 457km of riding and numerous climbs over 6 days. I am raising funds for The Openwork Partnership Foundation, who give grants to small local charities supported by the many members of the Openwork family, and Holding on […]
Autumn Budget 2024: Winners and Losers
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves outlined the Government’s financial plans for the next five years. The measures, which will raise up to £40 billion for public finances, aim to “restore economic stability” and put “more pounds in people’s pockets”. On 30 October 2024, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves announced the UK Government’s Autumn […]
How to recover from a financial scam
Knowing what to do if you’ve been scammed and where to get help is crucial. Here are five key steps to recover from a financial scam. 1. Act quickly Time is crucial when dealing with financial scams. Take immediate action if you think you’ve been scammed to minimise any further damage. If you’ve shared personal […]
Five essential tips to protect yourself from financial scams
Cybercriminals use a wide range of tactics to con people out of their money. Stay one step ahead with these five crucial tips to avoid financial scams. 1. Stay informed Knowing how to spot a financial scam is your first line of defence. Fraudsters are constantly changing their tactics so regularly educating yourself about common […]
Don’t Fit the Mortgage Mould? We can help you.
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit the conventional mould when it comes to securing a mortgage, you’re not alone. In fact, more and more people are in the same boat, challenging the standard lending rules. If you’re self-employed, had a credit blip or over 50 you may have encountered challenges when applying […]
Four key signs of financial scams and what to do if you spot one
Financial scams are more sophisticated than ever before, but a few telltale signs can give them away. Here are four ways to spot a financial scam and what to do if you think someone’s trying to scam you. We’d like to think we wouldn’t fall for a financial scam, but the truth is we’re all […]
Eight types of financial scams to be aware of
Fraudsters use a variety of approaches to convince you to part with your money. Here are 8 financial scams you should be aware of. 1. Impersonation fraud Scammers often pretend to be a familiar organisation like your bank, a utility provider or HMRC. They might inform you of a (fake) threat to your account and […]
The Value of Investment Advice
Seeking advice on how to look after your money may not be as fun as the immediate thrill of spending it, but it could be a rewarding decision in the long run. Investing can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure where to start, that’s where advice can be handy. A financial adviser […]
I’m over 50 and want to apply for a mortgage
Getting a mortgage in your 50s and beyond used to be a challenge, but things have changed! Nowadays, mortgage lenders are more willing to help older applicants buy homes or refinance. So, if you’re thinking about getting a mortgage later in life, here’s what you need to know. Age limits and what lenders look for […]
Retirement planning – Don’t put it off
Retirement can often seem a long way off – but the choices you make before you stop working can have an enormous impact on the kind of life you enjoy when you finally call time on the nine to five. Our trusted and highly-skilled team of advisers are on hand to give you the best […]
Here’s how financial protection can offer security for parents
Here’s how financial protection can offer security for parents Serious illness can place immense stress on our families. The cost of caring for an unwell child, worry over access to essential services, and the emotional toll of serious illness are all things that no parent wants to think about. We can’t predict what the future […]
2024/25 Tax planning is underway
Every year brings new possibilities – and at the start of the 2024/25 tax year, it’s time to maximise your financial options and opportunities. If you’re an investor or saver then there are plenty of tax perks you can take advantage of. But the clock is ticking before the tax year door slams shuts and […]
Worried a “credit blip” will stop you getting a mortgage?
The cost-of-living crisis and inflationary pressures has put pressure on people’s finances and made it harder for people to get on the housing ladder due to affordability constraints and more people having a less than perfect credit history. How important is your credit history for mortgage lenders? Looking into your credit history is one of […]
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak surprised everybody on 22 May – including many in his party – with his announcement of a general election on Thursday 4 July. At the start of 2024, Rishi Sunak said that his “working assumption” was that the general election would be held “in the second half of the year”. His […]
How to improve your chances of passing a mortgage affordability assessment
Getting on the housing ladder can feel like one of the hardest and longest processes in the world and the cost of living crisis is probably not helping. You need to come across as attractive as possible for lenders to consider you but there are many factors that can reduce how much lenders are willing […]
Considerations for first-time buyers
Being a first-time buyer can be daunting. Not only are you about to make one of the biggest financial decisions in your life, but you’ll probably also have family members and friends offering their ideas on the right house, mortgage, lender conveyancer and even removal company for you. We’ve put together some ideas to try […]
The Effect of Psychology on Investors
You should base financial decisions on logic and facts. But psychology can have a much larger effect than you think, and it can lead to you making decisions that aren’t right for you. Read on to find out more about what behavioural finance is and how it could affect you. “Behavioural finance” was first coined […]
Overpaying your mortgage: should you do it?
Hardly a day goes by without the cost of living hitting the headlines. For many homeowners the increasing costs of owning and running a home is having a huge impact on household budgets. Even if you are near the top end of your monthly budget, or are expecting a ‘payment shock’ when you come to […]
Why Diversification is Important
It is impossible to predict exactly how markets will behave in the future. Trying to predict which single asset class will deliver the best performance will often lead to disappointment. Click here to see how different asset classes have performed over the last 10 years. You’ll quickly see that things change a lot from one […]
How critical illness cover and life insurance work to provide financial security
How do critical illness cover and life insurance work to protect your income from the unexpected? With the rise in the cost of living and borrowing, many people are worried about paying the bills if anything happens that leaves them unable to work. Recent surveys have shown that the average UK family doesn’t have enough […]
Consolidating your pensions – is it a good idea?
Jenny is a 47-year-old Account Manager with a long and varied CV. She hasn’t quite had more jobs than hot dinners but, when she thinks about the various pensions she’s acquired over the years, sometimes it feels that way. Jenny has recently been considering consolidating pensions. But is combining her pensions necessarily the best way […]
Do you keep meaning to sort out your will? We can help you.
Life is busy, we get it. But is anything more important than being in control of your future? Recent research* suggests that only 44% of UK adults have made a will, which means that you’re far from alone if you haven’t yet got around to completing what, for some, appears to be a daunting task. […]
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and do I need one?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more people to make decisions on your behalf during your lifetime. The people you appoint to manage your affairs are called the attorneys. An LPA is a completely separate legal document to your will although many people put […]
How to Maximise Your Pension Contributions to Secure your Financial Future
Maximising pension contributions is crucial for securing your financial future. By leveraging tax benefits and participating in retirement plans, you can increase savings and take advantage of employer matching programs. Catch-up contributions near retirement can significantly boost savings. Start early to accumulate wealth and pave the way for a stress-free retirement. Understanding Pension Contributions Pension […]
Our Monthly Newsletter – March 2024
Welcome to the Downton and Ali Investment Insights Newsletter for March 2024. In this edition, we talk about the benefits of starting a pension early, and investment strategies as you approach retirement, and more. Click here to read the newsletter.
Support your family finances: Last minute tax year tips
As we approach the end of the tax year, there’s still time for you to support your family finances, and ensure you use your allowances in an efficient manner. Kick start your child’s financial future Saving for your children’s future is a huge responsibility, although a rewarding one. To give your child a head start […]
Preparing for retirement: the road to financial freedom
Retirement isn’t just about sipping cocktails on a beach; it’s about having the financial security to do so. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to pave your way to financial freedom when it comes to your time to retire. However, it requires you to put in the work as the amount of money you need, […]
Spring Budget 2024: Winners and Losers
At 12.30pm today, Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt announced the UK Spring Budget, as well as the economic and fiscal forecast by the Office of Budget Responsibility. These legislative announcements are game-changers for Britain’s economy, and Hunt’s announcements included a number of sweeping changes that could potentially affect the personal finances of everyone living […]
As we approach the end of the tax year, it’s a good time to start thinking about how to make the most of the tax reliefs and allowances you’re entitled to, before they are lost. We’ve put together a checklist to ensure you’re aware of all the ways to make sure you don’t miss out. […]
Our Monthly Newsletter – February 2024
Welcome to the Downton and Ali Investment Insights Newsletter for February 2024. In this edition, we’re talking about the latest news in Junior ISAs, busting some investment myths, investment strategies to consider approaching retirement and the effect of psychology on investors. Click here to read the newsletter.
Investing in Stocks and Shares ISAs
Investing in a Stocks and Shares Individual Savings Account (ISA) can be an excellent way of growing your wealth over the long term, providing the potential for higher returns compared to other forms of savings. This post aims to demystify stocks and shares ISAs, explaining how they work, the risks involved, and the potential benefits. […]
Some techniques to think about when you’re investing
Whether investing for the first time or looking to improve your approach, a good place to start is with the people who do this for a living. Here are four techniques the professionals follow that could help you become a successful investor. Think Long Term History shows that patience and commitment tend to reward investors, […]
Key dates for your finances in 2024
As we say goodbye to 2023 and welcome 2024, now’s the perfect time to make sure you’re fully prepared for the financial year ahead. To make it easy, we’ve summarised the key financial dates to put in your diaries: January 1st – New Energy Price Cap – The new energy price cap for the next […]
The essentials you need to know about credit checks before borrowing money
The information a lender finds during a credit check is important – it could affect whether you’re able to borrow money, including through a mortgage, and the interest rate you’re offered. Yet, they can also seem perplexing. Indeed, a Royal London survey found that a third of Brits had never looked at their credit report. […]
Is It Worth Building an Investment Portfolio in an Economic Downturn?
In the face of an economic downturn, many individuals are left questioning the wisdom of investing. The declining market values and financial uncertainties can make the investment landscape seem fraught with danger. However, building an investment portfolio during such times may not be as counterintuitive as it first appears. This article aims to shed light […]
Cancelling your financial protection could be a dangerous way to save money
While the cost of living crisis may be putting a strain on your finances, read why cancelling your financial protection could be a dangerous way to save money Centuries ago, Benjamin Franklin said that… “By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail.” This is especially true when it comes to ensuring your personal finances […]
Five practical ways to protect your money during the cost of living crisis
With inflation at its highest level in 41 years and energy prices skyrocketing, the cost of living crisis has dominated headlines since inflation began to creep up from historic lows in mid-2021. While the Covid pandemic began the inflationary increase, this was further exacerbated by the war in Ukraine pushing up energy and food prices […]
Understanding Life Insurance: A Guide to Coverage Essentials
When it comes to safeguarding your family’s financial future, life insurance can be a valuable tool. It’s a subject that might seem complex and even intimidating at first glance, but don’t worry, we’re here to make it easier for you. In this guide, we at Downton & Ali aim to break down the basics oflife […]
The 2023 Autumn Statement: Winners and Losers
UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s 2023 Autumn Statement outlined, in his words, “eight months of hard work” and no fewer than 110 measures to help grow the British economy. Contained within are a raft of measures set to overhaul everything from minimum wage and benefit payments to tax, business investment, and more. The Winners Young and […]
What are value-added services?
Value-added services are benefits included in an insurance policy that you might not be aware of – but could help improve your overall health and wellbeing. When you take out an insurance plan like life insurance, critical illness, or income protection, you get the financial protection in the form of a payout, but there are […]
Understanding Critical Illness Cover: A Lifeline for When You Need it Most
Critical illness cover, an insurance policy that provides financial support should you be diagnosed with a specified illness or medical condition, can be a financial lifeline for families during challenging times.The unpredictability of life makes it worth considering, as it provides a sense of certainty in an otherwise uncertain situation. This article will break down […]
The cost of living crisis is causing many to re-evaluate the benefits of financial advice
Traditionally, the value of financial advice has been measured by monetary results of investment performance and returns. Today, the cost of living crisis is causing many to re-evaluate the benefits of financial advice. These days, financial planning is about more than simply looking after your money and protecting your wealth. As well as helping you […]
Income protection – one little change you can make to protect your family’s financial future.
As a parent, providing for your children is a top priority – from making sure they have food on the table, to ensuring they have the extras they need in life. Putting income protection in place means you’ll always be able to support your children with a regular income if the unthinkable should happen and […]
A little change you can make today can safeguard your biggest investment – your home
If you’re a homeowner, your mortgage payments are likely to take up a large part of your income each month. But if you became seriously ill or injured, and unable to work, would you be able to keep up your mortgage repayments? As buying a home is likely to be your biggest investment, it pays […]
Securing Your Future: Understanding Income Protection
In an unpredictable world, it is crucial to safeguard our financial future against unforeseen circumstances. Income protection is instrumental in ensuring you and your family aren’t left in the lurch if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. Let’s take a look at the basics of income protection and why you might need […]
Protection policies aren’t just there for when things go wrong. Many protection insurers include access to a range of health and wellbeing support services – and you don’t need to claim to be able to use them. These services can make everyday life that little bit easier. From knowing you can have immediate professional support […]
More than a decade of auto-enrolment
Since the government introduced pension auto-enrolment in 2012, millions more workers have started saving for their retirement. Now, the government has confirmed plans to extend auto-enrolment to encourage a savings boost. The changes could have implications for both employees and business owners. Following a review of auto-enrolment the government has revealed key reforms forecast to […]
Being self-employed can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice, allowing freedom to work to your terms and pursuing passions. However, it also comes with its challenges, one being financial insecurity. Unlike those working within a company, if you’re self-employed you are responsible for your own financial stability. This means taking the necessary steps to […]
How Vitality Health Plans and Employee Benefits Impact Your Company’s Success
In today’s competitive business landscape, offering a comprehensive employee benefits package is crucial to attracting and retaining top talent. One such benefit that has gained significant traction among UK business owners is the Vitality health plan. This unique health insurance option not only provides employees with extensive Vitality health cover but also encourages a healthier […]
The cost of living crisis is causing many to re-evaluate the benefits of financial advice
Traditionally, the value of financial advice has been measured by monetary results of investment performance and returns. Today, the cost of living crisis is causing many to re-evaluate the benefits of financial advice. These days, financial planning is about more than simply looking after your money and protecting your wealth. As well as helping you […]
Safeguarding Your Business: The Importance of Key Person Protection
In today’s competitive business landscape, the success and growth of a company often hinge on the contributions of key individuals. These indispensable team members can make all the difference in driving innovation, generating revenue, and keeping operations running smoothly. But what happens when the unexpected occurs and you suddenly lose one of these crucial assets? […]
3 useful ways to manage your finances and boost your financial wellbeing
The cost of living crisis has dominated the headlines since inflation began to creep up from historic lows in mid-2021. While the Covid pandemic began the inflationary increase, the situation was made worse by the war in Ukraine, which pushed up energy and food prices even further. Following such an extended period of price rises, […]
Being self-employed can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice, allowing freedom to work to your terms and pursuing passions. However, it also comes with its challenges, one being financial insecurity. Unlike those working within a company, if you’re self-employed you are responsible for your own financial stability. This means taking the necessary steps to […]
Life after your Fixed Rate mortgage. Should you stay with your lender?
Staying with your current lender may feel like the saftest option when your mortgage comes to an end, but that’s no guarantee that you’ll be getting the best deal. That’s why we recommend shopping around to get a mortgage that’s fits you. When there is such uncertainty in the housing market at the moment, you […]
Life after your Fixed Rate mortgage. Should I remortgage when my fixed rate ends?
The short answer? Yes. If you don’t remortgage at the end of your term, you will be automatically transferred to your lender’s standard variable rate, which tends to be higher than the rates on most other mortgage options.* So if you’re coming to the end of your fixed rate mortgage deal, it’s worth shopping around […]
The Pros and Cons of Relying on the Bank of Mum and Dad
It’s no secret that the bank of mum and dad is a popular source of financial help for young people buying their first home. A recent study by Legal & General showed that a whopping 71% of millennials receive support from their parents when buying property. Let’s examine the pros and cons of relying on […]
Life after your Fixed Rate mortgage. What happens when your mortgage deal expires?
If the end of your fixed rate mortgage is on the horizon (even if it’s months away), then it’s a good idea to start looking at your options today. If you haven’t got a new deal in place when your fixed rate mortgage ends, your lender will put you onto their standard variable rate, which […]
Can your energy efficient home help save money on your mortgage?
Have you ever heard of a green mortgage? They’re steadily becoming a popular option for property owners, as many lenders are adding them to their portfolios. If you’re due to remortgage soon and you have an energy efficient home, it’s well worth considering them as a remortgage option. We explore what they are and how […]
First-time buyers guide to saving for a house deposit
When preparing to buy your first home, saving for a deposit can be a difficult process. As house prices, inflation and the cost of living increases, it can be challenging trying to save a large sum of money. It’s also important to consider all the other costs that are involved in buying a property – […]
What is Shared Ownership and Is It Right for You?
Shared ownership is a government scheme introduced to help people get onto the property ladder. It can be an affordable way for people to buy a home, and potentially a great option for those who cannot afford a property outright. In this blog post, we will look at what shared ownership is, how it works, […]
The Value of Mortgage Advice from a Financial Adviser
Harry and Sam have been staying with Harry’s dad in his two-bedroomed terrace for just over a year while they save up a deposit for their first house. The lack of space and privacy has proved challenging to say the least and would now like to start searching for their own house. Despite having saved […]
With over 10 years of record low interest rates, fixed rate mortgages offer borrowers the stability of knowing what the mortgage payment will be for a set period, which helps with budgeting. Because of the way many lenders decide what rates to offer, we’re currently seeing tracker products priced a lot more competitively than fixed […]
How to improve your chances of passing a mortgage affordability assessment
Getting on the housing ladder can feel like one of the hardest and longest processes in the world and the cost of living crisis is probably not helping. You need to come across as attractive buyers for lenders to consider you, but there are many factors that can reduce how much lenders are willing […]
Don’t Let 2023 Catch You Off Guard – Reevaluate Your Mortgage Rate
If you have a mortgage rate coming up for renewal this year, it is essential to start planning early. Don’t let yourself get blindsided by the rate increases. Having a mortgage review is a key part of ensuring you are in control of your finances when your current mortgage deal is ending. A financial adviser […]
Start of the tax year checklist
The new tax year on 6 April 2023 is a great time to review your finances. The new tax year means annual allowances are reset and ready to be reused – to help you make the most of your money. This year more than ever, with interest rates and inflation on the rise, it’s […]
Why having an emergency fund matters and where to hold extra cash reserves
Having ready cash on hand is an essential part of any successful financial plan. When investing, it’s important to hold an emergency fund. This readily available cash will mean you’re prepared to protect yourself against the unexpected and also plays a vital role in maintaining your financial wellbeing. It’s generally advised to keep between three […]
Make the most of your tax wrappers
It’s a good idea to know how your investments are taxed when selling them. Here are some of the ways you can organise your assets to make them tax efficient. One of the worst things about earning money is that you have to pay tax. Whether it’s your salary or the interest you’ve earned on […]
The start of a new year is a great time to review your finances – whether it’s your savings and investments, mortgages or insurance policies. Higher interest rates and the rapid increase in the cost of living are likely to be affecting many areas of your finances. The start of the year is the perfect […]
Everything You Need to Know About ISA Transfer Rules
ISA transfer rules can be confusing for savers. In this blog post, we will break down these rules and explain how they work. We will also discuss what you need to know before transferring your ISA to another provider. What is an ISA transfer? Moving your savings with an ISA transfer is a great way […]
Inflation explained – why is it so high and how could it affect you?
With inflation at its highest level in 41 years and energy prices skyrocketing, the cost of living crisis has dominated headlines since inflation began to creep up from historic lows in mid-2021. Following such an extended period of price rises, you may be concerned about your household finances and long-term plans. What is inflation? Inflation […]
Here’s a guide to your annual tax allowances, including ISAs, pension contributions and gifts – and why it’s important to make the most of them. At this time of year, one of the most beneficial things you can do for your money is to review your annual allowances. Make sure you’re using those that are […]
Key Dates For Your Finances 2023/24
Now’s the perfect time to make sure you’re fully prepared for the financial year ahead. To make it easy, we’ve summarised the key financial dates to put in your diaries: March Potential Spring Statement 31st – End of the Help to Buy Scheme – Buyers who applied for the loan have until this date to […]
Are you making the most of your ISAs?
You are unable to carry any unused allowances over into the 2023-2024 tax year. If you are unsure on what ISAs are available to you and what they could do for you and your money, here’s how you can make the most of them. ISA An ISA is an individual savings account that allows you […]
In the 2022 Autumn Budget, it was revealed that the Junior ISA (JISA) spending limits would remain at £9,000 for the 2023/2024 tax year. The JISA limit was last changed in early 2020, when it was doubled from £4,500 to its current level. JISA and CTFs both benefit JISAs replaced Child Trust Funds (CTF) in […]
How to Create a Pension Plan for a Secure Retirement
A pension plan is an important part of saving for retirement. It can provide you with a regular income in retirement, which can be used to supplement other forms of retirement income such as private pensions and state pensions. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of pension plans available and how […]
Planning for a comfortable retirement
Tina is a fit and vibrant 59-year-old who expected retirement to offer a whole new lease of life. She was looking forward to using her increased leisure time to explore Europe while indulging her passion for climbing. However, after going through her finances, she’s now concerned she won’t be able to afford her monthly bills […]
Is opting out of a workplace pension a false economy?
Rachel is a 35-year-old charity administrator. When she started her current job nearly six years ago, she was automatically enrolled into her workplace pension. Auto-enrolment for workplace pensions was introduced in the UK to encourage more people to save for retirement. It means employers have to enrol into a pension any workers who are: Not […]
Pension Planning for the Self-Employed
There are 4.8 million self-employed people in the UK and only a third have any kind of pension arrangement. A shocking statistic when you consider that State support is shrinking and we’re all living longer. Of course, saving for a pension when you’re self-employed is not as straightforward as it is for an employed person, […]
Pension lifetime allowance – how it affects you
In his 2021 Budget, the Chancellor announced a five-year freeze on the lifetime pension allowance. What does this mean for you and your retirement fund? What is the lifetime pension allowance? The lifetime pension allowance sets a limit on how much you can save in your pension before you start paying tax on anything over […]
Five practical reasons you should create a financial plan with your partner
Money and financial goals are still sometimes viewed as taboo subjects, even within relationships. If you’ve been putting off conversations about finances, creating a plan together could have many benefits. Actively talking about money can be positive for both you and your loved ones, and research suggests it’s something younger generations are more likely to […]
Cost of living crisis: Why you should review your budget and plans
The cost of living is rising. Reviewing your finances now is crucial for understanding what effect inflation could have on your lifestyle and long-term plans. Inflation was at an almost 40-year high. In the 12 months to August 2022, it was 9.9%. There are several factors contributing to rising inflation, including the conflict in Ukraine, […]
10 simple ways to cut your carbon footprint and reduce your energy bills
Reducing your energy consumption can be a great way to cut your carbon footprint, lessening your personal impact on the environment and potentially helping to limit the devastating effects of climate change. As living costs and the price of energy are soaring, taking action to lessen your usage can also be an effective tool to […]
Autumn statement 2022: what it means for you
After several months of economic and political uncertainty the new chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, has delivered his autumn statement. With announcements relating to energy bills, Income Tax, the State Pension, tax allowances, and Stamp Duty, there are plenty of ways your finances could be affected in 2023 and beyond. Here are the key points of the […]
What is a Standard Variable Rate Mortgage?
Sarah has never overstretched herself when it comes to money. After paying her monthly bills, she’s always had a bit left over. So, when her mortgage lender wrote to her to remind her that her five-year fixed-rate deal was coming to an end and that she needed to find a new deal or she’d be […]
How might rising interest rates affect your mortgage?
The Bank of England has raised interest rates and warned further hikes are likely in the coming months. This will mean bigger bills for some homeowners. On 3 November 2022, the Bank of England raised interest rates from 2.25% to 3% – the eighth hike since December 2021 – in a bid to combat soaring […]
Downsizing your property to raise money
Your current home may well be the place where some of your happiest memories were created. Realistically, however, downsizing may be an excellent way of financing many more. Here are some points you should consider on the topic. Why should I downsize my home? Home may be where the heart is, but property has a […]
Improving your chances of passing a mortgage affordability assessment
The covid pandemic put things into perspective for Deborah. Before hand-sanitizer and facemasks became the norm, she and her boyfriend were living in a pokey flat while they saved up to buy a place of their own. As the pandemic took hold, they were both furloughed and – for the first time in years – […]
Buy-to-Let Mortgages – What you need to know
Pete has just inherited £35,000 from his grandma and he’s thinking about investing in a buy-to-let property but has no idea where to start. So, what are the key things Pete needs to know? Is the buy-to-let market a good investment? Some of Pete’s friends have warned him that the buy-to-let market is still reeling […]
The Value of Mortgage Advice Part 2
With so many mortgage lenders offering their products on the high street and online, it can be tempting to cut out the middleman and ‘go direct’. When you’re making such a huge financial commitment, the guidance you can get from a qualified mortgage adviser can be invaluable. Here are five reasons we can make a […]
‘The Growth Plan’ – a further update
At 6.00 am on Monday 17 October, the Treasury issued a press release announcing that the (new) Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, would making a statement “bringing forward measures from the Medium-Term Fiscal Plan”. The timing of the press release suggested that the Treasury was concerned it had not done enough the previous Friday to calm markets […]
Mortgage to Wealth – First Steps Into Investing
Taking Your First Steps Into Investing There is no right time to begin investing but there are some decisions to make that could affect your returns. If you are 7 years old and saving your pocket money for a PS5, 17 saving the money from your first job for a car, 27 saving for your […]
Could remortgaging help you beat the cost-of-living crisis?
Practically every penny of Mike’s monthly salary is accounted for so, as the cost-of-living crisis starts to bite, he’s worried about making ends meet. He’s started shopping around for cheaper deals on his broadband, mobile-phone contract, and car insurance, and he’s also cancelled his gym membership and a couple of his TV subscriptions. But he’s […]
What does the base-rate increase mean for you?
In a bid to tackle rising inflation, the Bank of England has increased the base rate for the seventh time since December 2021. The 0.5% hike takes the interest rate to 2.25% – the highest since November 2008, when the banking system faced collapse. So, what does this mean for you? Mortgages If you’re on […]
Talking to Kids About the Value of Money
After seeing their six-year-old son’s birthday list, Liz and Dan have realised it’s high time they started teaching Archie about the value of money. It’s true they both have reasonably well-paid jobs and only the one child but, even so, a Saint Bernard puppy, a quad bike, a horse and a life-size dalek don’t come […]
