Media & Insight

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“How can I make smarter investment decisions?”

4 Key probabilities for investment success

This blog has been written by our third party investment consultants, Albion Strategic Consulting.

Understanding the 26.5% Marginal Corporation Tax Rate for SMEs

Recent changes in the UK tax regime, particularly in corporation tax rates, can have significant implications for your business if your profits fall within certain thresholds.

“What is a good investment return?”

As your adviser, part of our role is to stress test your financial plan – using what we understand about markets - to ensure that your ability to achieve your financial goals is built on reasonable expectations.

This blog has been written by our third party investment consultants, Albion Strategic Consulting.

Why investing is simple, but not easy

This blog has been written by our third party investment consultants, Albion Strategic Consulting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Financial Advice

Our expert team is here to guide you through the complexities of financial planning, pension advice, and investments. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you get started on your journey to financial security.

“How much do I need to save in my pension to retire at 60?”

According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), around 1 in 5 of the UK population retires by the age of 60 – what are things to consider?

Politics and portfolios

2024 is the year of the election with over 64 happening in various countries around the world covering around 50% of the world’s population!

This blog has been written by our third party investment consultants, Albion Strategic Consulting.

The Diderot Effect

The Diderot Effect - how to avoid a spiral of consumerism

Money Marketing Magazine - December 2023

SJP and the unintended consequences of well-meaning regulation

FT Adviser - October 2023

Interview with FT Adviser, including profile and discussion around approach to ESG investing

3 books on the Philosophy of Money

Philosophy has long explored fundamental questions about the human condition and our quest for meaning. Unsurprisingly, these enquiries have occasionally veered into the realm of personal finance.

The Unexpected Career Paths of Kafka, T.S. Eliot, and Scott Fitzgerald

When we think of great literary figures, we often imagine them as artists, poets, or academics. However, many celebrated authors actually started their careers in finance.

Money Marketing Magazine - February 2023

Have we reached peak planner?

10 financial new year resolutions

10 financial new year resolutions for 2023

How too little investment risk can harm your finances

Are you taking too little investment risk? It could mean that your portfolio isn’t delivering the returns it could be.

Money Marketing Magazine - September 2022

The days of sales-driven financial advice are numbered.

The importance of remaining invested

No one can predict the future. But during times of economic/political uncertainty, it is important to remember why you invested in the first place, control your emotions, and understand that diversification and remaining invested can help to improve your chances of making a positive return.

Thousands sleepwalking into the pension lifetime allowance tax trap

The number of people exceeding the pension lifetime allowance is on the rise. It could mean you face an unexpected tax bill when you access your pension. Find out more here >

“Will rising inflation affect my retirement?”

If you’re retired, understanding how inflation will affect your income now and in the future is important. Find out what steps you can take to improve your long-term financial security here.

Money Marketing Magazine - March 2022

Cashflow modelling boom is an accident waiting to happen

Is rising inflation a wake-up call to review your savings?

“With inflation rising - are my savings working hard enough for me?”

5 Retirement Challenges (and what to do about them)

Understanding the common retirement pitfalls can help you take steps now to create a secure retirement.

“How do I claim pension tax relief?”

Pension tax relief has been boosting #retirement savings for 100 years, but millions of high earners still aren’t claiming their full entitlement

“What is a realistic return on investments?”

When you’re investing, it’s important that you understand what’s realistic, in order to create an accurate plan and to spot potential scams.

What does rising house prices mean for inheritance tax?

House prices have soared and could mean that you’re nearing the Inheritance Tax threshold. Taking a proactive approach can help you reduce a potential bill.

Money Marketing Magazine - October 2022

Is bigger really better when it comes to financial advice companies?

“What is personal financial modelling?”

Cashflow modelling can help you understand the long-term impact of your financial decisions and how to prepare for things outside of your control. Read on to find out more.

“How can I manage investment risk?”

Investors have experienced two “once in a lifetime” events in just 12 years. According to the Office for Budget Responsibility they could become more common. Find out more here >

“Are Cash ISAs good for savings?”

With inflation on the rise, savers are now in effect receiving a negative real rate of interest. Meaning that the value of their cash savings is set to reduce in value over time.

The 5 most common financial mistakes for business owners

Business ownership can be fraught with all kinds of mistakes. Here are the five most common financial mistakes I encounter when advising entrepreneurs.

Featured

“Are Premium Bonds worth it?”

If you’re thinking about using Premium Bonds, it’s important to understand how they work. Recent changes mean they aren’t as attractive as they once were, with fewer prizes now given out each month.

“Does Ethical Investing mean lower returns?”

Ethical investing has become increasingly popular over the last few years, as investors have tried to align their investment strategies with their personal views.

“How can I avoid the Lifetime Allowance Charge?”

Following the Chancellor’s decision to freeze the pension lifetime Allowance (LTA) until 2026, many will be wondering whether they will now be caught by this ‘stealth tax’ and if/how they can avoid the LTA Charge.

“Can I access my pension before retirement?”

Thousands of workers are accessing their pension before they retire. They may end up with a nasty surprise from the taxman.

Property vs Pension - which is best?

Given the national obsession with property, it is perhaps unsurprising that one of the most common questions I’m asked is whether property or pension is the best choice when it comes to your retirement pot. Here are my thoughts…

Budget 2021 – Winners and Losers

Following one of biggest economic upheavals in modern history, who are the winners and losers of the 2021 Budget?

From actuary to financial adviser

“I don’t understand my pension statement”

As retirement approaches, you might start to wonder “what does my pension statement mean?”.

“What is the difference between a Wealth Manager, Financial Adviser and Financial Planner?”

If you’re looking for professional help with your finances, one of the questions you may be asking yourself is ‘what is the difference between a Wealth Manager, Financial Adviser and Financial Planner?’

Pension contributions for directors of limited companies - what are the tax benefits?

Making employer pension contributions can reduce your company’s tax bill. Pension contributions from pre-taxed company income are an allowable business expense and so don’t attract Corporation Tax.

“How much can I give to my children and family tax free?”

There are many things we would like to leave for our loved ones when we pass away, from fond memories to heirlooms, but the one thing we don’t want to pass on is a hefty Inheritance Tax bill.

“How do I invest my money ethically?”

Investing that considers more than the bottom line goes back centuries. But the movement has evolved and it’s gradually becoming more popular among investors.

“How much do I need for a comfortable retirement?”

For many clients thinking of finishing work, their biggest question is ‘how much do I need to retire?’ Find out what to aim for and how to tackle shortfalls.

“How do I pay myself a tax-efficient income from my business?”

Structuring the way you take income from your company can shave thousands off your tax bill. Discover my top tips on financial planning for business owners.

“Can I afford to retire at 55?”

Retiring early might sound like the path to freedom but it could cause a major dent in your pension savings. Discover the pitfalls to look out for here.

“I’m worried I’m not saving enough for retirement.”

If you’re underestimating the amount you need in retirement, your goals for the future could be at risk. A mid-life check could help you get back on track.

“I want to invest in ethical pension funds.”

The pandemic is helping to push ESG investing into the mainstream. If you want to make ESG part of your pension investments, here’s what you need to consider.

“I want to get more financially organised, and stop worrying about money!”

The impact of financial advice on wealth is often talked about. Yet the value it adds in terms of emotional wellbeing is just as important for many clients.

“I’m inheriting some money, but don’t know what to do”

Coming into unexpected money could transform your life, but only if you use it wisely. From making a plan to investing appropriately, here’s what to consider.

“How can I pass on wealth to the next generation?”

Leaving a legacy for your loved ones could help your children and grandchildren become more financially secure. Discover four ways to efficiently pass on wealth.

“Could I benefit from financial advice? How much does financial advice cost?”

Financial advice can help you live the life you want, feel more confident about the future and give you a chance to think about your goals.