In the news
FAMILIES RELYING HEAVILY ON GRANDPARENTS FOR FREE CHILDCARE For many families, childcare is a significant expense that often eats a good chunk out of their monthly income. It’s no surprise then, that many parents are turning to their own parents for help. Recent research1 shows that 85% of grandparents offer some kind of support with childcare, […]
Work for yourself? Make your pension work for you
Self-employment offers many benefits: being your own boss and having the flexibility to choose your working hours being but a couple of examples. But when it comes to pensions, those who work for themselves are finding they’re at a disadvantage. Research7 has revealed that, although 74% of self-employed people think it’s important to save for retirement, […]
Economic Review – January 2020
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University challenge of digs and tuition
In recent years it has become more widely accepted that university isn’t the only route to satisfying and rewarding employment. Apprenticeships and vocational training are among the other paths available; and there are many instances of success in business by those who entered a workplace direct from school and worked their way to the top. […]
Pension inequality starts at birth
In recent years, the gender pay gap has been a rather hot topic. However, the difference between the pensions savings of men and women – or gender pension gap – is perhaps less discussed. By the age of 50, women have accumulated an average of just £56,000 in pensions savings against £112,000 for men4. Girls […]
Residential Property Review – January 2020
EXPERTS’ PREDICTIONS FOR 2020 – ‘CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC’ The Conservatives’ general election win and increased certainty on the direction of Brexit have led property experts to predict growing confidence in the housing market in 2020. However, their optimism is cautious, according to researchers at Savills who have predicted a 1% rise. The Royal Institution of Chartered […]
Property Market Review – January 2020
WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON FOR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY? After a turbulent 2019 (particularly for retail), Savills has made some predictions for what 2020 could hold for the commercial property market. They fall into three main categories: overseas investment, office development and the future of retail. As a result of renewed clarity on Brexit, Savills suggests that […]
The sandwiched: finding time to thrive
One consequence of an ageing population and delayed parenthood is the growing number of people who are left sacrificing their own time, wellbeing and finances in order to care for those around them. And it’s very easy for this group to simply focus on surviving rather than thriving. The ‘sandwich generation’ This term was first […]
Stay protected in 2020
Don’t overlook the importance of having the right plans in place to protect yourself, your family, your valuables and your home, in case an unexpected event should happen. Insurance cover isn’t just about a payout when you die. It can also give you peace of mind in knowing that you would be able to cope […]
Tone up your finances in 2020
As we face the year ahead with great anticipation, thoughts of resolutions, often centred around lifestyle improvements and healthy living, usually feature high on our to-do lists. It’s all too easy to overlook the resolution to take stock and refocus on your finances. A new year is the perfect opportunity to do this. Whilst a […]