The financial basics you wish you’d learnt at school
A survey of British employees reveals that a significant proportion of working adults wish they’d been taught more about basic financial topics at school. According to research1, the number one topic UK adults wish they’d learnt more about at school is pensions: 40% of respondents to a survey said that learning about pensions at school […]
Economic Review – May 2021
BoE upgrades growth forecast The Bank of England (BoE) has significantly increased its 2021 growth forecast, as survey evidence continues to highlight a strong economic rebound, fuelled by the easing of lockdown restrictions and rapid vaccine rollout. In early May, the BoE revealed its latest predictions for the UK economy, which included a growth forecast […]
‘Side hustles’ become a lockdown staple
If you’ve seen your income drop during the pandemic, have you considered taking up a side hustle? The term is an Americanism that is slowly making its way into common usage here in the UK. It refers to the practice of taking up a second job alongside your main job. A nation of side hustlers? […]
Property Market Review – May 2021
<!– wp:acf/hd-rich-text { "id": "block_60b73e7093796", "name": "acf/hd-rich-text", "data": { "block_title": "", "_block_title": "hd_rich_text-block_title", "columns_0_column": " Amazon expanding UK warehouse spacernAs the US e-commerce titan continues to ramp up its UK warehouse presence, it has been reported that Amazon is intending to take warehouse space at Magna Park Lutterworth, the UK and Europe’s largest dedicated logistics […]
Planning to retire in 2021?
Whether you had always been planning to retire this year, or COVID-19 has forced your hand, it’s never too late to get organised. We believe that retirement is something to be looked forward to after a lifetime of hard work – so don’t let it be overshadowed by financial concerns. We can help you quantify […]
Millions keeping ill health a secret
According to a recent survey1, seven million people (13% of the population) are keeping mental health issues secret from their loved ones, while just under four million (7%) are hiding a physical health problem. As well as causing symptoms such as anxiety (34%), guilt (29%) and difficulties sleeping (25%), keeping secrets from our families can […]
Economic Review – April 2021
Stronger recovery predicted The UK economy returned to growth in February and survey evidence suggests a strong recovery is imminent, as lockdown restrictions ease and the vaccine rollout continues at pace. Data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the economy grew by 0.4% in February, as businesses prepared for the lifting of […]
Why it pays to update your pension expression of wishes
An expression of wishes tells your pension provider who you would like the beneficiaries of your pension to be in the event of your death. Multiple beneficiaries can be named, and you can state how much of your pension you want each to receive. However, while many people complete an expression of wishes when they […]
Scottish Budget Update
On 28 January 2021, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Kate Forbes, set out the government’s proposed spending and tax plans for 2021/22. Speaking almost a year after Scotland’s first COVID-19 case was identified, she told MSPs that the “pandemic has shaken our society and economy to the core.” Ms Forbes stated that the Budget would […]
New investors spring into action
With interest rates plummeting to record lows, savers are discovering that cash is not always king. This is encouraging a new band of investors to dip their toes in the investment market. While some families have suffered financially during the pandemic, many have saved significant sums due to a reduction in spending on non-essential items. […]