It’s fair to say that the incoming UK government has hit the ground running with an ambitious housebuilding target. Broadly speaking, the target is an additional 1.5 million new homes over the next five years, which will include affordable and social housing. Planning restrictions are also likely to be lifted in green and grey belt […]
As we journey through our working lives, we often take comfort in the knowledge that our pensions will support us when it comes to our retirement. However, the harsh reality is that for many, their pensions may not be enough to maintain their desired lifestyle. Did you know that almost 30% of people have no […]
Politics and finance are two topics often discussed in tandem. As we approach the UK general election on July 4th, there is much speculation about how a potential change of government will influence taxes, economies, and investment. While it is dangerous to look to the past for indications of future changes, it is crucial to […]
While the most obvious potential benefit from starting early with regular investments is enhanced returns, there are many other factors to consider. Naturally, as investors, our focus tends to be on short-term returns. Only when you look back and consider annualised returns over a longer period can you begin to grasp the real benefits of […]
While many people associate base rates with their mortgage rates, the devil is in the details. To understand the direct relationship, it is essential to appreciate the Bank of England's role and why it is so crucial to businesses and individuals. Setting interest rates UK base rates currently stand at 5.25%, with expectations that we […]
The fight for equal opportunities in the workplace is far from done, and a recent report by Scottish Widows showed how the gender pay gap impacts pension savings. When you consider that people could be paying towards their pension for 40 years or more, what may seem relatively small differences today can have a considerable […]
Pension consolidation is probably not at the top of your financial to-do list, another of those topics that can be revisited at any time. Is there any urgency if your funds are invested and you're receiving your annual updates? When you begin to look into pension consolidation in a little more depth, you will notice […]
Over the last few years, one thing has been evident: financial markets quickly adapt to changing environments, some of which have been dramatic. As we move into 2024, when looking at your investments, it is essential to consider the broader situation, and then we can start to dig down into the individual sectors. Global economies […]
When considering any investment, it is essential to recognise that without risk there is unlikely to be any return. For example, while Treasury bonds are often recognised as the gold standard of investment, they can create a return because there is a risk that the government may default, no matter how small the chances. On […]
Since moving to Thailand in 2009, I quickly became aware of the cost of education as an expat. I spent many years, to some extent, shocking people as to just how much it would cost to send their children through school and then university. When Peyton was born, I then experienced firsthand just how much […]
