Lets get ethical

Following a responsible agenda

An ethical fund is an investment vehicle that will only invest in companies with a social, moral or environmentally responsible agenda. Read More...

Fitter finances

The four point plan to getting your money in shape

A credit crunch, turbulent stockmarkets, house price deflation and various murmurings from the financial sector about a challenging year ahead. Read More...

Capital gains tax

Simplification leads to a major reform

Since the end of last year there has been much media talk and press coverage about the changes announced by the Chancellor in his first Pre−Budget Report. Read More...

Individual Savings Accounts

Consider your options before the fast approaching deadline

If you are thinking about taking out an Individual Savings Account (ISA) or using up any unused allowance, time is running out if you want to meet the 5 April 2008 deadline. Read More...

News in brief

New parents to receive money advice packs

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) the UK’s financial watchdog, have announced that they will give new parents money advice packs. Read More...

Diversification

Spreading risk across different asset classes

Stockmarkets have historically provided investors with the best longer−term returns, although in a time of turbulent markets it can be prudent to allocate some of your investment portfolio. Read More...

News in brief

More higher rate taxpayers in the UK than ever before

According to statistics by the accountants UHY Hacker Young, more than 3.7 million UK citizens have a marginal tax rate of 40 per cent, up from 3 million in 2002/03. Read More...

Share schemes

Investors set for tax increases

People who buy shares in the company for which they work could end up paying more tax under changes announced to the capital gains tax (CGT) system. Read More...

ISAs

Tax−efficient wrappers − a quick guide

An Individual Savings Account (ISA) is a tax−efficient wrapper in which investments such as cash, shares and stock market funds can be held to avoid capital gains tax and to reduce income tax. Read More...

Wealth tip

Aiming for higher returns

If you have some time until you retire and it’s appropriate for your situation, you could consider increasing your retirement fund by taking a higher risk reward approach. Read More...

Trust in your future

Getting ready for changes that govern certain types of trusts

From 6 April this year there are important changes to the tax rules governing certain types of trust. Read More...

The great contenders

Pensions and ISAs square up to each other

Pensions still provide the foundation of retirement planning. Not only are they very tax−efficient investments, since the changes to the pension rules introduced in April 2006, it is now possible to build a substantial pension fund of up to £1.6 million without tax penalties. Read More...

The demise of the final salary pensions

New measures could speed up further closures

Government proposals could mean an acceleration in the already worrying rate at which final salary pension schemes are closing in the UK. Read More...

Buy−to−let landlords

Revenue targets non tax paying investors

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) are to target buy−to−let investors who have not paid tax on money made from letting or selling a property in a major crackdown. Read More...

Longer life expectancy

How much will you need when you retire?

Recently the Pensions Regulator expressed concerns that employers running final salary or defined benefit pension schemes have underestimated life expectancy by two years. Read More...

Time for a PEP talk?

Personal equity plans (PEPs) which celebrated their 21st birthday this January will not be around for much longer. Read More...

The must have today culture

A ticking time bomb for the future

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) sampled the financial expectations of 18 to 34 year−olds, and predictably discovered that they want to retire with foreign holidays, satellite TV and gym membership &doubleas standard”. Without saving much, naturally. Read More...

Self−select ISAs

Managing your own investment strategy

A self−select individual savings account lets you choose between funds and individual shares, allowing you the flexibility to manage your own unique investment strategy. Read More...

Beat the end of tax year deadline

Do you have any unused tax breaks?

As the end of tax year approaches if you still want to take advantage of unused tax breaks you may wish consider Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) and self−invested personal pensions (SIPPs) to transfer shares and other portfolio holdings into these shelters. Read More...

The changing landscape of employee benefit packages

A greater control of retirement funds and assets could become normal

Self−invested personal pensions (SIPPs) could become a normal part of employee benefit packages in the near future. Read More...

All change for retirement tax reliefs

Don’t miss the deadline

Pension investors are being urged to ignore current stock market uncertainty and take advantage of generous tax reliefs on retirement savings schemes before April 5. Read More...

Protecting your business assets

How much would it cost to replace your key staff?

If you run a business, whether a limited company or a partnership, or if you employ key staff crucial to its future success or survival, a premature death, Read More...

News in brief

A greener approach to investing

Under recent proposals put forward by the Conservatives people would be able to save thousands of pounds more tax−free if they invest in environmentally friendly companies. Read More...

Leading the way

UK savers start earlier than their European counterparts

Nearly three−quarters of British workers have some form of pension provision, with the average person starting to save towards retirement at 28, according to research by insurer AXA. Read More...

A logical approach to inheritance tax planning

Protecting what is rightfully yours

The first place to start is to consider where you want your money to go and why. Many people have reservations about giving away assets too quickly, they trust their children, but not always their children’s marriage partners. Read More...

News in brief

Retiring women could be disadvantaged under tax changes

The Government is scrapping the 10p starting rate of income tax, while cutting the basic rate of tax from 22p in the pound to 20p. Read More...

Where theres a Will theres a way

Getting started

If you have not made a Will, follow our simple guide that gives you information and tips about getting started. Read More...