Purchasing power of pensioners pummelled as inflation soars
Helen Morrissey, senior pensions and retirement analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, looks at how inflation is putting pressure on pensioner spending.
How to invest for retirement – the art of perfect planning
The options for your portfolio and suggestions on what to do next. Laith Khalaf explains.
Will inflation continue to rise? Expert view
Will inflation continue to rise? is the question many of us need answered. Peter McGahan takes a look at what is driving up the cost of living.
Inheritance Tax – Best ways to use resident nil rate band
‘Inheritance Tax is about as popular as a politician’ so take action to protect against it, writes Peter McGahan.
Loyalty penalties – how to save £100s on your car insurance
The Financial Conduct Authority has clamped down on car insurance loyalty penalties offering consumers the hope of more affordable prices.
Green living important to retirees
A new report has revealed that green credentials are important for more than 80 per cent of those interested in living in a retirement development.
‘Inflation proofing our money is essential particularly in today’s very unknown markets’
Inflation is currently more than 2.5 times the inflation target the Bank of England is supposed to hit/stick to. Peter McGahan looks at what that means for your money.
Financially healthy Christmas
36% of women suffer stress, due to money, at Christmas, trying to make it as special as possible. Peter McGahan considers what you can do to prevent overspending.
Easy Inheritance Tax tips
Peter McGahan lays out some straightforward rules for mitigating the impact of inheritance Tax.
Top 10 tips for finding the right care provider
Sharon Bonfield examines the challenge of finding the right balance for your loved ones’ care needs.
A new study reveals the increase of retirement age over the next 3 decades
As life expectancy continues to rise across the world, naturally, the age of retirement tends to follow.
Your local economy – cherish and protect it
How the convenience of shopping online undermines the local economy and starves the Exchequer of tax revenue.
Pension age is rising, beware and plan!
In 2028, the minimum age for access to your pension will rise to 57 from 55. Peter McGahan explains why you should review your expectations.
House damage to first time buyers
Peter McGahan looks at how young people are being denied a place on the property ladder and explains why a ladder with its bottom rungs missing is not stable.
Dejá vu and risk of UK house price bubbles
Peter McGahan considers why the UK is prone to house price bubbles and how post pandemic savings and attitudes to work could be about to deliver another.
Positive steps to mitigate Inheritance tax
Our last two columns have focused around your property and Inheritance Tax given the surge in house prices.
Inheritance Tax – Huge rise in house prices raises exposure
Peter McGahan explains how house prices rises have left many with the unwanted burden of Inheritance tax.
Passive investing losses certain from climate change
As markets move to meet the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDG’s), Peter McGahan argues that apathetic investors risk losses after being left with dirty stocks.
Avoiding financial scams
UK bank fraud hit a new record of over £479m exacerbated by lockdown and as Peter McGahan reveals the crooks have a finely tuned strategy to separate you from your money.
Loss of income – what do you do?
1 in 6 working families would receive little or no help if the main earner was unable to work due to sickness!!!
Dementia and unexpected financial risks
Here we take a look at the challenges of helping someone manage their financial affairs and retain their independence.
Guaranteed structured investments (not)
Peter McGahan explains why products marketed under the term ‘guaranteed structured investment’ are poorly understood and actually offer little in the way of certainty or guarantee.
Sustainable societies, it’s happening
The attraction to sustainable investing for higher returns is growing as we slowly grasp that non-tax paying organisations who pay poorly aren’t classed as a circular economy and contribute little to sustainable societies.
Is the old investment world gone?
Is the old investment world gone? Peter McGahan explains why we can’t expect all previous models to continue to work.
Equity Release advice
There are important considerations to weigh before you commit to an equity release product. Peter McGahan explains why.
Dying with no Will: What ‘Finding Alice’ teaches us about estate planning
A new campaign encourages people to pledge that they will make a will this year and avoid the emotional toil of navigating intestacy law.
Is equity release a good idea?
Equity release is not a one size fits all solution to deliver additional retirement income or help for your grandchildren. Peter McGahan explains why it should only be considered based upon a full understanding of risks and rewards.
Get ahead of the ‘tax wonks’
Peter McGahan explains proposed changes to Capital Gains Tax and how a few careful decisions now could help you reduce your tax liability later.
Expect the best, prepare for the worst
The COVID lockdown has prompted many people to re-evaluate life insurance policies and how best to protect their family. Peter McGahan answers some common concerns.
ISAs and tax efficient investments – the easily lost 22.5%
We should all be conscious about the tax efficiency but as Peter McGahan cautions; choose your investment vehicle wisely.
Pension tax relief
What now for government plans on spending with an untested Chancellor? Peter McGahan explains what it could mean for taxpayers.
Financial Resolutions for peace of mind
It’s better to be in control rather than reactionary, and simple financial resolutions can help buffer up your end of year balance, writes Peter McGahan.
