Category: Savings
Avoiding Financial Pitfalls
Investing is essential for those looking to grow their wealth over time. Cash alone seldom keeps pace with inflation, as the interest it generates is usually too low to preserve its purchasing power. For beginners or those adopting a DIY approach to investing, recognising common mistakes can help protect them from potential financial pitfalls.
Lifetime Transfers and the Seven-Year Rule
Potentially Exempt Transfers (PETs) and Chargeable Lifetime Transfers (CLTs) broadly define gifts made during an individual's lifetime. Their classification depends on the nature of the gift and the recipient. It's equally important to note that some lifetime transfers are exempt, meaning they are not subject to tax.
Do you fall into the 60% tax trap?
For many earners in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, the highest Income Tax rate is 45%. However, while 45% is the highest ‘official’ rate, some individuals effectively pay a tax rate of 60% on part of their income. This phenomenon, commonly called the ‘60% tax trap,’ affects those earning over £100,000 and applies to their income between £100,000 and £125,140.
Time is Running Out: Don’t Miss Your Chance to Boost Your State Pension
It’s important to take the time to give your finances a year-end check-up. The 2017/18 tax year ends on 5 April 2018, with the new tax year beginning the following day, on 6 April. These are important dates for financial planning, so it’s important you don’t miss the chance to make the most of valuable tax-efficiencies and allowances.
Your Guide to Year End Tax Planning
It’s important to take the time to give your finances a year-end check-up. The 2017/18 tax year ends on 5 April 2018, with the new tax year beginning the following day, on 6 April. These are important dates for financial planning, so it’s important you don’t miss the chance to make the most of valuable tax-efficiencies and allowances.
How to Navigate Capital Gains Tax Allowance
Cuts to the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) exemption mean it is now more critical than ever to arrange your investments tax-efficiently. For the tax year 2024/25, the CGT allowance has been reduced to £3,000, allowing you to make tax-free gains up to this amount. However, any gains above this limit may be subject to CGT.
Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs)
For UK residents, one of the most effective ways to minimise tax on investment returns is through an Individual Savings Account (ISA). These accounts are a 'tax-efficient wrapper', safeguarding your interest, dividends and capital gains from taxation. Whether your financial goals are short term or long term, ISAs can provide the flexibility and security you need.
The Top 10 Fundamentals for Successful Investing
Investing serves as a mechanism for amplifying your wealth. It can assist you in expediting the repayment of your mortgage, augmenting your retirement savings or safeguarding your child’s financial future. However, before you invest your money, be ready for a long-term engagement. Read our full guide on our top 10 fundamentals for successful investing.
Our Guide to Protecting Your Family, your Biggest Asset
Life is unpredictable and filled with a multitude of potential risks. By understanding and selecting the right insurance policies, you can confidently navigate life’s uncertainties, knowing that you’ve taken steps to safeguard your and your family’s financial wellbeing. Read our full guide to protecting your family, your biggest asset.
Our Guide to Individual Savings Accounts
Investing in an Individual Savings Account (ISA) is a tax-efficient, flexible method for future planning. One of the most attractive features of an ISA is its tax benefits – it’s immune to both Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax on any growth within the fund or on income you withdraw. This makes contributing to an ISA an intelligent decision for those looking to grow their wealth while minimising tax liabilities.
Missing out on unclaimed money that could be in your pocket?
According to recent research, higher rate and additional rate taxpayers in the UK leave millions of pounds of pension tax relief unclaimed yearly. This amounts to a staggering total of £1.3 billion over a five-year period. This unclaimed money could be in your pocket instead!
A guide to saving and investing for the next generation
Investing in your child or grandchild’s future is a thoughtful and responsible step towards securing their financial stability. In the UK, initiating an investment early for a child makes sense and can be highly beneficial in the long run.
Mastering Your Financial Future: The Power of Cash Flow Modelling
Investing can feel like navigating uncharted territory, particularly for those new to the field. With many options and strategies available, it's crucial to grasp what you aim to achieve with your investments clearly.
Guide to Individual Savings Accounts
Time is running out to take advantage of this year’s Individual Savings Account (ISA) allowances. On 6 April when the new tax year starts, if you haven’t used all of your or your children’s ISA allowances from the previous tax year, it will be lost forever. Check out this guide to Individual Savings Accounts.
ISA 2020 Allowance – Use it or Lose it!
Whatever you’re putting money aside for, there’s likely to be a role for Individual Saving Accounts, or ‘ISAs’. An ISA is a way of holding savings or investments without paying personal tax on interest received or on the growth of your investment. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced saver, we can help you get the most from your 2019/20 ISA allowance...
Managing Risk
Many retirees are at risk of overlooking their pension finances by falling into an avoidable trap, according to new research. A third (36%) of people keeping their pension invested through retirement could be hit harder by falling markets as they do not have a cash safety net to fall back on, research has found. And even though two thirds (64%) of retirees are holding cash in reserve...
Exploring your ISA Options
The end of the tax year on 5 April is fast approaching,so make sure you’ve made the most of your annual allowances before it’s too late. No matter what, why or how you want to save and invest, an Individual Savings Account (ISA) could help make your money work harder for you..
Making Solid Financial Resolutions
The new year is the perfect time to overhaul your life for the better, and one excellent place to start is by making solid financial resolutions that can help get you closer to your money goals, whether it’s increasing your retirement savings or setting enough money aside for a down payment on a house...
Savings Black Hole?
Millions of Britons could see their savings shrink, as they don’t know how to shield them from the threat of rising inflation. Currently, UK savers are hoarding over £60 billion in cash for long-term savings and investments, which stands to be eroded by £1.5 billion this year, as a result of higher inflation...
Turbocharge Your Pension
If you’re still working, what kind of life would you like to lead when you’ve said goodbye to the 9-to-5? Saving for your retirement is essential if you want the financial freedom to enjoy your later years. After all, you’ll still want to do all the things you love now – and probably a few others too...