Is Inflation eating into the value of your savings?
Interest rates on instant access savings accounts continue to be outstripped by inflation, so where should you invest your money?…
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Senior Financial Planner | Blog Archive | Biography
The Budget 2018: an end to austerity? What did it mean for you?
The 2018 Budget, which was delivered on a Monday for the first time since 1962, produced a number of surprises,…
OBR forecasts to force government to raise taxes next Budget?
The long-term outlook for government finances suggests that tax increases are inevitable. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) produces medium-term…
Important rate announcements made in June in the UK and the US
Interest rates for the Eurozone and US diverge leading to currency fluctuations as investment markets prepare for base rate rises.…
Pension scams and cold calling – Be on your guard
Be wary of cold-callers who offer a ‘free’ pension review – it could cost you more than you think. Cold-calling…
A good year for global share markets – but are we to expect a volatile 2018?
The world’s share markets were a profitable place to be in 2017, but the year was not without its drama.…
The Bank of England finally raises interest rate after inflation dodges 3%
The September inflation rate was just low enough to spare Bank of England (BoE) Governor, Mark Carney, from having to…
Seven tax tips for 2017/18
Uncertainty is the name of the game so far during this tax year, with post-Budget U-turns and a rushed pre-election…
The Inheritance Tax Residence Nil Rate Band… not all it seems
The inheritance tax (IHT) residence nil rate band is now available and could potentially cut the IHT bill on your…
The importance of a financial planning review
Several important changes to tax and benefits were introduced at the beginning of 2017/18, so it makes sense to review…
Chancellor announces Wednesday 8 March as the date for the Budget 2017.
Chancellor announces Wednesday 8 March as the date for the Budget 2017. It may feel like Mr Hammond’s Autumn Statement…
Financial Protection – Is your family financially protected?
Is your family financially protected? The current system of bereavement benefits is being overhauled from April 2017. A key change…
Post-Brexit UK is a volatile place for savings and investments
The first half of 2016 has been marked by volatility – especially in the final week. June, or to be…
Anomalies uncovered in personal savings allowance legislation.
Not everything your bank pays you counts towards the personal savings allowance. When the personal savings allowance (PSA) was first…
Making tax digital
At the March 2015 Budget, the government set out the vision for a transformed tax system and the end of…
NS&I to cut interest rates on five of its variable rate products
National Savings & Investments (NS&I) has announced that it will be cutting interest on five of its variable rate products,…
Advice on Mr Osborne’s Spring Budget
The third Budget in 12 months. This 2016 Budget looked as if it would be a difficult one for the…
Your latest PAYE code may look a little strange
Breaking the PAYE code. It’s the time of year when HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) sends out PAYE codes for…
Different inflation measures tell different stories
The latest inflation figures showed virtually zero inflation and nothing to worry about…or did they? The July Consumer Prices Index…
Next Year’s Dividend Tax Changes Come Into Sharper Focus
The Summer Budget announcement of a change to the rules on dividend taxation from next April caused many furrowed brows.…
Pensions – Automatic Enrolment is getting closer to home
The ‘Mary Poppins’ pension’ The roll out of automatic enrolment of employees into pensions schemes started back in October…
0.5% base rates remain, effect on your savings?
Pembroke’s Analysis of Interest Rates and its effects on your savings and investments – March 2015 When base rate fell…
‘Freedom and choice in pensions’
On 21st July 2014, the Government published its response to the consultation on Freedom and choice in pensions. Pembroke Financial…
Still time for tax year end planning
Proper tax year end planning can still reduce your tax bill. Here are a few quick suggestions; Maximise your ISA…