The thinking behind the money...
Research shows the majority of teenagers want to learn more about personal finance topics like mortgages and pensions. Here are eight lessons…
Investment funds are a popular way to invest and can make sense as part of your financial plan. If you’re not sure…
Life insurance could provide your family with financial security if you pass away. Yet, a survey suggests that many homeowners aren’t covered…
A survey of over-50s has highlighted that many wish they’d started a pension earlier and saved more. Younger generations can learn from…
Securing a mortgage is a hugely important step in the house-buying process. Read how a mortgage in principle could help you get…
First-time buyers are facing more challenges than ever as property prices soar and competition rises. These six statistics highlight some of the…
During times of uncertainty, it can be tempting to make changes to your investments. However, data suggests that holding tight and sticking…
21 million people would consider moving their pension to a “green” fund if it was an option offered by their scheme. With…
While you may be tempted to leave using your annual ISA allowance until the end of the tax year, using it now…
If you have pensions from the 1990s or 2000s, the fees you’re paying could be delivering “poor value for money”, research suggests.…
You may have read in the press about a recent Okta breach in the U.S, so I want to reassure you this…
Tensions in Europe and the invasion of Ukraine affected stock markets around the world. Here’s your investment market update with all the…
The Bank of England has increased interest rates twice since December 2021. If you’re a mortgage holder, it may affect your monthly…
Pembroke Financial Services are absolutely delighted to announce the arrival of Seb Lewis as the latest addition to our thirteen strong financial…
If you’re ready to move up the property ladder, understanding your mortgage needs and the cost of moving can help make the…
The pandemic and the climate conference in 2021 are driving some of the key ESG investment trends this year, including net zero…
The amount of Inheritance Tax paid has increased and a freeze on allowances means it will affect more families in the future.…
Research shows that millions of people in the UK are relying on an inheritance to pay for their retirement. It could mean…
It’s been an uncertain start to 2022 for the global economy. Here’s some useful information, and three tips for managing your anxiety…
If you’ve purchased a property that needs work completing or you want to renovate your home, these tips could help you plan…
Figures suggest that demand for flats is on the rise. If they’re something you’re thinking about, you should be aware of these…
Please help us achieve our target for our Family Walk for Adur Special Needs Project (ASNP).
Research suggests that 83% of cancer patients experience some kind of financial impact from their diagnosis. This may be reduced income or…
As spring approaches, now is the perfect time to review your finances and assets. This can help make sure the steps you’re…
Have emotions ever influenced an investment decision you’ve made? If so, you’re not alone, but impulsive decisions can lead to regret and…
Adur Special Needs Project’s first fund raising venture of this kind, and our team will walk either the five or the 10-mile…
Research suggests that some retirees are taking unsustainable sums from their pensions. It could mean they run out of money in retirement,…
Equity release is becoming a popular way for people to fund their later years, and it could give your finances a significant…
Long-term mortgages with a fixed rate are now on offer. They can provide homebuyers with peace of mind, but there are drawbacks…
If the pandemic has affected your plans, you’re not alone. Covid-19 has led to more people thinking about what’s important to them…
While it might seem some way off, preparing for the end of the tax year now can help you make the most…
The law changed in 2000 to allow pensions to be split during a divorce or dissolution. Yet, just 1 in 8 couples…
As 2021 drew to a close, high levels of inflation, supply chain issues, and the challenges of a new Covid-19 variant affected…
This year, making a new year resolution that considers your long-term financial wellbeing could have a positive impact far beyond 2022.
If you’re looking for a way to reduce household expenses, there are some steps you can take to cut your mortgage repayments.
COP26 took place in Glasgow in November and set the global climate change agenda. Find out how it could affect investments here.
If your children will receive money this Christmas, it can be an excellent way to teach money skills, from the value of…
When you’re investing, it’s important that you set out realistic expectations to create an accurate plan and to spot potential scams.
Women need to save an extra £185,000 in their pension to close the gender gap and ensure they have enough for their…
A new survey has highlighted some of the biggest challenges that those planning their retirement could face. Understanding these obstacles now can…
With inflation rising, the Bank of England could increase interest rates to reduce the impact. If you’re a mortgage holder, it may…
If you hold more than £10,000 in a cash account, you could be missing out on potential growth and the value of…
If your estate could be liable for Inheritance Tax, taking out an appropriate life insurance policy could help your loved ones pay…
The Chancellor has announced a Dividend Tax hike. Find out if it affects you and what steps you can take to reduce…
More people are expected to work past State Pension Age by 2030. Work can provide a sense of purpose and boost your…
Research finds that Generation X is looking forward to life’s small pleasures in retirement, like socialising with family and friends more. To…
Rishi Sunak has delivered the 2021 Autumn Budget. Here’s everything you need to know about the chancellor’s announcements and what they mean…
If you’re looking at holidays for next year, a few small adjustments could make your trip more sustainable and support the local…
First-time buyers are turning to longer mortgages to make homeownership more affordable. But it could mean paying thousands of pounds extra in…
Unconscious decisions and emotions can affect your investment decisions. Recognising some of the most common financial biases can help you reduce their…
Financial planning is often something you do alone or with a partner. But, at times, including your wider family in the process…
Receiving an inheritance can be life-changing. But it can also be overwhelming and you may not know where to start when deciding…
Auto-enrolment and regular job switching mean the average worker will have multiple pensions. Consolidation could make it easier to manage your retirement…
£1.17 billion of property wealth has been unlocked through equity release. However, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons, as…
In the last 20 years, the amount of Income Tax paid has doubled. With tax bands frozen until 2026, you could find…
In the space of just 12 years, investors have experienced two economic events that have caused volatility. What steps can you take…
Good Money Week is approaching and aims to raise awareness of ethical finances. Find out what that means and the steps you…
The age you can access defined contribution pensions is rising from 2028, which could affect your retirement plans.
The government has announced a National Insurance and Dividend Tax rise and suspended the State Pension triple lock. Here is what you…
A sustainable pension could prove to be an environmentally friendly alternative to your standard pension. Read about whether an ESG pension is…
Millennials are the generation most likely to consider ESG issues when investing. With wealth set to pass to them in the coming…
After more than a decade of low interest rates, they could start to rise. While good news for savers, it could affect…
Greater access to the news means it often seems like there’s a reason not to invest. But over the long term, investors…
House prices have soared and could mean that you’re nearing the Inheritance Tax threshold. Taking a proactive approach can help you reduce…
If you’re nearing retirement age, you may be thinking about taking a tax-free lump sum from your pension. While it can be…
Ahead of Pension Awareness Day, there are some things you can do to make sure your pension is on track to deliver…
Research suggests 9.4 million Brits aren’t seeking financial advice despite being open to the idea of it. For some, misconceptions, like that…
As lockdown restrictions lift, now is a great time to start thinking about what you want to achieve next year and setting…
The Stamp Duty holiday will end in October. After record-high property prices in June, reports suggest prices could start to fall but…
The pandemic means many companies have slashed dividends. If you rely on investments to create an income stream, don’t panic – there…
While steps have been taken to close the gender pay gap, it’s still having a huge impact on pension and the financial…
Retiring with a £1 million pension can seem like an impossible challenge for young workers. Yet, with the benefits of compounding, it…
As younger generations struggle to secure a mortgage, you may want to provide support as a parent. There’s more than one way…
Signs continue to point towards economic growth as Covid-19 restrictions lift. However, businesses and economies continue to face challenges, including rising inflation…
If a shareholder passed away or became ill, what would happen to your business? It can present challenges, but a shareholder protection…
If you’ve been named as a Power of Attorney, it can be daunting. Find out what you need to know and what…
Research finds that over 55s are planning to tick off bucket list items as Covid-19 restrictions lift, but some say their finances…
Research suggests that two-thirds of retirees risk running out of money. As well as understanding what income your pension will provide, there…
The theme for this year’s World Environment Day is ecosystems. The protection and restoration of ecosystems is a huge task, but one…
As property wealth climbs to £6 trillion, more people are using equity release to access this wealth in retirement. It could boost…
Half of UK adults say Covid-19 has prompted them to seek financial advice. However, long-term financial planning can mean families are more…
If you’re a new parent, taking these five financial steps can help provide security for your family now and in the long…
While retirement may be some way off for Generation X, changes to pensions, lifestyle and the State Pension means they need to…
One overlooked retirement risk is inflation. Without careful planning, inflation can mean your retirement savings don’t go as far in your later…
Britain has a long history of fantastic storytellers, and a new generation of authors have filled this year’s British Book Awards shortlist…
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or already a homeowner, choosing the right mortgage product for you is important. We explain some of…
Research shows that self-employed workers are missing out on almost £10,000 worth of benefits every year. However, you can take steps to…
While young workers are thinking about pensions and retirement, changes to employment trends mean they’re likely to face different challenges. By thinking…
Most pension savers simply pay into the pension their employer has chosen. But you may want to switch – it could save…
The Lifetime Allowance is frozen until 2026. Exceeding the threshold could mean you pay more tax when you start taking an income…
There was great news for savers today as personal finances were largely untouched by reforms announced on “tax day”. Here’s your summary…
The chancellor is facing calls to scrap Stamp Duty. While it’s an unpopular tax, it’s likely some alternative would needed as residential…
Taking out a mortgage is a huge financial commitment and creating a safety net to ensure you can pay if something unexpected…
While there were concerns that Covid-19 would have a negative impact on ESG investing, reports suggest the opposite is true. More money…
If you’re a business owner, succession planning can help you nurture talent within your business and provide security.
Have you thought about how you’ll make use of allowances and tax breaks in 2021/22? If you haven’t, you’re not alone, but…
The days are getting longer and it’s the perfect time to review your finances to make sure everything is on track.
The measures announced in the Chancellor’s speech today will affect millions of people across the country. Here’s your look at the Budget…
Today, the Chancellor delivered his second Budget. Here’s your summary of the main points announced by Rishi Sunak in his Budget speech.
In another lockdown, it can difficult to find reasons to be optimistic, but if you look a little closer there are signs…
Despite economic uncertainty, house prices increased in 2020. However, rising unemployment and the end of the Stamp Duty holiday mean a fall…
More than four in ten people don’t know where to seek financial advice and it could mean they’re missing out on opportunities.…
The FTSE 100 suffered its worst performance since the 2008 financial crisis in 2020. Yet, that doesn’t mean your overall investment portfolio…
The government is currently reviewing Capital Gains Tax. It could mean that the allowances or tax bands change, potentially affecting your tax…
In another lockdown, it can difficult to find reasons to be optimistic, but if you look a little closer there are signs…
The current tax year ends on 5 April 2021. Some allowances will reset after this date. Making use of them before the…
Four in ten employees say they find it hard to switch off when they stop working. It’s something more workers are finding…
Reviewing your mortgage and options now could save you money in 2021 and over the rest of your mortgage term. Here are…
Just one in five SMEs protect their business by taking out key person insurance. It’s a product that can provide peace of…
77% of Brits define financial success as not having to worry about money. However, many aren’t taking steps to prepare for the…
When approaching retirement, it’s common to organise your pension and other financial areas. But it’s just as important to consider your lifestyle…
Women are retiring with £100,000 less in their pensions on average when compared to men despite progress. However, there are steps women…
Are you planning to make a new year’s resolution for 2021? It’s difficult to stick to plans and stay on track. These…
If you’re thinking of moving home, beating the Stamp Duty holiday deadline at the end of March 2021 could save you up…
While Brits are good at managing their day-to-day finances, many are overlooking planning for the unexpected. This could leave families worryingly exposed…
Covid-19 has meant stocks markets in 2020 have experienced volatility, but it’s taught us many valuable investment lessons too. Read our blog…
Research has found seven in ten people don’t fully understand how their pension works. We explain the basics that you need to…
New year is the perfect time to get your finances in order. If you want a healthier financial future, here are five…
Research suggests that half of workers are planning a career change in the next 12 months, from retraining to work in a…
Find out more about the announcements Rishi Sunak has made as part of the Spending Review and what they could mean for…
When searching for a mortgage, you may be thinking about finding one by yourself. But working with a mortgage broker does add…
While financial education is now taught in schools, young people are still reaching adulthood with gaps in their knowledge. The good news…
All investments come with risks, but how is this linked to the rewards? Our blog explains what you need to consider when…
Two-thirds of those aged 50 to 65 are under saving for retirement. Reviewing your pensions while still working can help you get…
Figures suggest four in ten people may be taking an unsustainable income from their pension, potentially leading to financial insecurity later in…
Our working life can spill into personal life and affect our wellbeing, but it’s not always easy to spot when it’s happening…
71% of millennials are worried they will never be able to buy a home as property prices continue to rise. However, some…
Pent up demand following lockdown means house prices have increased 5.2% year-on-year. It could present challenges for first-time buyers, but those planning…
Those that turned 18 in September were the first teenagers to be able to access their Child Trust Fund. If your child…
With Good Money Week celebrated in October, we explain what ESG investing is and how it could add value to your investment…
A will is an essential part of your estate plan and it could help reduce the amount of Inheritance Tax due on…
Read about the announcements Rishi Sunak has made as part of a new range of measures designed to support the economy through…
Giving to charity may be part of your financial plan now or in the future. Donations can provide tax benefits too, reducing…
After months of working remotely during lockdown many are returning to office life. You may be worried about safety, or curious about…
Figures suggest eight in ten borrowers over 55 are struggling to secure a traditional mortgage. If you have mortgage debt remaining in…
Research shows there are millions of small pension pots. It can make it difficult to keep track of retirement savings, but should…
A Bank of England poll suggests the unemployment rate could reach 11%. If you are worried about your job situation, understanding the…
Coming into unexpected money has the potential to transform your life if used wisely. Here are our five tips on how to…
When we plan for the future, it’s also important to think about the unexpected things that might happen. No one wants to…
Even with careful financial planning, shocks can happen. Often financial crises are unexpected and out of our control, so it’s important to…
Planning for retirement should be an exciting time in your life. You’re able to give up work and focus on the things…
Young adults planning to head to university this year have faced more challenges than usual thanks to Covid-19. Yet, come September, thousands…
Every year older homeowners use Equity Release to help access millions of pounds to fund retirement. As property prices have risen significantly…
If you’ve been saving up to buy your first home, it may feel like the goalposts have been moved. First-time buyers are…
As Covid-19 health concerns begin to fall, worries have shifted to the long-term economic impact. 90% of people are worried about what…
It’s natural to wonder what will happen if things don’t go according to your plans. Cashflow planning can help you understand potential…
Should you choose a guaranteed income in retirement or an option that provides flexibility? Considering five questions can help you decide which…
Research suggests that men and women have reacted differently to market volatility, but is one of the approaches ‘right’? We look at…
The Bank of England base rate has been cut to just 0.1%, it could mean an opportunity for mortgage payers to reduce…
There are thousands of podcasts to choose from, covering almost every topic imaginable. If you want to brush up on your financial…
ISAs, or Individual Savings Accounts, have been around for over 20 years. Back in 1999, then Chancellor Gordon Brown introduced the product…
Chartered Financial Planners, Frances Boiling and Guy Ovenden and new Adviser, David Brunning, of Pembroke Financial Services Ltd, one of Sussex’s leading…
These last few months have been interesting times for us all and we want to thank, from the bottom of our hearts,…
It’s easy to see why first-time buyers focus on building a deposit, but other costs need to be factored in too, from…
As companies announce they’re suspending or reducing dividend payments, you may be worried about what it means for you. Find out more…
If you had a summer holiday booked, what are your refund rights amid the coronavirus pandemic? We take a look at when…
If you’re retiring this year, congratulations! Jim Rixon, Independent Financial Adviser at Pembroke Financial Services, who offer expert pensions advice to clients…
If you don’t have a Power of Attorney in place, Adrian Moy, one of Pembroke Financial Service’s Independent Financial Advisers and a…
With stock markets falling, is now the ‘right’ time to invest? It may seem like a straightforward question, but your personal goals…
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to dominate world headlines, here’s what it might mean for your pension and retirement plans. You may…
These are strange and uncertain times during which the UK Government has advised its citizens to remain at home in order to…
More people in their 20s are saving into a pension than ever before. But what steps should they be taking to get…
The new tax year is now a week or so old and, whilst we appreciate that this may not be the first…
For anyone nearing retirement with time remaining before your mortgage comes to an end, it can be concerning when a significant portion…
It feels like an eternity, but only 2 weeks ago the new Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, conducted his first Budget which included £7…
For the majority, from the age of 55 they have access to their pension. Should you be coming up to your 55th…
On Wednesday 11th March, Rishi Sunak delivered the new Conservative government’s first budget. Backed by a large majority, the essence of the…
Clearly, the Coronavirus outbreak is not a traditional macroeconomic event like say, the 2008 Credit Crunch and the ensuing global economic recession…
We all try to take care of our emotional and physical well-being, but have you given the same consideration to the importance…
Buying a house is one of the most stressful events in many people’s lives. From finding your dream home to finally moving…
The latest statistics from HMRC show that Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) are increasingly attractive to investors, offering potential tax benefits but substantial…
The Help-to-Buy ISA has departed, though you can still pay in if you already had one. But is the Lifetime ISA -or…
2019 is over but how has your investment portfolio performed over the last 12 months? We take a look at some of…
Your home is clearly one of the largest purchases you’ll ever make. You’ve probably taken out Buildings and Contents insurance to protect…
Whether it’s the Extinction Rebellion protests or Greta Thunberg’s speech to the UN, there has been a renewed focus on climate change…
UK Inflation has fallen to its lowest level in almost three years, but it could have a cumulative knock-on effect on your…
What’s next? …into the new decade. 2019 was quite a year. In the final few months of the year the upheaval and…
At a time of year even more focused on spending than usual, there are a few simple habits you can develop to…
Festive Financial Services joke for the day “Why don’t you ever see Santa in hospital? Because he has private elf care!”. Christmas…
Christmas is around the corner and adverts for toys and gadgets are everywhere. But have you thought of making a gift of…
The new state pension looks likely to be in line for a relatively large increase next year, but it still won’t to…
Independent Financial Advisers and Investment specialists, Pembroke Financial Services are delighted to announce the launch of the Prestige Better World Growth portfolio,…
Recent statistics show that dividends from UK shares rose by nearly 7% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2019. The latest Dividend…
Have you ever pondered the overall cost of the tax reliefs which you enjoy when you look at your annual tax statement?…
There is more time to capitalise on opportunities for early year-end tax planning and Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) are launching their fund-raising…
The recent failure of a promoter of high return investments was a reminder of the dangers of being lured by headline numbers…
Pension contributions rose in April for many people, but the increase may still not be enough to fund a comfortable retirement. The…
Annuity rates hit their lowest level since 1994 in September, with implications for those making retirement decisions. Since the introduction of pensions…
In September the Bank of England held off from following the Federal Reserve (the Fed) and the European Central Bank (the ECB)…
Welcome to your Autumn 2019 newsletter. We hope you enjoy reading it. It’s almost impossible these days not to think of that…
The top 1% of income tax payers account for 27% of all the UK’s income tax collected, but who are they? A…
More people are now setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)… and not just those in later life. The growing use…
A report from a Conservative think tank suggesting a quicker rise to a state pension age of 75 has ruffled feathers, but…
August was a rollercoaster month for international markets with interest rates, trade wars and Brexit contributing to a bumpy ride. Stock markets,…
Freedom of Information (FoI) requests have highlighted a lack of HMRC’s knowledge about how many people have been hit with pension annual…
Private landlords could find it harder to evict tenants in future, thanks to new government legislation. Landlords will no longer be able…
Boris Johnson took office towards the end of last month with a new chancellor in Sajid Javid, both with different ideas from…
School fees are rising faster than the rate of inflation, creating financial challenges for parents who want to educate their children privately.…
The recent trials of the Woodford fund highlight the importance of personal advice on your investments. The suspension of dealings in this…
Widely regarded as the most unpopular tax, IHT is under scrutiny from both government and opposition. Is it time it was scrapped…
Investor expectations have been dialled up by the market returns of recent years. Independent Financial Advisers will need to add perspective and…
If those three letters mean nothing to you now, they may do soon. Universal Basic Income – or UBI – is becoming…
This time it was ‘Team Marshall’, organised and captained by Ryan Marshall’s wife, Maxine. Maxine (who walked with the Pembroke Plodders last…
When it comes to dividing up assets on divorce, pension rights can turn out to be one of the most valuable elements…
From a record high in the first quarter of 2019, dividends were knocked by some high-profile cuts in May. Recent dividend announcements…
Only one in four respondents to an HMRC survey completely understood how the inheritance tax (IHT) system could work for them. How…
Lump sum withdrawals under pension flexibility are resulting in over-paid tax due to emergency tax codes. Don’t be caught out. Recent HMRC…
It is not only Chinese mainland shares which are now attracting investor attention. China is in the investment news again as Bloomberg…
Venture capital trust (VCT) investment is at a 10-year high. There may be opportunities early in the tax year to explore your…
A brief dip in US Treasury securities yields illustrates the benefits of holding your nerve amid investment ‘noise’. On 22 March the…
New labour market figures show record levels of employment for the over 65s. As people are living longer, a parallel older-age profile…
Statistics are showing a slowdown in the rate of improvements on our longevity, but don’t let the headlines mask the reality –…
There comes a time when you stop working for your money and put your money to work for you. For most people,…
ISAs celebrate their 20th birthday this April. If you haven’t reviewed yours in a while, this a good opportunity to ensure they…
Chinese investment markets set to become increasingly important part of investment portfolios as share of Emerging Markets Index likely to quadruple. China…
Your chances of reaching 100 are probably greater than you imagine. It may sound fanciful, but a 100-year lifespan is well within…
The tax year 2018/19 ends on Friday 5 April, which means it’s time to start planning for the new tax year and…
Buy-to-let investors will be hit by the latest phase of tax changes coming in from April, coupled with changes to CGT payment…
Full of useful information to have at your fingertips for the coming tax year. Please find attached Pembroke’s updated Tax Tables for…
April is the one month in the year it pays to check your payslip with new tax and auto-enrolment rates coming into…
We are absolutely delighted to become Adur Special Needs Project’s (ASNP) first business sponsor. Our sponsorship of this fabulous little local charity…
Future increases to the residence nil rate band might be in question, thanks to the OTS review of inheritance tax. Inheritance tax…
It’s the 20th birthday for tax-free investment in ISAs. With the deadline for contributions approaching, have you made the most of your…
Changes to income tax, NICs and pension contributions are coming for 2019/20. One of the few certainties about 2019 is that the…
In early December the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced the thresholds that should apply to automatic enrolment pension contributions from…
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is aiming to expand pension coverage among the self-employed. Pension automatic enrolment – or Workplace…
2018 was a much more volatile year than its predecessor for investors as Brexit and Trump worried the markets. 2018 was a…
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is warning consumers about investment scams that purport to invest in crypto-currencies. The watchdog has seen a…
New year, new resolutions to break? Try our four financial resolutions with long term benefits. Have your New Year resolutions fallen by…
It pays to be aware of your credit history to ensure no-one is applying for loans or credit cards in your name.…
At the festive season, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible. It is in this spirit that…
The amount of money invested in ethical funds has trebled over the past 10 years according to the Investment Association. The growing…
The State Pension Age (SPA) became equal for men and women for the first time, at age 65, on 6 November 2018.…
Two recent events have shone different lights on the government’s view of unmarried couples. As the graph shows, marriage has been drifting…
Imagine you are named as the executor and a beneficiary of your wife’s wealthy aunt. You learn that she is suffering from…
Interest rates on instant access savings accounts continue to be outstripped by inflation, so where should you invest your money? At the…
The 2018 Budget, which was delivered on a Monday for the first time since 1962, produced a number of surprises, not least…
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) is a centre-left think tank that has a long history of influencing Labour Party policy.…
The popularity of Cash ISAs is continuing to wane according to new statistics from HMRC. With inflation persistently above interest rates, it’s…
Self-employed workers with small profits breathe a sigh of relief as the Chancellor has changed his mind – again – on National…
Is your investment plan making the most of the opportunities out there? Ryan Marshall, Investment specialist and Independent Financial Adviser at Pembroke…
What should we expect from the 2018 Budget? Will the Chancellor turn to inheritance tax, fuel duty, stamp duty, a digital tax…
There is absolutely no doubt that pension savings have grown after six years of Automatic Enrolment, but more progress is required to…
…the beginning of the end for rising life expectancy? A paper published in August by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) casts…
As inheritance tax (IHT) receipts hit a record for the Treasury, is it time to review your estate planning ahead of any…
The Bank of England increased the base interest rate in August to 0.75% – the second increase in 12 months. The Bank’s…
Whilst most of us basked in the hottest summer for over half a century, the government is busy running consultations and trying…
The long-term outlook for government finances suggests that tax increases are inevitable. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) produces medium-term financial forecasts…
The first six months of 2018 were unpredictable times for investors as global stock markets suffered a sudden bout of volatility. The…
The Lifetime ISA (LISA) may not survive after low uptake by providers and fresh criticisms from parliament. The LISA has been reviewed…
The prospect of a flat rate of tax relief on pension contributions has resurfaced in the national press. The cost of pension…
Interest rates for the Eurozone and US diverge leading to currency fluctuations as investment markets prepare for base rate rises. The US…
National Savings & Investments (NS&I) has introduced limits on its offerings for wealthier savers. In mid-June NS&I announced a revision to the…
Who pays the most income tax? HMRC’s latest statistics provide an interesting insight into the income tax paying population. These figures reveal…
Can we say a huge thank you to everyone who supported us for this most worthy of causes. St Barnabas benefited by…
Be wary of cold-callers who offer a ‘free’ pension review – it could cost you more than you think. Cold-calling has increased…
The Bank of England did not raise interest rates in May, despite earlier suggestions that it would. About four years ago a…
There was a dramatic increase in the number and the value of transfers out of defined benefit (usually final salary) pension schemes…
You will remember that we messaged you at the beginning of May telling you that we hoped to raise at least £500…
No? A little-known type of life assurance policy could provide you – or your employees – with highly tax-efficient life cover…
It is most definitely worth working out what your potential pension pot could actually buy for you in terms of income and…
UK inflation is falling faster than expected, as the March figure for the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was 2.5%. Could we have…
The income threshold at which student loan repayments begin rose on 6 April 2018. English and Welsh students who started their courses…
Couples could now save an extra £20,000 of inheritance tax (IHT), as the residence nil rate band (RNRB) increased in April 2018.…
The ‘Night to Remember Midnight Walk’ in Worthing raises money for a great cause – St Barnabas House. It all happens on…
Important changes for venture capital schemes and enterprise investment have recently come into effect. New, what are called ‘risk-to-capital’ conditions apply to…
Don’t wait for the end of tax year reminders! There are advantages to planning your ISA investments at the beginning of the…
Pembroke Financial Services are absolutely delighted to announce the arrival of Frances Boiling as the latest addition to their 9 strong IFA…
These tables are up-to-date with everything announced in the Spring Statement, giving you all the key numbers in one place. Mr Hammond…
Despite some high-profile giveaways from the Chancellor’s second Budget of 2017, the message was very much one of continuity and a desire…
The start of the new tax year on 6 April marks several changes to tax and related matters that could make you…
You could well be due a refund if you have registered a Power of Attorney in recent years. It’s not often that…
Back in 2014 the then Chancellor of the Exchequer , George Osborne, announced that that Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) would become inheritable…
There will be no Spring Budget this March, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the Chancellor, Phillip Hammond will be keeping silent….
The 5th April is approaching fast so it’s important to take the time to give your finances a tax year-end check-up. Here…
Your Individual Savings Account (ISA) allowances expire on 5th April and with a lower dividend allowance from 18/19, should you be looking…
With the tax year end approaching, have you maximised your pension contributions? Both February and March are rightly popular times for reviewing…
Shoreham-based Independent Financial Advisers Pembroke Financial Services has donated £3,500 to support the children’s disability charity, Whoopsadaisy. Whoopsadaisy is a small local…
Prices have been rising at their fastest rate for five years. Annual inflation (as measured by the Consumer Prices Index or CPI)…
The Automatic Enrolment of employees into workplace pensions has been a greater success than many predicted when it was introduced in October…
The world’s share markets were a profitable place to be in 2017, but the year was not without its drama. We saw…
National Savings has closed one option, but there are many more possibilities to consider. Back in September of last year National Savings…
Welcome to your Winter 2017 newsletter. We hope you enjoy reading it. It’s been quite a year. Two Budgets and an election…
November marked the first rise in the Bank of England Base Rate in over ten years. At the start of November, the…
At the start of November, the Bank of England raised its base rate for the first time since 5 July 2007 and…
Chancellor Philip Hammond’s Autumn Budget contained more bad news for many buy-to-let investors which went largely under the radar. Next April will…
Deciding to pay for financial advice is a big step. It is normal to question yourself, especially as the results of this…
In truth, there were no momentous changes to tax or pensions announced in last week’s Budget which will have any significant impact…
Now that the nights are drawing in again, the heady times earlier in the year around the Budget and then election seem…
State pensions will rise by 3% next April, but it’s not all strictly good news. The BBC website, covering the announcement that…
The September inflation rate was just low enough to spare Bank of England (BoE) Governor, Mark Carney, from having to write to…
In the world of ISAs, cash ISAs have long attracted more contributions than their stocks and shares counterpart. However, new statistics from…
The Chancellor, Phillip Hammond, announced the date of his first Autumn Budget as Wednesday 22 November and this will be his second…
The boom in personal lending is worrying the Bank of England. The rate at which people are taking out loans, maximising store…
Inheritance tax (IHT) is raising more than ever according to HM Revenue & Customs. How much do you want to contribute? IHT…
August was a month when inflation hit the news headlines several times trailing with it a cloud of acronyms: The Bank of…
National Savings and Investments (NS&I) have entered the Junior ISA market. In 2011, the Junior ISA (JISA) was introduced as a replacement…
Uncertainty is the name of the game so far during this tax year, with post-Budget U-turns and a rushed pre-election Finance Act…
As the dream of retirement creeps further out of reach, Self-employment has become the route of many. There are around five million…
The Latest Pembroke Financial Services Guide to the Taxation of Property, covering the key implications of taxation of property including buying, renting…
A warm Pembroke welcome to our two new members of staff who take our numbers back to 17 and strengthen the administration…
ISAs have become a key component of an IFAs’ savings and investment plans for clients. With the addition of new versions of…
Two years on from the introduction of pension ‘freedoms’ or pension ‘flexibility’, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has examined its impact and…
A new poll has revealed how much mortgage customers value the services of their mortgage brokers. Of the 1,500 surveyed by Legal…
Whilst May inflation data came as a surprise to many pundits – the expectation had been for inflation, as measured by the…
23 years , 11 months and 7 days after he started his journey on the “good ship Pembroke” as he calls it…
Household savings have reached a record low, with UK residents saving on average only 1.7% of their earnings, according to the latest…
A new report has found that people who receive financial advice are on average £40,000 better off than those who don’t. Research,…
The first six months of 2017 have presented investors with an interesting half year. – There were several serious terrorist attacks, -…
The inheritance tax (IHT) residence nil rate band is now available and could potentially cut the IHT bill on your estate by…
We have seen how unexpected events can impact on investment markets – last year with Brexit and Trump and this year with…
Do you know when you will start to receive your single-tier State pension? You can use the government website (www.gov.uk/state-pension-age) to tell…
Several important changes to tax and benefits were introduced at the beginning of 2017/18, so it makes sense to review your financial…
The politics of social care – the dispute continues. The past few months’ general election campaign provided a reminder that the issue…
The 2017 election manifestos offered precious little good news on the future of income tax. We would say that judging by the…
The changes to Probate fees are an election casualty few will mourn. The snap General Election has put a stop to planned…
State pensions are not quite what was advertised – over half of eligible pensioners are not receiving the full new State Pension…
We’ve recently reviewed our series of Key Guides as usual at this time of year. These specialist publications provide you with expert…
In hindsight, Chancellor Hammond didn’t have much luck with what he said would be his “first and last Spring Budget”. The proposal…
Cuts and adjustments made to the two main pension allowances since 2011 have made retirement planning all the more complicated. In 2010/11…
One of the very few surprises of Phillip Hammonds’ March Budget was his cutting of the dividend allowance which comes in 2018/19.…
A government initiated independent review by John Cridland in March has proposed bringing forward the move to a state pension age (SPA)…
The Budget confirmed the rate on the new National Savings & Investments Bond at 2.2%. That is the fixed rate on the…
ISAs are seen as the ‘base layer’ of good financial planning because of their general tax efficiency. They have, however, had a…
National Savings and Investments (NS&I) have announced that it will be cutting interest on four of its variable rate products from 1…
The run up to 5 April, with the Budget and often Easter intervening, can be a frenetic time for personal financial planning.…
The new ISA variant, the Lifetime ISA (LISA) arrives on 6 April. One of the final surprises produced by George Osborne in…
We have pleasure in enclosing our tax tables for the 2017/18 tax year, updated for announcements made in the Budget. We hope…
Automatic enrolment has reached a new landmark, but the path from 2017 onwards could be challenging. When automatic enrolment (AE) into workplace…
What do I need to remember to do before the tax year ends? Some 5th April reminders. This year, more than many…
Welcome to the first newsletter of 2017. There were a number of developments at the end of last year which we have…
Pension transfer values are up 15%. What’s the next step? It wasn’t just the UK equity market which rose in 2016. Transfer…
We’ve recently reviewed our series of Key Guides as usual at this time of year. These specialist publications provide you with expert…
More protection for your savings. Your savings up to £85,000 will now be safe should a bank or building society collapse from…
Chancellor announces Wednesday 8 March as the date for the Budget 2017. It may feel like Mr Hammond’s Autumn Statement was only…
The arrival of Donald Trump marks a change of direction for the US government from the near status quo that Hillary Clinton…
It looks likely that the deposit protection limit will rise at the end of January. At the start of 2016, the maximum…
It’s been a busy and fraught summer, both before and after the EU referendum on 23 June. With a changeover in government…
Is your family financially protected? The current system of bereavement benefits is being overhauled from April 2017. A key change will be…
LISA reappears after a summer redesign. The Lifetime ISA – LISA – is back in the spotlight, after it disappeared over the…
Two wrongs don’t make it right – tax evasion, avoidance…. and planning. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) was busy in August publishing…
What is a £5,000 a year pension worth? If you have pension benefits from an old private sector final salary pension scheme,…
Finding income in a tricky savings climate. According to the Bank of England, ‘real’ interest rates may not rise much above 1%,…
Does pension beat property? “Residential property beats pensions as an investment for retirement planning” says the Bank of England’s Chief Economist, Andy…
A 3rd quarter investment lesson. Short term stock market movements are hard to predict and the 3rd quarter of 2016 was a…
The pre-Autumn Statement rumour mill is suggesting a radical reform of pension contribution tax relief. Could tax relief for pension contributions be…
New statistics from HMRC show that cash is still a popular ISA investment, despite ultra-low interest rates. In early summer the Financial…
The final days of the second quarter of 2016 were dominated by the fall-out from the outcome of the referendum on 23…
The final days of the second quarter of 2016 were dominated by the fall-out from the outcome of the referendum on 23…
It’s been a busy and fraught summer, both before and after the EU referendum on 23 June. With a changeover in government…
“The Brexit vote has completely changed the picture for dividends this year and beyond.” So said Capita, one of the UK’s main…
The Bank of England may have finally ended speculation and dropped the interest rate from 0.5% to a new low of 0.25%,…
One of the UK’s biggest insurance companies has withdrawn from the advisory annuity market. RetirementPlanningCompassThe pension freedom reforms revealed in the 2014…
The new single-tier state pension was launched in April of this year, but the way in which it was introduced has drawn…
The first half of 2016 has been marked by volatility – especially in the final week. June, or to be more accurate,…
The Pension Regulator’s inbox gets fuller on Auto Enrolment penalties. It is not only BHS which is keeping the Pensions Regulator busy….
Not everything your bank pays you counts towards the personal savings allowance. When the personal savings allowance (PSA) was first announced in…
It’s a new year and attached is the summer 2016 edition of our newsletter. Now is the perfect time to think about…
At the March 2015 Budget, the government set out the vision for a transformed tax system and the end of the tax…
Recent research has revealed how much it costs to make sure your wishes are met on death. Do you have a will?…
What does being Buy With Confidence Trading Standards Approved mean? You can check whether a business is a Buy With Confidence member…
The March inflation number was the highest since December 2014. UK inflation picked up in March, reaching the dizzy heights of 0.5%…
National Savings & Investments (NS&I) has announced that it will be cutting interest on five of its variable rate products, mostly from…
Shoreham-based Pembroke Financial Services has teamed up with the Ropetackle Arts Centre for a new three-year sponsorship deal…
As a result of the Chancellor’s Budget in March, there have been a number of important changes in the world of finance….
The Chancellor made a surprise decision to cut capital gains tax (CGT) in his Budget – but not for everyone. Cast your…
The third Budget in 12 months. This 2016 Budget looked as if it would be a difficult one for the Chancellor, faced…
We have pleasure in enclosing our tax tables for the 2016/17 tax year, updated for announcements made in the Budget. We hope…
As we near the end of the tax year, now is the time to consider not only year-end planning, but also planning…
Breaking the PAYE code. It’s the time of year when HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) sends out PAYE codes for the new…
Further rumours that the Chancellor will reform pension tax relief for pension contributions in the Budget. There have been more press reports…
Automatic enrolment: are you ready? More employers are failing to meet their obligations. The latest report on ‘compliance and enforcement’ from the…
The ups and downs of National Savings. National Savings is both reducing and increasing interest rates. But its real rate challenge…
What are Pembroke’s Plans for 2016 to Protect your Investments from Volatile Financial Markets Investment markets had a tough year in 2015,…
Buy-to-let hit again The last Autumn Statement marked another future tax increase for buy-to-let. “Frankly, people buying a home to let…
State pension increases and non-increases The basic state pension will rise by nearly 3% next April. The Autumn Statement confirmed that…
Auto-enrolment: the first deferral The Autumn Statement revealed more evidence that the government is counting the cost of tax relief on…
And the winner for retirement savings is… The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has been looking at attitudes to private savings.…
Autumn Statement to take place on 25 November In late July, the Chancellor announced that the results of the Spending Review would…
The latest inflation figures showed virtually zero inflation and nothing to worry about…or did they? The July Consumer Prices Index (CPI) was…
The Summer Budget announcement of a change to the rules on dividend taxation from next April caused many furrowed brows. The situation…
By Jill Rickson, Principal Mortgage Adviser at Pembroke Financial Services. Mortgage rates are just rising off all-time lows and Mark Carney, the…
Knowing what the average is may not be as helpful as you think. One of the facts which often appear in personal…
The compensation for lost deposits is to be cut by £10,000. On the first Friday in July, a few days before the…
