A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) gives someone you trust the ability to make decisions on your behalf if you cannot. This can ensure there’s someone taking care of your affairs and advocating on your behalf if you’re ill or lose mental capacity. Naming an LPA is an important step, and it’s one you should discuss…
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Hopefully, the headline of this note will not come as a surprise to you. It is remarkable, though, just how relaxed some investors are about letting others dip their hands in their pockets to extract high fees. The problem has two root causes. The first is that in most walks of life, paying higher costs should help you to secure…
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If you are hoping to retire in 2023, congratulations! What an exciting milestone but one that might raise many questions. Here are six practical steps to take now to make sure you can retire with confidence and be financially secure. 1. Set a retirement date One of the important first steps…
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When you need to process information, it’s common to take shortcuts and rely on bias. It’s an approach that can be useful in some situations, but it can also lead to decisions that aren’t right for you. If you’re making financial decisions, you know you should focus on facts, but emotions and other influences can creep…
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Thursday 1st December marked this year’s annual Late Night Shopping event in Lewes, with shops throughout the town staying open until 9 pm to support local, independent businesses. This event once again offered an opportunity to open our doors to the local community and spread some Christmas joy. We had staff dressed as reindeer, mulled wine and mince pies on…
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It has been a tumultuous year in British politics, with three prime ministers and four chancellors holding office. After the calamitous “mini-Budget” ushered in the demise of Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng, new Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has delivered his first Autumn Statement. Hunt’s speech came at a tricky time for the UK economy, with inflation at a 41-year high and…
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Three prime ministers and three chancellors in as many months. It certainly feels chaotic, possibly a bit embarrassing, as well as a little depressing. There is no doubt that the UK could do with some stability, fiscal rectitude and general leadership. Let’s hope that Rishi Sunak can deliver some. Let us think about the magnitude of what has just happened. The…
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Life is a long journey and many retirees are looking forward to going on an adventure. You finally have the free time to do all the things you may have put off in place of work and other commitments. According to AgeUK, for many recent retirees, one of the things that catch them…
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When you read the news headlines, it can seem like it’s all doom and gloom. But some businesses are leading the way and could change the world for the better. From well-known brands changing how sectors operate to innovative start-ups, here are just five businesses that are tackling issues like climate change and environmental degradation. 1. Upside Foods…
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As interest rates start to rise for the first time in more than a decade, a report suggests that savers are pulling their money out of investments in favour of cash accounts. But while the interest rate may be higher now, inflation can still reduce the value of your savings in real terms. Find out why here. In response to…
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