News / page 27

8th November 2022 - Sean Banks

How to deal with political uncertainty when making financial decisions

British politics over the last few months has certainly been turbulent. In the last four months, there have been three prime ministers, four chancellors, and countless U-turns. So, it’s not surprising that households have been struggling to keep up with what’s happening and what it means for their finances. Less than three years after a landslide victory, former prime minister…

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7th November 2022 - Ben Nolan

State Pension triple lock: Pensioners set to benefit from a 10.1% rise

The State Pension is set to increase by a record amount under the triple lock due to high levels of inflation. If you’re claiming your State Pension, read on to find out what it means for your income. While there had been speculation that the triple lock would be suspended this year, the Conservative Party under Liz Truss committed to…

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6th November 2022 - Sean Banks

Behavioural finance: 6 unexpected ways bias could affect your financial decisions

How much does bias affect your financial decisions? While you may try to make decisions based on facts, it can be much easier than you think to overlook when your decisions are being influenced by emotions or bias. Last month, you read about why bias occurs and how it can lead to “irrational” decisions through making shortcuts. Now, read on…

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17th October 2022 - Kevin Scott

The most scenic road trips that are perfect for a 2023 break

Imagine the exhilaration of driving high among the mountain passes of the Carpathian Mountains, along a stunning volcanic landscape in New Zealand, or even experiencing breathtaking sunsets while travelling along the south coast of Australia. A road trip will allow you to have these experiences first-hand. Going on a road trip is something special; you have complete freedom, and it…

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14th October 2022 - David Herbert

Business owners: The essential basics about salary sacrifice pensions

Salary sacrifice schemes could offer employees a tax-efficient way to boost their retirement savings. It could benefit your business too, so they are well worth considering. If you’ve been thinking about salary sacrifice pensions or want to explore how you could expand your workplace benefits, read on to discover what they could mean for your business. What is…

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13th October 2022 - Sean Banks

From Savannah to Stock Market

Around 6 million years ago, when the first humans roaming the Savannah would hear a rustling in the long grass, there were generally two outcomes. Those who ran first, and asked questions later escaped with their lives. While those who thought they knew better quickly became lunch. Nobody was ever killed by long grass blowing in the wind. But…

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12th October 2022 - Ben Nolan

Living legacies are on the rise. Here’s what you need to know about them

More people are choosing to gift wealth during their lifetime rather than leaving assets as an inheritance. There are benefits to choosing a living legacy, but there are things you need to consider too, including your long-term financial security and the potential tax implications. According to an Aviva survey, more than half of those over 55 want…

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10th October 2022 - Ben Nolan

Before you increase pension withdrawals as the cost of living rises, here’s what you need to consider 

As the cost of living rises, you may be considering increasing how much you withdraw from your pension. While it could solve short-term challenges, it’s important that you think about how it could affect your future too. Several factors, including the war in Ukraine and the long-term effects of the pandemic, mean that inflation is much higher than it has…

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7th October 2022 - Sean Banks

Behavioural finance: The effect of psychology on investors

You should base financial decisions on logic and facts. But psychology can have a much larger effect than you think, and it can lead to you making decisions that aren’t right for you. Read on to find out more about what behavioural finance is and how it could affect you. “Behavioural finance” was first coined in the 1970s by economist…

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5th October 2022 - Tracey Payne

Thinking sensibly about bonds

If we had been given £10 for every article or commentary that we have recently read suggesting that a 60/40 balanced portfolio[1], or bonds as a whole, are ‘dead’, we would be most pleased! So why all the doom and gloom?  Well, the world feels unsettled. Inflation is high, the Pound is falling in value and both equities…

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