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.
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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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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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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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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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Reducing your energy consumption can be a great way to cut your carbon footprint, lessening your personal impact on the environment and potentially helping to limit the devastating effects of climate change. As living costs and the price of energy are soaring, taking action to lessen your usage can also be an effective tool to save money on your bills.
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Whatever your politics, one has to feel a bit of sympathy (maybe) for the new Chancellor. It has been a very tough first week in a new job; lambasted by the media, accused by the Labour leader of ‘crashing’ the pound, and causing higher inflation and interest rates; and a bad report from the IMF. It is certainly true…
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The fear of losing money is a very real emotion and the marketing promises of absolute return funds – no losses and high returns – may be appealing to some. As a minimum, most absolute return funds aim for a positive return over a specified time horizon, with a return target of cash plus something, often in the range…
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It’s that time of year again. The time of year that we look forward to for 12 straight months; the time that we in Lewes dream of; the time when all of our wishes might just come true. It’s Skittles Week! On the evening of Wednesday 22nd June 2022, 6 intrepid members of the Herbert Scott team including Director…
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When you have spent your working life building a pension to support you in retirement, it’s important to make the right choices. This includes how and when to draw your pension. Traditionally your only option at retirement was to purchase an annuity– straight forward and simple. Post 2015 However, after the 2015 Pension Reforms, there are now multiple…
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