Lifetime renters pay over £330k more
While getting on the housing ladder is becoming increasingly difficult, doing so could leave you richer to the tune of nearly £330,000. Research from the Equity Release Council (ERC)1 has found that today’s homebuyers could save hundreds of thousands of pounds – £326,214, to be exact – over a period of 30 years compared to […]
Rise of the ‘Late Financial Bloomers’
Research1 suggests a new group of consumers – Late Financial Bloomers – are set to change the face of retirement. Marriage and divorce A series of socioeconomic factors, including later home ownership, are the main drivers behind this shift. Marriage and divorce trends are also key contributors: on average, first marriages now take place four […]
Top house hunter beauty spots
With 46 areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) across England, Wales and Northern Ireland and 40 national scenic areas (NSA) across Scotland, British house hunters are spoilt for choice. Now, research1 has revealed the top beauty spots prospective homebuyers are currently itching to move to, as well as ranking them by the most to least […]
Investment terms trigger emotional response
Jargon is common in the world of investments and pensions, which can make them seem impenetrable and intimidating. If the thought of ‘Equities’ and ‘Investment ISAs’ makes your heart race, you’re not alone, new research1 has shown that financial terms really do make people anxious. Jar-gone Researchers used a variation of the Emotional Stroop Test, […]
Climate disclosures – high on corporate agendas in 2022
To protect investors from greenwashing, the IMF is urging regulators to do more to prevent financial companies from making misleading claims concerning their environmental credentials – ‘Proper regulatory oversight and verification mechanisms are essential to avoid greenwashing.’ Achieving the scale of expansion needed to meet the goal of reducing worldwide carbon emissions to net zero […]
Saving for your child’s future
Many parents give their children a flying financial start by saving or investing throughout their childhood. A new survey1 shows mothers typically take the lead in this area, while cash remains disproportionately popular. Mum’s the word The research shows responsibility for children’s savings is particularly borne by mums: 60% of those actively contributing to a […]
Property ‘catfishing’ – new word, old trend?
Catfishing – it’s a term from the online dating world referring to somebody who presents themselves somewhat differently online to when you meet them in person. And it seems that a lot of prospective homebuyers are suffering the catfishing experience at property viewings, too. An unpleasant surprise A recent survey1 of homebuyers suggested that the […]
Climate concern – consumers and investors tune in
Despite over half (57%) of consumers wanting their pension to be invested responsibly to help tackle climate change, only one in seven people who have a pension currently invest it responsibly1. UK consumers rank climate change as a bigger concern than COVID-19 or the economy, according to a new study2. Climate change is a top […]
Avoiding collapse: managing your property chain in 2022
You’ve found your ideal property, you’re just about ready to exchange contracts, and then you get the call: your buyer has pulled out, leaving your own transaction in jeopardy. Unfortunately, many property transactions are interlinked in this way, with the decision of one buyer having a knock-on effect on the whole chain, with the worst […]
Tackling pension scams head on
With pension scam losses totalling millions each year, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling scams in order to ensure the long-term health of the pensions market. In a speech to delegates at the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association, the FCA’s Executive Director of Markets Sarah Pritchard said steps have been […]