Keep your retirement plans on track
The COVID-19 pandemic is having a widespread impact on all aspects of our finances, including retirement planning. However, while recent stock market volatility undoubtedly poses a challenge, particularly for those close to retirement, it is important not to allow the outbreak to derail your plans. A resilient retirement plan One thing the pandemic has vividly […]
The Week in Review – 20 July
“We cannot let our progress today lead to complacency tomorrow” As millions of people around the globe went back into lockdown last week, in England confirmation was received that face coverings will be mandatory for shoppers in supermarkets and shops from Friday 24 July. The move aligns England with Scotland and other major European nations […]
The Week in Review – 13 July
“We face profound economic challenges” Last Wednesday, the Chancellor delivered an Economic Update on the government’s plan to rebuild the economy. Rishi Sunak outlined his Plan for Jobs, the second phase of the government’s economic response to the coronavirus pandemic. Before detailing his plan, Rishi Sunak stated that, as a nation “we face profound economic […]
Building financial resilience
One notable theme evident throughout the coronavirus lockdown has been ‘back to basics’ with people displaying an increased appetite for the simpler things in life. While not everyone has fully embraced Tom and Barbara’s ‘Good Life’ philosophy, home baking, gardening and knitting have all enjoyed a notable renaissance. Lockdown lessons Back to basics has also […]
Working from home – are you covered?
With millions more people across the UK now working from home, should you inform your insurer? The Association of British Insurers (ABI)1 has issued reassurance that, if you are an office-based worker now working from home because of government advice or because you are self-isolating, your home insurance cover will not be affected. The ABI […]
The Chancellor’s Summer Economic Update
“No one will be left without hope” In March, Rishi Sunak unveiled “one of the largest and most comprehensive economic responses in the world” to protect the UK’s population against the impact of coronavirus. The £160bn plan, the Chancellor said, was just the first stage of the government’s response to the pandemic. Four months later, […]
Global economy braced
The pandemic has inflicted enormous human costs right across the globe. The worldwide response, which has involved governments imposing a range of lockdown measures, will inevitably have a huge impact on global economic activity. Contraction across Europe The release of first quarter GDP data provided a foretaste of the economic damage the pandemic is set […]
Property market: Where are we now?
In mid-May, the property market reopened after nearly two months of inactivity – and buyer demand surged. Almost immediately, the number of visitors to Rightmove soared back to pre-lockdown levels, with site activity reaching record levels on 27 May1. In its latest Housing Market Update, estate agent Savills welcomed this increase in activity; however, it […]
The Week in Review – 6 July
“We’re not out of the woods yet” Last week, as the coronavirus global death toll passed half a million, England was preparing for the next significant step in lockdown easing measures. Businesses including pubs, restaurants and hairdressers, reopened on what was dubbed ‘Super Saturday’ – 4 July. In a press conference on Friday afternoon, the […]
What to watch out for when co-buying a property
These days, homeownership is simply unaffordable for many young people. That’s why more and more aspiring buyers are deciding to co-buy a property with friends. In fact, co-buying has become so popular, some providers are offering multiple person mortgages, following research1 showing that the majority (60%) of millennials would take out a mortgage with friends. Big […]