News

Gender protection gap revealed Figures released by financial software firm IRESS highlight a substantial difference in protection sums assured across the gender divide, raising concerns that women are at far greater risk of being underinsured than their male counterparts. Stark contrast While the analysis* found no significant difference in the number of men and women […]

Although the overall level of dividend payments recently rose to another all-time high, the outlook is less favourable, and it may be time to temper expectations. Underlying weakness According to data*, total dividends paid by UK listed firms rose to £37.8 billion in the second quarter of 2019, a rise of 14.5%. This can be […]

The average time a homeowner in the UK stays in their property is 21 years*. This contrasts with the 1980s, when a fast-rising property market encouraged a move every eight years on average. Now though, high prices and Stamp Duty, combined with the other costs of moving, are encouraging us to stay put and spend […]

A recent study2 has found that a significant proportion of over-55s struggle to understand a range of key terms and rules relating to pensions. The survey asked 2,002 UK adults to identify and define various pension-related terms and acronyms. Baffled… Findings from the survey highlighted a serious lack of pensions knowledge, even amongst those people who […]

The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) has published a second report in relation to its Inheritance Tax (IHT) review. The report, published in July, spans 103 pages and is entitled ‘Simplifying the design of Inheritance Tax’. Recommendations The report explores the main complexities and technical issues associated with IHT, making 11 recommendations which the OTS […]

All successful gardeners will understand the need to regularly tend their plants, shrubs and lawns in order to ensure a garden can flourish. And, for investors, taking a similar approach with their financial affairs can also bear fruit by ensuring their investment portfolios don’t become neglected and, as a result, underperform. Weeding, sowing… As with […]

Understanding the value of protection Working out the difference between life insurance, critical illness, income protection and buildings and contents insurance can be difficult, especially when they are wrapped up in the blanket term ‘protection’. While it’s easy to presume there is an overlap and that an individual policy for each one isn’t necessary, they […]

CREDIT CARD DEBT AT ALL-TIME HIGH Bank of England statistics show the total amount of UK credit card debt now stands at a record £72.9 billion, as lower interest rates have driven a decade-long consumer borrowing binge. The data also confirms, however, that a slowdown in the growth in borrowing that has been evident for […]

Recent data shows the global economy faltered in the second quarter of 2019. Policymakers have begun to respond, with the US Federal Reserve (Fed) cutting rates for the first time in a decade, but with the US-China trade dispute rumbling on and another Brexit deadline looming, fears of a global recession have increased. Economic growth […]

FCA TO TACKLE WEB FRAUD The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has established a ‘war room’ to tackle suspect investment schemes advertised online. This follows a wave of internet scams, often targeting vulnerable pensioners. The team aims to curtail the increasing number of internet-enabled fraudulent schemes, often operated by small groups of criminals, which are defrauding […]