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5 auto enrolment options
As an employer you should be aware of auto enrolment and what it means for your business. With your auto enrolment staging date approaching fast you are probably looking around at how to comply with the legislation. What are your auto enrolment options? This article...
6 reasons why you need a shareholders’ agreement
Are you a shareholder in a small company? A shareholders’ agreement is a way of avoiding problems in the management of your company. This document could save you time and money by providing all sides with a way to deal with difficult issues such as the future...
How auto enrolment postponement can save you money
Are you an employer facing auto enrolment? Auto enrolment postponement is a vital tool that can help you to ease the administration burden of your new pension scheme. You can also use it to save your company money. This article explains why auto enrolment postponement...
Flexible pensions – How to decide your retirement options
Do you need help deciding your retirement options? You know that important decisions are facing you. Imagine yourself free of all that complexity. You will learn how we helped Simon to make important decisions on his retirement options, and why he ruled out flexible...
What to do with an inheritance – investment advice
Have you received an inheritance? If so, you need to make important decisions, which may affect your future security. We are often asked about inheritance investment advice. Surprisingly, although an inheritance is a windfall, the sudden wealth this brings can mean...
We’re finalists in the Essex Countywide Business Awards
We are delighted to report that we were recently short-listed for a local business award. This time we were finalists for the Essex Countywide Business Awards in the "Small Business of the Year" category. Unfortunately, we didn't win the award this time. However, we...
£66,567 to leave University debt free
The typical university costs of a 3-year course is £66,567 in tuition fees and living costs. Despite this, it seems that the 2012 changes to allow tuition fees to rise to £9,000 are not saving the Government as much as previously expected. We examine student funding...
New ISA allowances explained for 2014-2015 (NISA)
Do you find ISAs confusing? They just got easier to understand, and a lot more generous after the Budget. This article explains all you need to know about the New ISA (NISA) allowances for 2014 to 2015. This article is now out of date. See here...
A Lamborghini for all retirees, or a £3 billion raid on pensions?
Are the new rules on flexible pension withdrawals what we need, or simply a cynical tax raid on pension funds? Would you like to get access to all of your pension funds when you retire? After this week's Budget announcements, it seems like the Government wants to give...
Would you like to retire at 70?
How attractive is the idea of retirement at age 70? Probably not very! A recent speech by an influential adviser to the Government, has raised the realistic possibility that the State pension should be only available from age 70. This could happen sooner than you...
What 5 years of record low interest rates mean for you
What would happen to your finances if interest rates went up to 3%? We know that interest rates won't stay at 0.5% forever. Where are interest rates headed, and what does it mean for you? It has been 5 years since interest rates reached their record low of 0.5%. To be...
The ultimate guide to why you should make a will
You know you should have a will, but do you have one? If so, when was it last reviewed? We all know we should make a will, but most of us put it off. This can have disastrous consequences for your family, as this article explains. This article covers the English law...
Colchester Business Awards 2013 – Growing Business winner
We are delighted to report that we won the award for Best Growing Business at the Colchester Business Awards 2013 held on Friday 29th November. This was a great surprise for us all, and we are proud to have won against some excellent finalists. We feel that this award...
What is auto enrolment?
Read this if you are an employer. A major change in pensions legislation is about to affect you, and you can't avoid it. This is known as auto enrolment. All employers are required by law to set up a new pension scheme for your staff and contribute to this scheme...
Are your savings protected by the FSCS?
If you have savings or investments in any UK institution you may be aware of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). This is the Government-backed safety net for UK banks and financial institutions. Key points What is the FSCS? Check your savings are...
3 keys to success in financial planning
What is the difference between those who achieve their financial dreams, and those who don't? This article explores the 3 keys to success in financial planning - what you need to do to ensure that you give yourself the best chance of securing your future, and...
We’re finalists in the Colchester Business Awards
We are delighted to announce that we have been chosen as a finalist in this year's Colchester Business Awards. We have been nominated in the "Growing Business of the Year" category. Obviously, just to be nominated is recognition of the work we have put in to grow our...
The Single Tier State Pension from 2016
No doubt you have heard a lot about the Single Tier State Pension, which is due to come into force for all those who become entitled to their State Pension in the UK from April 2016. This article examines the main proposed changes, as the legislation passes through...
Why make a Lasting Power of Attorney?
It is a sad fact of life that we all know someone who has been seriously ill during their lifetime. This is why most of us insure our lives and probably our incomes. However, have you thought about the practical consequences of getting ill? If you get ill you may...
7 reasons why people put off financial planning
We all know we should be working hard to plan our financial security, right? So why don't people put this knowledge into action on a regular basis, since we know that delay probably means you are less likely to achieve your goals. This article examines the 7 main...
How does pension tax relief work?
This article should tell you what you need to know about tax relief on pensions. Key points How pension tax relief works Reclaiming pension tax relief for higher rate tax payers and self employed Claim your free retirement checklist What is a pension plan? A pension...
Cash ISAs vs Stocks and Shares ISAs
We get a lot of questions about cash ISAs vs Stocks and Shares ISAs. The rules on ISAs are confusing so this article aims to help you choose which is better for you. The tax rates in this article have been updated to reflect the 2018/19 tax...
Pension options on divorce
If you are getting divorced then you will probably need to take account of pension assets in your financial settlement. This article explains the 3 main pension options on divorce. Key points Pensions can be a difficult asset to assess on divorce There are 3 main...
Impaired life annuity – boost your retirement income
If you are about to retire you are probably considering a retirement annuity to secure an income for life. You may have seen reports that retirement annuities have fallen in value in recent years. Impaired life annuities (also known as enhanced life annuities) are a...
Divorce: Court is not the only option
Since 1 April 2013, it is only possible to get legal aid for a financial application to the court in a divorce if you can show evidence of domestic violence. For people on low incomes, the only realistic option will probably be to represent themselves. Cases that...
How to choose a retirement annuity
This article explores how you can choose a retirement annuity and will help you to make decisions about the options available to you. There are many options when considering a retirement annuity, and the decisions can seem daunting. This article will show you how to...
Business owners – change leads to success
When I was asked to contribute an article, I jumped at the chance, as we are passionate about reaching out to business owners and helping those that want to and are actually ready to change. I could write a book or two on the subject. As business owners we have...
Ban on promotion of unregulated collective investment schemes
Have you ever been contacted by someone offering you a fantastic investment opportunity in an exciting 'untapped' market? Perhaps this was in some sort of non-mainstream investment like wine or timber or stamps? We get these approaches regularly, and usually get rid...
How much is my business worth?
If you are thinking of selling your business you will probably start by asking "How much is my business worth?" This is a good place to start, but we want to challenge you to think differently. We want to encourage you to think about a different question: "How...
7 strategies to avoid inheritance tax
This article explores all you need to know about how to avoid inheritance tax in the UK (IHT). We explain who pays inheritance tax, how much inheritance tax might be due, and all the issues you need to know if you want to avoid inheritance tax legally. [box...
Cash ISA transfers – Banks give poor advice
A survey by the consumer group Which? has again uncovered poor advice by banks on cash ISA transfers. Key points: Which? survey highlights poor advice by banks on cash ISA transfers Customers are given the wrong information on cash ISA transfers An overview of the...
FSA becomes FCA
You may not be aware of it, but we are now regulated by a new regulator. The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is no more, and has been replaced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA). What is changing for you? Well,...
Trustee Investment Guide
Trustee investment is a complex area, but also an important role. This is especially true if you have never been in charge of a trust before. This article is intended as a trustee investment guide, and is designed to help you understand the responsibilities and duties...
Unregulated overseas property investments
Have you ever been approached to invest in a foreign development, which offered fantastic 'guaranteed' returns? Often these are unregulated overseas property investments. In our view these should come with some serious health warnings. Thankfully, the Financial...
Property vs investments
Have you ever wondered which is better - property or investments? This article tackles this issue and compares property vs investments. Key points: Why compare property vs investments? Definitions of property and investments Issues to consider Why do we compare...
Investing for income in retirement
If you are approaching retirement, or are already retired, this article could be for you. We examine investing for income in retirement. Key points: The problems when investing for income in retirement Issues to consider How to invest for income in retirement 8...
The best financial adviser in Colchester?
This is a common question - who is the best financial adviser in Colchester. This article examines the qualities to look for when employing a financial adviser. We'll also examine some of the competition but obviously we think we're the best! Key points: How to find...
Solicitors referrals to financial advisers
Last week the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) announced that after its recent consultation, it would now permit solicitors to make referrals to restricted financial advisers. This is a change to the previous stance that stated that solicitors should only make...
How much do financial advisers charge?
If you have some complex financial needs, or have a financial problem which needs a solution, you are probably thinking about taking some sort of financial advice. If so, one of the logical questions you will ask is: How much do financial advisers charge? This...
How we secure your financial data
Have you ever heard the shocking stories about how financial institutions lose their clients' data - causing real worries for their clients? We take our responsibilities in this area very seriously, so we thought it would be useful to document how we secure your...
Is your fixed rate bond a dud?
We often see cautious clients who hold fixed rate bonds with their banks. These are popular products with cautious investors since they allow you to benefit from a better rate of interest than you would otherwise get from your bank accounts, while still keeping...
With profits funds – a hidden scandal?
This article examines the problems behind with profits funds, and explains why they may not be a suitable investment. This article may be relevant to you if you have an older style pension or investment plan invested in with profits funds. Key points: What are...
How are regulated investments protected?
There is a common question asked by clients: how are my investments protected if something goes wrong? This article aims to show how regulated investments are protected. Obviously, this does not apply to unregulated investments (so be warned if you have money in such...
Child benefit higher rate tax payers
This article focuses on the reduction in child benefit for higher rate income tax payers in the UK, and ways you could consider action to continue to be eligible for this benefit. Taking action in this area could allow you to gain substantial benefits.The child...
Reform of the costs of care
Last week the Government launched its latest consultation on the reform of the UK care system. This article is concerned with the proposals regarding the funding of care costs. Previously the Dilnot Commission examined the future of care funding making 2 key...
SRA consultation on changes to financial adviser referrals
This article examines the SRA's consultation on changes to your code of conduct and how this will impact on how you can continue to give referrals to financial advisers after the Retail Distribution review takes effect from January 2013. The current approach of your...
New ICAEW code of ethics and referrals to financial advisers
This article examines the proposed changes to the ICAEW code of ethics and how this will impact on accountants' referrals to financial advisers after the Retail Distribution review takes effect from January 2013. The current approach of your code of ethics Currently,...
The risks of structured products
If you are a bank investment customer you will no doubt have been offered a product that sound too good to be true - a structured product. This article aims to open your eyes to the risks of structured products. You might guess from this that we are not fans! These...
Delaying the state pension – how & why
You may be approaching your state retirement age, but might be thinking that you do not actually need to take this money. Perhaps you do not need the income, or you might be planning to carry on working or earning after that period. If you do not need to take the...
Our investment philosophy
We firmly believe that it is important for you to understand how and why we work in the way that we do with your investments. This will give you confidence that we operate a robust process in which investment decisions can be made. We act in the same way for all...
11 difficult questions to ask your financial adviser
If you are considering taking on a new financial adviser, you should be aware that there are many differences in the quality of firms out there. Therefore, we have come up with a handy list of difficult questions you can ask your potential or existing adviser. If...
Avoid the regrets of the dying
I recently read an interesting post on the regrets of the dying. This was a blog post written by a former palliative care nurse, who shared her thoughts on the regrets people shared with her as they faced their own death. It seems that we can all take stock of our...
4 financial planning questions when selling your business
Many business owners greet us with the refrain that 'my business is my pension.' This of course may be true, but in many cases, the business owner in question does not have any idea either how much the business is worth, or more importantly, how much it needs...
Deputyship & investment management – what you need to know
If you have been appointed a deputy over someone else's affairs, you will no doubt want to learn as much as possible about the responsibilities of the role, especially if you will be required to manage that person's investments. This post aims to explain the key...
Financial Planning for children – Junior ISAs
The Government has launched consultation on plans for new Junior ISAs, which will replace child trust funds. The new Junior ISAs will be available from 1st November 2011, and will have a contribution limit of £3,000 per year. The funds will be tax-free and will be...
Financial planning and inflation
Inflation is a big part of financial planning, since it is one of the biggest reasons why people do not achieve their long-term goals. Inflation is the general increase in costs to buy goods over time. In the UK this is measured by the Retail Prices Index (RPI) and...
What is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)?
This article examines what is a Certified Financial Planner. A Certified Financial Planner is a professional financial planner who has attained one of the highest levels of qualification in the financial services industry. This is a technical qualification which...
Financial planning and divorce – collaborative family law
If you are considering divorce, you will no doubt have many issues to worry about, such as your future security, the effect on your family and children, and everything else that comes with such a stressful time. The old way of family law is changing, and many...
Financial planning and solicitors – choose a quality firm, not a tied adviser
If you are a solicitor you may be aware of the Solicitor Regulation Authority (SRA) rules that referrals should only be made to independent financial advisers. It seems that despite this, many solicitors are still referring clients to St. James's Place, which is a...
Business exit strategy
When we talk to business owners, they usually tell us that their business is their pension. Of course, this may be true, but it can be notoriously difficult to quantify this since a business will only be worth what someone else is prepared to pay for it. We...
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