Is Downing Street really planning to abolish inheritance tax? Shortly before the so-called ‘silly season’ (Parliament’s summer recess) got underway, several newspapers carried stories that Downing Street was considering the abolition of inheritance tax (IHT) in an attempt to appeal to certain voters. The speculation did not last for long before the Uxbridge by-election […]
As interest rates continue to rise, we need to consider why. Cast your mind back to July 2020. Covid-19 was creating massive social and economic disruption, reflected in a Bank of England interest rate of just 0.1% and instant access savings rates were little more than 1%. Three years later, the Bank of England […]
Investment funds come in a variety of formats and acronyms – the differences are worth knowing. The days of individuals largely owning UK shares have long passed. The latest National Statistics data shows that in 2020, only 12% of shares were held by individuals. One reason behind that level has been the growth of investment […]
You do not have to take your state pension at state pension age. The current state pension age (SPA) – the earliest age at which you can draw your state pension – is 66. It will be gradually increased to 67 between April 2026 and April 2028. A further rise to 68 is due, probably […]
Large community and religious WhatsApp groups are being targeted by scammers who infiltrate these groups to deceive their members into sending them money. Action Fraud confirm they have received 268 reports since January this year. The fraud often begins when a member of the group receives a WhatsApp audio call from the fraudster, pretending, or […]
Several changes to pensions were announced during the Spring Budget. Regarded as the most significant since pensions freedoms in 2015, the changes, expected to provide greater flexibility and opportunity, have largely had a positive reception. The overhaul is intended to make it more straightforward for individuals to accumulate a bigger pension pot and not be […]
