Category Archives: Guides

The current low interest rate climate has thrown some of even the most diligent savers off course. The traditionally fail-safe source of income – interest from a higher rate savings account – has been suffering from the combination of low interest rates and rising inflation.
But many investors are reluctant to take on higher risk, so what are the options for the investor that needs an
income in such an environment? Continue reading →

Childcare vouchers are a tax efficient government scheme to provide working parents with tax free funds towards paying for childcare. Here we provide an introduction to and take a look at Childcare Vouchers Continue reading →

Trusts have traditionally been seen as the way the super-rich shelter their assets from the taxman – as illustrated by the saying: “For those willing to stump up for crafty accountants, trusts will simply melt away a tax liability”. Continue reading →

Unemployment figures accelerated upwards as the economic environment deteriorated and whilst this has slowed since the new Government came to power, the spectre of redundancy still looms large for many people. In this guide we have a look at a few practical steps that can potentially cushion the blow should the worst happen. Continue reading →

No parent will need reminding that children are expensive. Of course, there are the day-to-day running costs of clothes, shoes – and large telephone bills – but there are also some surprises: A recent survey in The Times suggested that 80% of first time buyers needed parental help to buy their home and the debate about university tuition fees indicates that higher education costs are likely to increasingly fall on parents. Add in private school fees or a wedding and any thoughts of a quiet, comfortable retirement might appear to fly out the window.Unless you are earning a significant amount of money, managing these expenses out of day-to-day income is likely to be almost impossible. We have therefore put together this short guide to give you some ideas – and tax efficient examples – which might help you to plan ahead. Continue reading →

It takes many years of planning, saving and sacrifice to build up a significant pension – and after all those years you want to be sure you are making the most of it. Your pension plan provider will be keen to give you a quote for the income that your pension will provide but it would be sensible to take at least a little time considering what to do. Taking the first offer you get could mean giving up additional income.

The purpose of this guide is to provide some basic information about investigating your retirement opportunities. Continue reading →