How to avoid a pitiful pension
Neither of my children has saved a penny.
That might sound like a surprising admission for a financial adviser, but sadly it’s not that unusual.
I’ve offered to put them in touch with colleagues who could give them confidential advice,… Continue reading
Avoiding an equity release disaster
Equity release mortgages may be a useful way of releasing money to fund a wedding or holiday, grandchildren’s education or their deposit for a first home, long-term care fees, or simply ensuring there is sufficient income in retirement – while… Continue reading
When life is one long holiday …
How many of us haven’t sat back on a summer holiday and looked forward to the days when we can give up work altogether?
The thought of having the leisure time and money to treat ourselves to a cruise, go… Continue reading
Buying your own premises – a tax-efficient way
Using a pension plan to buy your own business premises and save on tax is an idea that strikes me as making great sense all round.
You’ll need to speak to a good tax accountant and take their advice. Here is a… Continue reading
Who should pay for Long-Term Care – the state or the elderly?
I was very gratified to see that the Dilnot Report into funding care for the elderly has been much in the news since it was issued on 4 July and looks like it won’t be swept under the carpet by the Government. Previous… Continue reading
Beat the OAP poverty trap
How do you envisage your retirement? Putting your feet up with a good book in the comfort of your snug home – or gallivanting around the world on a later-life Gap Year?
I know what I have in mind (give me a call… Continue reading
The lessons of Southern Cross
I’m finding it heartbreaking to see the fear and dismay of families whose loved ones are residents in Southern Cross care homes.
To those living in long-term care, stability and continuity are paramount. Familiarity is so important, as is trust in their carers and… Continue reading
Cure for a headache
Some clients who’ve been long looking forward to retirement find it actually turns out to be a bit of a headache.
Not because they don’t enjoy pottering around the garden or playing with their grandchildren … but because their financial affairs are not in proper order. Continue reading
Bank admits ‘guarantee’ is not guaranteed
According to a recent press article*, Santander has written to some of its customers to admit that it cannot actually guarantee one of its ‘guarantees’, and that these investors may not be covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
The… Continue reading
Are cash ISAs a bad deal
It’s the time of year when we are bombarded with advertisements about cash ISAs, each promising the best deal for savers. Yet I’ve been asked by a number of my clients whether these ISAs are worth pursuing at all.
People who have the bulk… Continue reading
