Category Archivenews
Independent Financial Advisers
Could Labour break a “50-year tax taboo” to cut borrowing?
A recent article published by an influential think tank, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), has suggested that the Labour government should consider increasing the basic rate of Income Tax in order to boost revenue and curb the amount of money it has to borrow. Doing this would break a so-called “taboo” as no chancellor […]
How to use the “gifting from income” rule to reduce your estate’s Inheritance Tax bill
According to a Citywire report, forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) suggest the amount of Inheritance Tax (IHT) paid to HMRC will have increased by 11.6% in 2024/25 compared to 2023/24. This will mean that the total amount of IHT paid in the 2024/25 financial year will have reached a record high of […]
Should you choose a Cash or Stocks and Shares Junior ISA for your child?
A Junior ISA (JISA) is often an effective way for parents to start putting money aside for their children to help them reach their goals when they reach adulthood. One important question parents need to consider is: Should the money be held in a Cash JISA or invested through a Stocks and Shares JISA? Read […]
Investment market update: April 2025
Once again, US president Donald Trump’s trade tariffs have affected investment markets throughout April 2025 and could have far-reaching implications over the coming months. Indeed, UN Trade and Development now predicts that global growth will slow to 2.3% in 2025, compared to 2.8% last year. While experiencing volatility can be daunting as an investor, remember […]
Essential estate planning steps that could protect young family members
When you’re creating an estate plan, there are a lot of areas you might need to include, from considering tax liability to naming your beneficiaries. It’s an important part of your financial plan and, if you want to protect or provide for younger family members, there might be some additional steps to take. In simple […]
5 shrewd ways to avoid paying tax on your savings
24% of people think all their savings are tax-free, according to a Lloyds Bank survey carried out in February 2025. However, they could be in for an unexpected shock, as the interest earned on savings might be liable for Income Tax. The good news is, there are often ways to reduce a potential tax bill […]
4 useful insights from a decade of Pension Freedoms
A decade ago, the introduction of Pension Freedoms shook up retirement planning and gave retirees more options than ever. Before 2015, if you had a defined contribution (DC) pension, the common route was to use the money accumulated to purchase an annuity. The annuity would then provide you with a regular income, usually for the […]
Why investor fear and anxiety play a role in market volatility
2025 has already been eventful for investors. Many factors are influencing market volatility, and one cause you might have overlooked is the emotions of investors. Read on to find out why fear and anxiety might lead to the value of investments falling. US president Donald Trump entered the White House for a second term in […]
Financial protection: The key options that could protect your lifestyle and family
Financial protection could provide you with a cash boost when you need it most, and there’s more than one type to consider. Last month, you read why financial protection provides a crucial safety net should you face an unexpected shock. Now, read on to find out more about some of the key options. 2 forms […]
Investment market update: March 2025
Trade wars and fears that tariffs could spark recessions meant investment market volatility continued in March 2025 and the start of April 2025. Read on to find out more about some of the factors that may have affected the value of your investments recently. Tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump affected markets negatively and, […]