So what is a stocks and shares ISA (individual savings account) account set-up in the UK. It allows an individual to save or invest a limited amount within a tax-free investment wrapper. You can invest across numerous types of investments such as company shares, funds, ETF’s, investment trusts or bonds. […]
Do I need a financial lifetime plan ?
For the vast majority of people the idea of personal finances and the world of savings and investing can appear daunting, confusing and complicated. Probably because we are never taught the basics from school education or our parents as the subject is considered taboo to discuss. But have your ever […]
What is a trivial pension lump sum payment !
Under current UK pension rules, the trivial commutation lump sum payment rules allows an individual to access certain benefits from age 55 (MPA) or from age 57 after April 2028, as a complete one-off lump sum payment. As long as their total benefits across all their schemes don’t exceed £ […]
where are my pensions contributions invested ?
Thanks to the introduction of Auto Enrolment (AE) back in 2012, most people employed are automatically enrolled into a workplace Defined Contribution (DC) pension plan. But have you ever asked yourself, or even considered where are my monthly contributions invested. Where do my contributions actually go, after they are deducted […]
How Buffett Does It – book review (24 simple investing strategies from the world’s greater value investor)
How Buffett Does it – book review: 24 simple investing strategies from the world’s greatest value investor This best selling book “How Buffett does it” was written by James Pardoe in 2005. Which explains in very simple ideas how he became the world’s greatest investor. It examines how Buffett’s record […]
How to avoid a pension scam ?
Unfortunately, Pension scams in the UK is common occurrence as it can be seen as being very profitable for pension scammers to obtain money by so-called fraud and deception. We don’t teach the basics about personal finance and the world of investing. As speaking to people on daily basis about […]
What is the 4% rule !
The 4% rule is a retirement guideline suggesting that you can withdraw 4% of your retirement portfolio annually in the first year of retirement. You can then adjust that withdrawal by inflation each subsequent year, and still reasonably expect your savings to last for at least 30 years. It’s a […]
Why is the price of gold still rising ?
This is a common question asked recently as people are people bombarded with radio advertisements, news articles, tv adverts, social media ads about the price of gold going galactic. But why is this specific class of asset having such a meteoritic rise in recent times. Are we in some kind […]
Warren Buffett Way (2nd edition) book review
The Warren Buffett Way (2nd edition) was written by Robert G. Hagstrom way back in 2005. Even though, the book is nearly 20 years old, it is still considered to be a great insight into the man considered the world’s greatest and most successful investor. Who is Robert G. Hagstrom, […]
Rule #1 – Phil Town book review – A simple strategy for successful investing in 15 minutes a week.
The book Rule #1 The simple Strategy for Successful Investing is considered a investment classic Firstly, who is Phil Town. He is a self-made investor and widely renowned public speaker on investing based in the USA. He wrote one of the most successful investing books out there, called Rule #1 […]
How to become a ISA Millionaire ?
The idea of becoming an ISA millionaire may be a distant dream or reality for some people, but it is a distant possibility or viable scenario for most people. According to recent information released there are 4850 ISA millionaires according to HMRC. The figure has been increased dramatically over recent […]
Simple Path to Wealth (book review)
The Simple Path to Wealth, written by Jim L.Collins back in 2016 is considered an investment masterclass to assist people with regards to the subject of investing. The formula is quite simple about how to invest and amass enough money to reach so-called Financial Independence, or work your future on […]
How to sort out your finances in 2025
The start of each new year, is considered a very apt and appropriate time to get your financial affairs in order. Or at least in a better financial position. So what sort of steps can you take to get your finances in order in 2025. The start of each year, […]
What is the Pensions Annual Allowance ?
The annual allowance with regard to pensions is the amount that can be paid into a pension each financial tax year. This will apply across all your pension schemes that you may have. It doesn’t relate to each pension scheme that you may have. So what counts towards your annual […]
Who are the waspi women and what is their row about ?
They are an organisation set up to fight their injustice over the increased age, that they become entitled to the Uk State pension. It is believed that millions of women in the UK have been adversely affected by the increase in the state pension by recent governments in power. The […]
Can my children inherit my pension ?
It’s a common question that I get asked during my consultations with clients. Can my children inherit my pension pot. This could be applicable if someone in single, so they have no spouse or partner. So they want to pass on any remaining funds to their children. It can also […]
Who regulates pensions in the UK?
The responsibility of regulating pensions in the UK is The Pensions Regulator. It is a public organisation with the aim and purpose to regulate work-based pensions. It’s remit is to ensure that employers adhere to rules in place such as providing Auto-Enrolement, or Defined Benefit schemes. So they are adequately […]
Will UK pensions increase in 2025
It is a common question asked, will pensions increase year on year. So will they be increased for the next financial year being 2025. It all depends upon which type of personal or workplace pensions you have. So what type of pensions are subject to annual increases ? The new […]
How to consolidate your pensions
A common question asked during my daily appointments with clients is “How can I consolidate my numerous pensions ?“ Mainly to simplify the administration of looking after them or trying to save paying fees across numerous different pension providers. So the idea of bringing all your pension funds together to […]
What charges are payable in a pension scheme
If you’re a member of a defined contribution pension scheme, you’re likely to pay some charges. But what sort of charges are payable by the member ? They could cover the cost of managing your pension scheme through pension administration. Or by regular investing contributions through the process of buying […]
What is a Junior ISA ?
A Junior Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) are long-term, tax-free savings accounts specifically designed for children. So who can open a Junior ISA ? Your child must be met the following conditions: What if your child lives outside the UK ? Your child can only get a Junior ISA, if both the following […]
What is a defined benefits pension
A defined benefit (DB) pension scheme, or Final Salary Scheme is the the amount of pension you’re paid. Normally from a large employer or public sector organisation such as local Council, NHS, Police, Teachers Pension to name a few. It is based on 3 things normally: In the past you […]
What is a lifetime ISA
A Lifetime ISAs (LISAs) can be opened by anyone aged 18 to 39 within the UK. They offer a 25% bonus on savings used for retirement or buying a first home. If you pay in the maximum of £4,000 this tax year, the government will give you a bonus worth […]
What is the minimum pension age in uk
The normal minimum pension age (NMPA) is the earliest age most people can start withdrawing money from their personal and workplace pensions. This a common question I get asked during my daily job role whilst speaking to clients aged over 50, who are thinking of accessing their personal or workplace […]
What is interest ?
So what is interest ?, Quite simply, interest is a rate of return given to a saver or investor paid by a financial institution. Which is paid on a sum of money earned or borrowed. It is typically expressed an a % figure on the sum or initial principle sum. […]