While the coronavirus pandemic has affected the health of more than a million people worldwide, it has also had a devastating effect on the global economy. The Chancellor has put in place a substantial package of support for businesses, including paying 80% of the wages of furloughed workers, VAT deferrals... read more →

Over recent weeks, drastic measures to ensure social distancing and to reduce the spread of the coronavirus have meant that millions of businesses have been forced to shut their doors. The impact on the economy has been severe. Indeed, investment expert Peter Toogood says that “GDP has effectively stopped, which... read more →

Brexit has been the headline story for the last dozen or so market updates, but could an end now be in sight? With a decisive General Election result, meaning the UK will leave the European Union this month, it’s possible that some certainty will return. Here’s your Q4 2019 investment... read more →

For more than 150 years, British savers have trusted their investments to National Savings and Investments (NS&I). Since it was established in 1861 it has grown to become one of the largest savings organisations in the UK with 25 million customers and an eye-watering £167 billion invested. If you’re a... read more →

Before Pension Freedoms were introduced in 2015, annuities were the default choice for many people wanting to take an income in retirement. Fast forward five years and flexible drawdown and other approaches are now much more popular. In addition, falling annuity rates mean many people are seeking alternative options to... read more →

In the 2017/18 tax year, Brits paid out a total of £5.4 billion in Inheritance Tax (IHT). More than 28,000 deaths triggered a charge in 2016/17, up 15% on the year before, and IHT receipts are forecast to reach £6.9 billion by the 2023/24 tax year. One of the reasons... read more →

You can find out how to get to grips with planning your financial future at a free seminar we're holding in Stone on Thursday 21 November. Organised with Sempar Accountancy and Tax, and Nowell Meller Solicitors, the free event – ‘Making Your Money Work Harder For You’ – takes place... read more →

Another uncertain quarter has come to an end, and (as ever) it’s still Brexit that dominates the economic headlines. By the time we send our next update the UK could have left the European Union, although, until then, the economy remains volatile. If some indicators are to be believed, we’re... read more →

Every year, Brits donate more than £10 billion to charitable causes. Around two-thirds of us donate to charity with the most popular causes being children/young people and animal welfare. As the Charities Aid Foundation say: “Charities underpin our way of life. They provide the foundation for our cultural, religious and... read more →

Back in 2015, George Osborne reportedly came within weeks of announcing plans to get rid of the 1p and 2p coin. Despite evidence suggesting that the move would have limited impact on consumers and the economy, the Chancellor’s plans were eventually shelved. Earlier this year, the Treasury reconfirmed its commitment... read more →