Get the best out of your BTL mortgage
Posted by Rebecca Harbrow on Tuesday 30th November 2021
Many fixed mortgage deals will be approaching the end of their term this October, so it’s a good idea to review your buy-to-let mortgage.
With interest rates still at low levels and demand for rental properties increasing around the country, investing in a buy-to-let (BTL) is a popular choice for many.
Buy to let basics
A BTL mortgage is a specific type of product for those who want to buy a property with the intention of renting it. Because of this, there are different terms and rules around a BTL mortgage (compared to a regular mortga...
Autumn Budget Review
Posted by Rebecca Harbrow on Thursday 4th November 2021
In Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s second financial statement this year, there were few surprises as he looks to fix the economy following the pandemic.
With inflation climbing and interest rate rises on the horizon, Britain is at a critical period in terms of its economic future. Multiple lockdowns caused the UK economy to slump by 10% while the government spent more than £100 billion supporting jobs.
Now the economy is recovering the chancellor is under increasing pressure to balance the books and claw back money spent on fighting the Covid cri...
How to make ISAs work for you
Posted by Rebecca Harbrow on Friday 15th October 2021
Make the most of your tax allowances by using the different types of ISAs that are available.
Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) were first introduced in 1999 and are a tax-free way to save into a cash savings or investment account. There are lots of different types of ISA available, but the right one for you will depend on your financial goals. We explain how they work so you can choose the one that is best for you.
Cash ISA
A cash ISA works in the same way as a traditional savings account but you won’t have to pay tax on any of the inte...
Should we be concerned about rising inflation?
Posted by Rebecca Harbrow on Wednesday 6th October 2021
Most economists expect inflation to pick up over the next few months as lockdown restrictions ease and shops and restaurants reopen. But is this a cause for concern?
As lockdown measures begin to lift, financial markets are making their adjustments in anticipation of a rise in inflation, with bond yields picking up (meaning prices have fallen) and stock markets rotating from defensive sectors into cyclicals.
What is inflation?
Put simply, inflation measures the change in the prices of goods and services. If it rises then it takes more of ou...
How to make the most of your lockdown savings
Posted by Rebecca Harbrow on Wednesday 15th September 2021
The pandemic has reportedly created 6 million accidental savers, but what’s the best way to use this extra cash?
The effect of the lockdown on millions of bank accounts has been to boost savings for people whose incomes have remained the same but whose spending has dropped.
With the prospect of life returning to a new normal, it’s a chance to think about how to make the most of these savings and build on them too.
Where were savings made?
Working from home meant the cost of commuting was put on hold. Holidays were not booked, and the ...
Planning for Inheritance Tax
Posted by Rebecca Harbrow on Monday 23rd August 2021
Following the news that thousands more people are expected to pay the standard 40% inheritance tax this year because of the effects of the pandemic, we explore some of the ways to navigate the complexities of inheritance tax.
The complex laws around inheritance tax (IHT) caught many people off guard during the Covid-19 pandemic. Along with the often-sudden loss of a loved one came the issues arising from IHT on gifts passed down to children and grandchildren.
This tax year marks the latest in a series where the number of people being cha...
How to make the most of your lockdown savings
Posted by Rebecca Harbrow on Thursday 17th June 2021
The pandemic has reportedly created 6 million accidental savers, but what’s the best way to use this extra cash?
The effect of the lockdown on millions of bank accounts has been to boost savings for people whose incomes have remained the same but whose spending has dropped.
With the prospect of life returning to a new normal, it’s a chance to think about how to make the most of these savings and build on them too.
Where were savings made?
Working from home meant the cost of commuting was put on hold. Holidays were not booked, and the cl...
Investment Update May 2021: A positive outlook
Posted by Rebecca Harbrow on Friday 7th May 2021
A positive outlook
The economic recovery is gathering momentum as the pandemic recedes and successful vaccination programmes continue to roll out on both sides of the Atlantic.
April saw the continuation of progress made in March, as a more settled month in the investment markets, with equities performing well and bonds showing stability and positive returns. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) increased its forecast for growth in 2021 to 6%, citing stimulus bills in richer countries helping economies bounce back from the Covid-19 ...
Protect your peace of mind when moving home
Posted by Rebecca Harbrow on Thursday 29th April 2021
Moving home can be a hectic and exciting time, but don’t forget about protection – taking out the appropriate policies can save you a lot of stress in the long term.
If you’ve just moved home or are about to, it probably feels like you’ve been caught up in a bit of a whirlwind over the past few months. With searching for a property during a pandemic, making the move before the stamp duty holiday ends and potentially getting caught up in the resulting conveyancing backlog, protection policies are probably not top of your priority list.
Ye...
Springing into Action
Posted by Rebecca Harbrow on Thursday 1st April 2021
Successful vaccination programmes are rolling out on both sides of the Atlantic, pointing to a brighter economic outlook.
The US and UK continued their rapid vaccine programmes to combat the coronavirus pandemic, while Europe lagged in its rollout, resulting in a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in some parts of the EU. As a result, the US and UK are likely to be able to reopen their broader economies sooner, while much of Europe still faces strict lockdowns.
Budget brings some relief
In his March Budget, Chancellor Rishi Sunak outlined sti...