Around one in five grandparents over the age of 50 in the UK provide childcare help for their grandchildren, but thousands may be missing out on a valuable scheme that could increase their State Pension entitlement[1]. Soaring childcare costs mean many parents turn to grandparents to look after their children when they return to work….
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Recent developments have seen the government introduce a Lifetime Provider model for workplace pensions, a move that has sparked considerable interest and debate. Findings from a recent survey reveal a striking preference among employees for their employers to take the lead in selecting their workplace pension provider. A significant 69% of respondents favour this approach,…
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In the world of investing, where numbers and market analyses typically dominate, a crucial element often remains veiled in the backdrop – our behaviour. Behavioural investing emerges as a pivotal field, merging the realms of finance and psychology to scrutinise how our emotions, cognitive biases, backgrounds and world views intricately influence our investment decisions. It…
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As we embark on the new tax year, it presents an opportune moment to review your pension savings strategy, setting a solid foundation for future financial stability. Early attention to your private pension at the onset of the fiscal year is not just about cultivating beneficial saving habits; it’s also about ensuring you fully exploit…
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Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) offer a versatile and tax-efficient way to save for the future, whether for yourself, your children or grandchildren. Now that we have entered the new financial year, on 6 April 2024, significant changes to ISAs have been introduced. Since 6 April, savers and investors have had a more flexible approach to…
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Finding an employer with a healthy attitude towards their employees shouldn’t be difficult. There’s a growing archive of studies showing that a valued workforce is more productive and loyal to inform those who are not philanthropic in nature that their staff ought to be a priority. And it is true at this time of low…
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A recent study reveals a promising trend among 45-54-year-olds in the UK[1]. Six out of ten individuals in this age group are actively working towards bolstering their retirement savings[2]. These mid-lifers are prioritising their future financial stability, implementing changes in their current spending habits to ensure they can support themselves later in life. The measures…
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In the unfortunate event of one’s passing, there’s a possibility that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) may levy an Inheritance Tax (IHT) bill on the deceased’s estate. The estate’s total value determines the sum due after deducting any debts and applying all possible thresholds. Two thresholds that come into play are the nil rate band…
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In the ever-evolving landscape of retirement planning, a significant shift is on the horizon that could potentially impact when you can access your pension funds. The normal minimum pension age (NMPA), or the age at which you can start withdrawing from your pension savings, is currently set at 55. There are a few exceptions to…
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With the ever-evolving landscape of investment, it’s not hard to see why it might appear daunting. The investment world is equivalent to a living, breathing entity constantly evolving and changing. It’s a landscape that never remains static, mirroring the dynamic nature of global economies and financial markets. Market conditions are like shifting sands, unpredictable and…
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