Mark Holmes

After more than a decade of low interest rates, many people will be pleased to see the amount their savings are earning is starting to rise. Yet, it could mean you need to pay a tax charge. Interest from saving accounts may be liable for Income Tax. When the average interest rate was below 1%, […]

When you’re saving for long-term goals, choosing the right place to put your money is crucial. It could mean you have far more financial freedom later in life. If you’re thinking about retirement or your later years, you have multiple options, including pensions and ISAs. While ISAs are more accessible, read on to find out

Retiring early is an aspiration for many workers looking forward to greater freedom. If early retirement is something you’re dreaming about, a survey suggests financial planning could help you turn it into a reality and enjoy the next chapter of your life more. A Standard Life study found, on average, people receiving financial advice plan

In a bid to encourage early retirees back to work, chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveiled several changes to pension allowances during the Budget. The announcements could mean you’re able to save more in your pension and boost your retirement income. Here are the four key pension changes Hunt announced. 1. The Lifetime Allowance will be abolished

Estate planning is an important part of your financial plan. Not only does it ensure your assets are passed on to who you wish and considers areas like Inheritance Tax (IHT), but it could provide you with peace of mind about your future too. Over the last few months, you’ve read about why estate planning

The new tax year has only just started. Yet, making the most of your allowances now, rather than waiting until March 2024, could make sense. Read on to find out why. When a new tax year starts on 6 April, many allowances reset, such as the: Using allowances could reduce your tax liability and improve

Inheritance Tax (IHT) can affect what you leave behind for loved ones. It’s essential you understand if it’s something you need to think about, as there could be steps you can take to reduce a potential bill. Over the last few months, you’ve read about what estate planning is and how to calculate the value

There are now more chances to win through Premium Bonds as the prize rate reaches a 15-year high. So, what are your odds of becoming a millionaire overnight and are they worth it? Read on to find out. Premium Bonds were first introduced in 1956 to encourage more people to save. They’re issued by National

A key part of your estate plan is setting out how you’d like to pass on assets to loved ones. There’s more than one option to consider, so read on to find out more. Your estate plan should consider how you’ll use your assets during your life and what you’d like to happen to them

When you’re deciding how to pass on assets and who you want them to go to, understanding their value, and how this might change, is crucial. Last month, you read about why estate planning should be part of your overall financial and life plan. Now, read on to discover why getting to grips with what

Last year, chancellor Jeremy Hunt made some key announcements during the autumn statement that could affect how much tax you pay from April. Reviewing your financial plan could help you understand if you’ll be affected and make changes if necessary. In sharp contrast to the mini-Budget delivered by former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng in September, Hunt’s

Have you thought about how you’ll use assets later in life or what you’d like to happen to them when you pass away? Planning for the future with an estate plan now could improve your long-term security and ensure your wishes are followed.   While it can be difficult to think about long-term challenges and

The 2022/23 tax year ends on Wednesday 5 April. After this date, many allowances reset, and it could be your last chance to use some of them. Allowances can help your money go further by reducing your tax liability. Reviewing your finances before the deadline could help you identify some allowances that could be right

If you have an estate plan, you shouldn’t simply forget about it. Instead, regular reviews can help ensure it continues to reflect your wishes and circumstances. Sometimes you may have a specific reason to review your estate plan. Life milestones can often cause you to reflect on the steps you’ve previously taken. Experiences like getting

Salary sacrifice schemes could offer employees a tax-efficient way to boost their retirement savings. It could benefit your business too, so they are well worth considering. If you’ve been thinking about salary sacrifice pensions or want to explore how you could expand your workplace benefits, read on to discover what they could mean for your

As a trustee, you may be unsure about what your responsibilities are and the steps you need to take. If you’re acting as a trustee, here are some of the essential things you need to know. Being a trustee means that you’re taking responsibility for money or assets that someone, known as the “settlor”, has

As the cost of living rises, you may be considering increasing how much you withdraw from your pension. While it could solve short-term challenges, it’s important that you think about how it could affect your future too. Several factors, including the war in Ukraine and the long-term effects of the pandemic, mean that inflation is

Experts are predicting that the UK will face a recession in 2023. While it can be tempting to react to this news by changing your investment strategy, sticking to your long-term plan makes sense for most investors. Read on to find out why. Several factors are contributing to economic uncertainty, including high inflation and concerns

The rules around filling in a gap in your National Insurance (NI) record are changing. From 5 April 2023, you will only be able to make voluntary contributions for the past six years. If you have gaps in your record, filling them in now could boost your retirement income. There are many reasons why you