Over the past 12 months, the cost-of-living crisis has put significant pressure on household budgets and knocked many people’s confidence in their future financial prospects. Research, however, shows that planning is a key driver of positivity about our financial futures; so, as a new year dawns, now seems the perfect time to take stock of […]
Author archives: matthew
Preparing for winter storms
Minnie and Olga, Regina and Stuart – are all storm names for 2024 pre-allocated by the Met Office. With the average claim for storm damage topping £3,0001, it’s important to protect your home against extreme weather. So, what measures can you take? Keeping safe in a storm Ensuring you insure The most important step to […]
Autumn Statement update
Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt delivered his Autumn Statement on 22 November, with a host of announcements on personal taxation and measures for business. Housing was largely absent from the key fiscal event, but there are a couple of points to be aware of. Mortgage guarantee scheme extended This scheme, introduced in March 2021 […]
Check you have the right protection in 2024
A new year is an ideal time to reassess your finances, especially if you’ve recently experienced some life changes. Make sure that a review of your protection insurance is near the top of your to do list in 2024. Get protected The right protection for your unique needs can act as an indispensable safety net […]
Preparing portfolios for resilience in 2024
The past few years have been challenging for investors with a series of unforeseen events and rising geopolitical tensions weighing heavily on global markets and, as a new year dawns, many issues remain unresolved. However, while such times are disconcerting for investors, historically the best way to achieve financial empowerment is by sticking to a […]
Getting the economy “back on track”
With the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) predicting modest UK economic growth of 0.7% this year and 1.4% in 2025, during the Autumn Statement Chancellor Jeremy Hunt outlined 110 growth measures intended to get more people into work, cut business taxes and raise business investment, to get the economy “back on track.” Contrary to speculation, […]
Economic Review – December 2023
Inflation drop sparks rate cut speculation A surprise sharp decline in the rate of inflation has ignited hopes of an interest rate cut by spring, despite the Bank of England (BoE) insisting it is ‘too early’ to speculate about when rates might be reduced. Following its latest meeting, which concluded on 13 December, the BoE’s […]
Residential Property Review – December 2023
Sellers knock £18,000 off asking prices Sellers accepted an average discount of £18,000 on their property sale in November 2023 – the highest average price cut in five years. This is according to property portal Zoopla, which stated that high mortgage rates are continuing to impact housing affordability for buyers – meaning that sellers are […]
Commercial Property Review – December 2023
‘Grey’ warehouse space on the rise According to recent analysis by Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), real estate and investment management services provider, ‘grey’ warehouse space is increasing. Classified as available space unofficially marketed for either sublease or assignment, grey warehouse space has historically been limited to smaller pallet storage space, less frequently associated with warehouses […]
Protection – a financial and wellbeing safety net
Life has a funny way of turning out differently to how we expect it. When faced with the unpredictable twists and turns of fate, it is comforting to have the support of the right protection cover for your needs. Rising bills reinforce need for protection Increased household bills, mortgage and rent costs, mean that protection […]