Although the global economy continues to face significant headwinds, statistics released during the first few months of this year have revealed unexpected signs of resilience. This has led economists to begin upgrading growth forecasts, while the World Economic Forum’s latest Chief Economists Outlook reported signs of ‘nascent optimism.’ Growth stronger than expected Uncertainty undoubtedly continues […]
Author archives: natalie
Summer 2023 – what next for the housing and mortgage markets?
Activity in the housing and mortgage markets is hotting up – and cooling down. According to the latest Residential Market Survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, a run of thirteen successive negative monthly readings for new instructions ended in May, marking the strongest reading for new listings since March 20211. Yet house prices […]
Making purposeful financial decisions
The upsurge in inflation over the last year or so has again vividly highlighted the devastating impact sharply rising price levels can wreak on people’s finances. Carefully reviewing your financial choices now, though, can ensure you continue making appropriate decisions that will help to stop inflation leaving a lasting impression on your financial future. A […]
Spotlight on pension changes
During the Spring Budget the Chancellor announced several changes to pensions including increasing the Annual Allowance and the Money Purchase Annual Allowance. The changes, the most significant since pensions freedoms in 2015, have largely been met with positivity, bringing greater flexibility and opportunity. Some higher-paid workers faced additional tax bills as a result of building […]
Where are house prices most resilient?
In a housing downturn, not all cities and towns are equal. New research1 has highlighted which areas of the UK are the most resilient in the face of falling prices. On the slide In January, overall property prices fell for a fifth consecutive month, as the market continued to cool. Sliding prices have been brought […]
Green home improvements on hold
Homeowners are delaying improvements to the sustainability of their homes, according to the latest ‘Greener Homes Attitude Tracker’ from Natwest1, as cost-of-living difficulties remain. Cost-of-living delay More than a quarter of homeowners indicated they are less inclined to implement energy saving measures in the upcoming 12 months amid enduring financial concerns. In the three months […]
Wealth – Financial wellbeing – engage your mind
Financial wellbeing – engage your mind Having your finances in order brings tremendous peace of mind. Financial wellbeing varies from person to person but fundamentally encompasses having security around money, now and in the future, plus knowing what makes us happy, and having money goals in place to achieve this happiness1. The combination of money […]
We speak your language
Financial jargon can be confusing and overwhelming. A new study1 has revealed that seven in ten UK adults are puzzled by financial jargon. Age gap The research also found that those aged under 25 are least likely to feel puzzled by financial jargon, with around half (52%) of those aged 18 to 24 stating this, […]
Don’t risk living without home contents insurance
One in five 18 to 24-year-olds plan to cancel their home contents insurance at renewal to save money, according to new research1. Risky game As well as highlighting current cost-of-living concerns, the statistic reveals a worrying picture for young people who plan to abandon protection. Home contents insurance can be a shrewd financial investment because […]
Transferring wealth in the way you want
With the coming years set to see record flows of assets pass down the generations, the thorny issue of wealth transfer has inevitably become an increasingly important financial topic. Seeking professional advice is a crucial step that can ease any inheritance planning anxieties and facilitate the transfer of assets in the way that you want. […]