In today’s increasingly complex and challenging world, financial advice to help people navigate through life’s journey is more important than ever; a point vividly highlighted by a new study from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)1 which raises fears over the consequences of a worrying financial ‘advice gap’. Scammers’ paradise FSCS research shows that almost […]
Author archives: natalie
Time to review your resilience
Awareness of the importance of protection has risen since the pandemic and led many to reassess their financial and personal priorities. It’s sensible to review your protection cover once a year and to discuss it with those close to you to make sure it still meets your needs. Have the conversation Only half (52%) of […]
Economic Review – May 2023
UK growth forecasts upgraded Revised projections released last month by both the Bank of England (BoE) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) suggest the UK economy is now set to avoid recession this year. The BoE’s latest forecast predicts the economy will grow by 0.25% across the whole of 2023, a significant upgrade from February’s prediction […]
Residential Property Review – May 2023
Mixed market signals in May Recent releases from Savills presented mixed signals for the residential market, with the UK Housing Market Update pointing to recovering market activity in May, even as the English Housing Supply Update for Q1 2023 revealed a quarterly drop of 20% in new homes completed. The number of new sales agreed […]
Commercial Property Market Review – May 2023
Spotlight on UK retail The recently released shopping centre and high street spotlight from Savills for Q1 has highlighted that although the UK retail investment market has faced challenges, the occupational market has remained buoyant. From a volume perspective, emphasising consumer cautiousness in the face of high inflation, retail sales declined 3.2% year on year […]
Landlords tune in?
More than two in five landlords are not aware of the proposed Renters’ Reform Bill, a new study1 has claimed, despite the impact it will have on their portfolios. Should landlords be worried? What could change? The proposed legislation, which is set to be voted on before May 2023, includes many significant elements. If passed […]
Offsetting fiscal drag
The gradual reduction of disposable income due to inflation and changes in tax brackets, or frozen tax allowances, will weigh on your finances, causing ‘fiscal drag.’ By implementing various strategies, you can potentially reduce the impact of fiscal drag on your investments and increase your chances of achieving your long-term financial goals. The worst thing […]
Home Finance – In the news
Buyers priced out Some 41% of participants in a recent survey1 agreed with the statement, ‘I cannot afford to live in the area I want or need to live in’. Many renters and homeowners alike were unhappy with their current location, with job opportunities (37%), proximity to friends and family (35%) and a better lifestyle […]
Money – In the news
Digital pound likely this decade The Treasury and the Bank of England have started consultations on a potential digital pound, or central bank digital currency (CBDC), that could be used by households and businesses instead of cash for everyday payments in-store and online. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said, “We want to investigate what is possible first, […]
Wealth – In the news
Land driving surge in UK’s net worth Recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS)1 shows that the UK’s net worth rose by £1trn in 2021, to total £11.8trn, the largest annual increase on record (9.2%). This rise can be attributed to the increasing value of land, accounting for over 60% of net worth. […]