Pension savers lost more than £2m to scammers in the first five months of this year. The average amount lost per victim so far in 2021 is a staggering £50,949 – more than double the £23,689 lost on average in 2020. This is according to worrying research from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which found […]
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Boost the value of your home
Homeowners have benefited from double-digit house price growth in the last few months and many people are looking to boost the value of their home even further. Whether you’re planning extensive renovations or finishing touches, it’s important to understand which projects will add the most value. Aim high Loft conversions can add valuable space to […]
Grandparents increased generosity during the pandemic
Most grandparents are familiar with the financial challenges faced by their grandchildren as they progress through education and into the world of full-time work. Costs such as university tuition fees can leave upcoming generations with substantial debts even before they enter the workplace, making it harder for them to save for a deposit on their […]
‘Cash is king’ mentality could prove costly
For many years, savers have seen cash as a safe, reliable option when building up a nest egg for the future. However, inflation has the potential to seriously reduce the value of cash savings over the years. Whilst a modest level of price inflation is considered a marker of a healthy economy, high inflation rates […]
News in Review
“The world is looking to you” All eyes turned to Glasgow on Monday as world leaders convened for COP26, which is being hailed as the most important climate change summit since the Paris Agreement was struck in 2015. The next couple of weeks are set to be packed with important announcements about the future of […]
Economic Review – October 2021
OBR forecasts stronger growth The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has upgraded its UK economic growth forecast and is now predicting the economy will return to its pre-pandemic level six months earlier than previously expected. Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled the independent forecaster’s revised projections during his Budget statement delivered to the House of Commons on […]
Mortgage process a mystery to many young adults
It is not only prohibitive house prices and stringent affordability criteria that are making it hard for young people to get on the property ladder. A new survey has revealed that the mortgage process is poorly understood by more than half of all young adults. In the survey1, 52% of 18 to 34-year-olds rated their […]
New investment habits set to outlast lockdown
In the past 18 months, many Britons have saved more money than usual as the closure of the economy reduced spending. Many canny investors have been channelling their savings into increased investment contributions. New research1 suggests that the majority of UK investors (76%) intend to keep up higher levels of contributions, with half saying they […]
News in Review
“Growth is being accompanied by an unprecedented rise in inflationary pressures” A closely monitored survey, released last week, suggests the UK economy unexpectedly regained momentum during October. The preliminary reading of the IHS Markit/CIPS Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 56.8, up from 54.9 in September. This represents the largest monthly increase since May […]
Humble mortgage overpayments add up
A boost in UK savings as a result of reduced expenditure on travel and leisure during lockdown could be the key to cutting thousands in interest and months from the terms of mortgages, according to research1. With Bank of England figures suggesting Brits saved an extra £200bn during lockdown, overpaying on your mortgage could prove […]