15th Jan 2020
Does such a thing as a cheap house even exist anymore? House prices continue to rise and mortgage lenders seem to have more demands on first-time buyers than ever. So, do cheap houses really exist – and if so, how can you afford one? Here are some alternative ways you can afford a home –…
14th Jan 2020
Even the smallest of issues on your credit score could affect your eligibility for big things like a mortgage, loan, or credit card. It can even affect whether you can get a mobile phone contract! The good news is that it’s easy to restore a bad credit reputation. It takes some time, but it IS…
18th Dec 2019
Pension annuities offer a guaranteed income for the rest of your life – but did you know the stock market can affect whether you’ll get a great (or terrible) rate? If you buy at the wrong time, your retirement income could be significantly lower every year. So, how does the stock market affect pensions –…
15th Dec 2019
A pension pot of around £100,000 offers a wide choice for your pension income options. Add to that the freedom of choice for annuities (thanks to the 2015 pension reforms) and you’ve got a lot to think about! Annuity rates aren’t fantastic at the moment – and haven’t been for a while. With economic and…
15th Dec 2019
Whether you’re tired of the UK’s political climate or simply fancy living in a warmer, sunnier place, retiring abroad is an option for many. But what does being an ex-pat mean for your pension and taxes? If you’re wondering whether you can still claim your State Pension, how your lump-sum payments will work, and what…
15th Dec 2019
Auto-enrolment is designed to encourage everyone in work to save for their retirement. Since it was introduced in 2012, the proportion of employees with a workplace pension has rocketed from 55% to a huge 87% in 2019. The scheme was introduced to encourage retirement planning. The idea is to reduce the future burden of older…
20th Nov 2019
Due to often Stakeholder pensions offer a cheap, flexible, and easy way to build your retirement fund. But how do they work, and how do you choose the right one for you? This quick and easy guide outlines how to get a stakeholder pension that suits your retirement plans. What is a stakeholder pension? How…
20th Nov 2019
A company pension may seem complicated but in this piece we show you simply how it works and how to make the most of it.
18th Nov 2019
Savings that beat inflation? Unheard of! Well, certainly in these turbulent economic times. Index-linked bonds, however, may offer just that. So, what are index-linked bonds, how do they work, and are they a good investment? Keep reading to find out! What are index-linked bonds? Should you choose it over a standard savings bond? What else…
17th Nov 2019
Savings rates have been rubbish for a long time now. With the current uncertainty facing the UK due to political turmoil, it’s unlike the Bank of England is going to raise interest rates any time soon. That’s great news for borrowers – but not for savers! Anyone with some capital to stow away could end…
11th Nov 2019
If you suspect you’ve been conned by the banks for years, you’re right – we’ve been sold rubbish products that make money for them rather than us for far too long. However, as the French proverb goes, “success is the best revenge”. My book Beat the Banks shows you how to make money the easy…
6th Nov 2019
Saving when you’re broke and over 50 may seem impossible. You’re either still in work and trying to put whatever you can into your pension pot, or already drawing down from your pension for an income much lower than you’re used to. Having no savings and a small income, and knowing your retirement is coming…
