This will be the last Autumn Statement. In future, the Budget Day will switch from spring to autumn, with a toned down statement on the economy delivered each March. This will give welcome breathing space between the announcement of budget changes and their introduction. Philip Hammond’s first Autumn Statement didn’t contain any major tax or
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As with Brexit, not may people foresaw Donald Trump emerging as winner of the US presidential election. There is obviously a considerable amount of discontent and frustration across Western democracies. This election result is a vote against the political establishment from a large part of society that is angry that government policy has done little
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The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has recently issued a reminder to all those who have expressed an interest in topping up their Additional State pension by up to £25 per week. The option to make Class 3A Voluntary Contributions applies to individuals who attained their state pension age on or before 5 April 2016, i.e.
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Summer or Winter? Now is the winter of our discontent ……. as the opening soliloquy of Shakespeare’s Richard III begins, as Richard, Duke of Gloucester forms his Machiavellian plans to take the crown. For many, their finances are a lifelong ‘winter’. This post is not aimed at those who need society’s support and help, but more
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No one likes to think that something bad will happen to them, but each year one million workers suddenly find themselves unable to work due to serious illness or injury*. Financial Protection is designed to provide a cushion against the financial impact of unexpected and costly events such as serious illness, unemployment, accidents, and death.
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Following the Brexit vote, Philip Hammond, Chancellor of the Exchequer has sought to reassure British businesses amid uncertainty in the wake of the vote to leave the EU. He told members at the Conservative Party conference there may be a rocky road ahead. “We are ready to take whatever steps are necessary to protect this
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Navigating the available options regarding ISAs can be confusing. With 6 months to go before the end of the tax year, now is a good time to look at whether you should be contributing to an ISA. Over time the ISA allowance has increased considerably, but savings rates have dropped. The Cash ISA & Stocks & Shares
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Grandparents can make a real difference to their grandchildren’s futures by helping with the costs of education. With the cost of a 3-year university course topping £50k*, many students are starting work with large debts, or worse, could be put off going altogether. Grandparents need not feel concerned about handing large sums to their grandchildren
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We have all had our chance to vote and have judged the benefits of an independent life outside the EU to be worth the costs of leaving it. In spite of the more emotional appeals to the contrary, this is not a disaster. The UK will certainly suffer an economic impact as businesses consider their
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How has the Brexit uncertainty affected the UK market? Although the EU referendum is dominating headlines in the UK, not all stock market movements are a result of the forthcoming vote. There are also a lot of global factors affecting ours and international markets. The year started with extreme pessimism about Chinese and global growth
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