There have been several significant changes over the last couple of years and therefore some important actions are required before the end of current tax year as well as a number of planning opportunities that will take effect from 6th April 2016. To help you plan; under the various headings below, we have listed just
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With over 90 years of combined experience of financial planning & investing, we consider that it is very difficult and most likely impossible to predict when is the best time to enter or exit the market. The speed at which markets react to news means stock prices have already absorbed the impact of new developments.
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Key considerations for investors: Interest Rates have been so low for so long now although the US Federal Reserve has made the first move by raising rates in December 2016. When will be the next increase? Whilst it is intimated that the UK is someway off the US rises, it could be sooner if the
Read MoreGiven the current theme of global stock market volatility caused largely by the issues that exist in the Far East, we are providing a brief update addressing the current market volatility and the likely effect on your investments. Current Market Volatility There are concerns over market volatility in recent weeks, with the lack of a
Read MoreMany congratulations to Lucy Loughton, who has qualified to practice as a financial adviser. Lucy passed her final exam to achieve the CII’s Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning at the end of May 2015. Peter Blackburn, Director of Loughtons IFA said “This is a tremendous effort by Lucy and the result of 2 years of
Read MoreDefined Benefits (DB) or Defined Contributions (DC) Pension Schemes In the popular press, ‘final salary’, also known as ‘defined benefit’, pensions are often referred to as ‘gold-plated’, the implication being that they are superior to ‘defined contribution’ (money Purchased) arrangements such as Personal Pensions. Many therefore can dismiss the notion of doing anything with a
Read MoreYou are no doubt starting to see a lot of press regarding the proposed pension legislation and enhancements to ISA investments as we head up to the 6th April 2015. Naturally there are concerns and questions being asked, especially in the media and there are those that feel that the government are looking for short
Read MoreGlobal Stock markets have dipped significantly in the past few weeks as fears over global economies and falling inflation hit shares and drove up bond prices. Reports of the slowdown in growth in the US, disappointment over the health of the economy in Europe, concerns about a slowdown in Asia, as well as the threat
Read MoreWith so many pressures on us and information being available on managing your finances from seemingly everyone, including the proverbial ‘man down the pub’, we took some time to identify some of the key areas that could be improved when we are planning our finances. Have a look through and see how many apply to
Read MoreIt was only relatively recently, in April 2006, that HM Treasury brought in legislation to simplify the many different pension regimes that existed at the time. This was done partly to ensure that from the 6th April 2006, all pensions accrued their benefits within set limits, removing the bewildering array of different rules and caveats
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