Equity, currency, and bond markets have been in turmoil since early April, triggered by Donald Trump’s escalation of tariffs on all US trading partners. The new tariffs, which average 20-25%, vastly exceeded market expectations, are significantly higher than the 4.6%...

The Bank of England’s decision to cut the lending rate from 5% to 4.75% this week will be welcomed by home owners up and down the land, with those on tracker mortgages expecting an immediate reduction in their monthly payments.   The cut will also be seen as a...

Since 2022, mortgage rates increased at a record pace, with the 10-year fixed mortgage rate doubling between March 2022 and December 2022. With inflation increasing, the Bank of England introduced several bank rate rises, resulting in higher mortgage rates. Thankfully...

Nationwide, the UK’s biggest building society, has unveiled a new product aimed at first-time buyers, which offers an increased loan to income from 5.5 x to 6 x. Those looking to get on the housing ladder would be required to take out a five or ten-year fixed-rate...

Volatility describes periods of unpredictable, and sometimes sharp, market rises and falls. It's natural, but unnerving. Let us guide your pension planning. Whatever you do, don't panic. The value of investments rise and fall for all sorts of reasons - interest rate...

The Financial Planning Group are proud to celebrate its 10th year of achieving corporate Chartered status from the Chartered Insurance Institute. We are Chartered Financial Planners, publicly committed to a customer-first approach and values that align with a...

In 2024, about 4 billion people around the world will be eligible to vote in an election. This is a significant number that could have implications for the global economy, politics and markets. We will focus on two of the most notable elections from 2024: the UK and...

With almost half of 2024 behind us and the UK and US General Elections on the horizon, we share the latest views on the global economy, including the outlook for growth, inflation, jobs, and interest rates. Key points Underlying US economic growth was stronger than...

The gender pay gap is currently 7.7%. The gender pension gap measuring the amount of money in a pension fund at age 65 is £100,000. Leading to an average retirement income gap of 39% or £7,000 per year between men and women.  The Equal Pay Act is 48 years old, yet...

The Financial Planning Group office will be closed from 22 December and will open again on 3 January 2024.

With house prices having fallen during 2023 and lenders reducing rates, we are perhaps starting to see some chinks of light at the end of the tunnel for first time buyers struggling to get their first foot on a rung of the property ladder. A First Time Buyer Report...

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt presented his Autumn Statement on 22 November during which the government confirmed the second highest State Pension increase since it was introduced and nine documents were published relating to the pensions framework. These included calls for...

Here at The Financial Planning Group we monitor rates daily and can switch our clients to lower rates if a mortgage offer has been issued but not gone live. For example, a client had an offer accepted in mid-September at which point the best two-year fixed rate was...

Recent data by Standard Life shows that close to half (45%) of UK adults are concerned about the financial decision-making of their more vulnerable relatives as they get older, with 1 in 10 (10%) saying their relatives have made poor financial decisions in the past...

No deposit - No problem - 100% Mortgages are back. Mortgage lenders are now starting to provide products for people with a strong history of making rental payments over a period of time – therefore demonstrating they can afford mortgage repayments. These lenders are...

Nearly two thirds (64 per cent) of Brits do not feel confident about their retirement, whilst 36 per cent don’t feel confident about planning for retirement, research by workplace pensions specialists, Penfold, has revealed. The survey of 2,000 British workers also...

Figures released in August underline that an increasing number of families are being dragged into the inheritance tax (IHT) net due to years of house price increases, soaring inflation and tax freezes. Inheritance tax receipts are up 10% year-on-year with many also...

The last twelve months have been a real white knuckle ride for mortgage holders in the UK, many of whom have faced huge levels of stress and financial pain as interest rates have risen. Monthly costs have soared for thousands up and down the land and even if you are...

The amount of housing equity unlocked by the UK’s older homeowners jumped by 28 per cent to £5.2bn in 2022 according to figures obtained from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). It is a trend that many industry analysts predict will rise further due to an economic...

A new mortgage product has been launched aimed specifically at people who are currently renting. The deal, which lets buyers purchase a home with no deposit, requires house hunters to have a good credit history as well as a record of 12 months or more having paid...

Did you know that most lenders offer the option to “switch to fix”, which means you can take out a tracker mortgage then, when you feel fixed rates have hit bottom, switch penalty-free from the tracker onto a fixed rate with your existing lender without the need for...

A “golden opportunity” for workers to boost their state pensions has been extended, after it was reported that chaos on civil servant phone lines risked thousands missing out. People without a full National Insurance (NI) record are not entitled to the full state...

The latest data released by the Treasury shows that it has received record tax receipts across income, capital gains and inheritance taxes over the past year, however, tax experts warned this was unlikely to prompt cuts in personal tax rates in next month’s Budget....

The FTSE 100 reached an all-time high recently amid investor hopes that global inflation may be peaking, and central banks are nearing the end of aggressive interest rate hikes. The UK's blue-chip index reached a record high at market close of 7901.80. Sectors...

The Bank of England’s decision to increase the base rate to 4%, with an expectation it could increase further to a peak of 4.5% in March, was met with a reassured reaction from mortgage lenders, who believe the medium-term outlook is for rates to fall. For example,...

  The government netted £5.3bn from inheritance tax (IHT) between April and December 2022, which was £0.7bn higher than in the same period a year earlier, latest official statistics show. Figures from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) showed frozen thresholds were...

Planning for retirement, or later life finances, are topics that, for most people, are firmly placed in the ‘deal with later’ part of our brains, even though we acknowledge how critical both are to later life wellbeing and security. Equally, you won’t be too surprised...

The property and mortgage lending market may be a challenging one right now – Kwasi Kwarteng’s disastrous mini-budget in September saw mortgage rates rocketing at a time when the cost of living crisis was starting to bite – a combination that has lead British banks...

Soaring inflation figures over the past year or so have had a big impact on the UK economy, not only for those who have seen the surge in the cost of living erode household finances, but also to those who have a lump sum to invest, but are facing a landscape that...

Last week we saw the Bank of England increases its base lending rate by 0.5% to 3.5% – it was the ninth time in a year that the Bank had increased rates after it first lifted them to 0.25% from 0.1% in December 2021. However, on the same day, some mortgage lenders...

Instead of sending Xmas cards this year, The Financial Planning Group will be making donations to the Shooting Star Chase, British Heart Foundation and The Richmond Christmas Day Dinner charities. To join us in making a donation please click the following links....

Stock returns are volatile, but over time bull and bear markets show that the good times have significantly outshined the bad times. When the bull and bear markets are viewed together, it’s clear equities have rewarded disciplined investors. The stock market’s ups and...

Following recent changes, it should be remembered that dividend allowances will be cut from £2k to £1k in April, then reduced to £500 from April '24. The annual exemption for capital gains tax drops from £12.3k to £6k from April, then to £3k from April '24. If you...

New lending in the equity release sector totalled £1.5bn in the third quarter of 2022, which is a new record. This rose from a total of £1.05bn last year, as the average borrower released £114,354 from their property during this quarter. Borrowers in London unlocked...

Although we have seen consistent interest rate rises over the past months, as the Bank of England looks to tackle rising inflation, those who predicted a profound dip in property prices with spiralling mortgage rates, or a similar scenario to the 2008 financial...

Silver lining is emerging for homeowners following recent surges in mortgage borrowing costs that have caused widespread concern and contributed to the fall in house prices – latest data shows that fixed rates continue to fall from the highs following September’s...

Jeremy Hunt used the Autumn Statement in an attempt to calm markets and reset public finances with a series of tax rises achieved through cuts and freezes to allowances. In his first few days in office he had already reversed most of the measures announced in his...

After several weeks of turmoil and uncertainty in the mortgage market, we thought it would be useful to provide up-to-the-minute details on the current deals and options available to homeowners needing to consider a mortgage or re-mortgage, or those with a fixed rate...

It has been widely reported that the chaotic financial events witnessed in recent weeks has had a profound impact on the mortgage market – with homeowners facing a worrying scenario of spiralling rates and huge uncertainty. Although the newest Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt,...

Despite news stories currently circulating about mortgage lenders removing products from the market, here at The Financial Planning Group, we are still able to offer clients a FIVE YEAR FIXED RATE DEAL AT 3.91%. As you will no doubt be aware, market analysts believe...

With interest rates around the world set to rise again this week, increases that will impact the pockets of UK homeowners through higher mortgage costs, some borrowers could be saving thousands simply by moving off a standard variable rate (SVR) onto a new deal. You...

    Halifax has partnered with the Energy Saving Trust to develop a Home Energy Saving Tool which helps identify the types of energy efficient improvements you could make to help the environment, from better insulation to solar panels. It shows how much...

As you will no doubt be aware, the Bank of England raised interest rates again last week – this time by 0.5% to 1.75% – as it attempts to slow soaring inflation figures, which is predicted to hit 13% before the end of the 2022. Mortgage lenders were quick to pass on...

By David Booth Executive Chairman and Founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors When I was growing up, our local newspaper, the Kansas City Star, was full of news and had one page for opinion. After decades of cable news and nonstop digital postings, I see more opinions...

Historically, some people have pigeon-holed equity release as a product of last resort, however, over the past few years, it is frequently being used as a better accepted financial planning tool, a springboard to achieving retirement ambitions or an opportunity to...

The increased popularity of equity release so far this year further demonstrates greater flexibility and a property market where growth has far outstripped inflation. Retirees are becoming more aware of the opportunities that are available to them and are looking to...

  The introduction of no fault divorce laws in England and Wales were announced this week – long-awaited changes that are intended to make the legal process easier and more amicable when a marriage comes to an end. For many couples it is often the case that ‘the...

Over the past few months, the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee has sent clear signals that it intends to tackle inflationary pressures by restoring its Official Bank Rate back to its pre-Covid level of 0.75%, which of course leads to mortgage rate rises....

According to recent press reports, homeowners will be hit by rising mortgage bills if the Bank of England heeds economists’ calls to increase interest rates in order to tackle the spiralling price of everyday goods. The Bank is facing mounting pressure to put up...

  Investors are often conflicted about record-high stock prices. They are pleased to see their existing portfolio holdings gain in value but apprehensive that higher prices somehow foreshadow a dramatic downturn in the future. The traditional “buy low, sell high”...

Those are the findings of a recent report into the long-term plans of the nations retirees and calls into question perceived ‘downsizing’ ambitions as we grow older. Those questioned said they were simply too attached to their homes to consider moving, with those...

Why do people invest? The answer is usually to make money. There are various nuances but the primary objective, however, is profit. Historically, many of the highest yielding investments have focused on industries and companies that don't necessarily ‘do good' in the...

Over the last few years the Lifetime Mortgage and Property Equity industry has seen a significant evolution, with many homeowners using the money locked into the value of their existing property to give themselves and their families greater flexibility and investment...

According to the latest property sales data by Hamptons, house prices looks set to end 2021 around 4.5% higher than a year ago, with a record 1.5 million homes having changed hands. Forecasts also point to further rises over the next three years – sparked by the...

You can give your child or grandchild an enormous boost to their retirement planning with modest pension contributions today. Any UK resident under the age of 75 can add up to £3,600 into a pension plan each tax year, irrespective of their earnings. For example, by...

According to the latest data, 2021 is poised to be a record year for equity release growth in the UK – and with more equity release products available across the country, property wealth is increasingly being used as another element of retirement income, alongside...

Over the course of a working lifetime the majority of people change jobs numerous times – often necessitating signing up for a new pension scheme with each move. The legacy pension pots are then, usually, ‘forgotten’ about to deal with at a later date. Whenever that...

The latest data relating to the fast expanding lifetime mortgage market points to wealthier home owners ‘cottoning on’ to the opportunities provided by record property values and low interest rates. In recent years, lifetime mortgage rates have halved, and many...

According to the April’s mortgage data, UK homeowners’ borrowing levels were higher than in any month since comparable data began almost thirty years ago – caused in the main by the extended stamp duty holidays and very low mortgage rates. As we emerge from lockdown...

Today sees the government's 95% mortgage guarantee scheme go live, which is available for properties of all ages (previous schemes were for new build only) for those able to provide a 5% deposit on property with a maximum value of £600,000. The scheme is scheduled to...

Data released earlier this month underlines a continued growth in the property equity industry in 2021, with lenders evolving their products to match increasing demand, as well as competition in the market place. This, in turn, is providing far better options for...

If you are aged 65 or over and living in, or buying, your own home with a small or no mortgage and want to borrow £10,000 or more, there is a new ‘optional payment lifetime mortgage’ product you may be interested in – especially if you’d like to pay some, or all, of...

The Financial Planning Group has a fiduciary duty to treat all our clients fairly and act in their best interests. We strive to provide a consistent client experience that is both fair and reasonable. Ensuring that clients in vulnerable circumstances are treated with...

It has been a hectic start to the New Year for the UK property market, and despite the current lockdown restrictions, estate agents and mortgage advisors are very much open for business and busy as the Stamp Duty holiday cut-off looms into view – not to mention...

According to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick, the property market will stay open during England’s second lockdown which is due to come into effect on Thursday and set to last until at least December 2nd. In a series...

The Nationwide Building Society has published its latest report into the UK’s housing market, with September’s data showing that home prices are continuing to grow at the highest rate since 2016. Annual price growth in Greater London has now edged to 5%, with the UK...

According to the latest housing market data, UK house prices have continued their post-lockdown recovery, with August witnessing the highest monthly rise (2%) in more than 16 years. House prices have now reversed the losses recorded in May and June and are at a new...

Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled an economic update to the nation yesterday, in which he announced several measures aimed at stimulating key areas of the economy as we edge out of Covid-19 lockdown, targeting both business and individuals. Whether these measures will...

In the past few months we have seen average rates on fixed rate mortgage deals fall by over 0.5% – which will be welcomed by home owners up and down the land as we tip-toe out of lockdown into an uncertain economic landscape.   The Bank of England’s move to cut the...

Being mortgage-free at 55 is a situation many of us can only dream of – lifting the pressure of making monthly repayments and freeing your budget to focus on what really matters in your life is without doubt a shared aspiration. Financial peace of mind in times of...

The re-opening of the UK property market, following seven weeks of restrictions during lock-down, has seen a surge in viewings and offers, a combination which, it is hoped, will stave off the worst of the predicted house price drops from reaching fruition – in the...

  More people have been spending their time online under lockdown, whether to connect with family, carry out their work from home, or stay entertained with film and TV streaming sites. Unfortunately, this uptick in internet usage has also led to a spike in...

A series of emergency financial measures have been introduced in the past week or so, leaving many people unsure as to who’s eligible for what and when. This handy matrix guide offers some clarity to individuals/employees, self-employed individuals, as well as...

We wrote last week about our service and the steps we were taking in response to Coronavirus. We have been monitoring the situation closely and updating our planning. We are open and here to serve our clients. Looking after our clients, colleagues and their families...

Here at The Financial Planning Group, we are assessing the COVID-19 situation on a daily basis and, as officially nominated Key Workers, our office will continue to operate as close to normal as possible and our staff will remain available during office hours to offer...

We have had a lot of calls from clients keen to take advantage of the many medium and longer term fixed rate mortgage, or re-mortgage, deals currently available.    With so much uncertainty right now, many home owners are preparing in advance and fixing their monthly...

  Rishi Sunak’s first Budget took place against the backdrop of the global outbreak of COVID-19.  Not surprisingly the UK’s response to this was the initial focus – providing some much needed short term financial measures in the current uncertainty, from ensuring...

Like many people who have moved jobs, or even changed careers, during a working lifetime, you may be in a position where you have several smaller-sized pension pots spread out over several different companies. In most cases, consolidating a ‘patchwork of pensions’...

Is your mortgage is with Santander, Barclays, Natwest, Virgin, Nationwide, or any other bank or building society? If so, you could be paying too much for your mortgage every month and, as an existing borrower, The Financial Planning Group can help you transfer to a...

According to data released this week, UK banks approved the highest number of mortgages since 2015, as more signs of an upturn in the housing market emerge since December’s election. The Nationwide Building Society also report that annual house price growth across the...

New data released shows that since pension freedoms were introduced in April 2015, the nation’s 55-year-old-plus home owners have used property wealth to deliver £13bn of extra income. In fact, as we approach the pension law change’s fifth anniversary,...

Despite a subdued market, as well as continued uncertainty surrounding the impact that Brexit will have on our everyday finances in the short term, house prices in the UK rose by 1.4% during 2019 according to figures just released by one of the nation’s biggest...

Standard Life's Wrap platform picked up one of the big accolades at last week's 2019 UK Platform Awards. Standard Life’s Wrap proposition won Best Platform Provider (over £25Billion). We at The Financial Planning Group remain committed to providing our clients with...

A nervous TV reporter once approached legendary Nottingham Forest football manager Brian Clough and hesitantly asked: “Can we have a couple of words for the programme, Brian?” The normally belligerent Clough nodded with unusual acquiescence. The camera was readied,...

  Britain’s parents and grandparents are supporting their children’s attempts to get on the housing ladder at ever-increasing levels it has been revealed, with the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad emerging as the nation’s 10th biggest ‘mortgage lender’ according to new data...

  Further calls have been made for Banks and Building Societies to better inform their customers when discounted loan deal periods are set to expire – with a ‘four month notice’ alarm sounding rather than allowing homeowners to sleepwalk into extra standard...

Over the past few years there has been an increasing amount of media coverage, and media advertising, focused on Equity Release and Lifetime Mortgage products. You’ve no doubt seen the television marketing that has started to pop up during day-time ad breaks. Equity...

Nobody likes a bad news story, or hearing about how peoples’ lives have been affected by a tragic twist of fate or a sudden life-changing illness or injury, but it is an unfortunate fact that sometimes the circle of life turns to impact a family member or loved one…...

According to data released by financial analysts, Canada Life, inheritance tax (IHT) receipts are set to double over the next decade, which would equate to £10bn per year by 2030. IHT receipts hit record levels this year already, jumping to £5.4bn, up from £5.2bn in...

The Bank of England has indicated that interest rate rises could become "more frequent" than had been previously forecast - with the Bank’s Governor, Mark Carney, predicting that if the ongoing Brexit stalemate continues, along with an expected pick-up in inflation...

With the new financial year start-date just a week away, we thought it was timely to update our clients and professional partners on the five main changes to tax rates and allowances that could affect you over the next 12 months. If you have any questions regarding...

Investors look set to be handed new exit fee freedoms by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) according to recent reports, with the regulator calling for a ban, or cap, on the charges some investors face when switching to a new investment platform. The call to...

If at all humanly possible, accepting your lender's ‘Standard Variable Rate’ is a situation that no UK family should consider accepting, unless of course, you enjoy spending your hard earned wages on unnecessary interest. There should also be no need to feel like a...

The last couple of years have been a tough old time for UK buy-to-let landlords – with the Government removing favourable tax breaks, the implementation of more stringent affordability tests from lenders, plus a slowdown in house price growth – has combined to make...

With so much economic and political uncertainty circulating at the moment, whilst the Brexit Rollercoaster ride shows no sign of concluding, you may not be surprised to learn that Britain’s housing market has been left dazed and subdued. In simple terms, confidence in...

Unfortunately, for many married couples in the UK, the start to 2019 has been a far from happy period with  ‘break up bombshells’ being dropped up and down the land. According to data analysed by divorce support service Amicable, more than 40,500 people will search...

If you're one of the 5.5 million taxpayers leaving your self-assessment to the last minute, it may be worth checking you have a valid excuse for late submission. The Revenue classifies a reasonable excuse as something that stopped you meeting a tax obligation that you...

  As you will no doubt be aware, stock markets have been extremely jittery in recent days, due to the political situation on both sides of the Atlantic. In the UK, the FTSE 100 has bounced back to some degree after a heavy falls, however, with so much at stake...

November saw the retirement ages of both men and women achieve parity for the first time in 70 years, however, research by Aegon highlights that almost half of women (49%) admit they are not confident of being able to enjoy a comfortable retirement, compared to a...

Financial adviser research1 carried out by Old Mutual International highlights the importance of trust planning and the increase in demand from Clients. Financial Planners add real value when advising their clients on tax and financial planning aspects, and trusts...

With the Christmas office party season looming into view, small business owners have a lot to contemplate if they want to provide a memorable festive celebration for their staff to enjoy.  Rewarding hard-working staff is central to any office party, but it is often...

The software platform The Financial Planning Group uses to manage our clients’ investment portfolios has been recognised by an independent panel of judges, chaired by Personal Finance Society chief executive Keith Richards, as the best platform provider for funds over...

Did you know that a third of retirees spent more time choosing their car than they did choosing their pension? Ok, to many of us, enjoying the nicer things in life, and embracing a sense of Carpe Diem when the time is right is fully understandable, however, new...

To many older home owners, using some of the equity that is locked within the value of their home is becoming an increasingly attractive proposition, but choosing the right product, or lender, often makes research confusing and decision making daunting. Lifetime...

  Rising property prices and the increasing cost of further education mean that today’s young adults face a much greater financial hill to climb than previous generations. And increasingly it's grandparents who are coming to the rescue. The Council of Mortgage...

  Young professionals looking to purchase their first home, or move up a rung on the property ladder, were handed some positive news this week after the Clydesdale Bank launched a home loan deal offering more generous income limits for those who have qualified...

As people get older, unfortunately, there may come a time when they are no longer able to make financial decisions for themselves. As that time approaches many people choose to set up a lasting power of attorney arrangement whereby a trusted friend, or family member,...

Enjoying your retirement, after years of hard work, is a situation we all hope to achieve, however, many pensioners struggle with fears about over spending, or running out of money later in life, meaning that when it becomes time to relax and enjoy their savings,...

offers a reminder of the importance of saving into a pension at as young an age as possible, as columnist Sally Hamilton tells readers, her one big financial regret is not starting to put money aside for retirement earlier. "Retirement saving was not my priority back...

General Data Protection Regulations In line with our obligations under the new general Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) that come into effect on the 25 May 2018, we have prepared a detailed privacy notice which sets out the personal data that we collect and the...

Having absolute confidence in those entrusted to look after your hard earned money is imperative – whether that is the bank you choose to manage your day to day financial affairs, or the investment specialists tasked with ensuring you are maximising the returns on a...

The Financial Planning Group is delighted to announce an award – the first and only A rating (Superior) by AKG – for the financial strength of the Wrap platform we use. AKG is an independent organisation specialising in the provision of assessment, ratings,...

  One of Teddington's most looked forward to events, the annual Chestnut Sunday Parade, takes place on Sunday 6 May this year. The avenue of chestnut trees in Bushy Park was established during the reign of William and Mary (late 17th century) after Sir...

If you would like more information on any of the topics in this newsletter, or to arrange a financial planning consultation, please fill in your details below, or call us on 0800 731 7614

As we approach to the second anniversary of the additional 3% stamp duty levy that was introduced for Buy To Let (BTL) purchasers, landlords should be reminded that BTL rates are now running at 1% lower than they were in 2016, with many BTL providers also having...

With the tax year end fast approaching on April 5, The Financial Planning Group thought we would highlight certain changes for the forthcoming tax year – timing is often the key ingredient in tax planning, so now is the perfect opportunity to take stock of your...

Landlords should be aware that it will be against the law in England and Wales to grant a new tenancy, to either new or existing tenants you’re your property doesn’t have an Energy Performance Certificate rating of ‘E’ or above. It should also be noted that mortgage...

A recent study by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) confirmed there are 1.67 million interest only mortgages in the UK – with home owners relying on continued house-priced rises to repay the loan in the future. However, this would necessitate selling the property...

Higher income earning mums with young children are being warned they could face a hit to the tune of £23,000 to their state pension due to changes to the child benefit rules. The government introduced a ‘high income child benefit tax charge’ in 2013, which affects...

Over the past 12 months we have witnessed a sharp rise in demand for mortgage products which allow parents to give a financial leg up on the property ladder to their children – to many first time buyers the Bank of Mum and Dad offers the only realistic solutions of...

Investment discipline can be difficult. Despite best intentions many investors chase performance and react emotionally to market swings. Trying to adapt to changing market conditions and altering investment holdings is speculating and often leads to increased costs...

Family Mediation Week aims to raise awareness of mediation and how it can help separating families manage their issues collaboratively and productively. Here at The Financial Planning Group we have 25 years experience working in conjunction with solicitors to achieve...

Figures released this week the Equity Release Council show this form of lending reached record numbers in 2017 – more than £3 billion was lent to home owners in this sector, growth of 42% on the previous year.  The final quarter’s lending alone totalled £833 million,...

Insuring Women’s Futures (IWF) is a programme established by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), aimed at promoting and enhancing the insurance industry’s role in relation to women and risk. The UK insurance industry alone contributes £29bn to GDP and employs...

  If you’ve had your ears pricked recently by reports regarding amazing returns from investing in Bitcoin or other Crypto currencies, or investigated other buzzword topics such as Blockchain technology, then it can be quite a baffling learning process to even...

The Financial Planning Group are delighted to announce that our main WRAP provider, Standard Life, have qualified for an AdviserAsset Platinum rating for the third year in a row – one of only five UK WRAP providers to receive the highest platform rating. The Platinum...

The first working Monday of the New Year has been dubbed ‘Divorce Day’ by lawyers who witness an annual spike in demand for their family law services – unfortunately the season of good will is far from that for many couples – and the extra financial strain that...

If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to finally get around to start tackling your pension requirements by putting some of your hard earned money away for later in life, then new analysis suggests that an average UK earner requires a pension pot that is over...

  The Financial Planning Group are closed for our Christmas break and will reopen on Thursday 4th January. 

  The Financial Planning Group have donated to two charities close to our hearts this Christmas, instead of sending Christmas cards. Crisis Crisis at Christmas is a unique volunteer effort that provides immediate help for homeless people at a critical time of...

Savvy UK homeowners are taking advantage of a unique economic landscape – in which further interest rate rises are predicted in conjunction with a myriad of near record low fixed term mortgage deals – ensuring they are protected against unexpected hikes in the medium...

  The Chancellor, Philip Hammond, delivered his Autumn Budget to Parliament, in which he outlined sluggish growth for the UK economy over the next four years – according to Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) figures – with weak productivity named as one...

Over half (55%) of UK consumers do not realise mortgage brokers can offer more product choice than banks or building societies, according to a report published by Legal and General. The report showed that 48% of homeowners and prospective buyers who did not use a...

The news that the Bank of England has raised interest rates for the first time in more than a decade – from 0.25% to 0.5% – may not have come as a total surprise, however, the hike should come as a wake-up call to many home owners who could have been more protected...

  Phoenix, the pensions group which owns Axa, SunLife and Abbey Life, have released some worrying information that says more of its customers have reported approaches from unregulated companies after obtaining personal details about their pensions. Around 10% of...

  Economists have once again offered contrasting views on the short-term chances of a rise in interest rates following this week’s published inflation figures that showed the UK’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) had climbed to 3%, it’s highest level in more than five...

Ever since reforms to the Pension industry rules came into force in 2015, those over the age of 55 have been able to ‘dip in’ to their pension pots – but with those extra freedoms has come the temptation to spend in the short term on ‘living today’ rather than in...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X-QdPtc4ZQ Sustainable and ethical investment and finance allows you to have a positive impact on the environment and society without sacrificing financial performance. Good Money Week, which runs between October 8-14, raises awareness...

A recent report into pension advice behaviour of those aged between 54 and 71 has found that those who had planned for their pension provision after taking professional advice were, on average, 39% a year better off in retirement than those who had made their...

September’s Nationwide House Price Index report shows that London has become the weakest performing region in the UK for first time since 2005, with house prices down 0.6% year-on-year. However, nationally, annual house price growth stable at 2.0% in September. The...

According to figures released this week, one in five workers aged over 50, which equates to almost 2 million people, will face having to work longer before they consider retirement because of implications caused by their children’s or parents’ financial needs. The...

You may not have thought so judging by the numerous health concern articles that appear in the mainstream press, or by the frequent warnings regarding our weekly alcohol unit intake, but from a tax perspective, alcohol revenues appear to be drying up. According to...

Here’s seven quirky facts that also help focus our minds on the importance of pension planning and investing in our futures. £40,000 The current annual allowance of £40,000 could buy you one night in The Ty Warner Penthouse at the Four Seasons in New York - the...

  Following North Korea’s latest missile launch, and with tensions in the Korean Peninsula escalating, many concerned observers are asking why this potential for international conflict has yet to affect the world’s stock markets. Hydrogen bombs and medium range...

  The Bank of England’s Consumer Price Index cost of living benchmark for August matched May’s five-year high figure, prompting talk of an interest rate hike sooner than previously expected. The Bank’s policy makers meet later this week to discuss whether to...

Reports suggest that thousands of higher-earning parents are unaware of the link between their pension contributions and their family’s child benefit entitlements. If either parent earns over £50,000 per annum then annual payments per child of £1,076 tax free start to...

If you are fortunate enough to be looking forward to unwinding by the pool, or contemplating life whilst sipping a cold drink on the beach this August, then maybe you’ll appreciate the fact that, sometimes in life, you just need to relax and do as little as possible....

The amount of people opting to release equity from their home, rather than downsize or relocate, reached a record high in the second quarter of 2017, with over-55s withdrawing more than £700m from their homes. That is a 36% increase on a year ago and they highest...

The unexpected fall in the latest inflation figures seems to have seen off any imminent threat of an interest rate rise in the UK, however, some Economists see this data as a blip, meaning those looking to grab one of the currently available low rate mortgage or...

They suggest that The Bank of England (BoE) is in an anomalous position… “ The US Federal Reserve and European Central Bank are gearing up for ‘normalisation’ of monetary policy in the absence of inflationary pressure, whilst policymakers at the BoE must decide how...

Research released this week shows that people who receive either independent or restricted financial advice are, on average, £40,000 better off than their unadvised peers. The data, which is supported by Royal London, found those who received financial advice...

  After more than 100 years’ growth in life expectancy levels in the UK, experts have claimed there has been a sharp dip in recent years. Lifestyle choices, as well as an increase in Alzheimer’s diagnosis, are contributory factors it is claimed. The increase rate...

  Lenders expect a slight reduction in mortgage availability over the next three months, the Bank of England said today. This is expected to affect only borrowers with loan to value (LTV) ratios of more than 75%, and in particular those with a LTV ratio of more...

Or download the PDF version here FPGnewsletterJune17 If you would like more information on any of the topics in this newsletter, or to arrange a financial planning consultation, please fill in your details below, or call us on 0800 731 7614...

Barclays have launched some very attractive new residential and buy-to-let mortgages as well as sweetening many of its current deals. These include a new 1.65 per cent two-year fixed rate house purchase loan at 75 per cent LTV, with no fees and a higher value...

For the past eight years, Wealth-X, the leading global wealth information researchers, have collaborated with the Financial Times newspaper to inform readers of the top performers in the UK’s wealth management industry. This year’s results were published in the FT...

According to recent research, ‘The Bank of Mum and Dad’ risk incurring accidental inheritance tax (IHT) bills due to not fully understanding the rules on gifting money to family members and friends. Nervousness and confusion were cited as key factors in not fully...

Remarkably, in an era when so many of us shop around to find the best available deals on our car insurance, utility bills and will spend hours trying to shave a few pounds off holiday flights, would you believe that 58% of people have never remortgaged to a better...

The latest data from the British Bankers Association shows that lenders’ increased scrutiny has slowed down mortgage approvals for the third month running – with remortgage approvals at their lowest level since November 2006. Industry experts feel that banks and...

The phased removal of tax relief for would-be buy to let landlords, plus a stamp duty surcharge on second property ownership, has seen a big fall in demand since April 2016 when the new rules came into effect, as well as a reduction in mortgage approvals from lenders....

According to an insightful article in the Financial Times recently, Saga, Aga and Gaga are the three phases of retirement; “Firstly, the “Saga phase”, when you’re sprightly enough to travel the world, take endless cruises and do the things you’ve always wanted. Next,...

Stay at home parents, who are currently out of employment whilst raising a young family, can still contribute to a pension to the tune of £2,880 per year and receive 20% tax relief – the government will also top this amount up by £720, which makes the maximum...

According to figures released by the Bank of England, mortgage companies have tightened their lending criteria in recent weeks, which has led to a reduction in approval rates and fewer loans being offered. House prices have grown 5.8% in the year to February according...

A report by the BBC highlights why April could be a month of tightening the purse strings in households all over the land, with a list of changes coming into effect throughout the month. A rise in the National Living Wage, an increase in personal allowance income tax...

The much anticipated triggering of Article 50 this week will have far reaching implications for the UK’s economy, however, to know whether the ramifications will be positive or negative, you would need a crystal ball to determine. The impact of exiting the EU on our...

Prime Minister Teresa May has signed the letter of notification to the President of the European Council, which triggered the much-discussed Article 50 and outlines the UK’s intention to withdraw from the European Union. This historic event is a real landmark, but...

Juggling work commitments with often complicated and expensive child care arrangements is a situation that all parents struggle with – especially during the pre-school years – and it is no exaggeration to say that it can be a exhausting combination. The Institute of...

According to the first significant UK house price report published in 2017, prices are continuing to rise by almost 6.5% on average in the first month of the year. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows that the average UK house price was £218,000 in the...

The government’s decision to halt its Budget announcement plans to raise National Insurance rates for self employed people, following stinging criticism from Conservative back-benchers and a significant section of the public, has raised concerns that the U-turn will...

Although many of today’s newspaper headlines accuse the Chancellor of moving away from a manifesto pledge, after launching a £2 billion tax rise on self-employed workers to provide extra money for social care, there were no other significant tax or pensions changes in...

Homeowners who delay the decision to remortgage their homes at the end of fixed-rate deals, thus moving onto the lender’s standard variable terms, are facing avoidable monthly expenditure. For example, somebody with a £200,000 repayment mortgage over a 25-year term...

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced IFA Senior Administrator/Junior Paraplanner to join a well-established Chartered Financial Planning Practice providing a highly personalised financial planning service. As part of the existing team, you will be...

According to new data issued by the Office of National statistics (ONS) a quarter of neighbourhoods in England and Wales were off-limits to many prospective homeowners last year because average income in these areas was below the level needed to buy an entry-level...

Economic observes have suggested that, as Britain edges towards the first phase of European withdrawal next month, that minor cracks in the UK economy will persuade the Bank of England to keep Interest Rates as they are in the short-medium term. The exact terms of...

This week’s court much publicised ruling, that Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan do not have the right to enter into civil partnership, has implications for millions of cohabiting mixed-sex couples in the UK. The couple, who have a young daughter together, have...

Buy-to-let landlords fear that new ‘stress test’ regulations that were introduced this year, which dictate that a landlord’s rental income must cover 125% of their mortgage interest costs, as well as a hypothetical interest rate of 5.5%, will make remortgaging their...

HMRC's latest weapon in the battle against tax evasion and avoidance is the introduction of new penalties against 'enablers' of unacceptable tax avoidance schemes. HMRC's specific avoidance armoury now consists of: DOTAS (Disclosure Of Tax Avoidance Schemes) - their...

If you are considering moving home, or re-mortgaging your existing property, the unveiling of Santander’s new product range could have come at the perfect time for you. The lender launched its lowest-ever fixed rate mortgage, a 0.99 per cent 18-month loan at 60 per...

Pensioners who find themselves confused by the myriad of options available to them, yet are put off seeking professional advice because of the possible cost implications, will be heartened to learn that from April 2017, those planning for later-life financial...

As bad financial habits go, ‘saving too much’ does not, on the face of it, seem too bad a position to be in. However, according to data issued by pension provider, Royal London, the amount of money squirreled away in low-interest cash Isa accounts could be costing the...

Pensions remain the most tax efficient way to save for retirement. And the new freedoms have removed any lingering barriers to accessing funds and passing on unused funds on death. To ensure our clients don't miss an opportunity for a top up, we've put together 10...

  In 2016, the UK market reached new highs and stocks in a majority of developed and emerging market countries delivered positive returns. UK investors with overseas assets benefited from the decline of the value of the pound, with Sterling falling 16% against...

Predicting how the UK’s housing and mortgage market will shape up in the year ahead is certainly more of an art than a science in the wake of a highly eventful 2016, however some outcomes are more likely than others in 2017. For example, mortgage experts believe that...

Securing the perfect child care arrangement for working parents has always been a priority, and in many cases, grandparents play an important role by giving up work to look after their grandchildren – many families rely on this support. However, although there is a...

According to research by the Halifax, the number of first-time buyers who purchased a property last year was at the highest level since the financial crisis in 2008, with an estimated 335,750 new buyers climbing on the first rung of the property ladder. Industry...

According to a fascinating feature in the Financial Times this week, each of us fits into one of six financial personality types: these include The Hoarder, The Splasher, The Anxious Investor and The Ostrich… Which one are you? In life, no two people are the same, so...

Economists’ failure to predict the 2008/9 global financial crisis was described as a ‘Michael Fish’ moment by the Bank of England’s chief economist, Andy Haldane, who was referencing the BBC weather man who failed to see a huge storm heading for Britain in 1987....

The findings of a new report by the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) highlights that the wealth of younger generations is likely to become even more intrinsically linked to their parents’ fortunes, and although that has been the case for time in memorial, the report...

A new edition of The Financial Planning Newsletter is being distributed throughout Teddington this week, offering readers a broad selection of financial and investment related stories and news items. A digital version of the the new issue can also be seen...

Few of us consider ourselves gullible enough to buy into a scam investment scheme, however, the story of Deanne Forrest highlights that ‘absolute zero-risk’ ‘high return’ sales patter could fool even so called street-wise investors. Reports in the press this week tell...

HSBC have taken the symbolic step of ending its record-low 0.99% two year fixed rate mortgage deal, as the bank raised rates across its portfolio of home loan products – the move has left many industry analysts asking whether this ‘turning point’ marks the end of...

Philip Hammond's first Autumn Statement didn't contain much in the way of major news regarding tax or pensions changes, which gives clarity when planning for the tax year-end and 2017 as a whole. There was welcome news that pension tax relief will remain untouched,...

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced IFA Senior Administrator/Paraplanner to join a well-established Financial Planning Practice which provides a highly personalised financial planning service. As part of existing team, you will be responsible for...

Every now and then, unexpected events can take people by surprise. That happened recently with the UK’s EU referendum, plus of course this week's US election result, and it caused a flurry of activity across world markets. Short-term volatility can make investing in...

Donald Trump has won one of the most acrimonious presidential elections battles in recent US history. He will become the most powerful man on the planet and the leader of the world’s largest economy. You might think, therefore, that the outcome of the election will...

For many of us, making the right financial decisions probably features quite high on our list of priorities. For others, the state of the planet and the kind of world we are handing down to the next generation, may be of concern. Climate change, poverty, access to...

For many individuals, knowing that their money is invested with ethically and socially responsible companies is of great importance – this is an area in which our company has extensive experience. The Financial Planning Group is once again be supporting Good Money...

Annual research for ‘Good Money Week’ has found that 54% of British investors want their investments to have a positive impact, beyond just making money. A record high since polling began in 2009*.  In a sign that the sustainable investment market has shed its image...

New research of British adults reveals that, among 18-24 year olds, 37% feel unsure of what a bank is and 83% of this age group also felt unable to explain what sustainable investments are.  An independent poll by YouGov surveying British adults aged 18+ –...

Nobody wants to spend too much time thinking about the unsavory issue of death, however, according to a thought-provoking article published by moneysavingexpert.com this week, planning for the end isn’t about being morbid, it’s about making crucial decisions to help...

That is the staggering amount of re-mortgage business that banks and building societies are looking to cater for in the final weeks of 2016 – with home owners’ fixed-period deals coming to an end – enabling them to shop around to find themselves a new deal. And what a...

The buy-to-let market has been transformed during 2016 – with landlords facing restrictive new legislative hurdles put in place by the government in an attempt to assist first time buyers climb on the property ladder. April 2016 saw the introduction of a second...

A warning by one of the UK’s leading pension providers, LV=, suggests that over-55s who have drawn down contributions from their retirement pots are on the ‘cusp of a mis-buying crisis’ if they risk reinvesting these funds in products without the help of an advisor....

The full implications of Brexit on the UK housing market in the medium-long term remain largely unknown to industry analysts, and although estate agents are reporting a post-referendum downturn in demand, with modest price reductions reported in some regions, the Bank...

Base rates remained unchanged at 0.25% following the Bank of England’s monthly meeting in London on Thursday, although the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) suggested that it may consider cutting rates further in coming months, despite the post-Brexit landscape...

Mark Carney faced questions from MPs on the Treasury Select Committee this week, and defended the Bank of England’s stance ahead of the Brexit vote after criticism of his handling of the referendum outcome and the Bank’s decision to cut interest rates to a record low...

For many individuals, knowing that their money is invested with ethically and socially responsible companies is of great importance – this is an area in which our company has extensive experience. The Financial Planning Group we will once again be supporting Good...

Much has been written about the so-called ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ in recent years – a period that has seen a large growth in the amount of parents and grandparents helping their offspring on to the property ladder – 2016 has seen £5bn leant in this way already. Every...

It’s been a nerve-wracking couple of weeks for students and their parents who have been waiting for the release of those all-important A level and GCSE results with baited breath. For many, opening that envelope will bring good news – with university and collage...

Moody’s, one of the world’s most renowned economic rating agencies, has produced data which they suggest demonstrates that although the UK economy is slowing down, it is not to the level that more pessimistic commentators have feared. The US company, who provide data...

A recent poll by news agency Reuters has hinted that the UK economy could contract by 0.1% in each of the next two quarters, which would be classified as a recession and could prompt the Bank of England to shave a further fraction off of the Base Rate later in the...

August is always a quieter month for estate agents, with potential buyers traditionally taking a break from house-hunting, however, this year’s summer season seems to be slower than usual, which some analysts suggest shows more home owners have decided to put off...

Although the Bank of England decided not to reduce interest rates in July as it further assesses the impact of Brexit on the UK's economy, intensifying competition between banks and building societies - who are expecting a base rate cut in August - means that fixed...

The post-Brexit landscape continues to change at a rapid pace following new Prime Minister Teresa May’s dramatic move into Number Ten, and the unveiling of a new-look Cabinet – almost every Governmental department has welcomed in a new Ministerial head in the 48 hours...

The Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, made a statement on Tuesday to give a further economic update following the Brexit vote result on June 23rd. Although equity markets have largely recovered, with the FTSE100 currently at pre-referendum levels following...

The implications of Brexit on the UK property sector was widely predicted to have a negative impact on both commercial and residential markets, and in the coming weeks and months, homeowners will be nervously looking at the economic forecasts for any signs of a...

A recent YouGov poll commissioned by the Times newspaper has produced some worrying findings regarding Britain’s Middle-class workers and their ability to pay even a modest sized unexpected bill, without having to consider a bank or payday loan. According to the...

High achieving, dynamic, independent women may be every bit as capable and financially aware as their male counterparts, however, data shows that for some reason, women are less likely to invest on the stock market than men. Women will be the first to agree that in...

We all have different goals in life, with varying aspirations when it comes to our dream retirement age, or reducing our earning requirements to a level where we spend more time doing the things we love. Some people aim to get rich, while others aim to get happy. An...

An interesting article appeared in the Financial Times earlier this week, written by Merryn Somerset Webb, who suggests that despite the continuing problem of first time buyers not being able to afford to purchase a property, an issue that is particularly acute in the...

The Chief Executive of one of the UK’s leading estate agents has warned that months of rising property prices could be about to come to an abrupt end, and that ‘trouble in paradise’ was likely following a slump in buyer demand. Paul Smith, CEO of Haart, which has 100...

What are your thoughts on a potential 25% fall in the value of your home as a result of Britain voting ‘Leave’ on June 23? Whatever your reaction to that scenario, here at The Financial Planning Group, we don’t envisage local residents will be as cheery as Jeremy...

The Church of England, which has an investment fund of more than £9bn, has come under pressure in the past to “offload particular investments to reflect its values" notably a commitment to tackling climate change. And recent reports show, that during 2015, church...

An increase in pension contributions over the last year has seen the UK's tax waste drop by £300 million, however, as the following infographic shows, pension apathy is still the biggest area of tax waste - people aren't using pensions as much as they should be....

According to reports in the press today, ‘The Bank of Mum and Dad’ is now equivalent to one of the UK’s top 10 mortgage lenders with an estimated £5bn plus set to be ‘lent’ in 2016. Research conducted by L&G’s Centre for Economics and Business Research estimates...

Ahead of mortgage interest tax relief changes that are due to be implemented in April 2017, some lenders have already started to unveil new affordability criteria to ensure landlords don’t over expose themselves when taking out buy-to-let mortgages in the future. The...

Figures released this week show that an increasing number of ‘equity rich, cash light’ BabyBoomers are deciding to sign up for Equity Release schemes and are borrowing record amounts against their home’s value. Almost £400m was released from homes in the first quarter...

Forecasts and press reports that offer opinions on the state of the UK housing market are something that fascinate anyone who owns a property, or those trying to get on the property ladder. The shortage of affordable homes in the UK, alongside steep rises in prices in...

Inheritance Tax and Estate Planning has been in the news headlines constantly over the past week or so, with PM David Cameron and his family affairs coming under very close scrutiny. However, these are topics that affect every single one of us, and issues that will...

George Osborne announced in the last Summer Budget that the dividend tax credits system, which he described as “arcane and complex”, was to be modernised. Those changes have come into effect this week and will impact anyone expecting significant dividend income....

According to a report in this weekend’s Telegraph, Middle Class families are 'resentful' over the Government’s desire to take a record £4.6bn in inheritance tax (IHT) – a report by the Office for National Statistics also showed that receipts for the 12 months to...

An article in the Guardian newspaper this week served as a timely reminder of the fast-approaching end to the tax year on Sunday 5th April and flagged four key areas. Advice such as maximising your available Isa and Pension allowances; ensuring you keep your child...

If you are on a long term tracker with a Barclays/Woolwich account which, until now, has been a great deal – we may be able to better it – without even switching lender. With five-year fixed rates available from 2.25%, and trackers from 1.43%, we can get you a new...

Chancellor George Osborne delivered his Budget to parliament yesterday, with today's newspapers full of varied reactions. The Daily Mail summed it up as, "A fine Budget, marred by the dreaded  D-word (Deficit)", with The Financial Times' front page suggesting that;...

The term ‘robo-advice’ has appeared in several Press stories this week, following the Financial Conduct Authorities (FCA) decision to allow automated online software and algorithms to be used when offering financial advise to investors. Aware that an increasing number...

It has emerged that many wealthy homebuyers are currently being denied access to the best mortgage deals from high street lenders, despite exemptions to affordability rules that should allow them to borrow higher sums at greater loan-to-income ratios. The Financial...

According to reports over the weekend, Chancellor George Osborne will drop plans to alter the tax relief rules on pension contributions from his March 16 budget, although many commentators believe the changes are being deferred until after the Euro referendum rather...

The UK Bank Interest Rate has been frozen at just 0.5% for the past six years, with recent forecasts suggesting that there may be no rise from that historic low until Autumn 2019 at the earliest, and some analysts even suggesting that could continue into the early...

Leap years are a considered a bonus for finance ministers around the world as the extra day boosts their nation’s annual output by a sliver and so flatters their record. Leap day is an artifact that dates back to the year 46 B.C. Back then, Julius Caesar took the...

Former pensions minister, Steve Webb, caused a stir at the weekend when suggesting an end to the tax-free lump sum that can be be taken from pensions may be announced in the Budget on March 16th. The comments have led to confusion, with many individuals with pension...

Mortgage interest rates of around 2% could be with us until 2020, according to the former chair of the Financial Services Authority, Lord Adair Turner. Lord Turner’s prediction was made on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, in which he also commented that the bank lending...

You may have read reports in the press over the past week or so that raise alarm bells regarding imminent changes to pension tax relief, which is currently one of the most generous tax breaks available to higher rate taxpayers. The reports suggest that the Chancellor...

According to a recent survey, as many as 57% of taxpayers admit they have done nothing to reduce the tax they pay in the last year. The reasons behind this vary from not being aware, not understanding tax issues, or simply because they just haven’t thought about it…...

2015 in Summary After several years of seemingly uninterrupted growth, 2015 was marked by increased volatility. The year got off to a good start with many markets around the world reaching record highs in April, but stocks fell dramatically in August, led by a sharp...

There are just ten weeks to go until 6th April's financial year end, and to ensure you don't miss an opportunity, here are ten reasons to fund your pension before the April deadline. If you would like to speak to one of our financial advisors about any of the topics...

March 16th 2016 looks set to become a very important date for Britain’s higher earners as, according to Richard Dyson writing in today’s Telegraph, “it will be the date that Mr Osborne launches his most violent attack yet on better-off earners and savers.” There are...

As we enter a new year, many financial commentators have suggested that the Bank of England may follow their US counterparts by raising the base lending rate during 2016, which is a perennial concern to all home-owners who fear a hike in their monthly outgoings....

As of January 1, savers with large amounts of cash savings could face losing £100s in interest because of new rules which require splitting cash pots to ensure it is adequately protected. A key depositor protection deadline passed along with the 2015 year end, which...

  The Financial Planning Group would like to wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2016. If you would like to speak to us about your  financial situation or retirement planning options, please call us on 0800 731 7614 or by e-mail...

Investors who were tempted to place savings in the Governments ‘pensioner bonds’ will be disappointed to discover that the returns they expected have been halved. The bonds had been designed to encourage the over-65s to invest, with attractive returns on cash savings...

Those who attended our recent Inheritance Tax Seminar were given the inside track on the changes unveiled in the Summer Budget that will reduce the burden of Inheritance Tax (IHT) for most families by making it easier to pass on the family home to direct descendants...

The Bank of England (BoE) has raised concerns over the amount of buy-to-let home mortgages that are currently being issued and wants commercial banks to rein in their lending in this sector –  however, the BoE hopes it can tackle the issue without having to raise...

The Chancellor, George Osborne, today presented his Autumn Statement, which outlined the state of the economy and spending plans for the next four years in the Spending Review. The pension announcements in this year's Autumn Statement mainly centre around the state...

Over the past few weeks several new Interest-Only mortgage products have been introduced by lenders – an option that had all but disappeared in recent years. There are restrictions however, with the new interest only criteria requiring a minimum income of £75K in...

For many people, becoming a parent and raising children is the most expensive stage of their lives. But, after paying out for another school trip, a new school uniform, or the latest ‘must have’ video game release, have you ever stopped and thought ‘just how much’...

The Financial Planning Group (Teddington) and Stone Rowe Brewer Solicitors (Twickenham and Teddington) are co-hosting a free seminar on Wednesday 4th November, with the aim of providing an overview of the latest Inheritance Tax (IHT) strategies to consider when...

Getting older and thinking about life in your old age is, understandably, a topic that most of us don’t like to ponder too frequently, but Life Planning is becoming an increasingly important consideration as the UK population continues to age and life expectancy...

According to a report in today’s Daily Mail, “Millions of workers could be sleepwalking into a poverty-stricken retirement because they are not paying enough into their pensions.” The newspaper report goes on to suggest that, “average contributions to company...

According to a recent report, cautious Britons are hoarding bank notes worth at least £3bn in their homes – that’s a lot of cash stashed under floorboards or mattresses in case of emergencies. Despite better protection from banks since the financial crisis, and...

Over the years we have often heard people ask us whether it’s worth their while to seek financial advice, or have been put off doing so because of concerns about the potential costs. However, a recent unbiased.co.uk Value of Advice Report found that those who had...

For many individuals, knowing that their money is invested with ethically and socially responsible companies is of great importance, therefore we will once again be supporting Good Money Week’s campaign to raise awareness of sustainable, responsible and ethical...

Most of us dream of what we’ll do when we stop working — seeing more of the world and more of our families are just two dreams that top the list according to a survey by unbiased.co.uk. The top five retirement dreams are as follows: The ability to go on regular...

Some mortgage lenders are returning to products that require homebuyers to provide smaller deposits than have become the norm in recent years – with Nationwide and Santander re-introducing deals with a 95% loan-to-value requirement. The move has been attributed to “a...

It is the only essential UK-wide adult identity reference. The ‘number’ itself is made up of both letters and numbers, however, they do not include D, F, I, Q, U or V to (historically) reduce handwriting errors… the combinations BG, GB, NK, KN, NT and ZZ are also...

  It has been dubbed the ‘Interest Only Time Bomb’ by the press in recent weeks, with many column inches and online reports dedicated to painting a bleak picture in which as many as 1.7 million people have no means of repaying their mortgage debt. The reports...

The Bank of England policymakers’ message surrounding forthcoming interest rate rises are being heeded by UK households it would seem – with a report this week claiming that 78% of us now expect rate rises within the next year, with 48% anticipating the upward curve...

Following the Bank of England’s  ‘Super Thursday’ meeting in London, the Bank provided the latest Quarterly Inflation Report alongside its August Interest Rate decision – although the base rate remained frozen at its historical low 0.5% figure, the Bank pushed back...

Figures released this week underline how scammers are continuing to target pension pots... to the tune of £4.7m in May alone. It appears that fraudsters are using tactics to aggressivly dupe savers following new freedoms, which allow over 55s to spend their retirement...

Lenders have been steadily cutting rates since the end of summer 2014, and the current crop of fixed rates now includes the lowest we've ever seen – with five year fixed rates available from 1.99% – there has never been a better time to fix as the table below...

The buy-to-let mortgage market is booming, with lending figures jumping 22% over the past twelve months –according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders over 19,000 landlords borrowed £2.7billion to invest in property in that period. There has also been a significant...

Figures released this week show that April’s pension freedoms, which allow those aged 55 and over to cash in their pensions to release a lump sum, are proving popular – more than £1.8bn has been ‘liberated’ from around 235,000 pension pots in just three months....

Taper of annual allowance for those earning between £150,000 and £210,000 from £40,000 to £10,000  read more Pension input periods will be aligned to tax years for all schemes from April 2016 read more Second hand annuity market delayed until 2017 Pension wise...

Interest-only mortgage deals have re-emerged as an option for borrowers after virtually disappearing for the past five years.  Interest-only deals, where the borrower only pays off the interest each month and not the capital, were immensely popular prior to the...

Reports in the Press this week suggest that as many as 160 Tory MPs support the call to cut the top rate of income tax from 45p to 40p in the July 8th budget. They believe that, by reducing tax rates for the highest earners, it produces more economic activity, which...

It would appear that the Greek authorities have blinked first and come up with a proposal that will allow the EU to throw in the towel whilst still keeping some degree of self-respect. With the FTSE 100 index down a few hundred points from the high, about 5%, in only...

Seeking the right financial advice and starting to invest at a younger age can make a huge difference to your future security – with a report estimating that good professional help taken at 25 could equate to an extra £34,000 for your old age.Stereotypically, the...

According to the Bank of England, many of the mortgages advertised to borrowers during May were cheaper than at any time on record. For households with substantial property equity, short-term fixed rates fell to their lowest levels since records began in 1995  – the...

According to press reports this weekend, the Government intend to tackle the problems that some individuals are facing since the recent pension reforms were introduced. A Ministerial enquiry has been ordered to investigate the obstacles and rip-offs millions of savers...

  The front page lead story in today’s Daily Express carries a warning from one of Britain’s biggest pension firms that funds set aside for retirement by millions of people are being targeted by the treasury. The report claims that – “UK pensioners are already...

It appears that the continued aim of the new Government is to move quickly to cut the deficit further. Plans have been outlined to reduce the deficit by £3 Billion pounds ahead of schedule. The stated aim being £13 Billion over the next 2 years. Pledges have been made...

Keeping larger sums of money squirrelled in basic bank accounts, earning little or no interest, is an all-too-common situation according to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – they say that more than £160bn in cash savings is languishing in low-interest accounts...

It is estimated that more than four million married couples and civil partners could benefit from tax allowance changes that came into effect earlier this year. Have you registered to make the most of the new rules? From April 6, couples with one non-taxpayer and one...

Visitors to The Financial Planning Group exhibition stand at last week's Richmond Expo took part in a novel, sweet-themed experiment, with guests being asked to estimate the number of jelly beans in the FPG jar. The average estimate of all participants was very close...

Although the UK economy was one of the strongest in the developed world in 2014, the UK stock market returned just 1.2 per cent. The globally-diversified developed world index returned 12.1 per cent. News headlines can paint an inaccurate picture of the effect of...

Following the introduction of stricter new ‘affordability’ tests by banks when assessing mortgage lending applications, we are starting to see an increasing amount of homebuyers in their 40s, 50s and 60s being prevented from getting a loan. It would appear that the...

Barclays have launched a five year fixed rate mortgage priced at 1.99% for a limited period of ten days. This is available on both a repayment and interest only basis. This is the lowest five year fixed rate in history. Could you benefit from a quote over the phone?...

The Work and Pensions Select Committee last week proposed that the minimum age at which individuals are able access to their pension savings should be increase from 55 to five years before state pension age. According to reports; “Senior political figures and think...

As Chartered Financial Planners we work closely with a number of local professionals involved in family law, particularly divorce. As a member of the team with Collaborative Lawyers and Family Change consultants, our financial planning expertise is employed...

It is estimated that there could be as much as £15 billion of unclaimed financial assets in the UK that is simply sitting in old bank accounts, pensions, life assurance and investments, just waiting to be reclaimed. Tracking this money is becoming ever-easier, with...

An article in The Telegraph recently has underlined the fears of many reputable pension professionals – that the vultures are circling in the wake of the Government’s major reform of pension rules, which came into effect on April 6th, 2015. Indeed, David Barrett’s...

It is often an important discovery for individuals and private investors when they learn of the possibility of benefitting from one of the most valuable tax reliefs currently used by corporate executives to pass on their businesses free of inheritance tax. Inheritance...

The Financial Planning Group are pleased to announce that we will be one of the 80-plus exhibitors at this year’s Richmond Expo, which takes place at Twickenham Stadium on Friday 22nd May. The annual exhibition is a vibrant event for local companies wanting to access...

Following last week’s pre-election Budget, we have prepared a summary of the key impacts and tax changes that were outlined by the Chancellor. We hope that you or your clients find the information useful, and if you would like to discuss any of the issues in more...

After several months in which lenders had battled it out to provide the most attractive cut-price, fixed-rate, mortgages deals, it would appear that the “natural low point” has been reached. The past seven days has seen several lenders reverse previous rate cuts, or...

Chancellor George Osborne has announced plans in his pre-Election budget for a large-scale revamp of ISAs – including the introduction of increased flexibility and plans to help first-time home buyers in their attempts to climb upon the property ladder. Osborne’s...

With the April 5th deadline approaching, we wanted to remind you that every tax year end closes the door on an annual opportunity to take advantage of one of the few tax benefits now available. The 2014/15 annual ISA/NISA allowance of £15,000 per individual cannot be...

New pension rules come into affect on April 6th 2015, which mean that over-55s will be given unfettered access to their pensions. However, these freedoms are peppered with new and complicated rules, which could cost retirees dearly if misunderstood. We have produced...

With the Bank of England interest rates widely predicted to remain at an historic low, or maybe fall as a measure to stave off the threat of deflation; the plight of Britain’s savers is once again in the spotlight. According to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)...

According to a report in the Press this week, “Pension providers, advisers, regulators and the Government are not ready for reforms which, in less than six weeks time, will give people more freedom over their pension pots…” The Association of British Insurers also...

The fixed-rate mortgage price war seems to have escalated in recent weeks, with many lenders battling to provide consumers with tempting products at record low rates. For example, details have landed on my desk this week offering my clients Trackers with no penalties...

The latest issue of Teddington Property News magazine is being distributed to over 8,500 homes this week – the January/February issue contains some excellent articles that will be of interest to all local home owners, as well as those interested in buy-to-let property...

We are a well-established Chartered Financial Planning practice with an exciting opportunity for a Graduate with ideally six months to two years’ experience within Financial Services, to join our team. You should have a relevant financial services, business,...

Aimed at home buyers looking to secure long-term financial peace of mind, the Woolwich have announced the UK’s lowest ever 10-year fixed rate mortgage, which will be set at 2.99% for residential loans up to 60% loan to value (LTV). In addition, for clients who want to...

Steve Padgham, head of the mortgage department at The Financial Planning Group, shares a secret that could give you and your family peace of mind during 2015 and beyond. Hands-up all those readers who are concerned about the impact of an interest rate rise on their...

The Bank of England this week announced the findings of its study into mortgage affordability if interest rates were to rise from their historical low of 0.5%, to 2.5%, in the medium term. Although the report suggests that just 4% of mortgage holders would need to...

The struggle that faces many 40-plus-year-old mortgage applicants when trying to borrow money from Britain’s biggest lenders was highlighted on BBC News again today. Over the past few years certain lenders have made it increasingly difficult for ‘older’ borrowers to...

Writing for The Guardian this week, Britain's Prime Minister, David Cameron, said: ‘Six years on from the financial crash that brought the world to its knees, red warning lights are once again flashing on the dashboard of the global economy.' However, the Governor of...

The findings of a report from American bank, Wells Fargo, make for very gloomy reading – with one in five middle class respondents admitting that they would rather die early, than retire poor. Financial worries by those looking ahead to their retirement are not unique...

The new issue of Teddington Property News, which can be downloaded for free here, or read below, features up-to-the-minute news and advice for local property investors, landlords, those considering buying an investment property, or home-owners seeking to re-mortgage...

Chancellor George Osborne has unveiled outline changes intended to cut death tax rates for pensioners, with further clarification expected in his autumn statement on December 3rd. It is understood that those under the age of 75 will soon be able to leave drawn down or...

For many individuals, knowing that their money is invested with ethically and socially responsible companies is of great importance. The Financial Planning Group, who are celebrating 21 years in business at the heart of Teddington, will be supporting Good Money Week’s...

The 2014 Budget contained some unexpected good news for pensioners and savers, which included the introduction of the New Individual Savings Account, or NISA’s, as well as ‘Pension Liberation’ changes designed to allow individuals to unlock their pensions, or access...

Whether you are buying a new home, re-mortgaging to take advantage of a better deal, increasing a loan for home improvements, or considering a buy-to-let investment, it is always advisable to seek the best possible independent advice. Banks and Building Societies are...

The Financial Planning Group celebrates an important landmark this summer, with our company marking 21 years in business at the heart of Teddington. FPG partners, Alan Clifton and Tim Norris, will be marking the occasion with clients and staff with several events in...