Topic: Uncategorized

Choosing the right type of cover

‘Single life’ policies cover just one person. A ‘joint life’ policy covers two people, and when one person on the policy dies the money is paid out and the policy ends. You will need to decide whether the joint policy pays out on first or second death as this will determine when the policy ends. (more…)

Providing a financial safety net for your loved ones

Getting the right life insurance policy means working out how much money you need to protect your dependants. This sum must take into account their living costs, as well as any outstanding debts such as a mortgage. It may be the case that not everyone needs life insurance (also known as ‘life cover’ and ‘death cover’). But if your spouse and children, partner, or other relatives depend on your income to cover the mortgage or other living expenses, then the answer is ‘yes’. (more…)

Existing commitments re-examined in post-Brexit climate

During the referendum campaign, the Prime Minister, David Cameron, said the so-called ‘triple lock’ for state pensions would be threatened by a UK Brexit. In their 2015 election manifesto, the Conservatives promised to extend the triple lock on state pensions – a guarantee that they rise every year until 2020 by at least 2.5%, the rate of inflation or growth in earnings if it is higher. until 2020. (more…)

Maintaining a long-term perspective is the key to investment success

As was widely predicted, a vote to leave the EU wiped billions off companies’ share prices. Low interest rates and volatile stock markets are likely to be the order of the day for the foreseeable future, and any rise in interest rates would be good news for savers. (more…)

No laws have changed

A week before the EU referendum, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, warned that a vote to leave the EU might result in tax increases too. He spoke about a 2p rise on the basic tax rate (currently 20p in the pound) and a 3p rise in the higher rate (currently 40p). He also said Inheritance Tax (IHT) might rise by 5p from its current 40p in the pound. But to do so would go against the Conservative Government’s promises at the last general election, making this decision to implementdifficult politically. (more…)