Insights
How Do I Prevent Losing Money on my Savings?
In the post-2008, low interest rate environment that most of the developed world is experiencing, it can prove more of a challenge to maintain the value of your savings. While they are safe assets and widely used, deposit accounts or government bonds do not provide competitive returns and, in some cases, hold negative real interest…
Continue readingWhy real returns are crucial for retirement planning
Interest rates can be expressed in two ways, as nominal rates or real rates. The difference is that the nominal rate of return is the percentage change, whereas the real rate of return is the percentage change adjusted for changes in prices due to inflation or other external factors. This keeps the purchasing power of…
Continue readingHow to make sure your wealth is passed on to your family
Often, HMRC becomes an additional beneficiary of your Will due to a lack of financial planning when organizing how your wealth is set up. For those with significant assets, this is an avoidable tax where your loved ones can be the true beneficiaries of your estate. Part of your estate can be passed on tax…
Continue readingThe Effect of Expected Interest Rate Increases on Defined Benefit Pension Transfer Values
After the Brexit vote in 2016, the Bank of England reduced its benchmark Bank Rate to 0.25%. This was decided upon by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to limit the risk of the recession resulting from the decision to leave the EU. On the 2nd November 2017, we witnessed the first Bank Rate increase in…
Continue readingHow to transfer UK pension to an Australian super
Thinking about moving your UK pension to an Australian Super? Here are some information points you should be considering. Why? Chance to spend retirement in Australia. Tax-free pension transfer. Tax-free paid-out benefits after 60. Flexibility in investments and drawdown. How? In 3 simple steps! Choose a QROPS. Consult a pension transfer service provider to help…
Continue readingToys ‘R’ Us closing down. How is Online Commerce Killing the High Street?
Traditionally, bricks and mortar retail stores have been synonymous with the way we choose to shop. However, as E-Commerce rises in popularity, there is growing uncertainty over what the high street will look like; let’s say in the next ten years or so. The bitter truth is, the future looks bleak for the high street…
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