Great Expectations
Posted by siteadmin on Monday 8th of March 2021
With hopes rising about vaccines and the end of lockdowns, could we see a rise in inflation when the economy reopens?
As vaccines continue to be deployed rapidly around much of the world, hopes are increasing about the global economic recovery. Many people expect there to be a strong rebound once coronavirus restrictions are lifted, but there are fears that the rebound could increase inflationary pressures.
As well as increasing demand, there are concerns that central bank quantitative easing (QE) programmes and increased government spen...
Spring Budget 2021 "we will recover"
Posted by siteadmin on Thursday 4th of March 2021
Economic Forecasts
The Chancellor began his statement by revealing the latest forecasts produced by the Office for Bud...
Budget 2021 - Key Points
Posted by siteadmin on Thursday 4th of March 2021
To the casual observer, the first Budget of 2021 appeared to have been fully revealed before the Chancellor even reached the despatch box. The relentless flow of pre-Budget rumours, kite-flying and red herrings makes it is all the more important to forget what was said before 12.30 on 3 March and concentrate on what Rishi Sunak did deliver in his speech.
The real – as opposed to rumoured – announcements included:
- The main rate of corporation tax will be increased to 25% from April 2023 for companies with profits of at least £250,000. At ...
What to look for in Budget 2021
Posted by siteadmin on Wednesday 3rd of March 2021
Today Rishi Sunak will present his second Budget within 12 months. For many commentators, it is perhaps the pivotal Budget of this parliament. Pre-Budget leaks and interviews have put the focus squarely on continuing key pandemic support measures through, hopefully, to the final unlocking timetable at the end of June. Extending the furlough scheme, business loans, stamp duty holiday and targeted VAT cuts have all been widely publicised. For which, of course, the reckoning is coming down the track.
So, what should we watch out for? There hav...
Heading in the right direction
Posted by siteadmin on Tuesday 23rd of February 2021
Despite rising coronavirus cases and increased lockdown measures, there was a renewed sense of optimism about the global recovery as we said goodbye to 2020
Although many countries have begun the new year under strict lockdown measures, vaccinations are providing a light at the end of the tunnel. Investors are optimistic that life will return to normal gradually in 2021 and that the economy will begin to heal.
While there’s been a spike in coronavirus infections during the winter, economic activity seems to have become more resilient ...
'No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow'
Posted by siteadmin on Thursday 4th of February 2021
As we entered the new year with further lockdowns and history making world events, the hope of spring hangs in the air, an enticing prospect, this year, more than ever. While we’re waiting for the green shoots of spring to emerge, why not use the time effectively by getting your finances in order before the end of the tax year?
The tax year ends on 5 April 2021, which is Easter Monday this year, so don’t wait until the last minute to double-check you’ve taken advantage of all the tax-efficient allowances available to yo...
Plan for what is difficult while it is easy.
Posted by siteadmin on Monday 18th of January 2021
We all know we need to save for retirement, don’t we? But we also know it’s not always that easy to find the spare cash required to do so, especially amid a global pandemic.
Research studies, though, typically show that many retirees wish they’d saved on a more consistent basis and managed to accumulate a larger nest egg. Mike is one of those people who entered retirement harbouring financial regrets.
Plan? What plan…?
Last January, after working for over 45 years, Mike decided it was finally time to retire. But he soon hit a snag;...
Are your kids worried about money?
Posted by siteadmin on Monday 4th of January 2021
Has the pandemic caused you to worry more than usual about your finances? Well, you’re not alone…
With 47% of respondents to a global survey stating they are less well-off now compared to before the pandemic and 24% worried about job security, it’s clear that the virus is continuing to wreak havoc on our financial – and mental health.
The kids are… not alright
And it’s not just adults who are feeling the pressure – our kids are picking up on it too. According to a monthly study of child...
Could you live on the Station Pension
Posted by centro on Tuesday 22nd of December 2020
Could you live on the State Pension?
Let’s be honest, on the morning of 21 October few of us were waiting with bated breath as the latest UK inflation stats were revealed. But, for millions of people, that moment was significant.
That’s because the September (Consumer Price Index) CPI inflation figure forms part of the government’s ‘triple lock’ formula used to determine the forthcoming rise in the level of State Pensions.
Triple lock
The triple-lock safeguard was introduced by the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition in 2010 and ai...
