Self Employed Protection

Posted by siteadmin on Monday 22nd of May 2023

Being self-employed can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice, allowing freedom to work to your terms and pursuing passions. However, it also comes with its challenges, one being financial insecurity. Unlike those working within a company, if you’re self-employed you are responsible for your own financial stability. This means taking the necessary steps to protect yourselves from unexpected events.

While it may seem like an added expense, the cost of financial security is a small price to pay for the security it provides. Most of us don’t think twice when it comes to protecting our vehicles or mobiles phones and pets, so why not do the same when it comes to your source of income. Here are some ways you can protect yourself if you’re self-employed:

Income Protection

Being self-employed means your income y is directly tied with your ability to work. This means if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury you could suffer significant loss of pay. Income protection pays out a regular tax-free income, on a short or long-term basis, to cover expenses such as your rent or mortgage, bills and other living costs if you are unable to work.

This valuable insurance could help reduce stress, prevent your family suffering financial hardship, and give you the breathing space to help you get back on your feet when you most need it.

Critical Illness Cover

If you were to be diagnosed with a serious illness such as heart disease, it would have a significant impact on your ability to work. Critical illness cover usually pays out a tax-free lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness covered by your policy. These usually include, cancers, heart attacks and strokes.

Life Insurance

If you were to pass away unexpectedly, your family could be left in a difficult financial situation. Life insurance pays out either a lump sum or regular payments on your death, giving your dependants financial support after you’re gone. This can help them to cover expenses such as funeral costs, mortgages, bills and provide them with financial security during a difficult time.

If you’d like advice on how to protect your finances, or you’d like to review your protection needs, please get in touch.

Approved by The Openwork Partnership on 18/05/2023

 

 


 

If the end of your fixed rate mortgage is on the horizon (even if it’s months away), then it’s a good idea to start looking at your options today.

 If you haven’t got a new deal in place when your fixed rate mortgage ends, your lender will put you onto their standard variable rate, which tends to be higher than the rates on most other mortgage options. So it pays to get the right mortgage for you in place.

 When it comes to remortgaging, some people prefer to search the market themselves. This could be time consuming, and the right d...


Investing for children

Posted by siteadmin on Wednesday 10th of May 2023

 

As a parent, you want to do everything you can to ensure that your children have a bright and secure future. One way to do this is by investing on their behalf. Not only can they start adulthood with some savings, but getting children involved early with saving also helps them learn important lessons about money.

The earlier you start investing, the better. Time is a powerful tool when it comes to investing, and the longer you have, the more time your money has to grow. Even if you can only contribute a small amount each month, starting ...


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Posted by siteadmin on Wednesday 10th of May 2023

Saving for your child’s university education requires careful planning and budgeting. By starting early, considering investment opportunities, encouraging your child to save, looking for scholarships and bursaries, and planning, you can make saving for university a manageable goal and give your child the best possible start in life.

What is the cost of university?

According to Save the Student, it costs roughly £61,000 to go to university in the UK. This figure comes from tuition fees costing most students £9,250 a year. As most courses ...


It's not all fixed rates

Posted by siteadmin on Wednesday 19th of April 2023

With over 10 years of record low interest rates, fixed rate mortgages offer borrowers the stability of knowing what the mortgage payment will be for a set period, which helps with budgeting.

Because of the way many lenders decide what rates to offer, we’re currently seeing tracker products priced a lot more competitively than fixed rate products.

Unlike a fixed rate, the monthly payment of a tracker mortgage fluctuates and the rate charged on the mortgage ‘tracks’ the Bank Rate usually for a set period. Whilst you may have to pay a penalty...


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Posted by siteadmin on Monday 20th of March 2023

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Whether you’re a first-time buyer, downsizing or moving to your dream family home, it’s an exciting – and busy – time. It also comes with costs that could take you by surprise, so here’s a look at the ones you’re likely to come across and how we can help you through the journey.

Advice fee

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Posted by siteadmin on Monday 20th of March 2023

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Start with an open mind

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Spring Budget winners and losers

Posted by siteadmin on Thursday 16th of March 2023

 

The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, has delivered the next part of his plan: “a Budget for long term and sustainable growth”. Read on to find out who were the winners and losers from the 2023 spring Budget.

Winners

Over-50s returning to work
In his speech, the Chancellor said that “older people are the most skilled and experienced people we have”. So, he announced steps to make it easier for those over 50 to work for longer.

Firstly, the government announced an enhancement to the “midlife MOT” strategy – offering reviews to help individuals ta...


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1. Compare income and expens...


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Posted by siteadmin on Tuesday 14th of February 2023

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Many lenders allow us to secure a new fixed rate for you months in advance of your current rate ending. It’s important to start early and we can help you navig...