With the Government’s announcement of a two per cent rise in Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on second homes, buyers now face a five per cent surcharge on additional property purchases. For aspiring property investors or those looking to expand their portfolios, it is essential to consider strategies to offset this increased expense. Firstly, you […]

When it comes to investing, most people are aware of the two broad strategies that dominate the field: active and passive investing. Each has its own merits, risks, and considerations, but which is right for you? Active investing is a hands-on approach that involves buying and selling investments frequently in an attempt to outperform the […]

Without having a clear financial plan for when you retire, there is a risk that you will run out of funds or face unexpected financial pressures in your post-work years. A good plan ensures that your retirement is comfortable, stress-free, and allows you to enjoy the things you have worked hard for. We recommend that […]

When it comes to managing your investments, you may have come across various strategies that aim to balance risk and reward. One such method that is gaining popularity among both seasoned and novice investors is the core-satellite strategy. This approach offers a way to create a diversified portfolio while still allowing room for higher-risk opportunities. […]

When it comes to taking money from your pension, careful planning is essential to minimise your tax liability and maximise the longevity of your savings. Here is how we recommend you structure your pension drawdowns effectively. Use your tax-free lump sum wisely You can withdraw up to 25 per cent of your pension as a […]

Venture capital trusts (VCTs) offer an opportunity to invest in smaller UK companies while benefiting from attractive tax reliefs. As an investor, you can receive income tax relief of up to 30 per cent on your investment, tax-free dividends, and no Capital Gains Tax when you sell your VCT shares. However, these benefits come with […]

Tax wrappers are financial tools designed to help individuals shelter their investments from certain taxes, ultimately maximising their wealth. If you use tax wrappers, you can potentially reduce or eliminate tax liabilities, allowing your investments to grow more efficiently over time. There are a few options for this, each with their own advantages and drawbacks. […]

An asset allocation strategy involves deciding how to distribute investments across asset classes like equities, bonds, and cash. Your choice of strategy significantly impacts potential returns and risks. Strategic asset allocation Strategic asset allocation involves setting a target allocation for each asset class based on financial goals and risk tolerance, with periodic rebalancing to maintain […]

A Junior Individual Savings Account (JISA) is a tax-efficient savings or investment account opened by a parent or guardian for a child under the age of 18. These accounts allow savings to grow free from Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax and can be a great way of developing a cushion for future expenses. You […]

June saw a continued surge in the popularity of cash Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) as savers deposited a staggering £3.4 billion into these tax-free accounts, according to the latest data from the Bank of England. This uptick in interest follows a record-breaking £4.2 billion funnelled into ISAs in May – the highest for the month […]