Serenity

We are a nation of worriers but are we worrying about the right things?

February 20, 2014 by TIna

Category: Investments & Lifestyle & savings & Uncategorized

Britons spend more time planning their next holiday, haircut and shopping excursions than they do making preparations for their financial future, according to a new study by Scottish Widows, examining the long-term worries of the nation. The survey of 2,000 people conducted by One-Poll in December 2013 and January 2014, indicates that we may be trapped in a vicious circle of our own making, as the things we worry about most are also the things we tend to put off planning for.

The Year of Hard Truths – A Look Ahead to the 2014 Budget

February 16, 2014 by TIna

Category: Economy & Uncategorized

Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, will deliver the 2014 Budget on Wednesday, 19th March – little more than three months after he delivered the Autumn Statement.

When Osborne delivered his Budget in March 2013, the news for the UK economy wasn’t particularly good – in fact, many commentators were worrying about the UK slipping back into a ‘triple-dip recession.’ Since then, the forecasts and figures are much improved and in December, the Chancellor was able to predict growth of 1.4% in 2013 and 2.4% in 2014.

Venture Capital Trusts and Enterprise Investment Schemes Compared

February 09, 2014 by TIna

Category: Investments & Uncategorized

Both are high risk investments – but both have the potential of high reward…

Let’s start with some facts. A Venture Capital Trust (VCT) is an investment vehicle quoted on the stock market, like an investment trust. The VCT scheme is designed to encourage investment in smaller, normally higher risk companies, often including start-up companies.

What you need to know about the new High Income Child Benefit Charge

February 09, 2014 by TIna

Category: Lifestyle & savings & Uncategorized

Child benefits are currently paid out at a rate of £20.30 per week for the first child, and £13.40 for each subsequent child, with an increase planned for the 2014/2015 tax year to £20.50 and £13.55. These benefits are claimed by many families for all children under the age of 16 and in some cases up to the age of 20.

Will the State Pension really fund your post-retirement leisure?

February 06, 2014 by TIna

Category: Family & Lifestyle & retirement & Uncategorized

Too many people are going to rely on the state pension in retirement to provide for all their needs and wants, including their leisure activities, a Nationwide survey has found. Nearly half of the 2,400 surveyed rely on or plan to rely on the state pension for their post-retirement holidays and other leisure activities. Going on a cruise or lazing on an exotic beach somewhere might turn out to be a bit beyond the state pension pocket!

February Market Commentary

February 05, 2014 by TIna

Category: Economy & Investments & Market commentary & Uncategorized

Well, not a good start to the year. In order to bring you this bulletin we record the month-end figures of eleven of the world’s leading stock markets. They were all down in January: Germany and France were the ‘best’ performers with falls of only 3% whilst Brazil and Japan recorded falls of 8%

Our insights

We are a nation of worriers but are we worrying about the right things?

The Year of Hard Truths – A Look Ahead to the 2014 Budget

Venture Capital Trusts and Enterprise Investment Schemes Compared

What you need to know about the new High Income Child Benefit Charge

Will the State Pension really fund your post-retirement leisure?

February Market Commentary

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