Companies Article Archive
What the new state pension system means for your retirementIf you're looking to supplement your state pension with additional income upon retirement, you may be affected by plans to change the pension system to make it simpler. Read on to find out more about this issue and what the implications may be for your income. |
How to arrange finance for an overseas property purchasePeople in the UK have long aspired to purchase an overseas property in places such as Spain, France and the US, either to live there permanently or to use as a holiday home throughout the year. However, getting hold of the money to buy a dream home can be a problem for some. |
Tips for contractors to prepare for a tax inspectionBeing a contractor sees you have the freedom to choose your own business hours and what projects you work on, but it also means you are responsible for keeping on top of your tax affairs. As such, you should be prepared to have a VAT review from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Read on to find out more. |
A look back at 2012 for IT contractorsAlthough 2012 was a largely challenging year for many British workers and the UK economy as a whole, it appears IT contractors have defied the difficult financial climate. To find out more about the experiences of such professionals during the last year, read on. |
Equity release: don't leave retirement funds down to luckA large number of Britons are leaving their retirement to chance when it comes to funding later life, whether that is for care costs or simply maintaining their lifestyle. Around 3.6 million people think that winning the lottery would cover the expense of retirement. |
5 financial resolutions to make for 2013As Christmas fast approaches and 2013 is around the corner, now is the perfect time to organise your household finances. Whether you currently have money difficulties or simply want to ensure you stay in the black, there are lots of steps you can take. |
Don't suffer in silence – get help for your debt problemsBeing in debt can be extremely difficult, particularly if you can't see a way to get out of financial troubles. However, there is always a solution at hand – you just need to seek the right advice and you can claw yourself way back into the black. |
How equity release can help cover the costs of social and healthcareA new report has detailed the climbing cost of social and healthcare for older Britons. As the care system currently stands, elderly people who own a home that is worth the average £213,000 lose around 65 per cent of their assets to pay for their care. |
How to find out more about equity release schemesWhen you reach retirement age, you'll no doubt be weighing up all your options for the future. If you're worried that the money you have saved will not be enough to cover your expenditure for the rest of you and your partner's lives, you might consider alternatives to pensions, including releasing equity in your property. |
What can you spend your money on after releasing equity?Many people who opt for equity release deals have a clear idea in mind about of what they need to spend the money they receive for their property on. However, you might end up with considerably more than you expected, depending on what plan you choose and the value of your property. |
Diamonds dazzle as form of financeWith many people under increasing financial pressure, alternative forms of raising cash are coming into the limelight. For both investors and consumers, diamonds are becoming a potential source of finance – find out more below. |
What are the different types of lifetime mortgages?You might have decided that the best financial decision when you retire is to opt for a lifetime mortgage, which enables you to live in your home rent-free while a loan is secured against your property. However, there are several types of lifetime mortgages to choose from. |
Save money by joining a civil service employees' clubPart of managing your finances as efficiently as possible is making use of the offers and discounts available to you. If you currently work – or have ever worked – in the civil service, joining an employees' club can save you a lot of money. Find out how below. |
Equity release plans: what happens to your home?If you're considering taking out an equity release plan on your home, there are lots of things you need to think about, such as how this will affect your property ownership. Read on to find what your rights will be to your property once you have taken out a lifetime mortgage or home reversion plan. |
An introduction to the assessment of common valuablesIf you own valuables such as jewellery, designer watches, antiques or even fine wine, it is well worth ensuring you understand their true value – not least so you can make sure you have the correct insurance. Read our guide to how the worth of different possessions is assessed. |
Repaying your IVA: getting the facts rightIf you have taken out an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) or are planning to, it's important you completely understand the requirements of how you have to pay it back. Here is some guidance on reimbursing your loan provider through your IVA – read on so you know everything you need to about this form of financial help. |
How to raise money for a travelling adventure in your retirementMany people dream of different things they can do during their retirement; some hope to take up a new hobby and enjoy finishing work while others have always wanted to go travelling and explore the world. If the latter sounds familiar, you might be worried about how to raise money for your adventure. |
What is the difference between CFDs and spread betting?Contracts for difference (CFDs) and spread betting are often grouped together when people talk about financial trading. While they certainly have similarities, it's important to understand how they differ if you want to start trading with either instrument. |
A guide to understanding your pension allowancesIf you have decided that a Self Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) is your best option in terms of retirement planning, you need to make sure you fully understand the rules relating to taxation and pension allowances – and are aware of the recent changes. |
Tips for contractors looking to get work from agenciesOne of the most exciting things about being a contractor is having the freedom to work on a range of different projects, although it does mean you always need to be looking to source new contracts. Given the ongoing difficulties in the global economy, it has become more important than ever to do everything possible to get work from agencies. |
How will auto-enrolment impact contractors?At the start of October 2012, the government launched its auto-enrolment pension initiative as part of efforts to help all workers be able to make adequate financial preparations for retirement. As auto-enrolment is set to see each employer automatically enrol staff on to a workplace pension scheme, now is the time for contractors to consider what impact it will have on their operations. |
Top things to do during your retirementPlanning for your retirement can often be challenging and you'll have spent many years saving into your pension to ensure you have enough to live comfortably in your old age. However, there are lots of exciting things you can do once you retire too. |
Are CTF holders worse off than those with JISAs?When the government announced that Child Trust Funds would be closed to new applicants, HMRC predicted that around 1.2 million children would have children's ISAs taken out on their behalf by their parents to fill the gap. |
Top 3 ways to contribute to your child's savings accountWhen it comes to your offspring's future finances, opening a children's savings account is an essential first step. Once you have done so, you can start thinking about the most effective ways to contribute to their nest egg – read our guide to learn more about the top three. |
Reasons to start saving for a pension as early as possibleWhen you begin your career, it is important to think about the future and start putting aside money for your retirement as soon as possible. This way, you can be confident you'll enjoy a comfortable life in your old age. |