The Financial Conduct Authority has announced a temporary ban on the promotion of most ‘mini-bonds’. Have you ever been tempted by those advertisements offering 8%+ yields on property-backed bonds? If... read more →
The Autumn Budget may have been deferred, but the tax year clock is still ticking. The deferral of the Autumn Budget, originally due on 6 November 2019, created several problems.... read more →
Recently released economic data suggest a relatively large increase in the main state pensions for the next tax year, but it’s still inadequate for a happy retirement. The new levels... read more →
In early November, HMRC undertook a distinctly non-festive bulk mailing. “We receive information about investment funds and this information shows that you may have invested in Offshore Investment Funds.” Those... read more →
Inflation has fallen to its lowest level in almost three years, but you should still take it into account. The October measure of annual inflation was lower than most experts... read more →
Venture Capital Trusts have started their fundraising for 2019/20. There was a time when tax year end planning didn’t begin until well after the New Year festivities were over and... read more →
Are you reluctant to make a lump sum investment in case the timing is wrong? It’s been both a rollercoaster and a trip to nowhere for the FTSE 100 index... read more →
Recent data show that dividends from UK shares rose by nearly 7% year-on-year in the third quarter. The latest Dividend Monitor from Link Asset Services, the share registrars, shows that... read more →
An obscure adjustment to old pension benefits, mandated by the courts, might cost some pension owners many thousands in additional tax. The problems caused by the tapering of the annual... read more →
Marks & Spencer was demoted from the FTSE100 in September. The FTSE100 is subject to a quarterly review of its 100 constituents. The process is not quite as simple as... read more →