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Baby Boomer Generation: The Pros and Cons of Equity Release

Baby Boomer Generation: The Pros and Cons of Equity Release

While potentially struggling to cover general living expenses, many of the so-called baby boomers may have paid off their mortgage and find themselves sitting on a relatively valuable asset, their home. Consequently, there has been growing interest in equity release, but there are several pros and cons to consider before taking action.   Two types […]
The Impact of Inflation on Pensions

The Impact of Inflation on Pensions

As we enter 2024, UK inflation is trending downwards, with the latest figure for November coming in at 3.9%. It’s easy to forget that this time last year, UK inflation stood at more than 10%, having hit a 41-year high of 11.1% in October 2022. While still some distance from the Bank of England’s target […]
Posted in Pensions
Pros And Cons Of “Pot For Life” Pension Reform

Pros And Cons Of “Pot For Life” Pension Reform

Ahead of the recent Autumn Budget, there was speculation about potential changes to inheritance tax and national insurance, but minimal mention of a “pot for life”. A continuation of the ongoing pension reforms, this has generally been well received by the industry and consumers. However, there are several pros and cons to consider as the […]
What Are The Main Factors Which Will Impact House Prices In 2024?

What Are The Main Factors Which Will Impact House Prices In 2024?

The fact there is no real consensus on forecast house price movements in 2024 reflects the uncertain outlook for the UK. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) believes UK house prices will fall by 4.7% in 2024. Interestingly, Savill’s is forecasting a fall of 3% across the UK and 4% in London, broadly in line […]
How Long Should You Fix Your Mortgage Rate?

How Long Should You Fix Your Mortgage Rate?

The UK has one of the more developed mortgage markets, providing a wide range of options, whether acquiring your first home or looking to refinance an existing mortgage. When it comes to the duration of your mortgage, it often comes down to one factor, the level of certainty you require and the amount of risk […]
Posted in Mortgage
What Can We Expect From Global Stock Markets In 2024?

What Can We Expect From Global Stock Markets In 2024?

As we have seen recently, predicting days or weeks in advance has been challenging for global stock markets, never mind 12 months into the future. As we approach the end of the year, often a time for reflection, it’s also a time to look to 2024 and at least be aware of expectations for global […]
Is now the right time to invest in the stock market?

Is now the right time to invest in the stock market?

There is no simple answer to this question because while it may be the right time today, will it be the right time tomorrow? As we mentioned in one of our earlier articles, many believe the stock market looks forward at least nine months, so the financial headlines today may not necessarily correlate to future […]
Posted in Investments
How do stock markets perform in times of recession and growing economies?

How do stock markets perform in times of recession and growing economies?

At first glance, you would probably assume that markets go down in times of recession and up when economies grow. In theory, this is correct but not necessarily on the timescale you might expect, and the performance in times of recession and economic growth can be very different. Let’s explain.   How do stock markets […]
Posted in Investments
How are interest rates used to control the economy?

How are interest rates used to control the economy?

It is common knowledge that the Bank of England and other central banks use interest rates to control their economies. While not the only strategy central banks operate, it has been the go-to option for hundreds of years, a relatively blunt but effective instrument. In reality, using interest rates to control economies is a fine […]
What are third way pension products?

What are third way pension products?

Recently, we have seen an element of control given back to private pension fund holders and more flexibility in how they invest and receive their money in retirement. Many people perceive these long-term choices as fairly stark; they either move into drawdown, with an element of risk or acquire an annuity to provide an income […]
Posted in Pensions