Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a key economic indicator that measures the total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country’s borders over a specific period, typically a quarter or a year. Every government in every country wants to drive growth in GDP, as it generates greater revenue for public spending without …
Research from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has revealed that shop prices in August were down 0.3% from a year ago, the lowest rate since October 2021. However the drop in prices was driven by non-food goods, such as clothing and furniture, which many retailers have discounted due to the miserable summer weather and continued …
Introduction As inflation cools and interest rates look likely to come down over time, the world is expecting a gradual return to economic normality in the second half of 2024. However, it’s never quite that straightforward. Changes in government around the world create temporary blips as we wait to see if policy will change with …
A power of attorney (POA) allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. It is a really important piece of financial planning, as it should provide continuity in the event that you are unable to make important decisions. We’ve summarised below the key …
For a tax return, particularly for those with complex financial affairs, having comprehensive and accurate data is crucial. Here is a list of the most important information and documents you will need: Personal Information National Insurance Number: Your unique identifier for tax and benefits purposes. Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR): Your personal tax reference number. Personal …
Times have been unusually tough for a lot of people in recent years. Even people with a decent income have been squeezed by inflation. For them, the process of budgeting extends beyond mere expense tracking. It’s about strategically managing resources to sustain and grow wealth, aligning spending with values, and preparing for future financial goals. …
Introduction July 2024 was a big month for politics with the UK election decided and some major twists and turns in both the US and France. The Bank of England have cut rates, the Fed kept the rates at the same level but there is an increasing expectation that they will cut them in September. …
Pensions have been a big topic in UK politics for some time, nevermore so than in an election year. That’s no surprise to us given their crucial role in the financial security of millions of citizens, but not everyone is as interested and engaged in pensions as we are! Here’s a quick summary of why …
Gifting is the act of giving money (or a ‘chattel’) to someone for nothing in return. It’s common for people to do this occasionally for family members, but there are specific tax rules to remember, especially concerning inheritance tax (IHT). Here are some key points to consider: Annual Exemption: Each tax year, you can gift …
Now we know that Labour will be in government for the next five years, we’ve reviewed their Manifesto promises to see what might be in store from a personal and business finance perspective. How closely they stick to it and what else might be in store will only be revealed in the forthcoming months, but …
