When a new tax year starts, many allowances reset. So, checking if you could make use of allowances before Friday 5 April 2024, when the 2023/24 tax year ends, might be valuable. This guide explores some of the allowances that could help your money go further. You might discover you could reduce your Income Tax liability by using the Marriage …
Investment market update: December 2023
Many markets rallied during December based on the expectation that interest rates will start to fall in 2024. Read on to discover what else may have affected your investment portfolio in the final month of 2023. On 27 December, the MSCI World Stock Index, which comprises stock from nearly 3,000 companies to track global equity-market performance, was up 4.5% when …
Research: How to slow the signs of ageing and feel healthier in your later years
American researchers have discovered eight habits that could slow the signs of ageing by up to six years. These measures all promote good heart health, which they found keeps your body biologically younger than your actual age. The scientists measured research participants’ metabolism, organ function, and inflammation to see how these lifestyle changes affected their phenotypic – or biological – …
7 useful tricks that could turn new year resolutions into habits
What are your goals for 2024? Whether you want to improve your health, be smarter with your money, or learn a new skill, it can be hard to know where to start. Recent research discovered the average British adult only sticks to a new habit for seven weeks before giving up. So what can you do to achieve the life …
Why the numbers are essential for successful financial planning
When creating a financial plan, you often start with your goals. After all, setting out your aspirations first lets you create a plan that’s tailored to you. Yet, understanding your numbers is just as crucial for successful financial planning and they could help you understand the effect of your decisions. So, which numbers are the key ones you should know? …
Inflation is falling. Here’s what it could mean for your finances
High inflation has dominated headlines over the last two years. With the rate now slowly nearing the Bank of England’s (BoE) target, taking stock of what it means for your finances could be useful. The BoE is responsible for managing inflation and aims to keep it at 2%. The central bank explains keeping inflation stable helps everyone plan for the …
The pension Annual Allowance increased in 2023/24. Have you reviewed your contributions?
The pension Annual Allowance increased significantly in the 2023/24 tax year. If you haven’t already reviewed whether the changes could mean you can tax-efficiently add more to your pension, doing so before the current tax year ends on 5 April 2024 might be beneficial. The Annual Allowance is up to £60,000 in 2023/24 The Annual Allowance is the amount you …
Guide: 10 incredible destinations to add to your bucket list
Seeing more of the world makes up many people’s bucket lists. Whether you want to be left in awe of natural sights, immerse yourself in a different culture, or see a historic monument, there are plenty of destinations to choose from. Read our guide to discover 10 bucket list-worthy destinations that might tempt you to start planning your next trip …
Investment market update November 2023
While inflation is starting to ease in economies around the world, there are still signs of economic challenges ahead. Read on to find out what affected investment markets in November 2023. UK In November, chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivered the Autumn Statement. Despite media suggestions that Inheritance Tax would be abolished, the biggest announcement was a cut to National Insurance rates …
Is the secret to happiness a natural “talent”?
What makes you happy? Watching cute animal videos and indulging in your hobbies may brighten up your day, but new research suggests that genetics have more to do with your happiness than you think. TV presenter Richard Madeley’s daughter recently described her father as having a “talent for happiness”, which could be true. Think of the people in your life …