Survey Brings Hope of Housing Market Recovery

As milder Spring weather has finally arrived and the daffodils are in bloom, I am delighted to read that Britain is poised for a housing market revival, according to the respected Ernst & Young ITEM Club.

Nearly 1 in 4 Lose Track of Pensions

According to a recent Age UK Survey, 23% of UK adults have lost track of at least 1 pension, creating confusion and uncertainty over retirement saving plans. The average person aged over 65 has worked for about six different employers, according to Age UK. Younger generations, those aged 25-34, have already worked for at least six employers.

Inheritance Tax (IHT) and non-Domiciled Survivors

There has been a welcome change recently for non-domiciled widows, who have previously been liable to Inheritance Tax (IHT) on their spouse’s death. Whilst assets can usually pass between spouses without IHT, there has always been a hidden trap where the deceased was domiciled in the UK and the survivor was domiciled in another country.

Pension Planning at a Younger Age

More than half of younger workers aged between 25 and 34 plan to save more into a pension in 2013 compared with 26% of 45 to 54-year-olds according to a new survey by the National Association of Pension Funds.

How Can I Boost the Income on My Savings?

Interest rates on cash savings are at an all-time low. Currently, it is difficult to get much over 2% gross for a no-notice account, whilst inflation (RPI) is stubbornly high at 3.2% and shows no signs of abating. This means that savers face a falling standard of living as inflation erodes the purchasing power of their cash.

Pensions – Why Bother?

There is a widespread perception that pensions are a waste of money, with reasons mentioned including poor investment returns, high costs, complex rules and difficult to get your money out.