Disaster recovery planning

While BP’s oil spillage in the Gulf of Mexico is not the sort of event that is likely to threaten many UK businesses, the disruption resulting from the volcanic eruption in Iceland is a good example of why businesses should plan for thee unexpected.

Ethical investments

Historically, many investors have assumed that adopting an ethical investment strategy means giving up the potential for growth. But this is not just an over-simplification; it also ignores the potential within some investments to out-perform in difficult times.

On-line banking

More and more of us are doing our banking online, these days. It is a convenient, quick and relatively painless way of paying bills and transferring money to other people. But there are some pitfalls that you should be aware of.

Life after CTFs

One of the first casualties of the new coalition government appears to be Child Trust Funds (CTFs). But their demise will by no means spell the end of parents and grandparents saving for their offspring.

A “soft landing” into retirement

According to research published by Aviva, recently, 68% of all adults in the UK expect to work beyond age 65 – whether they want to or not.

Tips for first time buyers

Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also be daunting. Here are some simple guidelines that can help you through the process.

Who needs a will?

Making a will is something that some people simply do not want to consider – it reminds them that they cannot live for ever. But the fact is that, if you die intestate, your money could end up with the ‘wrong’ people.

Wraps – an easier way to invest?

Since we last wrote about Wraps, there has been an expansion in the number of companies offering this form of investment, so it is worth revisiting the topic.

NESTs for SMEs

News that India’s Tata Consultancy Services is to provide the administration for this new ‘compulsory’ form of retirement planning is a timely reminder that the impact will start to be felt from October 2012, but only by the largest companies.

An alternative form of Stamp Duty?

The recently announced Stamp Duty holiday for first time buyers, up to £250,000, may not help as many people as at first appeared. But should there be an alternative?

Low annuity rates

Although there are now several alternatives to buying an annuity from an insurance company when you retire, for most people, this more traditional route is likely to be first choice. So why are rates so low at the moment?

Passive compared with active fund management

There was an April Fool’s Day story going round financial markets to the effect that our regulators would be requiring those advisers who do not give “whole of market” advice to wear red, while IFAs would have to wear neutral colours.

Developing an internet usage policy

With the internet forming part of most businesses day-to-day life, it is important to ensure that you are not exposed to a wide range of risks.&&&

Protect your money

It should not really be necessary to write this article, but there are so many people out there after your money, that it is probably a good idea to pass on a warning from the Financial Services Authority.

Financial care of children after a divorce

Nobody wants to think about a failed marriage, but the fact remains that a significant proportion of couples will end up separating and in many cases there will be children to care for.

Striking a balance in investment …

There is a commonly held belief that choosing the right balance of investments is more important than picking the right individual shares or other assets.

Tracker mortgages

According to recent reports, one lender has seen a big shift towards borrowers seeking tracker mortgages. Why is this … and is it a good thing?

Final final salary schemes?

According to research undertaken by the Association of Consulting Actuaries, more than four out of every ten final salary (defined benefit) schemes have been closed to new entrants during the past five years. A further one in twelve have ceased accruing future benefits for existing members, while a similar number have reduced the basis for future accruals.&&&

Stuffing money under the mattress …

Consumers may have lost faith in banks and are instead hoarding cash, if the increase in high-denomination bank notes in circulation is anything to go by … &&&

The impact of serious illness

It is some time since we have looked at the issue of critical illness insurance and, as this is a relatively new area for the UK, it is worth revisiting the topic.

Looking after employees after a recession

On the assumption that we are now out of the recession – although there is no guarantee that we will not slip back into what is known as a “W” shaped recession, where things get worse again before recovering – employee benefits could become an important issue.

Give your investments a New Year review

After all the excitement of Christmas, the New Year can be a time for quiet reflection – not least to ensure that your finances are in good shape after the demands made on them by the festive season.

Planning for later retirement?

The downside of us living longer is that our pension plans have to last longer. For the basic state pension, this has particular importance, given the parlous state of public finances in the wake of the credit crunch and recession.

An end to self certification?

Until now, it has been possible for people to avoid giving lenders evidence of their earnings by opting for what is known as a self-certification mortgage. But the Financial Services Authority has recently proposed consigning these to history.