News & Opinions
Opinion: do your investment returns measure up?
By Simon Yates, CFP DipPFS CertsCII(MP&ER)
What are your lifestyle goals and what's that got to do with your investment returns? Our experience is that our clients are much more interested in their lives than they are in chasing investment returns for no particular reason.
News: financial cash flow service launched
Many of our clients have already built up their wealth and maybe a business too, or they have high levels of income, or all three if they're really clever! They use our Lifestyle Financial Planning service because it helps them to work out what they want to do with the rest of their lives, helps them to create a comprehensive Financial Plan and keeps them (and their wealth) on track year after year.
Opinion: What's your number?
By Simon Yates, CFP DipPFS CertsCII(MP&ER)
You do know what your ‘number' is don't you?
News: Business Owners - mind the gap
More than four in 10 business owners say their companies would be forced to fold within a year of the death or critical illness of a key person, research has found. The study from Legal & General found some two-fifths (44%) of those surveyed fear they would struggle to continue the business without the input of a vital employee.
Opinion: for Family Lawyers
By Simon Yates, CFP DipPFS CertsCII(MP&ER)
Who cares about your client's emotions?
News: Changes to State pension age
As you may know, changes are being made to the State Pension age. These changes will start to take effect from April 2010.
Opinion: New Year, new you?
By Simon Yates, CFP DipPFS CertsCII(MP&ER)
It's that time of year again! I'm writing this a couple of weekends before Christmas. I've just been fetching the decorations down. Feels like I've only just put them away from last year.
Pre-Budget Report summary
There have been a lot of detailed reports flying around on email so rather than go into the detail, this is a quick summary of the key issues that may affect you.
Are you aged between 50 and 54, with a pension?
By Simon Yates, CFP DipPFS CertsCII(MP&ER)
Many people do not realise that on 6th April 2010 the minimum age at which you can draw money out of a pension increases from 50 to 55. So, what does this mean?
Dedicated Follower of Fashion?
By Gareth Williams, CertPFS CertsCII(MP&ER)
When Ray Davies wrote these words in the ‘60s who would have thought that they would have applied to the world of Investments?
Bank of England base rate still at 0.5% (as at 12th November 2009)
By Phil Yates, CertPFS CertsCII(MP&ER)
In March 2009 the Bank of England reduced the base rate to 0.5% and in November the rate is still at the same all time low.
Students face doubling of fees and rise in loan costs
"Students face doubling of fees and rise in loan costs"
Times Online, 9th November
By Senga Jones, BSc CertPFS CertCII(MP)
This article on Times Online caught my eye this week.
Simon Yates becomes a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
Simon Yates has recently become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERCM professional, having passed a rigorous assessment of his practical financial planning skills.
Thinking Of Buying Another Property, Main Residence, Holiday Cottage Or Buy To Let?
Watch out for changes in stamp duty payable. The current temporary threshold of £175,000 is being reduced to £125,000 from 1st January 2010.
Are you an ostrich?
Millions of people in the UK are heading towards an impoverished retirement because they are burying their heads in the sand. Are you one of them?