Article Directory :: Authors :: P :: Ray Prince Articles

Articles by Ray Prince

• Investors Behaving Emotionally - The 7 Key Mistakes To Avoid
  Today I want to look at how emotions can influence an investor when making decisions on their investments. This subject has been discussed in depth over the years and is now known as Behavioural Finance. Essentially, the concept behind this is that whenever emotions get involved, investors can get hurt (not physically, of course!)
  Published 10Feb2012, viewed 4 times

• Inflation and Your Money - What Is Its Real Value?
  We held a Retirement Seminar for dentists at our office recently. This being part of an ongoing series of educational talks and workshops to several groups of dentists in the north, and which also takes us to North Wales next year. It was good to see familiar faces in attendance, as well as new, with specialist dental accountant Alan Suggett also chipping in with a slot on the value of Practices and the complexity of Incorporation.
  Published 04Feb2012, viewed 18 times

• Offset Mortgages - Are They Still Effective?
  Offset mortgages can be very tax efficient. However, if interest rates rise offset mortgages will lose some of their appeal. Borrowers should therefore take advantage of low rates of interest while they can. There is little doubt that an offset mortgage can be a very effective way of repaying a house purchase loan for a higher/additional rate taxpayer.
  Published 14Jan2012, viewed 39 times

• Planning Your Financial Future - Diagnosis Before Prescription Is Best!
  Look out for Financial Planning Week, coming w/c 21st November. This campaign is promoted by The Institute of Financial Planning (IFP) with the aim to raise awareness of how important Financial Planning is to people's lives. The IFP say: "Putting some simple financial plans in place and making some smart decisions to help achieve your goals and dreams in life is the first step towards really taking control of your life
  Published 19Dec2011, viewed 34 times

• Junior ISAs - What Are The Key Facts?
  The Junior ISA will be launched on November 1, 2011 and the government estimates that 6m children will become eligible to contribute, with a further 800,000 a year after that. As you're probably aware, the child trust fund (CTF) was closed to children born after January 2, 2011. The Junior ISA is a replacement for the CTF. Let's look at some of the 'key features' of the Junior ISA, as well as some of the pros and cons.
  Published 20Oct2011, viewed 55 times

• Planning Your Goals & Big NHS Pension Changes
  Recently we've touched on the subject of happiness, and what is needed to be happy. We've also mentioned the fact that, generally, people can start to really think about living the life they love and want if they are financially secure, and feel in control of their lives. After all, it's difficult to plan for the next 20 years thinking lovely things if your daily life is all about struggle, worry and survival.
  Published 28Jul2011, viewed 123 times

• Is Financial Planning The Key To Happiness?
  This was the title of an article that appeared in one of the 'trade mags' we receive, New Model Adviser. This publication was launched a few years ago to cater for the emerging breed of fee based planners that were seen to be the future, rather than the old fashioned product salespeople that have dominated the financial services landscape.
  Published 12Jun2011, viewed 110 times

• Income Protection For Dentists - How To Choose The Right Policy (Part 2)
  All dentists have a number of important decisions to make when planning their financial future, such as: Should I invest more into pensions?, What is the best mortgage available?, I've sold the practice, what do I do with the realised capital? Unfortunately, some dentists forget to put in place what is probably the most important component of their financial jigsaw: income protection. This is part 2 of a 2-part article series on this topic.
  Published 07May2011, viewed 205 times

• Income Protection For Dentists - How To Choose The Right Policy (Part 1)
  All dentists have a number of important decisions to make when planning their financial future, such as: - Should I invest more into pensions? - What is the best mortgage available? - I've sold the practice - what do I do with the realised capital? Unfortunately, some dentists forget to put in place what is probably the most important component of their financial jigsaw: income protection. This is part 1 of a 2-part article series on this topic.
  Published 03May2011, viewed 155 times

• Investment Risk - What Does It Mean To You?
  As Financial Planners and Wealth Managers, we take our role in managing risk for clients very seriously. After all, we talk about the small (but very big) word TRUST all the time when we examine why a client will choose to put their faith, and money, with us. Of course, risk is ever more topical at the moment what with the terrible tragedy of the earthquake in Japan, the Libya conflict and massive unrest in many Arab countries.
  Published 04Apr2011, viewed 126 times

• Critical Illness Insurance - Latest Claim Statistics
  I attended a seminar this week on the subject of 'behavioural finance' at The Baltic in Newcastle. Whilst the subject that the very accomplished American speaker covered was very relevant for all investors, it was a personal story that he shared which I remembered the most afterwards. He told the audience how the death of his father when he (the speaker) was a child had more than just the expected emotional impact that one would expect.
  Published 17Feb2011, viewed 115 times

• Investing For Children - Which Options Are Best? (Part 2)
  Having given due consideration to the strategies in Part 1, let's now consider other tax effective investments to help children with the costs of higher education. Trust Arrangements - In cases where the donor is confident that the child will have a mature disposition at age 18, a bare trust based investment will offer maximum tax efficiency.
  Published 17Jan2011, viewed 169 times

• Investing For Children - Which Options Are Best?
  With the potential costs of a university education spiralling, house prices still being relatively high and the cost of weddings increasing, it has never been more important to begin a programme of savings for children and grandchildren. Added to this the effective demise of the Child Trust Fund has left a gaping hole in effective provision. In part 1 of this 2-part series, let's examine some of the tax-efficient opportunities that remain.
  Published 27Dec2010, viewed 164 times

• Guaranteed Stock Market Bonds - Are They A Good Option?
  At the moment, one of the frustrations for savers is the low rates of return they are experiencing on cash deposits. This has resulted in some investors being persuaded by salespeople to put their money into a Bond that is linked to the performance of the stock market in some way or form. There are many articles appearing in the press on this, and as usual the banks and building societies are coming in for criticism.
  Published 23Nov2010, viewed 162 times

• Proposed Pension Changes - How Will You Be Affected?
  No doubt you are aware that more proposed changes to pensions has been announced by the Government. The good news is that the Coalition has attempted to simplify matters, which is very welcome after Labour's legacy of the anti-forestalling legislation (how complicated does it need to be?). Let's take a look at the main changes that will affect doctors and dentists:
  Published 15Nov2010, viewed 181 times

• Retirement Planning - How Much Is Enough?
  It is THE subject that we get the most enquiries about from new clients, and the one that greatly concerns many doctors and dentists - retirement planning. To ensure we are always up to date with the latest developments, and to keep up with our CPD, we read a huge amount on this subject. Recently, one article concerned the amount of time we spend as a proportion of our adult lives being retired.
  Published 18Oct2010, viewed 202 times

• How To Invest - Funds Or Individual Shares?
  As you can probably imagine, we read a huge amount about the subject of investments. Included here, as well as the more 'serious' reading we do, are the many journalists who write numerous articles about the 'best way' to invest your hard earned money.
  Published 23Sep2010, viewed 153 times

• Investing Company Money - Cash, Shares, Pensions?
  Investing company money that has built up within a business bank account poses a challenge to many company directors. If you are a dentist that has decided to incorporate (or perhaps you've already done it), or a doctor with private earnings that has incorporated, one of the main differences you'll have noticed is that there is now another party in your business life.
  Published 23Jul2010, viewed 476 times

• Investing Your Capital - Obvious & Hidden Risks
  As we have said consistently for many years, we favour passive funds and tracker funds when investing clients' capital. The evidence for actively managed funds where the Fund Manager stock picks, and perhaps tries to time the markets leading to consistent long term performance above the average is thin on the ground. Especially so when you take into account the higher costs usually associated with active fund managers.
  Published 21Jul2010, viewed 150 times

• Independent Financial Advice - Can a Bank Really Provide it?
  As we read a lot of articles every week on a wide variety of subjects, a very common one that keeps on coming up is the appalling reputation of the banks. Time after time we read of the banks' sales people selling products that are totally unsuitable to unsuspecting customers. Which? Magazine has recently carried out research on this very subject.
  Published 16Jul2010, viewed 152 times

• Entrepreneurs' Relief - Will You Actually Qualify?
  Entrepreneurs' Relief was introduced following the abolition of the Capital Gains Tax taper relief scheme in April 2008. At the time, the government was intent on imposing an 18% flat rate on all capital gains, whether business or non-business assets. However, after a period of lobbying from business, the government backtracked (or actually listened?) on their original decision.
  Published 15Jul2010, viewed 226 times

• Investment Bonds - Pros & Cons For the Higher Rate Tax Payer
  A Life Insurance Investment Bond is widely available for you to invest in. As with many investments, there are advantages and disadvantages to using this form of tax wrapper. One of the main points to bear in mind is that the tax wrapper status of any financial product dictates how much tax you will/won't pay on the investment at outset, during and at the end of the term.
  Published 29May2010, viewed 317 times

• Capital Gains Tax - Is an Increase on the Way?
  One of the most frustrating things we encounter whilst helping clients secure their futures, is governments changing the rules. It's a bit like you when play a game of football, and at half time with a comfortable 2-0 lead, the referee explains that the goal size of your opponents will decrease, whilst yours will double. What?! Hey ref, that's not fair!
  Published 28May2010, viewed 165 times

• Inheritance Tax Planning - What About Pre-Inheritance?
  We have all heard of surveys and reports about nearly or newly retired professionals stating with a smile on their face that they were going to 'spend the kids' inheritance'. Many dreams were being fulfilled, involving travel to exotic far flung places, cruising, buying a boat or a Harley Davidson motorbike - or whatever appealed.
  Published 25Apr2010, viewed 365 times

• Mortgage Endowments - Stick Or Twist?
  We read a huge amount of articles on all sorts of financial matters each week. One that appeared in the press recently about the latest news on With Profits Endowment policies' payouts grabbed our attention.
  Published 26Mar2010, viewed 288 times

• Tracker Funds Vs Active Funds - Where to Invest
  Readers of Financial Tips will have seen many articles that we have written talking about how to invest your money. It goes something like this: Check if you even need to invest more by having your planner build you your own financial forecast. After all, if your big picture looks very good, why not spend more/semi retire/gift to children and therefore reduce any inheritance tax issues?
  Published 26Feb2010, viewed 492 times

• Retail Investment Managers - Are They Worth it?
  Regular readers will know that after extensive research and much experience, we favour passive investments. That is to say that our clients will accept the level of return that fits their appetite for risk over the long term. In addition, we can access institutional funds instead of retail funds and reduce costs which result in 'performance drag'.
  Published 17Jan2010, viewed 337 times

• Investment Costs - What is the 'Real Deal'?
  We have visited this subject many times, but make no apology for doing so again. If you currently have investments in Unit Trusts, Stocks & Shares ISAs or Pensions, or are planning to do so, then reading this article could save you a small fortune over, say, 10 - 20 years. Let's take a look at the typical costs you are faced with when you invest your money...
  Published 16Dec2009, viewed 174 times

• Life Assurance, Critical Illness Cover Etc - Are You Paying For Policies You Don't Need?
  One of the common issues we find when we review a new client's situation is that over the years they have been sold (or have purchased) many life, critical illness and income protection policies. Now, it's important of course to state that such cover for, say, a couple with a family and a mortgage, is absolutely vital.
  Published 22Nov2009, viewed 308 times

• Investment Risk - What's Your Risk Tolerance?
  As you'll know, the main global stock markets have been VERY volatile over the last 12 months or so. And it's likely that you have money invested in one or more of several investment vehicles: - ISAs - Personal Pensions - Self Invested Personal Pensions - Life company funds - Unit Trusts - Open Ended Investment Companies - Investment Trusts
  Published 06Nov2009, viewed 188 times

• Your Retirement - What Will You Actually Do?
  When we start working with a new client who's, say, aged 50, it's always interesting to get down to what they want to aim for in life. After all, if life is not about thoroughly enjoying doing things you love most, what is it about? So when the 'Retirement Reality' study from an insurance company came out the other day, it was something that we took notice of.
  Published 17Oct2009, viewed 189 times

• Life Coverage, Critical Illness, Income Protection - Are You Fully Covered?
  When you graduated, there's a high probability you 'signed up' for income protection cover. Maybe it was at a graduation Ball, or perhaps it was following a talk you attended. Even if you found out since that better coverage was available, the key is that you took action and purchased a very important protection plan.
  Published 02Oct2009, viewed 153 times

• Savings Rates - Are You Getting the Best Rate For Your Money?
  We are not talking about serious longer term investments here. This is money which is meant to be safe and accessible, and preferably tax efficient. It could well be that it's money earmarked for your tax bill, for example.
  Published 17Sep2009, viewed 302 times

• Financial Planning - The 10 Key Questions to Ask Yourself
  No matter what stage of career you've reached, or even if you've retired, there's a number of key questions that you should be able to answer to give yourself the confidence that you've addressed all the important areas of your financial planning. So, today, I'm going to run through the key areas that we run through with each client to take a 'barometer' of their financial planning health. Let's get started.
  Published 10Sep2009, viewed 435 times

• Absolute Return Fund - Should You Invest in One?
  You may have heard about Absolute Return Funds being launched and appearing in the press recently. We have seen quite a few of them launched in the last year or so, and they sound good don't they? Absolute returns - hmmm, let's investigate. There are 3 main reasons why these funds have appeared on the radar recently:
  Published 13Aug2009, viewed 185 times

• NHS Pension Choices - The Key Factors
  If you are a member of the NHS pension scheme, you will soon be asked to make a very important decision. That is, should you remain in the current version of the scheme (applies if you were a member pre-April 2008) or should you transfer to the new version (post-April 2008). To help, the NHS have produced 'Your NHS Pension Choice' Guide.
  Published 14Jul2009, viewed 687 times

• Getting Financial Advice - Your Options Explained
  This week's article is a biggie, but I guarantee it'll be worth a few minutes of your time. If you're looking for help with your financial planning decisions, there are a number of resources you can turn to.
  Published 26Jun2009, viewed 193 times

• Income Tax Rises 2010 - Will You Be Affected?
  Large rises in income tax are due to take effect from next April for people earning over £100,000. New rates of tax were announced by the Government in the recent budget and they are going to hit many of our clients hard! This is because our clients tend to be higher earners, with many in the £150,000 to £350,000 pa bracket. So, how are you going to be affected?
  Published 11Jun2009, viewed 793 times

• Dentists & Doctors - Do You Need Your Own Cash Flow Forecast?
  Regular readers of our newsletter will probably recognise the words Cash Flow Forecast (Financial Map or Sat Nav), as we often refer to this when talking about how we help doctors and dentists work out: What they really want to achieve in life? What is this going to cost and when? How does this look when compared to their incomes/assets? After all, dreams are just that unless you measure them and give them a deadline.
  Published 11Jun2009, viewed 197 times

• New NHS Benefits - It's All Ended in Tiers
  There have been many changes in overall pension rules by the government, and we have discussed in Financial Tips how this has affected the NHS Pension Scheme in previous articles such as the Lifetime Allowance. Other NHS rule changes might not be so obvious, but for the unfortunate few who fall ill, have a serious accident or die in service, these rule changes are important.
  Published 09Apr2009, viewed 225 times

• Critical Illness Claim Statistics 2008
  In line with the trends of the last 3-4 years, many insurance companies have announced their claims statistics for critical illness cover. As a brief reminder, the idea with critical illness cover is that it will pay out a lump sum (usually) in the event of diagnosis of a number of serious illnesses.
  Published 28Mar2009, viewed 217 times

• ISAs - Are They Really That Tax Efficient?
  One of the standard pieces of advice we have always given when it comes to investing in stocks & shares is that it really will pay off to maximize the allowances clients have to ISAs. If a client is looking to invest, this is the first port of call for us as wealth managers. As a couple can invest 7,200 each in every tax year, this 'pot' can potentially grow very nicely over the longer term.
  Published 16Mar2009, viewed 271 times

• Last Will and Testament - The Perils of Dying 'Intestate'
  Not the most enlightening of subjects is it? And not one you'll probably discuss often, with either friends or family. What's that I hear you say? Dying. The good news is that I'm not going to take up the next few minutes of your life talking about how we might all eventually leave planet earth.
  Published 28Feb2009, viewed 273 times

• New NHS Pension Choice at Retirement - More Pension Or More Cash?
  In the past when it came to how the NHS paid your pension, it was very simple. You had a pension based on the number of years' service in the Scheme, your income, and whether you had purchased added years. You also received a tax free lump sum of three times that pension (although GMPs and GDPs have their pension entitlement calculated on a slightly different basis). No thought was required when you reached retirement age.
  Published 13Feb2009, viewed 546 times

• 1970s Crisis - Is it the Same This Time?
  Well, what a year it's been... High street banks in crisis, investment banks closing their doors, 'experts' pointing fingers, and SERIOUS questions asked of the Financial regulators. Yes, what WERE the regulators doing on both sides of the Atlantic? And to cap it all, a $50bn (expected) fraud uncovered in the US. Is there more to come, one wonders?
  Published 08Jan2009, viewed 206 times

• Bank of England Base Rate Reduction - What About the Savers?
  There has been a lot of talk about the big winners when interest rates fall - i.e. borrowers. But what about people who rely on a reasonable amount of interest on their deposit accounts - the savers? Falling interest rates are a nightmare for savers, and with the Bank of England (BOE) dropping rates further, what options do you have if you are a saver?
  Published 17Dec2008, viewed 179 times

• Lower Interest Rates - What Do They Mean to You?
  The fact that the Bank of England (BOE) has slashed interest rates by 1.5% to 3%, I think shows how worried they are about the British economy. In a Bloomberg survey of 60 economists, nobody had predicted such a large cut in one go. You would be forgiven for wondering what the reasoning behind this decision is when inflation has reached over 5%, and the BoE are supposed to target 2%.
  Published 20Nov2008, viewed 180 times

• Retirement Planning - Should You Take Your Pension at 60?
  This week we are discussing a scenario where an individual is about to reach 60 and are wondering whether they have to take their pensions at 60, or if they can delay this decision. And indeed, what are their overall options? Some years ago, many in the pensions world advised investors not to touch their pension until it was absolutely necessary.
  Published 30Oct2008, viewed 222 times

• How Safe is Your Money? - Your Guide to Protection
  My goodness what a rollercoaster it has been recently! It seems that not a day goes by without more gloom. A bank goes bust or is rescued, an insurance company is swallowed up by another or is nationalised. It is in times like these that people quite naturally get very worried and want to make sure that they are protected. Let's look at cash deposit savings.
  Published 21Oct2008, viewed 277 times

• The Cost of Investing - Are 'Hidden' Charges Eating Your Returns?
  We live in interesting times. The investment bank Lehman Brothers has filed for bankruptcy protection, Merrill Lynch is being taken over by Bank of America and it's predicted thousands of bank employees will be picking up their P45s by the end of the month. If you have money invested in ISAs and personal pensions these may be worrying times.
  Published 24Sep2008, viewed 358 times

• Have You Clearly Defined Your Goals? - Living the Life You Want to Lead
  When we meet a new client or review the financial affairs of someone we have known for some time, the first thing we automatically concentrate on is what goals in life do they have? For a new client - how can we as planners really encourage them to think about what they want to do with their lives? For existing clients - we know their goals and so where are they on this journey? Are there any new factors to consider?
  Published 12Sep2008, viewed 211 times

• Be Smart - Be a Passive Investor
  One of the first things we come across when we take on a new client is starting to make sense of the collection of policies and investments they have. They are usually in a pile somewhere and tend to consist of many different funds across several providers. Almost without exception, their investment plans include 'active fund manager' investments. The values vary, but 100,000 to 250,000 is not uncommon.
  Published 11Sep2008, viewed 228 times

• Saving Money From Income - Are You a Saver Or Spender?
  It certainly looks all doom and gloom at the moment doesn't it? Open any newspaper or tune into the news on TV and if you are anything like me, you get punch drunk with all the articles on how bad the stock market or property market is etc etc. It may seem perverse then to write an article on savings!
  Published 15Jul2008, viewed 329 times

• Investing in Money Market Cash Funds - Are They a Wise Option?
  When it comes to investing your money, you'll probably know by now that you have numerous options to choose from. In fact, it can feel like a bit of a minefield and sometimes you may not know if you've made the right choice. Should you choose a bond fund, equity fund, property fund or a money market cash fund? Or any other type of fund? So, what is a Money Market fund?
  Published 12Jun2008, viewed 648 times

• Dentists' Provident Society - Income Protection Claim Statistics
  If you are a dentist, it's likely that you've taken out income protection insurance (also referred to as permanent health insurance). In fact, you may have even claimed on your policy. During the last few years many of the leading insurers have been releasing their claim statistics for critical illness cover and income protection.
  Published 24May2008, viewed 502 times

• Financial Sales Vs Financial Planning - What You Need To Know
  One of the challenges we face as Fee Based Planners and Wealth Managers is how do doctors and dentists get to know about Graeme and Ray and the job we do? After all, we know (and our existing clients tell us), that we are providing our clients with exactly the kind of service they want, and they love the way we work for them and not the product provider.
  Published 13May2008, viewed 249 times

• To SIPP Or Not To SIPP? - More Pension Options Explained
  We have been seeing a lot of enquiries from clients wanting to know if a Self Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) would be appropriate for them. Let's look at an example to illustrate this. Let's say you have several personal pensions, some separate share investments and an investment property. How can you use a SIPP to invest in the shares and the property?
  Published 21Apr2008, viewed 320 times

• Stock Market Crash? Your Options Explained
  We live in interesting times... You cannot switch on the TV or read a newspaper without hearing of doom and gloom. If it's not property and stock market falls it's oil prices going through the $100 level, and the situation in Iraq seems to be deteriorating.
  Published 15Apr2008, viewed 228 times

• Avoiding Inheritance Tax - Planning For The Informed
  Many clients have accumulated substantial funds within ISAs and PEPs over the past 10 years and enjoyed significant tax breaks in the process. It's not unusual to see clients with capital in PEPs and ISAs in excess of £200,000 enjoying the freedom to switch investments without incurring capital gains tax, personal liability to tax on dividend income or bond interest received within the tax sheltered 'wrapper'.
  Published 31Mar2008, viewed 331 times

• Spanish Property - Wealth Tax & Inheritance Tax
  We have many clients who have either bought in Spain or the Balearics, or are thinking about doing so. In the past few years, there have been some changes in how the Spanish government tax those who are UK based and have a Spanish property, although with a change of government this could alter again. Here we will look at two aspects - Wealth Tax & Inheritance Tax.
  Published 12Mar2008, viewed 429 times

• Stock Market Timing - Should You Bother When You Invest?
  At the time of writing this article the Markets are showing great signs of nervousness and probably should be on Prozac. The problem is that the Markets are uncertain as to the future and therefore have bouts of pessimism followed by optimism followed by pessimism again. Consequently, we see big swings in daily prices of securities.
  Published 07Mar2008, viewed 393 times

• Personal Pension Plans - Does The 'Best' One Exist?
  Like many of our clients, we are constantly updating our Continuous Professional Development (CPD). One of the many pieces of reading material we were looking through had the title of 'Advisers Have Vital Role As Persuaders'. This was based on the results of a survey which asked both individual investors and advisers 5 questions about retirement planning success.
  Published 01Feb2008, viewed 500 times

• What's Your Investment Risk Strategy?
  Sensible investment and wealth management requires a balance between your risk profile and investment portfolio volatility. Both of these factors can be combined to make up your investment policy and investment philosophy.
  Published 22Jan2008, viewed 310 times

• Smarter Ideas For Current Accounts
  When we meet new clients and agree to work together, the number one aim we have for them is that they achieve their monetary and non-monetary goals in life.
  Published 10Jan2008, viewed 260 times

• Nil-Rate Band Will Planning - Your Options Explained (Post 9 October 2007)
  Since Alistair Darling's Pre-Budget Speech on October 9 2007, there have been a number of reports in the press stating that will planning using the nil-rate band of the first of a married couple to die will no longer be necessary as you can now transfer the nil-rate band between spouses and civil partners. (The Nil-rate Band is currently £300,000, and upon death a tax rate of 0% applies to the estate value up to this amount).
  Published 04Jan2008, viewed 278 times

• Investment Costs - The True Picture
  We are all aware of the saying that there are two things which you can't escape - death and taxes. Well, we would add a third here, and that is COSTS. When we speak to our many doctor and dentist clients, or indeed to new clients, they understand that when they make an investment, there will be associated costs.
  Published 15Dec2007, viewed 276 times

• NHS Pension Changes April 2008 - What You Need To Know
  As you are probably aware, the New NHS Pension Scheme goes live from April 1st 2008. This scheme is automatic for new members from that date, and a major change here is that the normal retirement age is 65, not 60. However, the existing scheme also changes in some key areas for those of you who opt to stay as you are.
  Published 06Nov2007, viewed 2232 times

• Fund Managers On The Move and Your Strategic Asset Allocation
  Recent research by Citywire, a leading fund research firm, has revealed that the average fund will only retain its fund management team for two-and-a-half-years. The analysis, which concentrates on UK funds, is the most comprehensive conducted yet and includes 5 years of data. The survey examined 1,741 funds and found that over the 5 years to the end of August there were 3,440 manager moves.
  Published 23Oct2007, viewed 293 times

• With Profits Pension Funds - Beware
  If you have a "with profits" pension, or are being advised to invest in one - read on urgently. A survey by Money Management, an established personal finance magazine, has once again highlighted the sinking payouts to many investors from well known investment brands.
  Published 12Oct2007, viewed 340 times

• Enduring Power of Attorney - Last Chance Saloon
  If you've not heard yet, you only have a few days left to organise your Enduring Power of Attorney. Officially, you have until September 30th to get it in place, at which time EPAs will be replaced by Lasting Powers of Attorney.
  Published 21Sep2007, viewed 346 times

• Is the Shares Crisis Over?
  Recent falls in the value of the stockmarket has caused concern among investors. Should they run? Should they hang on? Warnings about the potential fallout from defaulting American mortgage borrowers have been around now for quite awhile, but when would these pigeons come home to roost and what size effect would they have?
  Published 07Sep2007, viewed 281 times

• Interest Only Mortgages - Are They a Good Idea?
  Many people opt for an interest only mortgage for one simple reason - it's the cheapest option. You can't blame people for choosing the 'lowest' cost option, can you? So how does an interest only mortgage work (I've had many clients call it an interest free mortgage - if only!), as against the other option of a capital repayment loan?
  Published 07Aug2007, viewed 293 times

• Portfolio Turnover - The Hidden Cost of Active Management
  The activities undertaken by an active fund manager normally result in higher annual management charges. This is what you would expect as they must carry out more research and analysis than a passive "manager". However, what few clients fail to appreciate is, the buying and selling of shares within a fund also incurs costs and these subsequently impact detrimentally on performance.
  Published 27Jul2007, viewed 361 times

• National Savings - The Right Option For You?
  When we deal with new clients, we encounter Premium Bonds frequently, but it's not very often that we see the many other products offered by National Savings and Investments (NS&I). Some NS&I returns are currently looking quite attractive, and so it is worth perhaps looking at two such investments, Premium Bonds and Savings Certificates.
  Published 18Jul2007, viewed 332 times

• Critical Illness Cover - Insuring The Children
  When you buy a critical illness policy it's usually because you want to protect you or the family should the worst happen and you are diagnosed with a life threatening disease. But have you ever thought what the impact may be if one of your children was severely ill? Would it make a difference if you had extra funds to deal with the news? Well, if you have critical illness cover the good news is that you may be covered already.
  Published 19Jun2007, viewed 313 times

• Critical Claims Statistics for Critical Illness Cover
  Are you adequately covered for personal life protection, including life assurance and critical illness cover? Do you know what the actual claims experience of the leading insurance companies is? Let's take a look at some revealing statistics...
  Published 05Jun2007, viewed 459 times

• Home Information Packs - What You Need To Know
  Home Information Packs will be introduced in the UK from 1 June 2007. You may have read about them, but what exactly will they mean for property purchasers and sellers? Let's take a look at the implications...
  Published 13Apr2007, viewed 416 times

• Estate Planning and the Enduring Power Of Attorney - Changes Imminent
  It can be hard to imagine that you may not be able to look after yourself at some point in the future. As most of us are only too aware though, the chances of this situation arising is likely. But who will look after your financial affairs? And how will it all work, especially if your situation deteroirates quickly? Let's look at the options available to you.
  Published 06Mar2007, viewed 1010 times

• Your Mortgage Endowment - Cash In Or Continue?
  Do you have a unitised with profits endowment plan? Is it on track to repay your mortgage loan? Are there alternatives available to you? There may well be, and it's not what the insurance company wants you to know...
  Published 19Feb2007, viewed 350 times

• Your UK State Pension and Missing Contributions
  Is it possible to boost your UK State Pension? What steps can you take to increase your income in retirement? By paying Class 3 National Insurance contributions all this is possible...
  Published 10Feb2007, viewed 569 times

• The UK Property Boom - Will It Continue in 2007?
  Whether we own property to live in, have it as an investment as a buy to let or as part of our portfolio in our ISAs or Pensions, the fortune of the property market is very important to our overall wealth.
  Published 09Jan2007, viewed 449 times

• Critical Protection Issues - How To Get The Right Level of Personal Protection
  This is the second of a three part mini-series on protecting your family from the effects of death and illness. A morbid subject perhaps, but a crucial one that you shouldn't ignore.
  Published 16Dec2006, viewed 438 times

• Bracing Yourself for Higher Education Costs - Are You Ready For The Challenge?
  Will your children be able to afford to go to University or onto Higher Education? With the costs increasing every year will the government be able to reach their goal of more students going to university? Let's look at the costs involved and the steps you can take to ensure you've saved enough for their futures.
  Published 04Dec2006, viewed 470 times

• Is This The REIT Investment? - Real Estate Investment Trusts and Investing in UK Commercial Property
  If you're looking to invest in commercial property (shops, offices etc - not 'buy to let' residential) you currently have a couple of main options (apart from buying the whole property itself).
  Published 27Nov2006, viewed 404 times

• Critical Personal Protection Issues - Quality of Insurance Cover
  For the next three articles we'll look at the issue of how to protect yourself and your family from the financial effects of death and illness. These consist of: • The importance of the quality of your protection policies • How to get the right level of protection • A look at the actual claims experience of companies
  Published 20Nov2006, viewed 530 times

• Parent Landlords - A Good Option?
  Many clients we speak to have at some time posed the question - should we buy a property for our child(ren) going to University? It is a fair question as it seems a waste to pay rent when you can get something back. Also, as a caring parent you presumably would like your child to live somewhere decent and habitable.
  Published 13Nov2006, viewed 498 times

• 8 Critical Steps Towards Buy To Let Property Profits
  We've all read the headlines professing that fortunes are being made in the property market. Whether you're just considering adding this asset class to your portfolio or are a more seasoned property professional, you need to know the essential steps involved to ensure you avoid the many pitfalls and increase your chances of making a reasonable profit (and reduce the headaches!).
  Published 07Nov2006, viewed 448 times

• Active Fund Investment Management – Do You REALLY Know the Costs?
  Many investors are unaware (or don't care) how much they are actually paying in charges to their fund manager(s). The advertised 'Annual Management Charge' is only part of the costs incurred by investors on their funds. This article explores what the other charges are and is essential reading for all investors.
  Published 22Oct2006, viewed 532 times

• UK General Practitioners: Your Pension Options Explained
  The subject of pensions appears to be in the news every week. With this can bring confusion, so in this article we look at how part time GP's can plan effectively for their retirement.
  Published 16Oct2006, viewed 454 times

• UK Resident Doctors and Dentists - 7 Tax Saving Tips for the Next 12 Months
  Achieving success with your financial planning is as much about how much money you manage to keep rather than how much you earn. Saving tax is one area where you can make a big difference to your net income, so use these strategies to your advantage...
  Published 10Oct2006, viewed 528 times

• Are You Making These Retirement Planning Mistakes?
  The subject of pensions seems to be constantly in the news. Whether it’s the new legislation that came into effect in April 2006 or the Government’s next Pensions White Paper, keeping on top of what’s important is crucial so that you can plan ahead and make the most of opportunities. Let's take a look at some of the 'Pension Planning Mistakes' that you should strive to avoid.
  Published 02Oct2006, viewed 474 times

• NHS Pension Benefits - Should You Increase Them?
  One of the recurring themes we deal with as financial planners is the subject of buying more NHS Pension benefits. Should you invest in added years, AVCs, ISAs? This is now worth a revisit as the situation is probably changing again! For the punch drunk amongst you, we will try to keep this as painless as possible.
  Published 25Sep2006, viewed 682 times

• Pension or ISA: Which Investment Route Should You Take?
  Many investors are confused about where to invest their money. The answer is not always straightforward as it really depends upon what you're trying to achieve (e.g. income in retirement or access to a lump sum). This article explores this further.
  Published 17Sep2006, viewed 391 times

• UK Resident Doctors and Dentists - Are You Planning Your Financial Future Or Being Sold Policies?
  There are really only two types of services you can choose from when getting help with planning your finances, although some financial advisers do not offer both. The key question you should ask yourself is which one is best: Financial Advice or Financial Planning?
  Published 11Sep2006, viewed 384 times

Free Report!
Ten Essential Secrets Of Article Marketing ... Grab Your Free
Copy Now:

Need Content?
Regular Top Quality Content for your Blog, Ezine or Website ...
Delivered Direct,
For Free!
Click For Details