Apex Independent Financial Planning Ltd, Elm Lodge, 14 Elbow Lane, Formby, Merseyside. L37 4AF
Winter can bring unexpected damage, so check you have adequate home insurance. Be prepared for floods, freezing temperatures and high winds. Keep your boiler well maintained with an annual service and check your home for fire hazards.
Research into the UK’s Baby Boomer generation found that only 40–50% are on track for a moderate standard of living in retirement. Plus, those who receive financial advice are significantly more retirement-ready, underlining the importance of planning ahead.
Bank Rate has been retained at 3.75%, average houses prices surpass £300,000 and the UK services sector strengthens.
Inheritance Tax (IHT) has more into the spotlight over the past few years, largely due to the continued rise in house prices and freezing of thresholds. The good news is that planning can legitimately mitigate this tax.
Retirement planning isn’t a case of ‘one size fits all’, so it is vital to get financial advice tailored to your individual needs. Understanding the basics of pensions could have a huge impact on your quality of retirement, paying regular amounts in can be beneficial and it’s important to regularly review your pension .
Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) play an important part in organising your money in a tax-efficient way to make provision for the future. There are a number of options which are explained in our ISA guide.
This week’s News in Review looks at Keir Starmer’s successful visit to China, the government U-turn on business rates for pubs and music venues and a new consultation into a new Lifetime ISA.
In our Economic Review of January – UK growth surprises, inflation pressures ease, markets advance and consumers show resilience
This week’s edition covers the World Economic Forum in Davos, the latest UK inflation data and historic highs for the gold price.
What’s the outlook for housing in 2026: prices predicted to rise, FTBs gain choice, regional growth varies.