Inflation debunks ‘cash is king’ mantra
A modest level of price inflation is generally seen as acceptable and even as a sign of a healthy economy. For some years, the Bank of England’s target for annual Consumer Prices Index (CPI) growth has been 2%; not a steady 2%, as short-term fluctuations are inevitable, but an average of about 2% over several […]
Read More
COVID prompts uplift in grandparental support
Most grandparents are acutely aware of the challenges their grandchildren face as they progress through education and into the workplace. University tuition fees and other costs can leave the upcoming generations with debts before they begin full-time work, making it more difficult for them to accumulate the deposit on their first property purchase. The impact […]
Read More
News in Review
“The world is looking to you” All eyes turned to Glasgow on Monday as world leaders convened for COP26, which is being hailed as the most important climate change summit since the Paris Agreement was struck in 2015. The next couple of weeks are set to be packed with important announcements about the future of […]
Read More
Young adults struggle to understand the mortgage process
It is hardly a secret that young people face significant barriers on their way to purchasing their first home. Quite apart from prohibitive house prices and stringent affordability criteria, a lack of understanding of how the mortgage process works is also holding them back. According to a survey1, 52% of adults aged 18–34 say they […]
Read More
UK investors plan to continue lockdown habits
During the pandemic, many people have been able to significantly increase their investment contributions, as spending on travel, leisure and hospitality plummeted. Now, a poll1 has revealed that, far from reducing their investment contributions as restrictions loosen, 76% of UK investors intend to keep up their lockdown habits, with half planning on reducing everyday spending […]
Read More
News in Review
“Growth is being accompanied by an unprecedented rise in inflationary pressures” A closely monitored survey, released last week, suggests the UK economy unexpectedly regained momentum during October. The preliminary reading of the IHS Markit/CIPS Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 56.8, up from 54.9 in September. This represents the largest monthly increase since May […]
Read More
COP26 – working together to tackle the climate crisis
The United Nation’s 26th Conference of the Parties – COP26 – is recognised as the most important climate change event since the 2015 Paris Agreement. Due to be held this November in Glasgow, the summit will bring together world leaders to build on the work left unfinished by COP25 and the goals set out in […]
Read More
Lockdown savings? Should you overpay on your mortgage?
Some families have found it easier to save more than normal during the pandemic, due to reduced outgoings on things like commuting, holidays and entertainment. If you have a mortgage, overpaying is one option worth considering. Benefits of overpaying In a low-rate environment, savings rates are likely to be lower than your mortgage rate, so […]
Read More
In the news – Home Finance
Interest in equity release More than half (57%) of homeowners have expressed interest in releasing equity from their property, according to the Equity Release Council. Across all ages, the most popular reason is to boost pension income and savings, followed by paying for care support at home. The total housing equity available to retirees and […]
Read More