You can invest in property directly or indirectly through a ‘pooled’ or ‘collective’ investment scheme, like a Unit Trust or Open Ended Investment Company. Continue Reading »

Government Bonds or Guilts are loans to the government. Generally they pay a fixed rate of interest annually and return the capital to you at the end of a stated period. Continue Reading »

The Child Trust Fund (CTF) is a long-term tax-free savings and investment account for children born on or after 1 September 2002. Continue Reading »

Shares, unit trusts and investment trusts are all medium to longer-term investments in the stock market. The returns are potentially higher than with savings, but they are not guaranteed. Continue Reading »

Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) are tax-favoured savings and investment accounts. They were introduced in 1999 to replace PEPS and TESSAs. You can use an ISA to save cash, or invest in stocks and shares. Continue Reading »

If your finances are complicated or you need advice on a particular financial product a financial adviser can help. Continue Reading »

It’s easy to put off making a will. But if you die without one your assets may be distributed according to the law rather than your wishes. This could mean that your partner receives less, or that the money goes to family members who may not need it. Continue Reading »

If you have any children or grandchildren you may want to open a savings account for them to encourage them to save from an early age. Continue Reading »

Buying a property will probably be your biggest single investment. So it’s important to work out the total cost - not just the mortgage - and how much you can really afford.  Continue Reading »

The additional State Pension, or State 2nd Pension, is paid in addition to the basic State Pension. Continue Reading »

If you need financial help to pay for a funeral you’re arranging and you are on a low income, you may be able to get a lump sum payment from the Social Fund to cover funeral expenses. Continue Reading »

If you need help paying for loft insulation or other energy improvements in your privately owned or rented home, you, your partner or civil partner may be able to get money from the government’s Warm Front grants scheme if, for example, you’re receiving income or disability-related benefits. Continue Reading »

If you are considering employing a plumber to carry out work in your home, it is important to make sure they are competent, reliable, trustworthy and professional. Continue Reading »

Many people have worries about asbestos, but undisturbed asbestos usually poses no problems. However, care should be taken to prevent the release of fibres as they can cause serious damage to your health. Continue Reading »

Television in the UK is changing from the current analogue system to digital transmission only. This means that unless you adjust your television to receive digital signals you will not get any TV channels in future. Continue Reading »

If you have even taken out a loan or mortgage, use a credit card or have a consolidation loan then you may have been paying for payment protection insurance. Continue Reading »

As with any addiction, if you are an alcoholic, the first step is to acknowledge that you have a problem. Once you have accepted that you have a problem, the next step is to seek help. Continue Reading »

It is important to obtain a buildings survey when you buy a new home in order to determine the property’s overall condition. The surveyor’s report will identify any problems or issues with the planned purchase. Continue Reading »

In recent years, the property market has been very busy with property prices experiencing significant rises. This has resulted in many people finding hard to get on the property ladder. Continue Reading »