Do they have the potential to lead the recovery when the world economy begins to stabilise?
The term emerging markets appeared first during the 1990’s and is now widely used to describe countries not considered to be developed. Third World, lesser developed countries or under-developed countries. Developed meaning essentially the major European countries plus USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
Have you had too much tax deducted from your wages?
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) owes hundreds of millions of pounds to as many as 4.5m British taxpayers after allocating them with incorrect tax codes.
Aiming to preserve your wealth and shelter it from the burden of higher taxes
Making sense of your planning objectives and finances requires even more time and effort in today’s constantly fluctuating economic environment.
Why astute investors are talking to us about taking control of their own investment decisions
Following the introduction of Pension Simplification legislation in 2006, Self-Invested Personal Pension Plans (SIPPs) have become more accessible to more sophisticated investors who require greater control over their pension planning and want greater access to different investment markets. They also offer excellent tax planning solutions, and in these current difficult financial markets provide for the appropriate investor the maximum amount of flexibility when planning for retirement.
Attracting investors’ for all the right reasons
Corporate bonds are a type of fixed interest security. A fixed interest security is a way of ‘lending’ money to a company in return for a fixed rate of interest over a set period. This type of investment is intended to provide you with a regular, reliable income.
Follow our quick guide to structuring your financial affairs more tax-efficiently.
Tip 1
If you are married or in a registered civil partnership, you could potentially increase your tax-free income by switching assets that produce income into the name of the person who has not used all of their personal tax allowance. If you are both under the age of 65, you can currently each receive up to £6,475 (2009/10) a year before income tax is payable. For the over-65s there are even higher allowances available.
Additional State Pension
The earnings-related part of the State Pension built up in the State Second Pension and/or the State Earnings Related Pension Scheme (SERPS).
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.
More and more people are taking an interest in green and ethical issues according to the Investment Management Association, covering subjects as diverse as environmental improvement, climate change, genetically modified foods, gambling and the destruction of rain forests. Nowadays, you can choose to actively support or avoid these causes through everyday activities such as buying organic food, donating to particular charities or using recycled products. There are also increasing opportunities to make ethical choices when it comes to your finances.
According to research from fund management group, Fidelity International, many Britons hoping for a comfortable income at retirement could find themselves working until they are almost 80 years of age.