COMPULSORY WORKPLACE PENSION

If you have a business with even just one person on PAYE (other than yourself  if you are the director), you need to find out what you are expected to do as regards having a Workplace Pension. This has been going on since October 2012 starting with the companies with the most employees. Over the next year or so it will catch up businesses even with just an employee or two. There are pretty steep penalties for not meeting your obligations in this regard. If you have been sent your “Staging Date” (the date at which you are required to have the Workplace Pension set up and operating in your business), you should not ignore it. If you are not sure, you can check on your Staging Date by going on-line to www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/employers.

PENSION OPTIONS

There are many more choices on taking your pension benefits than ever before. It is a good idea to get professional advice to help you make the decisions that best suit your plans. As the rules have changed as regards how pension benefits are treated on death, this too is something important to know about. We would be happy to assist.

FINANCIAL BASICS

It is worth keeping a check on your Financial Basics:

• M ost important! – ensuring more money comes in than goes out

• Building up some cash reserves in case of an emergency (putting this cash into an ISA

   is a good plan for most)

• Life assurances kept at an adequate level (basic life assurance is inexpensive for most and

   we are happy to provide quotes)

• Build up some long range savings or investments, e.g. pension, property, stocks and

   shares (there are many options; feel free to discuss the options with us)

• Keep your credit in good shape by always making payments on time (setting up a Direct

   Debit helps ensure you do not forget)

• As you move into your 60s, look into taking out a Lasting Power of Attorney

• Make a Will

MORTGAGE MARKET

Those looking to buy in the near future may benefit from the bit of a slump that has occurred following the new rules affecting Buy-to-Let properties. There was a surge in the first three months with the deadline in the higher Stamp Duty charges for Buy-to-Lets that came into force on the 6th of April. However, there is now the beginning of a slump so it is worth doing some tough negotiating.

BEST MORTGAGE RATES EVER

In the UK we still have available some of the best mortgage rates ever. If you are on your lender’s standard variable rate and are in a position to remortgage, do give us a ring and we can let you know what is possible.