ARE YOUR SAVINGS SAFE?

Remember that your cash savings are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Account, but only up to £85,000 for each saver for each of his accounts with different financial institutions. The thing to be aware of is that some savings institutions are part of the same banking group, and your protection is limited to £85,000 for all of your accounts with that group. It is a good idea to check and make sure. And remember that accounts held jointly with a spouse are entitled to twice the £85,000 protection, i.e. £170,000.

Pension Alerts

The maximum allowance for pension savings is £50,000 in this current 2013/2014 tax year but it reduces to £40,000 in the following tax year. The Pension Lifetime Allowance is also reducing from 6 April 2014. Currently it is £1.5 million but will go down to £1.25 million. If you are one of the lucky ones to have this as a problem, do take advice as you may have some options to help you.

Could Mortgage Interest Rates Go Up Soon? Can You Save Money Immediately?

With the economy starting to improve a rise in mortgage interest rates starts to look more likely. Fixed interest rates are at historically very low levels and it is worth taking advantage of this opportunity. Check your mortgage now! If you are on your lender’s normal variable rate, contact us to discuss your options.

How to Make the Most of What You Have! (Understanding Your Pension Options)

Pensions can be complicated and difficult to understand, particularly as Governments are forever making changes to pension rules. If you have any pensions that you would like to review, please contact us. We have the expertise and experience to help you understand the options and action your choices. If you are not already in receipt of your State Pension, it is also worth finding out how the coming changes will affect, when you will receive it and how much it will be.

USING OUR EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE

We have accumulated much experience and expertise over the last 30 plus years which we would be happy to put to use for your benefit. We also aim to provide a speedy and efficient service, and we do consistently receive a “10” rating on the 1 to 10 ratings in our Service Questionnaire. Here are a few recent client comments: “Thank you very much for your continued good services and achievements, and thank you for your patience and care.” – Mr ER of Kent “You have delivered a fantastic service in this remortgage matter. We would like to thank you personally VERY much for your great help with getting us a new mortgage.” – Mr & Mrs WDL of West Sussex “Just keep up the friendly, personal service.” – Mr DM of East Sussex “I wanted someone I felt would give me a personal service. You listened, you were speedy, you helped me. What more could I ask! – Mrs SR of London “We are exceptionally grateful for your persistence and hard work. Thank you ever so much.” – Mr AB and MS HR of Kent “I have worked with you before and have always been happy with the service and advice.” – Mrs D F of London “Thank you very much for your help on this and the speed with which you dealt with our enquiries.” – AG of Wales

PAYDAY LOANS AND CREDIT UNIONS

There has been considerable controversy about payday lenders providing small loans at very high interest rates. Even the Archbishop of Canterbury has entered the fray. It has served to highlight one of the lesser known type of financial institutions – the credit union. These are small non-profit financial organisations set up by members with something in common and with the intention to benefit their community. The common factor might be those living in the same area or working in the same industry. If you are interested in finding out about credit unions near to you, search on www.findyourcreditunion.co.uk.

HOW MUCH WOULD LIFE ASSURANCE COST?

We are required by law to insure our car and our driving, our home and its contents, but insuring our lives is not required, even though the consequences of an unexpected death can be very considerable. Research by the Liverpool Victoria Assurance Company has established that only 31% of households in the UK have life assurance. Life assurance does not need to be expensive. Give us a call and we can tell you what it would cost within the hour.