Have you made sure your beneficiaries will be looked after? Estate planning should start early in life and is for everyone, not just the very wealthy. It is about ensuring control of your estate and planning ahead so there are no uncertainties about how it is managed in the future. Minimise the effect of tax [...]

The effects of ignoring the issue and failing to appreciate the value of protecting your family The latest Aviva Family Finances Report reveals that many UK families are putting luxuries ahead of protecting their loved ones financially. The report discovered that while 50 per cent of families are happy to pay for a satellite television [...]

33 per cent of investment companies yielding more than FTSE 100 average yield While the hunt for income continues apace, recent figures released by the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) demonstrate that 33 per cent of conventional investment companies are yielding more than the FTSE 100 average annual yield of 3.2 per cent. Of these, [...]

Year-end tax planning tips With further tax increases likely on the horizon, there really is no time like the present to take a step back and look at how you could reduce your taxes and improve your financial planning strategy. The end of the current 2011/12 tax year is 5 April. We have provided an [...]

More people will have to work later in life to maintain an adequate standard of living. Some 6.1m of today’s over-50s expect to work past the current state retirement age, according to data from LV=’s Working Late Index. The report reveals that, on average, those planning to work past state retirement age will work for [...]

The state of the economy and the government’s future plans On 29 November 2011, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, announced the Autumn Statement, which provided an update on the government’s plans for the economy based on the latest forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility. These are the key announcements from his speech. [...]

What should you do to reduce, or even eliminate, an Inheritance Tax burden? Inheritance Tax (IHT) in the UK may be one of life’s unpleasant facts but IHT planning and professional advice could help you pay less tax on your estate. With the current thresholds set to remain at £325,000 for individuals and £650,000 for [...]

Regaining favour with investors as demand for income continues The property market has experienced some significant highs and lows since 2008 but is now steadily regaining favour among investors as property-focused investment companies are proving a source of much sought-after income. The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has surveyed property managers for their views on [...]

Over half of UK workers are unable to survive financially for more than three months New research from Aviva reveals that over half of UK workers (52 per cent) would be unable to survive financially for more than three months if they were off work with an illness. Around a third (30 per cent) say [...]

Gaining prudent exposure to stock exchange investment without putting all your eggs in one basket Investment trusts are a way of gaining prudent exposure to stock exchange investment but without putting all your eggs in one basket. They are often categorised into country and regional funds and sub-divided further into funds that invest only in [...]