Investing can feel overwhelming even for experienced investors. The jargon and assets can be very confusing. What are equities, fixed-income investments, and commodities, for instance? What do they “do”, and how can they be integrated into an investment strategy? In this guide, our Burnley financial advisers explain…
Interest rates have been steadily falling across the Western world in 2024. The European Central Bank (ECB) cut rates twice in three months, now at 3.65% for main refinancing operations. In the US, the Federal Reserve made an aggressive half-point cut in September. The Bank of England (BoE) also cut…
Almost a year has passed since the atrocities in Israel on 7 October 2023. Now, the Middle East is escalating in conflict. No longer restricted to Gaza, hostilities are taking place across the region, including Yemen and Lebanon. With the world bracing for a potential outright war between Israel and Iran…
Many great stories and sagas build on the theme of an “inner battle” within the self. Great investors also experience this reality. Various “biases” try to pull them towards irrational decisions with their investments. Yet, how can you conquer the irrational assumptions, beliefs and temptations which may lead you to act…
Investing can, admittedly, be an intimidating topic for many newcomers. The jargon can be confusing and the volume of information can be overwhelming. Fortunately, learning to invest does not need to be this way. By grasping the essentials of how to build a portfolio, you can empower yourself…
What is a 0% credit card and how does it work? Are they a good idea and can they have a legitimate place within a broader financial plan? Financial planners tend to encourage clients away from credit cards because the interest payments can be very punitive – eroding your income and undermining your progress…
Suppose you suddenly find yourself with a cash windfall – possibly from an inheritance or from selling your stake in a business. If you want to invest the money, how should you do this? In particular, is it best to invest everything at once; or, “drip feed” it gradually into a portfolio? There are pros and cons…
If you have recently received a large bonus, then first of all – congratulations! It is a great feeling to be financially rewarded for hard work. However, a high tax bill on your new-found money is a less pleasant experience. Are there ways to protect your reward from the tax man? How can you invest a bonus…
Do you prefer the idea of a guaranteed interest payment on savings, or the chance of winning a prize draw? The latter, in simple terms, is what Premium Bonds offer. Yet are they a good deal? Below, our Padiham financial advisers explain how this investment from NS&I works, how it compares…
The lifetime ISA (LISA) is a highly popular investment “vehicle”. Since its introduction in 2017, around 775,000 people have opened one. Yet how does it work and is it worth it? In this guide, our Burnley financial planners offer a short guide to the lifetime ISA – offering ideas about how it can be integrated…
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