There are many different asset-backed investments open to the individual investor. Each type has own specific risks, benefits and taxation treatment.

A workplace pension is a way of saving for retirement arranged by an individual’s employer. It is sometimes called a ‘company pension’, an ‘occupational pension’ or a ‘works pension’. Automatic enrolment into a workplace pension is an easy, hassle-free way for workers to save for their retirement while they are earning.

The government has introduced a new law designed to help people save more for their retirement. It requires all employers to enrol eligible workers into a workplace pension scheme if they are not already in one.

A bridging loan is taken out to ‘bridge’ the gap between the purchase of a new property and the sale of an existing one.

These types of mortgages are designed for property investors and private landlords, who do not intend to live in the purchased property but will let property to tenants.

Before you choose a specific deal, you need to decide what type of mortgage is the most appropriate for your needs.

This document contains a short explanation of Capital Gains Tax, the allowances available in the 2024/25 tax year, and how you can use it in your year end tax planning.

Civil partnerships in the United Kingdom, granted under the Civil Partnership Act 2004, allow couples to obtain essentially the same rights and responsibilities as marriage. Initially the Act permitted only same-sex couples to form civil partnerships. This was altered to include opposite-sex couples in 2019. Though from March 2014 full same-sex marriage was legalised in England, Scotland and Wales, civil partnership remains available. Designed to be very much equivalent to marriage for same sex couples, a civil partnership carries both rights and responsibilities, in very broad terms, attracting the same legal and tax protections/advantages/disadvantages as a traditional marriage. This article explains further.

This type of cover can pay out a (tax-free) lump sum on the diagnosis of certain life-threatening or debilitating illnesses, or if you have to undergo certain types of surgery.

There are various deposit-based investment vehicles available in the marketplace. Many customers will have money on deposit either with a bank or building society.

An Enhanced Annuity pays a higher income in retirement if you have a medical condition that may reduce your life expectancy.

Equity release can help people release cash (equity) in their homes for a particular purpose, like supplementing retirement income.

People buying their first home often have specific needs when it comes to finding a mortgage. A range of mortgages exists specifically for this market sector.

With options for overpayment and payment ‘holidays’, a flexible mortgage can make the traditional 25-year British mortgage look rather old-fashioned.

The government has put in place a number of schemes to support house purchasers, such as Help to Buy.

Making sure you have the right insurance for your home could provide real peace of mind.

The fundamental idea of a personal pension plan is simple. You put money into a savings fund and it hopefully grows in value. At retirement, you have several options which are usually designed to replace some (or all) of your employment income.

Income Drawdown is a more flexible alternative to the traditional annuity route, offering greater choice and control for many people.

Income Protection Insurance is designed to pay you a regular tax-free monthly income if you become unable to work due to illness or injury.

In 2017 the contribution limit for Cash ISAs and Stocks and Shares ISAs was effectively merged, with the overall limit increased to £20,000

A short explanation of Inheritance Tax and how to plan for it in your tax planning.

This at-a-glance guide is intended to give you a quick snapshot of a range of different investment vehicles available.

Also known as ‘key man insurance’, this can compensate a business for financial losses arising from the death, or extended incapacity, of a specified employee or director.

Life Insurance (sometimes known as Life Assurance) helps provide financial security for people who depend on you, should you die.

The financial services industry regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), has set out a new set of rules for mortgage advisers, and lenders, to improve the process of getting a mortgage.

An offset mortgage enables you to use your savings to reduce your mortgage balance and the interest you pay on it.

This can provide a business partnership with the funds to ‘buy out’ or compensate the deceased’s dependants, should a business partner die.

Payment Protection Insurance and Short Term Income Protection Insurance can provide a monthly income to help cover your regular outgoings if you can’t work due to an accident, illness or injury.

With pensions being most people’s second-largest asset, they can become a major consideration in any divorce settlement.

A platform brings together your investments and pensions online, allowing you to view them in one place – a bit like online banking.

A Relevant Life Plan is a death-in-service benefit taken out by a company on behalf of an employee.

Remortgaging means switching your mortgage to another deal with another lender without moving property.

Second charge loans can be secured against residential or Buy to Let properties.

These are mortgages suited to people building a new home. With a self build mortgage, money is released in stages as the build progresses.

In the interests of financial security, business stability and continuity, it is essential to provide a safety net following the loss of a shareholder.

Far from being a luxury, Protection Insurance should be considered essential, especially if you have a family or people that rely on your income.

We all know it’s important to plan for retirement, but many of us are still not planning well, or early enough.

Personal pensions may be suitable if you are self-employed, if you are not working but can afford to put aside money for retirement, or even in addition to a company pension.

On 6 April 2015 new pension rules came into force, giving you much greater flexibility over how you use your pension savings and the options you have in retirement.