Auto Enrolment threshold

The threshold to qualify for auto enrolment into a workplace pension will remain at the current level of £10,000 from April 6, 2019 despite Personal Allowance rising to £12,500, which will affect lower earners the most.

One in five will still be paying off their mortgage in retirement

Three million people, equivalent to one in five mortgage holders, think they’ll still be paying off their mortgage beyond the age of 65. Are you one of them?

A boldly stated budget, but couched in uncertainty

In some respects, Derek McKay’s job is like being in opposition. He can commit to spend what he thinks is best, and if the income doesn’t come in, he can point to the UK Government.

As expected, he also suggested that whatever plans are in place are subject to change if and when the outcome of Brexit is known.

If the UK Government has to announce another budget, the Scottish Government will have to follow suit, and this was emphasized both during and after the announcement.

In advance of the Scottish Budget

Derek MacKay will present his Scottish Budget to Parliament later this week, which is quite remarkable. Not for what the expected content will be, but for what it most certainly cannot.

Warning - Buying Gift Vouchers For Christmas

The crisis facing the high street is expected to intensify after Christmas and it is anticipated that there will be a raft of insolvencies of high street shops, bars and restaurants in the early part of 2019.  Shops closed at a rate of almost 14 a day in the first half of 2018, a period that saw several household names disappear and others seek emergency rescue deals to stay afloat.   From our experience businesses who are suffering from financial pressure will hold on until Christmas, their busiest time of year, and then may pull the plug in January. 

Inheritance Tax review concludes complex process

The first part of the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) Inheritance Tax (IHT) review has now been published and concludes that far too many people are required to complete IHT forms and that the process is both complex and old fashioned.

A record number of respondents took part (more than any previous review) and many of the 3,500 who did so said that they felt they were being asked to fill in complicated forms even where the relative who had died had only left a small amount.

Private Medical Insurance, need or want?

Having Private Medical Insurance is a personal choice but does has its advantages such as specialist referrals, scans, reduced waiting times, specialist drugs, physiotheraphy. 

FAQs - SRA Accounts Rules compliance for law firms

Legal sector Director Rosy answers some of the most asked questions about compliance with the Solicitors Accounts Rules and who needs to be involved for LawFirmAmbition.

Protection for you and your family

It may be the last thing you want to think about, but part of responsible family financial planning entails considering what would actually happen if you or your partner dies.

Will they or you cope financially on your own? What about your children? Can outstanding family debts be repaid? Can the children be brought up and educated the way in which you both envisaged? Will it be possible to maintain the existing family home?

Largest Auto Enrolment fine and prison sentences handed out

Since Automatic Enrolment commenced in 2012, almost 10 million people have started saving towards their retirement via a workplace pension.

Unfortunately, some firms still think they can escape the rules, as a national recruitment agency based in Derby has received the largest fine and the first custodial sentence handed out since the legislation came into effect.