Analysis, Financial Planning, Politics
What the UK Election Result Means for Expats
As the Queen confirmed David Cameron’s second term as Prime Minister of the UK, the cloud of political and financial uncertainty lifted, and investors are now hoping to reap the benefits. In the housing industry, expats who have invested in UK property should start to see a more aggressive rise in prices. With no threat […]
Eurozone, Government Changes, Great Britain, Great British Pound, Stock Market, UK, UK General Election 2015, World Economy
Financial Planning, Pensions, QROPS, Tax-free Growth
Changes to British Teachers’ Pension
In the UK, there will be changes to Teachers’ Pensions from 1 April 2015. Active members who have been building up benefits since joining, may now be wondering what will happen to them. The idea is that they will continue to be protected, and will remain in the final salary arrangements. However, it should be […]
British Pensions, Government Changes, Overseas Pension Schemes, QROPS, UK Pensions
Financial Planning, Pensions, Retirement Planning
New State Pension in UK Means Only 45% Will Get Full Amount
UK government figures show that in the first five years of the new, flat-rate state pension system, only 45% of pensioners will be fully entitled. The new, simplified, ‘fairer’ state pension system will see a single payment of about £150 made to new pensioners from April next year. It applies to new pensioners from April […]
Featured, Government Changes, Retirement Planning, UK Pensions
12 Year Low for UK Inflation
UK inflation is down to a 12-year low as a result of sinking fuel prices according to official statistics. An “early Christmas present” for consumers as the Consumer Price index measured inflation at 1% in November, having been at 1.3% in October. The Retail Prices Index fell to a five-year low of 2% down from […]
Eurozone, Government Changes, Great Britain, Interest Rates, Investments, Market watch, UK, World Economy
Budget Deficit Widens by A$10bn in Australia
The Australian government has warned that it expects the nation’s deficit to grow to A$40.4bn (£21.2bn) in the 12months to June. Earlier this year, the projection had been forecast to come in at A$29.8bn. Falling prices in key export commodities has hurt the economy according to the country’s treasurer, Joe Hockey. The Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal […]
US Avoids Government Shutdown….just!
Months of intense cross-party debate has resulted in the US Senate completing congressional approval of a controversial $1.1tn (£700bn) federal budget which will now be sent to President Barack Obama to sign. Both Democrats and Republicans have made concessions in order to pass the bill, which was settled late Saturday night by a vote of […]
Financial Planning, Inheritance, Pensions, Tax Cut
Osborne Abolishes Death Tax
George Osborne attempted to steady the Conservative ship yesterday by announcing an eye-catching tax cut aimed at core Conservative voters. The Chancellor announced plans to abolish the 55 per cent tax applied to UK pension pots upon the holder’s death. These changes will come into effect from April 2015. The Treasury predicts the new policy […]
Death Tax, Government Changes, Great Britain, Inheritance, Retirement Planning, Tax Cuts, UK
