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Sep 10, 2024 | 
usnews.com | Peter Ward |Alexandra Wilson
Travel insurance varies depending on your chosen policy, but most products cover the same basic incidents and emergencies. These include the following. Lost or Stolen BaggageLost or delayed luggage is the worst way to start or end a holiday, throwing your plans into chaos. Unfortunately, it’s all too common when travelling by air, but travel insurance almost always covers this issue. If your bags are stolen or lost, your insurance will cover the cost of replacing your belongings.
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Aug 21, 2024 | 
usnews.com | Peter Ward |Alexandra Wilson
Retirement planning is an inherently stressful topic. But with the average retirement age creeping up, it’s more important than ever to get your finances in order early and set a clear plan for when you no longer want to work. In the United Kingdom, you can start collecting your state pension at age 66, though that age will gradually increase starting in 2026.
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Aug 13, 2024 | 
usnews.com | Peter Ward |Alexandra Wilson
Interest made from savings accounts in the UK is usually taxable. For most people, the first £1,000 is considered your personal savings allowance and is not subject to tax, but anything beyond that figure is fair game for the HMRC. But unlike other savings accounts, you can invest up to £20,000 per year in an Individual Savings Account (ISA) without paying tax on the income and interest generated. The ISA has been around for 25 years and is more popular than ever.
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Aug 9, 2024 | 
usnews.com | Peter Ward |Alexandra Wilson
A mortgage is a loan used to help buy a property. For most people, qualifying for a mortgage is an essential hurdle in the path to home ownership, and understanding the intricacies of this type of loan can help boost your chances of getting on the property ladder or making the most of your next move. The money you borrow in a mortgage is secured against the property you purchase.
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Aug 9, 2024 | 
usnews.com | Peter Ward |Alexandra Wilson
The marriage tax allowance allows married couples and those in civil partnerships to save some money on their taxes, particularly if one partner or spouse makes less money than the other. The government scheme effectively increases a couple's personal tax allowance, meaning more of their earnings are not taxed at all. At a time when the cost of living is relatively high, this tax relief could be crucial for couples looking to save money.
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Aug 6, 2024 | 
usnews.com | Peter Ward |Alexandra Wilson
Gold is one of the most trusted commodities in the world today. Only so much gold exists, and this scarcity ensures it’s considered a safe-haven asset, meaning its value often rises in times of turmoil. Around 244,000 metric tonnes of the precious metal have been discovered to date, an amount that would fit into a cube 23 metres wide on each side. Investing in gold is easier than many people may believe, but there are several ways to do so and you must choose the correct method.
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Aug 6, 2024 | 
usnews.com | Peter Ward |Alexandra Wilson
Zero-hour contracts have been the subject of much controversy in the United Kingdom over the past decade. This type of contract states that an employer is not obliged to provide employees with a minimum number of working hours. Critics say the practice is exploitative, while employers argue it gives workers flexibility. Recent government data showed that more than 1 million people are signed onto zero-hour contracts in the UK, but change is on the way.
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Jul 30, 2024 | 
usnews.com | Peter Ward |Alexandra Wilson
Saving money is crucial to ensure you can afford larger purchases and protect yourself against any surprise loss of earnings. Financial experts say you should have at least three months of savings locked away in case of an emergency. But deciding the best place to put your savings can be tricky. Savings accounts come in all shapes and sizes, and the best ones will give you the maximum amount of interest on your cash while providing you with the flexibility you need.
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Jul 24, 2024 | 
usnews.com | Peter Ward |Alexandra Wilson
Debts can spiral out of hand quickly, especially if spread across loans, credit cards, and other financial commitments. For many, a deluge of loan repayments and credit card bills can become too much to keep track of, and the situation becomes highly stressful. Debt consolidation is one way consumers can simplify their financial position. It involves paying off debts by borrowing more money and lumping all they owe into one succinct payment plan.
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Jul 17, 2024 | 
usnews.com | Peter Ward |Alexandra Wilson
In our increasingly connected world, there are more reasons than ever to send money internationally. Whether sending cash to friends and family, paying for items in another country, or making a huge purchase like a house abroad, sending funds overseas can be confusing. Most will be tempted to head straight to their bank and arrange a wire transfer. But the fees can be high, and using other services can save time and effort.
