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Insights from the Charles James team

Savings and Investments James Thorpe Savings and Investments James Thorpe

Investing with Market Volatility

April has brought significant turbulence to global stock markets, with sharp declines in value shaking both investors and markets alike. 

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the events causing this market instability and provide insights into how you can successfully manage your investments during times of heightened volatility.

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Savings and Investments James Thorpe Savings and Investments James Thorpe

What Is An Annuity?

An annuity is a financial product that allows you to convert your pension savings into a guaranteed, fixed income for the rest of your life - often referred to as a secure income.

Choosing an annuity is a significant decision, as it is usually irreversible. That’s why it’s essential to fully understand how annuities work, the different types available, and the features they offer before making a commitment…

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Inheritance James Thorpe Inheritance James Thorpe

What To Do When You Inherit A Property

While inheriting a property may come with sentimental value, it also brings important financial and legal considerations. Understanding your options will help you make the right decision for your circumstances.

To guide you through the process, we’ve outlined key considerations when inheriting a property, including your choices, tax implications, and legal steps.

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James Thorpe James Thorpe

The Benefits of Regular Investing

For much of 2024, interest rates were above 5% and the markets have experienced ups and downs which might have made you tempted to prioritise cash savings, seeing them as a safer option. However, for long-term savings goals, relying on cash savings alone may not yield the returns you need. This is where the strategy of regularly investing smaller amounts can be highly beneficial.

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Money Management James Thorpe Money Management James Thorpe

How To Manage Your Everyday Money

Do you ever find yourself wondering why your money seems to vanish so quickly each month? 

You’re not alone. The good news is that with a few simple habits, you can gain control over your money and start making intentional choices that align with your financial goals. 

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James Thorpe James Thorpe

How to Save More Money

Saving money can feel like a daunting task, especially with the rising cost of living, but with some simple strategies and a bit of discipline, it’s possible to cut back and make significant progress. 

Whether you're trying to build up an emergency fund, save for a big purchase, or simply manage your monthly expenses better, this guide will help you identify ways to save more money.

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Credit Rating James Thorpe Credit Rating James Thorpe

Why Your Credit Rating Is Important

Your credit rating plays a crucial role in your financial life. Lenders use it to help decide if they'll give you a loan or credit, how much they’re willing to lend, and how much interest rate they’ll charge you.

If you’re looking into getting a mortgage, credit card, or loan, a good credit rating can make a significant difference in getting a good deal.

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James Thorpe James Thorpe

5 Ways to Save £100s on your Energy Bills

For many families, the energy bill is one of the biggest expenses they face. With the cost of living on the rise, it's all the more important to find effective ways to reduce our gas and electricity usage.

Here are 5 simple, effective steps you can take to manage your energy bills effectively.

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James Thorpe James Thorpe

5 Ways To Save £1000s a Year on Motoring Expenses

The annual cost of driving can easily accelerate into the £1,000s. Even if you've got a small run around car, fuel, parking, MOTs, insurance, breakdown cover and more quickly add up. 

Yet it's possible to save on all of them. Here are 5 easy tips to follow to save on your car expenses.

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James Thorpe James Thorpe

Planning For Care

Care is important. It’s something everyone with family and friends are concerned about. Some may need it themselves, others may need care for their loved ones.

With a recent government report stating that 69% of people will spend an average of three years in long-term care (1), it’s a topic that, whilst it can be difficult or saddening to discuss, requires appropriate planning and preparation.

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Savings and Investments James Thorpe Savings and Investments James Thorpe

The Importance of Emergency Funds

Debt Justice, a charity that campaigns against unjust debt, has found that about 12.8 million adults in the UK are falling behind on bills or finding repayments a heavy burden.

It's a stark reminder that the importance of a robust emergency fund cannot be overstated.

Join us as we explore financial security, and practical strategies to build and maintain your own safety net.

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Bank Scams James Thorpe Bank Scams James Thorpe

Unravelling Common Bank Scams and How to Stay Safe

In an era becoming more and more reliant on digital transactions and online banking, the threat of falling victim to bank scams is more prevalent than ever.

The importance of safeguarding your hard-earned money cannot be understated.

Here, we'll delve into the rising threat of bank scams, dissect common scams, and equip you with practical tips on how to protect yourself.

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Retirement James Thorpe Retirement James Thorpe

Retirement Planning - How to Secure Your Future

Retirement is a significant life event that requires careful planning to ensure a financially secure and fulfilling future. Regardless of your situation, retirement planning shares common principles and steps that are essential for setting yourself up for success.

Here, we will explore the key factors and actionable strategies worth considering when planning for retirement.

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