
Blog
Insights from the Charles James team
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…
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.
Why is an Emergency Fund a Good Idea?
Setting aside money for a rainy day can help tide you over in times of challenge and provide financial security when in need of it.
What are your emergency fund options?
Savings Accounts: Your Guide to Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right savings account can be a challenge. We’ve seen savings accounts going up to 5.25% interest on easy access and 6% on fixed rates.
Here, we provide a short, concise guide on how to select the ideal savings account and weigh the pros and cons of savings.
How To Save Money on Holiday
When you're away, whether you are ordering a meal or booking that excursion, you can be asked if you want to pay in pounds sterling or the local currency.
It can be tempting to accept the sum that is being offered to you in pounds (GBP), since it is the one that you are most familiar with. But you'll typically pay extra for it.
Here are a few ways to save money while you're away…
3 Ways to Trim Your Bills Quickly
Millions of households are feeling the brunt of the cost-of-living crisis. From our energy, broadband, and water bills to food and fuel, price rises are being felt across the board.
One method to combat this is to devote some time to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money on all of your home expenditures.
That's why we have 2 quick ways to cut your bills…
3 Financial New Year's Resolutions for 2022
With the New Year upon us, it's often seen as a fresh start, a blank page, a new chapter. When better to enforce new and positive financial habits, especially after the most expensive time of the year?
Sit back and let's make the most of the new beginning, as we have the 3 financial New Year's resolutions for you…
Tips For Selecting A Savings Account
Perhaps you have a New Year’s Resolution to open a new savings account this year. With so many products on the market, it can be quite confusing when looking for the right savings account. The Money Advice Service have some tips on how to narrow your search for the right savings product...
Simple Steps To Start Saving
Most people would like to build up a healthy rainy day fund, but many struggle to get started and structure their saving. We take a look at some simple steps to kick starting your savings accounts.
A Fifth of Parents Have Borrowed From Their Children
New research has shown that 19% of parents have borrowed cash from a child’s savings account.
Budget 2017: Housing, Tax, Savings & Pensions
The 2017 Budget was delivered on 22nd November by Chancellor Philip Hammond, and contained big changes, particularly for first time buyers.
Savings FAQs
Savings rates are at rock bottom, but that doesn’t mean that saving is a bad idea. Here are some of the commonly asked questions about how to save…
Premium Bond Prize Pot Cut
After the odds of winning a prize were cut last year, NS&I have made further changes to their popular premium bonds scheme.
Financial New Year's Resolutions
Sticking to financial goals is not an easy task, but by making small, achievable changes, you will eventually be able to reach larger, long term targets. Take a look at some suggestions for financial new year's resolutions to help you on your way...
Long Term Savers Hit by Rate Cut
Easy access saving accounts have suffered at the hands of rock bottom interest rates for a while now, but long term, fixed rate bonds are the latest accounts to experience a rate cut.