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Insights from the Charles James team
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.
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…
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?
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.
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.
Investing Myths: Debunking Misconceptions
Investing is a powerful tool for building wealth and achieving financial freedom, but it's not always easy to separate fact from fiction. Unfortunately, there are many investing myths and misconceptions that can hold people back from taking advantage of the benefits of investing.
Here, we'll debunk some of the most common investing myths and provide practical advice for a better financial future…
Is Investing Worth the Risk?
Investment risk is the possibility of losing the money you invest, or not achieving the expected returns.
Is investing really worth the risk?
What are Bonds?
Bonds are issued by governments and corporations when they want to raise money. By buying a bond, you're giving the issuer a loan, where they agree to pay you back the face value of the loan on a specific date, as well as paying you periodic interest payments along the way, usually twice a year.
7 Things You Need to Know About Your Rising Energy Bills
The UK energy industry is in disarray. In principle, we should benefit from competition, but there hasn't been any — instead, high prices are essentially mandated by regulations.
However, there are opportunities to act to help, not because there are excellent deals available, but rather because the most recent analysis indicates that the future appears to be substantially worse. Future price cap forecasts are now far greater than they were even a few months ago as they continue to grow. This indicates that certain exorbitantly expensive fixes appear to be working.
Here is what you need to know...
How To Cut Your Petrol & Diesel Costs
According to the RAC, the average cost of filling a tank with petrol has surpassed £100 for the first time, making it more crucial than ever to find the best fuel prices. Additionally, you may cut down the growth of prices if you drive more effectively, consume less fuel, and follow the other tips we've mentioned.
Here is what you need to know…
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…
How to Choose the Best Savings Account for You
There are many different factors that determine what savings account you choose. If you are saving for a house deposit or a new car, or maybe your retirement, your motivation will make a difference.
How has Coronavirius impacted the Economy?
The coronavirus outbreak has infected tens of thousands of people across the world, with UK cases increasing to over 300 in recent days. The rapid spread of the virus has left businesses around the world counting the cost.
What is the Lifetime ISA?
Help-to-buy ISAs may no longer be an option however, if you’re still considering opening something to help save money for your future house The Lifetime ISA might be an option for you.
Woodford Suspension Extension Update August
Woodford have said that they will continue to make progress focusing the fund’s portfolio towards the few areas of the market which, they believe, continue to offer valuation appeal and to the economic sectors with enough internal momentum to withstand the growing global headwinds.
Woodford Fund Suspension Extension
Leading UK fund manager Neil Woodford issued a further update this week following the decision to suspend all investor dealing in the LF Woodford Equity Income Fund until December.
Woodford Equity Income Fund Continues Suspension
Investor dealing in the LF Woodford Equity Income Fund has continued its suspension.
Plan To Allow First-Time Buyers To Access Pensions For House Deposit Comes Under Fire
As the Housing Secretary calls on the government to allow first-time buyers to access their pension funds to help fund a deposit on a house, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) argue against the proposal.