
Blog
Insights from the Charles James team
How to Avoid Pension Scams
Pensions are one of the best ways to secure your future after retirement, however pension scams are becoming more commonplace in the UK, putting people’s savings at risk.
Interest Rates Increase: Opinions
Despite inflation sitting at 0%, the Bank of England could be about to raise interest rates to a targeted 2%. We look at the opinions of a number of leading financial experts.
Is Cash Still King?
As cashless payments become increasingly popular, are we about to see the end of coins and notes altogether?
Interest Rates Set to Rise
Mark Carney, the current governor of the Bank of England, has suggested that interest could rise to around 2% within the next three years.
Saving Increases By 50% in Just 10 Years
The amount that people are saving every month has risen by 52% over the past ten years, according to the spring 2015 NS&I Savings Survey by TNS.
Apple Pay and Online Financial Security
Apple Pay launches in the UK today allowing those with an iPhone to pay for goods using their device. But what is Apple Pay and just how safe is your money when banking and buying online?
The EU Countries With The Longest Working Hours
A recent study published in the Independent shows the average number of hours worked in the EU by country. The average number of hours worked is 37.2, but do we in the UK work more or less?
The Budget 2015 Pensions and Tax Summary
The 2015 Budget was announced yesterday, and with lots of changes and information to take in, you may have missed some important points. Here is a roundup of some of the key announcements made by the Chancellor George Osborne regarding personal tax and pensions.
Budget 2015
Find your preferred live feed for today's budget announcements following the election of a Conservative government in May.
Do You Understand Personal Finance?
Many of us have a poor understanding of personal finance, often underestimating the cost of certain aspects of living or life events. But how can we better prepare for financial inevitabilities?
When Did We Stop Talking About Money?
Discussing personal finances has long been considered a little crude or even a taboo. We take a look at the reasons why it's good to talk when it comes to money...
Will the Crisis in Greece Affect The UK?
Greece have defaulted from payment to the IMF, but what are the consequences for the UK and the rest of Europe?
What A Cheap Will Could Cost You
While many of us put off making a will for various reasons, the perceived high costs of legal assistance is not always one of them.
Like Father Like Son
Research shows children will copy their parents' approach to finance, and with personal debt on the rise, it pays to think about the example you are setting.
Reasons You Need Insurance
This Sunday is Insurance Awareness Day, a day designed to remind us it is always wise to have a back-up plan, and so it is a good time to think about why you need insurance.
Money In Your 20s
What were your attitudes towards money when you were in your 20s? You were probably not thinking about savings and investments, or planning for your retirement.
Women To Feature On £10 And $10 Notes
Who will feature on the $10 note has not yet been decided but it is clear that for many, how our currency looks and who it represents, it as important as how it is spent.
Reasons You Have Not Made A Will
If you have not made a will you are not alone. Fifty percent of UK adults have not made a will. Here are the five most common reasons why.
Upcoming Changes to Mortgages
First time buyers have found it “virtually impossible” in recent times to purchase their own home, research suggests. While deposits and moving costs may be stumbling blocks for young people, it will come as a relief to see fees on fixed rates mortgages fall by 17%.
Pensions and The Debt Cycle
Planning for retirement is important, however it extends much further than organising the best pension you can. It has recently been revealed that a worrying number of over 55s are approaching retirement with substantial debts still outstanding, which could drastically impact the amount of pension the individual has access to.