
Blog
Insights from the Charles James team
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.
Over 50s Failing to Put Extra Income into A Pension
Many older workers are expecting to use inheritance money or property sales to boost their retirement funds, as saving is becoming more difficult.
Mortgages Slow Down But Borrowing Reflects Confidence
Despite mortgage numbers falling, levels of consumer credit stays strong.
UK GDP Rises By 0.4%
The UK economy experienced a higher than expected growth in Q3 of 2017.
UK Inflation Climbs to 3% in September
The Consumer Prices Index has reached the highest rate in over 5 years.
Shops Will Accept The Old Pound Coin After October 15th
The old one pound coin will no longer be legal tender as of October 15th, but many shops will continue to accept them past the cut off date.
What We Can Learn From Monarch Airlines
Travel insurance companies and the CAA have released useful information for those that have had flights cancelled following the Monarch Airlines administration.
The New £10 Note - Everything You Need To Know
The new £10 note entered circulation earlier this month and there’s a few things you should know about the latest polymer banknote…
Inflation Rates Experience Unexpected Rise
The UK inflation rate rose another 0.3% from July to August—the joint highest it's been in 5 years.
The Pound On Course For Parity With The Euro
The value of the pound has fallen so low that soon it could be worth just one euro.
Rare £5 Notes May Be Worth Thousands of Pounds
There could be more in your wallet than you think...
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…
Checking Your State Pension
Many are being advised to check their state pension forecast in advance, in order to avoid disappointment and give themselves time to prepare.
Mortgage Repayment Periods Extend
38 of all mortgages taken out in 2017 will not be paid back until the borrower is at least 65.
Banks Warned Against Excessive Lending
The Bank of England is getting worried about the level of household debt.
Drawdown Pensions and Financial Advice
An increasing number of people are taking out drawdown pensions without seeking financial guidance.
The End of Cash?
With card transactions now overtaking cash purchases, are we seeing the decline of cash altogether?
How Long Does The Triple-Lock Pension Have Left?
With the Government’s U-turn on scrapping Triple-Lock, just how long can the state pension policy last for?
Mortgage Lending Recovers
The housing market slowdown appears to be coming to a halt as mortgage lending picks up pace.
Writing Your Business Shares Into Your Will
Over half of British small business owners do not include instructions on what to do with company shares in the event of their death.