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Insights from the Charles James team
Can you get a Credit Card with Bad Credit?
Following on from last month's Financial New Year's Resolutions, this time of year can bring more than its fair share of money worries. According to The Money Charity, the average total debt per UK household by November 2021 was £63,122.
So what can you do if you have bad credit?
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…
4 Tax Efficient Investment Allowances You Need to Know
Last month we covered the government's plans for the biggest programme of tax rises since the 1970s. With this change, it's best to be prepared if you're looking for investment opportunities.
Here are the tax-efficient investment allowances that you need to know about…
5 Things You Need to Know about Tax Rises in 2021
Since the pandemic, Britain's budget deficit has hit a peacetime high. This is a record reaching 4% of the gross domestic product in a year, due to COVID-related spending.
This has prompted the biggest programme of tax rises since the 1970s to help narrow the gap.
So, what happens next?
4 Things you Need to Know about Pet Insurance
Vet bills can quickly add up, which is why having pet insurance is crucial to help ease the pressure on your finances. Here are the 4 key things you need to know…
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.
5 Steps for Beginners to Start Investing
Whether it's digital investments or physical investments such as a business or real estate, here are 5 steps to get you started with investing…
‘Business as Usual’ - 3 Things to Know About Business Lending Post-COVID
This month has seen a much-needed boost to many high streets as spending surged to pre-pandemic levels. This is thanks to the Covid-19 vaccination programme and the lifting of lockdown measures.
6 Things You Need to Know About Creating Your Will
Creating a will can seem intimidating and it’s normal not to know where to start. Between the legal aspects and the forward planning, making decisions for when you’re not around can be difficult.
That’s why we have created the 5 things you need to know about creating your will.
What to consider when applying for a credit card
Whether you're applying for your first credit card or looking for a new one, there are hundreds of options available. Here are a few things to take into consideration to find the one that suits you best before applying.
What are negative interest rates?
Negative interest rates occur when interest rates fall below 0% and therefore borrowers are credited interest rather than paying interest to lenders.
Original Stamp Duty deadline date March 31st extended
At the moment, those who are looking to purchase property are not obligated to pay an extra lump sum of fees thanks to the government’s stamp duty holiday.
Understanding mortgages as a first-time buyer
We understand mortgages can be a confusing topic. If you're a first-time buyer, it's important you have a clear understanding of mortgages and your options before you buy your first home.
The Pros and Cons of Giving Gift Cards this Christmas
Gift cards seem like a lovely present for many and an easy solution for those friends who are simply too hard to buy for.
National Living Wage Rises
The national living wage is the minimum rate that employers are allowed to pay their employees for each hour worked, in accordance with government legislation.
Top 5 considerations when preparing for retirement
After years of hard work, the time has finally come to begin thinking about retirement and it pays to be prepared as retirement nears.
What is a remortgage?
Did you know you could save money every month by remortgaging? With interest rates at an all-time low, if you are currently paying a standard variable rate it may be worth considering remortgaging to bring down the rate of interest you’re currently paying.
Are you eligible for a Bounce Back Loan from the government?
The Bounce Back Loan Scheme enables smaller businesses to access finance more quickly during the coronavirus outbreak.
Understanding your credit score
Your credit score is a number ranging from 300-850 that deciphers how much credit a consumer is allowed to borrow, based on your financial history. The better your financial history, the higher your credit score will be, meaning more attractive lending rates for the borrower.
Nationwide triple minimum deposit required for first-time buyers
Nationwide, the UK’s biggest building society has announced its plans to triple the minimum mortgage deposit required for first-time buyers in response to the Coronavirus crisis.