Q My partner and I saved diligently for a deposit so we could buy our first home. We have a respectable sum saved, but are getting confusing messages about whether now is a good time to buy. On one hand we hear the housing market is in crisis and we should buy when we can,
Tracker mortgages explained, and how to get to grips with rates! In recent times ‘I don’t know what a tracker mortgage is’ has changed to ‘I still don’t know what a tracker mortgage is’. This question comes up in my consultations time and time again, usually with an embarrassed smile, so let’s answer it
My partner and I are cohabiting, but what are the implications in terms of inheritance tax? Q My partner and I bought a house seven years ago and while we do not intend to marry we are in a committed long term relationship. We have taken out life cover but friends frequently advise we should
I’m worried about my mortgage repayments. What should I do if they rise? Q My mortgage repayment is rising all the time, it is beginning to cause me stress. When I asked my lender, I was informed I cannot fix the rate. I’m worried repayments will rise to a level I can’t afford. What happens
Following on of our recent blog articles where I discussed the benefits of Income Protection, I noticed an increase in queries regarding the broader issues of financial security should ‘the worst’ happen and a person’s income was compromised. For example: Q I AM currently a long-time renter with no short- or medium-term prospect of purchasing my
Q I want to get on the property ladder, but feel that I should wait a while and see what happens. What do you think I should do? Property markets are showing signs of slowing in response to higher interest rates in tandem with the cost-of-living crisis. But… As well as the cost of utility
Financial Health Check: Don’t put off what you can do today! IF you want to get fit, you need to become determined to achieve targets. Finance should be treated in the same manner. Ultimately, financial planning is about tailoring a solution to meet your precise requirements. There are a number of ‘universal’ needs that
A colleague of mine has been out of work due to illness for the last two months and told me he is currently relying on social welfare, while he awaits recovery and return to work. This made me very nervous, as €220 per week would not even cover my rent, food, car loan, etc. What
Is it too late to switch my tracker mortgage to a fixed rate? I HAVE a tracker mortgage and while it has been great for a few years, I’ve had six increases since July. How bad could it get and is it late to switch my Tracker Rate? While ECB interest rates have risen
Budgeting in the current climate: how can I get my spending under control? Q I’m finding it difficult to budget at the moment to the constant changes to prices, interest rates and so-called expert opinions on what’s going to happen. How can I budget better and try get both my spending and saving under