Q I am in the lucky position of having a fixed rate of 1.95 per cent and have avoided all the recent interest rate increases, but that is due to change very soon as my fixed rate ends in November. While we are not struggling yet, I’m extremely worried as I can’t afford a big
Q It’s my 50th birthday soon and I’ve been working hard in various jobs for almost 35 years. I want to be in a position to retire by the time I’m 60. How can I make sure that can happen? A This answer is a long one. I’ll send you a list of the information
Why getting financial advice now on mortgage rates is important! Mortgage rates are shooting up and this has implications not only for day-to-day household budgets but it’s likely causing huge numbers of borrowers to struggle to pay their mortgages. This will not just affect those on tracker rates who, for the first time in
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,
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
Income protection – why you should consider taking it out Q I am lucky to have a good job and get paid reasonably well, but I don’t get paid when I’m off sick. I constantly worry about being unable to pay my rent if I’m out of work for a prolonged period due to
How To Be Prepared For A Financial Emergency And Unexpected Bills Q: How should I prepare for a financial emergency? A: If you don’t have enough savings to fall back on, you should take action now to protect yourself from an unexpected bill. A third of us are living on the financial edge, with no
What is life insurance? I’ve been told that I need life insurance but as I don’t have any children do I really need it? Life insurance is a simple product designed to provide a lump sum or monthly income payment on death. It is designed to provide your dependents with financial security on your
New Year’s Resolutions – how to give your finances a thorough health check this January It’s still January but I wonder how many of us made and stuck to our New Year’s resolutions. Instead of committing yourself to some elaborate resolution, which may be all but impossible to keep, why not think about taking