The new inheritance tax threshold – what does it mean for me?
I wonder how many people like me saw the fact that the pre budget report had announced the Inheritance tax threshold had doubled and then fainted. What better news I thought…Until I read it. Basically the nil rate band is the amount you can transfer to anyone other than your spouse free of inheritance tax. […]
Crunchy Housing Market?
Reader Writes:
I noticed your article last week mentioned the current credit crunch and the issues with Northern Rock, I am not sure I understand the current credit crunch its impact on the housing market. Can you explain it please?
Is selling my house and renting it back from a landlord a good idea?
Reader Writes:
I have seen an advertisement for a scheme that lets me sell my house and rent it back from a landlord. Is this a good scheme?
Will a greener government mean greener investments?
Reader Writes:
Do you really believe that the market in green investment will only take off when governments take it seriously?
Consider rural vs urban house prices & commercial property funds
Reader Writes
I read your article on house prices last week with interest and wondered if you had a view on regional and rural areas as opposed to the overall market as a whole. Could you also give me your view on commercial property funds post their announcement to impose an exit penalty?
What is ethical and green investing?
Managing Director, Worldwide Financial Planning Writes:
Following last week’s column let’s take a closer look at ethical and green investing.
What ethical or green investments are available to me?
Reader Writes:
I was talking to my bank who advised me that I might consider either ethical or green investments and wondered if you had any ideas about which investments were appropriate?
With Profits Bond – a monster that won’t go away…
Reader Writes:
Do you have any views on the inflation-proofing with profit bond being offered by Norwich Union as I have been advised to come out of my property fund and go into this plan?
What is Wrap?
Reader Writes:
You mentioned a few months back an investment solution called wrap. I have investments and pensions all over the place, can you give me any more information on this solution?
The holiday season is here! But beware of credit card charges…
The holiday season is soon upon us and as we all head for our mountains, valleys or surf, it may be worth your while looking at the expense of using a credit card overseas.
Current interest rates to stick…for now
As we approach the next monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting there is no doubt that concerns will be raised as to the future of interest rates as I laid out in my article a couple of weeks back. I don’t believe they will raise rates now and it’s likely they will allow the current rate rises to have their impact on the spending patterns of the consumer, before making the decision to increase. Keep a close eye on the inflation data coming through over the next few months.
Fidelity reveals new Special Situations Fund manager. Should you keep investing?
Reader Writes:
Have you any views on whether or not to keep investing in the Fidelity Special Situations Fund now that we know who the new manager will be after 2008.