What are the equity release options for you?
HAVING covered equity release in as much detail as I could over the last few weeks, I’ll now detail the options available for those of you considering releasing equity. There are two types of equity release (although I could argue that selling and downsizing is another). A lifetime mortgage and a home reversion plan are […]
The equity release myths and your questions
WE had several questions from you regarding the last two weeks’ columns on equity release which I will cover. There have been a few old tales circulating around equity release for many years, but those issues have disappeared long ago. “If I take out an equity release, can I downsize later?” Yes. Around 60 per […]
Unlocking the benefits of equity release
WE covered some of the mis-selling practices of equity release last week. Let’s look at where the possibilities lie. For some, equity release is a great idea, for a salesman looking for a commission, it can be ‘made’ into a good idea. Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll give you a good run down […]
Equity release – the dangers of mis-selling
OVER the last few weeks, I’ve covered much of the lending and debt market and how to manage it ethically and effectively. And now to another area of lending – equity release. In June last year, the Financial Conduct Authority laid out its concerns for customers who may be susceptible to buying unsuitable equity release […]
Debt consolidation loans – what you must look for
FOLLOWING last week’s column on the extortionate rates being charged for credit card debt, I had some queries regarding debt consolidation loans which I’ll just clarify. Just like the old Gombeen man, as most of you will have seen, there are many very helpful comparison sites out there keen to ‘help’, like putting a fish up […]
Eradicating extortionate debt costs
FOR many, Christmas is a time for getting together, relaxing, and potentially for relaxing the wallet too. The yucky dark weather arrives, and January’s wages are swallowed in the November and December credit card. It’s not an overly motivational time. Thankfully the Six Nations rugby is just around the corner . . . Having debt […]
Set some fresh financial goals for the new year
IN the last 35 years of financial planning, there have been one or two scenarios where we have had to set financial goals for the customer. Whether the customer is very wealthy, or without a penny at the end of the month, the strategy is broadly the same. The steps are simple: Firstly, become aware […]
Financial resolutions for 2023 – here are some tips!
LAST week I covered many of the issues with financial stress, so I’ll cover a few answers this week in the form of tips for financial resolutions. Over the last 25 years of writing financial columns, I’ve witnessed first-hand all aspects of financial stress on readers, irrespective of their wealth (please trust me on this). […]
Our mental relationship with money
SINES, cosines and tangents. While I was pretty handy at maths, this was beyond me. I was 16 and had other things on my mind. Oh, and I wasn’t paying attention at the start. While I could easily google trigonometry today, I’m confident my response would have me revert to staring out a window thinking […]
Are green mortgages worth it?
WE have been asked on many an occasion what our views are on green mortgages, so herewith. There is indeed a move to push toward net zero and energy efficient homes will gather pace in that regard. Many homes are far from efficient and will eventually lose value especially if energy costs remain high. A […]
Avoiding the extraordinary Christmas scams
IT’S that time of year again and Christmas scams are on the rise. Christmas can be a very magical time – a time of goodwill. It can be hectic, family time, fun, full of love, but also despair and those bad pups who just don’t seem to want to bother with the whole work thing, […]
Should you be worried about a recession?
SHOULD you be worried about a recession? Well, headlines headlines. If only we weren’t so dependent on them we might see through them. You’ll remember a piece I did a few months back showing historically when the press where very negative on markets how they responded so positively very soon after. The same was true […]