Should I stay invested?
Managing Director, Worldwide Financial Planning, writes:
The last few weeks have been anything but boring in the investment world. For the first time in a long time, investors are questioning whether or not they should stay invested.
Rosy Return for Commercial Property
Back in February I was asked about commercial property and if I would buy it and I said no. The reason for that was because I believed that REITs would outperform them. A REIT (real estate investment trust) in very simple terms buys real estate. Its main advantage (or disadvantage) is that it is effectively a share and that share can trade at a discount to the asset it holds.
Surviving spouses and Inheritance Tax – the nil rate band implications
Reader Writes:
Your recent column on inheritance tax (IHT) mentioned the change in the pre budget report and that IHT had just become much easier. I have just considered there may well be quite a gap between the first and second death so I was wondering what needs to happen on first death and what a surviving spouse should now do if their spouse has pre deceased them.
What is a Mirror Fund?
Managing Director, Worldwide Financial Planning, Writes:
Some of you my well remember my column six months back regarding ‘mirror’ investment funds. Whilst it caused a massive stir at the time it is continuing to create further debate in the financial services industry as it would appear that many had not fully grasped its impact on the investor.
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?