In recent years, the peer to peer (P2P) lending market has grown rapidly. As you’ve looked for ways to maximise your savings, you might have come across opportunities and may even have been tempted. But, whilst it’s a sector that’s growing fast, it’s crucial to understand what it means and the associated risks.  

With interest rates still low following the 2008 financial crisis, savers are looking for a home for their money that offers returns. With potential interest rates significantly higher than what you can find at high street banks,...

 The Bank of Mum and Dad has become essential for many first-time buyers struggling to scrape together a deposit to secure a mortgage. However, research indicates that children and grandchildren are increasingly relying on financial support for a variety of reasons.

Whilst you may be keen to provide as much help as possible to loved ones, you may also be worried about the impact it will have on your own financial security. Understanding whether you’re in the financial position to offer some form of monetary help can give you the confidenc...

When a relationship breaks down, splitting up assets is common. From deciding who gets which pieces of furniture right through to property. However, one asset that’s commonly overlooked initially is pensions.

Alongside property, pensions may be the largest asset you have. When you consider how long you’ve been paying into it and the potential employer contributions, tax relief and investment returns, your pension could be worth more than you think if you haven’t been actively monitoring its value. As a result, it, and the pensions of your...

Do you have enough money in your pension to see you through retirement? Research indicates there’s a very real risk that UK retirees will be short of more than a decade’s worth of money.

As we start making withdrawals from a pension and even when saving into one, it’s crucial to think about the kind of lifestyle it’ll afford and how long for. Without this vital bit of information, there’s a chance you’ll be left with a shortfall that could mean a retirement that promised much leads to disappointment or struggles in later years.

Measuring...

What's your approach to planning for retirement? It's often an exciting milestone, but it may also be mixed with conflicting emotions. After all, it's likely to signify a great change in your life and you may not have a clue what you want to do with your increased leisure time. Embracing some of the aspects of a Japanese tradition known as kanreki could help.

In many cultures of East Asia, reaching your 60^th birthday is significant. This is because of the traditional 60-year calendar cycle, meaning you’ve completed one ‘cycle’ through the...

It’s natural to want your hard-earned savings to grow as much as possible. However, as the saying goes ‘if something seems too good to be true, it probably is’. When we hear about people losing their life savings, it’s often related to scams and fraudsters. However, recent headlines show that getting sucked into inappropriate products can be just as dangerous.

The case of London Capital & Finance

Over the last few weeks, you may have heard of London Capital & Finance; the scandal has been covered in the media all over the country.

The f...

Ethics are increasingly playing an important role in our day-to-day lives. You may choose to purchase fair trade groceries, use a green energy supplier or be more aware of your own carbon footprint or water use. It's a trend that's inevitably spilling over into finances too.

As the world becomes more connected in the digital age, it's becoming far easier to see the impact our money can have, whether it's negative or positive. For some, it's becoming a defining factor in how and why they make certain financial decisions. Research from Trio...

Premium Bonds have been around since 1956 but they’ve recently been in the headlines again after the technology behind the popular saving option has been revamped. But before you put your hand in your pocket, it’s crucial to understand what Premium Bonds are and how they can potentially offer you a return.

Firstly, despite the name, Premium Bonds differ significantly from standard bonds. A bond represents a loan, with the investor receiving specified repayments over a defined period of time, interest may be variable or fixed. They are use...

Millions of more workers are now saving into a pension thanks to auto-enrolment. The retirement saving initiative saw minimum contributions rise at the start of the 2018/19 tax year. While it may be tempting to opt out in light of this, it could mean you’re hundreds of thousands of pounds worse off once you reach retirement.

Whilst you may not be affected by auto-enrolment, it’s likely that someone in your life is, perhaps children or grandchildren. The majority of workers are now automatically enrolled in their employer’s pension scheme ...