Latest News

Cash is back! How can you get the most from your savings as interest rates continue to rise?

Interest rates have rapidly increased since the start of the year, with the most notable indicator being the base rate which has increased from 0.10% to 3% since December 2021.

How good financial planning can help offset the impact of the Chancellor’s Fiscal Drag

It is likely that The Chancellor will continue to freeze a number of thresholds and allowances meaning that many people will be dragged in to paying more tax in one way or another. This is called “fiscal drag”.

With inflation rising, should you rethink investment returns?

From January 2000 to the start of 2022, inflation averaged 2.3%. It has now (May 2022) jumped to 9% in the 12 months to April, up from 7% in March the highest for 40 years. That means that if you were born after the early 1980’s, you have not experienced the sort of economic environment we are now experiencing.

Autumn Statement 2022 - Personal Taxes and Fiscal Drag

As expected, the Chancellor did not make changes to the rates of income tax, national insurance, inheritance tax or capital gains tax (CGT), but what he did do is freeze the threshold on each one of these except CGT, meaning the rates everyone is paying today will be the same rates that will apply after April next year.

Autumn Statement 2022 - Head of Tax Initial Reaction

As anticipated due to the economic deficit, Jeremy Hunt today announced measures that will see tax increases amounting to a cost to taxpayers of tens of millions of pounds.

Armstrong Watson launches new retirement brand, MyRetirement.co.uk

Armstrong Watson Financial Planning and Wealth Management – part of top 30 accountants, business and financial advisers, Armstrong Watson LLP – have announced the launch of their new retirement planning advisory brand, MyRetirement.co.uk. 

Managing your finances when interest rates and inflation increase

With interest rates rising and the cost of living increasing, understanding your financial position, savings, debts and investments, alongside your regular income and outgoings is important. 

Living in Scotland? Do you know who your assets will go to when you die?

Inheritance rules differ between the UK nations. Here we explain what the intestacy rules are in Scotland and how this might affect your beneficiaries.

Can I reduce my family’s Inheritance Tax bill?

Of all the various taxes levied in the UK, Inheritance Tax (IHT) is one of the most peculiar.

For a start, its name is misleading. In other countries that levy inheritance taxes, the tax is usually based on the inheritor (or the beneficiary) and the amount that they inherit.

The Fiscal Statement and Financial Planning

From a financial planning and advice perspective, the major significance of the “mini-budget” is less about what was announced and more about what wasn’t and remains the same. Take-home pay is set to increase for many with the announcement that the additional levy on National Insurance is to be cancelled from 6^th November and the top rate 45% income tax was due to be removed from 6^th April 2023 but was instead scrapped due to political and social pressure.