News

For many people, life has returned to something like normal. But an estimated 1.6 million people are still having part of their wages paid by the furlough scheme, as some sectors are struggling to return to their pre-pandemic prime. Lots of people have questions about what comes next, so here’s everything you need to know about the end of furlough.

“Card only please” – a phrase you’ll now commonly hear in shops, cafes, restaurants and more. Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve all been encouraged to pay by card to reduce contact between people. The question is, is this cashless society here to stay indefinitely? 

The government has confirmed its plan to suspend the ‘triple lock’ for annual state pension increases for a year. A key part of previous budget commitments since its introduction in 2010, the triple lock ensures the UK state pension continues to rise each year. The move to suspend it comes in the wake of the economic and social disruption caused by the pandemic, but what exactly does it mean?

State pensions have been making the headlines recently – but for all the wrong reasons. From historic six-figure underpayments to the suspension of the triple lock promise, many women are looking for more information about what it all means for them. Whether you’re two or 20 years away from retirement, here’s what all women need to know about pensions.

People in the UK still have good saving habits, with 8 out of 10 households managing to put away at least something every month. But low interest rates and an aversion to risk have left many losing money to inflation. Can a nation of savers learn to invest? Article by Nick Green.

The new First Homes scheme is now being piloted in Bolsover and will be rolled out across England from the end of June. It offers first-time buyers – and key workers especially – the chance to buy locally and affordably. However, some parts of the UK will remain much more affordable than others. Article by Nick Green.

Despite the economic hit of the pandemic, the housing market has rarely been more bullish. But with price growth now at a seven-year high, buyers can’t afford any blunders in their mortgage applications. Here are the hidden pitfalls to watch out for. Article by Nick Green.

Bitcoin is now trading up 40% just a year ago, and other cryptocurrencies have seen price surges of up to 18,000%. But is it a golden opportunity, or a bubble in imminent danger of collapse? And is crypto worth the environmental cost? Article by Nick Green.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. New findings show that the pension saving message is at last filtering through to young people. But are the older generations now the ones who are being complacent? Article by Nick Green.

Too many women are still putting their futures in jeopardy by leaving their partners to handle the finances. As new research highlights their different financial planning needs, IFA Susan Hill encourages more women to take control of their lives. Article by Nick Green.