Read the latest news and articles from the Gem & Co team
As the old saying goes, investing is simple but not easy. It is simple to look back at market data today and wish that we had, for example, owned more US equities and less UK and emerging market equities over the past ten years, given their annualised returns of around 14.5%, 5.0% and 6.5%, respectively.
Read more
As a parent, your child facing an illness could affect your finances just as much as becoming ill yourself. Appropriate financial protection could offer you a safety net when you need it most, including if you need to take a long period off work to care for your child. Read on to find out how
Read more
Embarking on a holiday is about more than simply sightseeing – it’s also your chance to experience new and tantalising local dishes from around the world. An increasing number of people worldwide enjoy exploring exotic flavours during their time abroad. Acorn Tourism Consulting states that food tourism is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing
Read more
Taking ESG (environmental, social and governance) factors into consideration is a growing trend among investors. But what does it mean and why would you look at these areas when making investment decisions? Our latest guide explains the basics of ESG investing. According to the Investment Association, 26% of all UK assets use ESG factors in
Read more
As countries around the world eased lockdown restrictions, there are positive signs that economies are recovering following the Covid-19 pandemic. However, with new measures in place potentially for months, the virus continues to have an impact and the future remains uncertain. The Organisation for Economic Co-operations and Development (OECD) now expects the global economy to
Read more
Want to learn something new but can’t seem to find the time to dedicate to it? Using an app on your phone is the perfect way to pick up small chunks of knowledge when it suits you. From listening during a commute to watching a quick video during lunch, it’s an excellent way to make
Read more
Last month, the first children to benefit from Child Trust Funds were able to access them. So, what are they and if your child or grandchild has one, what are the options? Child Trust Funds were introduced in April 2005 by the then Labour government. The government automatically opened a Child Trust Fund in the
Read more
This month marked financial planning week, which aims to showcase the benefits of financial planning, from the financial gains to improved wellbeing. To celebrate this, we’ve got a checklist of steps you should take before 2020 ends to ensure you’re on track. 1. Think about your lifestyle goals The financial steps you make should be
Read more
Lockdown has turned us into a nation of savers. People in the UK usually save around £4 billion a month, but New Model Adviser reports that, during the spring, this figure rose to an impressive £25 billion. Of course, it was easier to save when lockdown reduced your ability to spend. Staying inside and working
Read more
October is Free Wills Month, an initiative solicitors can be part of that offers free will writing expertise to over 55s to support charities. The key reason to write a will is to ensure your wishes are carried out, but did you know it could help you mitigate how much Inheritance Tax your estate will
Read more
More people are becoming self-employed and it’s a step that’s been linked to improved wellbeing. But it can mean your financial security falls, particularly when looking ahead to retirement. For self-employed workers, it’s important to take steps that can ensure your financial security in the long term. According to research from the Institute of Fiscal
Read more
Your 55th birthday, rising to 57 in 2028, often marks being able to access your pension for the first time. The opportunity to take a 25% lump sum tax-free is certainly attractive and can be too tempting to resist. But it’s not a decision to take lightly and it isn’t the right move for everyone.
Read more
From 2028, you won’t be able to access your Personal Pension until the age of 57. The government’s decision could affect your retirement plans and it’s important to review what it means for your future. The government previously stated it intended to increase the age people could access their Personal Pensions, currently set at 55.
Read more