Read the latest news and articles from the Gem & Co team
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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Back in July, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a second range of measures designed to protect the economy through the Covid-19 pandemic. His next update was scheduled to be the Autumn Statement in the coming weeks. However, given the newly imposed Covid-19 restrictions and economic uncertainty, the Budget has been cancelled. In a statement sent to
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