Read the latest news and articles from the Gem & Co team
During a surprise announcement outside Downing Street on the morning of 18th April, Theresa May set the date of the next UK general election as the 8th June 2017, almost three full years before the previously expected date of May 2020. Delivering the statement revealing the move, Mrs May said that the early general election
Read moreThis month we welcome Ron Mbakwe to the GEM & Co team. Ron joins as a Technical Manager after previously working as Paraplanner at deVere United Kingdom. Having graduated from the University of Kent with a BSc. (Hons) Actuarial Science degree, Ron has obtained his Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and is on track to
Read moreA new government savings bond, offering what the Treasury says is a “market leading” rate of 2.2%, has been launched online. The Investment Guaranteed Growth Bond (IGGB) was promised by the chancellor in last year’s Autumn Statement. Savers will be able to invest between £100 and £3,000 at any time over the next 12 months.
Read moreIntroduction It’s tempting to think that Brexit is the only story worth reporting: in fact, there was plenty happening in March, from elections in Holland to a rate rise in the US, new growth targets for China and – also in the Chinese capital – a park which spectacularly failed to live up to its
Read moreIn the Budget, the Chancellor Philip Hammond announced a 25% charge for people moving their pension abroad. If you’re planning to spend your retirement somewhere warmer and sunnier than the UK then the news may have worried you somewhat – will it end up stalling your dreams of life after work spent overseas? The charge
Read moreWhen someone dies and leaves a will, an executor is usually appointed in the will to deal with the deceased person’s estate – their money, property and possessions. Before they’re able to do this however, the executor has to apply for a ‘grant of probate’. This means they are legally allowed to distribute assets from
Read moreTheresa May has formally notified the European Union of Britain’s intention to leave Sunday’s papers could not have been more divided. ‘This week the UK will throw into jeopardy 60 years of unparalleled European peace, security and prosperity’ warned the Observer. While a triumphalist Sunday Express declared, ‘EU laws head for the dustbin from next
Read moreIntroduction This time last year Philip Hammond was the Foreign Secretary: then came Brexit, Theresa May as Prime Minister, George Osborne’s opportunity to spend more time with his family – or on the after-dinner speaking circuit – and Mr Hammond’s move into 11 Downing Street. He delivered his first Autumn Statement in November of last
Read moreWith both property prices and the cost of living continuing to rise, as well as low interest rates making it difficult to save, the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ is increasingly becoming a partnership with the ‘Bank of Gran and Grandad’. If you have grandchildren, it’s only natural that you’ll want to provide for them
Read moreRecent figures suggest that house prices are set to slow during 2017. Property prices grew by 5.7% in the year to the end of January, slower than the annual growth of 6.5% in the previous month. In January, the average UK home was valued at £220,260. Whilst prices in the three months to the end
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