As 2021 drew to a close, the Covid-19 pandemic and its consequences continued to affect economies. The first case of the Omicron variant was reported in South Africa at the end of November 2021. It quickly spread and some counties began to reintroduce restrictions and offer booster vaccine shots. As before, the measures taken to reduce the spread of Omicron affected many businesses, particularly those in the travel and hospitality sectors. The Organisation for Economic Co-ope

For almost two years, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on lives around the world. From health concerns to restricting social gatherings, the pandemic may have led you to question plans you’ve previously set out. According to a survey conducted by Aviva, almost 6 in 10 people agree that the pandemic has made them question what’s important in life. Furthermore, half have said it has changed their priorities. More than half (53%) of adults in the UK have suspen

When you look forward to the year ahead, what do you consider to be the biggest risks to your personal finances? A poll from interactive investor has revealed the three biggest financial worries people have. While you may not be able to prevent things from happening, you could reduce the effect they have on your finances. 56% of people worry about a stock market crash Given the stock market volatility experienced throughout the pandemic, the fact that more than half of people

As a parent, you may want to help your children achieve financial security by providing a financial gift. Yet, you may also be worried about the effect it could have on your own lifestyle, as well as the inheritance you leave loved ones. Before gifting significant sums, it’s important to review your overall finances. According to research from Canada Life, 38% of parents have already passed on “significant financial gifts” to the next generation. It’s something many more pare

2022 may only have just started, but now is an excellent time to start thinking about the end of the tax year. Planning now can help you make the most of allowances and reduce how much tax you pay. The 2021/22 tax year will end on 5 April 2022. This date is when many tax-efficient allowances will reset. In some cases, it will be your last opportunity to use them, although which allowances should form part of your financial plan will depend on your circumstances. Among the all

If you’ll be retiring this year, you may be looking forward to more free time to focus on what you enjoy. As you start making plans, you need to set out your expectations and how you’ll create an income. To do that, a bit of planning is required, and these eight steps are a great place to start. 1. Set a retirement date The first step is to decide exactly when you want to retire. It can help ensure you have everything in order. A phased approach to retirement is becoming more