Monthly UK Financial Column by Brian M. Dick http://www.brianmdick.com/articles/rss Thu, 04 Dec 2008 20:02:36 1.7.2-mod http://www.brianmdick.com/articles/view/1 I suppose there is no such thing as a "dead cert" in gambling terms, but there are two certainties in life. One is that we will die and the other is that we will pay tax at some point. Brian M. Dick Tue, 09 May 2006 14:06:36 http://www.brianmdick.com/articles/view/2 Since the article last month, there have been a few developments. The stockmarket fell, and then rose by 18% in about 3 days. Our troops are already at war. Oh yes, and Scotland lost again to England. Enough of that though. Brian M. Dick Tue, 09 May 2006 14:09:00 http://www.brianmdick.com/articles/view/3 In the last two articles, I have looked at investments, which are primarily for adults. This month, the ideas are for children. It is important to understand how the taxation of investments affects the parents or grandparents and children. As this is quite involved, I will be covering the topic in two parts. This month, I will deal with how the investments are held. Next month I will deal with the various types of investments. Brian M. Dick Tue, 09 May 2006 14:14:30 http://www.brianmdick.com/articles/view/4 Last month, I looked at the ways in which investments for children could be held. This article is concerned with the various forms of investment that are available. The ultimate purpose will determine the type of investment chosen. Thought will have to be given to the term of investment and the risk profile. Also, some consideration should be given to guarantees, if they are important. Brian M. Dick Tue, 09 May 2006 14:22:36 http://www.brianmdick.com/articles/view/5 Commercial property has never really enjoyed a fanatical following, but the combination of consistently strong returns and impressive capital growth is beginning to seduce investors across the country. Brian M. Dick Tue, 09 May 2006 14:25:58 http://www.brianmdick.com/articles/view/6 What a cornucopia of subjects the pre-Budget report has given us, from reforms of trusts, inheritance tax anti-avoidance measures, Isas and corporate tax to a worrying attack on small companies. Brian M. Dick Tue, 09 May 2006 14:28:33 http://www.brianmdick.com/articles/view/7 I’m sure the Steely Dan fans out there thought this article might be something to do with the excellent 1973 album, but alas, it is more to do with A-Day, next April. For the war veterans, this is not a memorial day, but the day when we will see the biggest shake-up in pensions legislation in almost a century. Brian M. Dick Tue, 09 May 2006 14:29:57 http://www.brianmdick.com/articles/view/8 Last month’s article was not about Steely Dan and I am sorry to disappoint those who thought this article was going to be about Oasis. Brian M. Dick Tue, 09 May 2006 14:32:59 http://www.brianmdick.com/articles/view/9 Divorce has been rated as the second most stressful event in human life after bereavement. So it is hardly surprising that, when divorce is combined with divvying up the pensions pot, it gets even more stressful. Brian M. Dick Tue, 09 May 2006 14:36:06 http://www.brianmdick.com/articles/view/10 Let us be grateful that we do not live in the south east of this country, where the price of a “single end”, (I think they are called studio apartments today) is touching the £105,000 mark, and a 3 bedroomed terraced house is around £280,000. Great for a seller, but bad news for a buyer! Brian M. Dick Tue, 09 May 2006 14:38:47 http://www.brianmdick.com/articles/view/12 Did you know it is possible to obtain money from banks or other lenders to use for whatever purposes you choose? Of course, there is no such thing as a free lunch or indeed free cash. However, it is likely that if you have a house worth £50,000 or more, your income could be substantially increased or you may be offered a tax-free lump sum. Brian M. Dick Tue, 09 May 2006 14:41:20 http://www.brianmdick.com/articles/view/13 As we await the arrival of all our colleagues to the staff canteen, our head is full of mixed emotions. The customary gold watch and small cheque, presented by the managing director. The speech on how good our service was to the Company and how much we will be missed. Brian M. Dick Tue, 09 May 2006 14:42:22 http://www.brianmdick.com/articles/view/14 The next to time you are buying stamps, remember that you can get cash as well, over the counter, just like your bank. If you bank with Lloyds TSB, Barclays or Alliance & Leicester, you can use the automated service to take cash out of your account, instantly, at any Post Office branch. Brian M. Dick Tue, 09 May 2006 14:43:37