Worldwide Financial Planning

This is a rare, soon-to-disappear opportunity to boost your State Pension by filling in missing years of NI contributions all the way back to 2006. Miss it, and you’ll only be able to backfill the previous six years, which, trust me, you will regret so strap yourself in.

Based on previous experience, it would be no surprise if temporary exemptions become permanent and more industries get a carve out. Markets have been volatile but currency markets, at least, now appear to be looking past short-term distractions.

Failed predictions rarely deter a believer because they just rationalise it. It's about creating the belief. Remember that. That’s what the book explains about recurring themes in history and no ‘this time it's different’ doesn’t apply. It was written in 1841.

President Donald Trump fanned the flames mid-week by threatening to slap the EU with a 25% tariff. He approved 25% levies on Canada and Mexico, and also a 10% tariff on Chinese imports.

Good financial recipe habits aren’t complex. Spend wisely, save first, invest patiently, protect what matters and let time do the rest.

Meanwhile, a month after assuming office the Trump effect is still being felt. It is most evident in defence stocks this week, as the 180° turn in US
policy towards Ukraine is forcing the UK, the Eurozone and the Baltic states to rapidly review their approach to security.