Worldwide Financial Planning

In the UK, the decision by the Bank of England to keep rates unchanged was no surprise. More interesting was the big decline in consumer confidence and the decline in sentiment has erased all the steady improvement seen this year.

When inheritance tax is due, it must be paid within six months of death. After that, interest is charged. If that sounds draconian, and not overly ‘nice’, given that you are dealing with many emotionally charged issues after a death, you would be right. But it’s how it is.

In the UK, the lack of economic growth and some cooling of the jobs market, particularly lower wage inflation, helps the case for a Bank of England rate cut. At the same time, the Office for Budget Responsibility put out a gloomy forecast for government debt.

Life is unpredictable, but two key legal tools - Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and a Will, can give you control and peace of mind, ensuring your wishes are respected while protecting your loved ones from unnecessary stress.

If equity markets are looking for a clear signal, bond markets appear ever more convinced that central banks will cut rates at this month’s meetings and there will be more to come.

We all have our investment or pension portfolios, and we want the best from them as that’s what brings us the security, and the ability, to do the things we want.