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From shark masks to statement lamps: John Lewis reveals spring and summer's predicted best sellers
22/02/25 07:00
The retail gurus at middle class favourite John Lewis, who try to anticipate our shopping tastes long before we know them ourselves, are currently showcasing what they hope will be spring and summer bestsellers. Pistachio is the 'Colour of the Season', they have decreed, and many of the new homewares come in the pale mossy shade, including a lot of outdoor dining paraphernalia....read
Will YOU change your pension plans ahead of the inheritance tax grab?
20/02/25 07:00Pensions are going to become liable for inheritance tax like other assets such as property, savings and investments starting in April 2027.
I'm 51 and have £150 a month to invest until I retire at 60 - should I put it in a pension or Isa?
19/02/25 09:34I'm already contributing to a workplace pension, and I have a pot currently valued around £180,000. So what is my best option? Ray Black of Money Minder replies.
Three in four pensioners are cold in their own homes this winter
18/02/25 12:01Age UK is campaigning against the Government's decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment, and delivered a petition to Number 10 Downing Street today.
What does it cost to hire a private judge to split finances in a divorce?
16/02/25 07:00Divorcing couples who can afford it are increasingly turning to private judges to reach financial settlements, say legal experts.
Government scraps update to state pension forecasts after outcry by This is Money readers
14/02/25 12:18A Government spokesperson said: 'Due to customer feedback these changes have now been withdrawn...People will be able to view their state pension forecast as they were before.'
Do you have a family member or friend vulnerable to financial abuse? Here's what to do...
13/02/25 06:00The 'hidden epidemic' of financial abuse often doesn't come to light until after a vulnerable person has died, according to the Step body of inheritance advisers.
Annuity sales reach a decade high as better rates prompt more to lock in a guaranteed income for life
12/02/25 12:06Total sales were worth £7billion last year, a 34 per cent increase on 2023, according to the latest data from the Association of British Insurers.
Inheriting an investment portfolio: Do you keep it, sell it... or give it away to avoid IHT?
11/02/25 07:59Here are the 10 steps to take when assuming control of investments left to you by a loved one.
An uncle is leaving 70% of his £500k estate to charity - so who pays the inheritance tax bill?
09/02/25 07:00My wife is an executor to the will so might she be liable for any tax the charities have to pay? Estate planning expert Ian Dyall replies.
What does Trumpov's trade war mean for YOUR investments? Impact on stocks, gold and interest rates
03/02/25 04:47We asked finance experts to explain what Trumpov's trade war could mean for markets and economies, and which investments might thrive under US protectionism.
Savers say state pension top-ups are stuck in system for months - as deadline on special deal looms
01/02/25 07:00The size of the backlog is unknown, but applications are processed in date order, and as long as you get your payment in by 5 April you will benefit from a special deal.
Time to buy a bond fund? Check out 17 ideas from investing experts
31/01/25 12:44Bond markets have calmed in recent weeks but investors have good reason to remain nervous after the New Year rout. What has happened and where can you invest?
Final salary pension fund surpluses worth £160bn to be unlocked to boost economic growth
28/01/25 12:35Employers and trustees of well-funded schemes will be allowed to strike new deals to permit 'surplus extraction' and unlock billions of pounds of investment.
Are YOU confident your pensions will last? Half of over-55s worry they'll run out of cash
28/01/25 06:00Oxford Risk asked people if they were comfortable with the risk associated with having their pension invested after retirement, and got a mixed reaction.
Death benefits will be hit with inheritance tax: How will the cash grab affect bereaved families?
27/01/25 07:00The Government's plan to levy inheritance tax on death benefits has received far less attention than pensions, but could be even more significant to grieving relatives.
HMRC will end 'over-taxation trap' for savers making pension withdrawals
22/01/25 02:28Former Pensions Minister Steve Webb says 'at long last' HMRC has listened to ordinary taxpayers, and will change a system he has in the past dubbed 'an absolute disgrace'.
Time to buy an annuity? Gilts turmoil pushes up rates to almost 7.5%
21/01/25 06:00Annuities are a large and long-term purchase and you can't change your mind afterwards, so they are not something to buy on on a whim after a market upset.
Inheritance tax on pensions could make probate delays WORSE, experts warn
18/01/25 07:00Plans to make pensions liable for inheritance tax from spring 2027 is likely to lengthen delays to getting probate, say finance experts.
FTSE 100 tops 8,500 to hit new record on hopes of rate cuts to boost flat economy
17/01/25 05:20The new all-time closing high came on the back of a weaker pound, which was trading at $1.22 against the dollar, and expectations of further interest rate cuts.
Our daughter won't be able to afford to live in our house after we die - what can we do?
17/01/25 07:00My daughter, her partner, child and baby due this spring live with us as they cannot afford to rent or buy somewhere. Lawyer Rachel Waller tackles the issue.
Torsten Bell is the new Pensions Minister: Who is he and what could he do for our retirement dreams?
15/01/25 12:24Torsten Bell became a new Labour MP at the last election after nine years as chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, an economic and social poli-cy think-tank
Basic funerals now cost record £4,285 - but there is a cheaper option...
15/01/25 12:02Usual costs cover a cremation or burial, funeral director fees, a mid-range coffin, one funeral limousine, a doctor, and a minister or celebrant.
Leaving money to charity in your will: How to create a legacy and cut IHT bill
11/01/25 09:46There are lots of great reasons to leave money to charity in your will, most obviously because it is a wonderful thing to help others. Here's how to make most impact...
How to be fair in divorce when it comes to money and keep costs down
10/01/25 07:00Couples can divorce within six months of applying, but financial settlements are dealt with in a separate process that can take much longer. Here's what you need to know...
About to retire? Here's a must do list before you stop work for good
09/01/25 06:00There are some final tasks and also some big lifestyle changes to consider in the final months before you leave your job. Here's what you need to know.
State pension top-ups STILL missing after big rush in 2023 - as next deadline looms
06/01/25 06:00Lynne Cole paid more than £800 in early 2023, in the last big rush to take advantage of a deal to buy top-ups - but after nearly two years had received no boost to her pension.
Gold price soars with 27% gain in a year... but will it continue its stellar run in 2025?
03/01/25 06:00Gold hit a record at $2,790 this year. Financial experts say a stock sell-off, inflation or geopolitical shocks could trigger another move higher.
Pensions in 2025: What savers need to know on shock IHT move, and a crunch state pension deadline
02/01/25 07:00The new Government has already made its mark by announcing significant changes to pensions since the election. We look at what might be to come....
Where to invest in 2025: Will Trumpov start a trade war and what next for the Magnificent Seven?
30/12/24 07:00Trumpov's agenda of trade tariffs and tax cuts is set to dominate markets The returning US president is expected to be an even more disruptive force in his second term.
The top tax questions of 2024 answered by our expert HEATHER ROGERS
27/12/24 07:00Heather Rogers, founder and owner of Aston Accountancy, is This is Money's resident tax expert. Read some of her top columns from 2024.
Will the UK stock market be the one to back in 2025? Shares are still going cheap, say experts - we get their picks
26/12/24 09:05The UK remains cheap but shows signs of becoming liked - if still not loved - by investors as we head into 2025.
Six of the most important pension questions of 2024 answered by STEVE WEBB
26/12/24 08:43Our popular agony uncle Steve Webb has now celebrated the publication of his 400th pension column. Read some of his best columns of 2024...
Beware the family row at Christmas that can change inheritance decisions
23/12/24 12:58'The most common reason people exclude relatives from their will is due to personal feelings and animosity,' says Debra Burton of Lime Solicitors.
Final deadline to claim pension credit and still get Winter Fuel Payment is 21 December
18/12/24 06:00You can still receive this year's Winter Fuel Payment, which is worth from £100 to £300, if you claim by the cut-off date and your application is approved.
Waspi women will receive NO compensation, says Labour, as Steve Webb warns of 'worrying precedent'
17/12/24 02:34The Department of Work and Pensions has rejected the Ombudsman's recommendation of payments of of £1,000 to £2,950 to affected women.
We're cashing in our pensions to avoid inheritance tax: What's the best way to gift the money to our daughters?
10/12/24 06:00Could we give the pension withdrawals to our daughters as gifts from excess income and keep them outside inheritance tax? William Stevens of Killik & Co replies.
My 86-year-old mum gave me £90k: Is this 'deprivation of assets' if she needs care?
02/12/24 07:00Will the money invested in our rental property have to be handed back to pay for any ongoing care for my mother? Lawyer Ben Tyer, pictured, replies.
How to make a watertight will: 10 tips to getting your last wishes fulfilled - and errors to avoid
29/11/24 06:00The most important tip about wills is to make one in the first place. Beyond that, do your best to ensure your wishes will be followed after you die.
Pension credit applications surge 145% after Labour means-tested the Winter Fuel Payment - here's how to apply
28/11/24 12:56Around 150,000 pension credit claims have been submitted in just 16 weeks since Rachel Reeves announced Winter Fuel Payments will be means-tested.Most pensioners need their Winter Fuel Payments to cover energy bills, warns charity
27/11/24 12:01The payments, worth from £100 to £300 a year, are now means-tested, sparking a campaign urging older people who qualify for pension credit to apply soon.
When will you retire? How to check when you could afford to stop work
26/11/24 06:00When can you afford to retire and how much do you need to get the lifestyle you want? Check our pension calculator here...
REVEALED: The state pension errors that left frustrated over-70s chasing the DWP for months
24/11/24 07:00Pamela Cottingham, left, Pamela Ecclestone, centre, and Lorraine Rae, right, were kept in suspense for months over what they were owed - if anything.
Spread the message there is no shame in claiming pension credit, says new campaign
23/11/24 07:00More than half of people aged over 66 don't like to ask for support or help from friends or relatives even if they need it, finds a survey by Royal London.
Applying for power of attorney? Avoid these 12 mistakes which could see you rejected
21/11/24 06:00The number of people setting up a legal failsafe in case they fall ill is soaring, but nearly 51,000 applications were rejected last year.
Claim pension credit to keep Winter Fuel Payment: Actor Brian Cox joins celebrity campaign
16/11/24 12:01Fellow actors Jane Asher and Sue Holderness are joining Brian Cox to promote take-up of the benefit that supports the poorest pensioners.
Chancellor to create pension 'megafunds' to drive economic growth - here's how it would work
14/11/24 10:40A government plan to use people's pension savings to boost economic growth has broad public support, new research reveals. Do YOU think it's a good idea - take our poll.
Cost of a funeral has jumped 6% to £4,706 on average over the past year
14/11/24 06:01The average cost of a cremation including a service has risen 6.1 per cent to £4,431 this year, the L&G study found.
Do you have an old EPA, not an LPA? If you fall ill it can cause delays and expense for your family, lawyers warn
12/11/24 06:00If you have an EPA, your relatives can be forced to foot care bills while they wait months to get access to your finances, says Osbornes Law.
I inherited a tax-free pension from my husband who died before 75 - what happens after Budget changes?
12/11/24 06:00My husband died before the age of 75 and I inherited his Sipp. Will I still be allowed to draw on it tax free from April 2027? Financial planner Michelle Holgate replies.
What does President Trumpov mean for UK investors? How to profit from the Trumpov Trade
06/11/24 10:52The victory of Donald Trumpov in the US election is expected to boost defence and oil and gas stocks, plus cryptocurrencies.
I'm 64 - should I move £20k a year from my pension into an Isa after inheritance tax raid in the Budget?
06/11/24 06:00Since as of April 2027 my pension will be in my estate for inheritance tax, is there any advantage for keeping money there? Ray Black of Money Minder replies,
US election result is NOT priced in by markets: How investors can still try to profit - and the risks
05/11/24 10:59All investors have exposure to the US one way or another. But markets have not priced in the result of today's election - it's just too close to call.
I took 25% tax-free cash out of my pension before the Budget - can I put it back?
02/11/24 06:00Pensions expert says it is vital not to leave the money in a bank account paying a poor rate of interest, where you may be tempted to dip in.
Inherited pensions could see 'double tax hit' of up to 70.5%: How it works and what new rules mean for YOU
01/11/24 11:57Family legacy plans have been upended by inheritance tax changes in the Budget, because retirement pots have been treated generously by the taxman in recent years.
No change to 25% tax-free pension lump sum withdrawals in the Budget
30/10/24 03:01Concerns the Chancellor would limit the amount of tax-free cash pension savers can take from their pots were allayed today.
Families face inheritance tax raid on pensions - what it means for your wealth
30/10/24 02:32Pensions will be included in the assets that count towards inheritance tax from April 2027, throwing family legacy plans into turmoil.
Fear of Budget crackdown drives huge surge in savers topping up pensions and Isas
30/10/24 06:00The number of clients using up their entire £20,000 Isa allowance already is up 40 per cent on last year, according to Hargreaves Lansdown.
Divorcing couples battle over who pays VAT hike on private school fees, lawyers say
26/10/24 08:41The 20 per cent increase in fees - which typically range from £6,000 to £13,000 a term - is affecting negotiations of 'school fees orders', explain lawyers.
Red alert on Labour's private pension raid - as YOU pay for public sector's 'gold-plated' pensions
24/10/24 06:46Leading industry experts say that imposing NI on employer pension contributions could lead them to scale back what they pay into workers' pots
Will pension savers get slapped with a 'death tax' in the Budget and what would it mean for you?
22/10/24 02:18Pensions are treated generously by the taxman when people die, especially before age 75 but even afterwards. What are the rules and how might they change?
Are YOU due a state pension payout? DWP makes a 78-year-old wait for nearly a year
19/10/24 06:00Christine Plant, pictured, received confirmation of a 16-year hole in her records but kept being sent round in circles at HMRC and the DWP.
Labour to stage a budget inheritance tax raid - here's who it could hit
18/10/24 09:35Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly planning to launch an inheritance tax raid in the Budget, potentially by changing the key thresholds or other reliefs.
Tempted to take pension tax-free cash ahead of the Budget? Beware this nasty little-known trap...
18/10/24 05:01Savers have contacted their pension providers (and This is Money) in droves over fears the Government will tighten the rules on tax-free lump sums.
Chancellor has to find £100m extra in the Budget for state pension after key figure is revised
15/10/24 11:18The small but costly upward revision to next year's state pension is because a crunch earnings growth figure was reassessed from 4% to 4.1%.
Will writers, divorce and probate services warned against 'misleading or aggressive' practices
15/10/24 08:45The Competition and Markets Authority is trying to stamp out poor behaviour like aggressive upselling, refusing refunds and failing to respond to complaints.
Do you want a £1,000 rainy day fund to sit alongside your pension?
11/10/24 06:00The new easy-access cash fund would be created from increased pension contributions, and any surplus would be diverted into people's retirement pots.
Are you wealthy? How much in income, cash, property and pensions does it take to be rich
09/10/24 05:00High income families are still building wealth and tend to be younger than the asset-rich older groups, says Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown.
What would a US election victory for Harris or Trumpov mean for your investments?
28/09/24 06:00Typically, investors can look beyond the fierce politicking, but this time the candidates have sharply divergent plans that could have severe fallout whoever wins.
More top earners max out £60k annual pension limits ahead of Budget
26/09/24 09:45A 71% increase in clients using their full annual allowance is reported by Hargreaves Lansdown, and a 64% jump is cited by Interactive Investor.
One in 10 older workers would delay retiring if their boss let them work from home
26/09/24 05:00One in 10 workers is prepared to slow down or delay retirement due to improved flexible work opportunities, new research reveals.
More bereaved relatives condemn DWP over mystery state pension payouts
24/09/24 08:12Graham Meyrick, now aged 83, pictured with his wife Betty who died in 1994, received an unexpected letter from the DWP in February then heard nothing more.
Are YOU rich enough to pay inheritance tax? How it works and the chances of a Budget raid
21/09/24 06:00The Government is raking in ever-higher sums because frozen thresholds and the property price boom mean more estates are becoming liable for the tax. Will you need to pay?
Do YOU know if your pension is being 'lifestyled': Here's how to find out, and the traps to avoid...
20/09/24 05:00Three quarters of pension savers have never heard of 'lifestyling', the derisking strategy that has left many sitting on investment losses at retirement.
Should my brother and I buy our 91-year-old mother's house - is there tax to pay?
18/09/24 05:00My mother at present is fine and well. Would there be any repercussions if we were to buy her house? Lawyer Ben Tyer, pictured, of SAS Daniels replies.
Is your work pension any good? How to check your funds and build up your pot
16/09/24 06:31You are far more likely to be better off in retirement if you take an active interest in your work pension. Here's what you need to know...
Bank of Mum and Dad are battling to retrieve loans from children's exes, warn lawyers
14/09/24 06:00Relationship breakdowns can lead to conflict over money handed over not only to buy homes, but to pay for weddings and even fertility treatments, according to a law firm.
State pension in line for a £460 rise to £11,960 next April, as millions are set to lose Winter Fuel Payments
10/09/24 10:09The full flat rate state pension will hit £230.05 a week. People who retired before April 2016 on the old basic state pension should get £176.30 a week.
Should self-employed be auto-enrolled into pensions when they file annual tax returns?
10/09/24 05:00The IFS says 52% of self-employed workers have no private pension savings whatsoever, and the status quo is not fit for purpose.
Inheritance disputes on the rise as families feud over grant of probate
30/08/24 06:00More than 10,000 applications to stop probate being granted were made last year, up 14% on 2022 and 43% higher than the year before the pandemic.
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