Here’s what mortgage lenders consider when carrying out affordability tests

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Here’s what mortgage lenders consider when carrying out affordability tests Applying for a mortgage can be stressful. You might worry a lender will reject your application and the effect it could have on your plans. A better understanding of what lenders are considering when making a decision may be useful and could reduce anxiety.  Even […]

Why emotional decision-making could be costing you investment returns

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Why emotional decision-making could be costing you investment returns It can be difficult not to let your emotions influence the decisions you make. When investing, emotional decision-making could be harming your portfolio’s performance and your ability to reach your goals.  While you try to make investment decisions based on logic and facts, it can be […]

Investment market update: April 2023

The outside of the Bank of England, London.

Investment market update: April 2023 High inflation continues to affect economies around the world. However, there are positive signs of recovery, and some surveys indicate that people are starting to feel more confident about the future.  While many things can affect short-term market movements, remember you should invest with a long-term goal in mind. If […]

10 fun hobbies that can also boost your mental health

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10 fun hobbies that can also boost your mental health More than a quarter of adults say they feel so anxious that it stops them doing the things they want to do some or all of the time, which is why this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is dedicated to the theme of anxiety. From […]

Revealed: A long-term investment strategy could be key to beating inflation

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Revealed: A long-term investment strategy could be key to beating inflation Over the last year, you may have been affected by soaring inflation, rising interest rates, and volatile market conditions. The good news is that research shows a long-term investment strategy could help you grow your wealth despite a challenging environment.  Inflation has been high […]

4 red flags that could be signs of a scam and what you need to know about them

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4 red flags that could be signs of a scam and what you need to know about them Each year in June, Citizens Advice runs a two-week scam awareness campaign, aptly named “Scam Awareness Fortnight”. The organisation hopes its movement will raise your awareness of common scam tactics, and mean you’re confident that you know […]

4 essential Budget announcements that could boost your pension

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4 essential Budget announcements that could boost your pension In a bid to encourage early retirees back to work, chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveiled several changes to pension allowances during the Budget. The announcements could mean you’re able to save more in your pension and boost your retirement income.  Here are the four key pension changes […]

Investment market update: January 2023

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Investment market update: January 2023 Investors should expect further volatility in the markets in 2023, experts suggest. Economies around the world are facing recession due to factors including high inflation and rising interest rates. The International Monetary Fund’s Kristalina Georgieva predicts that a third of the global economy will be in recession this year. The […]