Michael Cook Wealth Management Limited

08/02/2023

Why invest in an ISA?
Stocks & Shares ISA or a Cash ISA – how do you choose which is right for

06/02/2023

What is the annual allowance for pensions?
If you haven’t made the most of this year’s allowance, it’s a good plan to top up your pension before tax year-end, if you can.

01/02/2023

Pension tax relief explained
Paying into a pension is a great way to save for your long-term future. It’s tax-efficient too, here’s how tax relief on your contributions works.

30/01/2023

How to invest for children
Many parents are looking for ways to invest and save, so they can help their children get a head start. Here’s a couple options you could consider.

27/01/2023

Good tax habits mean more confidence, control and peace of mind for you.

Make 2023 less taxing: the financial habits to get into now

25/01/2023

Even though interest rates have risen, high inflation rates mean Cash ISAs are still losing value in real terms.

A mix of Cash and Stocks and Shares ISAs may help you achieve better growth and financial wellbeing.

As the tax year comes to a close, and you’re checking that you’ve made the most of all your tax-free annual allowances, it’s a perfect time to review whether you’re still getting value for money from your Cash ISAs.

24/01/2023

Why regular saving is important
Having a regular savings habit makes sense. It means you simply keep going whatever the markets are doing. Here’s why that could be beneficial over the long-term.

23/01/2023

The hike in interest rates has meant securing funding to invest in growth is harder for businesses – so you need to place a greater emphasis on corporate quality.

20/01/2023

At the end of every tax year, there’s a flurry of activity as people scramble to make the most of their tax reliefs and allowances. But you shouldn’t just have your eye on 5 April when you’re thinking about tax – it should be woven through the fabric of your entire financial plan, at every stage of your life.

How important is tax in financial planning?

19/01/2023

Pension v ISA – which is best?
If you’re thinking about saving for your long-term plans, you may be wondering which is best, an ISA or a pension?

18/01/2023

2022 proved a difficult 12 months for financial markets
Avoiding making rash decisions on short-term volatility is important
Company valuations suppressed by market conditions might provide a long-term opportunity

When I wrote this column at the start of last year, I reflected on what had been a largely positive 2021 for investors but noted that cracks were beginning to emerge – with inflation rising and central banks beginning to increase interest rates.

09/12/2022

Tax planning shouldn’t be considered only at the end of the tax year – it’s something that should be built into your wider financial plan.
The first step is to talk to a financial adviser and discuss your long-term goals and aspirations.
We can guide you in how to achieve your objectives and make the best use of tax reliefs and allowances.

At the end of every tax year, there’s a flurry of activity as people scramble to make the most of their tax reliefs and allowances. But you shouldn’t just have your eye on 5 April when you’re thinking about tax – it should be woven through the fabric of your entire financial plan, at every s...