“Brent Crude oil price rises as attacks hit supply”

Sep 20, 2019 | Markets

An independent (financial adviser’s) view

I’ve been told we’re getting a new boiler and/or heating system (I know, but not my area of expertise). Twenty-odd years ago, oil-fired was the thing and cheapest and best. Now it costs a fortune and looks like it will cost more soon and means we’re burning fossil fuels and killing puffins and I’d guess burning coal on our fires this winter will do the same. So not sure what to do, apart from getting children pedalling bikes to power generators or heading south with the swallows for winter; if we can still get visas, that is.

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“Reeves backs down on plans to cut ISA limit”

“Reeves backs down on plans to cut ISA limit”

So it looks as though Cash ISAs are safe for the moment (FTM – is that a thing?) Rachel has apparently ‘bowed to pressure’ from the banks and building societies and decided not to reduce the allowance to £4,000 for cash and to keep the £20,000 parity with Stocks and Shares ISAs. Bowed also to common sense, I’d say.

“Two thirds of adults are worried about care costs in later life”

“Two thirds of adults are worried about care costs in later life”

A dichotomy/dilemma here. Two thirds of adults are probably right to be worried about the cost of care, which is huge and getting more so. Many of those currently worrying will have had first-hand experience with their own parents, which will have focused their minds on their own possible future.

“Why most won’t need to worry about IHT on pensions”

“Why most won’t need to worry about IHT on pensions”

Many a government has made the point that only a minority will be affected by this or that tax change or tinker. It is, however, both perception and aspiration which are important, and they are what makes IHT the ‘most hated’ of all taxes – along with all the others, of course.