“Liam Fox and US treasury secretary pull out of ‘Davos in the Desert’ summit in Saudi Arabia over Jamal Khashoggi allegations”

Oct 23, 2018 | In the news

An independent (financial adviser’s) view

So with whom exactly will we be able to trade and still keep our heads held at least some small distance above our chests, when we Rejoin the Rest of the World? Saudi Arabia and Russia pretty openly bump-off any citizens who cause them any grief and China has kidnapped the head of Interpol, for goodness sake. And as lovely as the Kiwis may be, why do we want to bring lamb 12,000 miles when we can grow our own or get it from just over the channel? Beats me. Answers on a postcard, please.

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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.