“Life after lockdown. What’s the first thing you’ll do”

May 8, 2020 | In the news

An independent (financial adviser’s) view

What’s the first thing you’ll do, many ask, when this is all over? What are you missing the most, apart from, of course, seeing family in the flesh. Many say going to the pub or out for a meal. Neither’s ever as good as you expect, in my experience. Heading for the sun on holiday? Nice when you’re there, but thought of an airport is depressing even now. It’s the less frequent stuff I miss. Going to London once or twice a month, to the cinema about as often and Cornwall from time to time. And Waitrose, of course.

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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.