“Trump Threatens More China Tariffs, and Beijing Prepares to Retaliate”

May 11, 2019 | In the news

An independent (financial adviser’s) view

If you have a row with difficult partner and don’t wish to endure weeks of frosty silence and reprisals, rash moves (cancelling credit cards and dinner dates, or simply answering back) are not advisable. Or so I’ve heard, from friends with difficult partners. Trump’s tariffs will not end well for anyone. China is a communist dictatorship which now owns a fair chunk of Africa and its mineral rights and makes lot’s of stuff for lot’s of companies. I predict Mr T will be the one buying flowers and saying he didn’t mean it, darling.

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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.