#savings lifetime isas
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'I'm a money expert - 5 tips to save £2,615 towards house deposit with 'little' effort' | Personal Finance | Finance News Buzz
Saving for a house deposit can be a challenge, but one money expert has shared how prospective homeowners can add an impressive £2,615 to their deposit within a year with “minimal” effort, using five relatively easy tips. As of July 2024, the average UK home costs £289,723, meaning first-time buyers need at least £14,400 for a 5% deposit or £28,900 for 10%. With the cost of living still high and…
#savings#savings cashback sites#savings food shopping#savings latest#savings lifetime isas#savings news#savings quick tips#savings tips#savings tips deposit#savings tips house deposit
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FLIP THAT THAT THAT THAT THAT THAT THAT ‼️‼️
Art. but it’s only these two au’s.
Look at mama Isa, taking initiative.
These are just scenes from what I’ve written, or for what's planned in the future. Not done but 3 chapters are already done, working on 4th, 8k words, I’ll post it one day when I stop being scared <\\\3
I’ve been writing for this AU as a little side project, here’s a drawing of Alma being confused about the tutorial but still trying her best. She needs to level up somehow, she needs to unlock the other features 😭
Also if you can’t read the hint thing:
Hint: Assign less chores in order to raise your Charisma! Your family will also warm up you, thus unlocking more quests!
Me to all my followers who have their notifs for me on:
#encanto#encanto au#au#encanto alma#I’ll save my family in this lifetime#mama Isa#mama isabela#mama isa AU#someone bully me into posting that story#jkjk#unless#🤨
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this autumn will be azealia banks soda autumn. it will be so wonderful!!!
#im gonna have a JOB!#and i will be MAKING THINGS!#and it'll be our ANNIVERSARY on OCTOBER 14th!!#and my hair will GROW!#and i might dye it BLUE!#and i will make new FRIENDS!#and i will be SAVING £333 in my LIFETIME ISA every month!#so i can BUY a MAISONETTE with a BALCONY and MOVE OUT!
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hello! i was wondering if you could briefly introduce your main oc's and how they are all connected. most seem to know each other in your posts but i'm confused on the relationships... thank you in advance <3
Feeling like I might’ve already posted an ask like this, but my blog is an unorganized mess, and I’ve got zero self-control when it comes to throwing new sims in the mix or doing au’s, so here goes nothing.
Yan is with Marco, about 95% of the time. They’ve had two children together, Dantes and Magdalena. Yan was with Emerik at one point, but they eventually break it off when she realizes he isn’t willing to “fit” in her life ( he’s a stubborn ol’ dog stuck in his ways ), but eventually Emerik is introduced to Aya, through his friend Macey, who Emerik has also casually fucked ( bc what hole hasn’t he stuck it in ). Aya starts off dating Emerik’s cousin tho, Wen, first, but their relationship is hella toxic, and eventually he knocks up some other girl, but Aya keeps hanging around Emerik’s house even when Wen moves out to give this dad thing a go, and her and Emerik eventually start becoming an official thing. They end up having two kids, Pacha and Josiah.
Now Emerik and Marco are also cousins, and like all his cousins Emerik hates him too ( likely bc he stole Yan from up under his nose ). Marco is the son of Catherine and Demitri, and Demitri can’t keep in his pants, so Marco’s got several half siblings, the one he’s closest to is his little sister, but he’s also spent time with Aex, although their relationship is a bit complicated, mostly bc his girlfriend/wife Corin ends up having an affair with Marco at one point. Eventually Aex realizes Corin’s just got issues with monogamy, and so she more or less gives him “permission” to “see other people”, and even though it isn’t his thing, he gives it a try. Eventually he ends up meeting Isa, and as expected, things get complicated, bc he catches feelings, even though Isa is also involved with another guy, Mars, who’s essentially her “celestial soulmate” ( so like they’re together, but not, maybe in a different lifetime or whatever ??? ) and only bc Mars is kinda also obsessed with Yan, who’s a reincarnation of his first love.
We’ve come full circle!
Now onto the less nonsensical of my cinematic universes…
Neysa and Oba are siblings, both are spellcasters, and so are their parents. Spellcasters are encouraged to keep the peace between the other occults, esp Vampires and Werewolves, but Neysa and Oba are eventually thrown into a whirlwind when the peace is broken, and the Vampires attempt to take over… basically everything 😅. Ulla is the daughter of a master vampire, and together with her siblings, Cavett included, they try to do their father’s bidding, but find themselves conflicted, esp when Neysa and her brother come into the picture. Oba ends up injured at some point, at death’s door rlly, and Ulla begs her father to change him, in an attempt to save him and avoid conflict with the Spellcasters. Oba turns, but might’ve caused a bit of an issue with the greater supernatural world being two supes at once, so Cavett and Neysa team up to try to find a cure, and also hopefully stop his father’s Vampire/Zombie like curse from spreading through humans who are changing without the blood of a Master Vampire, and against their will.
I’m sorry if none of this makes any sense, but it’s an accumulation of years of my wild ideas and the ridiculous things that happen in my sims games, so it probably makes a lot more sense in my head. 😆
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ROUND ONE RESULTS
The winner is bolded.
Matchup 1 - Father-in-Chief VS All Kingdoms Fair
Matchup 2 - Crash Course VS A Spy in the Palace
Matchup 3 - Tides of Change VS Día de las Madres
Matchup 4 - All Heated Up VS The Scepter of Night
Matchup 5 - Sister of Invention VS Spellbound
Matchup 6 - Royal Retreat VS King of the Carnaval
Matchup 7 - To Save a Sunbird VS The Princess Knight
Matchup 8 - First Day of Rule VS Team Isa
Matchup 9 - Finders Leapers VS Blockheads
Matchup 10 - Luna's Big Leap VS The Jewel of Maru
Matchup 11 - Norberg Peace Prize VS Olaball
Matchup 12 - Captain Turner Returns VS Rise of the Sorceress
Matchup 13 - Captain Mateo VS The Lightning Warrior
Matchup 14 - The Return of El Capitán VS Spirit of a Wizard
Matchup 15 - To Queen or not to Queen VS Prince Too Charming
Matchup 16 - Not Without My Magic VS Sweetheart's Day
Matchup 17 - Finding Zuzo VS Shooting Stars
Matchup 18 - The Birthday Cruise VS Island of Youth
Matchup 19 - Two Left Fins VS King Skylar
Matchup 20 - Dreamcatcher VS The Gecko's Tale
Matchup 21 - Movin' On Up VS Crystal in the Rough
Matchup 22 - The Scepter of Light VS Giant Steps
Matchup 23 - The Race for the Realm VS Party of a Lifetime
Matchup 24 - Flight of the Jaquins VS A Lava Story
Matchup 25 - A Day To Remember VS Model Sister
Matchup 26 - Festival of Lights VS Science Unfair
Matchup 27 - The Curse of El Guapo VS The Last Laugh
Matchup 28 - Navidad VS Flower of Light
Matchup 29 - Elena's Day Off VS The Family Treasure
Matchup 30 - Shapeshifters VS Three Jaquins and a Princess
Matchup 31 - Snow Place Like Home VS A Tale of Two Scepters
Matchup 32 - Naomi Knows Best VS Wizard-in-Training
Matchup 33 - Class Act VS Royal Rivalry
Matchup 34 - Masks of Magic VS Heart of the Jaguar
Matchup 35 - Sugar Rush VS My Fair Naomi
Matchup 36 - The Incredible Shrinking Royals VS Changing of the Guard
Matchup 37 - Spirit Monkey Business VS The Scepter of Light
The list of matchups for the round 2 will be posted tomorrow.
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I keep thinking about present day KH characters and their similarities to Ux characters.
Riku seems SO much like he's a descendant of Ephemer. Sora seems like he could be a descendant or reincarnation of Player, with what little bits of personality we get from them. Namine (and therefore Kairi to a degree) has a LOT of similarities to Ava. And I want to say Xion feels similar to Skuld, but I'd want to see more of her in situations now that her existence isn't up for debate and she doesn't need to angst over that. But wouldn't that be satisfying for Lea and Isa for Xion to have some tie to Skuld? (Naturally assuming the prisoner they were trying to save was Skuld)
Then it just feels like the narrative can delve somewhat into some delightful inter-generational drama. Like Player and Ephemer's bond is so strong that across lifetimes they keep being drawn to one another trying to find some ending where they can be happy. And Player finally getting saved by Strelitzia through Sora, like she'd set out to do before getting murdered by possessed Vennifer. And speaking of Ven, it would be kind of rad if him getting his memories back, after all the drama of remembering that trauma from Ux, was the segue into this revelation about these characters.
For some pretense, one of my huge wants in KH4 is for Sora to finally start unpacking his trauma and basically for KH4 to be for him what CoM was for Riku's growth. How cool would that be if while unpacking his trauma and getting back some of his repressed CoM memories and remembering Riku's sacrifice at the Tear, he also starts getting flashbacks to previous life as Player and the lives in between? Even something as simple as "why did I see Xehanort as a small baby?"
#kingdom hearts#kh#kh theory#maybe not even theory but just stuff I think would be neat lol#Like to go on a Soriku tangent HOW LOVELY would that be for all these generations since Ephemer and Player#that they can FINALLY find happiness together?
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So I was wondering about epsidoes chronology and asked on discord and it seems it's like this:
Edit: First version of this post had something weird going on in season 2 section, copied something weird I guess, fixed it
Season 1
1.Elena and the secret of Avalor except scenes with Naomi
2. First day of rule
Somewhere after First Day of Rule scenes with Naomi from Secret of Avalor
3.Model sister
4.All heated up
5.Island of youth
6.Spellbound
7.Prince too charming
8.Finders leapers
9.Royal retreat
10. A day to remember
11. The scepter of light
12. Navidad
13. Olaball
14. Flight of the jacquins
15. Crystal in the Rough
16. The princess Knight
17.Captain Turner returns
18.King of the carnaval
19, My fair Naomi
20. Spirit monkey business
21. Wizard in training
22.The Gecko's tale
23. Party of a lifetime
24. Blockheads
25. Masks of magic
26. Realm of jaquins
Season 2: 1.The jewel of Maru
Somewhere after this and probably before 'Rise of the Sorceress' 'Scepter training with Zuzo' : 'Royal treasury escape room', 'The heist' 'Nothing but blaze', 'Don't be our guest' 'Stowaway'
2.Royal rivarly 3.The curse of El guapo 4.Three jacquins and the princess
Somewhen after this and before 'Rise of the Sorceress', 'Adventures in Vallastrella': 'Flight of the buttefrog', 'Sleeping sunbird', 'Fast food' , 'Peabunny boogie', 'Human nature'
5.A spy in the palace
6.Science unfair 7.Rise of the sorceress 8.Shapeshifters 9.The scepter of night
10.The race of the realm
11.The tale of two scepters
12. Class act
13. All kingdoms fair
14. A lava story
15. Song of the sirenas
16. The tides of change
After this and before 'Two left fins' , 'The secret life of Sirenas' : 'Feeling clammy', 'Walk this way', 'Off the races', 'Marissa and the mirror'', 'One octopus band' ,
17. Finding Zuzo
18. Two left fins
19. The Return of El Capitan
20. Snow place like home
21. Movin on up
22. Not without my magic
23. Luna's big leap
24. Naomi knows best
Season 3
1. Sister of invention
2. To save a sunbird
3. Father-in-chief
4. The incredible shrinking royals
5. Norberg Peace Prize
6. The magic within
Somewhere after and before 'Dreamcatcher' , 'Discovering the magic within': 'When the royal family is away', 'Spirit cleaning' , 'Not so basic training', 'No good deed goes unpunished', 'Modern royal family'
7. Captain Mateo
8.. Sugar rush
9. The family treasure
10. Dreamcatcher
11. Changing of the guard
12. King Skylar
13. Flower of light
14. Spirit of a Wizard
15. Team Isa
16. The last laugh
17. Festival of lights
18. The birthday cruise
19. Giant steps
20. Shooting stars
21. Crash course
22. Sweethearts day
23. The Lighthing warrior
24. Dia de las Madres
25. Heart of the jaguar
26. Elena's day off
27. To queen or not to queen
28. Coronation day
#elena of avalor#i kinda wanted to figure out chronology to give chronological list to people who expressed interest in watching#anyway figured i should post it here
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I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.
Isaiah 46:4 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.46.4.NLT
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Tax Planning Services in the UK: Maximising Your Financial Efficiency
Effective tax planning is crucial for both individuals and businesses in the UK to ensure financial stability and minimise tax liabilities. It involves strategic management of finances, income, and investments to reduce the amount of tax paid, all while remaining compliant with UK tax laws. This blog explores the key components of tax planning services and why they are essential for maintaining long-term financial health.
1. What is Tax Planning?
Tax planning is the process of analysing your financial situation to optimise your tax efficiency. It involves making use of tax allowances, deductions, and credits to reduce tax bills legally. Whether you are an individual or a business owner, tax planning ensures you pay the right amount of tax, neither more nor less.
Effective tax planning focuses on:
Minimising tax liability by taking advantage of tax reliefs and allowances.
Maximising income and profits by structuring finances in a tax-efficient way.
Ensuring compliance with current UK tax regulations, reducing the risk of penalties.
2. Why You Need Tax Planning Services
UK tax laws can be complex, with various allowances, exemptions, and regulations that can impact your tax bill. Professional tax planning services provide expert guidance to ensure that you make the most of the available tax benefits. Key reasons to use tax planning services include:
Reducing your tax bill: Professionals can identify opportunities to reduce tax liabilities, such as claiming reliefs or making tax-efficient investments.
Avoiding penalties: Ensuring compliance with tax rules helps avoid hefty fines and penalties from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
Strategic financial planning: Tax planning is a crucial part of a broader financial plan, helping you achieve long-term financial goals.
3. Types of Tax Planning Services
There are several types of tax planning services tailored to the unique needs of individuals and businesses:
a. Personal Tax Planning
Personal tax planning is essential for individuals, particularly those with complex finances, such as self-employed individuals, high earners, or those with significant investments. Personal tax planning services include:
Income tax optimisation: Strategies to manage income tax liabilities, including making use of tax bands and allowances like the personal allowance and marriage allowance.
Capital gains tax (CGT) planning: Reducing tax on profits from selling assets like property, shares, or businesses by using reliefs such as the annual CGT allowance.
Inheritance tax (IHT) planning: Ensuring your estate is structured to minimise the inheritance tax burden for your heirs, using tools like lifetime gifts and trusts.
b. Business Tax Planning
For businesses, tax planning is vital to maintain profitability and reduce tax burdens. Common business tax planning services include:
Corporation tax management: Ensuring that a company’s profits are structured in a way that minimises corporation tax liabilities.
VAT planning: Advising on VAT registration, rates, and schemes to help businesses reduce the VAT they pay or charge.
Payroll tax planning: Structuring payroll systems efficiently to reduce National Insurance contributions and income tax for both the business and employees.
Investment planning: Maximising tax benefits for business investments, including using tax reliefs like the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS).
c. Tax-efficient Investment Advice
Tax planning services can guide you on tax-efficient investment opportunities such as:
ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts): A popular tax-free investment option where returns on ISAs are not subject to income tax or capital gains tax.
Pension contributions: Tax relief on pension contributions can significantly reduce income tax liabilities.
Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) and Enterprise Investment Schemes (EIS): Both offer generous tax reliefs for individuals investing in small, high-growth companies.
4. Common Tax Planning Strategies in the UK
Here are a few common strategies employed by tax planning services:
a. Utilising Allowances and Reliefs
The UK tax system offers a variety of tax-free allowances and reliefs, which can reduce your tax bill:
Personal allowance: The tax-free amount of income you can earn each year.
Marriage allowance: Transfer part of your personal allowance to your spouse.
Annual exemption for capital gains: The first £6,000 (as of 2023) of capital gains is tax-free.
b. Income Shifting
For married couples or civil partners, income shifting involves transferring income from the higher earner to the lower earner to take advantage of lower tax bands.
c. Making Use of Tax-efficient Vehicles
Tax-efficient investment vehicles such as ISAs, pensions, and other tax-relieved schemes like EIS and VCTs can help grow your wealth while reducing tax liabilities.
d. Gifting and Estate Planning
Making gifts during your lifetime can reduce inheritance tax liabilities on your estate. Placing assets in a trust or giving away part of your estate to family members or charities are also popular strategies.
5. The Role of Tax Advisors and Accountants
Working with tax advisors or accountants ensures that you stay up-to-date with changing tax laws and take advantage of all available tax-saving opportunities. They can help with:
Filing accurate tax returns: Ensuring all deductions and allowances are applied.
Advising on complex tax issues: For example, if you have international income or offshore assets.
Handling HMRC inquiries: Assisting with audits or investigations by HMRC, which can be time-consuming and stressful.
Conclusion
Tax planning services in the UK offer invaluable assistance in navigating the complexities of the tax system. Whether you’re an individual looking to reduce your personal tax burden or a business owner aiming to optimise corporate tax obligations, professional tax planning ensures you maximise your financial efficiency and avoid costly penalties. Investing in a tax planning service is not just about saving money today; it’s about securing long-term financial success.
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AiAiAi Pug Ivig or is It Thug Igiv?
AI is a cure for the epidemic called loneliness 'di umano. Or, is it but another ano?
So eto na nga ang hindi super latest. Mo Gawdat and DOAC are chasing clouts again and again and again. Ang galawan? Training the sentient AI through voice. Opak. Ganern. Ang isang interesting na ganap ay mga teens na naglo-load ng mga conversations with the ex para magkaroon sila na AI jowabelles. Gen Alpha, beta ka talaga. Gen Z, kalma. Nakakagulat ba? I think not because online dating and online seggssss are but part of the hustle of kiddos these days. Walang mali, nasa flow na kung baga. Hindi ko rin sinasabing tama, 'di dahil play safe ako. Your body, your rules. Your space, your trace. I say... eto na. Ganun din naman boomers saka mga millennials na pak na pak ang demand for AI generated "jowa pro max" ++ with matching likes and comments and save and archive pa e. LOL. May trace pa sa public at times. In fairness ha! 'Yung mga models ng ibang fashion brands na alamin n'yo na lang kung anu-ano are fast-tracking drops through AI models vs real life models. I chanced upon AI muses (HAHAHAHA) the past months kasi nga nadapuan ako ng algo based sa podcast nina DOAC. Ang legit. 'Yung parang mutant na sila tapos alam mong AI sila pero damn, marionette levels... 1000000. Ganun. Free content pa. Even Only Fans top stars are shaking. I don't have any accounts ng mga ganito bilang sa erotica tayo and all roads lead back to the Delta of Venus. Bahala ka na lang kung pagtitiwalaan mo ang Book Sale copies because, you have been warned.
Sabi nga sa usapan nila DOAC na hindi overheard but juicy. May bearing naman na magka-AI jowa ang mga bagets kasi nga it's ganun talaga. Iba na ang panahon ngayon. For me, it's not about being cool. It's about how parents and grown ups help the kids and themselves na rin power through this very curious kagulo. Why am I saying these so early in the morning? Woke up early lang at pinulot ko poop ng bunso kong makulit. Plus, ang lala ng loneliness vibes these day and age. Kung nakakapag-travel lang ang cortisol levels ng generation na 'to, nakailang balik na tayo from Jupiter or Saturn in this lifetime and the next. I don't feel lonely naman in general, honestly. Lucky ako to have a strong and diverse small gone smaller circle since 2012. Gusto ko lang talagang maging on my own, pretending ___ beside me. Clue: MOM ko. Kung bibigyan ako ng chance, I will fucking take it. Have an AI version of my mom with her naturalesang kaingayan, ka-OC-han, ka-OA-an sa mga rules, at iba pa. Imagine: 530 AM, weekend, walang lakad: Anak, bangon na. Umaga na. Tara na. Hindi ka pa rin babangon? Ayaw mo pa ring kumilos? Me: Non-chalant. Mom ko: OA levels, attack hanggang paglalang niya sa akin sa mundong ito. Tapos ako pa masusunod anong frequency, reach at decibel. It's giving Be Right Back pero hindi malalang levels at hindi super mahal bilang naka-training mode pa ang mga AI na 'to now. Wala na akong pake for this one sa data privacy kasi honestly, it's mom's Second Life era. And mashe-share ko rin siya sa mga may gusto ng wagas na nanay sa buhay nila. However, syempre, halos walang digital footprint si mom as a non-camera, sungit girly. LOL. So, ano na? Delulu na kung delulu pero eto ang version ko ng quatum jump. Gamitin szn lang naman din ang AI era. And consumerist naman lahat ng mga tao. We all consume before our expiry dates. Simple. Walang salag. Pero, syempre, may kaakibat na balik 'yan. Mas malalang delulu? Possibly. Mas malalang spiral na parang sa Be Right Back? Check. Atbp. Pero, again, I will fucking take it, take it, take it all. Kahit 'di ako winner, ever. Not just because of nostalgia which is always bitter and biting and sweet in on gulp. But because, gusto ko lang may kabatuhan. I tried comparing my mom to other moms, pero isa lang talaga nanay e. Kahit spoiled ako ng mga nanay na nakakameet ko, alaws, par. Alaws. Oks naman sila, pero kamandag ng nanay ko, wild levels 100000. So, hindi ako makakapag-train ng AI, for now. Wala nga along voice message niya e. So, sayang talaga. Imagine, if may room full of videos, texts, and images ka, solb na solb na ang Second Life ng sino mang gusto mong maka-thing. Ikaw na bahala mag-define what ka-thing means. 'Di ba? Nakaka-brain freeze kahit walang ice cream sa melon pan. CHZ. My soul sis and I are actually thinking whether we'll CTRL + ALT + DEL our Tumblrista kaganapans na puro naman walang kwentang content. Ses: AI landed on Tumblr. Me: Okay. Tapos? Ses: Sa kanila na lahat ng stories. Me: Let the bards go barding in. Let the Gemini rule the twelve kingdoms. Let the Bing binge. Let GPT be a charming G*stapowowowowow mala Coco Chanel, mhie. Welcome to the Other Side! Ses: ... Me: ... Eto kasi take ko, puwede naman i-CTRL + ALT + DEL. Pero it's super sus na hindi magli-leak itong mga pakawala sa Tumblr like the rest of the non-analog world 'di ba? Saka dahil nga delulu ako, I think oks lang naman i-pass on ko 'to sa chose few like my Gen Z 4th anak-anakan. Mas mage-gets niya. Literal na my sins are more than scarlet letters emerut. Saka goal ko lang is 'wag niya akong tuluran. Puwede rin 'tong space na 'to sa pamangkin kong McQueen para may pang-tanggal aburido siya when he grows up. 'Di rin siya about legacy kasi wala naman sa book ko 'yan. 'Di bagay. Wala rin namang profound stuff dito maliban sa deep dive ng mga kashitan, katangahan, kalandian, atbp. Talagang nasa pang-aliw-aliw lang for the audience of one.
Seriously though, ito kasi 'yung time na naniniwala akong mas importante ang kwento na may totoong hugot. Hindi 'yung masabi lang. Mashare lang. Marepost lang. Ito 'yung time na tatanong mo sa sarili mo, ano ba ang voice mo? At gaano mo kakapitan 'yang unique and flawed and fucked up voice na 'yan kasi iyo lang 'yan? 'Di siya madali pero ano bang madali ngayon maliban sa umayaw sa earth na 'di rin super dali, if may mga voices inside you na mala-Joy-Ennui-atbp. on good days and meh days. Saan mo ba gustong dalhin ka as a mutant powered by AI tools na sentient beings na kahit 'di pa raw tayo andun? Siguro, dahil favorite ko Her forever. It's hauntingly beautiful pero sad na tagos bilang reality siya. Plus Joaquin Phoenix is my cup of Ventea since Gladiator original version from Video City. May discount pa since client ni dad 'yung branch sa South. Tapos apaka uggghh kasi 'yung counterpart nito ay Lost in Translation. Search mo na lang connection ng movies na 'to sa suking Google Search 'pag may time ka. Mejj very meh lang ng plot ng Lost in Translation kasi out of touch siya pero gets 'yung subtext. Again OA sa orientalismmmmmm. Saka chixx ng bida plus the voice is giving *chef's kiss*. Hahaha.
So... CTRL + ALT + DEL ko na ba 'tong account na 'to? Abangan ang susunod na mood swing pakawala. Paalam muna.
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Paying yourself first starts with...
1. Increasing your pension contributions
2. Maximum Lifetime ISA contribution for cashback
3. Saving for annual bills monthly
4. Understanding how much you spend on essentials
Paying yourself first ends with...
1. Having a pot of guilt free spending money every month
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Martin Lewis urges everyone born in these years to put £1 into bank account now
Showing now | News 00:43 Martin Lewis has advised those born between 1985 and 2006 to put £1 into a Lifetime ISA to help buy a house. The Money Saving Expert founder explained how people aged 18 to 39 can take advantage of a government-backed savings scheme to help them buy a house, up to the value of £450,000. During his ITV show on Tuesday (12 March), Mr Lewis warned you must make your first…
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Autumn Statement 2023 – What You Need To Know
Innes Reid. The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt was faced with a difficult balancing act trying to manage the need to keep the rate of inflation under control coupled with calls for tax cuts. In this insight we share with you the Autumn Statement 2023 – What You Need To Know.
It’s been a challenging year with inflation dominating headlines. While inflation has fallen, it’s still higher than the Bank of England’s 2% target at 4.6% in the 12 months to October 2023.
Better than expected public finances allowed Hunt to help individuals with an increase in the State Pension, via the Triple Lock, by 8.5%. a cut to national insurance contributions and an uprating of all working age benefits in full, by inflation (6.7%).
Key takeaways
State Pension triple-lock guarantee of 8.5%
2% cut to Class 1 National Insurance
Self-employed NI cuts
ISAs become more flexible
A lifetime pension consultation – ‘pension for life’
Technical changes to pension rules
The State Pension “triple lock” will remain in place
Mr. Hunt confirmed during the Autumn Statement that the State Pension “triple lock” will be honoured. The announcement will benefit around 12 million people.
Under the “triple lock”, the State Pension increases each year by the higher of:
Inflation, as measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) in September (of the previous year)
The average increase in wages across the UK from May to July (of the previous year), or
2.5%.
Wage growth of 8.5% means someone on the full new State Pension will receive more than £900 a year extra in 2024/25.
Similarly, Pension Credit will also rise by 8.5% in April 2024.
National Insurance cut for employees and self-employed workers
The biggest headlines have been reserved for changes to National Insurance:
The main rate of Class 1 employee NICs will be cut to 10% from 6 January 2024. This will provide 27 million working people with a prompt increase in net pay
For the self-employed, the first of two cuts will see the main rate of Class 4 self-employed NICs reduce to 8% from 6 April 2024. This will benefit around 2 million individuals.
The self-employed Class 2 NICs charges to access contributory benefits will be cut from 6 April 2024.
Individual Savings Account (ISA)
The current government has stated its intention to simplify ISA rules which have become increasingly complicated over the years as new ISA variants have been introduced. The main announcement was that ISA (£20,000), Junior ISA (£9,000), Lifetime ISA (£4,000 excluding Government bonus) and Child Trust Fund (£9,000) limits will remain at their current levels for 2024/25
Welcome changes announced were:
The one ISA of each type rule will be abolished – a saver will now be allowed to subscribe to multiple ISAs of the same type every year from April 2024.
The full transfer of current year subscriptions rule will also be abolished – a saver can partially transfer current year subscriptions in-year between providers from April 2024.
Adult ISAs will be harmonised so that they are available to age 18 and over. This currently applies to Stocks and Shares ISA but Cash ISAs will go from 16 years old to 18 from April 2024.
Changes are planned to expand the range of investments that can be held in ISAs
Pensions
Pension Lifetime Allowance confirmed
The previously reported abolition of the pension Lifetime Allowance will take effect from 6 April 2024. The legislation to achieve the abolition is quite complex and the Autumn Statement clarified some technical anomalies. We plan to study the small print in detail to understand the impact on our clients.
Pension for Life Plans
Most of us have fragmented working careers with several separate pension arrangements and Innes Reid have long specialised in helping clients simplify and consolidate their pensions in a single pension pot. To move this process forward, the Chancellor has announced plans for a new ‘Pension for Life’ pension. Under the proposals, pension savers would have the legal right to choose the scheme their employer pays pension contributions to. This move could help workers with fragmented careers to manage their retirement savings and multiple pensions.
If you have any questions about how the Autumn Statement will affect you and your finances, please get in touch.
Please note: Autumn Statement 2023 – What You Need To Know: All information is from the Autumn Statement 2023 document and the government’s Autumn Statement news bulletin.
The content of this Autumn Statement summary is intended for general information purposes only. The content should not be relied upon in its entirety and shall not be deemed to be or constitute advice. If you’re unsure what’s right for your circumstances, ask for financial advice.
Pension, ISA and tax rules can change, and benefits depend on individual circumstances.
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How to Become a Homeowner
Buying a home is a life goal for many people. There is a sense of satisfaction and pride that comes with becoming a homeowner. You have the freedom to decorate as you please and a feeling of security. It can also be a sound financial investment. Below, we look at the crucial steps to become a homeowner in the UK. This includes saving for a deposit, securing a mortgage and the buying process. Saving for a Deposit The biggest hurdle when it comes to home ownership is the deposit. Most homeowners are required to put down at least 10% of the property price. Keep in mind that it is not just the deposit you will need to budget for. Mortgage fees, surveying costs and conveyancing will all need to be considered. To prepare you for the legal costs involved with buying a home, you can use a conveyancing fees calculator. Not everyone has the option of moving home. The infamous “bank of mum and dad” is a privilege to some but not to all. For many people, the reality is cutting costs, taking on extra shifts or jobs or exploring a side hustle. Set aside a specific savings account - the Lifetime ISA (LISA) is a great start - specifically for a deposit. Keeping your goal in mind is essential to saving. With each non-necessary purchase, ask yourself, “Is this worth how much I want to be a homeowner?”. Using a Government Scheme As mentioned above, the LISA is a great way to save and reap the rewards with the 25% government bonus. Keep in mind that there are schemes available to budding homeowners. These include Shared Ownership and Help to Buy. Finding a Home We can all get lost down the Rightmove or Zoopla rabbit hole. But we also need to be realistic about what we can afford and what we need from a home. When looking for the perfect property, ask yourself the following: - What are your criteria? For example, how many bedrooms do you need? - What is your budget? What can you realistically afford? - What are your non-negotiables? (for example, it must have a garden or a bath fitted.) - What can you be flexible about? - Have you researched the neighbourhood? Is it in a safe area? - Is it close to amenities? (For example, if you don’t drive, is it close to shops, a doctor and public transport?) - Does it need maintenance and repairs? Are you prepared to take those on, and can you afford to? Securing a Mortgage Most people will require a mortgage to purchase a home. You must first apply for an Agreement in Principle to see what the lender is willing to loan you. Be aware this does not guarantee a mortgage. From here, you will apply for the mortgage itself. Lenders will consider the following: Your Income Your income will be reviewed to ensure you have the funds to make the mortgage payments each month. The lender will ask to see recent payslips. Be aware that you will need additional proof if you are self-employed. Your Outgoings Your outgoings will also be considered, and you will be asked to provide bank statements. This is so that the lender can see if you are responsible for your money. It also shows that you can make regular payments for utilities, for example, without issue. Gambling and excessive spending are very often red flags for lenders. Your Credit Score The better your credit score, the more desirable you are for a loan. There are a few simple ways to improve your credit score, such as ensuring you are registered to vote. It is also worth disputing any errors or inaccurate information. The House-Buying Process Once you have saved the deposit and secured a mortgage, you can start the buying process. There are two essential parts to this - conveyancing and a property survey. Surveying A property survey is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. A survey can give you an insight into the condition of the home. It can also highlight any issues it may have and the remedial work required. The type of survey you opt for will depend on the type of home you are buying. In the simplest terms: - A Snagging Survey is for newly built homes. - A Level 2 survey (formerly Homebuyers Report) is suitable for most conventional homes in good condition. - A Level 3 survey (formerly Building Survey) is recommended for older and historic homes, those in poor condition or unusual in any way. Conveyancing Conveyancing is the legal aspect of a property transaction. You should instruct a conveyancer or conveyancing solicitor once your offer is accepted. Part of the process includes essential searches on the home. These check for flood risks, radon gas levels and subsidence risks. Conveyancing starts once your offer is accepted and ends with the completion of the sale. A Final Word As we've shown above, the key to becoming a homeowner is careful planning. This is not something to be rushed. Take time to be financially prepared and to find a home that fits your needs. With this in mind, always take into account your survey results. Finally - try to enjoy the process! Yes, it can be time-consuming and stressful, but it is also a very exciting life milestone. Throughout the paperwork and research, stop to appreciate that you are taking a positive step toward home ownership. Read the full article
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How much interest is tax-free?
New Post has been published on https://interestrate.co.uk/how-much-interest-is-tax-free/
How much interest is tax-free?
It’s important to maximize income by making the most of Government allowances. While you can find these on the GOV.UK website, they’re not always easy to understand. Yet, knowing how to make your money work harder for you now is crucial, especially if you are saving for retirement and need to supplement your state pension.
Earning interest is a great way to make your money stretch further, so keeping as much of it free from tax can help compound gains.
The personal savings allowance
The personal savings allowance (PSA) is tax relief offered to individuals in the United Kingdom on the interest they earn from their savings. It was introduced in April 2016 and means basic rate taxpayers can earn up to £1,000 in interest without paying any tax. And higher rate taxpayers can earn up to £500 interest tax-free. Additional rate taxpayers are not eligible for the personal savings allowance.
If you earn savings interest, you may not need to pay any tax on the first £1,000 or £500, depending on your tax bracket. It’s important to note that the personal savings allowance is not a separate allowance you must claim. Instead, it is automatically applied to your savings income, so you don’t need to do anything to benefit from it. However, if you earn more than the PSA in interest, you must pay tax on the excess.
What is savings interest?
HMRC counts the following investments and savings accounts as ones that earn savings interest subject to tax (once over the PSA):
Bank accounts
Savings accounts
Credit union accounts
Building societies
Corporate bonds
Government bonds (including national savings and investment (NS&I) products
Gilts
Peer-to-peer lending
Interest distributions from authorized unit trusts, open-ended investment companies, and investment trusts
The majority of purchased life annuity payments and some life insurance contracts
Interest earned in UK-based savings accounts on cash held in other currencies is also subject to tax. However, you do get a separate allowance for dividend income from stocks and shares.
Dividend allowance
The dividend allowance is different to savings allowances as HMRC perceives this particular source of income as separate. As such, it can be a great way to earn more income, which is also shielded from tax in any tax year. But what exactly is it?
The dividend allowance is the dividend income an individual can receive each tax year without paying any tax on it. It was introduced in the UK in April 2016 and applies to all taxpayers, irrespective of their tax band.
In the 2023/24 tax year, the dividend allowance is £1,000, so you can earn up to £1,000 in dividends without paying any tax on it. If an individual receives more than £1,000 in dividends, they must pay tax on the excess amount at the applicable dividend tax rate.
The dividend allowance is separate from an individual’s personal allowance, which is the income they can earn each year without paying any tax. The current personal allowance for the tax year 2023-24 is £12,570. Those who are self-employed often pay themselves a salary up to £12,570 and then pay themselves in dividends, given that dividend tax rates can be a more tax-efficient way to be paid, as shown in the table below:
Thresholds 2023/24Dividend Tax Rate 2023/24Personal Allowance: no tax payable on income in this band.£0 – £12,5700%Basic-rate taxpayers£12,571 – £50,2708.75%Higher-rate taxpayers£50,271 – £125,14033.75%Additional-rate taxpayers£125,140 upwards39.35%
ISAs and tax-free savings
While you may need to pay tax on interest if you go over your PSA, you don’t pay any tax on interest with Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs). They’re tax-efficient savings or investment accounts available to UK residents. There are several types of ISA, including cash ISAs, stocks and shares ISAs, innovative finance ISAs, and lifetime ISAs.
However, you can only invest so much in an ISA each tax year. For the tax year 2023/4, the annual ISA allowance is £20,000, meaning you can invest up to this amount across all types of ISAs in a tax year. However, the tax benefits of ISAs may be subject to change depending on changes in tax legislation, so seek professional advice if necessary.
That said, as ISAs are currently a tax-efficient way to shield your savings and investments from tax, it’s essential to understand what they are and the types available.
Cash ISAs
Cash ISAs are almost like savings accounts. They typically offer a variable or fixed interest rate, with that interest not subject to income tax, saving account holders money. So, when you withdraw money from a cash ISA, you won’t have to pay tax on what you take out.
However, while Cash ISAs offer tax-free savings, their interest rates may not always be the highest available in the market. Therefore, comparing different Cash ISA products is essential to find the best interest rate and terms to suit your savings needs.
Stocks and Shares ISAs
A Stocks and Shares ISA is an investment account allowing you to invest in stocks, shares, funds, and other investment products. As with a cash ISA, you don’t need to pay tax on withdrawals from a Stocks & Shares ISA.
You don’t pay income or capital gains tax on the returns you earn from a Stocks & Shares ISA. Best of all, those returns are uncapped.
However, while Stocks and Shares ISAs can offer potentially higher returns than Cash ISAs, they come with higher risk as the value of investments can fluctuate based on market conditions. So you must consider the risks and benefits of Stocks and Shares ISAs and seek professional advice if necessary, especially if you are a first-time account opener.
Innovative ISAs
An innovative ISA refers to a type of tax-efficient investment account that allows individuals to invest in many more types of assets than traditional ISA accounts.
Innovative ISAs typically provide investment opportunities in areas like peer-to-peer lending, crowdfunding, and social impact investing. These investments often come with higher risk but can offer potentially higher returns.
Innovative ISA providers are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and you should carefully consider the risks involved before investing. An innovative ISA is an alternative option for diversifying your investment portfolio beyond traditional stocks, bonds, and cash holdings.
Lifetime ISAs
Lifetime ISAs provide a tax-efficient way to save money for your first home or retirement. The account is available to individuals aged 18-39 and offers a 25% government bonus on savings up to £4,000 per year, so you can receive up to £1,000 in bonuses annually. The savings can be invested in cash, stocks and shares, or both.
You must meet certain conditions must to qualify for the government bonus. For example, you must use the money to purchase a first home worth up to £450,000 in the UK or keep it in the account until you reach 60.
Withdrawals before the age of 60 for any reason other than buying a first home or in the case of terminal illness can result in a penalty charge and loss of the government bonus. Therefore, it is essential to consider eligibility and the terms and conditions of a lifetime ISA before opening one.
Flexible ISAs
The problem with the ISAs above is that if you need to withdraw money, you can’t put it back in without it contributing to your allowance again. As a result, there may be better ways for you to invest, regardless of the tax saving.
A flexible individual savings account, or flexible ISA, is another type of tax-free savings account available to residents of the United Kingdom. The flexible ISA allows you to withdraw money from your account and replace it in the same tax year without affecting your annual ISA contribution limit.
For example, if you have saved the maximum amount allowed in your ISA for the tax year (£20,000 as of the 2023/24 tax year) but then withdraw £5,000 from your account, you can replace that £5,000 within the same tax year without it counting towards you annual contribution limit. This allows for greater flexibility in managing savings and investments.
One major stipulation with most flexible ISAs is that you must replace any money you withdraw in the same account. However, there are times when you can withdraw from a flexible cash ISA and replace it in a flexible stocks and shares ISA or even a flexible innovative finance ISA. Ensure you read the product details before you open one of these accounts.
Remember that not all ISAs are flexible. In fact, they are currently less common. So, it’s essential to check the terms and conditions of an individual savings account before making withdrawals or contributions to ensure it has the flexible ISA feature.
How tax is calculated on savings account interest
While it’s good to know how much interest is tax-free in any given tax year, it’s also worth understanding how the tax on interest earned on savings is calculated. Doing so means you can make better-informed decisions about where and how to invest, earn, or spend your money.
Tax on interest is calculated based on your taxable income, your personal savings allowance, and the tax rate that applies to that income. Remember, currently, for the tax year 2023/24, the PSA is £1,000 if you are a basic rate taxpayer and £500 if you are a higher rate taxpayer. Additional rate taxpayers don’t receive a PSA.
You only pay tax on interest if your savings income exceeds your PSA for the tax year. Current tax rates are:
Basic rate taxpayers (taxable income up to £50,270 for 2023/24) pay 20% tax on the excess interest.
Higher rate taxpayers (taxable income between £50,270 to £125,140 for 2023/24) pay 40% tax on the excess interest.
Additional rate taxpayers (taxable income above £125,140 for 2023/24) pay 45% tax on the excess interest.
Tax rates and thresholds may change each tax year, so always check the latest information from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) or consult a financial advisor. Seeking financial advice can help you use every tax allowance possible, maximizing your tax relief and lowering the tax you pay.
The starting rate and tax-free interest
For some on a low income, the interest they can earn tax-free is much higher than the PSA. It’s known as the starting rate for savings and is currently set at 0% for up to £5,000 of savings income. It means that if you earn up to or less than the personal allowance and have savings income below £5,000, you may be eligible for this starting rate of savings tax.
Do UK banks take tax on interest?
Banks once took the tax directly at the source. However, since 6 April 2016, banks and building societies have paid any interest gross, which means they do not deduct income tax.
Do I have to declare savings interest to HMRC?
Yes, you generally need to declare savings interest to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Interest earned on your savings is considered income and may be subject to tax.
However, if the interest you earn on your savings is within the amount covered by your personal savings allowance, you should find your allowance is automatically applied. If you exceed your PSA, you must declare the interest earned on your savings as part of your overall income on your self-assessment tax return. You must calculate how much interest you have made from your savings accounts, including any joint accounts, and declare the total amount on your tax return. HMRC will then use this information to determine how much tax you owe on your savings income.
If you are unsure what to do for your self-assessment, seeking the advice of an accountant and a financial advisor can be helpful. They’ll ensure that you submit an accurate record of your annual income and can help minimize your tax liability.
How does HMRC know what savings you have?
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) receives information about your savings interest from banks, building societies, and other financial institutions through the Common Reporting Standard (CRS). The CRS requires financial institutions to report information about their customers’ financial accounts to the tax authorities of the country where the account holders are residents for tax purposes.
HMRC can therefore receive information about the interest you earn on your savings accounts, including the name of the financial institution, the type of account, and the amount of interest earned. They use that information to ensure individuals pay the correct tax on their savings income.
HMRC can also request information directly from you about your savings income as part of a tax investigation or compliance check. For example, a check may involve asking you to provide bank statements, interest certificates, or other documents that show how much interest you have earned on your savings accounts. Do be careful of any scams, however, and only respond to requests that you know are genuine.
It’s crucial to keep accurate records of your savings income and to declare any interest earned on your tax return, even if HMRC does not have access to the information through the CRS. Failing to report savings income can result in penalties and interest charges and potentially trigger a tax investigation.
What if I already paid tax on my savings?
If you have already paid tax on your savings, such as interest earned from a non-ISA savings account or another taxable source, you may be able to reclaim the overpaid tax. Here are some steps you can take.
Check your tax status
Ensure you know your current tax status and whether you have exceeded your PSA for the tax year.
Review your tax documentation
Review your tax documentation, such as your bank statements and savings account interest statements, to determine if you have paid tax on your savings income.
Contact HMRC
If you believe you have overpaid tax on your savings, contact HMRC. You can contact them through their website, phone, or mail to request a refund of the overpaid tax. Provide them with the relevant details, including your personal information, income details, and evidence of the tax paid on your savings.
Keep records
Keep copies of all communication and documentation related to your tax refund claim, including any correspondence with HMRC and evidence of tax paid on your savings.
Seek professional advice
If you require assistance, seek professional advice from a qualified tax advisor or accountant to ensure you follow the correct procedures and maximise your chances of reclaiming overpaid tax. Tax rules and regulations can change, and reclaiming overpaid tax on savings can be complex. Therefore, consulting with a tax professional may be worthwhile.
Tax-free interest
The world of savings and savings products can be a complicated place. When deciding where to save or invest your cash, consider the tax implications. To do so, you must first understand how much interest is tax-free.
Taken all at once, though, it can be overwhelming looking at the options and allowances available to you to be tax-efficient. However, bear in mind that with the average interest rate on savings accounts, you’d need at least £10,0000 in savings before you even go over your PSA – and that’s if you are a high-rate taxpayer. If you’re a basic rate taxpayer, making use of an easy access account that pays around 3.5%, you’d need over £28,000 saved before having to make tax payments on the interest you earn. Plus, ISA limits are pretty generous for a large section of the UK population.
As such, doing all three of going over your PSA, using up your ISA allowance, and exceeding your dividend allowance is unlikely.
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The list of matchups for the upcoming Round 1!
Matchup 1 - Father-in-Chief VS All Kingdoms Fair
Matchup 2 - Crash Course VS A Spy in the Palace
Matchup 3 - Tides of Change VS Día de las Madres
Matchup 4 - All Heated Up VS The Scepter of Night
Matchup 5 - Sister of Invention VS Spellbound
Matchup 6 - Royal Retreat VS King of the Carnaval
Matchup 7 - To Save a Sunbird VS The Princess Knight
Matchup 8 - First Day of Rule VS Team Isa
Matchup 9 - Finders Leapers VS Blockheads
Matchup 10 - Luna's Big Leap VS The Jewel of Maru
Matchup 11 - Norberg Peace Prize VS Olaball
Matchup 12 - Captain Turner Returns VS Rise of the Sorceress
Matchup 13 - Captain Mateo VS The Lightning Warrior
Matchup 14 - The Return of El Capitán VS Spirit of a Wizard
Matchup 15 - To Queen or not to Queen VS Prince Too Charming
Matchup 16 - Not Without My Magic VS Sweetheart's Day
Matchup 17 - Finding Zuzo VS Shooting Stars,
Matchup 18 - The Birthday Cruise VS Island of Youth
Matchup 19 - Two Left Fins VS King Skylar
Matchup 20 - Dreamcatcher VS The Gecko's Tale
Matchup 21 - Movin' On Up VS Crystal in the Rough
Matchup 22 - The Scepter of Light VS Giant Steps
Matchup 23 - The Race for the Realm VS Party of a Lifetime
Matchup 24 - Flight of the Jaquins VS A Lava Story
Matchup 25 - A Day To Remember VS Model Sister
Matchup 26 - Festival of Lights VS Science Unfair
Matchup 27 - The Curse of El Guapo VS The Last Laugh
Matchup 28 - Navidad VS Flower of Light
Matchup 29 - Elena's Day Off VS The Family Treasure
Matchup 30 - Shapeshifters VS Three Jaquins and a Princess
Matchup 31 - Snow Place Like Home VS A Tale of Two Scepters
Matchup 32 - Naomi Knows Best VS Wizard-in-Training
Matchup 33 - Class Act VS Royal Rivalry
Matchup 34 - Masks of Magic VS Heart of the Jaguar
Matchup 35 - Sugar Rush VS My Fair Naomi
Matchup 36 - The Incredible Shrinking Royals VS Changing of the Guard
The episode without a pair is Spirit Monkey Business. It’s going to compete one of the winners of the first round when it’s finished.
The first round starts on May 22, and each poll will be posted every day.
More information about the tournament is here!
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