Prosperis:Leeds independent financial adviser: Archive

The 170 giveaway and the 82 takeaway

The £170 giveaway Individuals earning up to £100,000 will be £170 (£126 + £44) better off per annum

Anti-avoidance - What was announced

The Budget documentation announced legislation designed to counter tax avoidance in a number of areas:

Children can be so Taxing!

In January 2012 it was announced that households with one taxpayer earning over £42,000 would lose Child Benefit entirely. Households which had two earners with £41,000 would not lose it.

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) - what was announced

Annual Exempt Amounts are:

Universal state pension - what was announced

There will be a single tier, non-means tested state pension which will be based on contributions. It is expected to be around £140 per week. More details will follow on this in the spring. As previously announced, the current Basic State Pension will increase by £5.30 per week from 6th April 2012. What does it mean?

Slash debt to 0% for 2 years

If you have a New Year debt hangover, it is time to take a long, hard look at your finances, starting with the debts themselves. Try not to worry about telling your partner/family about debts. If the issues are severe, why not go first to a free debt counselling agency instead of telling them just the problem, you maybe able to bring a solution too.

Diversification and why is it important?

Diversification is the process of investing money across different asset types and, usually in different proportions. The main asset types are equities, bonds, cash, property and commodities (e.g. gold, oil, coffee). The aim of diversification is to help an investor avoid being overly exposed to the fluctuations in value of one particular asset type, i.e. to spread the risk.

FinaMetrica Risk Profiling

Prosperis Ltd has invested in a new, state of the art risk profiling tool. The FinaMetrica facility is an on line scientific assessment of an individual’s tolerance of risk. So far, some 65 clients have completed the process and it is our intention to get as many clients as possible to update their profile throughout the year.

No more Contracting Out

Those saving for their pension maybe aware that from 6th April 2012, contracting out of the state second pension scheme (formerly known as SERPS) will cease. In addition, it will no longer be necessary for money purchase pension schemes (group personal pension plans are included in this) to recognise Protected Rights funds (the contracted out benefits element) as separate benefits. In future, all funds will be consolidated and treated in the same way.

New ISA Limits for Savers & Junior ISA

Making sure that your investments are as tax-efficient as possible is one of the simplest ways of maximising your returns. With no tax to pay on gains made within an Individual Savings Account (ISA), this can be a very efficient way of investing. Don’t forget that the new higher ISA limit applies from 6th April 2012.

Newsroom