Happy Friday (There’s way too much doom and gloom out there)
Issue XI of an email I put out quarterly to all you lovely people. Somewhat (deliberately) delayed by a few days, we all know the reason why. Not a massive amount to go through, so given it’s really busy at the moment I’m going to keep this fairly short and sweet.
US Iran
The only topic around really at the moment.
It would appear there is a War on, and I’m not here to comment on the right’s, wrong’s or maybe’s of that. The hope is it’s a short conflict, and that oil and gas supplies aren’t restricted which would increase inflation, and potentially therefore interest rates.
Up until the beginning of this week, the markets have been so strong, with the FTSE index topping the 1,000 mark for the first time a short while ago. I have kept a very keen eye on the market’s this week, and more importantly the value of our investments, and Yes from the start of the week until now at the end, they are down. Slightly. I’d say 2% maximum. Which when you think of some of the increases we’ve seen when I’ve carried out your reviews over the past year, I think we’d all accept that, and means we’re all still nicely up. Arguably, there is thought that the market was slightly inflated anyway,
American Tech being cited as a reason for this. However, we’ve seen these ‘blips’ before, so the message still remains – Keep the faith.
I will of course continue to monitor, but if anyone does have any real concerns then please do feel
free to get in touch.
Spring Statement
Doesn’t seem like yesterday we had a budget, and to be honest I think this slipped under the radar somewhat. I have nothing to give of interest, if anyone has anything worth mentioning then again please let me know.
Tax Year End
As always at this time of year, and will continue that way, the end of this financial tax year is the 5th April 2026. That day is a Sunday, so effectively tax year end this year is going to be Friday the 3rd April.
Why do I always mention this? Because it’s the last opportunity to use up your 2025/26 tax allowances, in particular for ISA and pension contributions. Anyone wants any help, let me know.
Educational
This is all I’ve got for you. Actually, I had an occurrence recently when a Life Office referred to a tax code when making a payment to a plan holder. Being honest, I have no real idea how tax codes work?
So I had a read of this, went someway toward it I suppose Tax codes explained – Royal London
IFS
Nothing monumental to report, same old really. Thank you for some of the feedback I’ve had to these emails, it is nice to know they’re read and appreciated. No one has ever really come back with anything negative, which just goes to show what a lovely bunch I’ve got with you all. So you’re stuck with me, like it or not. Seriously, thank you.
That’s it for now. Stay safe, live your lives, and here’s hoping common sense prevails in the World and look forward to being in touch again soon.
Regards as always
Marcus Woolley
Certified Financial Adviser
Ideal Financial Solutions Limited
Tel 01202 916488
www.idealfinancialsolutions.co.uk