50% Tax Band : Budget 2009

One of the controversial aspects of the Budget was the introduction of a new 50% tax band for people earning more than £150 000 a year.

It creates a political dilemma for David Cameron & the Conservative Party. Do they go along with it in the "interests of the country" or criticise it and be denounced as fat cats.

Posted by Sean Wilson, APFS, Independent Financial Advisers (IFA), Swindon, Wiltshire.

ISA Changes; Budget 2009

One of the welcome parts of an interesting & scary budget was the change in ISA allowances.

For over 50s there is an immediate increase to £10 200 (£5 100 in Cash ISA)
For everybody else the change happens in April 2010.

Posted by Sean Wilson, Independent Financial Adviser (IFA), Swindon, Wiltshire.

Budget Special BBC Radio Swindon

I will be appearing with Matthew Smith on BBC Radio Swindon 5-6pm discussing the Budget on Wednesday (22 April).

Listen on 103.6FM or online

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/bbc_radio_swindon/

You may need to download Real Player
http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/categories/plug/real/newreal.shtml?intro2

Posted by Sean Wilson, Independent Financial Adviser (IFA), Swindon, Wiltshire.

Do I need a deposit to buy a house?

When a lender evaluates whether to grant you a mortgage to buy a house they look at your risk profile.

This involves looking at your

• incomings & outgoings
• other debts
• your ability to put down a deposit

The last one has become increasingly important since the start of the Credit Crunch. The reason is that lenders have less money to lend and are taking fewer risks and therefore are more choosy who to lend to.

So the answer to the question is yes.

A good independent financial or mortgage adviser can give you more information.
Remember to ask "are you whole of market or do you only have products from 1 provider?"

Posted by Sean Wilson, Independent Financial Adviser, Swindon, Wiltshire.