5 March marked the sixth anniversary of 0.5% base rates.     When base rate fell to 0.5% back in the dark days of March 2009, there were no expectations that such a low figure would endure well into the … Continue reading →

This year’s Budget was pretty political – which is no great surprise given the forthcoming general election in May. There can be little doubt that a number of the Chancellor’s measures were designed to attract voters. Non-pension savers, for example, … Continue reading →

The FTSE 100 index has finally surpassed its previous peak.  FTSE 100: 1999 – 2015 Source: Trading Economics  London Stock Exchange Where were you on Friday 30 December 1999? The chances are that, if you remember, you were preparing for … Continue reading →

Tax avoidance and evasion made the front pages of the press again in February, with the distinction between the two lost on most journalists.    Let us make two things clear for a start: Tax avoidance – planning your affairs … Continue reading →