
Charles James Financial Planning Blog
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Covers articles on Savings and Investments, Interest Rates, Money Management, Property and Mortgages, Insurance and more. Charles James Financial Planning was originally founded as an insurance brokers in 1984. It is a firm of independent financial advisers. Helps clients that are going through challenging economic seasons. They pride themselves in the quality, friendly and efficient advice..
Charles James Financial Planning Blog
2w ago
For much of 2024, interest rates were above 5% and the markets have experienced ups and downs which might have made you tempted to prioritise cash savings, seeing them as a safer option. However, for long-term savings goals, relying on cash savings alone may not yield the returns you need. This is where the strategy of regularly investing smaller amounts can be highly beneficial ..read more
Charles James Financial Planning Blog
1M ago
If your plans for the future have felt stalled recently, now might be the ideal time to revisit and reignite them ..read more
Charles James Financial Planning Blog
3M ago
Do you ever find yourself wondering why your money seems to vanish so quickly each month? You’re not alone. The good news is that with a few simple habits, you can gain control over your money and start making intentional choices that align with your financial goals.  ..read more
Charles James Financial Planning Blog
4M ago
Your credit rating plays a crucial role in your financial life. Lenders use it to help decide if they'll give you a loan or credit, how much they’re willing to lend, and how much interest rate they’ll charge you. If you’re looking into getting a mortgage, credit card, or loan, a good credit rating can make a significant difference in getting a good deal ..read more
Charles James Financial Planning Blog
5M ago
Deciding what happens to your pension when you die might not be front of mind, but if it is sorted it could give you peace of mind. So, why is nominating your beneficiaries and keeping them up-to-date important ..read more
Charles James Financial Planning Blog
6M ago
Before you decide how you'd like to access your pension savings, it's important to take some time to understand all your options. What are your retirement options ..read more
Charles James Financial Planning Blog
9M ago
For many families, the energy bill is one of the biggest expenses they face. With the cost of living on the rise, it's all the more important to find effective ways to reduce our gas and electricity usage.
Not only does this help our pockets, but it also benefits the environment by reducing our carbon footprint. Here are 5 simple, effective steps you can take to cut down on your energy consumption and manage your bills more effectively.
Tip #1 Turn Off Standby Appliances
By simply turning off appliances at the plug, you could save on average £30 a year.
Smart plugs or timer plugs can he ..read more
Charles James Financial Planning Blog
10M ago
The annual cost of driving can easily accelerate into the £1,000s. Even if you've got a small run around car, fuel, parking, MOTs, insurance, breakdown cover and more quickly add up.
Yet it's possible to save on all of them. Here are 5 easy tips to follow to save on your car expenses.
Tip #1: Find the cheapest petrol station in seconds
Before you fill up, use the free online tool PetrolPrices.com to find the cheapest unleaded, diesel, super unleaded or premium diesel petrol nearby. Register, enter a postcode, town / city and how far you're willing to travel, and it will list the cheapes ..read more
Charles James Financial Planning Blog
1y ago
Care is important. It’s something everyone with family and friends are concerned about. Some may need it themselves, others may need care for their loved ones.
With a recent government report stating that 69% of people will spend an average of three years in long-term care (1), it’s a topic that, whilst it can be difficult or saddening to discuss, requires appropriate planning and preparation.
The Cost of Care
The average cost of high-quality care in the UK is £56,000 per annum (2) and under current legislation, you’d be expected to pay for your care fees if your assets exceed £23,250 (dependi ..read more
Charles James Financial Planning Blog
1y ago
Debt Justice, a charity that campaigns against unjust debt, has found that about 12.8 million adults in the UK are falling behind on bills or finding repayments a heavy burden.
It's a stark reminder that the importance of a robust emergency fund cannot be overstated.
Join us as we explore financial security, and practical strategies to build and maintain your own safety net.
Section 1: Understanding the Need for Emergency Funds
Life can often be filled with unpredictability, where financial surprises can lurk around any corner.
In an ever-evolving job market, unexpected job loss can strike eve ..read more