Stamp Duty relief not extended for buyers – what you need to know before rules change

Posted by JSCFinancial on Thursday 7th of November 2024

In Labour’s first Budget since taking office, the Chancellor announced her plans to fix the so-called ‘black hole’ in the UK’s public finances and increase investment in public services, setting out £40 billion worth of tax rises.

While changes to stamp duty did form part of her plans, an extension or permanent change to stamp duty relief for movers and first-time buyers was sadly not included. So, what does this mean for those looking to move or buy?

What is stamp duty?

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is the tax you pay when you buy a propert...


Autumn Budget 2024: Winners and Losers

Posted by JSCFinancial on Thursday 7th of November 2024

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves outlined the Government’s financial plans for the next five years. The measures, which will raise up to £40 billion for public finances, aim to “restore economic stability” and put “more pounds in people’s pockets”.

 

On 30 October 2024, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves announced the UK Government’s Autumn Budget alongside the Office of Budget Responsibility’s economic and fiscal forecast. The measures aim to raise more than £40 billion in taxes, plugging an alleged £22 billion black hole ...


8 types of financial scams to be aware of

Posted by JSCFinancial on Tuesday 20th of August 2024

8 types of financial scams to be aware of

Fraudsters use a variety of approaches to convince you to part with your money. Here are 8 financial scams you should be aware of.

1. Impersonation fraud

Scammers often pretend to be a familiar organisation like your bank, a utility provider or HMRC. They might inform you of a (fake) threat to your account and offer to help move your money to a more secure location, or they might claim that you’ve failed to make a payment and encourage you to settle it immediately.

Fraudsters may also prete...


Mortgage holders could benefit from rising property prices

Posted by JSCFinancial on Monday 15th of July 2024

Mortgage holders could benefit from rising property prices

Homeowners who sold their properties in 2023 made an average profit of £74,000 according to data from property website Zoopla. But you don’t have to sell your house to benefit from rising property prices – they could help you get a better interest rate on your mortgage.

9 in 10 homes sold for more than their purchase price

Concerns that the Bank of England’s decision to increase its base interest rate might cause property prices to stagnate or fall appear to be unfounded as ...


Here's how financial protection can offer security for parents

Posted by JSCFinancial on Wednesday 26th of June 2024

Here's how financial protection can offer security for parents

Serious illness can place immense stress on our families. The cost of caring for an unwell child, worry over access to essential services, and the emotional toll of serious illness are all things that no parent wants to think about.

We can’t predict what the future will hold for the health of our families, but we can take proactive steps to prepare for the risk that we or our children might become critically unwell.

Appropriate financial protection can be a vital safety net fo...


General election 2024: 4 July

Posted by JSCFinancial on Tuesday 4th of June 2024

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak surprised everybody on 22 May – including many in his party – with his announcement of a general election on Thursday 4 July.

At the start of 2024, Rishi Sunak said that his “working assumption” was that the general election would be held “in the second half of the year”. His unexpected choice of 4 July just passes that midway threshold, so what happens next?

Election timeline

The run-up to the dissolution of parliament will see a week of frantically trying to pass outstanding legislation (including the March Bu...


Overpaying your mortgage: should you do it?

Posted by JSCFinancial on Tuesday 2nd of April 2024

Hardly a day goes by without the cost of living hitting the headlines. For many homeowners the increasing costs of owning and running a home is having a huge impact on household budgets. Even if you are near the top end of your monthly budget, or are expecting a ‘payment shock’ when you come to remortgage next, you may be wondering whether it’s worthwhile paying more than the minimum repayment each month, with the aim to save money in the long run.

So, what are the benefits of making mortgage overpayments?

  • Mortgage-free sooner
    Overpaymen...

Spring Budget 2024: Winners and Losers

Posted by JSCFinancial on Thursday 7th of March 2024

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At the latest budget which took place on the 6th March 2024, Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt announced the UK Spring Budget, as well as the economic and fiscal forecast by the Office of Budget Responsibility.

 

These legislative announcements are game-changers for Britain's economy, and Hunt’s announcements included a number of sweeping changes that could potentially affect the personal finances of everyone living and working in the United Kingdom.

 

In laying out the Spring Budget, Hunt reinforced the government’s dedication t...


End of the tax year checklist

Posted by JSCFinancial on Tuesday 27th of February 2024

End of the tax year checklist

As we approach the end of the tax year, it's a good time to start thinking about how to make the most of the tax reliefs and allowances you’re entitled to, before they are lost. We’ve put together a checklist to ensure you’re aware of all the ways to make sure you don’t miss out.

  1. Open or top up your ISA

You can hold up to £20,000 in your ISA in the 2023/2024 tax year and split the contribution, between either a Cash ISA or Stocks and Shares ISA.

  1. Use your pension allowance

Usually if you’re under 75 ...


Types of Mortgages: Which One is Right for You?

Posted by JSCFinancial on Wednesday 7th of February 2024

Taking the first steps to buying your first home can seem quite daunting. This article will provide clear insights into why choosing the right mortgage is extremely important for your future financial well-being. 

Exploring Various Types of Mortgages

There are many different mortgages available in the UK. Each has its benefits, but choosing the right one for you and your lifestyle is crucial. You are going to be paying your loan back for many years to come, therefore, you want to ensure that you can continuously pay your mortgage off, even...


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The firm behind e-cigarette brand 88Vape will buy the tea business after it fell into administration.