17
Jun
2024
A cityscape showing the houses of parliament and Big Ben.

6 key points from the Spring Budget that have now come into effect and what they could mean for you

/
/
0
/
17 Jun 2024
In March, chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivered his 2024 Spring Budget, outlining the government’s plans for this fiscal year and beyond. The Budget is an important event as it can have a significant effect on your finances. Now that the new tax year has commenced, many of the announcements that the chancellor made have come into effect. Below, I’ve summarised six key points that could affect you and your finances this tax year and possibly beyond. Read on to learn more. 1. The main rate of National Insurance has fallen by a further 2% On 6 April 2024, the main rate of Class 1 National Insurance contributions (NICs) fell to 8%. This extended the 2% reduction that the chancellor announced in...
Read More
17
Jun
2024
A family with young children playing Twister.

The value of financial planning: The intangible benefits that could boost your wellbeing

/
/
0
/
17 Jun 2024
Consider the benefits of financial planning. If the first advantage that comes to mind is the opportunity to grow your wealth, you might be overlooking some of the intangible benefits that could improve your wellbeing. Last month, you read about the potential financial benefits of working with a financial planner and how it could help you reach your goals. Now, read on to learn more about some of the wellbeing benefits. While intangible benefits can be harder to quantify, they are just as important and might be something you value as much as growing your wealth. 1. Working with a professional could offer you peace of mind A report in Professional Adviser suggests that one of the key reasons many...
Read More
17
Jun
2024
A man using a laptop.

3 practical ways you could reduce your tax bill in retirement

/
/
0
/
17 Jun 2024
The number of retirees who could face an Income Tax bill is expected to rise. If your total income could exceed tax thresholds, there might be some steps you can take to reduce your tax bill. The Personal Allowance is the amount of income you can receive before you usually need to pay Income Tax on the portion that exceeds the threshold. For 2024/25, the Personal Allowance is £12,570. Crucially, the allowance hasn’t increased since the 2022/23 tax year and it’s currently frozen until April 2028. In contrast, your outgoings and income are likely to rise in line with inflation. So, even though your income might not increase in real terms, you could find a greater proportion of it is...
Read More
12
Jun
2024

Guide: How to find purpose and get the most out of your retirement

/
/
0
/
12 Jun 2024
Retirement might be a chapter of your life you’ve been looking forward to for years. Perhaps you’ve been daydreaming about how you’ll make use of the extra time, or you’ve already planned an adventure to kickstart your life after work.  Yet, for many people, retirement can be a difficult adjustment.  While work often means less freedom, it might provide you with a sense of purpose and a structure to your days and weeks. Suddenly stepping away from a routine you may have followed for decades can be jarring. So, if you feel adrift when you retire, you’re not alone.  Finding a new purpose you’re passionate about could be imperative to your happiness and wellbeing in retirement. This practical guide offers...
Read More
14
May
2024
A man watering plants.

The value of financial planning: 5 fantastic ways tailored advice may help grow your wealth

/
/
0
/
14 May 2024
Financial planning can help you to reach your life goals, and give you and your loved ones security and peace of mind. Over the next few months, you can read our blog to discover exactly why a financial plan that’s tailored to you can add value – and we’ll start with the financial benefits. When you think about seeking financial advice, one of the first advantages that may come to mind is the opportunity to grow your wealth. Making the most of your assets could be essential for reaching your aspirations, from retiring early to passing on a nest egg to the next generation. There are many reasons why working with a financial planner could help increase the value of...
Read More
12
May
2024

The essential guide to mortgages

/
/
0
/
12 May 2024
Most people who buy property will use some form of mortgage. Indeed, according to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), in the final quarter of 2023, the total amount borrowed through residential mortgages was £1,657.6 billion. While buying a property is an exciting time, the mortgage market may seem confusing. It can feel like there are an overwhelming number of options, whether you’re a first-time buyer or are expanding your property portfolio. If you need to apply for a mortgage but aren’t sure where to start, this guide could help you: Understand how much you could borrow through a mortgage Decide if a repayment or interest-only mortgage is right for you Assess how the mortgage term could affect your short- and...
Read More
1 2 3 4

My Story

Marnel Stafford

Nice to meet you! I’m Marnel Stafford, a dedicated financial planner who works with clients in London, Berkshire, Surrey, Kent and the surrounding areas. My mission revolves around equipping families and individuals with the knowledge necessary to make well-informed decisions and achieve their financial aspirations.

Get in touch

Find me on LinkedIn

Sign up to my newsletter

Get the latest news views straight into your inbox.