In Light Of Women’s Day

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In Light Of Women’s Day

“In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders.”

International Women’s day was first celebrated in 1910 during an International Socialist Women’s conference in Denmark. The main purpose of this day is for women to bring awareness to the gender inequalities that still exist across the world, but to also celebrate how far they have come.

So, what does international women’s day mean today? The theme for international women’s day in 2022 is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, meaning that we need to give women the opportunity to be included and lead the conversations around global and national laws and policies. It follows the idea that the sooner everyone from diverse backgrounds and experiences are able to get involved, the sooner we will be able to reach a solution.

Decline of the Dave’s

Believe it or not, for the past two years there have been more fund managers called Dave than the total amount of women in the role. However, this year there has been a major breakthrough, with female fund managers totalling 11%, compared to 3% of Dave’s. One of the reasons for this advance is thought to be the ability to work from home. Women are no longer being forced to choose between progressing in their career and being available to help with their families.

Invest Like a Woman

In the past 5 years, there have been an increasing number of women seeking financial advice. Although previously women were seen to take on less risk with their investments (potentially due to the fact they were more likely to be steered towards more conservative, low risk/low growth options) they are now changing this narrative and taking their finances into their own hands. They want to be less dependent on their husbands/partners in terms of money for their future, and want to build and maintain financial security of their own. This will have huge benefits for women as they are already at a disadvantage; women live longer than men but statistically earn less, meaning they need to find ways to make their money last longer.

Closing the Gap

There is lots of research pointing towards the benefits of businesses actively pursuing a commitment to gender diversity, as companies with greater gender diversity perform better. Mckinsey’s research has shown that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 21% more likely to outperform less diverse teams on profitability. Financial services need diversity to generate fresh ideas and perspectives, and to lead in establishing new trends. To achieve gender equality in finance, the financial services industry must do more to help women join companies, stay in their jobs and have the opportunity to be promoted to leadership roles.

Written by: Jemma Long

08 March 2022

Ascot Wealth Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority reference 551744. Our registered office: Scotch Corner, London Road, Sunningdale, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 0ER. Registered in England No. 7428363. www.old.ascotwm.com Unless otherwise stated, the information in this document was valid on 3rd February 2017. Not all the services and investments described are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Tax, trust and company administration services are not authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The services described may not be suitable for all and you should seek appropriate advice. This document is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purpose or sale of any financial instrument by Ascot Wealth Management Limited. The information and opinions expressed herein are considered valid at publication, but are subject to change without notice and their accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. No part of this document may be reproduced in any manner without prior permission. © 2017 Ascot Wealth Management Ltd. Please note: This website uses cookies. To continue to use this website, you are giving consent to cookies being used.

March 10, 2022March 11, 2022

Tax Year End Strategies

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TAX YEAR END STRATEGIES

Planning for the Tax Year End? With everything going on in the world right now, we want to make it as easy as we can to make your money work for you and help you achieve the financial future you deserve.

What is an ISA?

An ISA is an Individual Savings Account that operates like a normal savings account. There are four types of ISAs:

A Cash ISA
A Junior ISA
Stocks and Shares ISA
Innovative Finance ISA

Why is it important to utilise your allowance?

All dividends earned from your Stocks and Shares ISA are Tax Free;
Except from paying Capital Gains Tax;
Interest earned is all Tax Free.

ISA Allowance Available to You

Adult ISAs = £20,000.00

Junior ISAs = £9,000.00

Fun Fact:

At age 16 & 17, you are able to deposit £9,000 to a Stocks & Shares ISA, and £20,000 to a Cash ISA.

Why are Pensions important?

Do you ever feel like you’re just getting by and worry if you’re going to have enough capital to retire? Well the honest answer is millions of people are too.

A Pension scheme is here to tackle just that, providing you with something to live on when you retire.

Why save into a Pension?

Before Retirement:

Pensions are a long term savings plan that has additional benefits such as Tax Relief. Contributions made into your pension will be topped up by either your employer, or the government.

At Retirement:

At retirement (minimum age 55), 25% of your pension is eligible for a Tax Free cash withdrawal.

Inheritance Benefits:

Upon death, your Pension(s) are not included under your estate. Providing Inheritance Tax benefits, such as easily transferable to your spouse/family.

Pension Annual Allowance Available to You

Pension contributions are capped at £40,000;
Non-taxpayers are able to contribute up to £3,600;
If you don’t use your allowance from the last 3 years it can be Carry Forward to the following year.

Important Tax Year End Planning to Take Note

Pension Input Amounts

Is the period of time used to measure deposits paid into your pension against your annual, money purchase, or tapered allowance.

Relevant Earnings

Is defined as employment income, such as:

Pay;
Wages;
Bonuses;
Overtime;
Commission.

Dividend Income

Tax is exempt on dividend income if it falls within your Personal Allowance.

Carry Forward

As mentioned above, Carry Forward allows you to make full use of your unused last 3 years allowance

Written by: Gregor Gough

10 March 2022

February 25, 2022February 25, 2022

Predictable income in an uncertain world

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Predictable income in an uncertain world

Savers and Investors are currently facing double headwinds. With inflation running at a 30 year high, deposit accounts are a complete non-starter if looking for real returns after inflation. However, current market volatility may make some investors nervous about investing in the financial markets at the current time. So, is there a way to generate real returns in the current climate with relative security? The simple answer, is yes. Asset backed lending.

What is Asset Backed Lending?

The concept of asset backed lending is simple. Traditional lending involves you depositing capital at a bank, the bank finding opportunities that earn THEM money and then lending it out to them. Ascot Wealth Management are able to advise on opportunities where you lend directly to the lender, cutting out the bank and generating you far greater potential returns than is possible from bank bonds. What makes these particularly great for a large variety of clients, is the degree of asset backing. We have loans that clients currently hold that earn 9.52% per annum and the amount lent is equal to 50% of the security backing the loan (Loan to Value, LTV). In basic terms, this would mean that the value of the underlying security (often property) to halve before capital is at risk.

Who Will Benefit?

Lending principally appeals to 3 main client types; those in or near retirement, Higher Net Worth (HNW) clients & clients with Inheritance Tax (IHT) considerations. Retirement age clients particularly value the contracted interest payments while retaining the capital value of their portfolios, unlike annuities & defined benefit pensions. HNW clients benefit from the diversification of their portfolio beyond traditional, more volatile asset classes. Finally, those concerned about taxation at later life may be able to benefit from removal of IHT concerns through possible lending through a Business Relief (BR) qualifying entity.

What Are My Options?

At Ascot Wealth Management, we advise asset backed lending via 3 methods.

1 – We work via our sourcing partners to discover lending opportunities, backed by either property and/or a charge on business assets, which pass our lending criteria.

The opportunities then pass through our due diligence process, which typically involves analysis of the valuation report(s), report on title, analysis of borrower accounts, site visits and comparison with similar assets in order to check the validity of provided analysis.

If we are then happy to recommend the opportunity, we recommend each one individually to you, whereby we outline:

The total loan amount
Interest Rate offered
Loan Term
Value of the asset backing
Reason for lending
Exit Plan

2 – If the first option feels too administration intense, Ascot Wealth Management are able to offer a discretionary management service whereby we allocate your capital in to loans that have passed our due diligence processes.

The loans that we allocate your capital in to are the same as those advised in option one, we just remove the need to respond quickly to first-come-first-served opportunities so that we ensure that you are allocated to these opportunities.

3 – We manage a client-owned limited company that is dedicated to lending to asset backed opportunities and Small & Medium Businesses. This company is able the operate across many more sources simultaneously; this reduces the time spent in between lending opportunities whereby returned capital is spent idle. Furthermore, all of the administration is handled by the company management, thereby minimising your administrative burden. Through the dedicated management of this approach, last year the portfolio generated a return of over 7%.

Summary

In summary, no matter what your situation, Ascot Wealth Management could have a solution for your needs that can involve asset backed lending and help you reduce or eliminate the headwinds of inflation and market volatility.

Written by: Sam Hallet

25 February 2022

Please note that these types of products are not suitable for all clients and that this should not be taken as personal advice. All investments can go up and down in value and therefore you could get back less than you invest. Past performance is not a guide to the future.

February 16, 2022March 22, 2022

16 March – MORTGAGES – Webinar

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Join Mark and Nwabisa on the 16th of March for 45 minutes to and 1 hour for an in depth look into the current “hot topics” mortgage market.

WHAT WILL BE COVERED:

Should you pay an early repayment charge to benefit from a lower fixed rate now?
Cladding and EWS1 Reports – Implications for your investment property
Green Mortgages
House Price Moves

Those who register to the event will be sent reminder emails prior to the webinar.

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February 15, 2022February 22, 2022

Positive returns in negative markets. Is it possible?

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Positive returns in negative markets, is it possible?

The current market climate is volatile. Equity market returns over the past year are close to zero, with any gains in 2021 lost over December and January. So, how are we able to generate returns of over 7% for our clients when faced with high market volatility?

Structured Products

AWM are well versed in the research and advice of Structured Products. At the most basic level, these contracts derive their returns from prescribed conditions on an underlying asset or index (such as the FTSE 100). At present, plans are available with up to 13.25% return per annum and products that generate a return even if the underlying falls by up to 40%. This can all be attained while having complete capital protection (up to £85,000 per counterparty) if investing in a deposit plan.

Who Will Benefit?

2 popular types of clients who would benefit from Structured Products are those in retirement (or nearing retirement) and high-net worth clients. A large reason for this is the degree of market protection offered in the plans. There are currently plans on offer that require the market to fall by more than 40% at the end of the contract before your capital is at risk due to market movements. As a result, clients can be more certain about the value of their portfolio in this volatile environment.

What Are The Different options?

Structured products either pay out their returns based on the value of the contract at certain dates (capital growth) or as income throughout the plan. Income plans are particularly popular with retirees. Unlike annuities, income plans allow retirees the possibility to receive an income while retaining the benefit of maintaining the capital value of their accumulated pension. While capital growth plans tend to have higher return potential and are therefore popular with clients who have utilised all of their annual allowances due to the differences in taxation.

Plans can either pay out returns at the end of the contract or mature early (Kick-Out). Kick out plans tend to be the most popular type of plan as they are the most likely product to generate a return. This is because they have opportunities during the plan length to mature early with positive returns, rather than risk market conditions at a later point. The increased likelihood of positive growth makes these particularly popular with clients.

Is Now A Good Time For Structured Products?

So, why is now a particularly good time to invest in structured products? Volatility feeds in to how Structured Product is “priced” by the counter parties. When volatility increases, so does the potential returns written in to the contracts. Furthermore, as central bank interest rates are increasing, this tends to feed in to the interest charged between banks (and therefore the capital at risk structured products). As both of these factors are high or increasing in the immediate future, Structured Products are proving to be a popular method of defined returns with a degree of capital protection.

How Can We Help?

Portfolio diversification and a degree of certainty can help investors gain positive returns in flat or negative markets. There are certain ways in which investors should aim to diversify their structured product portfolio. This is done by looking at features of the plans:

Have structured products linked to different indexes. For example, the FTSE 100, Euro Stoxx or the S&P 500.
Use different counter parties. By doing this, if the counter-party does default, then you don’t lose the money held in all your plans. While it is important for a counter-party to have a good credit rating, this is not regularly updated. Therefore we also look at credit default swap pricing which gives a real time indication of the reliability of the counter-party.
Vary the type of plan. This can be done through choosing between deposit, income or kick out plans. It can also be done through choosing between types of kick out plans.

At Ascot Wealth Management we can look at your risk appetite and financial aims to choose the Structured Products best suited to you. We will do the research to find the best return rates in the market for the products we would recommend and help you fully understand your investments.

Written by: Alice Frost

14 February 2022

February 11, 2022February 25, 2022

23 February – TAX YEAR END – Webinar

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ALL INSIGHTS

This month, on the 23rd of February, we will be focusing on Tax Year-End planning strategies. With tax year-end approaching, it’s important to keep on top of the annual allowances to be able to maximise your tax benefits.

Join Greg and Claire on the 23rd of February for 45 minutes to and 1 hour of learning how to capitalise on the coming tax year end.

What will be covered?

The why and how to use your annual allowance for Junior ISA, ISA, Pensions & Gifting
How to use annual exemption to mitigate future tax

Those who register to the event will be sent a link to the webinar a day prior to the event.

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May 7, 2021May 5, 2022

GIVE AWAY TIME

GIVEAWAY TIME

WIN a DAY IN PARADISE at Foxhills Country Club for you and your partner/friend PLUS 2 bottles of Champagne.

We have teamed up with Victoria James Concierge To giveaway this awesome prize:

1. 2 x full access passes to Foxhills Country Club (Chertsey, UK). You become a member for the day, allowing you to enjoy our full range of Country Club facilities including:

Tranquil spa garden including Finnish sauna, hot tub, organic natural pool, with deck chairs and bean bags to relax on
Par three 9 hole Manor golf course
A refreshing 20m indoor pool
Vitality pool with therapeutic swan neck jets
Poolside steam room
Gym including scheduled fitness classes
Tennis and squash courts
Walking trails

2. 2 x bottles of Veuve Clicquot Champagne (No Under 18’s, we will be asking you for your ID upon handover of prize)

Follow the link below and sign up:

TO ENTER follow these 3 easy steps:

1. Follow the link below and sign up:

2. Follow @ascot_wm & @victoria.james.concierge instagram pages

3. Like the competition post and tag 1 friend in the comments that you plan to share the prize with

BONUS ENTRY: Share the competition post to your story and tag both companies to get 1 bonus entry. If you have a private account, tag us in your story and send us a screenshot by DM.

FOLLOW BOTH COMPANIES ON INSTAGRAM USING THE ABOVE LINKS

Please note that transport is not included. We cannot guarantee what facilities will be open due to covid and we do not have any control over the Covid restrictions at the time of claim and the winner will need to abide by the local rules at the time of claiming the prize.

Terms & Conditions

Please note that terms and conditions apply. Click below for full terms and conditions.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

March 3, 2021February 10, 2022

Rishi Sunak Delivered His Much Awaited Budget Speech

Rishi Sunak delivered his much awaited Budget speech earlier today. It is probably fair to say this is one of the most highly anticipated of all budgets due to the current global pandemic. Speculation beforehand asked whether The Chancellor was going to now take the opportunity to raise taxes to repay some of the £270.6bn* borrowed to fund the pandemic response, or whether now was not the time and to try and pump further into the economy to stimulate some form of economic growth off the back of England’s Coronavirus roadmap.

We have been inundated with ‘hushed’ rumours of Stamp Duty and Furlough extensions which many say had already set the tone for this budget. Just yesterday the suspicions of the extension of the furlough scheme were confirmed with the scheme being extended until September 2021. But did the rest of the budget follow suit?

The team at AWM eagerly listened in this afternoon, and below we have summarised the main points.

*Source, Office for National Statistics

Summary

This was definitely a budget of two halves, Rishi Sunak was very honest in his delivery and stated that the first priority was to protect, support and create jobs but that that was going to come at a future cost. Whilst admitting it was not the time to announce tax rises across the board, The Chancellor did announce several policy changes and tax freezes. We have summarised some of the main points below.

Forecasts

The OBR have predicted that the UK will now have a swifter and more sustained recovery than initially predicted in November 2020.

They estimate growth to be;

4% in 2021

7.3% in 2022

1.7% in 2023

1.6% in 2024 and 1.7% in 2025

Job support, protection, creation (Individuals)

Extension of the Furlough scheme until September 2021. From July 2021 companies utilising the scheme will be asked to contribute a small percentage of the 80% payment.
Self Employed individuals may be eligible for a 4^th and 5^th grant. Those previously ineligible for the self employment grants due to starting businesses in the 19/20 tax year, will now be eligible to apply for the grant but only on the basis they have already submitted their 19/20 tax return.
£20 Universal Credit uplift will remain for 6 months
Living wage to increase to £8.91 in April 2021

Job support, protection, creation (Businesses)

Companies to be eligible for £3,000 funding for the hire of apprentices at any age
“Restart Grant” available for businesses who have not been able to open. Up to £6,000 for non-essential retail, per premises. And up to £18,000 for personal care, and gyms extra.
“Recovery Loan” available to businesses for loans of between £25,000 and £10m where the government will guarantee lenders up to 80% of the debt.
Business rates holiday for 3 months, and then 2/3 discount for the next 9 months.
VAT on hospitality reduced to 5% until 30^th September 2021 and then 12.5% until April 2022 where it will then revert to normal.

Housing

Stamp Duty Holiday will remain in force until 30^th June 2021. Between 30^th June 2021 and 30^th September 2021 Stamp Duty will start at a threshold of £250,000, raising to the usual £125,000 in October 2021.
95% mortgages to be available.

Funding Economic Recovery

Income Tax rates, National Insurance, VAT frozen
Personal Allowance to raise to £12,570 from 2022 and then to remain at this point until April 2026
Higher rate income tax allowance to raise to £50,270 from 2022 and then to remain at this point until April 2026.
Inheritance Tax threshold, Pension Life Time Allowance, Capital Gains Tax allowances all frozen at current rates until April 2026.
Corporation Tax to rise to 25% in 2023 but based on company profits. Companies with profits sub £50,000 will have corporation tax remain at 19%. Those with profits between £50,000 and £250,000 will have corporation tax rates tapered between 19% and 25% respectively. Those over £250,000 will have 25% corporation tax rates from 2023.
Planned rises on duty of beer, wine, cider, spirits and fuel have all been frozen.

For any further information on any of the points above, please do not hesitate to get in contact with your adviser.

December 3, 2020February 9, 2022

Director, Mark Insley, nominated for Adviser of the Year

Director, Mark Insley, nominated for Adviser of the Year!

Ascot Wealth Management had the honour of ending off a very unprecedented year by our managing director, Mark Insley, being nominated for the highly acclaimed Growth Investor’s Adviser of the Year Award. This award follows last year’s victory in the Professional Adviser Firm of the Year category.

Just because we were working from home, does not mean that it was not a busy year, on the contrary, we were also nominated for the Money Marketing Awards 2020 in the Best Financial Education Initiative (Advice Firm) category and for Retirement Adviser of the year by Moneyfacts.

Commenting on the announcement, Mark said: “This is the perfect way to start our 10 year anniversary year. The Company is going from strength to strength and I am delighted that we are being recognised as Industry leaders, particularly against a backdrop of so much uncertainty. This award is testament to the hard work of all our staff and we are incredibly proud of what we have achieved.”

We look forward to the results that will be made public during a virtual event in December.

October 30, 2020January 26, 2022

5 Financial fears and how to overcome them

If Frankenstein and Freddy Krueger haven’t frightened you enough this Halloween season, try confronting something more tangible — those financial fears keeping you up at night.

Money concerns don’t have to be a nightmare. Here are five common financial fears and ways you can overcome them.

1. Unexpected medical costs

We have all been there. Even with a solid health insurance plan, pricey out-of-network visits and increasing deductibles can be frightening. It’s important to not only have a solid health insurance plan that will cover you in your worst-case scenario but also to familiarize yourself with the terms.

If you know exactly what you’ll be expected to pay in the case of a medical emergency and where to expect coverage, you can better prepare, both financially and mentally.

2. Money-draining emergencies

Medical emergencies aren’t the only surprises that can put a strain on finances. These can include unexpected global pandemics and job layoffs, but also smaller costs like car maintenance or a broken hard drive.

For unplanned financial emergencies, it’s important to have an emergency fund in place. Ideally, your emergency fund will cover at least six months’ worth of expenses, including everything from insurance premiums and mortgage payments to groceries and utility bills.

If unexpected financial burdens are still giving you nightmares, direct more savings toward your emergency account as an added safeguard even after you’ve reached the six-month threshold.

The fear of something happening, if it’s not planned for, will keep you up at night. Contact us if you need further help.

3. Losing a job

Like other financial fears that stem from an inability to anticipate the unknown, some of the uncertainty can be mitigated by establishing an emergency fund. It’s also helpful to have a backup plan.

Think about what you could do with your knowledge and experience. What’s the backup plan if that were to happen? “Could you teach, could you start something of your own? What would be a side hustle if you lost your job?

If you work in tech or industrial sectors that are susceptible to layoffs. Ask yourself exactly how you would meet your financial obligations and establish a game plan.

4. Lack of retirement savings

It’s never too late to begin saving for retirement, though, even if your contributions start small. Evaluate your financial plan and make room in your budget for retirement savings. Take advantage of employer plans and catch-up contributions if you’re eligible, and set up direct deposits so you don’t even have the chance to miss the money before it goes into your retirement account.

5. Becoming overwhelmed by debt

f you’ve managed to get yourself into debt through loans, credit cards or a sizeable mortgage, working your way to being debt-free again can feel like an impossible task. But there are always actions you can take to help yourself cope with debt. Speak to your lenders to see if you can negotiate more manageable payments. Work out how much you’d need to pay each month to clear your debt in an achievable amount of time, such as five years. Finally, make sure you don’t take on further debt, otherwise you’ll simply be undermining all of your efforts.