Described on the cover as "a step-by-step guide to strategies, applications and skills", this new textbook by Clive Marsh is a tremendously clear and practical analysis of financial management.
 
The book is aimed primarily at students of accountancy and finance (Marsh lectures at the Chartered Institute of Bankers) but will also be an extremely useful reference book for practising professionals including accountants, bankers, fund managers and lawyers - and is actually quite readable for the layman who wants to know more.
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A Cash ISA should be the first consideration for any UK-based saver, as they allow you to deposit a set amount each year, and earn interest on it tax free.

The amount you can save changes every financial year, but currently it stands at £3,600 tax-free for under fifties, and £5,100 for those over fifty.  However, this is due to change in April 2010, to allow all savers to be eligible for a cash ISA to deposit £5,100 tax free.

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People these days are living longer and staying healthier well into their old age. Planning for your future past the working age is, therefore, an important consideration. Some people will spend a third of their lives in retirement. Although this may sound good on paper, it is essential to understand where the money is going to come from if you’re not making a regular wage.

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You may know them as a highly successful American country and rock band, but listening to The Eagles can also provide sound financial advice concerning spending and investments.

“Desperado, why don’t you come to your senses?”

-Desperado

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If you have worked out a financial strategy, then you have the best weapon against money problems you may encounter in the future. With a plan you can organise your income properly and you are set up to save and invest as you see fit. You can look after your money without having the panic, worry and stress associated with a lack of funds and not enough money today or in the future. Read more »

This Tuesday (1 September) is a big day for the 4.4 million children in Britain who have a child trust fund (CTF) account, designed to give them a financial head start in life. From that date, children turning seven will receive a government top-up payment into their CTF. Most will get £250, though about three in 10 (those from low-income families, broadly on less than £16,000 a year) will receive double that amount.

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Most people have heard about Capital Gains Tax (CGT) but many are unclear on exactly what is and when they are liable for it. This short note summarises the basics of CGT.

CGT is a tax on the profit or gain you make when you sell, give away, transfer or exchange ('dispose of') something of value - 'an asset'. You don't pay CGT on some assets, for example personal possessions worth £6,000 or less, or in most cases, your main home.

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If you invest or save money, unfortunately you will normally have to pay tax on the interest or income you get, but there are some savings and investments that give you a tax-free return. This article summarises the most common tax efficient vehicles that everyone should consider before deciding how to save. Saving tax means saving money!

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Pensions can of course be a complex subject, but the most straightforward type, stakeholder pensions  are a low cost, flexible and secure option for people who haven't set up a pension arrangement yet. The Government introduced them in 2001 to encourage people saving money for their retirement. They are available to most employed people, and those who are not working but can still afford to make contributions, fixed contract workers and if you are self-employed. Read more »

NS&I (National Savings and Investments) is a term well recognised throughout the UK, but many people do not fully understand what the organisation can offer and exactly who is behind it. In reality it is one of the largest savings organisations in the UK, with almost 27m customers saving money regularly with it. 

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