Did you know there is insurance that will pay you your salary? It covers you if you are too sick to work or have an accident and can't work. Depending on what you can afford, income protection can support you. Or for an agreed amount of time.
Here are just a few reasons why income protection is worth looking into…
Income protection provides a safety net to help your finances. Think mortgage or rent payments, bills, and daily living expenses.
But losing your income can also have a big impact on your lifestyle. Income protection offers a regular income to cover essential costs. And allows for those little luxuries. An insurance worth thinking about!
Knowing that you have income protection provides peace of mind. You’ll be financially protected if you suddenly become sick or have an accident. One less thing to stress and worry about during challenging times!
Policies are tailored to suit you. You’ll have flexibility around your income and sick pay benefits. Plus, how much you want to spend depending on how long you could go without an income or the policy's monthly cost. All of this allows the policy to be tailored to suit you.
Let’s look at long-term planning. Income protection reveals how the effects of illness will impact your life down the line. Helping you set up for the future!
Hopefully we’ve shown you why it's important to add income protection to your overall financial strategy. You are looking after yourself and your family. But this is just a beginner’s guide, so if you’d like to find out more, please get in touch to discuss your individual requirements.
Are you coming to the end of a fixed rate mortgage or have your circumstances changed? For example, a new baby or job? We do a deep dive into one of the more complex concepts of mortgages and why your circumstances might affect them.
Have you heard of ‘stress tests’ before? Introduced in 2014, stress tests, aka an ‘income test’, are an important part of the mortgage process.
Lenders look at your ability to manage your repayments depending on your income, your family size, and your monthly outgoings. This ensures you don’t take on more debt than you can afford. On top of this, they then check to see if you can pay your mortgage if interest rates rise or if your financial situation changes.
Sometimes this might affect how much you want to borrow. But this process is so important. It helps avoid the risk of not being able to make your payments. A term known as ‘defaulting’.
The bank uses higher interest rate scenarios to ensure you get to stay in your home if anything happens. Such as in the event of economic downturns or interest rate changes.
It's a simple way for lenders to ensure you can comfortably afford your mortgage payments over the long term.
Stress tests are proving to work. We’ve seen the Bank of England’s rate hikes increase mortgage rates by over four percentage points in the last two years. Raising the cost of repayments.
However, the market hasn't seen major overdue payments and forced sales. This is dramatically different from the last high interest rates in 2009. (Before introducing stress tests.)
The Bank of England reveals successfully stress testing customers has helped people keep up with repayments. And because of this, help them keep their homes.
And researchers found that most borrowers who came to the end of a fixed term in 2023 faced lower mortgage rates than the rate at which they were ‘stressed’.
Fixed mortgages can take the uncertainty out of repayments. Are you coming to the end of your fixed-rate mortgage or on a variable loan? Speak to your mortgage broker about securing a new fixed-rate loan.
Risk warning: Think carefully about securing other debts against your home. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it. You may be charged a fee for mortgage advice.
Make your home a place for peace as we close in on those chilly winter months. We show you how you can release equity from your property to restore wellness and calm. You are on your way to zen! Plus, some easy low-cost tips you can do today.
Did you know redesigning your home can actually be a strategic financial decision? It can add to the value of your house AND enhance your living environment. This sounds like it will improve your overall well-being!
If you aren't sure how to make your plans a reality, one option is to use a Lifetime Mortgage for home improvements.
The next step? Speak with a trusted Equity Release Council-approved Lifetime Mortgage Specialist.
They will assess the equity in the value of your property built up over time. Lifetime Mortgages not only allow you to unlock value in your home, but retain ownership completely.
With this in mind, look around your home. Identify the areas that need updating to bring calm and wellness to your own sanctuary.
When planning, you can consider luxury factors and your day-to-day. Ideas include:
- Renovating your bathroom with a spa-like atmosphere. Water fountains or indoor plants create a sense of serenity.
- Embrace natural light. For example, mix up what you already have with double-glazed windows, colour schemes, and refreshed layouts.
- Invite indoor-outdoor flow throughout the whole home with large windows and sliding doors. Opening your living spaces (and life) to nature.
- You could even designate a specific area of your home as a retreat. This can provide an escape from the stresses of daily life. Think a tranquil outdoor patio surrounded by lush greenery. Find the Café del Mar soundtrack for optional chilled-out vibes!
Simple low-cost tips for embracing wellness and calmness can offer the same effect. Even without releasing equity. What about a cosy reading nook with dim lighting and a mixture of warming textural throws? Or how about a yoga and meditation corner with candles and floor pillows?
Throughout the home, turn off your ceiling lights to calm and reset your nervous system. Instead, use ambient lighting. Dim lights support your circadian rhythm and promote a good night’s sleep. At the same time, natural elements invite a sense of peace and connection with the outdoors.
Explore how a Lifetime Mortgage can bring calmness and wellness to your home this spring
This is a lifetime mortgage. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration. Check that this mortgage will meet your needs if you want to move or sell your home or you want your family to inherit it. If you are in any doubt, seek independent advice. A fee may be charged for mortgage advice. The exact amount will depend on your circumstances.
In a world where the future is uncertain, one thing remains constant: the need for protection.
For those born between 1981 and 1996 (hello, millennials!), planning for the future might seem daunting. Or may have just slipped to the bottom of the list among everything else on your to-do list… After all, this is the generation having kids, getting married, buying expensive household objects, and never-ending chores. So many chores!
But especially because of all the above, we take a closer look at why this generation should start to prioritise understanding general insurance. You are investing in your long-term financial well-being and peace of mind.
Life is unpredictable.
As millennials approach those milestone birthdays, you’ve probably realised first-hand how unseen risks can disrupt even the best-laid plans. As 30 to 40 years-youngs, this is the era of mortgages, families, and the start of investing for the future. AKA financial pressure!
General insurance provides a safety net. We hate to think of it, but it offers financial protection against a wide range of unforeseen events. Think property damage or medical emergencies.
As you start collecting big-ticket items — cars, homes, or flash new lawnmowers — general insurance will protect your assets. There are policies such as homeowners’ insurance, car insurance, and renters’ insurance. They are all essential with these purchases. Ask yourself, can you afford to replace them in the face of theft or natural disasters?
Planning for Life's Milestones
From getting married to starting a family, millennials are reaching significant life events. They all require careful planning and preparation! But don’t forget to consider insurance in your plans.
Life insurance and disability insurance are valuable tools for safeguarding the financial well-being of loved ones in the event of an untimely death or disability. Securing adequate coverage early on can ensure that your loved ones are protected financially.
General insurance plays a crucial role in building financial resilience and peace of mind. A key step in adulting.
By proactively identifying and managing risks through various coverage, you can protect your assets and lifestyle while working towards your future goals. Leaving lots of time for all the fun stuff and being there for your family, knowing everything is looked after.
Plan for the future
This is a lifetime mortgage. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration. Check that this mortgage will meet your needs if you want to move or sell your home or you want your family to inherit it. If you are in any doubt, seek independent advice. A fee may be charged for mortgage advice. The exact amount will depend on your circumstances
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle obviously makes sense for your overall well-being, but did you know it can also impact your insurance?
Do you need a bit more of a push to refocus on those New Year’s resolutions optimistically planned a couple of months ago? Let’s take a closer look at private medical insurance and how eating healthy (yes, more greens!) can complement your policy.
Every day and every plate, aim to eat the colours of the rainbow (and not Skittles!).
Look for whole foods and take a closer look at the ingredients of what you eat. If an ingredient sounds like it should be part of a science experience, you probably shouldn’t be eating it. For example, hydrogenated oil, sodium nitrate, aspartame, and any number that starts with an E at the front!
Do you vaguely remember the food pyramid or a healthy eating plate from school? This is a simple way to ensure you are eating a balanced diet… the biggest section should include fresh fruits and vegetables, then protein, then whole grains, and with a good spoonful of healthy fats.
This certainly doesn’t need to be the case for every meal, but aim for 80/20, if you allow a little treat meal 20% of the time, you are less likely to binge.
And while we are on the topic of binging, ensuring you have that dose of healthy fats at every meal can not only prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, but also means you stay fuller for longer.
But vegetables, particularly green ones, are a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, reducing the need for supplements (and the cost!). For an easy veg addition to your life, add a cup of uncooked spinach to your daily smoothie.
Equally, maintaining a nutritious diet can support your body's ability to heal and recover more quickly in the event of an illness or injury.
Fatty fish rich in Omega 3, like salmon and sardines, lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and help with inflammation (the trigger for a lot of common injuries!). Meanwhile, leafy greens can bolster the immune system preventing sickness from taking root in the body. Bonus – they support vision and skin health!
Healthy eating habits can lead to fewer illnesses and health complications, resulting in fewer doctor and hospital visits. This translates to lower out-of-pocket expenses and potentially lowering your insurance premiums over time!
Speak to us about your insurance needs
Wills and Estate Planning are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
This savoury pie is perfect for celebrating spring's flavours and includes lots of greens in one easy meal. As a bonus, it’s a flexible recipe so you can swap out the vegetables for what’s available. Just adjust the cooking time depending on what you add.
Invite the whole family to the table for an enjoyable, seasonal main dish for any time of the day. And celebrate the start of spring together!
Ingredients
For the crust:
300g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
150g unsalted butter, at room temperature, cubed
1tsp of salt
125ml of cold water
(Or premade frozen shortcrust pastry is an easy shortcut)
For the filling:
1tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
300g cooked chicken breast, diced
175g asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
160g peas
200g cherry tomatoes, halved
225g baby spinach leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried basil
85g grated Parmesan
Zest of 1 lemon
2 eggs, beaten
Instructions
(If using premade pastry, skip this step): In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
While cooking the filling, preheat your oven to 180°C, and grease a loose-bottomed 23cm round tart tin with butter.
In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, and then stir in the garlic. Add the diced chicken breast and cook till just done, about 7 minutes.
Stir in the asparagus and cook for another few minutes before adding peas, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach leaves. Season with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Cook until the vegetables are slightly tender. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough until about ½ cm thick. Transfer the rolled-out dough onto the prepared baking tray.
Start to assemble the pie by spooning the vegetable and chicken mixture onto the centre of the rolled-out dough. Pour over the egg mixture, saving one tablespoon. Sprinkle grated Parmesan and lemon zest over the filling.
Trim the edges and brush the remaining egg mixture over the dough.
Bake in a preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Remove the pie from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with a crisp green salad for bonus veg count and enjoy!
