Did you know that the summer months typically see an increase in home sales? We thought we’d put together this quick article to help you find out how to get a mortgage that works best for you. But don’t forget, to ensure your summertime home purchase is a successful one, chat directly with us for the right option for you.
First tip? Learn your debt-to-income ratio (DTI)
Your DTI is the ratio between your debt and your income. It reveals how much you owe from how much you earn. Ideally, borrowers should have low amounts of personal debt while earning an income, enabling them to support their mortgage. Still, a high DTI doesn’t necessarily stop you from being able to borrow. We can walk you through your options—you may have more choices than you think.
Things to think about:
Using equity release to fund a garden renovation or a dream holiday can be a smart move if done wisely. Here’s a practical guide on how it works, the pros and cons, and what to keep in mind. Get in touch with us to create a detailed plan of what you can get and how!
Equity release allows homeowners aged 55+ to unlock the value tied up in their home without having to sell or move out. The most common type is a lifetime mortgage, where you borrow against your home’s value, and the loan is repaid (with interest) when you pass away or move into long-term care.
Have you been thinking about a garden renovation with summer coming up?
You may be thinking about turning an underused space into an outdoor retreat. Maybe you want to improve accessibility or safety or boost your home’s appeal and potential value? Common Projects include landscaping and decking, outdoor kitchens or pergolas. Even installing garden offices or summer houses is an option? Call us a call and we can see how much you can access from your home!
What about taking a dream holiday this summer?
Have you been thinking of ticking off your bucket list while you’re fit and able? Or do you want to enjoy quality time with family—perhaps even treat them too? A lifetime mortgage can fund once-in-a-lifetime experiences without dipping into savings. Popular Uses include cruises or long-haul travel, multi-generational family trips or even extended stays abroad.
How to Do It – Step-by-Step
There are no monthly repayments required (unless you choose to). You can stay in your home as long as you want. It’s tax-free cash to improve your lifestyle. However, it will impact your inheritance. Interest compounds over time, and it may affect your entitlement to means-tested benefits.
Equity release can be a powerful tool to enhance your lifestyle in later life—whether that means sipping tea in your new rose garden or sipping wine in Tuscany. The key is to use it strategically and responsibly, with expert guidance along the way.
General insurance—whether it’s for your car, home, travel, or health—is a crucial financial safety net. But buying the wrong policy or overlooking key details can leave you underprotected when it matters most.
To help you make a smart, informed decision, here are the top five common mistakes to avoid when purchasing general insurance. Of course, using a broker ensures you can avoid these mistakes. Give us a call to get your insurance all lined up.
1. Not Understanding the Policy Coverage
One of the biggest mistakes people make is not fully understanding what their policy covers. Every policy has inclusions (what it covers) and exclusions (what it doesn’t). Failing to read the fine print can result in denied claims or unexpected out-of-pocket costs later on.
Tip: Consult a trusted advisor for detailed help, and don’t hesitate to ask questions!
2. Choosing the Cheapest Premium
It’s tempting to go with the policy that costs the least, especially if you're looking to save money. But in insurance, cheaper isn’t always better. A low premium can often mean limited benefits or minimal customer service.
Tip: Make sure to look for comprehensive coverage, good claim settlement ratios, and reliable customer support.
3. Underinsuring Your Assets
Many people undervalue their property or assets when purchasing insurance. But, insuring your home for less than its actual value or opting for minimal insurance can leave you underprotected in the event of loss or damage.
Tip: Check the replacement cost or market value to ensure you're fully compensated!
4. Ignoring Exclusions and Waiting Periods
Most general insurance policies come with exclusions and waiting periods—especially in health and travel insurance. If you’re unaware of these, you might face unexpected claim rejections.
Tip: Double-check when your coverage becomes effective. Especially for pre-existing conditions or specific incidents!
5. Not Reviewing or Updating the Policy Regularly
Life changes—whether it's buying a new car, renovating your home, or experiencing health changes. Many policyholders forget to update their insurance to reflect these changes.
Tip: Make it a habit to review your insurance policies annually or after major life events. Adjust coverage to match your current needs and ensure you're not under- or over-insured.
Buying general insurance isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a key part of your financial well-being. Avoiding these common mistakes can help you get the coverage you need, at a value that makes sense, and with the peace of mind that you're protected when life throws you a curveball. Let us take the hassle out of it…. Chat with us today!
Summer’s here—time for garden BBQs, beach escapes, and maybe even a cheeky weekend in the Cotswolds. But while you’re soaking up the sunshine, have you thought about the financial safety nets that help keep life running smoothly, no matter what?
If you want true peace of mind this summer (and beyond), it’s worth making sure you’ve got the right protection in place. Here's a quick, no-jargon guide to three key types of cover every household should consider. Hit reply-to this email to set up your coverage.
What if an illness or injury meant you couldn’t work for a few months—or longer?
Income protection is designed to replace a percentage of your gross income (typically up to 60–70%) if you’re unable to work due to ill health. It kicks in after a set waiting period and keeps paying out until you return to work, retire, or reach the end of the policy.
Why it matters:
Self-employed? Freelance? Using up all your annual leave? An accident or illness could mean zero income and no backup. Income protection ensures the bills still get paid while you focus on getting better.
Critical illness cover pays out a lump sum if you're diagnosed with a serious condition listed in the policy—for example heart attack, stroke, cancer, and others.
You can use the money however you like: pay off your mortgage, cover medical costs, adapt your home, or just take the pressure off your finances during recovery.
Why it matters:None of us likes to think about life-changing illness—but if it does happen, you’ll be grateful for a financial cushion. Especially when you’ve got holidays booked, kids off school, or plans you don’t want disrupted by financial stress.
Life insurance pays out a lump sum if you pass away during the policy term. It’s so important if you have dependents, a mortgage, or shared financial responsibilities.
You can choose:
- Term life insurance (covers you for a fixed period)
- Whole-of-life insurance (covers you for your entire life)
- Level, decreasing, or increasing cover (depending on whether you want the payout to stay the same, reduce with your mortgage, or rise with inflation)
It might not feel like summer conversation material—but knowing your loved ones would be financially secure, no matter what, is a huge emotional weight off your shoulders.
Protection doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With the right policies in place, you can kick back this summer knowing your income, health, and loved ones are looked after—rain or shine. We are here to help with any queries or questions you might have!
With the warmer weather approaching, it’s a great time to get active without hitting the gym! We’ve come up with some fun tips to get you moving outside. And don’t forget that many health insurances have schemes in place to get you extra motivated. Think: Discounted or Free Gym Memberships. Fitness Tracker Rewards. Fast-Track Physio and Injury Rehab. Plus, Nutritional Support and Health Checks!
Let’s jump in:
Getting stuck into the garden can be a boost for your body and your mind. Hauling bags of soil, pulling weeds, raking, and mowing the lawn combine strength training, cardio, and stretching! Plus, you’ll feel invigorating as you enjoy the fresh air. Equally, does the garage need a spring clean? Does the front door need painting? Cleaning provides great exercise!
Do you have a dog? Walking outside provides an easy excuse to get active! Why not kick it up a notch at the dog park for an off-leash chase? Even if it’s been a while since you’ve pedalled around the neighbourhood, getting back on the bike is a fun way to stay active while enjoying the warm air. Can you leave the car at home or skip the bus and walk / cycle / run to work?
Here’s a fun one! Shopping as exercise sounds like a fun summer activity—bring your friends along too! Walk around a Farmer's Market and choose some seasonal fresh produce. Or go fruit picking at a local farm to get it right from the source. Plus, check out local events that will get you out and about. Look for music festivals that will get you dancing!
Take advantage of the summer with swimming, rock climbing, or hiking. Your local beach or pool offers the perfect place for some low-impact exercise. Meanwhile, try rock climbing where the cliffs become your weight machines and pull-up bars. And hiking is one of the best exercises to enjoy nature. Go bird watching, seek out local species of plants—keep a keen eye open for animals!
We hope these tips help keep you active through the warmer months. Even just choosing to walk in the sunshine instead of driving can provide a wealth of health benefits that will help keep your health insurance premiums low. With fitness trackers (like Apple watches) and easy-to-access physio, health insurance is the perfect accompaniment to a summer of health!
With the sun on our faces and the right approach to your end-of-summer spending, you can achieve your warm-weather wants on an ice-cream budget. Here’s how to get that summer bank balance set-up for a great year ahead, from clever budget ideas to easy ways to reduce your expenses.
Plan your budget
An hour or two spent planning your budget now will mean you’re starting your year off in the right way.
Remember, it’s not how much you have; it’s how you manage it.
- Wants vs needs. Differentiating between your spending wants and needs is the glue that holds a budget together. It takes forethought and pre-planning. Start by going through your most recent bank statement and dividing the expenses into wants and needs based on your plans for the year ahead. It’s all about balance.
- Do the 50-30-20 budget. We love this budget hack! Divide your income into three buckets: 50% for needs (rent or mortgage, bills, debts, food etc.), 30% to wants (concert tickets, drinks with friends, new dress) and 20% to savings. But, you can play with the percentages to suit you. The important thing is you divide up your expenses in a way that makes sense to you and your situation.
- Review early and often. The best-laid budget can easily blow out without careful monitoring. Use your transaction history or a spending tracker to track your daily expenses. Sticking to your budget week-on-week? A gold star on the fridge is unnervingly rewarding. Or a ‘budgeted’ beer at the pub works too!
Reduce expensesIt’s not the cheapest time of year. But with these two simple life hacks, you’ll be able to make the most of your summer spending.
- Swap ‘n’ save. Beach holidays, festive parties, hanging with friends. A few clever swaps can make all the difference when it comes to your finances. Try visiting less popular spots for a cheaper holiday or stay close to home with a British vacation. Splitting an Airbnb with friends can make it cheaper. And even just having a shorter holiday can reduce costs while still getting the benefits!
- Shop the sales. The end-of-season sales are every summer budgeter’s best friend. Now’s the time to nab that designer bikini or sand-shedding beach towel. But remember—even though your dream item is on sale, it doesn’t always mean it’s a bargain.
Spend carefully
Mindful spending can pay off in a big way when it comes to budgeting. Burning through cash on lunch and a coffee at work? Meal prep and an insulated coffee flask could be a short-term fix, or even aiming for four days a week. Impulse purchasing something you’ll probably never wear? Sleep on it and see how you (and your bank balance) feel in two days’ time.
And as the season changes, your budget might change too, so use that time as an opportunity to give your budget a spring (or autumn!) clean. Need extra help with your finances? We might be able to help. Give us a chat for advice you can trust!
