Today I’m looking at investing for dividends. This is an increasingly popular strategy among investors seeking to generate passive income while potentially also growing their capital.
Dividend stocks can provide a steady income stream, but they also come with risks and considerations. So I’ll begin by looking at the pros and cons of this approach. I will set out some hints and tips for anyone who may be interested in getting started at dividend investing. I will also mention some established UK companies that have a reputation for paying regular dividends, and some online share-dealing platforms that may be suitable for anyone applying this strategy.
Let’s begin with some of the attractions of dividend investing, though…
Pros
Table of Contents
Regular Income Stream
One of the biggest benefits of dividend investing is receiving regular cash payments, typically every quarter or six months, though occasionally monthly. This can be particularly appealing for retirees or anyone seeking passive income.
Potential for Long-Term Growth
Many well-established companies that pay dividends also experience share price growth. Reinvesting dividends through a dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) can compound returns over time.
Stability in Market Downturns
Dividend-paying companies are often large, well-established firms that can weather economic downturns better than smaller, high-growth companies. Investors may find these stocks less volatile.
Tax Efficiency for UK Investors
UK investors benefit from the £500 dividend allowance (as of 2024/25) before dividend income is taxed. Additionally, holding dividend stocks in an ISA (Individual Savings Account) or SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pension) shields the income from tax altogether.
Indication of a Strong Business
Companies that consistently pay and grow dividends often have strong financials, stable earnings, and a track record of profitability. This can be a sign of a well-managed company.
Cons
Slower Growth Compared to High-Growth Stocks
Dividend stocks are typically in mature industries, meaning they may not offer the rapid price appreciation seen in high-growth technology or small-cap stocks.
Dividends Are Not Guaranteed
A company can cut or suspend its dividend payments if it faces financial trouble, as seen during economic crises. This can lead to both income loss and share price declines.
Dividend Tax for Higher Earners
If your dividend income exceeds the £500 tax-free allowance, you will pay 8.75% tax (basic rate), 33.75% (higher rate), or 39.35% (additional rate) on the excess amount. This reduces overall returns compared to capital gains, which have different tax rates.
Sector Concentration Risk
Many high-dividend stocks are concentrated in certain industries, such as utilities, oil, and consumer goods. This can limit diversification and expose investors to sector-specific risks.
Tips for Beginners
If you’re new to dividend investing and want to try it, here are a few tips and guidelines to get you started…
Look for Dividend Growth, Not Just High Yields – A high yield can be a red flag if unsustainable. Instead, focus on companies with a history of gradually increasing dividends over time.
Diversify Your Portfolio – Don’t put all your money into one or two high-dividend stocks. Consider spreading investments across different sectors.
Check the Dividend Cover Ratio – This metric (earnings per share divided by dividends per share) shows whether a company can afford its dividend. A ratio above 1.5 is generally considered safe.
Use Dividend Reinvestment – Reinvesting dividends can significantly increase long-term returns through compounding. Many brokers and online share-dealing platforms offer automatic reinvestment options.
Consider Dividend-Focused Funds – If picking individual stocks feels overwhelming, dividend ETFs or investment trusts like City of London Investment Trust (CTY) and Murray Income Trust (MUT) provide diversification and professional management.
Examples of Strong Dividend-Paying UK Companies
Here are some UK companies known for consistent dividend payments in recent years.
Unilever (ULVR) – A consumer goods giant with a strong dividend history and steady growth.
Legal & General (LGEN) – A leading financial services company offering an attractive dividend yield.
National Grid (NG) – A stable utility company known for reliable dividend payouts.
BP (BP) – A major oil company that has historically paid strong dividends, though with some fluctuations.
Diageo (DGE) – A global leader in alcoholic beverages with a track record of dividend growth.
Online Share Dealing Platforms
Here are three UK share dealing platforms that are well-suited for dividend investors looking for relatively low costs.
Interactive Investor (ii)
Flat-fee pricing model, which can be cost-effective for those with larger portfolios.
Monthly plans start from £4.99, including a Stocks & Shares ISA.
Offers one free trade per month, with additional trades at £5.99.
Free regular investing option for cost-effective reinvestment of dividends.
Each of these platforms has strengths depending on your investing style. Trading 212 (a personal favourite of mine) is great for beginners and low-cost investors; Interactive Investor suits those with larger portfolios; and IWeb is a solid, no-frills option for long-term dividend investors.
Closing Thoughts
Dividend investing can be a great way to generate passive income, but it requires careful stock selection and risk management.
By focusing on financially strong companies with sustainable dividends and using tax-efficient accounts, investors can make the most of this strategy.
If you’re looking for a regular income from your investments combined with the potential for long-term growth, dividend investments have the potential to play a valuable role in your investing portfolio..
See also this guest post by my colleague Lewys Lew on his personal approach to dividend investing. Although it was published a while ago, there are still some useful tips to be gleaned from it.
PLEASE NOTE: I am not a qualified financial adviser and nothing in this article should be construed as personal financial advice. You should always do your own ‘due diligence’ before investing and seek professional advice if in any doubt how best to proceed. All investing carries a risk of loss.
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Today I’m looking at a subject that may affect many readers of this blog who have recently (or not so recently) retired. It’s certainly a concern that I’ve faced myself (discussed later in the article).
For decades, many of us save diligently for retirement, carefully managing our finances to ensure what we hope will be a comfortable future. But once we finally reach retirement, a surprising challenge can emerge: shifting from a saving mentality to a spending one.
This transition can be difficult, even stressful, leading to problems such as excessive frugality, missed opportunities for enjoyment and unnecessary financial anxiety. Understanding why this happens – and how to navigate it – can help retirees make the most of their ‘golden years’.
Why Can it be Hard to Spend in Retirement?
For most of our working lives, we are conditioned to save for the future. The importance of building a pension pot, maximizing savings and preparing for the unexpected is constantly emphasized. Over time, this mindset becomes deeply ingrained, making it hard to reverse once retirement begins.
Here are some key reasons why many retirees struggle with spending…
Fear of Running Out of Money – With no regular salary coming in, retirees often worry that their savings won’t last. This fear can be worsened by rising living costs, potential healthcare expenses, and uncertainty about how long they will need their money to last.
A Lifetime Habit of Frugality – Many people have spent decades budgeting carefully, avoiding unnecessary expenses and prioritizing financial security. Suddenly being told it’s ‘okay’ to start spending feels unnatural, even reckless.
Uncertainty About the Future – Unlike a working salary, which can be replenished, a pension pot or savings account feels (and generally is) finite. Economic uncertainty, stock market fluctuations and potential care costs make it difficult for retirees to gauge how much they can safely spend.
The Problems of Excessive Frugality
While being cautious with money is clearly advisable, being overly frugal can unnecessarily reduce quality of life. Some retirees deny themselves experiences, comforts and even essentials because they feel they ‘shouldn’t’ spend. Here are some reasons why this can be problematic…
Missed Opportunities – Retirement is meant to be enjoyed, yet some people avoid holidays, hobbies or social outings because they fear dipping into their savings.
Health and Well-being Risks – Reluctance to spend on home improvements, heating or even nutritious food can have serious consequences for health and safety.
Unnecessary Financial Stress – Constantly worrying about money can take a toll on our mental well-being, even when there are sufficient funds available.
Regret Later in Life – Some realize too late that they were overly cautious and could have enjoyed their retirement more. By the time they feel comfortable spending, they may no longer be fit and healthy enough to do so.
How to Develop a Healthy Spending Mindset
Making the shift from saver to spender requires a conscious effort, but is possible with the right approach. Here are some suggested guidelines to embrace the opportunities presented by retirement whilst still maintaining financial security…
Create a Retirement Spending Plan
Just as saving required a strategy, so too does spending. Work out a realistic budget that includes essentials, discretionary spending and an emergency fund. This can provide reassurance that spending on enjoyment is both affordable and sustainable.
Think of Your Savings as a Paycheque
Rather than seeing savings as a lump sum to be preserved, treat it like an income stream. Regular withdrawals – whether from a pension or other savings – can make spending feel more structured and less daunting.
Prioritize Experiences
Research shows that spending money on experiences rather than possessions leads to greater happiness. Travel, hobbies and social activities can provide fulfilment while keeping finances under control.
Reframe Money as a Tool for Happiness
Rather than viewing savings as something to hoard, retirees can shift their perspective to see money as a resource for a fulfilling and comfortable life. This change in mindset can help ease spending anxieties.
Consider Gradual Adjustments
If spending feels uncomfortable, starting small can help. For example, try increasing your leisure budget gradually or treating yourself to one extra luxury per month. Over time, this can help you feel more at ease with enjoying your wealth.
Take Financial Advice
A professional financial adviser can help retirees feel confident about how much they can afford to spend while ensuring their money lasts. Regular reviews of pensions and investments can provide reassurance (see My Experience, below).
Give Yourself Permission to Enjoy the Rewards of Saving
Remember why you saved in the first place – to have security and enjoyment in later life. A balanced approach ensures financial stability while allowing for a fulfilling retirement.
My Experience
I have been officially retired for several years now. I still do a bit of freelance work (and run this blog) but my freelance income has tapered off. I am fortunate to have some savings and investments, the bulk of which I acquired through inheritances (though some from money I saved over the years).
As regular readers will know, although I’m a money blogger with a particular interest in such matters, I do have a personal financial adviser myself (I talked about this a while ago in this article). His name is Mike, and in my recent annual review he gently suggested that I could afford to withdraw a bit more from my investments. Essentially, he told me that I wasn’t getting any younger (I’m 70 this year) and there would be no benefit to dying with a lot of money left in my account. In some ways I found this advice encouraging, in others a bit depressing!
I do accept the gist of Mike’s advice, though. Even though I’m basically in good health, none of us knows what the future may hold. So I have promised Mike that I will think about what he has said and consider whether to draw more from my investments, while still leaving enough to cover my possible health and care needs in future. Of course, without a functioning crystal ball this isn’t an easy task, especially with the very high cost of care in the UK. But it’s important to take a balanced view and ensure you aren’t depriving yourself unnecessarily now whilst still retaining sufficient funds in case circumstances change in future.
Closing Thoughts
As I said at the start, the shift from saving to spending can be one of the biggest psychological adjustments in retirement.
Retirement is meant to be enjoyed, but many retirees find themselves trapped in a frugality mindset that stops them fully embracing the opportunities presented by this stage of life.
While financial prudence is important, excessive caution can lead to missed opportunities and unnecessary sacrifice. By shifting perspectives, planning carefully and embracing the idea that money is there to be used and enjoyed, retirees can – hopefully – strike a balance between financial security and enjoying their hard-earned wealth.
As ever, I’d love to hear any views (or tips) from readers about walking the tightrope between preserving your savings and making the most of life while you can.
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A quickie today to let you know that the price of stamps is rising again on Monday 7 April 2025. That will be the SIXTH rise in the price of first class stamps in just three years.
On this occasion a standard first class stamp is going up from £1.65 to £1.70, a 3% increase. The price of sending a large letter first class is going up by substantially more, from £2.60 to £3.15. That’s an increase of 55p or an inflation-busting 21%.
The price of sending a standard letter by second class post is increasing from 85p to 87p (a 2% rise), One small bit of good news is that the cost of sending a large letter second class is not rising and remains at £1.55.
Standard letters can weigh up to 100g and measure a maximum of 24cm x 16.5cm x 5mm. Large letters can measure 35.3cm x 25cm x 2.5cm but still have to weigh under 100g. If they weight over 100g, higher rates apply, and if they weigh over 750g they have to go at parcel rates.
The cost of many of Royal Mail’s ‘Signed For’, ‘Special Delivery Guaranteed’ and ‘Tracked’ services will also rise from 7 April, as will the price of sending parcels first and second class. You can see a full list of prices by clicking here (PDF).
Saving Money on Stamps
So is there anything you can do to mitigate the impact of the latest price rises?
Well, my number one recommendation is to stock up now while stamps are still at the old price. Standard and large-letter stamps don’t have values printed on them and will still be valid after the April price rise comes in. If you can afford to buy (say) 100 standard first-class stamps and 100 large letter first class stamps, that will save you an impressive £60 in total.
The best bet for buying stamps is – of course – your local post office. If you don’t have one near at hand, however, you can also buy in bulk from The Royal Mail Shop (minimum order £50 for free delivery)..
Amazon also sell postage stamps, though costs vary and when I checked some prices were significantly higher than at post offices. But they may be worth a look, especially if you are an Amazon Prime member.
Another option you could consider is the online auction site eBay. There can be good savings to be made here, but check reviews and ratings carefully and be wary of offers that are clearly too good to be true.
Remember, also, that older UK stamps without barcodes are no longer valid.
I’ll begin as usual with my Nutmeg Stocks and Shares ISA. This is the largest investment I hold other than my Bestinvest SIPP (personal pension).
As the screenshot below for the last twelve months shows, my main Nutmeg portfolio is currently valued at £25,850. Last month it stood at £26,528, so that is a decrease of £678.
Apart from my main portfolio, I also have a second, smaller pot using Nutmeg’s Smart Alpha option. This is now worth £4,151 compared with £4,267 a month ago, a fall of £116. Here is a screen capture showing performance over the last twelve months.
Finally, at the start of December 2023 I invested £500 in one of Nutmeg’s new thematic portfolios (Resource Transformation). In March I also invested a further £200 from referral bonuses. As you can see from the screen capture below, this portfolio is now worth £803 (rounded up) compared with £832 last month, a fall of £29.
As you can see, February has been a disappointing month for my Nutmeg investments. Overall I am down by £823. This is mostly due to a general decrease in share values in the second half of the month.
Nonetheless, the value of my Nutmeg investments is still up £390 since the start of the year. And their value has increased by £3,441 or 12.67% in the twelve months since the end of February 2024.
You can read my full Nutmeg review here. If you are looking for a home for your annual ISA allowance, based on my overall experience over the last eight years, they are certainly worth considering. They offer self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs), Lifetime ISAs and Junior ISAs as well.
Moving on, I also have investments with P2P property investment platform Assetz Exchange. As discussed in this recent post, the company recently rebranded as Housemartin.
My investments with Housemartin continue to generate steady returns. Housemartin focuses on lower-risk properties (e.g. sheltered housing). I put an initial £100 into this in mid-February 2021 and another £400 in April. In June 2021 I added another £500, bringing my total investment up to £1,000.
Since I opened my account, my HM portfolio has generated a respectable £235.31 in revenue from rental income. Capital growth has slowed, though, in line with UK property values generally.
At the time of writing, 17 of ‘my’ properties are showing gains, 1 is breaking even, and the remaining 19 are showing losses. My portfolio of 37 properties is currently showing a net decrease in value of £50.24, meaning that overall (rental income minus capital value decrease) I am up by £185.07. That’s still a decent return on my £1,000 and does illustrate the value of P2P property investments for diversifying your portfolio. And it doesn’t hurt that with Housemartin most projects are socially beneficial as well.
The overall fall in capital value of my Housemartin investments is obviously a little disappointing. But it’s important to remember that until/unless I choose to sell the investments in question, it is largely theoretical, based on the latest price at which shares in the property concerned have changed hands. The rental income, on the other hand, is real money (which in my case I’ve reinvested in other HM projects to further diversify my portfolio).
To control risk with all my property crowdfunding investments nowadays, I invest relatively modest amounts in individual projects. This is a particular attraction of Housemartin as far as i am concerned. You can actually invest from as little as £1 per property if you really want to proceed cautiously.
As I noted in this blog post, Housemartin is particularly good if you want to compound your returns by reinvesting rental income. This effectively boosts the interest rate you are receiving. Personally, once I have accrued a minimum of £10 in rental payments, I reinvest this money in either a new HM project or one I have already invested in (thus increasing my holding). Over time, even if I don’t invest any more capital, this will ensure my investment with Housemartin grows at an accelerating rate and becomes more diversified as well.
My investment on Housemartin is in the form of an IFISA so there won’t be any tax to pay on profits, dividends or capital gains. I’ve been impressed by my experiences with Housemartin and the returns generated so far, and intend to continue investing with them. You can read my full review of Assetz Exchange/Housemartin here. You can also sign up for an account directly via this link [affiliate]. Bear in mind that, as from the current financial year (2024/25), you can open more than one IFISA per year.
In 2022 I set up an account with investment and trading platform eToro, using their popular ‘copy trader’ facility. I chose to invest $500 (then about £412) copying an experienced eToro trader called Aukie2008 (real name Mike Moest).
In January 2023 I added to this with another $500 investment in one of their thematic portfolios, Oil Worldwide. I also invested a small amount I had left over in Tesla shares.
As you can see from the screen captures below, my original investment (total value £888.36 in pounds sterling) is today worth £1,056.29, an overall increase of £167.93 or 18.90%.
Note: eToro now displays the value of investments in your native currency, although you can change this if you wish.
As you can see, my Oil WorldWide investment is showing a profit of 8.77%. That’s a small but nonetheless welcome improvement since the portfolio was rebalanced by eToro. The investment team at eToro periodically rebalance all smart portfolios to ensure that the mix of investments remains aligned with the portfolio’s goals, and to take advantage of any new opportunities that may present themselves.
My copy trading investment with Aukie2008 has been doing better, with an overall 31.18% profit. To be fair, I have held the latter investment a bit longer.
My Tesla shares, which I bought as an afterthought with a bit of spare cash I had in my account, have done particularly well since I bought them, with an overall profit of 163.81%. If only I had put a bit more money into this!
You might also notice that I have small holdings in Prosus NV, a Dutch internet group, and South Bow, a Canadian energy infrastructure company. To be honest I don’t understand how I acquired these, but I assume they are some sort of bonus I was awarded. In any event, I am happy to have them in my portfolio!
eToro also offer the free eToro Money app. This allows you to deposit money to your eToro account without paying any currency conversion fees, saving you up to £5 for every £1,000 you deposit. You can also use the app to withdraw funds from your eToro account instantly to your bank account. I tried this myself and was impressed with how quickly and seamlessly it worked. You can read my blog post about eToro Money here. Note that it can also serve as a cryptocurrency wallet, allowing you to send and receive crypto from any other wallet address in the world.
If you would like more information about setting up an eToro account, please click on this no-obligation website link [affiliate]. Don’t forget that you also get a free $100,000 virtual portfolio, which you can use to experiment with trading and investing strategies. I have certainly earned a lot from mine.
I had six more articles published in February on the excellent Mouthy Money website. The first is titled Travelling to Europe This Year? Here’s Why You Need a GHIC Card. If you’re unfamiliar with the GHIC or how it differs from the previous European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), this article reveals everything you need to know, from how to apply to why it’s so important for your travels.
Also in February Mouthy Money published How to Check Your Tax Code and Correct it if Necessary. Understanding your tax code and ensuring its accuracy can prevent you from overpaying (or underpaying) tax. In this article I explained everything you need in order to check and understand the code you have been allocated.
And in Make Extra Money Renting a Room I turned the spotlight on this traditional (but none the worse for that) method for making some extra money. If your circumstances allow it, letting a room in your home can be a great way of generating a sideline income. It will provide a regular, ongoing income stream, which could prove a lifeline in these financially challenging times. And you can choose between getting a full-time lodger or offering short-term lets. Better still, under the Rent a Room Scheme you can make up to £7,500 a year this way entirely tax free!
In What is the Trading Allowance and How Can You Profit From It? I discussed this valuable allowance for UK residents looking to earn extra income from trading or side hustles. Even if you have a full-time job already, under the Trading Allowance you can earn up to £1,000 a year without having to declare that income to the taxman or paying tax on it. Read my article for the full lowdown!
And in Could You Benefit From the Help to Save Scheme? I discussed this lesser-known government initiative which, if you’re eligible, can give your finances a valuable boost. The Help to Save scheme aims to help people on lower incomes build up their savings. Offering generous tax-free bonuses, Help to Save can provide significant benefits for qualifying individuals.
Finally, in Could a Smart Thermostat Save You Money?, I revealed how these clever devices can save you money on your energy bills. I recently had one fitted myself. In this article I reveal which I chose (and why) and share some tips based on my own experiences. My heating engineer Dave, who installed it for me, also gets an honourable mention!
As I’ve said before, Mouthy Money is a great resource for anyone interested in money-making and money-saving. From the range of articles published in February, I particularly enjoyed Where to Find the Best Money-Saving Resources in 2025 by regular MM contributor Shoestring Jane. Jane writes mainly about money saving and frugal living. You can see all of her articles for Mouthy Money via this web page.
The not-so-good news about Mouthy Money is that due to a change in their business strategy they will no longer be commissioning external content writers such as me and Jane. From a personal perspective I am obviously disappointed about this, but I have had a good run with them and wish them every success going forward. I will continue to follow Mouthy Money with interest and recommend PAS readers do the same. I am also available for other writing work in the personal finance sphere if anyone else should need me!
I also published several posts on Pounds and Sense in February. Some are no longer relevant, but I have listed the others below.
Debunking Common Myths About Over-50 Life Insurance is a guest post on behalf of my friends at British Seniors Insurance Services. It sets out seven common myths about life insurance for over-50s, including ‘I’m too old to get life insurance’ and ‘Life insurance for over-50s is too expensive’, and explains why these commonly-held beliefs are incorrect.
Marriage in Later Life – A Guide to the Financial and Legal Implications is another guest post, this time by my colleagues at HCR Law. In this eye-opening article, their family law specialist, Victoria Fellows, sets out some important considerations to take into account if you are thinking of marrying (or remarrying) in later life.
In How to Make Money From Stoozing, I discuss this method of making extra income by taking advantage of interest-free offer periods on credit cards. If you are well organized you can make hundreds of pounds by doing this, but there are certain pitfalls to avoid. My article sets out everything you need to know and shares some useful resources.
Don’t Miss Out! Use Your £20,000 ISA Allowance Before It’s Too Late is a reminder that the current tax year ends on 5 April 2025 – and if you don’t use your 2024/25 tax-free ISA allowance before that date, it will be gone forever. In my article I explain the main types of ISA and reveal the ones I invest in myself. I also reveal why using your ISA allowance may be especially important in the current tax year if certain rumours are to be believed.
Finally, in Get Your Will Written Free of Charge in March, I discuss Free Wills Month, which actually starts today (3rd March 2025). This event brings together a group of well-respected charities to offer members of the public aged 55 and over the chance to have their wills written (or updated) free using participating solicitors across the UK. If you don’t currently have a will, this no-obligation opportunity is well worth checking out.
I’ll close with a reminder that you can also follow Pounds and Sense on Facebook or Twitter (or X as we have to call it now). Twitter/X is my number one social media platform and I post regularly there. I share the latest news and information on financial matters, and other things that interest, amuse or concern me. So if you aren’t following my PAS account on Twitter/X, you are definitely missing out.
I am also on the BlueSky social media network under the username poundsandsense.bsky.social. For the time being anyway, Twitter/X will remain my primary social media platform, but I will also post details of my latest blog posts, third-party articles and other financial news and resources on BlueSky for those who prefer to follow me there.
As always, if you have any comments or questions, feel free to leave them below. I am always delighted to hear from PAS readers
Disclaimer: I am not a qualified financial adviser and nothing in this blog post should be construed as personal financial advice. Everyone should do their own ‘due diligence’ before investing and seek professional advice if in any doubt how best to proceed. All investing carries a risk of loss.
Note also that posts on PAS may include affiliate links. If you click through and perform a qualifying transaction, I may receive a commission for introducing you. This will not affect the product or service you receive or the terms you are offered, but it does help support me in publishing PAS and paying my bills. Thank you!
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Free Wills Month brings together a group of well-respected charities to offer members of the public aged 55 and over the opportunity to have their wills written or updated free using participating solicitors across the UK. The next one begins on Monday 3rd March 2025.
The charities involved include the NSPCC, Dogs Trust, Samaritans, Mind, Stroke Association, PDSA, Royal British Legion, Alzheimers Research UK, Mencap, British Heart Foundation, Age UK, and many more.
The scheme covers simple wills only, including ‘mirror wills’ for couples. In the latter case, only one member of the couple has to be 55 or over. If you need a complicated will (most people don’t) you can still have this done but may have to pay a top-up fee.
I strongly believe in using a properly qualified solicitor to draw up your will. In the last few years there have been a couple of occasions when failing to do this has caused problems and delays for members of my family. An up-to-date will written by a solicitor will ensure that your wishes are respected and will avoid causing legal complications for your loved ones after you are gone.
Free Wills Month means what it says. There are no catches, although the organizers hope that you will choose to leave a donation to charity in your will. There is no obligation to do this, however.
To take part in Free Wills Month click through to the website on or after March 3rd 2025. You can then pick a solicitor from the list of companies taking part and contact them to book an appointment. Appointments are limited and on a first come, first served basis, so it’s important to call as soon as possible. Once all available appointments are taken, the campaign will close. This may happen before the end of March.
Until March 3rd you can enter brief details on the Free Wills Month website and will then receive an email reminder when the scheme opens.
If you have any comments or questions about this subject, as ever, please do post them below.
This is an annual update of this post.
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As the end of the tax year on 5 April 2025 approaches, so too does the deadline to utilize the annual tax-free Individual Savings Account (ISA) allowance.
The clock is ticking, and unless you take action in the next few weeks, this opportunity to maximize your tax-free savings for the 2024/25 financial year will be gone.
ISAs are a popular choice for savers and investors alike, offering a tax-efficient way to grow your wealth. With a diverse range of options available, from cash ISAs to stocks and shares ISAs and innovative finance ISAs, individuals have the flexibility to tailor their savings strategy to suit their financial goals and risk appetite.
The current ISA allowance stands at £20,000, providing a significant opportunity to shield your savings and investments from tax. This allowance represents a generous sum that, if left unused, cannot be carried forward to future years. In essence, any portion of the £20,000 allowance that remains untapped by the upcoming deadline will be lost, representing a missed opportunity for tax-free growth.
For those who have yet to fully utilize their annual ISA allowance, now is the time to take action. Whether you’re looking to bolster your rainy-day fund with a cash ISA, seeking to invest in the stock market through a stocks and shares ISA, or diversify your investment portfolio with an IFISA, there’s no shortage of options available.
Cash ISAs offer a secure and accessible way to save, providing a tax-free environment for your savings with the added benefit of easy access to your funds when needed. Meanwhile, stocks and shares ISAs open the door to potentially higher returns by investing in a wide range of assets such as equities, bonds and funds, albeit with a higher level of risk. And an Innovative Finance ISA, or IFISA for short, allows you to invest via P2P/crowdfunding platforms, further diversifying your portfolio (though again with a higher level of risk).
With an ISA you will never incur any liability for dividend tax, capital gains tax or income tax, even if your investments perform exceptionally well. Of course, there is no guarantee this will happen, but over a longer period stock market investments have typically outperformed cash savings, often by a substantial margin.
In recent years I have invested much of my own annual ISA allowance in a stocks and shares ISA with Nutmeg, a robo-manager platform that has produced good returns for me (almost 20% over the last year alone). You can read my in-depth review of Nutmeg here. I have also invested some money in a property IFISA from Housemartin (previously Assetz Exchange). You can see my latest post about Housemartin here. You can also check out my February 2025 Investments Update to see how my Nutmeg and Housemartin investments (and others) have been faring recently.
Finally, for shorter-term savings, I am currently using the Trading 212 Cash ISA. The interest rate paid by Trading 212 is reducing from the current 4.9% to 4.5% from the start of March, but it’s still competitive with other cash ISA providers and has fewer strings attached..
With just a few weeks left to take advantage of this valuable tax benefit, delaying now could prove costly. By acting swiftly you can ensure that your savings and investments are positioned to grow tax-free, setting yourself up for a better financial future.
This has become all the more important with reports (such as this one) suggesting Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering changing the rules applying to ISAs, and in particular reducing the tax-free allowance for cash ISAs to as little as £4,000.
In summary, the £20,000 annual ISA allowance for the 2024/25 tax year presents a golden opportunity to maximize your tax-free savings and investments. Time is of the essence, though. Unless you act before the impending deadline on 5th April 2025, this valuable allowance will be lost forever. If you have the money available, therefore, seize the opportunity now to help secure your financial future.
As always, if you have any comments or questions about this article, please feel free to leave them below.
Disclaimer: I am not a qualified financial adviser and nothing in this blog post should be construed as personal financial advice. Everyone should do their own ‘due diligence’ before investing and seek professional advice if in any doubt how best to proceed. All investing carries a risk of loss.
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Having fallen out of favour for a while due to a lack of suitable opportunities, the sideline-earning system of stoozing is back in the spotlight again!
Stoozing is a financial strategy that allows individuals to profit by leveraging 0% interest credit card offers. By using the interest-free periods, you can earn interest on borrowed funds without incurring additional costs.
Here’s a guide to effectively implementing a stoozing strategy…
1. Understanding Stoozing
Stoozing involves borrowing money through a credit card offering a 0% interest period and depositing that money into a high-interest savings account. The goal is to earn interest on the borrowed funds and repay the credit card balance before the interest-free period ends. This method requires careful planning and discipline to ensure profitability.
2. Steps to Implement Stoozing
Table of Contents
Select a Suitable 0% Interest Credit Card
Begin by researching credit cards that offer a 0% interest period on purchases or balance transfers. Opt for cards with the longest interest-free durations to maximize potential gains. Ensure you understand any associated fees, such as balance transfer fees, which could impact your overall profit. A useful resource for tracking down cards with 0% interest-free offers can be found on the popular MoneySavingExpert website.
Use the Credit Card for Everyday Purchases
Instead of using your debit card or cash, utilize the 0% interest credit card for daily expenses. This approach allows your regular income to remain in your bank account. This money can then be transferred to a high-interest savings account. Note that you should never withdraw cash directly from your credit card as you will be charged interest on this and it may also adversely affect your credit score (see below).
Deposit Funds into a High-Interest Savings Account
Transfer the money that would have been used for purchases into a high-interest savings account. This strategy enables you to earn interest on funds that would otherwise have been spent. Regularly monitor interest rates using a platform such as MoneySuperMarket to ensure you’re getting the best possible return on your savings.
Make Minimum Monthly Payments
It’s essential to make at least the minimum monthly payments on your credit card to maintain the 0% interest offer. Setting up a direct debit can help prevent missed payments, which could result in losing the interest-free benefit.
Repay the Full Balance Before the 0% Period Ends
Before the end of the 0% interest period, ensure you repay the entire credit card balance using the funds in your savings account. The difference between the interest earned and any fees paid represents your profit.
3. Example of Potential Earnings
Let’s say you obtain a 0% interest credit card with a 24-month interest-free period and a credit limit of £5,000. You deposit the full £5,000 into a high-interest savings account offering an annual interest rate of 5%.
Year 1 Interest: £5,000 x 5% = £250
Year 2 Interest: £5,000 x 5% = £250
Total Interest Earned Over 2 Years: £500
Assuming there are no fees and you meet all minimum payments on time, your profit from stoozing would be £500, simply by leveraging the 0% interest period.
4. Calculating Potential Profits
To assess the potential gains from stoozing, you can use online calculators designed for this purpose. These allow you to enter details such as the balance to be transferred, the introductory period, balance transfer fees, and minimum monthly payments to estimate your profit. One such calculator is available at stoozing.com.
5. Risks and Considerations
While stoozing can be profitable, it’s important to be aware of potential risks:
Discipline Required: Failure to make minimum payments or repay the balance before the 0% period ends can lead to interest charges that outweigh your earnings.
Credit Score Impact: Applying for multiple credit cards can affect your credit score. It’s advisable to check your credit report before proceeding. And it may be best to avoid stoozing if you plan to apply for a mortgage or business loan in the near future.
Changing Interest Rates: Savings account interest rates can vary, potentially reducing your anticipated profits.
Fees: Be mindful of any fees associated with the credit card or savings account, as they can erode your gains.
6. Closing Thoughts
Stoozing offers a method to earn additional income by strategically using 0% interest credit card offers and high-interest savings accounts.
Success in stoozing hinges on careful planning, disciplined financial management, and a thorough understanding of the terms and conditions associated with the financial products involved. Always ensure that the interest earned exceeds any fees incurred to achieve a net profit.
As always, if you have any comments or questions about this post, please do leave them below.
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This Valentine’s Day I’m pleased to bring you a guest article on a subject that I know will resonate with many readers of this blog.
Finding love in later life is clearly to be celebrated. But there are potential pitfalls as well, especially if you’ve been married before and/or have children from previous relationships. Mistakes made now can have costly – and stressful – consequences for you and your family further down the line.
My guest today, Victoria Fellows, a partner and head of family at the Birmingham office of HCR Law, knows this all too well. And she has some excellent advice for anyone who may be contemplating tying the knot (again) in their later years.
Marriage is an important decision at any stage of life, but when it comes to later-life marriages, the financial and legal implications take on an added level of significance which can include both benefits and challenges. This is especially likely if you have been married before (which accounts for most marriages among over 50s) or have children from previous relationships.
One of the primary concerns when entering a later marriage is protecting your children’s and/or extended family’s inheritance rights. In the absence of proper planning, a surviving spouse may inherit a significant portion of the estate, potentially diminishing what your children from earlier relationships would receive. This can lead to complicated family dynamics, particularly if your surviving spouse chooses to remarry or if your children feel their inheritance has been unfairly diminished.
There may also be inheritance tax (IHT) issues if the combining of assets pushes the estate value above the inheritance tax threshold, creating additional financial burdens for children who inherit.
So how can assets be protected to provide reassurance to the happy couple and their families?
Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements
In addition to thinking about what happens to your wealth when you die, it’s also worth giving some thought to what might happen if you separate.
A pre-nuptial agreement is a legal contract entered into before marriage that sets out how assets will be divided in the event of divorce or death. While pre-nuptial agreements are not legally binding in England and Wales, they can be persuasive if challenged in court, particularly if both parties entered into the agreement voluntarily and with full disclosure of assets. In later-life marriages, a pre-nup can be used to protect children’s inheritance rights by ensuring that assets accumulated before the marriage remain separate and are passed down to children.
A post-nuptial agreement can serve a similar purpose but is created after the marriage has taken place. Although UK courts are not legally obliged to uphold these agreements, post-nups can still be considered, especially if they are seen as fair, transparent, and made with legal advice.
It can be an awkward subject to raise, but nuptial agreements simply set out what a financial agreement would look like were you to separate and allow you to ring-fence any assets that one or both of you are bringing to the marriage. Often we find that our older clients feel more confident about getting married once they have raised the issue of a pre-nup with their partner because it provides both parties (and their wider families) with clarification on what would happen if they were to separate further down the line.
Wills and Trusts
Creating or updating a will is crucial to ensure that assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death. For individuals in later-life marriages, it’s vital to establish clear provisions that reflect your intent to protect children’s inheritance, ensuring that your assets are passed to your own children and grandchildren not your new spouse’s family. A well-drafted will can explicitly set out which assets should go to children from previous relationships and can address potential challenges from a surviving spouse.
Many people are unaware that when they marry a previous will is likely to become null and void. Therefore, if you pass away without making a new will, the law will decide how your assets are distributed, which may not reflect your wishes or the needs of your loved ones.
In addition to creating or updating a will, you can consider a life interest trust which could upon your death give your surviving spouse the right to an income for the rest of their life, at which point the remaining capital would be passed to your children. This will prevent the entire estate passing to a surviving spouse for them to pass on at their discretion, which may or may not include your children.
Joint Ownership and Beneficiary Designations
When it comes to property you should carefully consider whether joint ownership or beneficiary designations will achieve your asset protection goals. In the case of joint ownership, you can hold property as tenants-in-common, which ensures that you each own a specific share of the property. This is important because, upon the death of one spouse, their share will be passed on according to their will or trust, rather than automatically going to the surviving spouse.
Beneficiary designations on life insurance policies, pensions, and retirement savings plans should also be reviewed. In the UK, these designations take precedence over what is written in a will, meaning that you can directly allocate these assets to your children rather than your surviving spouse.
Pensions
If you have any ‘defined benefit’ (final salary) pensions, they will likely pay a portion of your income to your spouse when you die, so it’s important you update them to let them know of a new spouse.
Meanwhile any money that remains in ‘defined contribution’ pensions, such as stakeholder pensions or self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs) can be passed on when you die to your chosen loved ones.
You can tell your provider/s whom you would like to inherit your pension by completing an expression of wishes form.
Conclusion
Marriage in later life presents unique financial and legal considerations, especially when it comes to protecting assets for children from previous relationships. It’s essential to have open, honest communication with both your spouse and your children. Discussing your intentions, explaining why you are making certain decisions, and addressing any concerns upfront can help to avoid potential conflicts down the road.
With careful estate planning, the use of legal tools like pre-nuptial agreements, wills, trusts, and tax strategies, you can safeguard your wealth and ensure that your assets are passed down according to your wishes. By taking these steps, later-life marriages can be both emotionally fulfilling and financially secure, providing peace of mind for you your spouse and their families.
Victoria Fellows (pictured, below) is a partner and head of family in the Birmingham office of HCR Law.
Many thanks to Victoria and her colleagues at HCR Law for an eye-opening article on this important topic. It may not be particularly romantic but devoting a little attention to these matters now can potentially save you and your heirs a lot of grief in the future.
As always, if you have any comments or queries about this article, please do leave them below.
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For those of us who pride ourselves on family and caring for the ones we love, life insurance can be a very helpful safety net to have. Whether you want to leave behind a nest egg or just help them cover funeral expenses, taking out a policy can give you peace of mind that your loved ones will be looked after when you’re gone.
But unfortunately, life insurance is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions that can cause a lot of confusion when it comes to choosing a policy.
So in this post I’ve teamed up with British Seniors, Over 50 Life Insurance specialists, to take a look at the truth behind these common assumptions. Below, we’ll debunk some of the myths around Over 50 Life Insurance, so you can take pride in making an informed decision for your family.
Myth 1: “I’m Too Old to Get Life Insurance”
One of the most common myths is that people of a certain age can’t get life insurance. Many people assume that insurers won’t cover them if they’re over a certain age. In reality, Over 50 Life Insurance policies are designed to be taken out later in life. With British Seniors, you’re guaranteed acceptance for an Over 50 Life Insurance policy if you’re a UK resident aged 50 to 80. Better yet, there’s no need for medicals, blood tests, or complicated forms – you can get your policy sorted out over the phone.
Myth 2: “Life Insurance Is Too Expensive for Seniors”
Another common misconception is that life insurance becomes too expensive as you get older. While it is true that premiums are cheaper when you’re younger, many Over 50 Life Insurance policies are built to be affordable. When you take out a policy with British Seniors, you have control over your future payments with a fixed benefit amount or you can add the Increasing Benefit Option. With a fixed benefit amount, your monthly payments will stay the same for the duration of your policy. With the Increasing Benefit Option, to help keep up with the effects of inflation, your benefit amount and monthly premium will increase annually.
Myth 3: “I Don’t Need Over 50 Life Insurance Because I’m Debt-Free”
While being debt-free is a fantastic achievement, life insurance can be used for so much more than just debt. Many people take out life insurance to cover funeral costs, leaving their loved ones free from financial burdens during a difficult time. You could also leave your benefit amount as a nest egg for your family, so they can have some extra financial security. So, even if debts are no longer a concern, a life insurance policy can still offer some peace of mind and support for your loved ones.
Myth 4: “I Have Savings, So I Don’t Need Insurance”
While consistent saving is a great way to prepare for the future, even a substantial nest egg can be subject to risks where life insurance is not. Nobody knows what tomorrow will bring, and the reality is that many of us will end up needing our rainy-day savings for unforeseen expenses, like medical emergencies, home repair, loss of income, or simple day to day life as the cost-of-living increases. With an Over 50 Life Insurance policy in place, you have something of a financial safety net, so no matter what your savings look like down the line you can still count on your benefit amount.
Myth 5: “Life Insurance Payouts Are Taxed”
Many people worry that the payout from their life insurance policy will be heavily taxed, reducing its value for your family. The truth, however, is that life insurance payouts are usually exempt from income tax. Having said this, it’s important to note that your policy could be counted towards the overall value of an estate for inheritance tax purposes. Setting up your policy in a trust can help with this, by seeing to it that your loved ones receive their payout untaxed.
Myth 6: “I Can’t Get Life Insurance Due To A Medical Condition”
Another common myth is that having a medical condition makes it impossible to secure Over 50 Life Insurance. While this could be true of some policies that involve health assessments or medicals, some insurers offer guaranteed acceptance if you meet the criteria. With British Seniors, you’re guaranteed acceptance if you’re a UK resident aged 50 to 80. That means no medicals or blood tests are needed.
Myth 7: “I Can’t Leave Anything Significant to My Family”
While it’s true that the payout from an Over 50 policy may not be as large as those from other types of life insurance, the payout can still make a significant difference. You could secure enough to cover funeral costs, unpaid bills, or even to leave as a monetary gift. Having a policy in place also goes beyond financial value, as it can be a lovely gesture that tells your loved ones you care about them and their future.
Conclusion
In short, life insurance is not as complicated as it might seem – and being over the age of 50 doesn’t mean it’s too late to get covered. With these common myths busted, we hope that you feel more confident when it comes to planning for the future. Now you can make an informed choice for your loved ones and feel proud that you’ve looked out for them. If you’d like more information on British Seniors Over 50 Life Insurance, reach out to their trusted, UK-based advisors today and you’ll get a free quote with no strings attached.
Many thanks to my friends at British Seniors Over 50 Life Insurance for their assistance in compiling this article. As always, if you have any comments or queries, please do leave them below.
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I’ll begin as usual with my Nutmeg Stocks and Shares ISA. This is the largest investment I hold other than my Bestinvest SIPP (personal pension).
As the screenshot below for the last twelve months shows, my main Nutmeg portfolio is currently valued at £26,528. Last month it stood at £25,513, so that is an impressive rise of £1,015.
Apart from my main portfolio, I also have a second, smaller pot using Nutmeg’s Smart Alpha option. This is now worth £4,267 compared with £4,103 a month ago, a rise of £164. Here is a screen capture showing performance over the last twelve months.
Finally, at the start of December 2023 I invested £500 in one of Nutmeg’s new thematic portfolios (Resource Transformation). In March I also invested a further £200 from referral bonuses. As you can see from the screen capture below, this portfolio is now worth £832 compared with £798 last month, a rise of £34.
January has clearly been a good month for my Nutmeg investments. Their overall value has grown by £1,213 or 3.94% since the start of the year. And their value has increased by £5,193 or 19.65% in the twelve months since 31st January 2024.
You can read my full Nutmeg review here. If you are looking for a home for your annual ISA allowance, based on my overall experience over the last eight years, they are certainly worth considering. They offer self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs), Lifetime ISAs and Junior ISAs as well.
Moving on, I also have investments with P2P property investment platform Assetz Exchange. As discussed in this recent post, the company has just rebranded as Housemartin.
My investments with Housemartin continue to generate steady returns. Housemartin focuses on lower-risk properties (e.g. sheltered housing). I put an initial £100 into this in mid-February 2021 and another £400 in April. In June 2021 I added another £500, bringing my total investment up to £1,000.
Since I opened my account, my HM portfolio has generated a respectable £229.98 in revenue from rental income. Capital growth has slowed, though, in line with UK property values generally.
At the time of writing, 15 of ‘my’ properties are showing gains, 2 are breaking even, and the remaining 18 are showing losses. My portfolio of 35 properties is currently showing a net decrease in value of £55.21, meaning that overall (rental income minus capital value decrease) I am up by £174.77. That’s still a decent return on my £1,000 and does illustrate the value of P2P property investments for diversifying your portfolio. And it doesn’t hurt that with Housemartin most projects are socially beneficial as well.
The overall fall in capital value of my Housemartin investments is obviously a little disappointing. But it’s important to remember that until/unless I choose to sell the investments in question, it is largely theoretical, based on the latest price at which shares in the property concerned have changed hands. The rental income, on the other hand, is real money (which in my case I’ve reinvested in other HM projects to further diversify my portfolio).
To control risk with all my property crowdfunding investments nowadays, I invest relatively modest amounts in individual projects. This is a particular attraction of Housemartin as far as i am concerned. You can actually invest from as little as £1 per property if you really want to proceed cautiously.
As I noted in this blog post, Housemartin is particularly good if you want to compound your returns by reinvesting rental income. This effectively boosts the interest rate you are receiving. Personally, once I have accrued a minimum of £10 in rental payments, I reinvest this money in either a new HM project or one I have already invested in (thus increasing my holding). Over time, even if I don’t invest any more capital, this will ensure my investment with Housemartin grows at an accelerating rate and becomes more diversified as well.
My investment on Housemartin is in the form of an IFISA so there won’t be any tax to pay on profits, dividends or capital gains. I’ve been impressed by my experiences with Housemartin and the returns generated so far, and intend to continue investing with them. You can read my full review of Assetz Exchange/Housemartin here. You can also sign up for an account directly via this link [affiliate]. Bear in mind that, as from the current financial year (2024/25), you can open more than one IFISA per year.
In 2022 I set up an account with investment and trading platform eToro, using their popular ‘copy trader’ facility. I chose to invest $500 (then about £412) copying an experienced eToro trader called Aukie2008 (real name Mike Moest).
In January 2023 I added to this with another $500 investment in one of their thematic portfolios, Oil Worldwide. I also invested a small amount I had left over in Tesla shares.
As you can see from the screen captures below, my original investment (total value £888.36 in pounds sterling) is today worth £1,081.19, an overall increase of £192.16 or 21.71%.
Note: eToro now displays the value of investments in your native currency, although you can change this if you wish.
As you can see, my Oil WorldWide investment is showing a profit of 8.43%. That’s not overly exciting but the portfolio has just been rebalanced by eToro, so hopefully that will improve its performance going forward. The investment team at eToro periodically rebalance all smart portfolios to ensure that the mix of investments remains aligned with the portfolio’s goals, and to take advantage of any new opportunities that may present themselves.
My copy trading investment with Aukie2008 has been doing better, with an overall 26.56% profit. To be fair, I have held the latter investment a bit longer.
My Tesla shares, which I bought as an afterthought with a bit of spare cash I had in my account, have done particularly well in recent months. If only I had put a bit more money into this!
You might also notice that I have small holdings in Prosus NV, a Dutch internet group, and South Bow, a Canadian energy infrastructure company. To be honest I don’t understand how I acquired these, but I assume they are some sort of bonus I have been awarded. In any event, I am happy to have them in my portfolio!
eToro also offer the free eToro Money app. This allows you to deposit money to your eToro account without paying any currency conversion fees, saving you up to £5 for every £1,000 you deposit. You can also use the app to withdraw funds from your eToro account instantly to your bank account. I tried this myself and was impressed with how quickly and seamlessly it worked. You can read my blog post about eToro Money here. Note that it can also serve as a cryptocurrency wallet, allowing you to send and receive crypto from any other wallet address in the world.
If you would like more information about setting up an eToro account, please click on this no-obligation website link (affiliate).
I had another article published in January on the excellent Mouthy Money website. This is How to Make Money Through Bank Account Switching. In this article I discussed an easy method for generating handy lump sums by taking advantage of switching incentives offered by some UK banks. The banks are currently battling one another for your custom, and they are offering some enticing cash bonuses (and sometimes other freebies/benefits as well) to get you to sign up.
As I’ve said before, Mouthy Money is a great resource for anyone interested in money-making and money-saving. From the range of articles published in January, I particularly enjoyed 16 Ways to Be More Frugal and Save Money in 2025 by regular MM contributor Shoestring Jane. Jane writes mainly about money saving and frugal living. You can see all of her articles for Mouthy Money via this web page.
I also published several posts on Pounds and Sense in January. Some are no longer relevant, but I have listed the others below.
As mentioned earlier, I published a post titled P2P Property Investment Platform Assetz Exchange Rebrands as Housemartin. In this I discussed the recent rebrand of this P2P property investment platform, which I invest through myself. The post also discusses how the platform has changed since I first featured it here on Pounds and Sense.
In Here’s Why Most Over-50s Need More Protein in Their Diet I discussed a subject that will be relevant to many readers of this blog (which is of course aimed especially at over-50s). I must admit I hadn’t realised just how important this was until I saw the topic being discussed on GB News last month. I wanted to learn more and researched the subject with the aid of AI program ChatGPT. This blog post was the result.
In Take the Plum 52-Week Saving Challenge, I shared a method you can use to set aside a handy lump sum of up to £1,378 in a year. As you may gather, the method involves using the smart money app Plum [affiliate link]. This automates the whole process for you, making saving as easy and painless as possible. Read the article for full details!
Also in January I published a guest post on the subject Dos and Don’ts for Divorce in 2025. Written by an experienced divorce lawyer, this article sets out tips and guidelines to make the divorce process as pain-free as possible if, sadly, your marriage has run its course.
Finally, on a happier note, I published Planning a UK Holiday This Year? Here Are Some Ideas For You. In this article (which I update and republish annually) I set out a range of suggestions for short break (or longer) holidays in the UK, along with links to blog posts I have written about the destinations concerned.
Lastly, a reminder that you can also follow Pounds and Sense on Facebook or Twitter (or X as we have to call it now). Twitter/X is my number one social media platform and I post regularly there. I share the latest news and information on financial matters, and other things that interest, amuse or concern me. So if you aren’t following my PAS account on Twitter/X, you are definitely missing out.
I am also on the BlueSky social media network under the username poundsandsense.bsky.social. For the time being anyway, Twitter/X will remain my primary social media platform, but I will also post details of my latest blog posts, third-party articles and other financial news and resources on BlueSky for those who may prefer to follow me there.
That’s all for today. As always, if you have any comments or questions, feel free to leave them below. I am always delighted to hear from PAS readers
Disclaimer: I am not a qualified financial adviser and nothing in this blog post should be construed as personal financial advice. Everyone should do their own ‘due diligence’ before investing and seek professional advice if in any doubt how best to proceed. All investing carries a risk of loss.
Note also that posts on PAS may include affiliate links. If you click through and perform a qualifying transaction, I may receive a commission for introducing you. This will not affect the product or service you receive or the terms you are offered, but it does help support me in publishing PAS and paying my bills. Thank you!
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I also published several posts on 
