Due to changes in legislation, this article has been updated and rewritten to so please see the latest one.
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Where there’s a Will there’s a way to protect your family
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Tag Archives: professional advice
News: Tax update for expats unable to leave the UK
HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs) has announced that it will be giving special treatment to non-residents who are forced to stay in the UK exceeding their permitted number of days. With quite a few expats unable to leave due to closed borders and lock downs, I was expecting an announcement and this is helpful news.
Coronavirus and your investments – part 2
I published an article on this topic on 4th March but with the ongoing situation and further stock markets falls, it is time for another.
With worries and panic across the world in respect of both health and all the knock-on economic issues, we have seen substantial falls in all stock markets so many people are asking what they should do regarding their investments. The falls have been more than anyone expected as the current situation in regard to COVID-19 are simply unprecedented. As before, my general advice is not to sell now, not least as you would simply be crystallising a loss. My clients are all diversified and have suitable risk profiles, in line with their preferences, although I understand if some want to reduce the risk levels a little. Please read on to find out more about what is happening, why, and what we can expect.
UK Budget March 2020 – the facts for expats
This is the first budget of this Government and the first by Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, less than a month after taking over at the Treasury.
This article is a brief overview of some of the main points with particular reference to any changes that have relevance to those living outside of the UK. The UK press will cover many points in detail but much of this is not directly relevant to expats so this article focuses of the relevant points for us. I have included specific measure related to COVID-19 as this has a significant impact on the economy and a wide-ranging, knock-on effect.
Coronavirus and your investments – part one
No one can avoid this subject right now but, in this article, I want to address the financial concerns, specifically in relation to investments. Global stock markets fell last week, the largest falls over a couple of days for 10 years, although some are moving upwards again at time of writing, and I do not believe this is a major cause for concern.
2019 – how is it going for you? A survey
We’re nearly half way through the year, (and isn’t it going fast?) so I’d like to take a look at how UAE residents are finding it so far from a personal financial perspective. I would therefore be grateful if you could take just a few minutes to complete this survey.
Survey. 2019: how is it going for you?
The information gathered will be used in a future article on this website and for a show on Capital Radio UAE ( http://www.cruae.ae) on 30th June, as one of my weekly Everything UAE segments which are broadcast every Sunday, just after 6pm.
Your input is very much appreciated. Thank you.
I write articles such as this one as part of the holistic personal financial planning service and that I provide to expats, and the general consumer, financial and legal information that I provide in The National newspaper, on Capital Radio UAE and on the Facebook group British Expats Dubai. If I can assist you with any personal financial issues, please contact me at keren@holbornassets.com You will find many other useful articles on this website.
If you have yet to come across Capital Radio UAE, the station re-launched in the UAE in September 2018. You can listen online at http://www.cruae.ae or is the MyTuner Radio app with FM coming soon. The station, a franchise of London’s famous Capital Radio, is aimed at the over 35s so plays the songs you know from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.
Verified listeners for my weekly segment on Capital are in excess of 315,000 and growing fast so listen in to hear useful information every week.
Need to know: UAE Consumer Protection Regulations
The UAE has had legislation in place to protect consumers for quite a few years but the details are not as well known as they might be so this article is an overview of the law and your rights when purchasing goods and services.
UAE Public Holidays for 2019
These are the official dates of public holidays for the UAE for the coming year, as well as notable dates, so you can make a note in your diary now and plan ahead. Actual days off work for both the public and private sector should vary less than in the past and these are the dates announced by the Government so far.
This article was edited in September 2019 following an announcement by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR).
Credit cards – friend or foe?
Credit cards are a fact of modern life but are they friend or foe? Should you have one, or are they to be avoided?
When used sensibly and responsibly they can be a useful tool with benefits but too often they are used to support a lifestyle, the balance is not repaid in good time, and they become a very expensive burden.
This article is a quick look at both the pros and cons of this type of consumer debt.
Have you forgotten or lost a UK pension?
This may sound like a silly question but research from a major British insurance company has shown that up there are up to 2.5 million forgotten UK pension plans. Furthermore, the UK government estimates that the size of these forgotten and unclaimed funds could exceed £400 million.
Among those with a forgotten pension, the majority believe they have misplaced one pot (77%), although 17% think they have forgotten about two and 6% have forgotten three or more. At the same time, almost three in five (59%) UK adults are worried about not having enough money to last them in retirement. If this is you, there are steps you can take.