Need to know: Your financial priorities

Many of us muddle through our financial lives, not focusing on what matters the most, so this article is designed to help you sort out your financial priorities.

You have probably thought that there are some issues you need to address but it is common to be stuck in limbo, not quite sure what to tackle first, or a to have a vague to-do list but are unsure where to start.

I am often asked what are the most important topics to focus on so this is a guide to what you may need to look at if you haven’t reviewed your personal finances before, or haven’t done so for some time. What should you do now and what is most important?

All too frequently I see people who have been sold long-term savings plans without having been given the right advice to address more immediate issues. The most important consideration is to focus on what could go wrong tomorrow and then to take steps to protect you and your family. This doesn’t have to be expensive but this is what proper, ethical, financial planning is all about.

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Need to know: Taxes on UK property

This article has been rewritten and fully updated so please refer to the lastest one, published on 31st July 2024.

Need to know – UK Property Taxes

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A guide to buying property & getting a mortgage in Dubai

Buying a property in the UAE can be daunting, especially for the first-time buyer. Expats have only been able to buy here since 2001, and only in specific areas, so many people are unfamiliar with the process as it can be quite different to a home country. As buying a home is the largest purchase most of us will ever make, it is important to get the facts.

I have an excellent in-house mortgage department and we can walk you through the full process from finding a property, getting mortgage approvals, the final offer, to dealing with the Land Department at completion.

This article is a guide to what you need to know when buying property in Dubai. I have already written an article on the buying process in the UK and there will shortly be another about the tax issues to consider in respect of UK property ownership.

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UK Budget March 2017 – the main points for expats

9th March 2017 saw the final UK Spring Budget as the announcements now move to the Autumn. As ever there were a number of measures that will affect expats, including a surprise regarding pensions. 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.

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UK Autumn Statement, November 2016 – the facts that expats need to know

Following changes of leadership in the Conservative Party earlier this year, the new UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, presented the UK Autumn Statement and Spending Review to parliament on 24th November. These reports are always lengthy and whilst covered extensively in the UK press I like to pick up on the points that have relevance relevant to expats, particularly those who are resident in the UAE. I have read through all 69 pages of the official report so you don’t have to.

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Need to know: Leaving Dubai

As most expats leave Dubai after a few years, either to return to a home county, or to move to another country altogether, I have put together a brief guide to some of the issues you need to consider before moving.

Ideally a move should be planned as far ahead as possible, particularly if there are potential tax issues to consider, but even if it happens with little notice there are still steps to take to ensure your move is as painless as possible.

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UK Budget March 2016 – what expats need to know

Whilst the announcement of a new “sugar tax” is the part of the Budget grabbing the headline, there were a number of measures that will affect expats. 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.

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The Benefits of Offshore Banking for Expats

This article has been fully updated so please see HERE  for the latest version

Offshore bank accounts – The benefits for expats    June 2020

 

For further details on opening an offshore bank account and the paperwork to start the process, or for information on any other personal financial planning issue, please contact me at keren@holbornassets.com

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UK Autumn statement 2015 – the facts for expats

The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, presented the UK Autumn Statement and Spending Review to Parliament on 25th November. This is a comprehensive, and lengthy, report so I have picked out a number of the points which may affect expats and these are explained below.

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UK Pensions Freedom – or is it?

On 6th April of this year some significant changes in the world of UK pensions came into force. This will affect most UK pension holders so it’s important to be aware of how this could impact on your pension and retirement planning. This is a complicated topic, and admittedly not the most exciting, so this article aims to give an overview of the main points. 

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