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Why emotional decision-making could be costing you investment returns
It can be difficult not to let your emotions influence the decisions you make. When investing, emotional decision-making could be harming your portfolio’s performance and your ability to reach your goals. While you try to make investment decisions based on logic and facts, it can be easy for emotions, from fear to excitement, to play a role at times. And a survey of financial advisers reveals it could be costing you more than you think. According to a report in FTAdviser, fin

Tom from Harken Financial
Aug 8, 20233 min read
A decade after introducing auto-enrolment, the government confirms plans to extend it
Since the government introduced pension auto-enrolment in 2012, millions more workers have started saving for their retirement. Now, the government has confirmed plans to extend auto-enrolment to encourage a savings boost. The changes could have implications for both employees and business owners. In a publication, the government has revealed key announcements following a review of auto-enrolment that started in 2017. The reforms are forecast to increase pension contributions

Tom from Harken Financial
Aug 8, 20234 min read


A grocery shop would cost just 45p in 1940s when the first supermarket opened its doors
Visiting the supermarket to pick up a few items or do your weekly shopping is so common it can be difficult to imagine life without this convenience. Yet, it wasn’t too long ago that the first supermarket was opening its doors in the UK. And looking back offers an interesting insight into how money and shopping habits have changed. The London Co-operative Society opened its doors for the first time in 1948. It offered a very different service to other shops of the time. Shopp

Tom from Harken Financial
Aug 8, 20233 min read
Investing 101: What you need to know about tax efficiency and your investment options
Investing may provide a useful way to grow your wealth, but getting started can be overwhelming. There are some important decisions to make when investing that could affect the outcomes and the tax you’re liable for, and we’re here to offer support. Last month, you read about investment risk and what to consider when creating a risk profile. Now, read on to discover what your options are if you’re ready to start investing. Shares v funds: What’s the difference? Investing is f

Tom from Harken Financial
Aug 8, 20234 min read
Investment market update: April 2023
High inflation continues to affect economies around the world. However, there are positive signs of recovery, and some surveys indicate that people are starting to feel more confident about the future. While many things can affect short-term market movements, remember you should invest with a long-term goal in mind. If you have any questions about your portfolio or investment performance, please contact us. UK The UK economy flatlined in February, official data from the Offic

Tom from Harken Financial
May 12, 20233 min read
Revealed: A long-term investment strategy could be key to beating inflation
Over the last year, you may have been affected by soaring inflation, rising interest rates, and volatile market conditions. The good news is that research shows a long-term investment strategy could help you grow your wealth despite a challenging environment. Inflation has been high over the last 12 months, and it could have eroded the value of some of your assets. Take money held in a cash account, for example. Due to inflation, it’s now likely you can buy less with it than

Tom from Harken Financial
May 12, 20233 min read
5 essential money lessons that could improve your child’s financial independence
Between 12 and 16 June, Young Enterprise runs a national campaign across primary and secondary schools with the aim to give children the skills and knowledge necessary to understand finances to thrive in later life. Taking place every year since 2009, My Money Week has already taught hundreds of thousands of young people how to budget, save wisely, and manage credit card debt. My Money Week is the perfect time to teach your children about money and improve their financial lit

Tom from Harken Financial
May 12, 20234 min read
4 red flags that could be signs of a scam and what you need to know about them
Each year in June, Citizens Advice runs a two-week scam awareness campaign, aptly named “Scam Awareness Fortnight”. The organisation hopes its movement will raise your awareness of common scam tactics, and mean you’re confident that you know what to do if you spot one. This fantastic campaign comes at a convenient time, as investment scams have been on the rise in recent years. Indeed, FT reports that calls to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) related to investment scams

Tom from Harken Financial
May 12, 20234 min read
4 essential Budget announcements that could boost your pension
In a bid to encourage early retirees back to work, chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveiled several changes to pension allowances during the Budget. The announcements could mean you’re able to save more in your pension and boost your retirement income. Here are the four key pension changes Hunt announced. 1.The Lifetime Allowance will be abolished Previously, the Lifetime Allowance (LTA) has limited the amount of pension benefits you could tax-efficiently build up in total. Those that

Tom from Harken Financial
May 12, 20233 min read
Estate planning: 3 crucial steps that could protect your later years
Estate planning is an important part of your financial plan. Not only does it ensure your assets are passed on to who you wish and considers areas like Inheritance Tax (IHT), but it could provide you with peace of mind about your future too. Over the last few months, you’ve read about why estate planning matters, how to decide who to pass on assets to, and when you need to create a plan for IHT. Now, read on to find out what steps you could take to improve your own financial

Tom from Harken Financial
May 12, 20233 min read
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