Entries by Philip J Milton & Company Plc
Two million ‘face debt’ after self-assessment tax returns
An unpleasant surprise often awaits people doing their self-assessment tax return for the first time – and a recent study shows many end up in debt as a result.
The self-assessment deadline of January 31 is now past of course, but analysis by Royal London has shown that up to two million people could resort...
Inflation, deflation and market views
US inflation figures are higher than hoped (3.1% v 2.9% expected), jolting the market again and pushing Euro:Sterling to the highest since August 2022 and strengthening the Dollar.
Our inflation at 4% was slightly less than expected but we have now entered ‘Recession’ with ‘two quarters of negative growth’ – good in attacking inflation but...
Are you confident about your retirement plan?
A recent study by Standard Life has shown that less than one in 10 of those aged over 65 feel confident about managing their retirement finances.
Retirement is of course an uncertain time for many people, whether financially or simply the trepidation of entering the unknown and perhaps not knowing how you might spend your...
Consumer confidence
‘Consumer Confidence’ has risen for the third month and now at a two-year high, regardless of what negativity you may hear in the media. This seems to be supported by buoyant consumer spending since last autumn as well.
It’s good, as it will reflect in economic output but will too much enthusiasm dampen the Chancellor’s...
Economic ups and downs
Just as we think things have brightened, out comes the inflation figure at 4% versus the expected 3.9%. That was blamed on tobacco and alcohol – the latter also as duty rose on wine last autumn, based on alcohol strengths.
It is as if the government doesn’t realise that increasing taxes on products increases inflation......
Are you saving your money with a bit of savvy?
Did you know that savers in the UK have missed out on a combined total of £6.9billion in returns from their savings in 2023?
Recent Bank of England data has shown that on average UK adults held some £235bn in current accounts that do not pay any interest.
Consumer finance website Money Age reported that based...
Bitcoin (just don’t!) and serious salary sizes
Regular readers will know our views on Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies – a ‘Ponzi’ scheme not backed up by anything tangible and a lesson in losing money waiting to happen for some investors.
Nonetheless, it seems the Securities and Exchange Commission, which oversees and regulates the securities markets and protects investors in the US, has seen...
Financial predictions for 2024?
Ominous Bitcoin
So the SEC has approved 11 ETFs which invest in Bitcoin. First of all, don’t worry – we shan’t be buying them. Bitcoin is not an ‘asset’ and has nebulous, proven legitimate value and use. This ‘development’ is added to the latest speculative explosion about ‘AI’ (which of course has myriad applications and...
Good news to start 2024
A welcome piece of good news on the last trading day of 2023 – Lonfin, a long-term holding of ours (albeit small overall), has announced that its key connected party, Western Selection, is making a significant cash repayment to shareholders, including Lonfin.
This is our 16th piece of positive corporate news in 2023 affecting closed-ended...