Author Archives: ross@planrfp.co.uk

Higher-rate taxpayers: Beware of the 60% tax trap

A man reading some paperwork.

The tapering of the Personal Allowance means some higher-rate taxpayers effectively pay an Income Tax rate of 60%, sometimes without realising. Fortunately, if you’re affected, there could be ways to reduce your tax bill. A report in the Telegraph suggests 1.35 million workers were affected by the 60% tax trap in 2023/24. Collectively, they paid […]

Why the “4% rule” could put your retirement finances at risk

An older couple dancing together at home.

When you’re accessing your pension, it’s important to consider the sustainability of your withdrawals. You might have heard of the “4% rule”, which provides a seemingly simple way to calculate how much you can access each year. However, for modern retirees, applying this rule to your pension could be risky. The 4% rule was first […]

The surprising effect your childhood has on your money mindset

A woman with her child on her knee holding a piggy bank.

Your relationship with money may play a huge role in how you handle financial decisions and your long-term security. Many factors affect your financial decisions, but you might be surprised by how much your childhood experiences still influence you today. The majority of parents recognise how important financial education is. Indeed, according to Nationwide, almost […]

Here’s how rising interest rates have affected the property market

An estate agent showing a couple a property.

Rising interest rates have been big news over the last couple of years, with many mortgage holders seeing their outgoings increase. It’s not just individual families that have been affected, it’s having a wider impact on the property market too. To tackle high inflation the Bank of England (BoE) started increasing its base interest rate […]