The bulls are running rampant in the diamond market. Overall, demand grew by 8% in 2004, and De Beers, which controls 60% of the global market, has pushed through two price increases this year – …
Diamonds are a “great investment”
A drop of wine could protect your portfolio from IHT
The government is doing nicely out of inheritance tax (IHT), says Paula Hawkins in The Times: Revenue & Customs raked in nearly £3bn in 2004-5, up 16% on the previous year. In the search for …
Ten ways to get your finances in shape in 2006
Every year most of us blow a hole in our finances by spending too much on Christmas presents, eating, partying and new clothes. This year, it is estimated that British adults will spend an average …
Sipps: don’t rush into property just for the tax breaks
More column inches have been devoted to the subject of residential property than almost any other aspect of the A-Day changes. As of next April, higher-rate taxpayers will be able to buy a house with …
Sipp-ing wine could boost your pension
The whole world is talking about Sipps (self-invested personal pensions). In theory, come next April, wine will qualify as a Sipp investment, and you’ll be able to put it in your pension and have it …
Tax dodge of the week: Give to charity
If you are giving to charity this Christmas, make sure you claim Gift Aid to take advantage of a generous tax break, says David Prosser in The Independent. As long as you’re a taxpayer and …