We are very pleased to announce that with effect from 1st September Rob Davies has become a Partner at Lawrence Miller & Co. Since joining us on an associate basis in January, Rob has made a huge impact using the benefit of his 20 years experience with Barclays.

Rob’s vast experience in dealing with all aspects of mortgage planning means that we now like to think that ‘the answer is yes, now what is the question’!!

Our mortgage desk is now second to none and provides our clients with access to the full range of products available across the whole market.

Fancy It? This is the amount that our mortgage desk has lent throughout this year. Apart from the buoyancy of the housing market, the variety of mortgage options we are able to access mean that we have been able to help everyone that has come to us for mortgage advice, irrespective of the nature of the query. This is a record we are very proud of. It is also a record that we are going to work hard to maintain. We love a challenge-and the advice is free!

A Nation Of Savers?

Not according to recent research which shows that we are the worst savers in the EU, saving less than 5% of our income compared to the French for example who save 15%. In fact we save less than the Italians, Germans and Spanish. Part of the reason is of course the extortionate cost of our houses compared to those on the Continent. Mortgages of 500.00 per month are common place but rarely do people feel such an amount affordable as a figure for monthly savings. There is of course the valid argument that property represents a better investment but, how many people will be in a position to sell their property to realise a serious cash sum with which to generate sufficient income? Not many.

There are many forms of saving, short medium and long term. It is important to assess your attitude to risk and to fully discuss your goals. After that, savers can choose from conventional methods such as building society/bank deposit accounts; slightly more structured methods such as savings policies with defined or flexible terms and of course the tax free options with ISAs and Friendly Society regular saving plans.

Investment returns have reduced markedly over recent years but then again so has inflation, making the rate of growth required to preserve the value of your money much lower. There is also the correlation between commitment, risk and reward, a factor that everyone must take into account..

The Cost of Life Insurance Continues to Fall
Examples Only. Prices Correct At Time Of Printing. Individual Prices May Vary At Application.

One of the simplest ways securing your family’s financial future is to use life insurance. The market has been incredibly competitive over the last few years. Above are a few examples of what you can get for your money.