Newsletter 5
Introduction
As the Credit Crunch starts to feed through into the real economy I am determined to try and assist you as much as possible. In this Newsletter there are Case Studies about protecting your income with Redundancy Insurance and reducing your Buildings & Contents premiums with a new independent service on offer.
I am also including an article containing amazingly resonant quotations from ex-US President Roosevelt and I will give you my personal thoughts on the Recession. Many economic forecasts from last year have now been shown to be worse than useless. I'll be looking at what lessons can be learned from this.
Don't forget to have a look at previous Newsletters on my website for lots of useful generic advice.
Finally, may I take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones all the best for 2009 - Happy New Year!
Market Update - Economic Forecasts
"My other piece of advice, Copperfield," said Mr. Micawber, "you know. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen and six, result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery..."
A touch dramatic perhaps but we are now starting to see the effects of an extended period of unprecedented credit availability and consumer spending. In this article I will look at how the leading economists from the main banks have frankly been useless in their economic predictions.
We all look to these experts opinions and may use this as the basis for future behaviour, in assessing our commitments and affordability. It is increasingly clear that in 2009 and beyond, you will primarily need to 'look after your own house'. Read More
Case Study # 1 - Redundancy & Payment Insurance - A new 'essential'
I did briefly mention Redundancy cover in the last Newsletter but with the dreary outlook for the employment market, it would be remiss of me not to look at this in greater detail.
The terms of this insurance may also become less comprehensive with the number of redundancies being announced and with a qualification period from the policy start date, it is prudent to act sooner rather than later.
I have also recently taken steps to ensure I offer a whole of market proposition and in this Case Study we look at example policy features, benefits and solutions. Please do call or email me for a personal illustration or further details. Read More
Case Study # 2 - Buildings Insurance - Can we reduce your premium?
If we can help reduce your monthly outgoings whilst providing the same cover for your home or investment property, then it is a win-win situation. With regard to Buildings Insurance, you should always be aware of the various policy exclusions and excesses.
This case study looks at the difference in renewal premiums and the different levels of cover. You will be able to see some examples of real life quotations which can save you a great deal, especially if you have a good no claims history. Read More
President Franklin D Roosevelt, 1933
After the Wall Street Crash of 1929, Roosevelt warned of the need to protect against unnecessarily complex financial services speculators and called for increased regulation. With the passing of 75 years, these comments still resonate an echoey truth and we must hope that having had the experience of the Great Depression, our leaders can deliver us out of this mess in a shorter period of time. Read more
A couple of quick messages from James
A massive THANK YOU to all of those who kindly donated towards my Great North Run sponsorship. We raised £851 for Age Concern. The charity and I are extremely grateful.
At times like these, with much economic and personal gloom, it does make you realise what is important in life. Whether we will get a change in the work-life balance, which has shifted dramatically during recent boom years, remains to be seen.
Read more
The content of these articles does not contain sufficient information on which to base any personal financial decisions and must not be relied upon as such