Personal Finance

Personal Finance

Millions of retail investors own shares in investment trusts, but a significant proportion of their shareholder votes are never cast

America has a plan for wasted shareholder votes. Should Britain take note?

Millions of retail investors own shares in investment trusts, but many votes go unused. Could a new US approach offer lessons for the UK?

Laura Crowe, Group Director at Acumen Financial Planning

Laura Crowe, Group Director at Acumen Financial Planning

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Financial planning allows for a fresh start after divorce

Investors needed an extra shot of resilience during a volatile quarter for financial markets

Investors needed an extra shot of resilience during a volatile quarter for financial markets

Personal Finance

Markets need an extra shot of resilience as investors feel the grind

Changeworks’ Affordable Warmth Services provide free, confidential support to people struggling with energy costs

Changeworks’ Affordable Warmth Services provide free, confidential support to people struggling with energy costs

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Get support to take the heat off financial pressures this winter with Changeworks

The study found that 70 per cent of shoppers are encouraged to return to stores because of loyalty programmes, and more than a quarter admitted feeling guilty about shopping with a competitor

The study found that 70 per cent of shoppers are encouraged to return to stores because of loyalty programmes, and more than a quarter admitted feeling guilty about shopping with a competitor

Seven in 10 shoppers say loyalty schemes encourage them to return to stores

Brian Taylor, centre, with, from left, Stephen Boyd, Andy Williams, Craig Wilson and Derek Hanlan

Brian Taylor, centre, with, from left, Stephen Boyd, Andy Williams, Craig Wilson and Derek Hanlan

Low-key Budget with many positives and no major shocks

The investment trust is based in Edinburgh.

The investment trust is based in Edinburgh.

Showdown at £1.1bn Scottish company flags urgent need for greater protections

Prime Minister Andy Burnham making a statement, as a petition calling for the state pension age to be cut to 65 for everyone has passed 100,000 signatures

Prime Minister Andy Burnham making a statement, as a petition calling for the state pension age to be cut to 65 for everyone has passed 100,000 signatures

Department for Works and Pensions

State pension age could be cut to 65 under calls that would free up jobs for young

The rise in bond yields has renewed investor interest in fixed-income markets.

The rise in bond yields has renewed investor interest in fixed-income markets.

PERSONAL FINANCE

Why bonds are back on the radar for income investors

Baillie Gifford chief executive Tim Campbell has said it would be

Baillie Gifford chief executive Tim Campbell has said it would be

Warning shareholders of £1 billion Scottish company risk 'sleepwalking' into a change

Martin Lewis's advice is to let sunlight in during the day and close curtains as it gets dark to help retain warmth.

Martin Lewis's advice is to let sunlight in during the day and close curtains as it gets dark to help retain warmth.

Clocks changing

Martin Lewis's free energy bill trick to use before clocks go back this weekend

Energy debt is mounting as households struggle to pay heating bills.

Energy debt is mounting as households struggle to pay heating bills.

Chancellor faces Budget demands to help Scots households with energy bills

Martin Lewis has warned Ofgem's proposed Market Stabilisation Charge could make cheaper energy deals more expensive if wholesale prices fall.

Martin Lewis has warned Ofgem's proposed Market Stabilisation Charge could make cheaper energy deals more expensive if wholesale prices fall.

Martin Lewis says ‘I don’t like it’ as Ofgem plans new energy charge

Martin Lewis is giving mortgage advice on when to act before your deal ends

Martin Lewis is giving mortgage advice on when to act before your deal ends

Martin Lewis issues mortgage warning to anyone whose deal ends in the next year

The Indian Government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has ambitious growth targets for the country

The Indian Government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has ambitious growth targets for the country

PERSONAL FINANCE

Why India is the growth story investors cannot afford to ignore

A Freedom of Information Request (FOI) shared with the LDR service shows that £7.4 million was spent on taxis and private hire vehicles in 2021/22 while £7.9 million was spent in 2022/23.

A Freedom of Information Request (FOI) shared with the LDR service shows that £7.4 million was spent on taxis and private hire vehicles in 2021/22 while £7.9 million was spent in 2022/23.

Cost of living crisis

Glasgow City Council spent £42.5m on taxis and private hire vehicles in five years

Shoppers and businesses on Glasgow's Buchanan Street. Business leaders argue that tackling the cost of doing business is an essential part of addressing the cost of living

Shoppers and businesses on Glasgow's Buchanan Street. Business leaders argue that tackling the cost of doing business is an essential part of addressing the cost of living

Charandeep Singh

The cost of living debate is missing a crucial part of the picture

Scotland's investment industry, centred on Edinburgh, is weighing the opportunities and risks presented by the rapid advance of artificial intelligence

Scotland's investment industry, centred on Edinburgh, is weighing the opportunities and risks presented by the rapid advance of artificial intelligence

AI (Artificial Intelligence)

Scotland's fund managers face an AI test that could reshape the industry

A study of 849 UK bank branches found more than one in five had Google ratings below three stars. See which branches scored lowest and what customers complained about.

A study of 849 UK bank branches found more than one in five had Google ratings below three stars. See which branches scored lowest and what customers complained about.

UK's worst-rated bank branches have been revealed by customers - how did yours do?

Uswitch research suggests 1.7million UK households will not turn on their heating this winter as millions fear the cold and energy bills are expected to rise again in January.

Uswitch research suggests 1.7million UK households will not turn on their heating this winter as millions fear the cold and energy bills are expected to rise again in January.

‘I won’t turn my heating on until December’ families shiver as bills rise

Streaming services were among the first products to move consumers from ownership to monthly subscriptions, helping to drive a wider shift towards recurring payments across the economy

Streaming services were among the first products to move consumers from ownership to monthly subscriptions, helping to drive a wider shift towards recurring payments across the economy

AI (Artificial Intelligence)

The subscription squeeze: How monthly payments became a new cost of living

DWP Secretary Pat McFadden. The DWP has set out new benefit eligibility checks involving banks, conforming which account information can be shared, which benefits are affected and what happens if your claim is reviewed.

DWP Secretary Pat McFadden. The DWP has set out new benefit eligibility checks involving banks, conforming which account information can be shared, which benefits are affected and what happens if your claim is reviewed.

Department for Works and Pensions

DWP benefit checks explained as new bank account rules come into force

Prime Minister Andy Burnham as the IMF has raised its UK inflation forecasts for 2026 and 2027, warning that the Middle East conflict could push up food and energy prices while slowing economic growth.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham as the IMF has raised its UK inflation forecasts for 2026 and 2027, warning that the Middle East conflict could push up food and energy prices while slowing economic growth.

IMF issues new warning over UK inflation as food and energy prices rise

SNP demands Burnham act now as reports warn of record fall in living standards

Baillie Gifford chief executive Tim Campbell says he is 'very lucky' to be leading the business.

Baillie Gifford chief executive Tim Campbell says he is 'very lucky' to be leading the business.

'Very lucky' chief executive 'probably didn't expect stress of it to be what it is'

DPD's recruitment drive is expected to attract interest from a wide range of applicants

DPD's recruitment drive is expected to attract interest from a wide range of applicants

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New jobs created UK-wide as major parcel distributor targets Christmas rush

New research shows many Scottish families are unprepared for the financial impact of Dementia

New research shows many Scottish families are unprepared for the financial impact of Dementia

Four in 10 Scottish families not ready for financial impact of dementia

First Minister John Swinney meets volunteers from Cycle Crieff during a visit to Crieff Connexions

First Minister John Swinney meets volunteers from Cycle Crieff during a visit to Crieff Connexions

Government stands by Swinney claim Scots to 'lose' pensions with triple lock change

First Minister John Swinney during a visit to Crieff Connexions to mark the start of Challenge Poverty Week

First Minister John Swinney during a visit to Crieff Connexions to mark the start of Challenge Poverty Week

Swinney stands by claim Scots will 'lose our pensions' because of triple lock change

The Government and regulators are developing a new Value for Money Framework for pensions

The Government and regulators are developing a new Value for Money Framework for pensions

PERSONAL FINANCE

Why a new pensions test could transform retirement savings for us all

The escalating conflict in the Middle East is driving up energy prices, Cornwall Insight said

The escalating conflict in the Middle East is driving up energy prices, Cornwall Insight said

Cost of living crisis

Energy price cap rise of 4 per cent takes effect from today

Ombudsman 'washes its hands' of £1.7bn Scots pension scandal 'maladministration'

Ombudsman 'washes its hands' of £1.7bn Scots pension scandal 'maladministration'

Scottish Public Services Ombudsman

Pensions scandal - why won't Scotland's watchdog probe alleged maladministration?

Ian McConnell, business editor, The Herald

Ian McConnell, business editor, The Herald

The Herald's business editor wins prestigious investment journalism award

More than 61,000 householders received energy advice and support from Changeworks

More than 61,000 householders received energy advice and support from Changeworks

Advertising Feature

Let us build economic growth by retrofitting Scottish homes

Acumen's Paul Ross says Having a trusted adviser you can talk to during times of turmoil can help to allay your fears

Acumen's Paul Ross says Having a trusted adviser you can talk to during times of turmoil can help to allay your fears

Advertising Feature

How to invest during volatility and uncertainty in the market

Tim Campbell of Baillie Gifford said it would be 'incredibly sad' if the vote went the way of Saba.

Tim Campbell of Baillie Gifford said it would be 'incredibly sad' if the vote went the way of Saba.

'Incredibly sad' if £1bn Scottish company loses crunch vote to US hedge fund

Above, Head of the Private Wealth Disputes Stephanie Hepburn

Above, Head of the Private Wealth Disputes Stephanie Hepburn

Advertising Feature

Where there's a will-related dispute, there's a way to resolve it

Microsot has turned into a major bond seller

Microsot has turned into a major bond seller

PERSONAL FINANCE

Big implications for savers and investors as warning signs flash in bond markets

A fuel tanker making a delivery of domestic heating oil

A fuel tanker making a delivery of domestic heating oil

Cost of living crisis

Scottish Government £10m heating oil fund extended — after paying out barely a fifth

DWP Secretary Pat McFadden as pensioners are calling for a £14,500 State Pension after a petition passed 23,000 signatures.

DWP Secretary Pat McFadden as pensioners are calling for a £14,500 State Pension after a petition passed 23,000 signatures.

Department for Work and Pensions

Pensioners hoping for £14,500 State Pension get major DWP response

Above, Head of the Private Wealth Disputes Stephanie Hepburn

Above, Head of the Private Wealth Disputes Stephanie Hepburn

Advertising Feature

Disputing or challenging a will in Scotland: how to consider your options

Energy bill help could change as campaigners target £150 Warm Home Discount

Energy bill help could change as campaigners target £150 Warm Home Discount

Cold Weather Payments

Campaigners demand bigger Warm Home Discount as households face winter squeeze

Higher bond yields are presenting a challenge to Chancellor John Healey ahead of the Budget on October 28

Higher bond yields are presenting a challenge to Chancellor John Healey ahead of the Budget on October 28

PERSONAL FINANCE

Why higher gilt yields bring pain for governments – but opportunities for investors

Anca Stewart, Philip Reville and Puneet Puri of Inheritance Legal Solicitors

Anca Stewart, Philip Reville and Puneet Puri of Inheritance Legal Solicitors

Advertising Feature

Trust the experts at Inheritance Legal Solicitors when making your Will

Martin Lewis has warned energy bills could rise by almost 25% in January, with households urged to check fixed deals before the next Price Cap.

Martin Lewis has warned energy bills could rise by almost 25% in January, with households urged to check fixed deals before the next Price Cap.

Energy Price Cap could soar in January – Martin Lewis urges households to check now

Could you be missing out on financial support? Check these 10 benefits, including Pension Credit, Carer’s Allowance and PIP.

Could you be missing out on financial support? Check these 10 benefits, including Pension Credit, Carer’s Allowance and PIP.

Pensioners missing out on an average £2,199 a year in benefits – what you could claim

I tried Martin Lewis’ Cheap Energy Club to see if I could cut my gas costs, and got a cheaper tariff and £10 cashback after switching.

I tried Martin Lewis’ Cheap Energy Club to see if I could cut my gas costs, and got a cheaper tariff and £10 cashback after switching.

I checked my energy deal on Martin Lewis’ website – and saved hundreds

The first advantage of travel eSIM is a more competitive price

The first advantage of travel eSIM is a more competitive price

Advertising Feature

Travel eSIM over roaming: why Scots choose Yesim

More than a third of UK adults don't know how their pension grows. Experts reveal five simple ways to give your retirement savings a boost.

More than a third of UK adults don't know how their pension grows. Experts reveal five simple ways to give your retirement savings a boost.

Pension warning - the simple checks that could help grow your retirement pot

Some investors fall into the trap of holding on to investments for too long (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Some investors fall into the trap of holding on to investments for too long (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

PERSONAL FINANCE

The 'seven deadly sins of investment' - and how to avoid them

Aberdeen Group employs around 1,800 people in Edinburgh and has its headquarters in the city

Aberdeen Group employs around 1,800 people in Edinburgh and has its headquarters in the city

BUSINESS BRIEFING

Scottish investment giant hires Scandinavian to lead recovery drive

Jennifer Paice, chief executive of AC Wealth, said joining Shackleton would provide additional resources while preserving continuity for clients and staff

Jennifer Paice, chief executive of AC Wealth, said joining Shackleton would provide additional resources while preserving continuity for clients and staff

End of an era as Aberdein Considine parts with key growth business

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey as a petition calling for the Personal Tax Allowance to rise to £18,000 has attracted 68,455 signatures, but the September 30 deadline is approaching.

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey as a petition calling for the Personal Tax Allowance to rise to £18,000 has attracted 68,455 signatures, but the September 30 deadline is approaching.

Thousands back bid to raise HMRC personal allowance to £18,000 as deadline looms

Standard Life office in Edinburgh

Standard Life office in Edinburgh

Standard Life hails £2bn acquisition that may lead to job cuts in Scotland