Pensions – “You’ve never had it so good?”
The pension freedom reforms introduced by Chancellor, George Osborne, are now 2 months in and although this overhaul is still being applauded, there is a concern that some will be tripped up by the new rules and make a decision that could cost them both now and in the long run. However, before we get […]
Hanging up
The “Voice” of James & George Collie, Kathleen Giulianotti, has put the phone down on her career with the Firm. Kathleen, our receptionist, retired at the end of September after spending the last 26 years on duty at the front desk. A gathering was held in the office to mark Kathleen’s retirement, at which she […]
The James & George Collie Financial Management Q3 Model Portfolio Commentary
The events of the last few weeks have been traumatic for equity markets around the world. Fears regarding China and slumping commodity prices have combined with a strengthening Dollar to push share prices down across the Globe, with the economies of the emerging markets and Asia especially badly hit. However, the subsequent rally and stabilisation, […]
My Way or the Highway
Owning a piece of the land in Scotland’s scenic countryside may be the idea of tranquillity for many people – a large house, breath-taking views, endless garden space and a driveway with room for as many cars as you could wish for, what is there to worry about…. Although you may have owned your property […]
Inheritance Tax – Main Residence Allowance
At present Inheritance tax (IHT) is payable at a rate of 40% on the value of the estate over and above the tax-free allowance (known as the ‘nil-rate band’) of £325,000 per person. Married couples and Registered Civil Partners can pass the any of the unused allowance onto each other, effectively resulting in a maximum […]
Abolishing Payment of Industrial Tribunal Fees
Since the UK Government introduced fees for applying to Employment Tribunals, the number of applications has diminished by a staggering 80% or thereabouts. Generally, the feeling has been that the imposition of not insignificant monetary fees was unfair and more than likely to create a barrier to accessing justice for employees. To try to limit […]
Moving House
It is said that moving house is the third most stressful experience after bereavement and divorce. Although I have not suffered the second, I have suffered the first and while moving house cannot be compared to the loss of a loved one, it is an extremely stressful experience. As a solicitor having been in practice […]
A Year of Lower Alcohol Limit
Just over a year ago, on 5 December 2014, the alcohol limit for drivers in Scotland reduced from 80 milligrammes of alcohol in every 100 millilitres of blood to 50 mg of alcohol in every 100 ml of blood (in breath, 35 micrograms to 22 micrograms per 100 millilitres). According to the Scottish Government, this […]
James & George Collie raise money for local charities
“So, you’re willing to do it then, Jamie?” – this is the initial sentence that started off my training and culminated in my running the 2015 Inverness marathon. It was a lunchtime Social Committee meeting in early February and I had just agreed to run the Baker Hughes 10k for Collie’s two chosen charities, Friends […]
Was 2015 As Bad as We Thought?
Q4 Market Review An already volatile 2015 has witnessed further turmoil this quarter as concerns regarding the crisis in Greece receded following a last minute bailout only to be quickly replaced by concerns that growth in China may be slowing and could impact on global economic growth. In addition, the wider geopolitical problems and tragic […]