Anne Wray - Independent Financial Adviser

23/07/2025

Congratulations to Tom Wray for passing the chartered Insurance Institute, Pensions and Retirement Planning exam this week.👏

10/05/2024

28/04/2024

Christians in Chorley will have been sad to learn of the death of The Reverend Martin Wray on Tuesday 23rd April. His funeral service will take place in St. Laurence's on Thursday 9th May at 2pm. In addition to his ministry as a Methodist Minister, in his retirement Martin joined the ministry team here at St. Laurence's in 2019 having been granted 'permission to officiate' by Bishop Julian. We are so grateful to God for his deep spirituality, prayerful wisdom and friendship. We extend our love and prayers to Anne and all the family at this time of loss.
May he rest in peace and rise in glory. Alleluia!

11/03/2024

11/03/2024

Here is Tom Wray abseiling down the Church on Saturday. Many thanks to all who have donated to St. Laurence's Church, Chorley Raise The Roof fundraising page.
If you haven't, it's not too late: https://www.justgiving.com/page/raise-the-roof-1705834678203?fbclid=IwAR2RTaijbgIpom-2kk58-iSVgNL1BNyJQcjOFGeazm8AgagUfxvAOWTnITI

Thanks again.

04/03/2024

Tom will be abseiling (along with other brave volunteers including The Bishop of Blackburn) from the tower of St. Laurence's Church, Chorley this weekend, in the hope of raising much needed funds to repair the roof of Chorley's oldest building.
Please donate if you can: https://idm.in/El2mXi9
Also come down and watch on Saturday morning.
Thank you.

04/02/2024

25/10/2023

New analysis has highlighted that the most in-demand UK commercial property sector currently is industrial/warehouse space, as companies look to facilitate and improve their ability to deliver online purchases to customers as efficiently as possible.

To read more on our commercial property review, visit our website

https://annewray.co.uk/commercial-property-review-october-2023/

19/10/2023

With the UK in the midst of a sharp tax-raising drive, understanding the full impact of fiscal changes on investments has arguably never been so critical. One area that has been subject to particularly draconian reductions is Dividend Allowance, with changes in this area likely to have a significant impact on many investors.

The annual tax-free Dividend Allowance was first introduced in 2016/17 and originally stood at £5,000. In 2018/19, it was reduced to £2,000, and was then halved to £1,000 from the start of the current tax year. This figure is set to halve again next April to stand at £500 – overall, this equates to a 90% reduction in the value of the allowance in the space of just six years.

Once an investor uses up their annual allowance they are liable for Income Tax on dividends, with the rate payable based on the Income Tax band they fall into. These changes will therefore inevitably increase the tax pressure on any individuals who own significant dividend-paying stocks or rely on dividends as a primary source of income.

The Dividend Allowance is just one of the tax-free allowances investors can utilise in the UK. As a result of the cuts, it could therefore be increasingly beneficial for dividend-heavy investors to explore routes that offer exemption from dividend tax on qualifying shares, such as ISAs (which are also free of Capital Gains Tax). Alternatively, it may be appropriate for some investors to consider equity options that prioritise long-term capital growth over dividend payments.

16/10/2023

After more than a decade of putting up with paltry savings rates, the sharp increase in rates over the past two years has certainly brought considerable cheer to savers. However, while the rise is certainly welcome, it is important savers do not overly rely on cash savings but carry on investing with a view to maximising returns and achieving their long-term financial goals.

Although the availability of higher rates has provided a boost to cash savings, assessing the appropriate amount to hold in rainy-day funds is always difficult, particularly given recent cost-of-living pressures. However, history suggests holding too much money in cash can hold back your future wealth, as returns on both bonds and equities have a better long-term record in terms of outpacing inflation.

History also suggests long periods out of the market increase investors’ chances of underperforming. This is because, while cash rates may look attractive, knowing when to sell and buy back into the market is extremely difficult if not impossible, particularly when markets are volatile. The best approach is therefore usually to stay in the market and build a portfolio capable of capitalising on any improved outlook in order to maximise potential long-term gains.

Another reason why some people might shy away from investing is because they feel overawed. Indeed, a recent survey found that half of the UK population admits to being intimidated by investing, with more respondents saying it would be easier to learn a new language than start investing. On a more positive note, however, other research recently showed growth in the uptake of regulated financial advice, with 4.4 million UK adults seeking advice in 2022, up from 3.8 million two years earlier.

And of course, we’re always here for you; so, if you need any advice get in touch and we’ll help you build an investment strategy focused squarely on your future dreams and aspirations.

10/10/2023

Today is World Mental Health Day, a time for raising awareness for mental health.

Financial worries, can be a huge factor in declining mental health, anxiety and depression. Especially with all the negativity in the news.

We're here to help if your finances are causing you concern.

09/10/2023

Three years ahead of schedule, FTSE 350 companies have met the target of achieving 40% female board representation, according to the latest FTSE Women Leaders Review.

The report highlights ‘steady progress’ in getting women leaders to the ‘top table of business in the UK,’ with Nimesh Patel and Penny James, co-chairs of the Review describing the achievement as “a defining moment and testament to the power of the voluntary approach and the collective efforts of many businesses and individuals over the last decade.”

Read more financial news at https://annewray.co.uk/news/