Michael Franks - Financial Adviser

07/05/2020

If anyone is looking to sell soon, I can thoroughly recommend James Anthony Keegan and his team who recently sold my house

Estate and Letting Agent in Northampton. Free Instant Online Valuation from James Anthony Estate Agents

05/04/2018

If you are currently paying the minimum contribution into your workplace pension, you should be aware this will rise from 1% to 3% this month, then again from 3% to 5% in April 2019. Your employers minimum contribution will rise to 2% this month, and to 3% in April 2019.

13/11/2017

If you are a member of your auto enrolment pension scheme at work, make sure you are ready for the minimum contributions to rise from 1% to 3% in April 2018, then again in April 2019 they rise to 5%. Your employer will see an increase in the minimum contributions too, rising from 1% to 2% in 2018 and 3% in 2019, meaning a minimum of 8% contribution going into your pensions after April 2019.

07/11/2017

Great to hear from Sir Clive Woodward on his sporting and business achievements at the Personal Finance Society festival today.

12/09/2017

If your mortgage is currently on the standard variable rate, take a look at this article to see if it makes sense for you to switch to a fixed rate, or get in touch with me and I can look at the various options for you.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/mortgages/fixed-discount-mortgage-guide

06/07/2017

This week I have helped a first time buyer who was turned down by her bank for a mortgage as the income was slightly too low to borrow what was needed, but I looked into it, and due to a confirmed pay rise within the next 3 months, I have had the mortgage approved and offered a few days later by the same lender that initially declined, a very happy client.

I have also helped a couple moving house who were turned down by their current lender who is also their bank, as they use the overdraft facility too regularly, I have got them approved by another lender with a deal that saves the clients £313 over the course of the 2 year fixed rate period.

Talk to an independent broker to see what options are available, rather than restrict yourself to what is on offer from one particular lender.

P.S.. I am a mortgage broker, so you can talk to me if you like!

13/06/2017

A good article explaining the main advantages of using a mortgage broker.

https://moneyfacts.co.uk/guides/mortgages/why-use-a-mortgage-broker180511/

30/03/2017

The 5th April is year end for many businesses, and it is also the deadline for using up your yearly ISA allowance, so if you have savings sat in a bank account, it could be a good time to consider what options are available to you.

http://www.express.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/764828/ISA-allowance-2017-Savers-mistakes-to-AVOID-ahead-of-deadline

22/02/2017

From the 6th April 2017 the Lifetime ISA (LISA) will be available which is a government backed savings plan which can either be used for a first time buyers house deposit or for retirement planning. The LISA may not be available or even suitable for everyone due to the various terms and conditions. Please see the link below for more information, or get in touch with me and I will talk it through with you.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/lifetime-isas-available-from-6-april-2017

The Lifetime Individual Savings Account (ISA) is a longer term tax-free account that receives a government bonus. It’ll be available from 6 April 2017.

20/02/2017

The Martin Lewis show on ITV at 8pm is recommended viewing at all times, but tonight especially for anyone who may be saving for their first home in the future.