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Financial Services for Contractors Contractor Pensions, Contractor Mortgages and Income Protection (PHI) - get online quotes and advice today. |
Contractor / Freelancer Financial Services
Guides to the financial products available to contractors and freelancers - including:
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Latest Financial Services Updates
How to deal with late payment problems
Here are some proactive steps you can take to maximise the chances of getting your invoices paid on time.
(Jan 16, 2012)
Contractor mortgages - steps to buying a new property
For contractors thinking of buying a new property, there are a number of typical stages you can expect to pass through from securing a mortgage offer, to completing on your new home.
(Dec 15, 2011)
Choosing an IT contractor bank account
If you're starting out as a limited company contractor, here are some tips for choosing the best business bank account for your company.
(Dec 6, 2011)
How can salary sacrifice arrangements reduce your tax bill?
Both umbrella and limited company contractors can benefit from significant tax breaks on pension investments. Our guide to salary sacrifice arrangements for contractors.
(Nov 29, 2011)
Advice for contractors looking to secure a mortgage before year-end
With only eight weeks to go, the rush is on for contractors looking to move before Christmas. The good news is you still have time to secure a mortgage if you act now.
(Oct 31, 2011)
Guide to IT contractor pensions
An overview of contractor pensions, and what to look out for when choosing a scheme provider.
(Sep 20, 2011)
Guide to IT contractor mortgages
IT contractor mortgages - how to get the best deals based on your contract rate. Includes an online mortgage enquiry form.
(Jul 19, 2011)
Contractors to benefit from state pension reform
The Government's plan to introduce a £140 per week flat rate state pension for all will be welcomed within the contractor community, says a leading IFA.
(Apr 13, 2011)
Contractor pensions - act now before tax relief changes take effect
Contractor pensions offer a great opportunity to reduce the amount that you pay in tax. There is still time to act before the pension tax relief rules take effect April 6th 2011.
(Mar 25, 2011)
How can contractors get mortgages in the tougher regulatory environment?
Following the changes which have taken place in the mortgage market since the credit crunch began, we look at the options currently available to contractors who want to get on the housing ladder.
(Nov 15, 2010)
How contractors will be affected by the new pension tax relief rules
As part of the Government's ongoing cost cutting measures, new pension rules will apply for from 2011 which reduce the amount of tax relief available on contributions.
(Nov 8, 2010)
Contractor pension tax relief benefits slashed by Coalition
The tax saving benefits of contractor pensions are set to take a significant knock from April 2011 as the tax free limit is slashed in the Coalition's ongoing drive to ensure that the better off share the pain.
(Oct 15, 2010)
FSA to tighten mortgage lending rules
The FSA has outlined its plans to make the process of applying for a mortgage more stringent. There are fears that the self-employed (contractors included) may find it even harder to secure a mortgage loan.
(Jul 19, 2010)
Contractor mortgage repayment calculator
Mortgage calculator for IT contractors which works out both repayment and interest only payments for a variety of interest rates.
(May 8, 2010)
How offset mortgages can offer flexibility to contractors
Offset mortgages can offer great flexibility for contractors, and can also save tax. An overview of what offset mortgage are, and how best to make use of them.
(Apr 14, 2010)
Get a contractor mortgage based on your contract rate alone
How using a contractor specialist will help you take out a mortgage based on your contract rate alone.
(Mar 20, 2010)
What is the outlook for the contractor mortgage market in 2010?
Many contractors thinking about taking out a mortgage (or re-mortgage) over the past two years will have been more aware than most about the increased scrutiny with which lenders view mortgage applications. So, what is the outlook for the contractor mortgage market in 2010?
(Jan 4, 2010)
Offset contractor mortgages in the post-crunch world
The mortgage market has changed markedly in the post 'crunch' world. Offset mortgages represent good value for many contractors.
(Dec 2, 2009)
Self cert mortgage ban penalises would-be entrepreneurs
Following on from the FSA's proposals to ban 'self cert' mortgages, the ACCA has said that such changes would have serious implications for many would-be entrepreneurs, including contractors.
(Oct 21, 2009)
Will FSA 'self cert' lending ban affect contractor mortgages?
How will the proposed ban of 'self cert' mortgages by the FSA affect the IT contractor mortgage market?
(Oct 19, 2009)
How to open a limited company bank account
If you are a limited company contractor, one of the first things you need to do is open a dedicated business bank account. We look at the steps you need to take complete the process.
(Aug 27, 2009)
Recession could delay retirement for some contractors
As the weak economy impacts retirement planning for many, how contractors could benefit from the tax breaks offered by pensions.
(Aug 20, 2009)
IT contractors and inheritance tax (IHT) planning
With careful planning, IT contractors can avoid falling into the much-hated inheritance tax (IHT) net.
(Aug 12, 2009)
Financial services for IT contractors and freelancers
An overview of the key financial products on offer to IT contractors, including contractor mortgages, pensions, income protection, life cover and critical illness cover.
(Jun 26, 2009)
Is it time to fix your contractor mortgage rate?
Contractors with initial fixed or discounted mortgage schemes that have now come to an end are being urged to consider current low fixed rates before they begin to rise again.
(Jun 12, 2009)
How contractors whould deal with late paying clients
As the recession deepens, the number of businesses who have suffered late payment problems has rocketed. What should contractors do if their agency or client fails to pay on time?
(Jun 10, 2009)
Financial planning tips for IT contractors
A new tax year is a good time for contractors to review their finances. We look at how contractors can save money on everything from mortgages and ISAs to household and utility expenditure.
(May 7, 2009)
Contractor pension tax hike ahead as tax relief cut from 2011
In Budget 2009, the Chancellor announced that higher rate tax relief on pension contributions will no longer be available from April 2011 if you earn over 150k per year.
(Apr 24, 2009)
Are Cash ISAs a worthwhile investment for contractors?
With interest rates at their lowest in over 300 years, cash savers are taking a hit. Could this sound the death knoll for Cash ISAs?
(Apr 14, 2009)
IT contractor pension investment before April 5th
IT contractors still have a few weeks to take advantage of late pension planning opportunities available before the end of the current tax-year.
(Mar 3, 2009)
IT contractors warned to credit check clients as "crunch" bites
Some practical advice for contractors to ensure that they protect themselves from late paying or non-paying clients
(Jul 2, 2008)
IT contractor pension tax relief rules
HMRC have accepted that employer contributions by contractor's one-man limited companies should be universally eligible for tax relief.
(Feb 20, 2007)
IT contractors and the buy-to-let mortgage boom
How IT contractors have benefited from the buy-to-let mortgage boom, and how to take advantage of current market conditions.
(Oct 30, 2006)
"A Day" - IT contractor pensions - new rules for investing
'A' Day (Appointed day) arrived on 6th April 2006 and brought with it sweeping and radical changes for contractors looking to invest in a pension, either via a one-man limited company or personally.
(May 8, 2006)
