News

The present tax year will end on 5 April 2011, so now is a good time to consider the various allowances and reliefs you can take advantage of before the tax year comes to a close.

Ever since the credit crisis struck in August 2007 it has become more difficult to obtain mortgages. Three years on, the Financial Services Authority wants to tighten mortgage rules in a way that could rein back lending still further.

Mortgage lenders have tightened criteria significantly since the credit crunch began. We look at today’s mortgage market and how to get the best deal.

John Ditchfield and Clare Brook speak to Sarah Pennells on the world of ethical investment, and a speech from James Vaccaro.

Combining finance with a genuinely environmental project is still not as common as we might hope. John Ditchfield explains the development of one such option.

One of the charities we have been pleased to support this year is the Batsiranai project in Zimbabwe. Amanda Root provides the background.

Our advisers name the best and the worst of the ethical and environmental funds for this year, and some of the key trends.

Shopping around for the best Cash ISA rate? For a basic rate taxpayer, a Cash ISA of £5,100 earning 2% would save only £20.40 in tax.