Written in an accessible style from a consumer perspective and blends academic research with professional insights. Deals with all essential aspects of financial services that affect consumers and how they can exploit opportunities. Each of the chapters contain a list of learning objectives; a range of scenarios, case studies, examples and articles to provide a "real world" context to the discussion; a key points summary with referencing and further reading and useful on-line resources, as well as, a selection of short self-review questions. Enables readers to understand how the operations, complexity and dynamism of an ever-changing financial services industry shape the financial opportunities and risks they face.

Written in an accessible style from a consumer perspective and blends academic research with professional insights. Deals with all essential aspects of financial services that affect consumers and how they can exploit opportunities. Each of the chapters contain a list of learning objectives; a range of scenarios, case studies, examples and articles to provide a "real world" context to the discussion; a key points summary with referencing and further reading and useful on-line resources, as well as, a selection of short self-review questions. Enables readers to understand how the operations, complexity and dynamism of an ever-changing financial services industry shape the financial opportunities and risks they face.

There is increasing pressure for all of us to take responsibility for our own financial security and wellbeing, but we often overlook how the benefits that come with a job can help us do that. Essential Personal Finance: A Practical Guide for Employees focuses on these valuable work benefits and shows how you can build on this important foundation to achieve financial security and your life goals. This unique book explores how making effective and practical use of these work benefits (such as pension scheme, life cover, sick pay, cheap loans, savings schemes and even financial coaching), means facing up to the behavioural biases we are all plagued with. Given that these can get in the way of even the best intentions, Essential Personal Finance tackles these biases head-on with practical ideas and tips for overcoming or harnessing them for good, and will help you to develop a positive and fruitful relationship with your money. With financial stress being a major cause of absenteeism and sick leave, low morale and lost productivity, the advice in this book also offers employers enormous benefits. By empowering employees through financial education and financial awareness, progressive employers will help them feel more in control of their lives, and experience less stress, resulting in higher morale and productivity. Offering a distinctive approach which combines academic insight with practical financial wisdom and tools, this is a must-have book for all employees. It will help you make the most of everything your job has to offer so you can worry less about money and live life to the full.

There is increasing pressure for all of us to take responsibility for our own financial security and wellbeing, but we often overlook how the benefits that come with a job can help us do that. Essential Personal Finance: A Practical Guide for Employees focuses on these valuable work benefits and shows how you can build on this important foundation to achieve financial security and your life goals. This unique book explores how making effective and practical use of these work benefits (such as pension scheme, life cover, sick pay, cheap loans, savings schemes and even financial coaching), means facing up to the behavioural biases we are all plagued with. Given that these can get in the way of even the best intentions, Essential Personal Finance tackles these biases head-on with practical ideas and tips for overcoming or harnessing them for good, and will help you to develop a positive and fruitful relationship with your money. With financial stress being a major cause of absenteeism and sick leave, low morale and lost productivity, the advice in this book also offers employers enormous benefits. By empowering employees through financial education and financial awareness, progressive employers will help them feel more in control of their lives, and experience less stress, resulting in higher morale and productivity. Offering a distinctive approach which combines academic insight with practical financial wisdom and tools, this is a must-have book for all employees. It will help you make the most of everything your job has to offer so you can worry less about money and live life to the full.

Are you feeling apprehensive as you approach retirement? Do you have concerns about the volatile pensions industry, Brexit, or simply about what retirement actually entails? Whatever your thoughts, this is the book to help you plan a retirement that is enjoyable and stress-free. In retirement, personal ambitions can be realized and new experiences enjoyed, yet with so much to consider in such turbulent times, people are often unsure how best to plan for their future. The Good Retirement Guide 2022 is here to help, offering clear and concise information to help readers navigate the uncertainty of pre-retirement planning in the UK. Updated for the new financial year, The Good Retirement Guide 2022 includes the latest information on finance (investments, pensions, annuities and drawdown, benefits and tax), housing and health, as well as advice on the impact of Brexit on retiring abroad, the challenges of early retirement, looking after elderly parents and best practice on starting a business. This is a book that will help you to save more, feel secure and retire happier.

Retirement planning has never been more complex. With constant changes to policies and professional advice, it can be overwhelming to think about. That's where The Good Retirement Guide 2024 can help. Retirement can provide the time for people to fulfill personal ambitions and enjoy new opportunities, but many are unsure on how to approach retirement planning. With this accessible guide, you can navigate the current uncertainty of pre-retirement and plan effectively so that you gain the most out of your retirement. Updated for the new financial year, and presented with an online directory of useful organizations and contacts, this new edition covers the latest guidance on new pension rules, finance (green energy investments, budgeting, benefits, tax and charitable giving), starting your own business, employment (hybrid and flexi-working systems), returning to work and NHS tips on staying healthy. Make the most out of your retirement with The Good Retirement Guide 2024.

Many people stumble through their financial life reacting to events and advice in an ad hoc way. As a result, few choose the most suitable financial products, some fall prey to misselling and many never realise their financial goals. Are you one of them? Be Your Own Financial Adviser shows you how to make sensible financial decisions without the need for expensive advice. Its accessible style, examples and case studies explain and evaluate financial products and put you firmly in control of your own financial well-being. It will advise on how to adopt the best saving, spending and investment strategies, make decisions tax-efficiently, manage risk wisely and protect and enhance your wealth. It also suggests when professional help is a good idea, and shows you how to protect yourself against misselling and get the best out of your adviser. Be Your Own Financial Adviser will show you how to: Stress-test your financial decisions Take advantage of legal tax breaks Achieve your financial goals Manage and preserve your wealth Accessing financial products and services is not difficult - there is no shortage of commercials, advertisements, direct mail, email and marketing calls to entice you to take out loans, buy insurance and invest your money. But choosing which products are right for you can be a hit and miss approach. Good financial planning requires a systematic strategy. You should start by assessing your own particular circumstances, attitudes and timescales and then work out how you can implement your strategy on a long term basis. Let Be Your Own Financial Adviser be your guide to making better financial decisions. It includes advice on the following: Financial planning Do you need an adviser? Protecting your income Providing for your family Health and care Somewhere to live Building a pension Retirement choices Saving and investing Managing your wealth Passing it on