Shop sales fall as high inflation hits home 

Retail sales fell for the first time in seven months in March as consumers reserved spending for essential items in light of rising inflation.

Managing tax risks is priority 

In today’s environment, business is no longer just about maximising shareholder return but about being a good corporate citizen. A company’s reputation is critical to its ability to succeed.

Family-friendly workplace can work to the benefit of everyone 

Next week is National Work Life Balance Week - and employers may wish to give consideration to how 'family friendly' their workplaces are.

Why it pays to plan ahead in case of a rainy day 

No one likes to think the worst will happen. But, whether it's due to a sudden job loss, an injury leaving you unable to work or the fallout from a relationship breakdown, new research suggests that suddenly finding yourself in a tricky financial situation may be more common than we like to think.

Money matters: The real cost of owning a pet 

I count myself very lucky to share my life with my two beautiful pedigree ragdoll cats. But I have to say that they cost me an absolute fortune to look after. Mind you, they are worth it. In the run up to Christmas, many families will be thinking about introducing a pet into the family, so if you are considering getting a pet, you will need to consider the costs beforehand.

Money matters: Does being brand aware cost you too much money? 

In today’s society, people are so much more ‘brand aware’ than they were 10 or 20 years ago. Kids want the best brand of trainers, people are attracted to the latest smart phones, and many of us will only buy specifically-branded groceries.

Money matters: Eating out? Slim down on the spend 

Meals out with family and friends are a real luxury for many of us. There are however some cheaper ways to enjoy a nice meal out if you take the time to look. Here are a few suggestions:

Money matters: Getting your home ready for winter 

With the recent summer showers and inclement weather, many of us have resorted to turning on the heat and even lighting the fire in an attempt to keep warm. These unplanned costs may well have eaten into your budget, so why not take some time over the summer to...

Money matters: Preparing for your kids to head off to university and independent living 

With university graduations underway, many families will be preparing for their children to fly the nest and head off to university or college after the summer holidays. This can be a very emotional time for families as well as a very expensive one. But with some forward-...

Money matters: Get fit, eat well and save 

With the brighter mornings, the long summer evenings, and holidays on the agenda it’s an ideal time to start exercising and getting fit. But don’t despair if you can’t afford to join a gym or hire a personal trainer to put you through your paces. You can do it yourself without breaking the bank.

Keeping kids amused in summer needn't cost the earth 

With the school holidays only days away, many parents are already worrying about how they will keep their kids entertained for eight weeks and, more to the point, how they will afford it.

Bag up the bargains for a brilliant barbecue feast without burning stacks of cash 

Everyone loves a good barbecue and with the promise of continued good weather for the next few weeks, many of us will be dusting off the garden furniture and the barbecue to start planning an evening outdoors with friends and family.

Money matters: Unwanted items a great source of income 

Have you ever thought about how much you have in your home that you no longer use, wear or actually need? These items could potentially make you money. So if you're a serial hoarder or are just running out of space in your home, why not do a clear out and cash in on your...

Why decorating your garden or patio for BBQ season doesn't have to cost the earth 

With the summer holidays only a few weeks away, many of us are starting to get our gardens and patios ready in preparation for the BBQ season. Al fresco dining has become so popular over recent years that some people view the decoration of their garden as being as...

Money Matters: Why cutting wedding day costs can make the difference for a happy future... 

Summer is always a very popular time of year to get married, but with the average 2014 wedding costing over £20,000 according to some research, many couples are taking longer to tie the knot.

First step onto property ladder needs careful planning 

With Northern Ireland's property market showing signs of recovery, some first-time buyers may be thinking about their first steps on the property ladder.

Why that dream holiday doesn’t have to cost the earth... if you play your cards right 

It's now only a few weeks into British Summer Time and the Northern Ireland weather has once again surpassed itself - who would have thought that we would have snow at the end of April?  If the thought of blue skies, sunshine and relaxing on the beach sounds like heaven...

Money matters: Pensions freedom opens doors to scammers 

The biggest problem with the new pensions freedoms is the risk of crooks and scammers.

Businessman rapper shows why bankers and stars should face music 

Did much improve last year? I started the year writing about poor service from the likes of banks and energy companies and have ended the year writing almost the same.

Weekly Currency Market Analysis 

Europe’s economy grows but recovery remains delicate

Weekly Currency Market Analysis 

Welcome to the Weekly Market Analysis - our digestible currency market update which gives you an expert insight into key movements, and what to expect in the coming week.

Weekly Currency Market Analysis 

Welcome to the Weekly Market Analysis - our digestible currency market update which gives you an expert insight into key movements, and what to expect in the coming week.

Weekly Currency Market Analysis 

GBP The Great British pound took a dive against the euro in the second half of the week, as new data cast a shadow of doubt over economic growth in the UK following a volatile week for the currency.

Weekly Currency Market Analysis 

Welcome to the Weekly Market Analysis - our digestible currency market update which gives you an expert insight into key movements, and what to expect in the coming week.

Inheritance of property is complex for cohabitors 

A cohabitation or "living together" agreement typically covers more day-to-day matters such as the way the household is run or other circumstances specific to the relationship. Stephen Kirwan, managing director of law firm Nowell Mellor, said: "A declaration of trust or...

A myth marriage rights apply to unwed couples 

Contrary to popular belief, it isn't the case that being a common-law spouse provides built-in protection for cohabiting couples – but there are voluntary arrangements that can provide equivalent financial rights.

Contacting HMRC: 10 tips to do it right 

Twenty-two years in our tax practice has taught me a few things about effective communication with my former colleagues in HMRC.

My net salary is wrong... Why and what can I do? 

This is quite a common occurrence, and this article is inspired by a story of Northern Ireland health service workers who in May 2014 were being paid less than they were due, or in some cases being paid twice.

Elderly losing out on £5bn benefits pot 

One in four people older than 65 are struggling to cope financially, yet up to £5.5bn in state financial help is going unclaimed each year.

Knowing when you will die helps pension plans 

Should people be given a forecast of when they are likely to die?

Blinkbox, Travelodge, Playmobil and Co-op mobile: Easter deals that will keep customers... 

HERE'S some excellent offers for the Easter holidays: the toy company Playmobil has launched four new gift eggs and its first ever Playmobil Easter calendar.

Budget 2014: Good news for savers and pensioners – if they're rich enough 

The news that the amount you can put away in a tax-free individual savings account will rise to £15,000 from July is, perhaps, the most obvious point to take from George Osborne's self-termed "Budget for Savers". But the surprise announcement about pension liberation was...

Weigh up investment in Poundland shares 

Some investors might, understandably, be disappointed that they won't be able to get in on the ground floor when Poundland floats on the market.

Mutuals must remove barriers to customers 

It is the time of the year when I start to look at which cash individual savings account (Isa) to put my hard-earned money into.

Flood defences now at top of national agenda 

Like me, you have probably been horrified by the terrible images of people's homes and lives being ruined by the inundation of water in the Somerset Levels.

A shortage of experts as mortgages rebound 

In these days of journalists tied to their desk for much of their working week, I think more of us rely on our personal experiences for story inspiration.

Protect yourself against credit card fraud: A 10 step guide inspired by convicted fraudster... 

I recently met convicted fraudster Elliot Castro at a fascinating event run by the Northern Ireland Fraud Academy.

How best to give to charity at Christmas 

Aah, Christmas. A time for giving. Or for giving all your money to various online and high-street retailers – depending on your view.

Play the system and be points in for Christmas 

In little over a month, the presents will be wrapped and piled under the Christmas tree, but if you want to have the smug smile of a savvy shopper on your face, make sure you play the system...

Sharewatch: Randgold Resources digs for a glittering future 

Should the Ivory Coast be renamed the gold coast? Investors in Randgold Resources thought so as its chief executive, Mark Bristow, laid out the opportunities in the African country for the gold miner.

Credit tap turned back on: Suddenly, it seems it has never been cheaper to borrow money, and it’s not just in the mortgage... 

With the Government’s Help to Buy scheme igniting the first-time buyer mortgage market, credit card firms falling over themselves to get new borrowers signing on the dotted line and best-buy personal loan rates that are so cheaply priced they barely keep pace with inflation, things have clearly changed. So are we on the cusp of a new credit bubble – are consumers...

HMRC sets November deadline for offshore loan trust admissions 

BMST sounds like a rather nasty disease. Indeed contact with it has produced some very nasty side effects and it can be expensive to cure. In fact the full title is the Bridgham Managed Service Trust.

Talking tax on the High Seas 

When David Frost died on board the cruise ship Queen Elizabeth recently he was on board as a guest speaker.  I recently started this too – marking a new experience for my tax career.  Talking about tax is routine, but doing so on a cruise ship was a bit different – especially the day it was hard to keep my footing!

Tax on renting out holiday homes 

At this time of the year many people go on holiday and think “Wouldn’t it be lovely to own a wee place here?”

Video: Channel 4's Mrs Moneypenny offers families advice to help reduce waste and... 

Despite a tough economic climate, we are still throwing away their hard-earned cash, every day by not using energy around the house efficiently.

Tax avoidance – who, how and why? 

Weekly we hear stories about how people are avoiding tax by using legal means and tax loopholes.

HMRC names tax fiddlers for first time – who and why? 

History was made 21 February 2013.  HMRC published its first ever list of people who have fiddled their taxes but not been prosecuted. 

Tax refund email scam alert, not from HMRC 

It’s the phishing season again. Since lots of people filed their tax returns in recent weeks, the criminal fraternity is out to benefit. 

Tax panic as HMRC January deadline looms 

This December and January I have noticed far more people worried about the fact that they have not submitted their 2011/12 Self Assessment Tax Return. Why, I wonder, are there more people worried than before?

Child Benefit Chaos - a simple guide 

Child Benefit is changing for over a million people. Are you one? Did you do what you needed to by Sunday 6 January 2013? How do you sort this mess out?