Articles by James Mackreides

James Mackreides

James Mackreides

'Mac' is a short tempered former helicopter pilot, now a writer based in Sofia, Bulgaria. Loves dogs, the outdoors and staying far away from the ocean.

Are you disregarding the 4 percent rule if you cash out pensioners at twice the suggested rate?
Personal Finance

Are you disregarding the 4 percent rule if you cash out pensioners at twice the suggested rate?

Since it was announced that any unused pensions could be subject to a 40 percent inheritance tax, pensioners are depleting their retireme...

There are eleven reasons to sign up for the self-assessment before October 5th
Investment Advice

There are eleven reasons to sign up for the self-assessment before October 5th

However, in order to meet the deadline of October 5th, you will need to move quickly. Most people assume that the deadline is in ...

Would you forgo eating out, watching Netflix, and going to the gym in exchange for a pension increase of £157,000
Personal Finance

Would you forgo eating out, watching Netflix, and going to the gym in exchange for a pension increase of £157,000

Could you do it? If you could increase your pension by at least 157,000 and possibly even retire earlier, would you be willing to...

The October Premium Bonds winners were revealed: Saver, who won £50,000 for just £7
Financial Advice

The October Premium Bonds winners were revealed: Saver, who won £50,000 for just £7

This month, were you successful? The winners of the October prize draw were announced by NS&I, and millions of holders of Premium...

HMRC records 107 million pounds as a result of landlord tax investigations; see the warning signs
Investment Advice

HMRC records 107 million pounds as a result of landlord tax investigations; see the warning signs

As part of a compliance crackdown, the tax office forced landlords to pay a record 107 million to HMRC last year. This amount was more th...

Here are some ways to find out how much your pension is worth, as half of Baby Boomers are unaware of it
Personal Finance

Here are some ways to find out how much your pension is worth, as half of Baby Boomers are unaware of it

Even though they depend on their pension to cover their immediate living expenses, baby boomers are among the least likely to be aware of...

The question is, should I hedge or not?
Investment Advice

The question is, should I hedge or not?

Hedging currency exposure may become more appealing as concerns about the dollar's future grow. Investors are increasing the hedges on th...

How do British Airways Amex companion vouchers operate and what are they?
Investment Advice

How do British Airways Amex companion vouchers operate and what are they?

We examine their nature and potential applications. Saving money on flights with British Airways (BA) when you use your credit ca...

The reason for Sweden's success
Investment Advice

The reason for Sweden's success

Why can't Britain do the same? Proponents of Britain's public-sector debt's unrelenting growth in both size and cost like to poin...

How will AI affect the pharmaceutical sector?
Investment Advice

How will AI affect the pharmaceutical sector?

Every aspect of working life appears to be about to be disrupted by artificial intelligence (AI), with the pharmaceutical industry being ...

"Football is over its boom years"
Investments

"Football is over its boom years"

James Mackreides says the money won't stop coming, but the goals will. Jim Ratcliffe is one of Britain's most astute businessmen,...

Here is how high earners are getting ready for the tax hikes in the Autumn Budget
Personal Finance

Here is how high earners are getting ready for the tax hikes in the Autumn Budget

Since the Labour government took office, wealthy households' confidence in the UK's economic future has declined, especially with regard ...