🔔 💬 Anna's two pence worth (#15): Welcome to 2019

Anna Bowes is a regular contributor to the BBC’s Money Box, Breakfast and News programs, as well as the national press, providing expert analysis and commentary on the UK savings market. Anna has worked in the financial services industry for more than 20 years and for most of that time has been helping people to make the most of their savings.

We are hopeful that this year will bring more in the way of positive news for savers, as although 2018 saw savings rates still at low levels by historic standards, things have been moving up.

We saw fewer cuts to existing savings rates, significant improvements in rates for new savers across the board, a rise in the Bank of England base rate and another review into the savings market by the Financial Conduct Authority, to work on ways to improve competition.

So, how are things looking for 2019 so far? Well, there has been a newcomer to the easy access best buy table - Family Building Society's Premium Saver (2) - so that's a good start. We will of course keep you up to date in our regular feature, the Rates Rundown.

We’ve also launched a new regular item to kick start the year, our top five. This will feature our most recommended providers in each product category to help you pick through the growing list to choose from.

🔖 Read: The five best short term fixed rate bond providers

At this time of year, many people are looking at their finances and making plans for the coming year. We have teamed up with our partner Responsible Equity Release to explain more about some of the options available, should Equity Release be something you are considering.

🔖 Read: What’s the difference between the new Income Lifetime Mortgage and the existing Lifetime Plans?

We’ve also pulled together what we hope will be a helpful list of how to deal with paying some or all of any Inheritance Tax due, before probate has been granted. We’ve spoken to many people who have been caught out by this in past but there are options available.

🔖 Learn more about the Direct Payment Scheme and how it can help you

And finally, the welcome news that pension cold calling will be officially banned.

🔖 Read more on why this is good news and where you can turn if you do need assistance

As always, we love to hear your views. If there are any areas in financial services that you’d like to know more about, please get in touch. If we can help, we will.

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☎️ Or call us on 0800 011 9705

Articles featured in this edition