PERSONAL FINANCE NEWS
WITHOUT A WILL IN THE WORLD
More than half (51 per cent) of British adults don’t have a will drawn up, according to research by Standard Life. The research conducted by the long-term savings and investment company reveals that these figures become even more worrying when broken down by age. Nearly two-thirds (60 per cent) of 35 to 44 year olds don’t have a will in place, two-fifths (38 per cent) of 45 to 54 year olds, a third (32 per cent) of 55 to 64 year olds and amazingly more than a fifth (22 per cent) of over 65s are without a will. Julie Hutchison, head of estate planning at Standard Life, said: “There is real inertia here. Despite the potential cost of a will not being a barrier, as shown in our research, peoples’ lack of action could ultimately cost their families more.”
COUPLES SAY “I DO” TO SAVINGS
Forget turning to the bank of mum and dad to fund the big day, the ordinary British couple is being savvier than ever with its savings. According to the latest figures from Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks, engaged Brits save for up to two years to spend an average of £16,569 on their big day, that’s £4,331 less than last year’s average. Couples are coming up with increasingly creative ways to fund weddings: 42 per cent have maximised savings accounts and Isas to make the most of their cash in the run up to the wedding. Nearly 30 per cent of Brits would cull their guest list to cut down on costs. One in ten wedding planners would ask the groom and groomsmen to wear their own suits while 8 per cent of brides would buy their dress on eBay.