Pentagon Partnership

read moreThe Pentagon Partnership, was formed in 1998 and has gone on to provide an excellent service for many individuals and businesses. Initially trading as Appointed Representatives of a network, a decision was made to apply for direct authorisation to the Financial Conduct Authority. This was to ensure that our independent status would be unaffected by "outside influences and any perceived bias". This authorisation was achieved and confirmed on 1st October 2014 and our registration number is 627747.

read moreFrom childhood, most of us are told to put away money to save for the future - perhaps for something special; or maybe to be sure that when we really need something we have the funds to acquire it, without taking on debt. People's aims are broadly the same; to provide for future needs, and to protect ourselves against unexpected expenditure, events and inflation. When planning your finances, it is important to distinguish between savings and investments. Savings are generally funds that you set aside that can be accessed relatively quickly.

read moreEquity release can be a financial lifeline for older people who find themselves in need of cash, often living on small incomes despite living in properties worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. Moving house can be an expensive and stressful process at any age. Many older people would prefer to stay put to and benefit from the 'equity' or value tied up in their homes, and equity release schemes allow them to do that. There are various types of plan available to home owners aged 55 and over. With Lifetime Mortgages where the interest is rolled up, a loan is taken out on the property to provide a lump sum, an income or a combination of the two.

read moreA business may want to protect the key employees within their firm - perhaps the key salesperson, or the IT manager, without whom the business would not function properly. Keyperson / shareholder / partnership protection can provide a fixed sum should the individual be unable to work, or even die. The benefit will be designed to cover the firm's expenses in meeting any emergency costs, recruiting a replacement employee and protecting the future of the business. If a shareholder were to pass away, the firms remaining shareholders or directors may want to purchase the deceased's shares from their estate promptly to maintain control of their business.

read moreWhether you rent or own your home, insuring it makes sense. There are two main types of home insurance to consider - buildings and contents. As the names suggest, buildings insurance protects the property itself, whilst contents insurance covers the furniture, furnishings, appliances, clothing and all your possessions. Whatever the type of property you live in, even if it's 'non-standard', the chances are we'll be able help you to find the cover you need. We'll also be able to help you get the right cover for all your home contents.

read moreStandard Variable Rate (SVR) - The SVR is the lender's standard rate. With a variable rate mortgage you are normally able to switch lenders at any time without being penalised. If you take out a mortgage that has a fixed, tracker or discounted rate, once the set period of time ends the loan will usually revert to the lender's SVR. Fixed Rate - A fixed rate mortgage allows you to repay interest at a set rate, irrespective of any interest rate fluctuations. In other words, your monthly repayments will remain the same every month for a time period agreed between you and your lender.

read moreFinancial products are sometimes at their most useful when they are protecting our families, our incomes or our property. Whilst insuring ourselves against an undesirable event such as sickness or death, may not be a pleasant thing to think about, the benefit of being able to set financial issues aside at emotionally difficult times cannot be overlooked. There are various ways in which a family can protect itself, and because of the large range of products available, there is usually an appropriate policy for most circumstances, and most budgets.

read moreIf you die without a Will, then the government will decide who will inherit your estate in accordance with the Rules of Intestacy. These were drawn up in the 1920s, and despite major revisions in 2014, may not accord with your wishes. Depending upon circumstances and the size of your estate, your spouse may end up sharing your assets with your children. Married partners or civil partners inherit under the rules of intestacy only if they are married or in a civil partnership at the time of death.