Introduction The purpose of this book What will this book do for you? Taking financial control The Money Tree rule book The way we grow a Money Tree has changed What works best for you? How to grow your Money Tree Chapter 1 - Dealing with debt Spot the sham Not all debt is 'bad debt' Your personal debt freedom day Playing the credit card balance transfer game When things get really serious Never pay for debt counselling advice Bankruptcy - the last resort? When things get serious - alternatives to bankruptcy Key points Chapter 2 - Taking control of tax Avoid or evade? Tax, duties and more taxes Understanding income tax Some popular income tax misconceptions How to pay less income tax Top Tips for capital gains tax Understanding inheritance tax Some ways to pay less inheritance tax Top Tips for inheritance tax planning Chapter 3 - Serious about savings All about cash Top Tips to get a better rate of interest Why save? Cash as an asset class Where can you save money? What about the downside? High headline interest rates on regular savings accounts Encouraging the savings habit Key points Chapter 4 - Making the most of your mortgage It's just a (really) big loan They come in lots of different flavours Fixed, variable, tracker, discounts, blah, blah, blah Interest only or capital repayment? Interest only (and capital as well, at the end) Common mortgage questions Getting a mortgage - what does it cost? Some mortgage mistakes to avoid The power of offset An alternative strategy Key points Chapter 5 - Plan to protect Things can go wrong! Death Top Tips to slash the cost of your life assurance Critical illness Illness or accident Medical problems How much cover do I need? Key points Chapter 6 - Intelligent investment The value of your investments may go down as well as up What is my investment risk profile? The motion of the ocean Buy low, buy high, but always keep buying! It's all about asset allocation There is no secret to intelligent investment Top Tips for intelligent investment How do you actually invest your money? ISA magic Top Tip Going green Key points Chapter 7 - A financially secure retirement A real story Why planning for retirement matters How do pensions work? The rules Pensions aren't simple The most common pension misconceptions Getting started with your own pension Self investment - the future of pensions? Don't forget the State Some things you might not know about the State pension A common retirement planning mistake Time to build your retirement plan Key points Chapter 8 - Time for advice Different advisors serve different purposes The professional adviser power meeting So much choice How to find a financial adviser A question of qualifications and regulation Top Tips for a healthy relationship with a financial adviser There is no such thing as a free lunch What to expect from your first meeting Key points Chapter 9 - Bringing it all together How to build a financial plan Where are you now? Where would you like to be? How are you going to get there? Key points Index <
