Thinking about Protection

Older borrowers face advice gap, FCA says

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 10:19:29 GMT

What are your thoughts?

It suggests firms should take older borrowers into account more with their policies and proposition.

It adds that mortgage companies should also plan for consumer needs at different point in their lives.

Finally, the FCA recommends firms should be “considering potential innovation in product features or terms and supporting services to accommodate specific life events.”

However, the FCA says these issues are hard for individual firms to tackle, and also praised the mortgage trade bodies’ own research and “significant
It suggests firms should take older borrowers into account more with their policies and proposition.

It adds that mortgage companies should also plan for consumer needs at different point in their lives.

Finally, the FCA recommends firms should be “considering potential innovation in product features or terms and supporting services to accommodate specific life events.”

However, the FCA says these issues are hard for individual firms to tackle, and also praised the mortgage trade bodies’ own research and “significant efforts” towards helping older borrowers.

The FCA says older borrowers often do not have enough choice of mortgage products and that lenders have a “limited appetite” for the loans.
It says: “This could be due to fewer local branches, fewer products offered by high street brands that meet their needs, or restrictions in lending criteria to older consumers.”
Lenders may also fear regulatory punishment when lending to older consumers.
This leads to issues with accessing suitable mortgage products, the FCA says.
The regulator also says its own rules may not help older borrowers.
There are also some regulatory barriers to innovation, such as the withdrawal of retirement interest-only mortgages, but that it is looking to bring these back.
The FCA also says brokers have problems navigating products for older borrowers.

The regulator says “opaque or nuanced” criteria and complex affordability assessments make it hard for brokers to compare options.

This can lead to brokers only recommending a small number of products they are familiar with.

The regulator also says lenders may not be clearly publishing information about upper age limits or acceptable sources of retirement income on their websites or literature.
The FCA says it is neutral about upper age limits in mortgage lending, though notes many lenders have increased this or removed it.

But it adds: “Although we have noted some progress in this area, consumer groups, firms and trade bodies report that increases to upper age limits will not be sufficient to facilitate lending to older borrowers.

“Firms may be unnecessarily limiting themselves, and older borrowers, by having rigid policies or systems and controls that are unable to consider individual circumstances, potentially resulting in unintended exclusion of credit-worthy consumers in the target market.”

The regulator also reassured mortgage firms and trade bodies who feel that lending to older borrowers is a minefield and that the regulator may punish them for making mistakes.

The occasional paper says: “Our MCOB rules do not aim to discourage firms from lending to older borrowers, as long as they are credit-worthy. Decisions about lending strategy, identification of an appropriate target market, and application of any specific restrictions in lending policies are left to the discretion of individual firms.”

The regulator adds that it knows defining what ‘income’ is can be complicated for lenders catering to older borrowers.

It says lenders should take a common sense approach to this.

The FCA also says it will review its Handbook to make sure it is easy for firms to interpret, but that it needs to wait for Brexit first. Read More.

Post Title

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 13:14:22 GMT

Join in the 50 things Summer Fun with the National Trust this summer 2017

Enjoy a memorable family day out with The National Trust this summer . Join in with family-friendly events, plot your own adventures and see how many of our 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾ challenges you can complete.

Challenges like

1. Climb a Tree - We look after some of the oldest, most important, varied trees in the country. Some of them are too precious to clamber up, others can’t wait for you to climb them. Discover our top places to scale nature's climbing frames. Click here to find the best tree to climb.

2. Make a Mud Pie - The great thing about mud is that you can find it anywhere, and some of our places have huge quantities of it just waiting to be made into mud pies.

3. Plant it, grow it, eat it - This is a challenge that'll take a bit of time. You definitely can't complete it in a day, or even two, as fruit and veg take time to grow, but it's definitely worth the wait. Follow our tips for success and you'll have green fingers in no time.

4. Build a den Build - the best den ever with our tips and tricks. You can also come along to one of our special den building events to get even more hands-on.

5. Make a daisy chain - Making a daisy chain is a perfect summer activity when the sun is shining. All you need is a patch of grass with daisies and you're ready to start your daisy chain. How to make a daisy chain

6. Go stargazing - The big, open skies of the countryside let you see thousands of stars sparkling at night. Take a look at our top spots for stargazing. Discover our Dark Skies

7. Hold a scary beast - Would you hold a spider? How about a frog? A woodlouse? Different creatures can seem scary for lots of different reasons, and while some people are scared, others won't be. Whatever seems scary to you now, once you've held it, you'll be feeling incredibly brave. Test your nerve

8. Make a home for a wild animal All sorts of animals need homes and most choose to build very different ones. If you're going to build one for an animal you'll have to think about what they need and want from a home and why. Make a home for a wild animal

9. Canoe down a river - There are lots of options for kayaking and canoeing at our places across the UK. In some places, you can hire the boats and all the kit you'll need or join a group. In other places, you can take off on your own adventure. Here's our guide to top spots and what they offer. Get out on the water

Get the app today, for the 50's challenge

Properties for Sale or Rent in Lancashire

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 09:30:23 GMT

Supporting property sales in Preston, Blackburn, Lancashire

GRD Financial Services Ltd are proud to sponsor Properties for Sale or Rent in Lancashire . As a Mortgage Broker it is vital to support the property community in the sale of their properties. Aiming to assist estate agents, clients and the general public of Lancashire. Make your posts on the site today, boost your property sales. If you require a #MortgageBroker then please contact GRD Financial Services Ltd , FREE initial consultation. Call 01704822108

Inspirational Reading / Rewarding Excellence

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Wed, 24 May 2017 11:12:19 GMT

Centaur When a man lives to race another day

Recently GRD were fortunate enough to attend an Awards and Excellence event with our Network First Complete, this showed the top 75 brokers in the UK their appreciation and respect for the business put through. The days consisted of luxury, enjoyment and fulfilment. After the ceremonial events had concluded I joined my husband Mr. Giles Duckworth, for some well deserved sunshine.

Whilst in the airport I purchased a book, it was right up my street, horses, jockeys and racing. I hadn't read a book for some months, so to finally have a few hours alone was welcomed. As I started reading my heart filled, and tears began to fall. I must have looked extremely silly as I sat alone on the aeroplane when my shoulders began to shudder and I was sobbing uncontrollably as a read that the jockey Declan Murphy had an accident and a horse in the race had kicked his head and he was unconscious, the horse laying beside him broken as he overstretched to make the jump.

Wow how many emotions, my memory was drifting in and out of the book, as I remember the emotions I felt when my boys were lying in a coma, uncertain when they would awaken, or if they ever would. Never have I read a book where the writer has some amazing outlooks of life, such strength, passion and determination, but I guess when life kicks you so hard and knocks you into the depths of hell, you can either plunge further or you can scrape your way out.

Centaurs read is quite inspirational, one mans battle to overcome the outcomes of medical diagnosis. The surgeon who operated on his brain stated that he may never have use of his arms, legs speech and sight, yet Declan fought with all his will to walk again, he taught his limbs to feel again, he worked on elocution to support his speech and his sight was slightly affected in one eye. This man overcame all odds, he defied medical science and lived to fight / ride another day. What I hear you ask does this have to do with our business?

Well this book was a real life story, one which we hear many times, where people live despite when the odds are stacked against them, including our own boys who live with a rare genetic disorder, afflicting them for life, with irreparable brain injuries, however the boys have learnt how to walk, talk, dress and eat despite the medics saying they would not live and if they did, they would be permanently disabled, however my eldest turning 21next week, making him the eldest in the UK with his rare condition.

GRD is far more than just financial services, its family, understanding and compassion. Treating each case as individuals, as we know that no two people / cases / clients are the same. GRD understand that peoples lives can change at any time, therefore always encouraging clients to protect themselves and their families. We understand that no one is invincible, even though we may feel it sometimes, every person can be impacted with disability, illness or loss of work at any time. No one is immune, even through they may feel indestructible, sometimes, just sometimes when the odds are stacked against you a buffer is required, and this we understand.

GRD Understands not through books but through real life experiences, its not just sales patter, its a real understanding of how the world works, and how anyone can be impacted, but we also know that if you have hope (in the way of a financial buffer or blanket) then anything is possible. You can overcome odds stacked against you, you can concentrate on getting well without the burden of how you will fund it and you can rest assured that GRD will be here to help you every step of the way.

So the morale of this story, GRD has won a prestigious Award Recognising Excellence, I have read a book which took me to back to some very dark days and in the cold stark reality I realised that GRD does far more than just mortgages we protect we care and nurture our clients to fulfil more in their lives, to live life the way they want, the properties, the protection are all part of the process of life and without which the world wouldn't function. Sometimes a good read is all it takes, a man fighting for his life when the odds are stacked against him, to overcome the odds and life to race and win another day. There are many untold stories like this in the world, and when some-one brave enough chooses to share his journey, then the least we can do is to recognise is, embrace and learn from it, as even other peoples stories can provide us with great strength when needed.

There is emotion in life, there is emotion in the words typed on this blog and I hope somewhere that this is read and it may just inspire you to live, love and laugh like there is no tomorrow.

Six ways to increase the rental value of your property

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Wed, 10 May 2017 09:39:38 GMT

Present and care for your rental properties, to increase the yield and encourage the best renters.

With a general slowdown in the property market, many buy-to-let landlords are looking instead to see how they can increase the profitability of their current property portfolios.
The key to maximising the rental value of properties is understanding how to attract tenants who will pay the most or finding a way to get more rent from property.
One of the first things landlords need to understand is the type of tenants who would be attracted to their type of property and location.
If it is in the vicinity of a college or university, properties may be suitable for students. There may already be plenty of properties for undergraduates, but overseas students – who are generally wealthier – post-graduates and even lecturers may be happy to pay more for a well-maintained home.
Whichever tenant type will maximise the rent for property in a given area, the likelihood is the most rent will be achieved by making sure it is in excellent condition. For example, the rent on a new-build will tend to be at least 10pc more than on an existing home.
Here are six ways of maximising rental income:
1. A new paint job and clean-up
These days, tenants tend to stay in a property for around two years, so they are not looking for temporary accommodation as they may have been in the past, but for a home they can call their own.
According to the Government’s English Housing Survey 2014/5, 30pc of privately rented properties are not considered “decent”. As such, one of the cheapest ways to raise rental income is for landlords to make sure their properties are well maintained, easy to heat, have no damp or condensation issues, and are given a good clean and a lick of paint.
2. Upgrade kitchens and bathrooms
Replacing a tired and out-of-date kitchen and bathroom can not only have an impact on rents but can encourage the tenant to stay longer, reducing re-letting costs and potential void periods in between lets.
3. Add en-suites
Modern student halls often have en-suites, but not all rental properties do. So, if it is possible to add private facilities – especially for landlords who are renting rooms – it is worth doing so as this may attract wealthier tenants who are willing to pay extra for the facilities.
4. Can you extend?
If renting rooms is not an option, such as where the property is not large enough, it may be possible to add extra space to create more rooms to rent. Alternatively a landlord may have a two-bed property of a type that is oversupplied in an area where tenants are desperate for three-bed properties.
An easy-to-add single extension may not just boost rental income, but should also raise the overall property value, boosting overall returns. Any such changes will of course require that landlords secure any required planning permission and ensure it passes building control.
5. Target specialised rental markets
Some properties may be suited to tenants who can pay more, such as a home that incorporates a 'granny annexe' for multi-generational living. However landlords look to improve their rental income, it is important that they talk to local property experts to check the implications of renting to different tenant types and the increased rental income will cover any rise in letting costs.
6. Offer ‘added extras’
Many people consider that tenants are renting because they are on a budget, however, in some areas, renting can actually be cheaper than buying.
If as a landlord you have access to a premium tenant market, it may be possible to secure more rent by providing a higher than average spec property with state of the art appliances, décor and security systems. Do check this investment will deliver enough additional rent to cover the higher costs and that premium tenants will rent your property type in the area it’s located.
Safer buy-to-let investment
Whether you are thinking of investing or are already a landlord, the Telegraph , on behalf of Direct Line, has created useful information on the ever-changing buy-to-let market.

GRD Easter Colouring Competition

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 13:40:13 GMT

Win a fantastic Easter Egg

Parents GRD would like to invite you to join in the colouring competition with your little ones, classifications include

Age Categories
3yrs - 8yrs
9yrs - 14yrs
Just print off the picture and colour with pens, pencils or paint (computerised colours will not be allowed) you can return it to us in the following ways, take a picture of the picture and email it to info@grdfinancialservices.com or send it to
Office A07
Towngate Works
Dark Lane
Mawdesley
L402QU
All entries need to be returned by the 14th April 2017 , judged on the 15th April and the winner notified on this day, the Winner will then receive a fantastic Cadburys Chocolate Easter Egg .
Enjoy the challenge and we look forward to hearing from you, please join us via the following social media sites.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

April Fool's Day top ten pranks

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 11:26:41 GMT

If you want some ideas for mischief making this April Fool's Day, then read on.

10. In 1980 the BBC reported that Big Ben, in order to keep up with the times, was going to be given a digital readout. The announcement shocked listeners, who protested the change. The BBC Japanese service also announced the clock hands would be sold to the first four listeners to contact them. One Japanese seaman in the mid-Atlantic immediately radioed in a bid.

9. In 2007, images of an 8-inch mummified creature resembling a fairy were posted on the website of the Lebanon Circle Magik Co. The site explained how the creature had been found by a man walking his dog along an old Roman road in rural Derbyshire. By April 1 the Lebanon Circle website had received tens of thousands of visitors and hundreds of emails.
But, at the end of April 1, Dan Baines, the owner of the site, confessed the fairy was a hoax. He had used his skills as a magician's prop-maker to create the creature. Baines later reported that, even after his confession, he continued to receive numerous emails from people who refused to accept the fairy wasn't real.

8. A barge towing a giant iceberg appeared in Sydney Harbor in April 1978. Dick Smith, a local adventurer and millionaire businessman, had been loudly promoting his scheme to tow an iceberg from Antarctica, saying he was going to carve the berg into small ice cubes, which he would sell to the public for ten cents each. These cubes, fresh from the pure waters of Antarctica, were promised to improve the flavour of any drink they cooled.
Local radio stations provided blow-by-blow coverage of the scene, but when it started to rain the firefighting foam and shaving cream the berg was really made of washed away, uncovering the white plastic sheets beneath.

7 . In 1860 people throughout London received the following invitation: "Tower of London: Admit Bearer and Friend to view annual ceremony of Washing the White Lions on Sunday, April 1, 1860. Admittance only at White Gate." By noon a large crowd had gathered outside the tower. They were disappointed to find that lions hadn't been kept in the tower for centuries, let alone white lions.

6 . Burger King published a full page advertisement in USA Today in 1998. The advert announced a new item on their menu: the Left-Handed Whopper. Especially designed for the 32 million left-handed Americans, the new burger included the same ingredients as the original Whopper, but all the condiments were rotated 180 degrees.Thousands of customers went into restaurants to request the new sandwich, while many others requested their own 'right handed' version.

5. On 1 April 1972, newspaper headlines around the world announced the dead body of the Loch Ness Monster had been found. A team of zoologists from Yorkshire's Flamingo Park Zoo, who were at Loch Ness searching for proof of Nessie's existence, had discovered the carcass floating in the water the day before. Initial reports claimed it weighed a ton and a half and was 15½ feet long. Upon inspection, Nessie turned out to be a bull elephant seal.
The zoo's education officer, John Shields, confessed he had been responsible for placing the body in the Loch. The seal had died the week before, and he had shaved off its whiskers, padded its cheeks with stones, and kept it frozen for a week, before dumping it in the Loch. The seal's body was displayed at the Flamingo Park Zoo for a few days before being properly disposed of.

4. In 1977 the Guardian published a seven-page "special report" about San Serriffe, a small country located in the Indian Ocean consisting of several islands that make the shape of a semi-colon. The two main islands were called Upper Caisse and Lower Caisse. They did an in-depth series of articles on the history, geography and daily life on these idyllic islands. The Guardian's phones rang all day as readers wanted more information about the perfect-sounding fictional holiday spot, and the hoax began a tradition in newspapers to try and fool their readers.

3. During an interview on BBC Radio 2, on the morning of 1 April 1976, the astronomer Patrick Moore announced that at 9:47 AM a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event was going to take place. The planet Pluto would pass behind Jupiter, temporarily causing a gravitational alignment that would reduce the Earth's own gravity. Moore told his listeners that if they jumped in the air at the exact moment this planetary alignment occurred, they would experience a strange floating sensation.The BBC received hundreds of phone calls from listeners claiming to have felt the sensation. One woman even reported she and her 11 friends had risen from their chairs and floated around the room.

2. The best known public prank is the 1957 news show broadcast by Panorama. It was a three-minute segment about a bumper spaghetti harvest in southern Switzerland. This was apparently because of an unusually mild winter and the "virtual disappearance of the spaghetti weevil," with video footage of a Swiss family pulling pasta off spaghetti trees and placing it into baskets. The show said: "For those who love this dish, there's nothing like real, home-grown spaghetti." Hundreds of people phoned the BBC wanting to know how they could grow their own spaghetti tree. To this query the BBC simply said: "Place a sprig of spaghetti in a tin of tomato sauce and hope for the best."

1. In Sweden, in 1962, there was only one television channel, and it was shown in black and white. The station announced that their "technical expert," Kjell Stensson, was going to tell people how to view color images on their black-and-white sets. Researchers, he said, had recently discovered that covering your television screen with a pair of tights would cause the light to bend in such a way that it would appear as if the image was in color. All viewers had to do, Stensson said, was to cut open a pair of stockings and tape them over the screen of their television set. Thousands of viewers fell for the hoax. Many say today that they remember their parents (their fathers in particular) rushing through the house trying to find stockings to place over the TV set. Regular colour broadcasts began in Sweden on April 1, 1970.

History of April Fool's Day

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 11:11:20 GMT

For all those people who are intrigued by our witting past

Soon April Fool's Day will be upon us, which means being on your guard to avoid those practical jokes.

It's a tradition that goes back hundreds of years, but where did it all start?

There are many theories but the one that most hold to links back to a pope - though it isn't a religious holiday.

Where did it all start then? Why do we celebrate it?...and what can we do to be crowned best prankster (you know you want to know)?

How did April Fool's Day begin?

The change to the calendar was too much.
While no one really agrees on what happened, there is strong evidence that it is all down to Pope Gregory XIII, who adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1582 - this moved our year from March to Jan 1.

The change was published far and wide, but some didn't get the memo. These people celebrated the New Year on April 1 and were ridiculed and seen as foolish - hence Fool's Day.

The French would put paper fish on the 'fool's' backs and were called Poisson d'Avril, or April Fish - it's still the term used in France for April Fool's.
This doesn't quite work out though as the Julian Calendar, established in 46BC, made January the first month of the year. Countries began to switch calendars, and it all ended up being a mess by the 1500s. Some countries started the year on different days.

While it's not clear what calendar had what impact a lot of the theories stem from the idea of the date moving to January.
Renewal festivals where everyone was a fool

Others say the April Fool's Day is left over from the idea of "renewal festivals" marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

The festivals apparently involved those taking part donning disguises, playing tricks on friends and strangers, and causing chaos.

Others mistake the celebrations for medieval Christianity's Feast of Fools, which took place each January.

Christians elected a Lord of Misrule who wore masks, dressed up and sung obscene songs. They generally behaved badly. While this all sounds great, it wasn't actually what happened. I know, Disney lied to us, or rather Victor Hugo the author did. The festival which was portrayed in the Hunchback of Notre-Dame didn't happen like this. Hugo - and then Disney - made it all up, so they have nothing to do with April Fool's.

The actual Feast of Fools was held in the 12th and 13th century and was seen as an alternative to the rowdy festivals. There were role reversals, and the fools represented those chosen by God because of their lowly status. Later clergy stopped the feast, and was finally forbidden by the Council of Basle in 1435. Another theory is the French Revolution played a part. April 1 is the anniversary of the event...you may ask why is this linked to comedy?

Historians say back on April 1, 1789, after the French people deposed King Louis XVI, King George III of England made a joke which has continued the tradition until today. He pretended to step down.

The peasants took to the streets to celebrate their new freedom.. and then were arrested and imprisoned. In Roman mythology Pluto, the God of the Dead, abducted Proserpina and brought her to live with him in the underworld.

Proserpina called to her mother Ceres for help, but she could only hear the echo of her daughter's voice. She searched in vain.

Some say the fruitless search was the basis for the 'fool's errands'.

The town of Gotham's trick .
There's a folk tale which links the Fool's Day to a town called Gotham, Nottinghamshire.

It traditional in the 13th century for any road that the King placed his foot upon to become public property. When the people of Gotham heard that King John planned to travel through their town, they refused to let him in as they didn't want to lose their main road.

The King upon hearing this sent his soldiers, but when they arrived they just found a town full of lunatics. The people were acting out foolish activities like drowning fish or attempting to cage birds in roofless cages.

It was all an act, but the King fell for it. The town was seen as too foolish. April Fool's Day was supposed to mark their victory.

Chaucer's riddle of a date In Chaucer's The Nun's Priest's Tale a fox tricks a rooster on ”syn March bigan thritty dayes and two.”

Chaucer probably meant 32 days after March - May 2, but may took it to mean March 32 or April 1.

It was seen as a reference to April Fool's.

The best pranks ever Click here for more info

1. Spaghetti harvest

The UK terror

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 11:47:06 GMT

Westminster attack: Everything they know so far

A massive police operation is under way after a terror attack in Westminster, in the heart of London, yesterday in which four people died.
Here's what happened, and everything we know so far, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/03/22/westminster-terror-attack-everything-know-far/
What happened in Westminster?
An attacker, who was armed with two knives, killed two pedestrians and injured around 40 other people as he mowed down members of the public with a car on Westminster Bridge before crashing into the railings in front of Parliament.
Then, bursting through the gate to the Palace of Westminster, he stabbed unarmed Pc Keith Palmer, 48, before being shot dead by armed officers.
Paramedics fought to save his life and that of Pc Palmer on the floor of the cobbled courtyard just yards from the House of Commons. Both Pc Palmer and the attacker were later confirmed dead. Two large knives could be seen at the scene.
Foreign Office minister Tobias Ellwood was among those who rushed to help. Mr Ellwood, who lost his brother in the Bali bombing, was seen pumping the officer's chest then standing above him, his hands and face smeared with blood.

Who was the attacker?
Mrs May has told the House of Commons that the British-born attacker had been identified as someone known by police and MI5, and the working assumption was that he was inspired by Islamist terrorism.
He has not been publicly identified yet and police believe he was acting alone, although they are investigating possible associates.
Mrs May said: "What I can confirm is that the man was British-born and that some years ago he was once investigated by MI5 in relation to concerns about violent extremism. He was a peripheral figure. The case is historic. He was not part of the current intelligence picture. There was no prior intelligence of his intent or of the plot."

Eyewitnesses reported seeing an Asian man in his 40s carrying two large knives. The suspected attacker is pictured on a stretcher below.

How many arrests has there been?
Eight people have been arrested so far, and six addresses raided across London, Birmingham and elsewhere.
The Birmingham raid took place on the Hagley Road, a mile or so southwest of Birmingham city centre.

Pc Keith Palmer
Pc Palmer, 48, was a husband and father, and had worked for the Metropolitan Police for 15 years, having previously served in the armed forces.
Conservative MP James Cleverly paid tribute to the “lovely man” he had known for a quarter of a century. “I’ve known Keith for 25 years. We served together in the Royal Artillery before he became a copper,” he wrote.
“A lovely man, a friend. I’m heartbroken. My thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of PC Keith Palmer. A brave man.”

Aysha Frade
Spanish teacher and department head Aysha Frade, 43, worked at DLD College, London and was married with two daughters.
She was believed to have been crossing Westminster Bridge to pick up her children aged eight and 11 from school when she lost her life in the attack.
According to Spanish newspaper La Voz de Galicia, the woman had always lived in London, where her parents met. Her father was of Cypriot origin while her mother was born in Betanzos in northwestern Spain.
According to La Voz, the woman often spent her holidays with her family back in the town.

A man in his mid-50s was also killed in the incident on the bridge. His identity is not yet known.

What about those injured?
Those injured included 12 Britons, three French children, two Romanians, four South Koreans, two Greeks, and one each from Germany, Poland, Ireland, China, Italy and the United States.
Three police officers were also hurt, two of them seriously. Two of three French teenagers caught up in the carnage are believed to have been seriously injured.

Read the full story here

South Ribble in Lancashire is the BEST place in the UK.

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 14:58:28 GMT

For people in their twenties to live thanks to its £157,000 average house price and thriving jobs market.

SOUTH RIBBLE, LANCASHIRE

AFFORDABILITY

The average house price is just over £157,000 - £138,000 cheaper than the national average.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

10,677 new jobs were created in South Ribble between 2004 and 2012 which is around the same number Manchester and Liverpool combined.

GREEN SPACES

South Ribble is home to award-winning outdoor spaces. Worden Park in Leyland was awarded its 20th consecutive honour in the Green Flag Awards last year, making it the only park north of London to be awarded the title every year since the scheme started. The 60 hectare Grade II listed English Heritage site boasts a hedge maze, walled garden, formal gardens and a train.

Longton Brickcroft Nature Reserve has been awarded 19 Green Flags. The 11 hectares of land offers plenty of space to run around along with three large ponds and smaller dipping ponds. It is home to a variety of wildlife.

As well as the beautiful outdoor areas in South Ribble itself, there is also plenty on offer nearby. The Forest of Bowland, an area of natural beauty that spans 312 square miles, is only a short drive away.

CHURCHES

St Mary’s Church in the town of Penwortham dates back to the 14th Century and is a Grade II listed English heritage building.

St Andrew’s Parish Church in Leyland dates back over 800 years and stands opposite the town’s war memorial.

SHOPPING

Leyland market, which dates back to the 18th Century, runs three days a week. Punters can buy anything from meat and fish to clothing.

EATING AND DRINKING

There are a variety of delis, tea rooms, ice-cream parlours and eateries to pick from in the area.

ACTIVITIES

The British Commercial Vehicle Museum in Leyland charts British commercial vehicle history since the start of the 19th Century.

HOW YOU CAN MAKE A FORTUNE FROM BUY TO LET IN 2017

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 11:18:16 GMT

TIME FOR SAVVY INVESTORS

GRD have recently read a paper regarding buy to let investment. Those of you who may know GRD Financial Services, will know our dedication to delivering great products in the Buy to Let Market, having many clients with property portfolios and clients who are accidental landlords. No matter who the client is, GRD will always go that extra mile to source the best product which meets the needs of the clients.

2016 has seen a decline in the Buy to Let property purchases, however what we are about to share with you, will demonstrate why the savvy investors will see 2017 as a great opportunity. A well known entrepreneur once told me that one persons recession is another persons opportunity. We hope that your fears and apprehensions about the property market will be laid to rest after we have shared this information with you, and look forward to working with you in 2017, building your portfolio and obtaining the best Buy to Let Mortgage for you and your company. Please enjoy, the article is published by Progressive Property.

“Why the media is wrong, what the property elite don’t want you to know and why now is the best time to get into buy to let”

HOW YOU CAN MAKE A FORTUNE FROM PROPERTY IN 2017

“Death of buy-to-let: landlords wake up to Osborne’s 150% tax Buy-to-let investors paying more than 100% of their profits in tax are already sell up!”

Headlines like this (that the Telegraph ran on the 22 August 2015) certainly scare off the uninformed and those people that we all know that will never get into property because the timing is not quite right. By getting your hands on this report you’ve proven that you are determined to be one of the select few that are able to profit in this market uncertainty.

So why is 2016 the best time to get into buy to let? To answer this most succinctly I’d like to quote the most successful investor of all time, Warren Buffet:

“Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy only when others are fearful”

As you know there is a huge amount of fear about property investment right now because of headlines like the one above. So what is the truth that savvy and successful property investors are using right now to make fortunes?

The short answer is that they are doing the opposite to the masses and doubling their efforts to buy as much property now while they can get it cheap. Here’s the detailed reasoning behind that flippant statement:

I have been doing this over 10 years and have noticed that every few years something significant happens to change the landscape. The changes I have witnessed have never been a reason to sell (although I use them as a reason to buy cheap properties from people who think they are).

We know property investment has worked in the UK for the last 1000 years (we have rough data from the days of William the Conqueror). We’ve seen property price changes since 1066 and now the introduction of a tax (albeit not properly thought through) which will be introduced slowly (next 5 years) and which can be avoided by using a ltd company. This tax change is highly unlikely to alter things significantly in the long term.

Much bigger events in recent times were:

The credit crunch/recession of 2008: The amount of doom and gloom; people saying it was the end of property investment (even experienced people). Properties dropped 20-30% for 3-5 years (some places more) depending where you are located. In the vast majority of areas prices have recovered and are now higher than just before the crunch started. Tenant demand increased and rents rose through this time.

Actual RESULT: Landlords who held on and ignored the noise did best. Landlords who used it as a buying opportunity did amazingly well. Much of the stock we bought in this period is now worth (conservatively) 30% more.

Housing benefit was/is being reduced by the conservative government: This means that LHA tenants get less rent and Universal Credit gets introduced. Those landlords who adapted to take more private tenants and stop LHA have found that private rents have since increased anyway.

Actual RESULT: Landlords who adapted to take private tenants and ignored the noise did best.

HOW YOU CAN MAKE A FORTUNE FROM PROPERTY IN 2017

Mortgage Express/other lenders removed the daylight bridge in 2008: Doomsters thought it was the end of being able to buy/control property with reduced funds/deposits. Those investors who adapted and learned new strategies and continued to buy using JVs, lease options and buy-refurbremortgage did best.

Actual RESULT: Landlords who kept on going and ignored the noise did best. Landlords who used it as a buying opportunity did amazingly well, much of the stock we bought in this period is now worth (conservatively) 30% more.

Sale and rent back deals (where a property was purchased and rented back to a homeowner who wanted to release cash/clear their mortgage) were effectively banned (regulated): Many thought it was the end. Those who evolved just changed their strategies to move people out of their homes and into another similar rental property or targeted people who didn’t want to rent back.

Actual RESULT: Landlords who adapted to move these people into other properties in their portfolio and therefore were able to continue to buy their properties cheap, did best.

The last Labour government introduced rules which said that planning permission would be required for all new HMOs (even below 6 tenants): People shouted, moaned and many said it was the end. The new government realised how crazy this was and in 2010 this rule was reversed and planning was no longer required.

Actual RESULT: Landlords who adapted their strategy and ignored the noise did best. Many learned what properties planning could be acquired on and bought HMOs in these areas. In 2010, they reverted to their old strategy as the authorities came to their senses.

Another thing to remember is that the things I have mentioned above ACTUALLY happened.

90% (no exaggeration) of things that people worry about won’t and have not actually happened, some of which are below:

“The EU will force the banning/regulation of buy to let mortgages” the UK treasury got rid of this with an amendment to the interpretation of a professional investor.

“Buy to let mortgages will all but be removed from the market” The Times ran an article with a similar headline to this in 2008. The reality at the time was that buy to let mortgages on offer had reduced but it was clear that there were still many options, those who persevered got borrowing and the market has grown significantly since the recession.

“Properties will drop 50% to 70% during the credit crunch” yes they dropped but not by this margin and this didn’t affect those who held.

“Interest only mortgages are finished, capital repayment will be the only option following the credit crunch” Whilst Owner Occupier mortgages in the main became capital repayment, the buy to let mortgage market remained almost exclusively interest only.

This is just a snap shot of the article, if you would like to read more please click here .

Introducing the Mortgage Broker

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 16:56:43 GMT

The man behind the name GRD Financial Services

Get a Quote

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 12:49:56 GMT

Get a Quote

Finalist for Professional Adviser Awards

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 10:20:47 GMT

Best Client Engagement

Feeling very proud today as we have just been notified that our Broker Mr Giles Duckworth has been made a finalist for Professional Adviser Awards, Best Client Engagement. Many of you know him, and we would really appreciate your support to spread the word of this fantastic recognition. CONGRATULATIONS Giles

FREE Mortgage Health Check

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 10:08:05 GMT

Aiming to help clients save money.

GRD Financial Services recognises the strains of monthly expenditure, and the pressure placed upon families to keep up with social trends, clothes, technology and transport. We also recognise the costs associated with such pressure, therefore we are offering a FREE mortgage health check to any client who requires it.

The advice given will be impartial, and the best advice to meet your needs, with the aim to help reduce your monthly expenditure. GRD Financial Services has access to a comprehensive range of lenders for mortgages, remortgage, but to lets, further advances and product transfers. We also pride ourselves on the referred services we provide to business and developers, who may require specialist commercial loans.

Give us a call is you require any service and we will be only too happy to oblige. 01704822108

15 Best Places to Raise a Family

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 09:31:19 GMT

Where in the UK would you like to raise a family?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/buy/the-15-best-places-to-raise-a-family-in-the-uk/

At a glance / What Brexit would mean for house prices

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 09:19:10 GMT

But many analysts and house builders say that while supply levels are so far behind demand, prices will continue to rise, whether we vote for a Brexit or not.

At a glance | What Brexit would mean for... house prices

· The Chancellor, the governor of the Bank of England, and ratings agencies Fitch and Moody’s, have all warned that house prices could fall substantially, by anywhere from 10- 25pc by 2018. The Treasury said that the average house in London will be £62,000 cheaper in two years after a vote for Brexit.

· This would be because the economy would take a hit and people may find it harder to get a mortgage, therefore making demand levels lower. Campaigners for Vote Leave have said that this could conversely help first-time buyers get on the property ladder if prices fall.

· The number of houses being built could also be affected as an already acute skills shortage would be increased if immigration was curtailed, affecting manual labourers, many of whom come from the EU.

· London would be hit the hardest by a vote to leave the EU, because it has the highest proportion of foreign nationals in the country, many of whom may not be able to live there due to tighter immigration rules. This could lead to fewer people buying or living in the city, and would largely affect the top end of the market.

· But many analysts and house builders say that while supply levels are so far behind demand, prices will continue to rise, whether we vote for a Brexit or not.

Buy-to-let stamp duty loophole: flats above shops

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 12:14:58 GMT

Contact GRD for your updates on commercial mortgages today.

Buy-to-let landlords are investing in commercial and semi-commercial property in an effort to beat the stamp duty rise.

A surcharge of three percentage points was introduced on April 1 and is payable on second homes and residential buy-to-let investments.

However, commercial and semi-commercial property is exempt from the surcharge, meaning that those who invest in these property types will have a lower tax bill.

In addition, falling commercial mortgage rates and new tax rules being introduced next year mean these properties look increasingly attractive.

The Chancellor, George Osborne, reformed the stamp duty regime for commercial property for most buyers in the Budget in March. Buyers are now charged a different rate for each band of the property's value instead of paying a flat rate. According to the Treasury, this will lower stamp duty bills for 90pc of buyers.

After the introduction of the second-home surcharge in April, a buyer of a £300,000 buy-to-let would pay £14,000 in stamp duty, while a buyer of a mixed-use property would pay just £4,500 - a saving of almost £10,000.

In addition, commercial yields are often significantly higher than residential yields. Experts say buyers can get as much as a 6pc yield on commercial property in London - double the average residential yield of 3pc in the capital.

As a result, investors are starting to turn to mixed-use and commercial options.

Research published earlier this week by Mortgages for Business, a broker, showed that a fifth of investors were now considering semi-commercial property – a figure that has more than doubled since November last year.

David Whittaker, the broker's managing director, said: “With higher yields it is no surprise that there has been a sizeable shift towards the more complex property types.

“The interest in commercial and semi-commercial property may also have grown because these asset classes do not incur the stamp duty surcharge imposed on residential property.”

While straightforward commercial property might present an intimidating prospect for the casual investor, semi-commercial investments, such as a shop with a flat above, or a pub that has been converted into a shop and flats, represent a good middle ground, said Shaun Church, a director of Private Finance, another broker.

"The flat above the shop is the best approach for an amateur. Depending on the type of tenant in the shop, it’s a nice halfway house between commercial and residential investment," he said.

"You've got two different types of property, so it’s an easy way for someone to diversify and reduce their risk – and stamp duty on commercial property is now looking quite attractive."

Once bought, Mr Church suggested that buyers might even consider changing the use of their property in order to maximise the value of their investment.

"Because it's cheaper to buy commercial property, a buyer could look at getting planning permission to convert a building from commercial back to residential.

"The square foot value is more attractive if it’s residential, so you could make a profit on sale. However, you would have to get the planing permission, which would not be guaranteed," he said.

'New stamp duty rules make our flat a better investment'

Faye Grout, 40, a teacher, realised that the new stamp duty regime meant buyers of her mixed-use flat and shop building in Aylesbury, Bucks, not only would be exempt from the higher rate but would actually have a lower tax bill after the Budget announcement.

The building, which has been in her family for three generations, used to be a saddler selling leather goods, which was owned and run by her grandfather.

When the shop closed 15 years ago the family rented it out, first to a hairdresser and then to a coffee shop owner. It also has a two-bed flat, which could be rented out separately.

Now the family want to sell. They used to own a similar property next door, which has already been sold. That sale is what made Ms Grout realise that both properties were exempt from the higher rate.

She said: “The buyers for the shop next door were very keen to complete before the stamp duty changes, but then I realised that they weren’t going to lose out under the new rules - in fact they would pay £1,500 less.”

The second property, which has not yet been sold, is worth £340,000 - and Ms Grout said she thought a buyer could make £25,000 a year in rent on the shop and flat, which would be a 7pc yield.

Will it get even cheaper?

One consideration that may have put off potential investors in the past is the typically higher interest rate on commercial mortgages .

Individuals who buy a commercial property must get a commercial mortgage, and rates tend to be higher than on an ordinary buy-to-let mortgages . Mr Whittaker estimated that a typical rate would currently be around 3.5pc.

It's also harder to get an interest-only mortgage on a commercial property than on a buy-to-let property. For mixed-use properties capital repayment loans are more common.

But experts say commercial mortgage rates are coming down and predict that more mainstream providers will begin to offer commercial mortgages as landlords consider incorporating to avoid the higher tax on buy-to-let income being introduced in April next year.

The new regime means that landlords who are higher-rate taxpayers will be unable to deduct their mortgage interest from their rental income before calculating their tax bill. This has led many experts to advise landlords to consider setting up a limited company, as businesses are exempt from the higher rate of tax and pay much lower corporation taxes instead.

Individual landlords who buy mixed-use properties can continue to claim mortgage interest relief after the new regime is introduced, making these investments an even more attractive prospect in future, said Mr Whittaker.

“You will still be able to offset your interest even in 2020 [when the new tax regime takes full effect]. At the moment you pay a little bit more on the mortgage, but banks are already indicating that their rates on mixed-use property will come down," he said.

"You're getting a much, much better yield. It’s not yet a cavalry charge towards the high street but we are starting to see a movement that way."

How are you beating the buy-to-let crackdown? Let us know: Contact GRD Financial Services for Commercial Mortgages and Loans

5 tips for presenting a home for sale

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Mon, 23 May 2016 11:49:27 GMT

How you present your home, could impact your sale.

If you're looking to sell your home fast, the photographs used on your online listing should present your property from all its best angles

With more than 98 per cent of buyers clicking on to the internet to search for their new homes, the first few seconds’ viewing has become make or break.

Check local homes for sale on the web and you will see some showing bright, sunny rooms with a minimum of clutter, flowers on the table and fresh towels and bedding.

Pictures are by far the most important part so it is worth having professional photos taken

The next photo down could be a dingy house with unmade beds, dirty dishing in the sink, washing on the line and toys and clothes left lying around.

The first will instantly catch the eye of potential buyers, while the second will turn them off just as quickly.

All this means that today you have to take an active part in selling your home and learn to market it. Put yourself in the place of buyers and imagine you are seeing your house for the first time.

Shona Bates, of SMB Interior Design , specialises in helping people sell their homes by presenting them so that they appeal to the maximum number of buyers.

She says: “The key to best presenting a house for sale is to tidy, declutter, clean, neutralise the decor, fix minor repairs, decorate if appropriate and subtly accessorise.”

Ms Bruce offers these top five tips for readying your home for sale:

Store excess and outdated furniture, books and toys off site. Do not use the loft or garage where viewers will want to look.
Fix chips in woodwork, cracks in plaster, broken tiles or glass and dripping taps, and replace mouldy grout or sealant in the bathroom.
Neutralise the decor by painting over bold colours and get rid of patterned carpets. Remove family photos and ornaments and use colour sparingly on a few accent pieces.
Clean outside and in, including all surfaces and floors, both sides of windows and ledges and cobwebs clinging to walls. Do not forget to tidy the front garden as that is the first thing buyers will see.
Style and accessorise by making up the beds with fresh neutral linen, dress the table for dinner, turn on lamps and add flowers and fresh fluffy towels.

Follow these rules, make sure your home is looking at its best, and you are ready to show to potential buyers.

Online estate agent YOPA says that when providing details of a property you should supply as much information as possible to attract buyers, so think about your home’s best selling points.

For instance, is there parking available? Is there potential in the future to extend the house or add a conservatory? Does the building have any period features? If you have a garden, what makes it special?

Of course, in online listings the pictures are by far the most important part so it is worth having professional photos taken. YOPA says that its photographers use wide-angle lens to give viewers the best impression of properties.

Most sellers also take advantage of its range of optional extras.

YOPA managing director Daniel Attia says: “We offer an easy-to-read floor plan, a 360-degree virtual tour and a premium listing on the three main property portals, Rightmove, Prime Location and Zoopla, which guarantees your home will be seen by 30 per cent more people.

“All these could help boost your viewings and help you to sell your home fast.

“In addition, sellers can also choose to have a for sale sign, as the local market still matters and the buyer you are looking for might just turn out to be one of your neighbours.” Book a FREE initial meeting with a qualified mortgage broke r at GRD Financial Services to see what you could afford and what lenders are available.

GRD Family

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Tue, 17 May 2016 15:40:36 GMT

GRD will help relieve the stress of the mortgage process

GRD are proud to launch new services which will reduce the time consumed within a mortgage process, follow our simple guidelines, our current turnaround time from application to offer is averaging 48hrs.

Remember the client is always in control, but we are here to work for you, to communicate on your behalf and relieve the pressure.

We are here for you, contact us now.

Builders and Developers

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Tue, 17 May 2016 15:11:51 GMT

Seeking commercial finance

Protect yourself against repossession of home

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Tue, 10 May 2016 10:55:01 GMT

Repossession is just an illness away, are you protected?

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up payments on your mortgage.

What it really means is; ........

“We are going to lend you tens of thousands of pounds to buy a house. You will have to make regular payments to us to repay the loan over a number of years. If for any reason at all (maybe through an accident, sickness, a serious illness like a heart attack or stroke, or if you lose your job) you are unable to earn a living and can’t afford repayments, then really it’s not our problem. It’s yours!

We will make sure that we don’t lose out just because you are sick or injured and can’t work, can’t pay. We’ll try to help for a while, but we will do whatever necessary to recover the money we have lent you, and if that means taking your home and selling it, then that’s what we’ll do. And by the way, we won’t lend you anything until you sign in agreement to this. Have a nice day!”

GRD Financial Services can source you the right protection to shield you from any adverse challenges you may experience. Sourcing protection for Life and Critical Illness, Income Protection and or Family Income benefit, all o of these protection types will support you with the relevant funds to continue paying you mortgage and or pay off your mortgage in full.

Call GRD today, to ensure you get the protection you and your family need, to keep a roof over your heads in times of hardship. Click Here.

Fresh view on Lancashire Property market

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Mon, 09 May 2016 09:18:35 GMT

GRD be your mortgage broker.

More than nine in 10 home-owners expect property prices in their areas to increase in the coming months, a website has found.

Some 92% of homeowners surveyed for Zoopla expect property values where they live to continue marching upwards over the next six months - with a typical predicted growth rate of 9.5% over the period.

Home-owners were found to have high confidence levels in house price growth despite recent reports suggesting factors such as the EU referendum could sprinkle some uncertainty over the housing market in the coming months.

Those in the East of England and South East England are most confident, with 96% in both regions expecting the value of homes in their area to continuing rising in value, closely followed by London, where 94% of home-owners expect prices to keep on rising.

People in London expect to see the biggest increases in value, with home-owners in the capital expecting a double digit growth rate of 12.5% for their area.

Those living in Wales, Scotland and the North East of England tend to be slightly less confident - although the vast majority still expect prices to rise. In Wales and Scotland, 85% of home-owners expect prices in their area to increase over the next six months, while in the North East 80% expect prices to increase.

A recent Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) survey of members found a "climate of uncertainty" lies ahead for the UK's housing market.

Rics previously said new stamp duty changes which have made the tax more expensive for buy-to-let investors, the EU referendum and forthcoming devolved elections are all behind this expectation.

However, another recent report, from Rightmove, showed that the price of a property coming to market across England and Wales leapt to a new record high of £307,033 on average in April.

Rightmove said a recent surge of buy-to-let investors snapping up properties before stamp duty increases on April 1 had enabled more people to trade up - and pushed up house prices higher up the property ladder.

The Zoopla Housing Market Sentiment Survey found that across the UK, home owners expect the value of their own property to increase by 8.8% on average over the next six months.

The research also found that nearly half (44%) of homeowners plan to improve their properties in the next six months,by raising capital for home improvements, GRD will help support you in your quest to source the right product for you and your circumstances.

Despite the high levels of confidence in the market, the survey of more than 1,600 homeowners also suggests that getting a mortgage approved is a growing concern.

Nearly a third (32%) believe it is now harder to get approval for a mortgage than it was six months ago, up from 26% who said this when similar research was carried out in October 2015.

Lawrence Hall, a spokesman for Zoopla, said: "Despite uncertainty around the upcoming EU referendum, this does not appear to have knocked consumer confidence levels.

"As you'd imagine, those who live in areas that have seen the most marked property value increases over the past few years, such as London, the East of England, and the South East, have the most confidence in further value rises over the coming months.

"What is slightly surprising is the number of home-owners that believe it is now more difficult to secure a mortgage rising to a third despite historically low mortgage rates.

"This could indicate that the supply of low mortgage rates could be about to reduce as lenders try to pre-empt the Bank of England's movements regarding the base rate."

Buying a house in the current market.

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Mon, 09 May 2016 08:59:34 GMT

One mans loss, is another man's gain, is now the time to invest?

House-sellers are starting to slash bigger chunks off their original asking prices, potentially giving buyers more opportunities to negotiate a discount, a property website has found.

The average discount on the original asking price of a property across Britain is now more than £25,000 - an increase of nearly £4,000 compared with the typical discount in January, Zoopla found.

In January, the average discount where the asking price of a property had been reduced was £21,570, but now the typical reduction on a property price is £25,265 - an increase of £3,695.

The findings, taken from properties listed on Zoopla's website, also show that 29% of homes currently listed for sale have had the price cut at least once since the property was first listed.

On April 1, a stamp duty increase came into force for people buying second homes, such as buy-to-let investors. Some reports have suggested that house sales were brought forward which might otherwise have taken place later this year, as investors rushed to beat the stamp duty deadline.

With demand from investors dying back in April after the tax hike came into force, some sellers may have been encouraged to offer bigger discounts in the hope of agreeing a sale.

Zoopla said e ight of the 10 areas with the highest proportion of properties with a reduced asking price are located in the North of England, with almost half of all properties listed in St Helens (43.7%), Hartlepool (42.5%) and Middlesbrough (40%) having been marked down. Also in the top 10 are Haverfordwest in Wales, and Great Yarmouth in East Anglia.

London buyers looking to get a knock-down price may want to head for Barnet - which has the biggest average price discounts across Britain, at 10.8% on average. Particularly big discounts can also be found in Coventry and Salford, the research found.

Looking just at London, Kensington and Chelsea is the borough with the highest proportion of asking price reductions in the capital. One in three (33%) properties in Kensington and Chelsea have had price markdowns.

And asking prices appear to be holding up well in Wembley and Milton Keynes, which are among the areas with the lowest proportions of homes with price reductions on the market as well as the list of areas with the smallest discounts on offer.

Meanwhile, prices at the upper end of the property market also appear to be holding firmer than those generally. Less than one in four (24%) homes with an asking price of more than £1 million have been reduced since they were listed, compared with the general average of 29%.

However, among the million pound-plus properties that have been reduced, the average discount on offer is £179,593 - a sum that could buy an average home outright in many parts of the country.

Lawrence Hall, a spokesman for Zoopla, said: "The rise in the average discount to over £25,000 should be welcome news for aspiring home owners looking to get a foot onto the property ladder.

"Despite increasing house prices across the country, there's clearly still space for negotiation."

Maybe now is the time to snap up a bargain, or remortgage to release equity to invest in your home. Even though this is a challenging market, the mortgage companies are pulling out all the stops to ensure mortgages are secured for a quick and efficient sale . Call GRD t oday and let us relieve the pressure of sourcing and applying a mortgage.

Call to action!

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Thu, 05 May 2016 13:20:59 GMT

Did you know it can take as little as 48hrs to obtain a Mortgage Offer.

Do you need a mortgage, first-time buyer, or you just need remortgage to get a better deal; Did you know it can take just 48hrs to get a mortgage offer and just a month to completion if you get the right advice. Giles Duckworth has acquired many accolades for his success in sourcing, negotiating and obtaining the best deals for his clients. Give him a call today, and change your life we are just a phone call away. 01704822108

A true reason why not to judge.

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Tue, 03 May 2016 14:56:24 GMT

Protection is the best policy, you never know what may happen.

A 24 year old boy seeing out from the train’s window shouted…

“Dad, look the trees are going behind!”

Dad smiled and a young couple sitting nearby, looked at the 24 year old’s childish behavior with pity, suddenly he again exclaimed…

“Dad, look the clouds are running with us!”

The couple couldn’t resist and said to the old man…

“Why don’t you take your son to a good doctor?”The old man smiled and said…“I did and we are just coming from the hospital , my son was blind from birth, he just got his eyes today.

Every single person on the planet has a story. Don’t judge people before you truly know them. The truth might surprise you

Proud Sponsors

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 15:47:02 GMT

Leyland and District Riding Club

GRD Financial Services are extremely proud to sponsor showjumping at Leyland and District Riding Club .

Leyland and District Riding Club provides opportunities for horse lovers to increase and develop their skills in horsemanship in many ways.
Providing individual classes on the showground in Coppull on a monthly basis. This allows people of all ages to share their passion for horses, via

In hand showing
Show jumping
Fun Days

Check out their facebook and enjoy their facilities and experiences, it's a wonderful group.
Thank you Leyland and District Riding Club for accepting the support of GRD Financial Services.

EU mortgage rules spur speedy second charge market:

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 10:55:03 GMT

Changes of second charges, EU regulation.

Second and subsequent charge mortgages have been key beneficiaries of the Mortgage Credit Directive, according to specialist broker V Loans, which has opened up the market and led to increased competitiveness for consumers.

In place since 21 March, the new EU-wide rules brought second and subsequent charge loans under the same regulatory regime , with the same advice process for both. This meant to remain independent, brokers now need to include second-charge in their scope of service

Data collected by The Loans Engine during the first week post-MCD found that eight out of 10 directly authorised mortgage advisers opted to provide advice on second-charge products and retain their independence.

V Loans, which was acquired by Key Retirement Group in October 2014 , launched an advisory service back in January to help those not wishing to take on responsibility for advising on second charge.

But it has now found rule changes have improved the customer journey by removing some outdated customer protections, such as the 16 day cooling off period.

These changes have put second charge mortgages in a position to rival both bridging loans and remortgages, where speed is the driving factor, said the second charge master broker’s managing director Marie Grundy.

“We are still in the very early days of the new MCD legislation, but the benefits for the sector are already plain to see. Across the industry we are seeing some second charge mortgages complete within a matter of days once a recommendation has been made to the borrower.”

She pointed out that previously any material difference in the second charge offer, such as a change to the loan amount or lower than expected property valuations, meant the borrower had to go through a further cooling off period, “detrimental to those borrowers who were looking to meet specific deadlines to release capital from their property”.

Because a solicitor is not required in the vast majority of second charge transactions, in many instances it will be quicker than remortgaging and bridging, said Ms Grundy, as well as mitigating the legal costs often associated with bridging finance.

Ray Boulger, senior technical manager at John Charcol, said second charge lending is running at about £2bn per annum, with half of this from one lender, the government, through its Help to Buy Equity Share second charge mortgage.

“This compares with about £220bn per annum of first charge lending, about a third of which is remortgaging.

“Last month’s regulatory changes will give seconds more exposure, but will also tighten up some criteria. Whilst speed is always a consideration in selecting a lender, for most clients looking to raise funds it will not take precedence to getting the best deal.”

He said that whether that is a remortgage or a second charge will continue to be based on the same factors as before the regulation changed.

“The difference is that brokers who previously did not consider seconds now have to and as we see more convergence between the first and second charge markets, including in respect of the higher fees on most seconds, plus more choice in the range of products, a second charge is likely to be the best advice more often.

“However, it will remain a small market compared to remortgaging and it generally serves a different purpose to bridging,” added Mr Boulger.

Mortgage advice Ormskirk

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 09:00:41 GMT

Advice for The Mortgage Broker within GRD Financial Services

GRD is proud to support Great Ormond Street.

GRD Financial Services is an up and coming service, family run, based in Lancashire, here to meet your needs to obtain the best mortgage. GRD is part of a Nationwide Award Winning network First Complete . Our highly experienced Mortgage Broker Mr. Giles Duckworth is situated in Lancashire, but far reaches this area, he is able to offer expert, comprehensive advice, either face to face or over the telephone, to fit in with your schedule and lifestyle.

The Mortgage Broker is fully qualified and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. As well as mortgage advice, our mortgage advice, are able to offer you information about the most suitable mortgage solutions selected from hundreds of competitive lender schemes.

There are 100′s of different mortgage companies and no one adviser can state that they are an expert in all of the lenders schemes, products, criteria and niches. Here at GRD work with Fist Complete Network with access to a comprehensive range of lenders, specific mortgage type such as residential mortgages and remortgages, buy to let finance, offset mortgages and bad credit mortgages. Working with the network allows the mortgage adviser to have a greater in depth knowledge of the lenders within their specialist field. This gives you a better understanding and in depth knowledge of the product they are advising you on rather than a generalist view of a host of lenders.

Our Expertise is here for you.

The expertise the broker has in the marketplace combined with direct access to the lenders underwriters and decision makers (for the more complex scenarios) will allow them to advise you on the correct mortgage in a speedy and efficient manner – getting it right first time. We receive numerous calls from new clients who are dissatisfied with the speed of service or incorrect placement of their initial mortgage by a previous mortgage adviser or broker due to their lack of knowledge and expertise in lender criteria which ultimately ends up wasting your time and money.

GRD is here for your benefit, providing expertise and access to comprehensive range of lenders and providers, buy to let mortgages, re-mortgages, first time buyers , bridging loans, bespoke services (high net worth) equity release and commercial loans. We also provide a wide range of protection, bespoke packages including Family Assurance, Critical Illness and Life Insurance, or individual protection, Critical Illness, Family Benefit, Life, Whole of life insurance.

GRD is here for you, so give us a call, make an enquiry, as we offer free advice on the initial meeting.

Limit the risk of health conditions.

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 08:49:46 GMT

Vitamin D 'heals damaged hearts'

Vitamin D supplements may help people with diseased hearts, a study suggests.

A trial on 163 heart failure patients found supplements of the vitamin, which is made in the skin when exposed to sunlight, improved their hearts' ability to pump blood around the body.

The Leeds Teaching Hospitals team, who presented at a meeting of the American College of Cardiology, described the results as "stunning".

The British Heart Foundation called for longer trials to assess the pills.

Vitamin D is vital for healthy bones and teeth and may have important health benefits throughout the body but many people are deficient.

No safe way to suntan - warning

The average age of people in the study was 70 and like many people that age they had low levels of vitamin D even in summer.

"They do spend less time outside, but the skin's ability to manufacture vitamin D also gets less effective [with age] and we don't really understand why that is," said consultant cardiologist Dr Klaus Witte.

Patients were given either a 100 microgram vitamin D tablet or a sugar pill placebo each day for a year.

And researchers measured the i mpact on heart failure - a condition in which the heart becomes too weak to pump blood properly.

The key measure was the ejection fraction, the amount of blood pumped out of the chambers of the heart with each beat.

In a healthy adult the figure is between 60% and 70%, but only a quarter of the blood in the heart was being successfully pumped out in the heart failure patients.

But in those taking the vitamin pills, the ejection fraction increased from 26% to 34%.

Dr Witte told the BBC News website : "It's quite a big deal, that's as big as you'd expect from other more expensive treatments that we use, it's a stunning effect.

"It's as cheap as chips, has no side effects and a stunning improvement on people already on optimal medical therapy, it is the first time anyone has shown something like this in the last 15 years."

The study also showed the patients hearts became smaller - a suggestion they are becoming more powerful and efficient.

In the UK, people over 65 are advised to take 10 microgram supplements of the vitamin.

However, Dr Witte does not think high-dose vitamin D should be routine prescribed just yet.

He told the BBC: "We're a little bit off that yet, not because I don't believe it, but data have shown improvements in heart function, they may show improvements in symptoms and we now need a large study."

It is also not clear exactly how vitamin D is improving heart function, but it is thought every cell in the body responds to the vitamin.

Most vitamin D comes from sunlight, although it is also found in oily fish, eggs and is added to some foods such as breakfast cereals.

Prof Peter Weissberg, from the British Heart Foundation, cautioned that the patients seemed no better at exercise.

And added: "A much bigger study over a longer period of time is now needed to determine whether these changes in cardiac function can translate into fewer symptoms and longer lives for heart failure patients.

Give GRD financial services a call if you require more protection, £150k of life insurance can cost as little as £10 per month.

Buy To Lets

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Mon, 04 Apr 2016 08:20:08 GMT

'The Government's buy-to-let tax changes mean I will have to sell - or raise rents'

Further evidence is emerging of the pressures that are building on buy-to-let landlords as a result of the Government’s tax increases.

Even a modest rise in interest rates would force losses on property investors in 70pc of locations, new figures show, while more landlords have come forward to say they will sell their properties or raise rents in response to the abolition of tax relief on mortgage interest and the new stamp duty penalty.

The research found that today’s average profits for landlords of about £3,400 a year would turn to a loss of more than £300 if mortgage rates rose by 2.5 percentage points by the end of the decade (see below for details of the research).

Jaye Cook, 34, who owns five properties in Kent, is so worried about the tax changes that he plans to sell some of his existing portfolio or raise the rents he charges his tenants.

Mr Cook, a self-employed business consultant, started investing in property 15 years ago with his wife, Emma, also 34, and had planned to continue developing his portfolio with a view to bolstering his retirement income.

The couple live in Chatham, Kent, with their two children, four-year-old Madison and 18-month-old Devon. “My biggest fear is that I’ll start to make a loss every month once this landlord tax kicks in, as we’re going to be taxed on the revenue rather than the profit,” he said. “These changes will force landlords to raise their rents to make ends meet, or they’ll sell up and create a glut of buy-to-let properties.”

He said the changes had “come out of the blue” and that he was worried about the possibility of more new policies that penalise buy-to-let investors. “When the Government made the announcement in last year’s Autumn Statement I didn’t think it would come to fruition because I felt the changes were isolating the Conservative voter,” Mr Cook said.

But he is now considering his options on the basis that the new taxes will take effect as planned. “I would sell my buy-to-let property portfolio if I wasn’t tied into fixed mortgages and because I think there will be a dip in property prices after April’s stamp duty change,” he said.

“We will have to make a decision as the various fixed rate-deals come to an end.” “The other way to cope is to increase rents. I would feel guilty if I had to do this on the basis of the tax changes, but if we don’t we will end up with losses. We will decide within the next 12 months.”

Budget devil in the detail in our next money newsletter

How new taxes and interest rate rises would decimate profits

Buy-to-let could become unprofitable in seven out of 10 towns and cities by 2020 if interest rates were to rise by 2.5 percentage points, according to data obtained by Telegraph Money .

Using current house price, rent and mortgage data, the figures showed that landlords with 40pc equity in their property and a mortgage currently fixed at 3pc for three years would be making an average annual loss of £325 by 2020.

The data, provided by Property Partner, a “crowdfunding” website, covers more than 100 of Britain’s largest towns and cities. At present, landlords’ average net profit is calculated at £3,419, falling to £2,555 by 2020 even if mortgage rates remained at 3pc, thanks to the phasing out of mortgage interest tax relief. A 2.5 percentage point rise in mortgage rates would be enough to produce the £325 loss.

Investors in some towns face bigger losses. In Salisbury, landlords currently make an average annual profit of £2,200, the data shows.

By 2020, with both a cut in mortgage tax relief and a 2.5 percentage point rate rise, they would make a loss of £2,984 a year – a swing in fortune of £5,184.

In Cambridge and Winchester the reversal in fortunes would be even greater. In Cambridge the average profit today is £4,257 but would swing into the red with a £2,418 annual loss in 2020.

In Winchester an annual profit today of £5,835 would be wiped out and landlords would face an annual deficit of £2,169. Fewer than one in five towns and cities will offer a net rental profit of more than £100 a month by 2020, according to the data.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/personal-banking/mortgages/the-governments-buy-to-let-tax-changes-mean-i-...

Protection doesn't have to cost the earth

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 11:32:49 GMT

Your the best investment you can make.

CARE COVER WITH WHOLE OF LIFE INSURANCE

Imagine something happened to you that meant you then required life-long care. Knowing you have a plan in place should you need life-long care at any time in your life will give you peace of mind.

How to buy

AIG Care Cover with Whole of Life Insurance can help you protect your assets by:

contributing to your care costs should something happen where you are no longer able to live independently; or

providing your family and loved ones with a lasting financial legacy when you die or are diagnosed with a terminal illness; and contributing to funeral costs.

How does it work?

If you are diagnosed with a medical condition that means you can no longer live independently or suffer from severe cognitive impairment, AIG Care Cover with Whole of Life Insurance will pay 75% of the amount you are insured for.

It doesn’t matter how old you are when you are diagnosed, you can claim at any age.

If you find that you do not need to make a claim on care cover, we will pay 100% of the amount you are insured for when you die or are diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Only one payment will be made under Care Cover with Whole of Life Insurance (for care cover or death/terminal illness). Once this payment is made, the insurance ends.

Features of our Care Cover with Whole of Life Insurance include:

Available to people up to 84 years of age;
Available up to £400,000 of sum assured with 75% of this payable in the event of a care cover claim;
Care cover benefit can be claimed at any age;
Can be purchased as single or joint life insurance;
Access to Best Doctors as standard; and
A range of flexible options enabling you to tailor the product to your specific circumstances.

We recommend you speak to a financial adviser to find out what and how much financial support you need, as well as deciding which of our products and features suit you best. If you don’t already have an Independent Financial Adviser, you can find one at www.unbiased.co.uk

Protection for life is affordable.

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 12:35:48 GMT

You can't put a price on life, but if you could?

I always thought that life protection was expensive, but it can cost as little as £10.48 for £200,000 worth of Life cover, and £16 for £150,000 life and £30k Critical Illness, this means I would get paid £30k if I was diagnosed with a Critical Illness, Cancer, Heart, Liver, Kidney, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, and the list goes one. I would like to put a different perspective on the reasons why protection is important, recalling some of my own life experiences.

What do we think of when we hear the word “life”? Amazing, tragic, funny or painful? Or do you perceive it as a journey, a story, an adventure? A personal perspective on life can differ in many ways, ones who have experienced pain and anguish, poverty and deprivation, differ from those who have experienced, positivity, affluence and a good life.
So what does this mean for life or protection? Who are most likely to value life? Those who have lived a life of poverty, on the breadline, and worked up to achieve a good standard of living or those who have been more fortunate and experienced fewer challenges?

This thought-provoking question is asked to encourage you to recognise the way you perceive yourself, your pride, your self-respect, how much do you value YOU?

Life cannot or should not have a monetary value placed upon it, but as life is, we all have living expenses, some of us have children, partners, husbands and wives which we may leave behind. The question is how would those people manage if you died? Would your estate be left, or is this something you wish to protect today?

Protection doesn’t only apply to adults; this can also apply to children. Children’s critical illness will protect the child from birth. This sends a shiver down my spine and we all think it won’t happen to us, but it happened to me twice, the first time my son was 4mths old and second son was 6mths old.
They suffered SEVERE BRAIN TRAUMA (which was caused by a rare condition, only diagnosed five years later) this condition would have been seen as a critical illness, had we have had the cover; it would have paid a lump sum to help us with medical professionals, therapy or living. It could have changed their lives.

Life cover, whole of life cover , protection, insurance isn’t only about the money; it’s about the quality of life. How much do you value life, how will those you leave behind live without your income, and will they survive? You can make a difference and you can do it today, Life, Protection all within reach, and it’s affordable, so what’s stopping you? Pick up the phone and call today.

Does jargon weigh you down?

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 12:51:06 GMT

Let GRD Bust that jargon

Have you ever been in a Mortgage meeting or appointment and been bamboozled by the words they use? Interest Rates, APR, ASU, Arrears, CCJ, Bankruptcy, Conveyancing, Defaults and many more.
GRD Financial Services will give you clear precise advice, products centred around the client. Let GRD be your Jargon Buster, and support you to make your wishes come true.

Budget impacts

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 16:32:14 GMT

How Does it affect you?

Iain Duncan Smith’s warning that George Osborne’s budget will hit poorer families hardest while preserving the incomes of the better off and pensioners has been backed up by an influential thinktank.

Sustained benefit cuts will result in many households in the bottom 20% of earners losing up to 12% of their income by 2019, according to a report published on Monday by the influential Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).

Meanwhile, households in the top half of income bracket will be no worse off and even the poorest pensioners will be 2% in the red at most.

The former work and pensions secretary resigned on Friday , accusing Osborne of delivering a “deeply unfair” budget that inflicted substantial reductions in disability benefits while offering tax cuts for the most affluent.

The report said the tax and benefit changes from April last year to 2019 would end a period when income distribution was squeezed, mainly as a result of top earners paying higher taxes and suffering the withdrawal of generous pension-saving subsidies.

Paul Johnson, the director of the IFS, said: “Raising the threshold for paying higher-rate tax is clearly helping people in the middle- and upper-income brackets, while the cuts to benefits reduce the incomes of families on lower incomes.”

The stories you need to read, in one handy email

He highlighted the switch from tax credits to universal credit as a major blow to working households at the bottom of the income scale. “Once universal credit is in place, the benefit system is much less generous,” he said.

Duncan Smith was responsible for introducing universal credit and unsuccessfully fought Treasury demands for it to be less generous than the current tax credit system.

In recent years, he has argued for some pensioner benefits such as the winter fuel allowance to be means tested so the government could show that all groups are sharing the pain of austerity.

A chart in the report illustrating the impact of tax and benefit changes until the end of the current parliament shows the lowest 10% of households with children losing almost 10% of their income, while the next band lose more than 12%.

The poorest 10% of pensioners lose 2% of their income;e pensioners in the top 20% of earners gain or avoid losing any income at all.

The IFS report stated: “Pensioners are protected while poorer working-age households are hit hard, especially those with children. This is the result of the continued protection of pensioner benefits (including maintaining the ‘triple lock’ on the basic state pension) while making further deep cuts to working-age benefit spending.

“Households in the upper half of the income distribution (but below the very top) are likely to see little direct impact of tax and benefit changes on their incomes on average, as some benefits cuts and small tax rises are offset by further increases in the income tax personal allowance, and the raising of the higher-rate threshold.”

Act now, the power is in your hands.

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 09:59:32 GMT

What if the worst happened?

Read this post

What If...

A recent sudden illness turned out to be just appendicitis. But what if it had been worse?

“My 11 year old son was rushed to hospital last Thursday night and on Friday morning had his appendix removed. Thankfully it was only appendicitis and he was able to come home on Saturday. My 2 night tour of A&E and the children’s ward opened my eyes.

· Firstly, and sadly, my eyes were opened to sheer number of kids on the ward, of all ages and for all sorts of reasons; some clearly long-term. It hammered home to me just how often ‘it happens’ to those who say ‘it’ll never happen to me’. And that’s just one ward, in one hospital, in one town, on one day.

· The occasional word cuts through the general hullabaloo of a busy children’s ward. When the word ‘Oncology’ rings out it sends a shiver down your spine.

· Then there’s the sheer logistical mess of trying to juggle being with J and still being around for the other two kids at home - because even with a child in hospital, life goes on.

And the juggling is hard work, complex, and expensive with two parents, two cars, 3 kids, one in hospital, two at school, and a dog. J wants his mum and dad with him, but the other two can’t come home to an empty house and aren’t old enough to go shopping or cook their own meals, so they need a parent with them too. Then there’s the valiant attempt to maintain ‘business as usual’ for the two at home; homework, swimming, gymnastics, the morning chaos that’s called getting ready for school. And the dog to walk!

Mrs B spent Thursday night in hospital with J trying to sleep, best she could, on a chair. So on the Friday morning I sort the usual routine out, get the brother and sister off to school, run the dog around the field quickly then shoot to the hospital. Mrs B and I sit there with J, make him as comfortable as possible and reassure him before he makes his way to theatre, clutching both our hands as he’s wheeled along busy corridors. As he recovers, we buy a couple of meal deal lunches from the hospital branch of Boots and realise just how expensive cold and old sandwiches can be.

Then soon after lunch I head home to let the mutt out, give her a walk that Mo Farah would be proud of and be back home in time for when kids 1 and 2 come home from school... and realise as I leave that we’re paying most of our money to the hospital car park.

And all the time, I’m trying to think about the work I should be doing. Oh my word! Work! How can I go there with a child in hospital and two more to juggle with? What’s going to give?

Well luckily I was only away from work on the Friday and with the blessing or curse of a smart phone was at least able to keep on top of most things. Not every parent has a job that would enable them to do that.

Gone are the days of burying your head in the sand and claiming “It won’t happen to me”. It DOES happen and it’s not always just appendicitis.

Juggling family, work, and trips to the hospital is difficult, just over a short period of time. Imagine it was more serious? How would you cope if it required a longer stay? Would your employer understand after more than a few weeks? Could you afford the extra of a long hospital stay?

And what if it’s cancer?

Our infographic shows you some stats from AIG Life’s claim stats and Macmillan’s ‘Cancer’s Hidden Price Tag’ research report.

Could you afford to lose over £500 a month? What about over £800 a month? Plus an increase in monthly expenses on top of that loss?1

The cost of cancer is calculated as the loss of income and the additional costs experienced as a result of a person’s diagnosis.

It does happen, and it’s very costly when it does!

Contact us today to see how we can help you find an affordable protection plan that includes FREE children’s Critical Illness Benefit that will pay up to £25,000 on a valid Children’s Critical Illness claim.

Protect your children and your family today!

What is a County Court Judgement

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 13:16:48 GMT

How a CCJ can impact money lenders

What is a County Court Judgement?

Recognising Women Around the World

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 13:15:39 GMT

International Woman's Day

Read this post
As a woman it's sometimes difficult walking in the shadow of others, only when we accept our true potential can we fly. I myself have achieved amazing things, often in the face of adversity, yet my belief, passion and commitment to share my life experiences with others has exceeded me. Prior to joining my husband at GRD i had created a charity Rainbow House, i raised over £17million in 10 in 10 years, i built a purpose built rehabilitation centre and impacted thousands of people, disabled children, their families, students i have mentored, businesses i have supported and charities i have helped flourish.

I did this, because my own two boys lived with a life limiting condition, which caused irreparable brain damage. I saw what help they needed, and i created it. Now we are on a new journey as the boys have outlived every other child around the world, diagnosed with this condition, they are the eldest in the world.

I never thought i would see the day, when we would celebrate their 18th or 21st birthday, as all others have died at 16yrs. But i believed that they could see this day, and they have, against all adversity, against all the pain they have experienced.
My boys are a walking testament to the power of belief, as when they were unable to believe, i believed for them, set challenges, targets and they overcame each one triumphantly.

Today is our day to be proud, to share each others experiences and spread the word of goodwill, acceptance and respect, today you can be you and shine like any woman should. Today is your Day. International Women's Day

Credit Reports

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 12:53:24 GMT

Credit Reports can assist Mortgage Applications

A credit score is a numerical expression based on a level analysis of a person's credit files, to represent the creditworthiness of the person. A credit score is primarily based on a credit report information typically sourced from credit bureaus .

Lenders, such as banks and credit card companies, use credit scores to evaluate the potential risk posed by lending money to consumers and to mitigate losses due to bad debt . Lenders use credit scores to determine who qualifies for a loan, at what interest rate , and what credit limits. Lenders also use credit scores to determine which customers are likely to bring in the most revenue. The use of credit or identity scoring prior to authorizing access or granting credit is an implementation of a trusted system .

Credit scoring is not limited to banks. Other organizations, such as mobile phone companies, insurance companies, landlords, and government departments employ the same techniques. Credit scoring also has much overlap with data mining , which uses many similar techniques. These techniques combine thousands of factors but are similar or identical.

Planning for financial security

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 09:36:38 GMT

Taboo conversations no-one likes to discuss.

Read this post

Latest research (By Aviva) indicates that many of your clients will be uncomfortable talking to their families about death, but it's even more discomforting to think of a family being left financially vulnerable if the worst were to happen.

The data shows that almost half of all parents have yet to discuss what might happen to their family in the event of their own death.

But the reality is that families only need to take a few positive steps to help protect their children's future, such as:

1. Organising a will

2. Discussing their wishes with their family

3. Arranging financial protection – Life Insurance, or relevant Life Insurance (for those who employed by a company i.e. Director of company)

Call GRD financial services today, to discuss your options regarding financial protection. GRD prides itself on delivering person centred professional services.

Why SA302 is required for Mortgages.

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 10:53:47 GMT

What is a Form SA302 and How Do You Get One from HMRC?

“Form SA302 Certifying Income for Mortgage – HMRC makes some changes “)

Many lenders are now asking to see copies of HMRC SA302 forms covering the past two or three years tax years. The SA302 is a response from HMRC which is only issued to those who file a paper tax return before 31 October following the end of the tax year. If you or your accountants have filed online you won’t have a SA302 form. The form shows your income for the year and how much tax you owe.

�1D&�

Empower yourself today.

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 09:26:18 GMT

Empower yourself today

Confusion, suffering and fear, can dissipate when you empower yourself, with knowledge and understanding. GRD Financial Services , is here today to support clients to empower themselves with the best product knowledge of affordable protection and mortgages . Believe in yourself today, you have the power.

Feel good about Money

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 09:35:46 GMT

Give good feelings about what you want.

The force of the universe says positive people attract positivity to them. Think about how you feel, what kind of person are you, and what does your life attract? Giving good feelings attract more good feelings to you. GRD believe in the law of attraction, and we are proud to add to the good feeling of the world. Therefore because we appreciate your assistance in sharing your experience with friends and colleagues we will reward any referral with a £50 high street gift voucher. This voucher will be sent to the referee upon completion of the product.
Share this with your friends, join us to spread the word, and welcome the vouchers to your door.
Feel good about money , you are the creator of your own destiny, start creating today. Click here

Your greatest asset is You!

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 12:45:38 GMT

Protection is in the Market?

Many live their lives with a carefree thought, others live their lives, worrying about tomorrow, but majority live their lives failing to recognise the one asset, and that is themselves. Each have responsibilities, to care for children, insure cars, insure buildings and contents, however do you ever stop to think, who would pay these insurances if you were unable to?
Majority if ill would probably obtain Statutory Sick Pay , some would have great packages agreed by their employer, but it is highly unlikely that any package would last longer than a year, what would you do then?
GRD Financial Services hears all too often of the cases where a client has been diagnosed with a critical illness and unable to work, or has had an accident and unable to work for a level of time.

This is where their protection kicks in, Critical Illness will often pays out a one off lump sum, and Income protection will provide the client with a monthly income, (upto 65% of the clients earned income) Which is more than Statutory Sick Pay of £88.25 per week for 28 weeks . So why do society fail to protect their greatest asset?

The asset is YOU, its always been YOU, you just need to embrace this and act. Today is your greatest day, as you choose to respect and value the one person who makes your life worth living, YOU.

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog and look forward to hearing your comments. Have a great day, smile, as life is worth living.

My First Blog Post

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 10:12:48 GMT

It’s official, I have a blog and I know how to use it.

I have finally decided to take the plunge and add a blog to my site. I always wanted an easy way to share information with visitors and I’m super excited to start this journey. Keep coming back to my site and check for updates right here on the blog.

Majority of us live our lives, thinking it will never happen to us. We will always have a job, we will always be healthy, we will always manage. But what if something did happen? Unbeknown to you, the job you work within suddenly shuts down, your given a weeks notice.

What do you do?

You have a cold, go to the doctors and you are told it requires further investigation, leaving you to deteriorate until the results are know and treatment obtained, living of Statutory Sick Pay .

How will you manage?

These are very real scenarios, which occur every day, the one thing you can do to today is protect yourself.

Income Protection

Critical Illness ,

Dont just think about it, act today

10 Reasons You Should Love Blogging

0016987595 (JOANNE DUCKWORTH) — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 10:12:48 GMT

Blog posts are a great way to get recognized within your community and share your voice. Here are the top 10 reasons you should love writing blog posts.

Anyone can make one:
For better or worse, anyone can write a blog post about anything they want. Everyone has a voice and the best voices will rise to the top.

The writer can show their personality:
In blog posts, the writer has more leeway to add in their voice and personality than other types of writing.

Blogs are a great form of mass communication:
You can help people, learn new things, entertain your audience—the possibilities are endless and amazing. Blogging opens up all of these to a very wide audience.

You can make money:
Get the right blog going and you can make a lot of money through advertising and sponsored posts.

It allows people to craft better thoughts:
Instead of reading haphazard, uneducated Facebook statuses, it’s much better to see people’s thought process in a well-written blog post.

You can establish a community:
Blogging allows you to connect with other individuals who share the same interests. Sharing ideas and opinions within your community helps establish yourself as a thought leader.

Good for SEO:
Keeping content on your site fresh and relevant, you can use your blog to boost the search engine ranking (SEO) of your site and your business.

It brings people back to your site:
If your blog is strong enough and updated regularly, people will come back looking for more and bring traffic back to your site as well.

It’s free:
It costs you a grand total of zero dollars to post to the blog, so if you have something to say, there’s nothing to stop you.

You can establish yourself as a thought leader:
A blog is a great place for your original thoughts, and it can be a wonderful way to show off your individuality. If people like your ideas, you can become a thought leader in your industry!

What else do you love about blogs? Let me know!