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    DIY Investing: Are You Really in Control of Your Money?   If you’d like to check whether your DIY portfolio is still working for you, I can introduce you to my financial planning partner, John Kirkwood at Quilter, who can provide full financial planning support when needed.   Many people manage their own investments, and for some, it feels empowering. But DIY investing only works when you truly understand what’s happening behind the scenes. Without the right information, a portfolio can quietly drift off course, exposing you to risks you didn’t intend to take.   Below are a few simple questions that every DIY investor should be able to answer confidently. If any of them give you pause, it may be worth getting a second opinion.   1.        Where is your money actually invested?   Most DIY investors can name the platform they use; but not the underlying funds, sectors, or regions. Your long‑term out...

Rebecca Drummond 2 reviews • 4 photos star star star star star 44 mins ago ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We can't recommend you highly enough! From start to finish, you made the whole mortgage process so easy and completely stress-free. You were always on hand to answer our questions, kept us updated every step of the way, and went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly. Thank you so much for helping us secure our dream home. Your professionalism, knowledge, and friendly approach made all the difference. We are so grateful and wouldn't hesitate to recommend you to anyone looking for a mortgage adviser! Border Mortgage Services CIB Level 3 CeMAP Northumberland Berwick upon Tweed and Scottish Borders Owner Replying publicly Replying publicly Replying publicly 55/4,000 55 of 4000 characters entered

Scottish Government support for first-time buyers with the new First Homes Fund scheme   The Scottish Government’s First Homes Fund shared equity scheme opened for applications on Wednesday 24 June 2026.  The first phase of the scheme provides up to £10,000 to help first-time buyers purchase a new-build or existing property costing up to £300,000. In return, the Government takes a percentage stake in the home.  Funding of £500 million has been committed for the scheme over the course of this parliament, which is expected to help around 50,000 households into homeownership.  Link is the Administering Agent and the scheme is open across the whole of Scotland.  More information – including FAQs and guidance documents – and the online application form are available on our website:

  Helping You With – Pensions- On A Referral Basis When you are reviewing your mortgage, it is the perfect time to check everything else too. Most people only sit down to look at their finances when something big is happening - usually a house purchase, a remortgage, or a change in circumstances. I see it all the time: clients are completely on top of their mortgage, but everything else sits in the background for “another day.” If you are speaking to me about your mortgage, it is the ideal moment to check the rest of your financial picture too, especially your pensions. Have you lost track of your old workplace pensions? Many people have several old workplace pensions from previous jobs. They are easy to forget about, and even easier to put off dealing with. But they can make a real difference to your long-term plans. Ask yourself:  Do you know where all your old workplace pensions are?  Do you know how much is in them?  Do you know how they are invested?  Hav...

One of Our Top Buy to Let Lenders is Saying... Aldermore has a flexible approach to layered SPV structures , which could be a great fit for some of your more complex landlord cases. Let’s bring this to life with a simple example: Parent Company Ltd (Holding Company) Director – Mr Smith Director – Mr Williams       ↓ SPV Ltd (Property-Holding Company) Director – Mr Smith Director – Mr Jones In this scenario, only the SPV, Mr Smith, and Mr Jones would be named on the application , as they are the directors of the borrowing entity. The wider structure (including the holding company and Mr Williams) would simply be captured via a supporting note — helping to keep the application process streamlined.   Key highlights: ✅ No limit on SPV layers ✅ Only the SPV’s directors/shareholders with 25% or more need to be named on the application ✅ Wider ownership structure simply captured via a supporting note on submiss...

 Skipton Building Society Are Saying...   This week the Scottish Government announced details of the Scottish First Homes Fund Scheme. Available on properties valued up to £300,000, the scheme is intended to help more young people and families access homeownership. The shared equity scheme will provide eligible buyers with a £10,000 deposit contribution, supporting up to 2,000 purchasers in its initial phase. The wider programme aims to assist around 50,000 buyers over the course of the Parliament as part of a planned £500 million commitment. We're very pleased to be accepting applications for the scheme and these products will be available from 30 June 2026. " We are delighted to support the Scottish Government’s First Homes Fund with a new range of shared equity products, reinforcing Skipton’s ongoing commitment to helping first-time buyers achieve homeownership. " Jonathan Evans - Senior ...