Clark Shaw Associates

Thrilled to share another fantastic review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you James, so happy to help!

Company Directors!! ⬇️

Did you know you could qualify for tax relief by using your company's funds to cover your life insurance premiums?💷

Many business owners might be overpaying by nearly 50% by using personal funds for these premiums 😳

Company directors are increasingly choosing Relevant Life plans, which HMRC acknowledges as a valid business expense ✅

These plans offer full relief on income tax, national insurance, and corporation tax for both premiums and benefits paid ✅

By making this switch, you could potentially cut your costs by up to 49% compared to personal payments 😃

Drop me a message for more info and to see how much you could save.

Discover the smart way to protect your loved ones cost effectively! 💙

An absolutely stunning back drop yesterday for a Q&A with Justin and James Cooper - By Design Homes South Devon talking all things mortgage and property.

Wolleigh House is a beautiful country home in South Devon on the edge of Dartmoor. Available exclusively via

Understanding the differences between joint life insurance and individual life insurance policies can help you make an informed decision for you and your loved ones ⬇️

Joint Life Insurance Policy👫

A joint life insurance policy covers both partners under a single plan. It provides a payout upon the first death, at which point the coverage ends. This option is typically more cost-effective than two individual policies, but remember that once the benefit is paid out, the surviving partner will no longer have coverage.

Individual Life Insurance Policies🧍🏼‍♀️

Alternatively, each partner can opt for their own individual life insurance policy. This approach offers separate coverage for each person. If one partner passes away, the other’s policy remains intact and continues to provide coverage.

Cost and Coverage Considerations 💷

While cost is an important factor, it shouldn't be the only consideration when choosing life insurance. Different providers offer a range of cover options and added value benefits that can significantly impact your decision. It's crucial to compare what various providers offer in terms of coverage and value to ensure you're getting the best protection for your needs

It’s important to consider your unique needs and financial circumstances. Factors such as age, health, income, dependents, and long-term financial objectives should all be taken into account to determine the most suitable type and amount of life insurance coverage for you and your partner 💙💙

Considering a Fixed-Rate Mortgage? Here’s What You Need to Know! 🏠

A fixed-rate mortgage is a popular choice among homebuyers for its stability and predictability. However, it’s essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks to determine if it’s the right fit for you.

✅ Pros:

Stable Payments: ✅
With a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly payments remain constant for the agreed period (typically 2, 3, 5, or even 10 years). This makes budgeting easier as you’ll know exactly how much you need to pay each month, regardless of fluctuations in the Bank of England’s base rate.

Predictable Costs: ✅
The predictability of a fixed-rate mortgage provides peace of mind. You’re protected from potential interest rate hikes during the fixed term, ensuring that your mortgage payments won’t unexpectedly increase.

Financial Security: ✅
Fixed-rate mortgages offer long-term financial security. This is particularly beneficial if you plan to stay in your home for several years, as you can lock in a favourable rate and avoid market volatility.

❌ Cons:

Less Flexibility: ❌
If interest rates fall, you won’t benefit from lower payments unless you remortgage, which can involve additional costs and effort. Unlike variable rates, where your payments decrease when rates drop, fixed rates remain constant.

Additional Fees: ❌
When considering a fixed-rate mortgage, there may be additional fees to consider compared to other mortgage options. These include valuation fees for assessing the property's value, arrangement fees, legal fees for conveyancing and early repayment charges.

Early Repayment Charges: ❌
Fixed-rate mortgages often come with early repayment charges (ERCs) if you decide to pay off your mortgage early or switch to another deal before the end of the fixed term. These fees can be substantial, so it’s important to consider your long-term plans.

Is a Fixed-Rate Mortgage Right for You? 🤔
A fixed-rate mortgage is ideal if you value payment stability and want to avoid the uncertainty of rate fluctuations. However, if you think interest rates might drop or you plan to move in the near future, you might want to explore other options.

Your home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up with repayments on your mortgage. A fee may be charged for mortgage advice, the exact fee will depend on your circumstances.

Is Klarna Bad for Your Mortgage Application?🤔

💳 Buy-Now-Pay-Later Services and Your Mortgage - What You Need to Know 💳

Services like Klarna and other buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) options are becoming increasingly popular for their convenience.
However, if you're planning to apply for a mortgage, it's essential to understand how these services might impact your application.

How Klarna and BNPL Services Work ⬇️

Klarna and similar services allow you to purchase items now and pay for them later, either in instalments or after a set period. While this can be convenient, it can also affect your financial profile in several ways:

✅ Pros

✅Convenient Payment Options:
BNPL services offer flexible payment options, making it easier to manage your budget for short-term purchases.

✅Interest-Free Periods:
Many BNPL services offer interest-free periods, which can be beneficial if you can pay off the balance within the given timeframe.

❌ Cons

❌Impact on Credit Score:
Using BNPL services can affect your credit score. Missed or late payments are reported to credit reference agencies, which can lower your score and negatively impact your mortgage application.

❌Increased Debt-to-Income Ratio:
Mortgage lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to assess your ability to manage monthly payments. Regular use of BNPL services can increase your outstanding debt, making you appear riskier to lenders.

❌Financial Behaviour:
Frequent use of BNPL services might suggest to lenders that you rely on credit for everyday purchases, which can be seen as a sign of financial instability.

Tips for Managing BNPL Services When Applying for a Mortgage 🏡⬇️

⚫️Monitor Your Credit Report: Regularly check your credit report to ensure all BNPL transactions are accurately reported.

⚫️Limit Use of BNPL Services: Try to minimize your reliance on BNPL options, especially in the months leading up to your mortgage application.

⚫️Pay On Time: Ensure you make all BNPL payments on time to avoid negative impacts on your credit score.

Your home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up with repayments on your mortgage. A fee may be charged for mortgage advice, the exact fee will depend on your circumstances.

Why choose a Broker for Life Insurance when you can use comparison sites? 🤔⬇️

✅We can offer enhanced policies that aren’t available to the general public.

✅We break down and explain all the complex terminology for you.

✅We take the time to understand your needs and recommend the best policy or provider for you, explaining the reasons behind our choices.

✅We ensure you're completely informed about terms like waiting periods, exclusions, and the difference between reviewable and guaranteed premiums.

✅This service is free, so why not take advantage and let a professional handle the hard work for you?

📞01823 428180
🧑‍💻www.clarkshawassociates.co.uk
📧[email protected]

JBSP MORTGAGES 🏡⬇️

Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor mortgages is a way to increase the amount you can borrow by adding a family member or friends income to your mortgage application✅

This type of mortgage allows a family member or friend to help you qualify for a mortgage without them having ownership rights to the property. It’s a great way to increase your borrowing power and get into your dream home faster!😀

If you'd like more information on JBSP Mortgages then get in touch

📞01823 428180
🧑‍💻www.clarkshawassociates.co.uk
📧[email protected]

Your home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up with repayments on your mortgage. A fee may be charged for mortgage advice, the exact fee will depend on your circumstances.

Why Is Now the Right Time to Buy a House? 🤔

Despite expectations, interest rates haven't quite fallen as predicted, but this doesn't mean you should put off buying a house. In fact, now might be the ideal time to make your move🏡

Here’s why ⬇️

Interest Rates and Market Demand: 📉Interest rates could drop, potentially increasing competition and driving up property prices. Buying now could position you ahead of potential price increases.

Build Equity Sooner: 💷 Renting means paying towards someone else’s property. Buying a home starts building your equity immediately.

Enhance Your Lifestyle: 🏡 If you're needing more space like a bigger garden, extra room for an office, or a spacious garage, buying now could significantly improve your living situation.

Deposit Considerations: 💰You might not need to wait to save a larger deposit. Consulting with a mortgage advisor could reveal that you’re more prepared to buy than you think, allowing you to make a well-informed decision promptly

If you’re thinking of buying, knowing how much you can borrow and getting a mortgage in principle means you are in a better position to make an informed decision 😃

Your home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up with repayments on your mortgage. A fee may be charged for mortgage advice, the exact fee will depend on your circumstances.

Another fantastic review for Justin👏🤩

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"If there was a 6 star metric I'd give 7"

Thank you Daniel for your kind words!

Our clients are always at the heart of what we do, so rest assured you’re in the best possible hands💙

Your home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up with repayments on your mortgage. A fee maybe charged for mortgage advice, the exact fee will depend on your circumstances.

A post from Justin Clark - Founder and Director at Clark Shaw Associates ⬇️

Your Mortgage and Insurances should work hand in hand! 🤝

As far as I'm concerned insurance is more important than your mortgage! But a lot of people seem to budget for their mortgage but not their cover. 🤔

So you've worked hard to secure your dream home, but have you thought about how you'll protect it and your family in case the unexpected happens? 🏡

That's where life, critical illness, and income protection insurance come into play, and here's why they should go hand in hand with your mortgage.

First things first, life insurance ensures that your loved ones are financially secure if something happens to you. It can help pay off the mortgage, ensuring they can stay in the family home without worrying about the burden of repayments 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒

Critical illness insurance kicks in if you're diagnosed with a serious illness, providing a lump sum payment that can cover medical expenses, mortgage payments, or other financial obligations. It's a safety net that ensures your family can focus on your recovery without the added stress of financial worries 🩺

Income protection insurance is equally crucial, especially if you're the primary breadwinner. If you're unable to work due to illness or injury, it provides a replacement income to cover your mortgage and living expenses until you're back on your feet. It's peace of mind knowing that you won't fall into financial hardship during difficult times💰

Now, I get it – adding insurance premiums to your monthly expenses might seem daunting. But here's the thing: think about those weekly takeaways or the occasional splurges. By cutting out just a small few luxuries, you can redirect those funds towards protecting your home and your family's future. It really is a small sacrifice for priceless peace of mind 💙

It's all about priorities! ⬇️

What is Global Cover?🌏🩺⬇️


✅With Global treatment you can protect yourself and your children for as little as £3 per month.

✅If you or your children were to be diagnosed with a serious condition like cancer Global Treatment provides you with access to international facilities, doctors and treatment all over the world.

✅If your child was to become ill then Global Treatment will pay expenses for both parents or a parent plus companion.

Having access to medical experts and treatment globally could make all the difference to your outcome💙

Global Treatment is available as an optional extra with Life Insurance, Critical Illness and Income Protection for an additional £3 per month.

Global Treatment covers you and your children for up to £1 million of cover per year and up to a maximum of £2 million during the policy term.

What is a Let to Buy Mortgage?🏡⬇️

With a Let to Buy Mortgage, you can convert your current residential property into a buy-to-let investment while purchasing a new home to live in.

Here's how it works -

✅Rent out your existing property to tenants.
✅Use the rental income to cover the mortgage repayments.
✅Take out a new mortgage to purchase your next home.

You’ll need a good level of equity in your property or savings to make it work.

It's a fantastic solution if you're ready for a change but want to maintain ownership of your current property. Plus, depending on the lender criteria and interest rates you may benefit from rental income! 🏠

Your home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up with repayments on your mortgage. A fee may be charged for mortgage advice, the exact fee will depend on your circumstances.

Do you work in the Construction Industry or have any friends or family that do? If so this may be of help! ⬇️

If you work in the construction industry you can use your CIS payslips for affordability with a select number of lenders when applying for a mortgage🏡

By using your CIS tickets this means you do not need 1 or 2 years self-assessment tax returns.

CIS mortgages typically refer to mortgages offered by the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), which is a government scheme in the UK aimed at helping construction workers manage their tax payments ✅

These mortgages are tailored to individuals who work within the construction industry and may have irregular income patterns due to the nature of their work.

This is a great way to get on the property ladder or move without the need to wait for 1 or 2 years accounts! 😃

📞01823 428180
🧑‍💻www.clarkshawassociates.co.uk
📧[email protected]

Your home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up with repayments on your mortgage. A fee may be charged for mortgage advice, the exact fee will depend on your circumstances.

GP 24/7 -EXPERT MEDICAL ADVICE ANYTIME 🩺👨‍⚕️

More and more insurance providers are offering GP 24/7 as a FREE included benefit with their income protection policies ✅

This is a fantastic added benefit with ever increasing GP appointment waiting times.

It’s an online GP service available to you 24/7, 365 days a year with the option to share this service with your spouse, partner and children🩺💻

Benefits include –

✔️Unlimited remote GP consultations 24/7
✔️Prescriptions sent to your nearest pharmacy
✔️Physiotherapy consultations
✔️Mental health support sessions
✔️Second opinion medical consultations
✔️Yearly health MOT

No more waiting weeks or days on end or rushing to fit appointments in around your busy life. We think this benefit is worth its weight in gold!

📞01823 428180
🧑‍💻www.clarkshawassociates.co.uk
📧[email protected]

Wondering how to boost the odds of getting your mortgage application approved?🏡

It's all about preparation...

Consider these steps -⬇️

✔️Increase your deposit
✔️Improve your credit score
✔️Organise your finances
✔️Consult a mortgage broker

Need assistance getting ready? Our friendly team is here to help💙

📞01823 428180
🧑‍💻www.clarkshawassociates.co.uk
📧[email protected]

Your home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up with repayments on your mortgage. A fee may be charged for mortgage advice, the exact fee will depend on your circumstances.

Are you fully aware of the details of your insurance policies? 🤔

Do you know how long they last, what they cover, and who else might be included ⁉

Many people secure insurance but don’t fully grasp their cover or its benefits - they assume they're covered without ever verifying the details.

It’s impractical to pay for something you don’t understand. If there’s any uncertainty, especially if your life circumstances have changed, it’s crucial to review your policies💯

Many people acquire insurance, file it away, and neglect to understand exactly what they have. Please make sure you’re not one of them.

Often, people only discover the inadequacies of their insurance when it’s too late😖

Although your policy might seem adequate and could remain unchanged after a review, it’s always wise to verify.

I frequently see clients who overestimate their cover or believe they have critical illness cover when they don’t, they’ve confused it with terminal illness cover. This isn’t usually their fault; often, the policies just haven’t been explained properly.

However, if you have insurance and don’t fully understand your policy, this could lead to significant issues if you need to make a claim and it’s denied😔

Check it sooner rather than later.

📞01823 428180
🧑‍💻www.clarkshawassociates.co.uk
📧[email protected]

Recommendations speak volumes. So if you like the way we do business, please recommend us to your friends, family & colleagues!

Share the love and get rewarded. Refer a friend to Clark Shaw Associates and receive £100 gift voucher💙💷

If you tell someone else about our service, on completion of their mortgage and/or protection you'll receive £100 gift voucher as a big thank you!*

*Terms and conditions apply

📞01823 428180
🧑‍💻www.clarkshawassociates.co.uk
📧[email protected]

Your home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up with repayments on your mortgage. A fee may be charged for mortgage advice, the exact fee will depend on your circumstances.

INCOME PROTECTION VS CRITICAL ILLNESS?🤔

Income Protection was founded in 1880
Critical Illness protection was founded in 1983
103 years between them but more people are aware of Critical Illness!😲

Income Protection and Critical Illness insurance are both vital in safeguarding your financial stability during challenging times, but they serve different purposes and offer distinct benefits ⬇️

Income Protection Insurance is designed to provide you with a regular income if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. This type of insurance ensures a steady flow of funds, typically up to a certain percentage of your salary, until you can return to work or reach the policy's end date. It's a safety net that helps you maintain your lifestyle and meet your financial commitments without depleting your savings.

Someone in their 30’s on £35,000 could earn £1,330,000 if they worked until state retirement on the same salary.

On the other hand, Critical Illness Insurance offers a lump sum payment if you're diagnosed with one of the specific critical illnesses covered by the policy, such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke. This one-time payment can be used at your discretion, whether for medical treatments, to pay off debts, or to adapt your lifestyle to your health needs. It provides a financial cushion at a time when you and your family might need it most, without the restriction of covering only lost income.

In essence, while Income Protection supports your regular financial obligations over a potentially long period of absence from work, Critical Illness Insurance provides a significant financial buffer against the immediate and often substantial costs associated with severe health conditions.

Choosing between them—or combining them—depends on your financial planning strategy and the level of coverage you seek for peace of mind💙

Your income funds the choices you make throughout life which is why it should be protected!🛡️

📞01823 428180
🧑‍💻www.clarkshawassociates.co.uk
📧[email protected]

TAG A FIRST TIME BUYER THAT NEEDS TO KNOW THIS 🙏

We are excited to announce that low deposit mortgages (minimum £5k) are here!🏡

New £5000 mortgages will help enable first time buyers to purchase a property with a minimum of £5k deposit or between 95-99%. Please note that affordability, criteria and enhanced credit scoring will apply.

- No new builds or flats
- One of you MUST be a first time buyer
- Maximum purchase price of £500k

Any questions then get in touch💙

Your home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up with repayments on your mortgage. A fee may be charged for mortgage advice, the exact fee will depend on your circumstances.

First time buyer?

Taking the step to buying your first home is a major milestone, and although exciting it’s a huge responsibility 🏡

Finding the right mortgage to fit your unique situation can be a daunting task, especially for First Time Buyers. This is where the expertise of a qualified Mortgage Broker becomes invaluable.

Mortgage Brokers have access to products not available on the high street and exclusive deals, which enables them to access mortgage products that you may not otherwise find.

To speak to an experienced, understanding Advisor get in touch https://clarkshawassociates.co.uk/contact-us/ 💙

Your home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up with repayments on your mortgage. A fee may be charged for mortgage advice, the exact fee will depend on your circumstances.

Meet the team Monday… 🐶

Bruno - office dog and head of security! 🔐

Life insurance isn't about fearing the worst, it's about preparing for the best possible outcome, no matter what… 💙

Statistics in the UK show that ⬇️

Only 35 % of people in the UK have life insurance 😮

But 71 % pay for a monthly subscription service, that’s twice as many as buy life cover 😳

While 60 % of people agree that life insurance would benefit their family if the worst were to happen, only 35 per cent hold a policy, according to research from Direct Line Life Insurance.

The findings reveal a substantial gap between households that think life insurance is important and those that purchase cover.

While factors such as age, lifestyle and cover chosen will affect the price, many households seem unaware that life insurance policies can start from as little as £5 a month 😮

Please reach out today if you need any help or advice on what you already have in place or what we can do to help protect your future 💙

Source - https://www.directlinegroup.co.uk/en/news/brand-news/2022/05102022.html



Clark Shaw Associates is a trading style of JC Financial Limited an Appointed Representative of The Right Mortgage Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. JC Financial Limited is registered in England and Wales no. 15118839. Registered Address: 10 Fitzroy Square, London W1T 5HP.

Broker vs Bank 🤔

Always use a mortgage broker when you are looking for mortgage advice and here's why! ⬇️

Broker

Access to lenders across whole of market
Industry approved qualifications
Tailored solutions to suit your needs
Brokers work exclusively for YOU
Experts in all lenders criteria
Advice and support throughout
Not restricted to office hours

Bank

Access to one lender
Only available in office hours
Can only advise on their products
Trained by the bank they work for
Restricted timeframe which can delay your application
Unable to provide unbiased advice
There are restrictions on certain types of income

If you need any help or guidance then please reach out and send us a DM 💙



Your home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up with repayments on your mortgage. A fee may be charged for mortgage advice, the exact fee will depend on your circumstances.

Clark Shaw Associates is a trading style of JC Financial Limited an Appointed Representative of The Right Mortgage Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. JC Financial Limited is registered in England and Wales no. 15118839. Registered Address: 10 Fitzroy Square, London W1T 5HP.

Anna spent the morning at .college celebrating International Women’s Day!

Thank you to the lovely Bethan for organising such a fabulous event with inspirational guest speakers from
and some fabulous .college students

Meet the team Wednesday! ⬇️

Anna Clark - Co-Founder & Operations Director

Being here right from day 1 Anna has more of a behind the scenes role at Clark Shaw Associates, supporting all aspects of the business to ensure day to day running goes smoothly.

With marketing at the forefront of this role along with business development it's a busy job! Anna’s focus is to drive the business forward to achieve the company’s vision 💙