The coming year will be marked by many changes that could affect your personal finances. The first year after a general election is often the time when major reforms take effect, especially those which create losers as well as winners. 2016 will be no exception. State pensions  6 April will see the new single-tier state pension start. Its initial level will be £151.25 a week (in 2015/16 terms), but complex transitional measures mean that only 37% of those reaching State pension age in 2016/17 will receive the full single-tier pension. By 2035 the proportion will rise to 80%.    Support.

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Market volatility returned in August with more ups and downs expected if interest rates rise in the US and the UK. What should investors do? Here are some suggestions. Look well ahead It is easy to focus on the daily fluctuations of the stock market rather than the long term. This is similar to driving at night along dark winding country lanes using only dipped headlights. To drive calmly and safely you need to be able to use ‘full beam’ as often as you can to see the road well ahead. Investment giant Fidelity has looked back over the last.

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