Ashley's blog

Ashley Shepherd is the founder and managing director at Over50choices. With over 30 years’ experience in financial services, he has held senior roles in building societies, banks and insurance companies.

Is Equity Release a good idea?

Equity release could be a good idea if you want to unlock tax free cash from your home, without having to move house or worry about monthly repayments. However, releasing equity may not be a good idea if you don’t like the idea of your family’s inheritance being affected.

Are Funeral Plans better than Over 50s Life Insurance? Image

19th Jan 2021

Are Funeral Plans better than Over 50s Life Insurance?

With prepaid funeral plans and over 50 life insurance to choose from, how do you know which is the best option?

All you need to know about life insurance over 60 Image

19th Nov 2020

All you need to know about life insurance over 60

Yes you can get life insurance over 60. Find out what cover you can get and compare quotes from leading insurance providers for free in minutes.

How much equity can I release from my home? Image

15th Nov 2020

How much equity can I release from my home?

You can release up to 55% equity from your home's value. However, this depends on your age and the value of your home. Usually the older you are, the more equity you can release

09th Nov 2020

What to write on a sympathy card

Writing a sympathy card isn’t easy. Naturally, you worry about saying the wrong thing, and upsetting our friend or relation at an already difficult time. Feeling this way is perfectly normal, but even the briefest message can mean a lot and comfort the bereaved person, so it's always worth making the effort.

How does the cremation process work in the UK? Image

22nd Oct 2020

How does the cremation process work in the UK?

Little is known about the cremation process. Myths surrounding multiple cremations and recycled coffins are all common place, however the truth about cremation is somewhat different

How much is stamp duty on a house? Image

05th Aug 2020

How much is stamp duty on a house?

The amount of stamp duty you pay on property depends on the purchase price. Usually property valued up to £125,000 is tax free whereas property valued between £125,001 and £250,000 is taxed at 2%. However, this has now changed with the recent introduction of the stamp duty holiday.

Over half of UK homeowners change equity release plans amid coronavirus pandemic Image

04th May 2020

Over half of UK homeowners change equity release plans amid coronavirus pandemic

Coronavirus has impacted virtually every aspect of our lives. The way we work, shop, socialise and manage our finances. After a brief period of normality following the drawn out Brexit saga, covid-19 has brought another wave of uncertainty to UK homeowners.

What is Martin Lewis travel insurance advice? Image

24th Apr 2020

What is Martin Lewis travel insurance advice?

Martin Lewis’ advice on travel insurance includes information on when and how to insure your holiday. In addition to providing general information on what to look out for when reviewing travel insurance policies

How to stop nuisance calls with the Telephone Preference Service Image

22nd Apr 2020

How to stop nuisance calls with the Telephone Preference Service

The Telephone Preference Service, also known as the TPS is the UK’s official ‘do not call’ register. As it’s illegal for organisations to make unsolicited calls to Telephone Preference Service registered numbers

13th Apr 2020

Over 60 railcard guide

Over 60 railcards save older train users money on their rail fares. In addition to cheaper train tickets, an over 60 railcard also gives you access to further discounts on products and services

What impact is the Coronavirus having on funerals in the UK? Image

02nd Apr 2020

What impact is the Coronavirus having on funerals in the UK?

Whether you’re in the difficult position of arranging a funeral or not, coronavirus has forced many of us to consider our own mortality. We have certainly seen an increase in visitors to the Over50choices website researching funeral planning and preplanning options, especially direct cremation.