Securing a mortgage is a big step toward homeownership, and a “conditional loan approval” might be the green light you’re looking for. But what is conditional loan approval, and what does it mean for your dream of owning a home? Here’s everything you need to know to understand and navigate this crucial step.

1. What is a Conditional Loan Approval?

A conditional loan approval is a step between mortgage pre-approval and final approval. This means that, based on your financial profile, the lender is willing to approve your loan once you meet certain conditions. These conditions can include things like verifying your employment, showing additional bank statements, or providing documentation on any outstanding debts. It’s not the final green light but an indication that you’re close to securing the funds for your home. Conditional approval offers peace of mind for both you and the seller, showing that financing is underway.

2. How Does Conditional Approval Differ from Pre-Approval?

Understanding the difference between conditional approval and pre-approval is key in the home-buying process. A mortgage pre-approval is an initial assessment based on preliminary financial details, giving you an estimated loan amount. Conditional approval, however, is a more rigorous check where the lender takes a closer look at your financial records and requires additional information. While pre-approval gives you an idea of your budget, conditional approval shows the lender’s more serious intent to approve your loan. It’s essentially a deeper dive, showing that your loan approval is within reach.

3. Common Conditions You’ll Need to Meet for Approval

When you receive a conditional loan approval, the lender will list specific conditions for final approval. These conditions often include submitting updated income statements, confirming employment status, and providing additional bank documents. Other conditions might involve clarifying recent large deposits or supplying proof of any funds being used for the down payment. Meeting these conditions is essential, as they help lenders assess your ability to manage the loan. It’s best to work closely with your lender to quickly fulfill these requirements, moving you closer to owning your home.

4. How Long Does It Take to Move from Conditional Approval to Final Approval?

The timeline from conditional approval to final approval varies depending on how quickly you meet the lender’s conditions. Typically, this process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on factors like documentation requirements and lender processing times. Being proactive and organized with your paperwork can speed things up and prevent delays. Some lenders may expedite the review if all conditions are met quickly, especially if the real estate market is competitive. Working closely with your loan officer during this stage can make a significant difference in timing.

5. Tips to Increase Your Chances of Approval

To improve your odds of moving from conditional to final approval, consider these tips. First, stay organized and keep all relevant documents in one place, ready to submit as soon as the lender requests them. Second, avoid making large financial moves, like opening new credit accounts, as this can affect your financial profile. Third, stay in regular communication with your lender and promptly address any questions or clarifications. Lastly, maintain stable employment and income levels, as any major changes can impact your loan status. Following these steps shows lenders you’re a reliable borrower ready for homeownership.

From Conditional Approval to Home Sweet Home

Getting conditional loan approval is a promising step toward homeownership, but it’s not the end of the journey. By understanding what conditional loan approval is and meeting the necessary conditions, you’re that much closer to your dream home. Remember, staying organized, responsive, and mindful of your finances can make a huge difference. With careful preparation and cooperation with your lender, you’re well on your way to final loan approval. Soon enough, the keys to your dream home could be in your hands!

The post Conditional Loan Approval Explained: Is Your Dream Home Closer Than You Think? appeared first on The Free Financial Advisor.

If you’ve ever watched extreme couponers fill their carts without breaking the bank, you’ve probably wondered how they do it. The secret isn’t just in collecting coupons; it’s also about having smart shopping list ideas that maximize savings. By knowing what to buy and when, you can make the most of every coupon and get the biggest bang for your buck. Here are ten savvy shopping list ideas to help you save big on your next haul.

Stock Up on Non-Perishable Essentials

When it comes to extreme couponing, non-perishable items are your best friend. Products like pasta, canned goods, and rice have long shelf lives and are often included in coupon promotions. Keep an eye out for deals and stock up when you can combine coupons with a store sale. Having these pantry staples on hand not only saves you money but also cuts down on last-minute trips to the grocery store.

Hunt for Household Cleaning Products

Household cleaning products can eat up a big chunk of your budget if you’re not careful. Brands frequently offer coupons for items like dish soap, laundry detergent, and disinfecting wipes. Add these to your shopping list ideas when planning your extreme couponing haul. By stacking store promotions with manufacturer coupons, you can often score these products for next to nothing.

Don’t Forget Personal Care Items

Personal care items such as shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant are often the stars of extreme couponing. These products frequently have high-value coupons that can be paired with store sales for huge savings. Make sure to add these essentials to your list, especially when you see a “buy one, get one free” deal. With the right coupons, you might even get them for free or just pay the sales tax.

Look for Snacks and Breakfast Foods

Snacks and breakfast foods are another category where couponing can really shine. Cereals, granola bars, and chips often come with generous discounts, making them perfect shopping list ideas for couponers. Watch for store specials that coincide with national promotions for even deeper discounts. It’s a great way to keep the pantry stocked without overspending, especially if you have kids.

Include Frozen Foods on Your List

Frozen foods can be a lifesaver for busy families, and they’re often included in coupon promotions. Items like frozen vegetables, pizza, and ready-made meals are great to add to your list when they’re on sale. Check your coupon apps and flyers for matching offers to maximize your savings. Stocking up on these items can help you prepare quick meals without breaking your budget.

Be on the Lookout for Baby Supplies

If you have a baby at home, you know how quickly diapers and formula can drain your wallet. Adding these items to your couponing shopping list ideas can lead to massive savings. Look for store rewards programs and manufacturer coupons that give you the best deals. By planning ahead, you can stockpile these essentials and save big over time.

Add Pet Supplies to Your List

Pet supplies like dog food, cat litter, and treats can also be costly, but they often come with valuable coupons. Keep an eye out for offers on your favorite brands and include these items on your extreme couponing list. Stores frequently run promotions on pet products that can be combined with coupons. Saving on these essentials means more room in your budget for other needs.

Remember to Check for Seasonal Items

Seasonal items like holiday decorations, sunscreen, and back-to-school supplies often go on sale with big discounts. This is where you can get creative with your shopping list ideas and stack up on these deals. By using coupons on already reduced seasonal products, you can score incredible savings. It’s a smart way to get ready for the next season without paying full price.

Buy in Bulk When Possible

Buying in bulk can be intimidating, but it’s a key strategy for extreme couponers looking to save. Items like toilet paper, paper towels, and canned goods are great to buy in larger quantities when you have the right coupons. Bulk purchases reduce the per-unit cost, especially when combined with promotions. Just make sure you have the storage space at home to handle your haul.

Consider Including Organic Products

Many people assume that extreme couponing doesn’t work for organic products, but that’s not true. Brands are increasingly offering coupons for organic and natural items like snacks, cleaning products, and even produce. Add these to your shopping list ideas when planning your next couponing trip. You can save money while still sticking to your preferred lifestyle and dietary choices.

Make the Most of Your Next Haul

With these shopping list ideas, you can approach your next couponing trip with confidence and a plan. It’s all about finding the right deals, using your coupons wisely, and stocking up on essentials. Happy shopping and get ready to watch those savings add up!

The post 10 Extreme Couponing Shopping List Ideas to Save Big on Your Next Haul appeared first on Grocery Coupon Guide.

Discussing finances with a spouse can be intimidating, yet it’s crucial for a successful, harmonious relationship. Understanding how to talk about money with your partner paves the way for shared goals and financial clarity. Here are six ways to make the “M” talk with your partner easier and more productive.

1. Start with Your Money Mindset

Before diving into numbers, start with each other’s money mindsets. Everyone has unique financial beliefs formed by experiences, family backgrounds, and personal values. Begin by sharing your individual perspectives about money, such as how you were raised to view saving, spending, and debt. This open discussion helps you both see where you’re coming from and fosters empathy. By understanding these beliefs, you can align your financial goals with respect for each other’s background.

2. Set Clear Financial Goals Together

A powerful way to connect on money matters is by setting shared financial goals. Sit down together to discuss your short-term and long-term objectives, such as saving for a house, planning for vacations, or building a retirement fund. Having a shared vision will bring you closer and give purpose to your financial planning. Write down each goal, attach timelines, and regularly check in on your progress to stay motivated. Defining these goals creates excitement and accountability for your financial future.

3. Make Budgeting a Team Effort

Building a budget doesn’t have to be dull – make it a team activity! Use a budgeting app or a shared spreadsheet to track your income, expenses, and savings. Designate monthly budgeting dates to review your progress, celebrate successes, and adjust as necessary. Splitting financial responsibilities helps each partner feel equally invested and informed about household finances. By working on budgeting together, you can avoid common misunderstandings and create a balanced financial approach.

4. Discuss Spending Limits and Boundaries

Setting spending boundaries is essential to prevent conflicts over money. Talk openly about individual spending thresholds, agreeing on how much each person can spend without consulting the other. This agreement allows for some financial freedom while maintaining transparency. It’s a great way to avoid accidental overspending and unnecessary arguments. Revisit these boundaries occasionally to ensure they still fit your lifestyle and budget.

5. Create an Emergency Fund for Peace of Mind

An emergency fund is crucial for financial security and stability in any relationship. Discuss how much you both feel comfortable setting aside for unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or job loss. By building this fund together, you’re demonstrating a commitment to each other’s well-being and financial future. Set a monthly contribution goal and automate it if possible, so it becomes a regular part of your budgeting process. Knowing you’re prepared for emergencies can alleviate stress and bring you closer.

6. Be Transparent About Debts and Financial Responsibilities

Openly discuss any debts or financial responsibilities each of you is bringing into the relationship. Debt can affect financial decisions, so being upfront about it allows you to address it as a team. Plan together on how to tackle debts, whether it’s through consolidation, monthly payments, or building a repayment strategy. This transparency builds trust and fosters a supportive environment for managing financial obligations. Working together on debt repayment strengthens your financial bond and shows commitment to shared financial goals.

Strengthen Your Relationship Through Financial Communication

Knowing how to talk about money with your partner is essential to building a strong foundation. These six steps provide a roadmap to making financial conversations less stressful and more rewarding. By working together on financial goals, budgeting, and debt management, you’re creating a more resilient, trusting partnership. Remember that these conversations should be ongoing, not one-time discussions. Embrace the “M” talk regularly to nurture a financially healthy and happier relationship.

Giving Tuesday 2024, a global day of generosity, is the perfect opportunity to support impactful charities making a difference in the world. Held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, this movement encourages people to give back to communities and causes they care about. Whether you’re passionate about education, the environment, or global health, here are some of the best charities to support this Giving Tuesday.

1. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Advancing Childhood Cancer Research

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is dedicated to advancing research and treatment for childhood cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Their mission is to ensure that no child is denied treatment based on their family’s ability to pay. Donations help fund groundbreaking research, clinical trials, and patient care, offering hope to families around the world. St. Jude has achieved significant breakthroughs in cancer survival rates and remains a leader in pediatric research. This Giving Tuesday, your support can help them continue their lifesaving work for children everywhere.

2. Feeding America: Combating Hunger Across the United States

Feeding America is one of the largest hunger relief organizations in the U.S., with a vast network of food banks and meal programs across the country. Their mission is to end hunger by distributing food to those in need, advocating for anti-hunger policies, and educating the public. They provide meals for millions of people every year, addressing both food insecurity and the root causes of hunger. A donation to Feeding America on Giving Tuesday helps provide meals to families, children, and seniors struggling with food insecurity. Your support can make a significant difference in their mission to ensure everyone has access to nutritious food.

3. The Nature Conservancy: Protecting Our Planet’s Ecosystems

The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to protect critical lands and waters worldwide. With a focus on conservation science, they tackle climate change, safeguard habitats, and work with communities to promote sustainable practices. Donations to The Nature Conservancy support reforestation projects, ocean conservation, and wildlife protection efforts. Their work is essential for preserving biodiversity, fighting climate change, and ensuring a healthy planet for future generations. By supporting them on Giving Tuesday, you contribute to the protection and restoration of ecosystems around the globe.

4. UNICEF: Supporting Children’s Health and Education Worldwide

UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, is dedicated to promoting the rights, health, and well-being of children around the world. From providing vaccines and healthcare to supporting education and emergency relief, UNICEF operates in over 190 countries. Their programs reach children facing poverty, conflict, and natural disasters, ensuring they have access to essentials like clean water, food, and safe schooling. A donation to UNICEF on Giving Tuesday helps support their mission to create a brighter future for vulnerable children globally. Your gift can make a tangible impact on a child’s life by funding essential health, education, and protection programs.

5. The American Red Cross: Providing Emergency Relief and Disaster Aid

The American Red Cross is dedicated to providing emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education within the U.S. and globally. They respond to natural disasters, house fires, and other emergencies, offering shelter, food, and medical aid to those affected. The organization also runs blood drives, supports military families, and provides health and safety training. By donating to the American Red Cross on Giving Tuesday, you’re helping communities recover from crises and supporting ongoing relief efforts. Your generosity enables them to continue their life-saving work during times of disaster and emergency.

Make a Difference This Giving Tuesday 2024

Giving Tuesday 2024 is an incredible chance to support organizations making a positive impact in areas like health, hunger, and the environment. By donating to these top charities, you’re contributing to important causes and helping create a better world. No matter the amount, every donation counts and helps these organizations carry out their vital work. As you choose where to give, remember that each of these charities has the potential to change lives and protect our planet. This Giving Tuesday, join the global movement and make your generosity count!

The post The Best Charities to Support on Giving Tuesday 2024 appeared first on Thousandaire.

Most people start their financial adventure by creating a standard account, which they only use for checks and deposits and are not looking for savings accounts and specific features they may offer. Many of these individuals let their money sit in these accounts until it reaches a certain amount, at which point they start looking at other possibilities for savings accounts. Since their financial situation is either already solid or almost stable, it goes without saying that people would want the greatest savings accounts available at this point. They are now opening an account as a means of saving money.

Most likely, you are also thinking about opening a savings account. There are specific things you need to search for if you are doing that. First and foremost, you should remember that the bank where you have your normal account does not always have the greatest savings accounts. The stakes are higher with a savings account since banks must provide interest on your deposits. The greatest bank for your savings account will, of course, be the one that can provide you with the best interest rate. However, there are a few more things to think about here.

Here are the four key considerations you should consider while searching for banks offering the finest savings accounts.

(i) Naturally, the interest rate must be your first consideration. It would help if you chose the bank that offers you the highest interest rate because it is the bank that will be paying you interest. Although it should not be the only thing you consider, this should be one of the main factors you focus on.

(ii) The amount the bank requires you to deposit to open the account is the second item you should verify. Because different financial institutions have different limits, you should examine their written brochures or ask them directly.

(iii) You must maintain a certain amount in the bank each month because these are savings accounts. This sum is referred to as the minimum deposit. It gives the idea of savings accounts additional significance by serving as a sort of security for the bank and assisting you in saving that sum. However, you must determine if you can afford to maintain this minimum deposit with the bank, as you will be subject to an extra fee if your total deposited amount falls below this threshold.

(iv) The quantity and frequency of withdrawals from the savings account may also be restricted. Check if that satisfies your requirements. You can withdraw more money from some banks than they permit, but a fee will be associated.

(v) As common with most savings accounts, you should verify the notice period before withdrawing. If this time frame is excessively long (up to three months in some banks), the account might not be appropriate for your needs.

Therefore, selecting the finest savings accounts is not a simple undertaking because there are several factors to consider. However, you will likely make a better choice if you know what to consider. If you are looking for an account that pays better interest rates than your local bank or credit union, consider MARCUS by Goldman Sachs. Currently, Marcus is paying 4.10%, and you can get an extra 0.25% for three months using the above link to open an account.

If you have children or grandchildren, it is a good idea to consider opening an account while they are younger so that you can teach them the importance of setting aside funds for future uses, such as buying things that are important to them. This will expose them to saving for more expensive desires, the power of compound interest, and how their money can always work for them. For more information, see my earlier post on children’s savings accounts.

The post The Top 5 Features of a Savings Account first appeared on Kirk G. Meyer.

The Amundi Prime Global ETF (PRWU / PR1W) is delisting from the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

Though the ETF will continue life on Germany’s Xetra exchange, you can’t own that version in an ISA.

You can own it in a taxable account. But that will have serious tax implications if Amundi does not gain UK reporting fund status for the Xetra incarnation of the ETF.

Moreover, affected investors are being given just a few weeks’ notice to make consequential decisions, and with scant and confusing information.

Potential issues raised by PRWU owners include:

• Triggering a capital gains tax event if you decide to sell the ETF from a General Investment Account (GIA).

• Not having time to sell PRWU held within an ISA should you miss the relevant communications from your broker, or if you’re acting as the executor of a will.

• Confusion about whether the transfer of the ETF from a Lifetime ISA causes a withdrawal penalty on the government bonus.

• Potentially not being able to sell their ETF for months afterwards if they miss the deadline to sell prior to the delisting event, judging by reports from investors caught up in a previous delisting.

Delisting drama

So why is this happening and what are the rules if it happens to you?

Before continuing, I’d like to thank Monevator readers Peter Rabbit and J. They raised the alarm with helpful comments on Monevator’s low-cost trackers page and via email.

Also, let’s be clear that neither an ETF delisting nor closure means you’ll lose your money, in case you’re worried about that.

The main consequences are:

• Potentially making a loss if you’re sold to cash and end up being out of the market for a time.

• Not being able to access your money for a while if your broker handles the situation badly.

• Being forced into a capital gains event. (Though I think there’s reason to believe that Amundi will reacquire UK reporting tax status for the ETF. I’ll explain why below.)

• Loss of some ISA benefits if sale or redemption isn’t made in time.

Why is the Amundi Prime Global ETF delisting?

In brief, Amundi is moving the ETF’s domicile from Luxembourg to Ireland.

That’s good news for most investors because they’ll pay less withholding tax on the fund’s US securities due to Ireland’s superior tax treaty with the States.

But it’s bad news for UK investors, thanks to our old friend Brexit.

Prior to Brexit, fund firms could distribute their products across European Economic Area (EEA) borders using common passporting rules.

It was easy. No need to delist your ETF from the LSE.

Then, as Brexit approached like a small moon, the FCA invented the Temporary Marketing Permissions Regime (TMPR) to enable business to carry on.

However, TMPR does not cover new financial products registered with the FCA since 30 December 2020.

Want to promote your new EEA domiciled fund in the UK today? Then recognition is yours via the alternative Overseas Fund Regime (OFR).

But alas, the OFR only began accepting applications from 30 September 2024.

In between times, fund providers had to resort to the UK’s ‘Section 272’ recognition process. This choice piece of bureaucracy has been described variously as ‘cost intensive’, ‘time consuming’, and ‘legally expensive’.

Numerous articles quote industry insiders referring to Section 272’s bad reputation and its deterrent effect upon companies wishing to launch new funds in the UK.

Nice work Global Britain!

The OFR is supposed to be a much easier and less expensive route to market. Though still not as cheap and effective as the old passporting regime.

Amundi-ng its own business

Amundi Prime Global’s OFR application is apparently underway. But not in time to enable the Irish version of the ETF to be LSE-listed before the Luxembourg sub-fund disappears.

And apparently Amundi wasn’t minded to hang around on behalf of its UK investors.

Assuming the ETF regains UK recognition, then this ETF will be back on the LSE at some point. But Amundi pushed ahead with the nuclear option anyway, announcing the delisting on 16 October 2024 and giving investors until 15 November to decide if they wish to redeem their shares via the fund manager.

And this timeline was shortened for those investors who report first hearing about the delisting from their brokers some days later.

The impact of delisting on investors

I personally think ISA owners are best off selling the ETF while they’re still in full control of the situation.

The rules on non-qualifying investments1 in a stocks and shares ISA say:

Where the new investments are not qualifying investments, managers must, within 30 calendar days of the date on which they became non-qualifying investments, either:

– sell them (in which case the proceeds can remain in the stocks and shares ISA)

– transfer them to the investor to be held outside the ISA.

LISA qualifying investment rules are the same as for stocks and shares ISAs.

I can’t find out if a broker transferring non-qualifying investments from a LISA would incur a withdrawal charge designed to negate the government bonus.

But that seems probable, otherwise news of the “AWESOME LISA hack you MUST TRY” would probably have gone viral by now.

Meanwhile, there’s quite a bit of guidance out there advising that if delisted shares (remember: ETFs count as shares) are transferred outside of your ISA, then you can’t replace that money without reducing your annual allowance.

In other words, you should sell the ETF while it still resides within your tax shelter.

The consensus view is that your holding’s market value on the date of transfer is your base cost for future capital gains calculations. So you can’t carry over a capital loss from your ISA, but neither should you be stuck with an immediate capital gain.

However, HMRC’s ISA pages are silent on the issue. Or at least I haven’t been able to find the answer within.

And I’d rather not rely on whatever a random broker’s agent or HMRC forum denizen claims that day.

De-list of To Dos

All of which leads me to conclude that the safest course of action is to sell while you can. All other priorities are rescinded.

Once you sell you can then immediately reinvest the proceeds into another LSE-listed ETF that replaces Amundi Prime Global in your line-up. There are plenty to choose from.

I wouldn’t worry about other retail investors doing the same thing. It won’t move the price and is unlikely to nudge the needle much on the spread either. Amundi Prime Global’s spread was around 100th of a percent on 8 November. A non-issue.

In theory, you have until 21 November to sell (that’s the ETF’s last day of LSE trading). But InvestEngine for one told its ISA owners to sell by 31 October or else it’d take action unilaterally around 7 November.

‘Unilateral’ here means your broker sells for you if haven’t opened a (taxable) GIA with them.

If you do have such a taxable account and you don’t sell beforehand, then your broker will instead transfer the new-style Prime Global ETF into your GIA upon completion of the merger. The merger is slated for 22 November but that’s subject to change.

However, it’s a bad idea to let an ETF without UK reporting fund status hang around outside your tax shelters. (See the ‘Taxable account’ section below).

I don’t think you can depend on the extra 30 days the stocks and shares ISA rules imply you get either.

That’s because the communications received by affected investors suggest that brokers will either sell or transfer on their own timeline if you don’t act yourself.

Does delisting affect SIPPs?

Amundi’s notice to shareholders says:

The Receiving Sub-Fund is eligible for self-invested personal pension (SIPP) purposes under UK tax law. Nevertheless, each SIPP provider may impose its own restrictions.

(The ‘receiving sub-fund’ referred to is the Xetra-listed version of Prime Global.)

I haven’t found any reports of SIPP owners being affected. Still, you may need to take action if your broker doesn’t allow you to trade European-listed ETFs.

One broker advises (with reference to shares generally) that you’ll have to call its telephone trading desk to offload delisted stock if you miss the deadlines. A bit tedious and likely more expensive.

Still, if you fancy holding the new ETF and your current platform doesn’t do Europe then you could transfer it to a different broker who does. There are enough decent options, though it does mean incurring charges on another platform.

My own brokers don’t support European-listed ETFs. So personally I’d sell and replace Amundi Prime Global before the last day of trading.

Taxable accounts and capital gains events

Without UK reporting fund status, capital gains are taxed at your marginal income tax rate. Even worse, the CGT exemption allowance does not apply.

Bad, bad, bad.

However, being an unrecognised overseas fund needn’t stop Amundi Prime Global from achieving UK reporting fund status.

Other LSE delisted Amundi ETFs achieved this happy place in good time.

For example:

• EPRE was delisted on 5 July 2023. The LSE sub-fund merged with versions trading on multiple European exchanges. HMRC states reporting fund status came into effect for those back on 31 January 2018.

• WGES was delisted on 1 February 2024. It merged with its Xetra counterpart which had gained reporting fund status from 17 January 2024.

• RUSG was delisted on 8 July 2024. It merged with its Xetra equivalent, MWOT. Reporting fund status was granted from 8 July 2024.

So anyone who doesn’t want to trigger a capital gains event by selling PWRU / PR1W may not have to worry about UK reporting fund status if they can wait for the Irish incarnation to appear.

In fact, I haven’t yet found an example of an Amundi ETF delisting from the LSE and only leaving behind a non-reporting fund version.

That said, I can’t claim to have searched every instance. And this time might be different.

Obviously this is a tricky decision that could backfire either way. Ideally, Amundi can give you a straight answer about its plans if you need it. You can call customer service on 0207 074 9598 or email [email protected]

You can also check which overseas funds have UK reporting fund status by downloading an Excel document from the dedicated gov.uk page. Search the spreadsheet using the fund’s ISIN code.

The Irish version of Amundi Prime Global is not present in the latest update dated 9 October 2024.

Why do Amundi ETFs keep delisting?

Amundi isn’t the only ETF provider to have delisted ETFs from the LSE over the past several years. But it has been hyperactively pruning its range in the wake of its 2022 takeover of the Lyxor ETF brand.

Normally, delistings eliminate niche products that are struggling to make a profit.

However Prime Global has $1.5 billion under management, according to Amundi.

So Amundi is not delisting the ETF because it failed to gain traction in the market. In fact, it’s protecting the fund’s competitiveness by moving it to Ireland.

Amundi has obviously decided that move can’t wait for the outcome of its OFR application. So it’s seemingly not too bothered about losing any UK investors caught in the regulatory cross-fire.

Indeed the company has done little more than provide the 30-calendar-day notice period required. Meanwhile affected owners are struggling with ineffectual communication from their brokers.

All of which makes me think customer service still has a long way to go in the investment industry.

Are other large ETFs at risk?

I’d be surprised if this proves to be a problem that gets notably worse in the future.

The UK is the second biggest European market for UCITS funds (ETFs fall into that category).

Moreover ETF Stream recently quoted BNP Paribas Asset Management’s global head of business development ETF and index solutions, Lorraine Sereyjol-Garros, as saying:

Some clients, such as in the Nordics, Middle East, Latin America, and Asia prefer LSE listings over mainland Europe, so it enables us to target the domestic market and international clients

Thankfully then, we’ve still got market power as a country. It seems likely to me that fund managers who haven’t launched new products in the UK over the past few years were waiting for OFR to go live.

Unsurprisingly the legislation kept being delayed, though it seems we’re finally off to the races now.

Be that as it may, delistings are a natural part of the ETF ecosystem. And yet retail investors aren’t always being given enough time – nor adequate information – to confidently respond.

Brokers are on point for this as they hold the direct relationship with the customer.

It wouldn’t be that hard to write a comprehensive guide to delisting. They’re welcome to start with the points raised above.

Take it steady,

The Accumulator

1. Scroll to the Changes to investments held in a stocks and shares ISA section.

The post Why a global ETF is delisting from the LSE (and what happens next) appeared first on Monevator.

Got this note from a reader and been obsessing about it lately:

“I just wrapped up a 10 – 2 challenge. Here’s how it works – You work on a long term project for 10 minutes a day – every day – for approximately 2 years. The thing is, you have to work on the project every day. If you travel, you have to either improvise or do make up work for the days you missed. I even use a stopwatch to make sure I work on the project for a full 10 minutes. You’ll be amazed at what you accomplish!”

Love it! Super easy sounding, right?!

And if I whip out a calculator here, hold one sec…  It looks like it actually adds up to… 7,300 minutes!! Or roughly 122 hours! WOW! Imagine dedicating that many hours to *one* single goal of yours? What would you be able to achieve?! How better off would you be? Physically/mentally/professionally?

It’s hard to fathom the number of things we let fall by the wayside just because they’re “too big” to start, so let this be the kick in the ass you need to actually GET GOING on a dream that you may be putting off. Or even just something annoying that really needs to get done but you know will take forever! Lol… Literally stop reading this right now and get going if you already have it in your head – I promise it’ll be better than reading the rest of this post

If nothing crosses your mind, let me throw out some ideas:

• Review your finances every day (expenses, credit cards, budget, net worth, subscriptions, insurance, credit score, credit report – plenty of things you could keep tabs on and improve)
• Declutter your entire house (each drawer, closet, *gasp* garage!)
• Get a new job/promoted (research, apply, improve skills)
• Get a new girlfriend/boyfriend/friend (same examples as above )
• Write a book! (might feel choppy with only 10 mins applied, but you’ll probably find you’ll spend more once you’re “in the flow”)
• Start a passion project (blog, book, TikTok, coin collection!)
• Work out every day (go for a walk, go for a run!, lift some weights, do some yoga, play some basketball – you only have to do it for 10 mins!)
• Work out your mind every day (meditate, read, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles! (Remember that time I got obsessed with them for like two months??! Man I went bonkers…))
• Study the bible (my friend who came up with this 10-2 idea did exactly this – used his time for the past two years to devour the bible and create a “spiritual warfare database!”)
• Weed/Garden/Landscape (after a month you’ll probably just be *maintaining* from that point on!)
• Learn something new (a language, a computer language, AI, video editing, baking!)

The list goes on and on…

And I don’t care who you are, everyone can spare 10 mins a day towards something that’s important to them. The years are going to pass anyways, why not get something extra out of it with minimal effort?!

I found the perfect book too yesterday for tracking it all:

I scooped it up at Goodwill as a future gift to my sister (it was only $2.99!), but now I’m thinking I need to keep it for myself, lol…

But how perfect is this for tracking?! Each date has a small section to jot down quick notes, and they’re stacked on top of each other so every year going forward when you come back to the same date you can see the previous years’ notes on it. Which hopefully will keep you motivated and inspired!

Here’s an inside page so you can see exactly what I’m talking about… And yes, I just wrote in it so it’s officially mine

So you can see there’s a section there for each of the 5 years, so over time you’ll be able to reflect on the previous years’ successes and notes and you don’t have to keep getting a new journal 🙂 In fact, you could even turn this into a 10-5 Challenge if you really wanted to! Haha… And I just found it on Amazon too in case you want one for yourself (currently $15):

One Line A Day: A Five-Year Memory Book

But really, you can use anything to track this – what’s important is just that you do! Use a Notes app, staple some blank papers together, or use a good old fashion Google Doc, it doesn’t matter – just track it however is most natural to you.

And as you’ll see, I’ve already started this challenge 🙂 Which for me is to do *one thing a day* for someone, or some place, that helps them. I had been trying to get to a WEEK in a row of helping someone each day – and even pulled it off once (see the PS at the end!) – but if I could accomplish it for 2 YEARS straight that would be amazing.

And on Nov. 6th you’ll see Day #1 was completed! I gave a microwave to my friend Debbie whose old one just broke down (it had been sitting in my basement for 5 years!), and then I called my mother “just to check on her” and not to ask for something which is usually the case And since I had extra room there at the end, I made a note that we had won our league’s soccer championships (and I scored in it!), so that future me will be reminded of the feat a year from now 😉

Now some days I already know I’ll have trouble finding someone to help, or maybe not even be IN THE MOOD to help!, so on “off” days I’ll carve out the 10 minutes to simply strengthen my *mindset* overall, whether by reading or brainstorming or even by meditating – that way with each passing day I’m even more *conscious* about the mission. The more you practice doing something, the better you get at it right?! And we have 7,300 mins with this challenge so we’re gonna get GOOD!!

So yeah – I’m pretty stoked about this, and hopefully you are too 🙂 Spend a few minutes thinking it over today, and then tomorrow get right to it and start tracking it all. It doesn’t matter if it’s something big or small or somewhere in between – just get crackin’ and feel good about it!

Remember – the time is going to pass anyways, so why not get something out of it? And I want to hear all about it! 🙂

PS: The one week I accomplished this!

• Day 1: helped serve a community dinner for our homeless friends
• Day 2: helped give out free food and veggies at our local food bank
• Day 3: gave a buddy of mine a haircut as he was low on funds, and also just really doesn’t like going to barbers! (And if you’re wondering, yes – I gave him a mohawk!! I can’t be trusted to cut anything else! )
• Day 4: helped my church archive old documents in their archives room – not only fascinating to hold and touch old artifacts, but to learn the overall process of *properly arching* too!
• Day 5: helped a friend get a website off the ground and move her childhood dream further along
• Day 6: brainstormed marketing and fundraising ideas for a new garden opening up in our city
• Day 7: co-led an after church youth session – the scariest of all as a) I don’t know or fully understand the bible at all (!!), and b) pre-teen kids are so awkward and quite and really don’t like to talk, haha… Though I did find a secret weapon: snacks!

It was a pretty fantastic week, but also rather exhausting… I’ll have to be careful of my energy levels and find ways to self-care throughout the next two years so I don’t accidentally burn out!

// Link to book is an Amazon affiliate link

[This post, The 10-2 Challenge, was first published by J. Money on Budgets Are Sexy]

Statutory holidays in British Columbia are legally mandated public holidays when qualified employees are entitled to paid days off. The BC government observes these statutory holidays throughout the year.  Through the Employment Standards Act of British Columbia, employees are ensured fair treatment through protections and benefits pertaining to minimum wage, statutory holidays, and overtime pay, … Read more

The post Statutory Holidays in British Columbia for 2025: Labour Rules & Pay appeared first on Savvy New Canadians.

Don’t you feel drained coming home from your 9-5, leaving you no time or energy to bring out your creative self? It isn’t just you feeling this way, with a whopping 85% of workers saying they are considering quitting or switching jobs because they want more money and work-life balance! Well, what if I told…

Read More

The post 10 Crafting Jobs You Can Do From Home appeared first on FinSavvy Panda.

  Since last Wednesday, depending on your political leanings, you have been celebrating or in mourning. Or maybe you greeted the news with indifference. Now, as the dust settles, you might be wondering what this all means for your portfolio.  Love him or loathe him, Mr. Trump is a disruptive force and Mr. Market hates… [Continue Reading]

The post President Trump and the future of stock returns appeared first on JLCollinsnh.