270 March 2017 - Gryffe Advertizer

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IT Blog
with Colin Fyfe of Colcom
I will frequently send folk to PC World; it being relatively nearby and
having a large selection of computers to choose from. I also would
recommend John Lewis for their extra warranty and quality of sales. On
the occasions that I sell computer hardware, it might be because people
have an aversion to these places.
Anyway, recently a customer required a new PC, but did not need a new
screen, they had a perfectly good 22” monitor about two years old. On
swithering this way, and that on the PC of their choice and having been
assured all connectivity issues will be OK, they got the machine home to
fi nd that it only had two HDMI sockets on the back and nothing that would
connect to their relatively recent monitor.
This brings me to describe the various connections and to ask you not to
fall into the same trap that I confess, has happened to me before when
ordering online.
Modern monitors, around the £100 price range should have two or three
connectivity options. The dated, but beloved, analogue VGA connection
with the 15 pin lead with the blue head. The DVI socket, this digital
connection usually has a white connector. Hopefully for about £100 you
will also get an HDMI socket, this is the same connection as most TVs and
it can carry sound and video. Another more recent connection is called
Display Port. This faster connection is currently more high end than most
budget monitors but will become more popular.
The trouble is that, infuriatingly, monitors will have a random selection of
the ports mentioned above, and computers often will take a punt at one
type, making the odds of connectivity harmony quite reduced.
Margins are squeezed to a minimum in this kind of computer technology,
to the point that by forsaking a 20 pence VGA connection manufacturers
can eek a profit and consumers can be driven to rage.
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Financial Blog
by Carl Melvin, Affluent Financial Planning Ltd
End of Tax Year Planning
The Tax Year end is upon us and this presents opportunities to make
the most of tax breaks and allowances. Generally, if you don’t use
allowances they are lost. So, what things should you consider before
the 5th April 2017?
1. Tax Free Investing - The ISA allowance is £15,240 (£4,080 for
Junior ISA) for each person this tax year, so a couple could invest
over £30,000 tax free in cash or investments. It rises to £20,000 per
person next tax year (£4,128 for JISA)
2. Capital Gains - each person can make a capital gain on the sale of an
asset and keep the fi rst £11,100 tax free.
3. Reduce your Income Tax - If your income is above 50K+pa/ £100K -
£122K/ £150K+ consider making pension contributions to reduce your
tax bill and restore allowances – but take care not to break the rules!
4. Pension protection – last chance to claim Individual Protection 2014
if your pension value for Lifetime Allowance was above £1.25Million
on 05/04/2014.
5. Pension Funding – Government is reducing how much high earners can
put into pension. Use Carry forward of unused pension allowances to
boost your retirement funds and reduce your income tax.
6. Inheritance Tax – make a gift of £3,000 per person free from Inheritance
Tax
7. State Pension Top up – last chance to pay Class 3A contributions to
increase your State Pension if you received this before 06/04/2016
8. Don’t leave planning to the last minute - Why not use your allowances/
take action at the start of the tax year and avoid the panic?
This information is not financial advice. If you require advice you should
consult a professional adviser. The first meeting is normally free and
there is no obligation.
Call us for a FREE financial review on 01505 59 50 60 or info@affluentfp.co.uk.
Alternatively, pop into the Affluent office opposite Amaretto restaurant on Main Street,
Bridge of Weir. www.affluentfp.co.uk