Latest news with #Antonia
What's On
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
4 of the best dishes to try in Abu Dhabi this week: July 21 to 24
Friends and foodies – we're back with a new list of dishes you need to try in Abu Dhabi. Old, new, classic and iconic, these plates in the capital will satisfy all your cravings this week. From rich, peppery starters to refreshing sorbets and hearty seafood mains – this is your week in Abu Dhabi, in food. The starter: Marinated sweet peppers at LPM Abu Dhabi We all love a good LPM moment – these marinated sweet peppers, drenched in silky, rich, olive oil, are a classic favourite of the enlightened and a great way to introduce yourself to the legend of LPM. Location: LPM Abu Dhabi, The Galleria, Al Maryah Island Times: Monday to Friday, 12pm to 1am, Saturday and Sunday, 12.30pm to 1am Cost: Dhs45 Contact: (0) 2 692 9600 @lpmabudhabi The raw: Tuna tataki at Strawfire Strawfire's carefully-curated menu features a selection of dishes that highlight fresh ingredients cooked over the open flame. Sample the tuna tataki from the raw plates, served with pickled onion, garlic chips and ponzu. Location: Strawfire, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Times: Daily, 6pm to 12am Cost: Dhs98 Contact: (0) 2 690 7999 @strawfireabudhabi The main: Wild Chilean sea bass at 99 Sushi Bar If you're looking for a taste of seafood in the capital, this spot is just where you need to be. Try this wholesome, hearty, flavourful main – wild chilean sea bass with yuzu buerre blanc, chimichurri and kaluga caviar. Location: 99 Sushi Bar, Four Seasons, Al Maryah Island Times: Daily, 12pm to 3.30pm, 7pm to 12am Cost: Dhs310 Contact: (0) 2 672 3333 @99sushibaruae The dessert: Orange sorbet at Antonia The capital's beloved Italian spot has just what you need to stay refreshed this summer – sample the orange sorbet at Antonia for a summer sweet tooth satisfaction like no other. This is a home made sorbet made from Amalfi oranges from Sorrento. Location: Antonia, across various locations Cost: Dhs40 Contact: @ Images: Socials/Supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Boost income by £330 annually with little-known government scheme
It currently costs around £43,900 a year for a comfortable retirement. And with the full new state pension covering £11,973, savers will need to make up the difference themselves. Finance expert Antonia Medlicott has revealed a savvy tip for those eyeing a comfortable retirement, with the current annual cost estimated at about £43,900. With the full new state pension providing just £11,973, Brits are left to bridge the gap themselves. Antonia, MD of Investing Insiders, is pointing savers towards a "little-known government scheme" known as Specific Adult Childcare Credits that could bolster your state pension to the maximum if you're short on qualifying years. The investment expert said: "When a parent gets child benefit, they also get national insurance credits, but if they're working and someone else is doing the childcare, like a grandparent, then those credits can be transferred, which increases your retirement income if you don't have enough national insurance contributions. "Each year of credit can be worth up to £330 in extra pension income. Over a 20-year retirement, that equates to £6,600. Even better, you can backdate credits to 2011 in the application." Should have no effect on state pension entitlement And there's no need to worry about the parents' state pension entitlement – it remains unaffected as long as they're clocking up qualifying years through other means, such as employment. Royal London's analysis shows just over half of the 3.4 million people on the new state pension snag the full amount, reports Lancs Live. The remainder receive amounts proportional to the number of qualifying years they possess. To secure the full sum, you need 35 qualifying years where you either contributed National Insurance or obtained credits such as the Specific Adult Childcare entitlement. To qualify for the credits, you must be aged over 16 but below state pension age, the child's parent or primary carer must consent to transferring their credit to you, and they must verify that you have cared for their child. You must also be an 'eligible family member' - this encompasses aunts, uncles, siblings irrespective of blood ties, grandparents, great-grandparents or great-great-grandparents. Check your pension Antonia also encouraged individuals to monitor their pensions even if retirement is years away. She said: "A staggering 55% of workplace pensions underperform against industry standards, which could leave workers with an income shortfall when they retire. "It's vital to take an active interest in a workplace pension to make sure it's on track for a comfortable retirement. Simply checking a pension regularly (at least once a year) will help workers identify any disappointing returns and take action if they need to change their investment strategy." Antonia highlighted that a mere 10% of the UK population have taken advantage of a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP), which offers the same tax benefits as workplace pension schemes but with greater control over investment choices. She recommended considering a SIPP for several reasons beyond merely enhancing retirement income. She said: "There is a lot of flexibility when it comes to this pension; you can contribute as much or as little as you want. It is also very effective when it comes to estate planning. "You can pass on your pension savings to nominated beneficiaries very easily, which gives good peace of mind to know that your money will end up with loved ones." The finance guru also pointed out a common costly mistake regarding pensions: delaying the start of saving. She elaborated: "If you invest £200 a month from the age of 25, by 65 you could have a pot of over £459,000 at an average return rate of 7.5 per cent. "But if you start at 35, that pot will be £223,000, and it will be just £98,600 if you start at 45." It's important to remember that investments carry risk, and it's advised not to invest more than you can afford to lose at any point in life or when planning for retirement.
Scotsman
15-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Expert provides five finance tips that could add £367,000 to Scots pension pots
Scots are losing money from their pension pots because of simple mistakes like failing to apply for government credits and low-performing pensions, but new tips from a finance expert explain how you can get your money in check. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Scots are losing money from their pension pots because of simple mistakes like failing to apply for government credits and low-performing pensions, but new tips from a finance expert explain how you can get your money in check. Recent data shows that £43,100 is needed annually for a comfortable retirement in Scotland, yet more than a fifth feel unprepared for their later years. Fortunately, to help prepare yourself, finance expert Antonia Medlicott, Managing Director of Investing Insiders, has revealed five things you should do to give yourself a more comfortable retirement. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 41 per cent of workers are not currently contributing to a private pension, but Antonia's guidance shows there are simple changes that can provide huge gains in retirement pots. Start thinking about your pension now. Apply for Specific Adult Childcare Credits When a parent gets child benefit, they also get national insurance credits, but if they're working and someone else is doing the childcare, like a grandparent, then those credits can be transferred, which increases your retirement income if you don't have enough national insurance contributions. This little-known government scheme is called Specific Adult Childcare Credits, and each year of credit can be worth up to £330 in extra pension income. Over a 20-year retirement, that equates to £6,600. Even better, you can backdate credits to 2011 in the application. The scheme leaves parents worried and asking questions such as 'will this negatively impact my own pension entitlement?', but the great news is that it doesn't, as they are working, which provides them with the national insurance credit anyway. Check your workplace pension Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A staggering 55 per cent of workplace pensions underperform against industry standards, which could leave workers with an income shortfall when they retire. It's vital to take an active interest in a workplace pension to make sure it's on track for a comfortable retirement. This issue is particularly acute for women, as only 28 per cent know where their pension is invested compared to over half of men (51 per cent). And recent government estimates show that women have 35 per cent less private pension wealth than men. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Simply checking a pension regularly (at least once a year) will help workers identify any disappointing returns and take action if they need to change their investment strategy. Open a Self-Invested Personal Pension A Self-Invested Personal Pension allows you to have more control over how your money is invested and is popular due to its tax efficiency; all contributions are tax-deductible, and all growth is entirely tax-free. Making it an effective way to save for retirement. Around 10 per cent of Scotland's adult population currently hold a SIPP. Statistics over the last decade show that the average self-interest personal pension returns 5.2 per cent per year, compared to a standard default pension, which is between 3-4 per cent. There is a lot of flexibility when it comes to this pension; you can contribute as much or as little as you want. It is also very effective when it comes to estate planning. You can pass on your pension savings to nominated beneficiaries very easily, which gives good peace of mind to know that your money will end up with loved ones. Diversify income sources Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It's crucial that when you get to your retirement age, you diversify your income sources. Having this will help protect you from pension shortfalls and market volatility. This can be through state pensions, workplace pensions, investments, and personal savings. Each income source gives you an extra level of financial protection, as well as comfort during your retirement. If you combine this with being debt-free, then there's no reason you can't enjoy a stress-free and work-free later life. If you invest £200 a month from the age of 25, by 65 you could have a pot of over £459,000 at an average return rate of 7.5 per cent. But if you start at 35, that pot will be £223,000, and it will be just £98,600 if you start at 45. Debt-free living One of your main aims before retirement should be eradicating or minimising your debt. Particularly debt with high interest, as having to make regular payments on this could take a considerable amount out of your budget. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It's also essential to think about your mortgage. If this is paid off before your retirement, then you won't have to worry about accommodation. On average, the Scottish population spends 36.7 per cent of its annual income on rent or mortgages alone. This will improve your financial flexibility, with that money instead going towards essentials like bills, food, and clothing. Whilst still having enough left over to treat yourself in your later years. Finally, Antonia commented: 'We often don't want to think about ourselves reaching retirement age. However, assessing the situation now and making small changes, such as checking for childcare credits or how your workplace pension performs, will leave you better prepared when you approach the end of your working life in Scotland. 'Deciding to start investing a small portion of your monthly income now could leave you with a lot more in your pension pot. That money will allow you to have a more comfortable retirement, or even let you retire earlier than planned.'
Scotsman
15-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Expert provides five finance tips that could add £367,000 to Scots pension pots
Scots are losing money from their pension pots because of simple mistakes like failing to apply for government credits and low-performing pensions, but new tips from a finance expert explain how you can get your money in check. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Recent data shows that £43,100 is needed annually for a comfortable retirement in Scotland, yet more than a fifth feel unprepared for their later years. Fortunately, to help prepare yourself, finance expert Antonia Medlicott, Managing Director of Investing Insiders, has revealed five things you should do to give yourself a more comfortable retirement. 41 per cent of workers are not currently contributing to a private pension, but Antonia's guidance shows there are simple changes that can provide huge gains in retirement pots. Apply for Specific Adult Childcare Credits Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Start thinking about your pension now. When a parent gets child benefit, they also get national insurance credits, but if they're working and someone else is doing the childcare, like a grandparent, then those credits can be transferred, which increases your retirement income if you don't have enough national insurance contributions. This little-known government scheme is called Specific Adult Childcare Credits, and each year of credit can be worth up to £330 in extra pension income. Over a 20-year retirement, that equates to £6,600. Even better, you can backdate credits to 2011 in the application. The scheme leaves parents worried and asking questions such as 'will this negatively impact my own pension entitlement?', but the great news is that it doesn't, as they are working, which provides them with the national insurance credit anyway. Check your workplace pension A staggering 55 per cent of workplace pensions underperform against industry standards, which could leave workers with an income shortfall when they retire. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It's vital to take an active interest in a workplace pension to make sure it's on track for a comfortable retirement. This issue is particularly acute for women, as only 28 per cent know where their pension is invested compared to over half of men (51 per cent). And recent government estimates show that women have 35 per cent less private pension wealth than men. Simply checking a pension regularly (at least once a year) will help workers identify any disappointing returns and take action if they need to change their investment strategy. Open a Self-Invested Personal Pension Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A Self-Invested Personal Pension allows you to have more control over how your money is invested and is popular due to its tax efficiency; all contributions are tax-deductible, and all growth is entirely tax-free. Making it an effective way to save for retirement. Around 10 per cent of Scotland's adult population currently hold a SIPP. Statistics over the last decade show that the average self-interest personal pension returns 5.2 per cent per year, compared to a standard default pension, which is between 3-4 per cent. There is a lot of flexibility when it comes to this pension; you can contribute as much or as little as you want. It is also very effective when it comes to estate planning. You can pass on your pension savings to nominated beneficiaries very easily, which gives good peace of mind to know that your money will end up with loved ones. Diversify income sources It's crucial that when you get to your retirement age, you diversify your income sources. Having this will help protect you from pension shortfalls and market volatility. This can be through state pensions, workplace pensions, investments, and personal savings. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Each income source gives you an extra level of financial protection, as well as comfort during your retirement. If you combine this with being debt-free, then there's no reason you can't enjoy a stress-free and work-free later life. If you invest £200 a month from the age of 25, by 65 you could have a pot of over £459,000 at an average return rate of 7.5 per cent. But if you start at 35, that pot will be £223,000, and it will be just £98,600 if you start at 45. Debt-free living One of your main aims before retirement should be eradicating or minimising your debt. Particularly debt with high interest, as having to make regular payments on this could take a considerable amount out of your budget. It's also essential to think about your mortgage. If this is paid off before your retirement, then you won't have to worry about accommodation. On average, the Scottish population spends 36.7 per cent of its annual income on rent or mortgages alone. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This will improve your financial flexibility, with that money instead going towards essentials like bills, food, and clothing. Whilst still having enough left over to treat yourself in your later years. Finally, Antonia commented: 'We often don't want to think about ourselves reaching retirement age. However, assessing the situation now and making small changes, such as checking for childcare credits or how your workplace pension performs, will leave you better prepared when you approach the end of your working life in Scotland. 'Deciding to start investing a small portion of your monthly income now could leave you with a lot more in your pension pot. That money will allow you to have a more comfortable retirement, or even let you retire earlier than planned.'
The Herald Scotland
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Jurassic Lanark: Adventure and thrills millions of years in the making
The centrepiece, the Monster Trail, winds through the town centre and Castlebank Park, where explorers come face-to-face with ferocious carnivores such as Tyrannosaurus Rex, Spinosaurus and Velociraptor, as well as the gentle giants Triceratops and Brachiosaurus. Younger adventurers can also tackle the Mini Trail, a bite-sized route past town shop windows hiding dinosaur clues. Participants completing the trails earn the coveted Jurassic Lanark Badge, marking them a certified dinosaur hunter. They can also enter a Prize Draw to win a Bumper Dino Bundle packed with goodies by returning their completed map when collecting their badges at the town's Tolbooth. 'This is the fifth Jurassic Lanark event and each has been timed perfectly for the school summer holidays,' says Discover Lanark Manager Antonia Pompa. 'We wanted to offer a fun trail where we can create scenes in some of the smaller spaces around our local streets. There is something quite magical about seeing dinosaurs so out of context – you certainly don't expect to see them in the town centre. 'The second part of our Monster Trail is in Castlebank Park where you might expect to find activities such as this. It's a lovely park with a picnic area, Fairy Dell and play area, and certainly adds a lot to the event.' Participants can pick up their free trail map at the Tolbooth Lanark (ML11 7EX), open daily from 10am to 5pm. Volunteers are on hand to offer helpful tips and route advice. Digital trail maps are also available for download, allowing adventurers to plan their expedition in advance. Each Saturday and Sunday, from 11am to 3pm, Castlebank Park is the place for youngsters to meet baby dinos Trixie and Tom and have their photo taken with Roary the mascot. Storytelling and games are all part of the free activity programme. 'There is something about dinosaurs that fascinates children,' says Antonia. 'They are so knowledgeable about them at a young age and I'm astounded by youngsters who can name all the dinosaurs. Let's be honest: they're not names that trip off the tongue. 'Children really get something out of finding out more. The timing of the Jurassic World Rebirth movie is just good luck but it's nice to have it out there. There are also the BBC programmes so people are really interested in dinosaurs and learning more about them.' Antonia notes the physical reality of Lanark's dinosaurs takes them beyond the screen for youngsters. 'Children are really excited by them. Sometimes they're really surprised by the animatronic ones – they don't expect to be growled at but it's also the sheer size of the models that bring them to life.' Last year no fewer than 6,500 trail maps were handed out and this year the event looks to be just as popular. 'It's a slightly weather dependent event because the majority of it is outdoors and it's more enjoyable to stop and look at things and read the information on the signs when the weather is good,' says Antonia. 'But there are plenty of dinosaur hunters who have arrived with their wet weather gear. There are often dinosaurs on the children's clothes and that's just brilliant to see. They really do enter into the spirit of it.' As Lanark is a Business Improvement District, it's hoped the event will also encourage visitors to discover more of what the town has to offer. 'This is a free event but we hope people will pop into our cafés and shops and make some purchases,' says Antonia. 'Some of the businesses, particularly the charity shops, save up all their dinosaur goodies and pop them out on display – it's really nice to see people going in and coming out with little mementos of their day.' So, whether you're a budding palaeontologist or just up for summer fun with a big difference, pack your explorer hat and grab a trail map before Lanark's dinosaurs find you first! Click here for more details
