Don’t underestimate the value of financial advice
Posted by siteadmin on Monday 14th of December 2020
Throughout our lives, it is highly likely we will need to take financial decisions that can have a major impact on our wealth, such as taking out the right pension plan, or investing wisely for the future. Over the years, research has produced some interesting findings that highlight the benefit of advice when taking major financial decisions. Those who take advice are likely to accumulate more financial and pension wealth, supported by increased saving and investing in equity assets, while those in retirement are likely to benefit from more...
Do you know your State Pension Age
Posted by siteadmin on Sunday 13th of December 2020
Do you know your State Pension age?
Did you know that the State Pension age (SPA) increased to 66 for both men and women in October 2020 and it’s set to rise further? Knowing your SPA, together with how much you can expect to receive, is an important part of your retirement plan that is often overlooked.
Why do I have to wait longer?
In 1908, when the first State Pension was introduced in the UK, you would have to wait until the grand old age of 70 before being able to claim. This was at a time when life expectancy at birth was around...
2020 spending review at a glance
Posted by siteadmin on Wednesday 25th of November 2020
- Forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) show the economy will contract by 11.3% this year
- It may take until the end of 2022 for the economy to return to its pre-pandemic size
- GDP will grow by 5.5% next year, 6.6% in 2022, 2.3% in 2023, 1.7% in 2024 and 1.8% in 2025
- The budget deficit will be £394bn this year
- Borrowing will remain at £164bn next year
- Pay rises for the public sector will be paused next year (There will be an exemption for more than 1 million nurses and doctors in the NHS)
- National living wage will be ...
What are millennials investing in?
Posted by siteadmin on Wednesday 21st of October 2020
It’s seems like every day you see another article in a newspaper about millennials ‘killing industries’ in recent times young people were said to have caused the demise of doorbells, napkins and even breakfast cereal.
These tales of millennials bring the end to industries often go viral on social media and bring some interesting responses. When The Economist asked, “Why aren’t millennials buying diamonds?” it got some interesting replies including “Because you can’t live in a diamond or eat a diamond”
So, we know what industries are being ...
Spreading the risk
Posted by siteadmin on Wednesday 14th of October 2020
Stock markets do not react well in times of uncertainty and the effects of the pandemic continue to pile pressure on financial markets worldwide. During periods of increased volatility, such as we have seen over the last few months, the importance of spreading risk and considering the longer term, remain constant investment principles.
Why diversify?
Adopting portfolio diversification means you do not put all your eggs in one basket. A balanced portfolio contains a combination of different asset classes, such as equities (shares), bonds, pro...
Are you approaching retirement?
Posted by siteadmin on Wednesday 9th of September 2020
Are you approaching retirement?
If you are nearing retirement, you may have been particularly worried about the impact of recent market volatility on your pension assets and perhaps you are reassessing your retirement plans. There are several things to consider if you are planning to retire, which will depend very much on your own circumstances.
Since pensions freedoms were introduced in 2015, there are many more options available to retirees. Sudden retirements used to be the norm. People would stop work completely one day and be fu...
Life insurance Mind the Gap
Posted by siteadmin on Friday 14th of August 2020
With policies like home insurance or car insurance, we’re all in the habit of reviewing our cover annually. With a life insurance policy potentially lasting for 20 or 30 years, it goes without saying that over that time, your lifestyle and therefore your cover requirements can change, sometimes substantially. Whenever you mark life’s important milestones, it makes good financial sense to reassess your protection needs.
Overlooking the need to revisit your protection policies over time could mean that your family wouldn’t have enough money t...
Keep your pension planning on track
Posted by siteadmin on Wednesday 5th of August 2020
The coronavirus outbreak is having a widespread impact across all aspects of our financial life, with many people finding their income reduced. At times like this it can be challenging to stay focused. No matter what age you are, now is not the time to neglect your pension. Try your very best to keep your pension planning and contributions on track – don’t allow the pandemic to cast a cloud over your long-term plans.
It’s never too early to start saving into a pension…
You should start saving for retirement as soon as possible, as the sooner...
Investor Update July 2020
Posted by siteadmin on Monday 27th of July 2020
Your blog post goes here!
Investing for Children – The Junior ISA
Posted by siteadmin on Thursday 9th of July 2020
here was welcome news for young savers in the March Budget with the government announcing the Junior ISA (JISA) allowance was to be more than doubled, from £4,368 to £9,000 from 6 April 2020.
JISA and CTFs both benefit
JISAs replaced Child Trust Funds (CTF) in 2011, but those who still
hold CTF will continue to benefit from the increased allowance. Both JISA and CTF are a tax efficient way to build up savings for a child. It is not possible to have both a JISA and a CTF.
Savings for children
A junior ISA can be opened for any child under 18 l...
