A growing number of people in the UK are worried they aren’t saving enough for retirement. Many with good reason. Retirement shortfalls are a real concern, but they don’t have to be inevitable. With the right financial plan, stopping work can be something to look forward to, not fear. Confidence Read More >>
Are you a higher or additional rate taxpayer? Are you paying into a personal pension? We all know pension contributions attract tax relief. However, fewer people are aware that if you pay income tax at 40% or 45%, the automatic relief applied by the pension provider is not all you’re Read More >>
What do you imagine when you think about a happy retirement? Chasing grandchildren across the lawn? Relaxing on the deck of a cruise ship? Playing golf with your mates? All of the above??? Whatever comes to mind, you need to consider how you are going to get there. A couple Read More >>
Government statistics show four in ten adults are not saving enough for retirement. As a financial planner, that worries me greatly. Despite combined efforts by providers, the government and key stakeholders to encourage individuals and employers to engage with their pensions, the message is clearly not getting through. So, how Read More >>
Not sure what to make of this month’s Budget? As the dust settles and we’ve had some time to digest the chancellor’s plans for economic growth, it’s time to take a look at what they really mean for pension savers and investors. Read on to find out how the changes Read More >>
A new tax year is upon us and it’s time to take a look at your finances to ensure you’re approaching the next 12 months in good shape. Whether you’re a regular or occasional saver, there are reliefs and allowances to be had and making use of them is essential. Read More >>
I read an article in the Daily Telegraph recently that really pleased me. It basically affirmed the way we sequence retirement income and told the world it can save you thousands of pounds. In fact, it went so far as to put a figure on how much better off you Read More >>
In my near 20 years in financial services, I have read many articles discussing the relative merits of investing in property and pensions. Commentators from across the industry have argued the pros and cons of both and when The Sunday Times’ Money section interviews a celebrity, they always ask the Read More >>
As financial planners, we like to concentrate on the things we can control, i.e. the risks you take, the tax you pay and the fees you incur. Fees are necessary, as they facilitate the management of your investments, but they must be appropriate and not so excessive, they impede the Read More >>
Her Majesty has spoken – action is needed! Don’t panic, this isn’t about Brexit, it’s about you and your pension savings. As part of the Queen’s speech, it was announced that a pensions dashboard would be launched. This initiative, first discussed back in 2016, will be an online tool to Read More >>
