Month: July 2024

Learning from the retired

Balancing financial security with mental well-being

The experiences of today’s retirees offer a wealth of knowledge for anyone planning their retirement. By observing the paths already taken, future retirees can glean valuable lessons from the triumphs and challenges faced by those who have navigated this transition before them. This collective knowledge is crucial in shaping a retirement plan that balances financial security with mental well-being.

Retirement matters

Making the right decisions today could boost your
retirement pot and make the future a whole lot brighter

When considering retirement planning, pension savings are a crucial component of your financial strategy and essential for a comfortable retirement. Securing the right professional advice is critical, as decisions made at this stage will significantly impact you and your family.

How much do I need to save for retirement?

Ensure your money works effectively to enjoy retirement on your own terms

How you invest in your 50s could significantly impact your quality of life in retirement. While there is still time to increase your retirement savings, a seemingly simple mistake could derail your plans. This is where obtaining professional financial advice becomes crucial.

Britain’s biggest pension taxpayers

How to make sure you avoid becoming one

Since 2015, individuals over the age of 55 with defined contribution (DC) pension pots have enjoyed full freedom to decide how to manage their pensions; purchasing an annuity (a guaranteed income for life) is no longer mandatory. More than 221 people fully withdrew a pension pot of £250,000 or more between October 2022 and March 2023[1], resulting in a tax bill of at least £97,500 each[2], according to new analysis of FCA figures.

Placing assets into a Trust

Ensuring your legacy is managed according to your wishes long into the future

Trusts are a powerful tool for estate planning, providing flexibility and control over asset distribution. Properly structured, they can address various scenarios and requirements, ensuring that your legacy is managed according to your wishes long into the future.

Financial protection

Ensuring a secure future for you and your loved ones

Nobody wants to consider what would happen if they became too ill to support their family financially. Financial protection is essential to creating peace of mind for your loved ones, but understanding what cover you may need can be confusing.

Ways to reduce a Capital Gains Tax liability

How will you ensure more of your money will go towards your future?

From using your annual exemption to saving in an Individual Savings Account (ISA), we look at ways to reduce a Capital Gains Tax (CGT) liability potentially. Cuts to the CGT exemption mean that arranging your investments as tax-efficiently as possible is more important than ever.

Investing a lump sum

Received an inheritance, windfall, or proceeds from a business or property sale? But what next?

Receiving a lump sum of money, whether from an inheritance, windfall, or proceeds from a business or property sale, can be exciting and overwhelming. Deciding where to invest this money is crucial, and with numerous options available, it can be challenging to determine the best course of action.

The importance of drafting a Will

Protect your family from uncertainty and potential conflicts

Many people still lack a properly organised estate plan despite the numerous benefits of writing a Will—such as getting our finances in order, planning our legacy, and ensuring that our loved ones are well looked after.

Quarter of retirees financially struggling despite paying off mortgage

Urgent need for effective financial strategies and support systems to ensure a dignified and secure retirement

According to a new study[1], around 21% of retirees say that, after paying off their mortgage, they are “unable to live fulfilling lives” due to insufficient retirement funds. This situation underscores the financial challenges many retirees face, even after achieving what many consider the major milestone of homeownership.