Getting finances in order

Financial worries don’t just affect our waking hours

Financial fears are creeping into sleeping hours, as new research shows money worries are a top cause of nightmares[1]. Our dreams are how we naturally make sense of all the information and experiences that we unconsciously absorb every day. Continue reading…

Pensions shake-up

Getting away from the stresses of everyday life

For many, the idea of retirement means getting away from the stresses of everyday life. But with living costs rising and interest rates low, people need to think about how to generate extra income from their savings in retirement. Continue reading…

‘Multi-jobbers’

Falling foul of the minimum earnings threshold

The rules around pensions are continuously changing. To make the most of your retirement, it’s essential to receive regular professional financial advice on how to build up and invest your pension effectively. Continue reading…

Money talks

Valuable employer contributions encourage people to stay

More people in the UK are saving towards retirement than ever before, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), with numbers boosted thanks to the Government’s auto-enrolment scheme. Under auto-enrolment, employees are automatically signed up to a workplace pension into which both they and their employers must contribute. Workers can opt out of the scheme if they want to, but the hope is that valuable employer contributions will encourage people to stay. The scheme was introduced in October 2012 to boost the numbers of people planning for retirement and began with the largest employers first, followed by medium-sized, then small employers. Continue reading…

Seeking a higher retirement income

Retirement needn’t be an all-or-nothing decision

The onwards march of ‘pretirement’ – where people scale back on work or slow their retirement plans down rather than giving up entirely – is continuing, with half (50%) of those retiring this year considering working past State Pension age. Continue reading…

Cash stash

Study exposes a whole host of financial secrets

It’s bad news for romantics, according to the latest annual research[1] into the retirement aspirations and financial planning of UK couples aged 40 and over. This identifies that nearly one in three couples (31%) have secret savings or investments that they have deliberately started without telling their partner or spouse. And it’s not just a few pounds, as 7% admit to hiding savings of over £50,000. Continue reading…

SIPP into your future

Extra flexibility over your pension savings in retirement

It’s never too early – or too late – to start saving for your future. With retirement planning, it is important to take into account the fact we’re all living longer. Couple that with the fact that the cost of living continues to rise, and the value of the State Pension continues to dwindle – this provides a very strong case for starting to save early for your future. Continue reading…

Investing in your child’s future

Without planning ahead, the cost can be a huge money sink

While many parents value the standard of education offered by independent schools or universities, the costs can be daunting. However, with careful planning, it may be possible to avoid a huge outstanding student loan or tax burden. Continue reading…

Generation still taxed

Numbers nearly double in the last two decades

With so much choice on offer, and with frequent rule changes and distinct tax benefits to consider, finding the right vehicle for your retirement planning is essential. Continue reading…

Life insurance

Peace of mind knowing that your family is protected

It’s understandable that we would rather not think of the time when we’re no longer around. But it’s important to protect the things that really matter – like our loved ones, home and lifestyle – in case the unexpected happens. Continue reading…