Giving you what you need to make wise financial decisions, for the life you want now and in the future
Insights, tips and answers to help you boost your knowledge and financial confidence.
How Do You Intend to Celebrate Milestone Occasions? Many people have a bucket list for big birthdays and milestone occasions. It’s hardly surprising! After all, it’s a big deal turning 50, 60 or 70, or celebrating a Silver or Golden wedding anniversary. In recognition of these major milestones, our clients often plan to do something …
Property as a pension is generally considered a reliable option when thinking about retirement savings. Consequently “my property is my pension” is something we financial planners often hear. However, as I often say, “You can’t take a brick to to the supermarket” and unfortunately relying on property wealth in lieu of a decent pension pot …
Will I have enough? These are questions we’re most often asked, and I’m afraid there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. I think people get frustrated by hearing “It depends…”, but it truly does. We are each wonderfully unique. How much is enough for the rest of your life depends on what your life looks like. If …
A gentleman with a large amount of money, held in an investment account and ISAs, wanted to make sure he’d leave as much as possible to his family when he died, rather than a large inheritance tax bill. We looked at the numbers He had a large amount of savings, but the money wasn’t in …
Can I minimise Inheritance Tax for my family after I’ve gone?Read More
A couple were concerned about the financial security of the wife should anything happen to the husband. He had a number of older style pensions, but they were in his name and he’d need to take them as an annuity, a fixed annual payment, starting when he reached pension age at 65. The wife had …
What if something happens to me, will my partner be OK?Read More
A couple was approaching pension age, with the husband working a 50-60 hour week in a high-pressured job. Their focus was two-fold: did they have enough in their pension pots to allow them to give up work and still pursue their passion for travel, and how soon could the husband give up his job. Before …
Do we have enough for the retirement we want, and when can we give up work?Read More
The couple in this example have saved regularly but, like many people, they weren’t sure if they were saving the right amount into the best place, or if they’d saved enough for a comfortable retirement. Before We looked at the numbers They were overpaying their mortgage by £1,000 per month, but they weren’t paying much …
Do I have enough for a happy, comfortable retirement?Read More
I’d rather put my money under the mattress than in a pension Mr Murdoch has a lot to answer for. Plundering his employees’ pension funds has left many people wary of pensions. Bear with me while I try to justify them in around 500 words. This is my soap box that I clamber up onto …
