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Make writing your will your top 2014 
New Year resolution

Save your loved ones from any additional stress at what is likely to be a very difficult time

As much as we might not want to think about it, we are all going to die one day. Most of us know that we should write a will, but most of us never get round to it. Do you fall into this category? If the answer is ‘yes’, as the New Year approaches make writing your will your top 2014 resolution.

Enjoy the time of your life

Have you given full consideration to your long-term pension investment strategy?

Reviewing your 
retirement planning
Having a pension today is recognised as just one important step along the path to achieving your dreams once you have stopped working. Now, not only must you carefully consider where you actually invest your pension money and how you are going to use your pension, but if appropriate you should also review other forms of retirement savings. Reviewing your retirement planning is critical, and probably the single most important decision you can make to help you realise your long-term goals.

Time to aim for higher returns

Taking a different approach to investments can generate greater wealth

When it comes to taking investment risk to secure a higher return, those aged 55 and over are most likely to be taking the lead with Stocks & Shares Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs), according to research from Standard Life (08 April 2013). Over one in ten (11 per cent) of 55 and overs invest in the stock market via their ISA, compared to just 7 per cent of 35 to 44-year-olds.

Gender neutrality changes

Women retirees could boost pension income by 67 per cent

The combination of the recent rise in gilt yields, positive market performance, gender neutrality changes, and the 20 per cent uplift in income levels announced by the Government earlier this year, can provide a substantial boost to the level of income available for female pensioners.

Estate preservation

Helping you to look after and maintain your wealth in the most efficient way

If you are UK domiciled, Inheritance Tax (IHT) is currently charged at 40 per cent and is payable on your estate once your net assets exceed £325,000. For some married couples and registered civil partners, any unused percentage of the available allowance from the estate of the first to pass away may be claimed when the second spouse dies. Once the domain of the super-rich, wide-scale home ownership and rising property values have meant that more and more people need to implement an estate preservation strategy to protect their wealth.

Roads to wealth

Financial challenges facing Britain’s young adults

Skandia’s study about the roads to wealth for Britain’s youth highlights the financial challenges many young adults experience as they move away from home to establish themselves as independent individuals.

Building new Untouched pension savings

An opportunity to potentially improve tax-efficiency

rawdown is the main alternative to a secure annuity income. It is more flexible than an annuity but is also more complex and higher risk. Figures from Skandia (08 July 2013) show only one third (35 per cent) of people in drawdown are actually taking their full income allowance.