Topic: Protection

Whole-of-life assurance

Guaranteed financial protection that lasts for the rest of your life

As the name suggests, whole-of-life policies are ongoing policies that pay out when you die, whenever that is. Because it’s guaranteed that you’ll die at some point (and therefore that the policy will have to pay out), these policies are more expensive than term assurance policies, which only pay out if you die within a certain timeframe.

Term assurance

Choose the amount you want to be insured for and the period for which you want cover

The most basic type of life assurance is called ‘term assurance’. With term assurance, you choose the amount you want to be insured for and the period for which you want cover. If you die within the term, the policy pays out to your beneficiaries. If you don’t die during the term, the policy doesn’t pay out and the premiums you’ve paid are not returned to you. 

Life assurance

Providing a financial safety net for your loved ones

If you have loved ones who are dependent on you, life assurance can make sure they’re taken care of financially if you die. So whether you’re looking to provide a financial safety net for your loved ones, moving house or a first-time buyer looking to arrange your mortgage life insurance – or simply wanting to add some cover to what you’ve already got – you’ll want to make sure you choose the right type of cover. That’s why obtaining the right advice and knowing which products to choose – including the most suitable sum assured, premium, terms and payment provisions – is essential.

Financial support when your family needs it most

Why reviewing your level of life insurance is time well spent to ensure you look after their future

May 2014 marked the 253rd anniversary of the first life insurance policy being issued in the USA.  Life insurance protects your family and anyone else who may depend on you for financial support. If you die prematurely, the people who are dependent upon your income could lose that financial support, which may leave them having to fend for themselves.

‘Silver-splitters’

More couples are deciding to part later in life

Divorce is not purely exclusive to the young or middle-aged, and we’re seeing a steady increase in what have been dubbed the ‘silver-splitters’ – couples who are deciding to part in later life.

‘Save smart’

Focused on managing costs

We’re becoming increasingly good when it comes to cost cutting, according to the latest findings of an annual online survey from long-term savings and investment specialist Standard Life by YouGov PLC.

Taking vital steps before the new tax year

You need to act fast to avoid next year’s child benefit charges
Families impacted by the high income child benefit charge need to act now to limit or avoid it in the next tax year. Doing this could make them potentially up to £2,449 better off, but they only have until the 6th April 2014 to take some vital steps for the 2013/14 tax year, according to Standard Life.

Tax attack

Legitimate planning could save you money by reducing a potential tax bill
With tax increases the prospect for the foreseeable future, it is essential that you make the most of every available tax relief. Using the tax breaks available to you also makes good financial sense.