Two thirds of over-50s plan to lengthen their working lives
Nearly two thirds of over-50s workers would consider retraining so they could work longer in retirement, according to new research from MetLife.
Hedging against downside risk
Divergent monetary policies and growth
trends could be key themes of 2015
The return of volatility – as valuations and investor complacency remain elevated – will make it vital for investors to consider hedging against downside risk and cut back on ‘me too’ investments this year, according to the BlackRock Investment Institute’s (BII) 2015 Investment Outlook.
What’s your magic number?
The picture of retirement income in the UK is not as bleak as some would like us to think
A report has revealed those approaching retirement are expecting to receive £23,700 per year when they retire. The same survey shows that the average income in retirement today is currently just £19,000 – a shortfall of £4,700 per year, or 25%.
Trust in your future
Exposure to a range of assets through a single investment
In performance terms, the attraction of investment trusts is consistently evident. They allow you to pool your money with that of other investors to get exposure to a range of assets through a single investment and are listed companies that issue a fixed number of shares quoted on a stock market, such as the London Stock Exchange.
Influencing factors to managing your future wealth
When was the last time you revisited your investment goals?
It’s vital to know why you’re investing. The first step is to have a good think about your financial situation and your reasons for investing. Whatever your personal investment goal may be, it is important to set your time horizon at the outset, as this will impact on the type of investments you should consider to help achieve your goals. It also makes sense to revisit your investment goals at regular intervals to account for any changes to your personal circumstances.
NISA Countdown
Time is running out if you want to make the most of your tax-efficient savings allowance
If you are keen to take advantage of the New Individual Savings Account (NISA) allowance, now increased to £15,000, and make the most of your tax-efficient savings, time is running out. You only have until 5 April to fully utilise your 2014/15 NISA allowance, after which it will be lost forever.
Wealth attraction
Legally minimising or mitigating taxation on current and future tax liabilities before 6 April 2015
Tax planning is a very complex area covering many forms of tax. No one likes paying more tax than they legally have to, but one of the challenges of wealth is the high taxation it attracts. For some individuals the need for specialist professional advice has never been greater. With the current tax year end rapidly approaching, we’ve provided some tax planning areas for you to consider before 6 April 2015.
New landscape for later-life planning
Making informed decisions about how to best use your savings and manage your income in retirement
More than one in four Britons (27%) expect to come under pressure to lend their family money from unlocked retirement pots when the new pension freedoms are introduced from 6 April this year, according to latest research from the Centre for the Modern Family.
Maximising your income levels in retirement
Why having a target in mind clearly makes a difference to fund this stage of your life
A recently published report has highlighted the positive impact planning and professional financial advice can have on income levels in our retirement. The first Retirement Income Uncovered report from Old Mutual Wealth found that retirees who hadn’t set themselves an income target to aim for in retirement had an average income of £17,500 per year. However, those who saw a financial adviser at least once have an average income in retirement of £20,800.
Pension freedoms – what could they mean to you?
Accessing your pension safely, without unnecessary costs and a potential tax bill
With the biggest pension reforms in a lifetime rapidly approaching on 6 April, are you ready for how these reforms could potentially affect you, whether now or in the future? The wide media coverage that followed the 2014 Budget announcements talked of pensions in the future being used as bank accounts and new pension freedoms leading to long waiting lists for Lamborghinis.
