The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is concerned about how much influence social media could be having on younger investors, who could unknowingly be taking on significant financial risks. According to the FCA, this younger, more diverse group of investors is highly reliant on social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for investment tips […]
Category archives: Pensions & Retirement
Probate delayed by ‘hidden assets’
Probate software specialist Exizent has published its first Bereavement Index1, with some interesting findings. It shows that many people fail to organise their finances before death, leading to stress and anxiety for those left dealing with a ‘financial mess’. According to the research, one in seven (14%) of those tasked with administering the estate of […]
Warm outside? Don’t forget about the LTA freeze
Summer, freedom and (hopefully) sunshine are all well on the way, but not planning for the Lifetime Allowance (LTA) freeze could cast a cloud over your finances. For the next five years (until April 2026), the pension LTA will be held at its current level of £1,073,100. This means that the amount you can hold […]
Multi-jobbers take heed
Workers with more than one job, earning lower salaries, are at risk of a poorer retirement, as they miss out on employer pension contributions, a new study has found1. Under the auto enrolment scheme, employers are required to set up a pension and make contributions on their employees’ behalf, unless an employee decides to opt […]
A summer of hope and optimism
As lockdown restrictions gradually ease, the public mood appears to be shifting, with a more positive atmosphere returning this summer. This is unsurprising, as there is much to be positive about in the weeks and months to come. Crowds are set to return to theatres and music venues, the Chelsea Flower Show will be going […]
A Great British summer to enjoy
Although we can never rely on the British weather providing the goods, there does seem to be a growing optimism that this will turn out to be a Great British summer. Many of us have booked staycations and there is a full programme of sporting events, including Wimbledon, the Olympics, British Open, test cricket and […]
Dealing with divorce
With couples locked down together for months on end whilst juggling work and possibly home schooling, the past year has sadly put huge strain on many relationships. With a post-lockdown divorce boom predicted by many family lawyers, it’s tricky to know where to start regarding the division of finances. On divorce, a couple need to […]
Tips for a smooth retirement
Whether 2021 is the year you’ve earmarked for your retirement or, due to the pandemic, you’ve decided to retire earlier than intended, it’s not too late to get your plans in place. Organisation is key to ensuring your retirement goes smoothly, even if it still seems a long way off, and we’re here to help […]
Financial support for family – the norm for a third of retirees
A third of those planning to retire last year, expected to support their families financially, providing handouts totalling over £3,700 a year, or £311 a month, although 12% expect to contribute £500 or more1. Top priorities for those supporting loved ones include living and accommodation costs. Almost a quarter (24%) will give family members regular […]
People accessing their pensions on the rise
During Q4 2020, more people accessed their pensions and more money was withdrawn, compared to Q4 2019. A total of £2.4bn was withdrawn from pensions in Q4 2020, a 6% increase from the £2.2bn withdrawn in Q4 2019. HMRC data indicates that 360,000 people accessed their pensions in the three months to 31 December 2020, […]