At a time where it is becoming harder to save up adequate sums for retirement, a new study shows that the UK’s low interest rate environment is causing retirees to turn to riskier pension and investment products which could potentially lose them a significant sum. Risky business A poll from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme […]
Category archives: Pensions & Retirement
Long COVID – a problem for your pension pot?
The pandemic has affected almost everyone in numerous different ways, whether that is financially, medically, or socially; its death toll has been appalling and overshadows everything. Fortunately, the vast majority have come through the pandemic, but the speed of recovery has been variable. Medically, many patients have recovered well, but some have prolonged symptoms which […]
Taking emotion (and colour!) away from investment decisions
It is fascinating to consider the psychology of investing. There are many behavioural traps that investors could find themselves falling into during times of market volatility, when knee jerk reactions can take hold. One example being ‘the anchoring trap’, which is where investors rely too much on their perceptions of an investment, which could be […]
Is IHT change on the cards?
It’s been three years since then-Chancellor Philip Hammond asked the Office of Tax Simplification to look into potential amendments to the Inheritance Tax (IHT) regime1. Since then, no changes have been made to the tax incurred when wealth passes onto the next generation; could Rishi Sunak be the one to take up the mantle once […]
Younger investors and social media
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 […]
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 […]