Time to evaluate whether you need to modify your objectives or saving strategies? As you enter your 50s, retirement is no longer a distant dream but a rapidly approaching reality. Ensuring that your investments work diligently to secure the lifestyle you envision for your golden years is crucial. By optimising your financial strategy now, you can confidently retire according to your personal goals and aspirations. Defining your retirement savings target may have been on your financial to-do list for some

Exploring why they are an attractive option to mass-affluent investors. Onshore investment bonds typically carry a lower risk and contribute significantly to a well-rounded portfolio. Historically, numerous investors have opted for a 60% equities and 40% bonds split in their portfolios, as these two assets often (keep in mind, not always) exhibit contrasting performances under varying economic circumstances – a beneficial attribute during market volatility. Following the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) changes announced in last year’s November Budget, many investors

Essential information for your retirement planning. A significant change is on the horizon that may affect when you can access your pension money. We’ll guide you through this change and its potential implications, so you can confidently prepare for retirement. The current normal minimum pension age (NMPA) is 55, which means you can start taking your pension savings once you reach that age. Some exceptions exist, such as if you’re experiencing ill health or have a lower protected pension age.

Financial responsibilities increase significantly after 25. Paying essentials like utilities and council tax becomes a reality as young adults transition from student life to the workforce. The reality of financial responsibilities often accompanies the excitement of newfound independence during one’s mid-twenties. According to research, young workers may find their first salaries insufficient to cover necessities like utilities and council tax. The study reveals that the number of people making regular payments significantly increases among those aged 25 to 34 compared

More than 24.5 million people are financially disengaged. Do you often review your finances? Or are you one of those people who just hope for the best? Although managing finances may not be the most exciting activity, keeping track of your financial wellbeing can make a significant difference to your life, both in the present and in the future. Taking control of your finances will enable you to meet your financial goals and improve your overall financial health. Worryingly more

Making informed decisions about how to best allocate your resources. Financial planning is a crucial step towards achieving financial freedom and security. By taking the time to thoroughly evaluate your needs and personal goals, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about how to best allocate your resources.  With a comprehensive professional financial plan in hand, you’ll have the confidence and peace of mind to pursue your short-term goals and work towards your long-term future. With professional guidance, you’ll be

Two in five over-55s plan to gradually phase out working life before State Pension age. Semi-retirement is an option to consider for individuals who may not be ready to fully retire, but still wish to reduce their work hours and gradually phase out working life. By choosing to semi-retire, you can maintain a good work-life balance while still earning an income. Many people choose to semi-retire as it allows them to enjoy their hobbies, travel and spend more time with

Does the early bird get the ISA worm? If you’re an investor looking to maximise your Individual Savings Accounts (ISA) returns, it’s worth considering investing your ISA allowance as soon as possible each year, as soon as it becomes available on 6 April. Not only will this help ensure that your money is protected from taxes right off the bat, but it also means that your investment has more time to grow in the market. This can result in a

How much has the 2023/24 State Pension increased by? If you are a UK resident planning for your retirement, it’s important to be aware of the State Pension changes that have taken effect in the new tax year. From April, the amount you can now receive as part of the UK State Pension has risen, which will be welcome news to those who have retired or are nearing retirement age. Knowing what to expect from your future State Pension, and

Knowing how much you’ll receive is vital for planning your future finances. The State Pension age is set to rise to 67 by 2028, followed by a subsequent rise to 68 between 2044 and 2046. However, there is currently a review being conducted to determine the appropriateness of the existing timetable. This review will help to determine whether further adjustments to the State Pension age will be required in the future. As a result, it is likely that individuals’ retirement

What will your legacy look like? April brought a host of changes to the UK’s tax regime, with some thresholds for taxes such as additional rate Income Tax being lowered while others, such as Corporation Tax, are increased. However, the Inheritance Tax (IHT) nil-rate band has remained stagnant at £325,000 since 2009, despite the meteoric rise in property prices over the same period. This has resulted in an all-time high of £6.1bn being collected in Inheritance Tax in 2021/22. Freezing

Welcome but unexpected changes to pension tax. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s first proper Budget 2023, on Wednesday 15 March, brought some welcome but unexpected changes to pension tax. The changes are designed to alleviate the impact of strict pension rules, which are believed by Mr Hunt to have had a negative impact on the country’s labour market. Britons can now expect significant changes that will affect their retirement savings. But to fully understand how these changes could impact on your pension