Useful Articles

Planning ahead helps ensure that you’re on track

You work hard to enjoy your current lifestyle, but are you doing enough to ensure that you will continue to enjoy it in retirement? Many of us live for today, but saving into a private pension plan can help you retire sooner rather than later. Continue reading “How prepared are you for retirement?” →

What rising life expectancy could mean for you

We know that age is just a number, and for different people it means different things. It’s also a phrase used by some people who oppose age restrictions. Continue reading “Age is just a number” →

What does wealth look like to you?

Whether it’s stopping smoking, losing weight, eating more healthily or getting fitter, most of us have probably made at least one New Year’s resolution, but how many of us will actually go on to achieve it? Continue reading “2020 financial resolutions” →

Prior preparation is key for a smooth transition into your new life

It’s a dream for many that after years of hard work, it’s finally time to travel to far-off lands and enjoy your retirement without worrying about finances. With some planning beforehand, the dream of retiring abroad can become a reality. Continue reading “Retiring abroad” →

If the worst were to happen, would your bills still get paid?

Everyone should consider protection, even those who don’t have a family or a mortgage! Unless they have substantial savings or inherited wealth, most people rely on their salary to pay for everything. Continue reading “Life is full of uncertainties” →

Legitimate ways for higher earners to reduce a tax bill

Without a carefully developed tax planning strategy, higher-rate taxpayers run the risk of missing out on key tax benefits and paying more in taxes than necessary. A higher tax liability can diminish the value of your investment earnings over the long term. Continue reading “Tax-efficient investing” →

Lending soars at Bank of Mum and Dad

The Bank of Mum and Dad has been branded as socially divisive and a symptom of Britain’s broken housing market as new figures reveal it is now one of the UK’s biggest mortgage lenders. Thousands of over-55s are generously gifting money as part of the Bank of Mum and Dad, using savings and even pensions to help their family onto the housing ladder, research has revealed[1]. Continue reading “Generation game” →

Significant gap between expectations and reality of what life in retirement will cost Generation Z

When most people envision their retirement, positive images start forming. We may picture spending our days lounging on the beach, travelling, practising our favourite hobbies, or having free time to spend with friends and taking the grandchildren on countless adventures. Continue reading “Mind the income gap” →

Nearly half a million quit their careers in the last two years alone

The decision to look after an elderly, ill or seriously disabled relative has been made by 2.6 million people according to new research by Carers UK[1]. The findings also reveal that nearly half a million (468,000) have quit their careers in the last two years alone – more than 600 people a day. This is a 12% increase since Carers UK and YouGov polled the public in 2013. Continue reading “‘Sandwich generation’ carers” →

Three quarters of UK employees say they won’t be able to retire by the age of 65

Britain is growing old, and not just proverbially. As the population is set to increase, the proportion of the population aged 85 and over is projected to double over the next 25 years[1], and the number of those working for longer rises with it. Recent figures[2] reveal that nearly three quarters of UK employees say they won’t be able to retire by the age of 65. Continue reading “Working into old age” →