The future of retirement

Experiences of the past and potential future scenarios The latest research reveals a significant disparity in perceptions regarding retirement experiences of the past and potential future scenarios. Over the past 50 years, a ‘hard stop’ or ‘transitional’ retirement has been the predominant way people have transitioned into retirement. A ‘hard stop’ refers to an abrupt […]

The cost of early withdrawal from your pension

How retirees are impacting their financial future by accessing pension pots too soon More than three-quarters (78%) of retirees have already dipped into their pension pots by the time they retire, according to recent data[1]. Of these, more than half (52%) withdraw funds five years before their Selected Retirement Age (SRA), with 21% opting to […]

Pension scams on the rise

Protect your savings! 7.3 million UK adults encountered an attempted scam in the past year Around 7.3 million UK adults, or one in seven, encountered an attempted pension scam in the past year. Alarmingly, 14% were targeted through unsolicited calls, texts or emails, according to recent research, illustrating the aggressive tactics employed by scammers. This […]

Mastering financial planning

Essential tips for mothers balancing family and finances Balancing the many responsibilities of motherhood can be overwhelming, often pushing long-term financial planning onto the back burner. However, effective financial planning is essential for everyone, and as a mother, you face unique challenges that require extra attention. Here are some key financial planning steps to help […]

Navigating the complexities of inheritance

Should you consider estate planning and gifting for future generations? As we age or accumulate more wealth, protecting and preserving our assets for future generations becomes increasingly essential. This process, known as Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning, estate planning or intergenerational wealth planning, involves strategically managing your estate to minimise tax liabilities and ensure that your […]

Autumn Budget Statement 2024

What it could mean for your finances On 30 October, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves will deliver the Autumn Budget Statement 2024, accompanied by a comprehensive fiscal statement from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). This significant event comes as the new government, elected to boost economic stability and growth, takes its first important […]

Time to revisit your retirement plan?

Helping you feel more prepared for this stage of your life If you are in your 40s or 50s, you have likely contributed to a pension for quite some time. Over the years, you may have accumulated multiple employer workplace pensions. However, when did you last thoroughly examine your pension and retirement strategy?

The middle-aged squeeze

Juggling careers, family care and financial pressure amid rising costs and wealth transfers Increasing longevity and evolving demographics have left many middle-aged individuals juggling careers with caring for both ageing parents and children. This issue is particularly acute for ambitious professionals who prioritised establishing their careers before starting a family in their thirties or forties.

Rising demand for health cover

Grappling with a workforce sickness epidemic and long NHS waiting times With 2.81 million people in the UK now away from work due to long-term sickness, ensuring employers offer comprehensive health benefits is becoming increasingly critical. This approach is essential for preventing employees from becoming too ill to work, as well as for attracting and […]

Building wealth and achieving financial goals

Aligning investments with risk tolerance and capacity Investing is an indispensable tool for building wealth and achieving financial goals. By allocating resources to various investments, individuals can accumulate wealth over time through capital appreciation, dividends and interest. For example, investing in a diversified portfolio of stocks can yield significant returns, enabling you to grow your […]