What are you trying to achieve with your investments? There are different types of risk involved with investing, so it’s important to find out what they are and think about how much risk you’re willing to take. It all depends on your attitude to risk (how much risk you are prepared to take) and what… Continue reading Planning your investment strategy
Category: Financial News
Spreading your investments
Risk is an implicit aspect OF investing When deciding whether to invest, it is important that any investment vehicle matches your feelings and preferences in relation to investment risk and return. Hence your asset allocation needs to be commensurate with your attitude to risk. Another key question to ask yourself is: ‘How comfortable would I be facing a short-term loss in… Continue reading Spreading your investments
Open for business
Business taxes given some respite The Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne MP, said in his emergency Budget speech that he wants a sign to go up over the British economy saying ‘Open for Business’. Commenting, Richard Lambert, Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Director-General, said there was clear recognition in the Budget of the role that business needs to play in… Continue reading Open for business
Financial foundations
We take the time to find out about you In times of turbulent markets and changing tax legislation, you want to be certain your future is adequately planned for. That is why, rather than offering clients an off-the-shelf financial planning solution, we take the time to find out about you, your current financial situation and… Continue reading Financial foundations
Annuity rule change
Securing a retirement income A rule that requires all pension savers to purchase an annuity by age 75 will cease next year, the government announced on 22 June. Initially at least, the age will be revised up to 77, with a consultation process on whether the rule should be removed altogether. According to the emergency Budget document: ‘The… Continue reading Annuity rule change
Lifestyle protection
Easing the financial pressures of a critical illness A serious illness, such as cancer or heart attack, affects one-in-four women and one-in-five men before retirement age. Critical illness insurance is designed to ease the financial pressures by paying a tax-free lump sum if you become seriously ill or totally disabled. You must normally survive at… Continue reading Lifestyle protection
Salary Sacrifice
Waiving all or part of your salary in return for a preferential sum In the context of retirement planning, salary sacrifice (sometimes known as ‘salary waiver’) is a contractual agreement to waive all or part of your salary in return for your employer contributing a preferential (equivalent) sum into your pension plan. For a salary… Continue reading Salary Sacrifice
Taking control of your existing pensions
Alternative homes for your nest eggs The Bank of England’s decision to keep interest rates low means that many savers will now receive virtually no return from their money. As a result, many will be looking for alternative homes for their nest eggs. If you are considering building a portfolio of income-producing funds, your first priority should be to decide… Continue reading Taking control of your existing pensions
Emergency Budget 2010 at a glance
Were you a winner or a loser? Take a look at our guide and see how your finances may have been affected by the emergency Budget. Emergency Budget 2010 highlights Economy – Growth is forecast to be 1.2 per cent this year, taking into account the emergency Budget measures. It is forecast to be 2.3 per cent next year, 2.8 per… Continue reading Emergency Budget 2010 at a glance
Overestimating your retirement income
Are you relying on the state pension to fund your retirement? Around 18 per cent of people who intend to give up work during 2010 admit they will be relying on the state pension and income from savings to fund their retirement, according to insurer Prudential. Nearly a third of people who are about to retire either do not know how much they will receive… Continue reading Overestimating your retirement income
