What is the Future of the State Pension?
Currently, the age at which you are entitled to claim the State Pension is 66. This is expected to rise to age 67 in 2036, and then to 68 in 2046. A think-tank has recently floated the idea that, in order to make the State Pension sustainable, pensionable age needs to be increased to 71 by 2050. A falling birth rate, combined with an increase in life expectancy means…
How Much Will You Need In Retirement?
We all want to look forward to a happy and fulfilling retirement, but that doesn’t happen by itself. It is the result of careful planning and making the right decisions throughout your working life, so you can have the financial means to enjoy the lifestyle you want and deserve. But shifting economic sands and events entirely beyond your control means your retirement plans can’t be set in stone. For…
Mid 30s is the Perfect Pension Planning Time
Adjusting to adulthood can be a difficult stage of life, as you strike out on your own for the first time and adapt to huge changes at home and at work. It is therefore understandable that getting to grips with your finances can get pushed down your list of priorities, in particular, saving for your pension. Of course, auto-enrolment has helped many young adults get started with planning for…
How Can I Improve My Credit Score?
Having a good credit score can make a big difference to your life, such as helping you qualify for a credit card or being approved for a loan or mortgage. Your credit score can be the key that unlocks countless opportunities, so what do you need to do to make sure yours is as good as it can possibly be? Be punctual with your repayments It’s vital that you meet…
Savers are missing out on extra money
What do you do with your monthly earnings when they land? Do you leave all the money sitting in your current account? Or do you invest some elsewhere, so you can make your money work hard for you and maximise your returns? A new survey by the Building Societies Association (BSA) reveals that many of us are, worryingly, not really doing anything at all! According to the data, 34%…
Should you consider downsizing?
When your children have grown up and left home, your house can suddenly feel a lot bigger and emptier. But despite there being many compelling reasons to move to a smaller property, many of us stay put. So should you be thinking about downsizing? According to a study by Zoopla, most homeowners aged 65 or above either live on their own or just with their partner. Nevertheless, more than…
Should you have Critical Illness Cover?
Saving and investing are always at the heart of a financial plan, so you can be sure that you are on course to achieve your future goals. But it is easy to make one big mistake – believing that this journey will go smoothly and that you won’t ever get knocked off course. What would you do if an emergency did arise, such as an unexpected health crisis? That…
Why Asset Allocation Matters When Investing
Investing is an uncertain pursuit, as you have to carefully navigate an ever-changing financial climate. Perhaps the only certainty is that the value of your investments will go up as well as down, so it is really important that you allocate your assets carefully to help you stay on course. Here are some key issues you should be considering when you are making crucial decisions: Exposure to risk If…
Is it ever too late to start Pension Planning?
As financial advisers, we will always recommend that you start preparing for retirement as early as you can. But if you are in your 40s or 50s and have only just started thinking about pension planning, then the rule of thumb is that something accrued is better than nothing. You still have time to secure your future. Below is a list of pointers, that will lead you to thinking…
Why you need an Emergency Fund
Even if you are highly organised, an unexpected curveball can still come your way, and this can often be extremely costly. That is why it’s always recommended to have an emergency fund in place: your safety net in case you are hit by circumstances you couldn’t possibly have predicted. Unforeseen emergencies are inevitable Even if you are meticulous with your finances, there are unexpected expenses at some point. For…
