Using different parts of one pension pot or using separate or combined pots

Under the new flexible pension freedoms rules, you can now mix and match various options, using different parts of one pension pot or using separate or combined pots. Read more…

A regular retirement income for the rest of your life

One way to use your pension pot is to buy an annuity. This gives you a regular retirement income, usually for the rest of your life. In most cases, this is a one-off, irreversible decision, so it’s crucial to choose the right type and get the best deal you can. Read more…

When you are unable to make your own decisions

More than two million Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) registrations will have been filed by the end of 2016, with the number of appointments more than trebling between 2010 and 2015. Read more…

Winners and losers from the seismic US election result

After a long and brutal US presidential election campaign, Donald Trump emerged victorious, winning 279 electoral votes and 47.5% of the popular vote. Republicans also maintained majorities in the House and the Senate. Read more…

Keeping your taxes as low as possible – what you may wish to consider sooner rather than later

The 2016/17 year end for tax planning purposes is now only a matter of months away, with the deadline approaching on 5 April. Effective tax planning is about knowing the personal and business taxes you are liable to pay and acting to legally minimise them. It is also about maximising your net income and creating opportunities to invest and save tax-efficiently for the current and future needs of your business, your family and yourself. Read more…

Reduction to prevent inappropriate double tax relief

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, delivered his first and last Autumn Statement to Parliament on Wednesday 23 November 2016. Read more…

Taking advantage of opportunities in 2017

After a game-changing 2016, the investment environment was not only mixed but characterised by uneven global growth and political events such as Brexit and the US elections. Read more…

Make your next move to saving flexibly for a first home and retirement

Lifetime Individual Savings Accounts are being launched by the Government to help 18–40-year-olds to save and invest flexibly for the long term. The aim is that people will not have to choose between saving for their first home and retirement. Read more…

Building a nest egg for when children need it

The prospect of a child leaving home is scary enough for parents – and then there’s money to think about. Even if they get a student loan or find work, how will they be able to afford their first car or home? Parents and family often do what they can to help give children a financial leg-up, with many choosing to set aside money for their future during their childhood. Read more…

Report findings suggest this trend is set to continue

Half of women (52%) are now saving adequately for their retirement compared to 60% of men, according to the latest Scottish Widows ‘Women & Retirement’ Report. But while this maintains the record high levels achieved in 2015, the gap between men and women has widened since 2014 when 50% of women were saving adequately compared with 55% of men. Read more…