Looking to discover what you can do with your pension pot? In 2015, the retirement rules were rewritten. The rules, which came into effect from 6 April 2015, have changed the way people take money out of their pensions, with new freedoms and options available to anyone over the age of 55.

Financial fall-out of divorcing in middle age While the number of couples divorcing has decreased in recent years[1], with 91,299 cases in 2018 compared to 102,007 in 2017, the cohort of couples deciding to split in later life is on the rise. Also, pre-pandemic divorce valuations could have changed by as much as 30%, which … Continue reading “Silver splitters”

How to make the most of the various pension allowances Saving into a pension is one of the most tax-efficient ways to save for your retirement. Not only do pensions enable you to grow your retirement savings largely free of tax, but they also provide tax relief on the contributions you make.

Homes deadline extended to ensure customers do not miss out Thousands of families can still benefit from the current Help to Buy scheme despite delays in building their new homes due to coronavirus. The deadline for the homes to have been finished in order to comply with the equity loan scheme has been extended to … Continue reading “Help to Buy scheme”

Why working and retirement are no longer binary terms Giving up the 9-to-5 doesn’t necessarily mean stopping work. Many people are now considering staggered or flexible working. It can suit some individuals who have caring responsibilities or health issues, or those thinking about retiring in the next few years.

Time to diagnose your money situation with a financial health check? Even if you have a solid financial plan in place, it still needs to be updated regularly to ensure it reflects any life changes. But what should your priorities focus on now? Is it time to turn your attention to your pension, your ISA, … Continue reading “10 tips to achieving your financial goals”

One of the freedoms of retirement is getting to choose where to live What makes a good place to retire? It’s one of the most basic questions people ask themselves when they start planning for retirement. It’s also one of the most crucial questions and one that, surprisingly, many people don’t give a lot of … Continue reading “Setting up a new life”

ESG matters are increasingly important in both retirement and investment planning Environmental, social and corporate governance issues are increasingly in the news, with some high-profile companies facing public scrutiny, corporate action or litigation. In a world where doing good means a better, more sustainable future, environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors have become an essential … Continue reading “Divest or engage?”

Increase in victims of financial scams related to COVID-19 As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, there has sadly been an increase in the number of fraudsters exploiting people’s fears, targeting pension savers, investors and online consumers.

Navigating complex decisions to shape your retirement finances Pension freedoms have put a greater onus on people to keep themselves informed of their options when it comes to accessing their pension money. However, little knowledge and understanding of the rules could mean some people risk making decisions that are not best for them.