Month: September 2024

The Great Unretirement

Contemplating a return to work after a significant absence or considering a phased return?

In what some call ‘The Great Unretirement’, many retirees are re-entering the workforce. The reasons for this trend are as varied as the individuals themselves, but the rising cost of living has driven many to seek ways to bolster their financial security.
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Sandwich generation

Two-thirds of people in the UK will care for a loved one at some point

With life expectancy rising and more people starting families later, around 1.3 million individuals in England and Wales now have caring responsibilities for older and younger dependents. If this sounds familiar, you’re likely part of the ‘sandwich generation’[1].
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Take your pension to the max

Do you have potential shortfalls and need to address these gaps?

First and foremost, let’s explore how your pension operates. When you contribute to a personal or defined contribution workplace pension, your payments are invested in various investment funds. As you continue to contribute, your pension pot should grow. However, it’s important to remember that the value of investments can fall as well as rise and is not guaranteed.
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Empowered savers

How to make future aspirations more attainable and less stressful

Saving can bring you a level of financial freedom that transforms your life. By putting money away regularly, you create a financial cushion that can support you through emergencies, help you achieve significant milestones or provide peace of mind.
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New study uncovers financial vulnerability in five million UK households

Delayed life milestones and lack of planning pose significant risks

New research has revealed that five million childless households in the UK currently lack life insurance, pensions or savings[1]. This alarming statistic underscores a broader shift in how families are structured and how financial priorities are set across the nation.
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Have you secured your legacy?

The vital role of Wills in estate planning

Legacy planning holds different meanings for different individuals. For some, it is about ensuring their loved ones are financially secure; for others, it involves safeguarding cherished possessions or supporting charitable causes. Central to this process is drafting a Will, a pivotal legal document that allows you to dictate the distribution of your money, property and possessions after your death.
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Redundancy and your pension

Understanding your workplace pension options to navigate your next steps confidently

Redundancy can be challenging and stressful, often creating uncertainty about the future. However, it can also signal the beginning of a positive new chapter in your life. For many, this transition period offers a unique opportunity to reflect on personal and professional goals and consider new directions that might have previously seemed unattainable.
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Should you use your pension lump sum to pay off your mortgage?

Essential key considerations and potential pitfalls you need to know

With interest rates much higher than they’ve been for many years, using your pension tax-free lump sum to pay off your mortgage might initially seem prudent. Reducing your monthly outgoings can be appealing, particularly if you’re approaching retirement and looking to streamline your financial commitments.
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The retirement gap

Why UK retirees are working seven years longer than planned

More than half (54%) of UK retirees foresee themselves working beyond their preferred retirement age, extending their careers by an average of seven years, according to a new report[1]. This concerning trend highlights a significant gap between the age at which people wish to retire and the financial realities dictated by their pension savings.
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