Generational finances

Job prospects, savings, safety nets and life expectancy

Rising housing costs, soaring student debt and low wage inflation have left many millennials with stretched budgets. They may get regularly mocked as Generation Snowflake obsessed with spending on luxuries, but new research[1] shows they are focused on saving for retirement and want more support. Continue reading “Generational finances”

Market exposure

Build a portfolio that meets your needs

The earlier you commit to an investment strategy, the longer your money can work in the market. However, the world is an uncertain place at the moment. The deadline for the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU is edging closer, and there is also the ongoing threat of an all-out trade war breaking out. Continue reading “Market exposure”

Pension freedoms

Taking responsibility for funding our own retirement

Although each generation will likely face different challenges and opportunities, achieving retirement readiness will require actions common to us all. We all know that our ageing population and increased life expectancy are putting a strain on government finances. Following pension freedoms, there’s greater choice than ever before in how you access and take your retirement benefits. Continue reading “Pension freedoms”

Funding your golden years

Tax aspects require careful planning after recent government changes

Pensions have the reputation of being confusing, but they needn’t be. Private pensions are usually used by people who don’t have access to a workplace pension scheme, but you can also have one if you are employed or not working. They work in much the same way as workplace pension schemes, but you, rather than an employer, are responsible for choosing the provider and setting up your plan. Continue reading “Funding your golden years”

Dot-com crash to global financial crisis

Busting the myths of investment companies’ performance

Saturday 15 September 2018 marked ten years since the collapse of Lehman Brothers. And with the bull market following the global financial crisis – now the longest in history in the US – it’s useful to revisit the past. The Association of Investment Companies (AIC)[1] has looked at the long-term performance of investment companies from just before the dot-com bubble burst in 2000 and just after the collapse of Lehman Brothers in October 2007. Continue reading “Dot-com crash to global financial crisis”

Independence plan

Least financially resilient group delay life milestones due to financial insecurity

Life can get complicated when you hit your early thirties, which means your finances are starting to get serious. You might be in the middle of countless transitions, like moving up in your career, starting a business, buying a home, getting married, having children…and a whole lot more. Continue reading “Independence plan”

Reviewing your needs and goals

Take the time to think about what you really want from your investments

Anything is possible when you manage your money the right way. It’s well worth taking the time to think about what you really want from your investments. Knowing yourself, your needs and goals, and your appetite for risk is a good start. Your focus should be on ensuring that the inevitable bumps along your investment journey do not force you off course. Continue reading “Reviewing your needs and goals”