Wealth transfers of financial legacies

Are you among the many families unprepared and lacking structured plans?

‘Grey divorce’

Understanding the financial impacts of divorce over 50

Empowering your retirement savings

Understanding how SIPPs work to help you maximise your retirement investments

Trust in your future

Is now the time to consider protecting and managing your wealth for future generations?

How would you cover some or all of the cost of an Inheritance Tax liability?

Especially when your primary aspiration is to pass on as much wealth as possible to loved ones

Maximising the end of the UK tax year 2024/25

Time is running out to review your plans and fully take advantage of any tax-saving options

It’s good to talk

How to approach financial conversations with older family members

Do you fall into the 60% tax trap?

Making additional pension contributions could mean lowering your effective tax rate

Understanding retirement decisions

The impact of pension lump sums and their long-term implications

Long-term Investing

The optimal time to invest is shaped by your personal goals and circumstances

Dreaming of achieving the lifestyle you want in retirement?

How to maintain your quality of life and pursue the activities and experiences you value most

Long-term later-life care costs

Understanding the options that could alleviate this burden and help you feel more in control

Markets respond unpredictably to rapidly evolving events

Understanding the impact of rising interest rates on investment trusts

Maximising your money

Navigating life’s twists and turns without jeopardising your financial stability

Avoiding financial pitfalls

Recognising common mistakes can help protect your wealth

Visualising life's destination

Helping you stay on track even in unpredictable circumstances

Managing your finances with confidence

Creating a roadmap for realising life's objectives is key

Currency conundrums

What is the impact of exchange rates, and why are they important?

Supporting your grandchildren financially

Providing a financial head start and paving the way for a more secure future

How realistic is your vision for retirement?

Deciding when to retire and being financially ready to sustain that dream are two very different things

Are your capital gains causing you a financial headache?

Without a clear strategy, you might end up paying more tax than necessary

Growing your wealth

Reinvesting dividends can significantly boost your investment returns over the long haul

Maximise your tax allowances before 5 April

Make the most of your financial situation before the deadline

Autumn Budget Statement 2024

How could the range of changes impact your wealth planning?

Financial resolutions to boost your wealth this year

Taking a proactive approach to clarify your current financial standing

ISA returns of the year

Making the most of your 2024/25 tax allowances

How to navigate the Capital Gains Tax changes

Ensure your hard-earned investments work efficiently for your future

Start 2025 with a New Year's wealth check

An ideal opportunity to take stock of your financial health

Taking the road to a comfortable retirement

Achieving this vision requires careful planning and preparation

Navigating estate planning amid changing IHT rules

Ensuring your loved ones are cared for takes proper planning

Planning for the future of your wealth

How to integrate emotional, financial and practical dimensions

Making the most of a lump sum windfall

Much will depend significantly on your goals, needs and long-term aspirations

Pension funds and the path to net zero

Survey pinpoints several barriers threatening pension funds' progress

Investing isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach

Why timing the market could be holding you back

Practical financial planning for busy mums

The road to robust financial health, even when you're juggling the demands of family life

How to boost your chances of early retirement

Maintaining a strong commitment to your long-term goals

Planning for your dream retirement

Whether that’s adventure, relaxation or simply a slower pace of life

Pensioners set for income boost, but watch out for the tax trap

Could you lose out on tax-free allowances for other income?

Financial planning in your 70s

Striking the balance between living comfortably and preparing for unpredictable eventualities

Financial planning for your children’s education

Education is one of the most significant and rewarding investments you can make for your child

From crisis to resilience

Building a solid financial plan

Understanding State Pension rights and inheritance

The topic goes beyond the basics – there are numerous layers to uncover

How to plan for your special wedding day

Alleviate financial stress and ensure you start off married life financially secure

Building a resilient investment portfolio

Smoothing returns and providing greater stability

How does pension consolidation work? 

Pensions can be confusing, but there is an alternative way to help keep on top of them

Maximising returns

The power of reinvesting dividends for long-term growth

Stay focused on your retirement goals

Identifying any potential financial gaps and bridging these gaps before it's too late

Understanding the rising impact of Inheritance Tax

Exploring strategies to secure your family’s financial future

A safety net for uncertain times

How would you pay your bills if you couldn't work?

Have you had a retirement conversation?

Many people do not engage in crucial conversations regarding the lifestyle they envision

Who pays for long-term care?

Ensure you’re well placed to fund any future care needs

Building a diversified investment portfolio

Why it's imperative to consider your objectives and attitude towards investment risk

Enhancing your financial plans as you approach 50

Steps you can take now to influence your retirement and overall financial security significantly

Planning your path to a fulfilling retirement

Are your finances on the right track as you approach this new chapter?

How much financial security do you need for a happy retirement?

Financial status plays a significant role in retirement happiness

Is it time to evaluate your financial landscape?

Financial strategies are not immune to the impacts of life’s changes

Unlocking homeownership

Generous parents and grandparents are turning to their property wealth

Managing the menopause, a financial perspective

Often-overlooked financial implications during this transformative life stage

Balancing motherhood and financial security

Juggling responsibilities can often push long-term financial planning to the sidelines

Building a secure financial future together

How to prevent misunderstandings and lay the groundwork for mutual financial success

Combating inflation, the ‘silent thief’

Why retirement planning needs to account for longevity risk

Retirement readiness in your 50s

Now is the time to make sure you know how much you need to save

Understanding the gender pension gap

Why do women often find themselves disadvantaged in retirement?

Landscape of workplace pensions

Six in ten employees feel they are not saving enough for retirement

Navigating life events and inheritance

Research highlights a profound impact on financial security and life choices

The role of trusts

Providing timely financial support to your loved ones when they need it most

Could you have been underpaid the State Pension?

HMRC estimates that affected women could be owed an average of £5,000 each

Pension scams on the rise

Protect your savings! 7.3 million UK adults encountered an attempted scam in the past year

Navigating the complexities of inheritance

Should you consider estate planning and gifting for future generations?

Mastering financial planning

Essential tips for mothers balancing family and finances

Autumn Budget Statement 2024

What it could mean for your finances

Time to revisit your retirement plan?

Helping you feel more prepared for this stage of your life

The middle-aged squeeze

Juggling careers, family care and financial pressure amid rising costs and wealth transfers

The cost of early withdrawal from your pension

How retirees are impacting their financial future by accessing pension pots too soon

Rising demand for health cover

Grappling with a workforce sickness epidemic and long NHS waiting times

Building wealth and achieving financial goals

Aligning investments with risk tolerance and capacity

The future of retirement

Experiences of the past and potential future scenarios

The Great Unretirement

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

Sandwich generation

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

Take your pension to the max

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

Empowered savers

How to make future aspirations more attainable and less stressful

Shaping a sustainable future

The imperative of collective action and responsible investment

New study uncovers financial vulnerability in five million UK households

Delayed life milestones and lack of planning pose significant risks

Redundancy and your pension

Understanding your workplace pension options to navigate your next steps confidently

Have you secured your legacy?

The vital role of Wills in estate planning

Should you use your pension lump sum to pay off your mortgage?

Essential key considerations and potential pitfalls you need to know

The retirement gap

Why UK retirees are working seven years longer than planned

The rise of remote work and moving abroad

Becoming a UK expat can mark the start of an exciting chapter, but what about your pension?

Welcome to the September 2024 issue of our Quarterly Market Commentary.

Looking back over the last quarter, global equities faced a notable downturn in August, with the US economy at the centre of investor scrutiny. Mixed economic indicators, inflationary pressures, and interest rate fluctuations contributed to widespread market anxiety. Concerns about a potential US economic slowdown prompted sell-offs across various sectors as investors reassessed their positions amidst high valuations and potential corrections in stock prices.

UK equities experienced a turbulent August, initially buoyed by a Labour Party election victory that sparked optimism for economic recovery. However, this optimism was short-lived as broader economic concerns and geopolitical tensions significantly declined the FTSE 100. Despite a promising start, the UK market faced challenges due to adverse economic data and diminishing investor confidence.

The Eurozone displayed resilience in July, with gains led by the healthcare, utilities, and real estate sectors. However, August shifted sentiment as global market downturns and economic apprehensions impacted the region. Political uncertainties, such as France's inconclusive parliamentary elections, added to the Eurozone's economic challenges and growth prospects.

In the US, August's downturn overshadowed July's initial market gains. Despite the Federal Reserve's potential rate cut and improved inflation data, concerns about a recession and political shifts, including President Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race, affected market dynamics. Investors recalibrated their expectations in response to these complex economic and political factors.

Japan's market experienced significant volatility, with the yen's appreciation impacting exporters and equity sectors. The Bank of Japan's rate hike supported the yen, while small-cap and value investments demonstrated resilience. Economic concerns contributed to further market fluctuations in August, highlighting the need for strategic diversification in investment portfolios.

Emerging markets showed resilience in July, benefiting from a weaker dollar and potential US rate cuts. However, challenges in China and Taiwan, along with currency depreciation in Turkey and interest rate delays in Poland, tempered gains. By August, increased volatility and geopolitical uncertainties reshaped the emerging market landscape, demanding adaptable investment strategies. Meanwhile, global bonds enjoyed a positive July, driven by dropping yields and central bank actions, though they faced renewed challenges in August due to economic concerns.

Articles featured in this issue:

Retirement matters

Making the right decisions today could boost your retirement pot and make the future a whole lot brighter

Caring for grandchildren

How it can help you boost your State Pension

Britain’s biggest pension taxpayers

How to make sure you avoid becoming one

Placing assets into a Trust

Ensuring your legacy is managed according to your wishes long into the future

Financial protection 

Ensuring a secure future for you and your loved ones

Ways to reduce a Capital Gains Tax liability

How will you ensure more of your money will go towards your future?

Investing a lump sum

Received an inheritance, windfall, or proceeds from a business or property sale? But what next?

How much do I need to save for retirement?

Ensure your money works effectively to enjoy retirement on your own terms

The importance of drafting a Will

Protect your family from uncertainty and potential conflicts

Quarter of retirees financially struggling despite paying off mortgage

Urgent need for effective financial strategies and support systems to ensure a dignified and secure retirement

Financial planning conversations you need to have

Protecting your legacy and boosting your children’s financial security

Young women and retirement

How much income will you need for a comfortable retirement?

State Pension awareness

What payments can you expect to receive from the government later in life?

Changing retirement trends

Why the concept of a 'hard stop' retirement is becoming less prevalent

Learning from the retired

Balancing financial security with mental wellbeing

Retirement experience among over-55s

Money, or lack thereof, a significant driver of overall retirement satisfaction

Building financial confidence in children

Sharing values and encouraging children to formulate their own

Many Britons unaware of incorrect tax codes

What you need to know to avoid discrepancies and potential financial strain

Retirees supporting family and friends financially

Nearly 40% support grown-up children, a spouse or partner, a parent, an elderly relative or a friend

Downsizing in later life

Research highlights what people consider before making the decision 

Minimise Inheritance Tax

Allow your loved ones to benefit more from your accumulated wealth

Only two-fifths of Britons know how to boost their pension

How much money will you have for retirement, where is it invested and what are you being charged?

Britons procrastinate on making a Will

Research identifies that over half of adults do not have a Will

Looming pension pitfall

£50 billion of hard-earned pension funds could be in jeopardy

Costs of later-life care

Establishing a thorough wealth strategy is key to ensuring financial readiness

Changes to Individual Savings Accounts in 2024

Why savers and investors now have a more flexible approach

Enhancing pension contributions for a brighter future

New tax year, new you? Maximise your pension savings this new tax year

Navigating Inheritance Tax

How to pass on assets to the next generation to secure their future for tomorrow

Rising trend of unretirement

14% of those aged over 55 have found themselves re-entering the workforce

Prudence of perseverance in investing

Maintaining an investment stance centred on the potential for long-term growth

Enhancing retirement through lump sum contributions

Contributing additional amounts to your pension stands to benefit you significantly in the long term

Understanding pension uncertainties

Survey highlights prevailing uncertainty among those on the cusp of retirement 

Generational wealth perspectives

Whether through property, pensions or a blend of both, informed decision-making is crucial

New pension tax framework

Pivotal shift changes you need to know commenced from 6 April 2024

Troubling trend amongst UK workers

Prevailing issue of presenteeism highlights a need for a transformation in workplace culture

Unveiling the core principles of investing

Timeless beacons guide investors through periods of market volatility towards financial prosperity

Mind over matter

How behavioural investing can shape financial futures

Strategic reinvestment of State Pension increases

When transferring into a personal pension may make sense

Unique insight into the current attitudes towards pension investment

Prevailing concern among savers regarding their capability to make informed investment decisions

Employee preferences in Workplace Pension selection

Complex landscape of employee preferences, confidence and skills

Overcoming the gender investment disparity

Critical insights to empower women to take the reins of their financial destinies

UK retirees confronting pension shortfalls

Many regret not having commenced their savings journey earlier in their careers

Reliance on Defined Benefit pensions among over-50s

Diverse avenues through which individuals plan to supplement their retirement income

Articles featured in this issue:

Planning for an early retirement 

Living life to the fullest and accomplishing long-held dreams

Wealth accumulation

Valuable insights that can impact an investment strategy

Adjusting your pension plans

How could the normal minimum pension age change affect your plans?

What will your legacy look like?

Effective Inheritance Tax planning is a careful balancing act

Pre-year-end tax planning

Tax-saving actions to take before the deadline

Managing your finances as a couple

Discussing finances may feel uncomfortable, but it is crucial to maintain a healthy relationship

Harnessing the power of Green Pensions

One of our most potent tools in making substantial strides towards net zero

Protecting yourself from investment scams

If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is

Navigating through divorce

Safeguarding your future financial stability and preserving your wealth

The 'Bank of Family'

A £38 billion lifeline for modern parents

Young visionaries eye early retirement

The power of small changes can lead to a path to significant returns

Pension puzzle

Research highlights the gender disparity in financial engagement

The gift of giving

Distributing assets or cash without contributing to your estate's overall value for Inheritance Tax purposes

Jeopardising financial stability

Protecting you and your family’s financial future

The impact of disability on financial planning

Report highlights retirement savings must be inclusive for everyone

Health consciousness divide

Why prevention is better than cure 

Postponing retirement

An increasingly growing trend in Britain

Unpredictability of financial climates

Strategic diversification of your investments can be your first line of defence

Life’s complicated. Getting life insurance shouldn’t be

Make sure your loved ones are looked after should the worst happen

Proactive retirement planning

A growing trend among mid-lifers prioritising their future financial stability

Age is not just a number

The impact of an increased lifespan on your retirement finances

The £26 billion lost pension maze

Unclaimed pensions could mean thousands of pounds added to your retirement fund