The critical factor

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused many households to reassess their financial defences with the purchase of protection insurance. The diagnosis of a serious illness can mean a very difficult time for your health and your wealth. If you were to become critically ill and could not earn a living, would your family cope financially,…

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Sustainable investing

Retirement planning is one of the most important investments you can make towards your retirement, to ensure you experience the quality of life you want in later years. But millions of retirement savers are unaware that they are sitting on a powerful weapon that could be used to fight climate change and other environmental problems…

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Take control of your retirement plans

An increasing number of people in later life are saving little or nothing for their golden years, instead expecting to fall back on the State Pension. Some people are ‘under-estimating their life expectancy’ which means that the money they do save for retirement will have to stretch further. As millions of people move within a…

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Investing principles

The deep global economic shock and uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has made everyone rethink their finances and investments, making it clear that financial security is more important than ever to our overall well-being. While it’s almost impossible to plan for a global pandemic, you should still have an investment strategy that grows with…

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State Pension

The new State Pension payments are an important form of income for many during retirement. You can claim the new State Pension at State Pension age if you have at least ten years’ National Insurance contributions and are a man born on or after 6 April 1951, or a woman born on or after 6…

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Staggered retirement

Staggered retirement is a more popular and increasingly common option many are considering. Giving up the 9-to-5 doesn’t necessarily mean stopping work. But retirement planning has taken on an entirely new dimension as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak with many big questions being asked. When you picture yourself in your golden years, are…

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TIPS financial magazine Nov/Dec

In the last edition of our TIPS financial guidance magazine for 2020 we look at a number of different topics to help you accomplish what matters most to you and your family as the festive period approaches. In these uncertain times, it can help to focus on the things you can control. And working out…

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Spot pension scammer warning signs

Your pension is one of your most valuable assets, and for many it offers financial security throughout retirement and the rest of their lives. But, like anything valuable, your pension can become the target for illegal activities, scams or inappropriate and high-risk investments. Fraudsters promise high returns and low risk, but in reality, pension savers…

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A guide to pensions in divorce

We’ve put together a guide to pensions in divorce as we realise it can be difficult navigating through what may be uncertain territory during this emotional time. If you’re going through a divorce, dividing up any pensions you have will usually be one of the largest financial decisions you need to make. Agreeing financial arrangements…

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Retirement wealth checklist

We’ve put together a retirement wealth checklist to help you be in control of your retirement plans. These include: Review your spending habits and consider if you have the scope to save a little more each month Look up your annual benefit statements – you may have saved with more than one employer’s pension scheme…

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October financial guidance factsheets

All of our October financial guidance factsheets are available to download below. Each one focuses on a different financial aspect to help guide you when setting and reaching your financial goals. If there is anything you are unsure about, or would like further information, all of our independent financial advisers offer a free initial consultation…

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Are you 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. Pension freedom tax rules allow members of defined contribution pension schemes to access their…

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