Getting the most out of retirement and reaching your goals requires planning. Not thinking about your post-work years until you reach that milestone can mean that a retirement that promised much, falls short. While you might daydream about giving up work, pinning down the details, from your lifestyle to your income, means you’re more likely to turn your dream into …
Throughout March, the war in Ukraine continued to dominate headlines and affect investment portfolios around the world. Many companies, from well-known businesses like L’Oréal and Coca-Cola to smaller firms, have withdrawn operations from Russia, including online sales. Others, such as Unilever and Nestlé, have halted investment in the country but are continuing to provide some goods. This has led to …
When applying for a mortgage, being well-prepared can make a huge difference. Although the mortgage application process can be tricky, doing the relevant research and preparing in advance can make the whole process go more smoothly. One step some buyers choose to take before applying for a mortgage is to secure a mortgage in principle, also known as an “agreement …
Have you watched the Tinder Swindler or Puppet Master on Netflix and wondered how people could fall for the scams? Watching the stories unfold through a screen means you can spot the red flags and inconsistencies, but when a scammer is targeting you, it can be much harder than you think to look at your situation objectively. Over the last …
Over the last two years, investors have experienced a lot of volatility. If you’ve been tempted to change long-term plans, data can highlight why you shouldn’t panic. At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, markets fell sharply, and investors continued to experience volatility as the situation and restrictions changed. Just as things were slowly getting back to “normal”, tensions with …
If you’re nearing retirement, you may be starting to think about planning the next stage of your life. What steps spring to mind? You may prioritise organising your pension, claiming your State Pension, or reviewing how much you have in a savings account. These steps are important for creating security, yet good retirement planning goes further than your finances. So, …
If you opened a defined contribution (DC) pension in the 1990s or 2000s, the charges you’re paying could be higher than comparable pensions opened more recently. Between now and your retirement, the difference could add up to thousands of pounds. Research conducted by the Institute for Fiscal Studies found that many older DC pensions deliver “poor value for money”. Among …
