Someone taking notes with a calculator and stack of coins on a table

Pension drawdown: Are you taking a sustainable income?

Flexi-access drawdown can provide retirees with more freedom to create an income that suits their lifestyle. However, Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) figures suggest that many retirees are taking unsustainable amounts from their pensions. It could mean they run out of money during retirement. The government introduced Pension Freedoms in 2015, which provide retirees with more ways to access their pension …

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Investment market update: December 2021

As 2021 drew to a close, the Covid-19 pandemic and its consequences continued to affect economies. The first case of the Omicron variant was reported in South Africa at the end of November 2021. It quickly spread and some counties began to reintroduce restrictions and offer booster vaccine shots. As before, the measures taken to reduce the spread of Omicron …

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Long-term fixed mortgages are now on offer, but are they a good choice for you?

Mortgage lenders are providing borrowers with more options. Borrowers can now choose a fixed-rate deal that would last for the full term of their mortgage, which can provide certainty over the long term. However, it’s not the right option for every homeowner, and there are some things you need to carefully consider before you choose a deal. A fixed-rate mortgage …

An older couple enjoying a cup of coffee outside at a café.

8 things to do if you’re retiring in 2022

If you’ll be retiring this year, you may be looking forward to more free time to focus on what you enjoy. As you start making plans, you need to set out your expectations and how you’ll create an income. To do that, a bit of planning is required, and these eight steps are a great place to start. 1. Set …

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5 steps that could provide financial security for your partner if you pass away

If you’re creating a financial plan as a couple, you should consider the effect one of you passing away could have. If one person’s income or assets are vital for the household’s financial security, it could leave the other in financial difficulty should they pass away. One of the questions couples sometimes ask is: “Will my partner be financially secure …