Category Archives: Uncategorized

Living the retirement dream

Research1 has revealed that the ultimate retirement dream is actually very simple – financial security for the rest of your life. This is according to a survey1, which questioned 2,000 respondents aged 50 and over on their aspirations for later … Continue reading

The financial pitfalls that primarily affect women

Research1 has shone a spotlight on the financial challenges that prevent women from accumulating the same wealth as their male counterparts. The report found that having children continues to have a disproportionately large impact on women’s finances, as do other … Continue reading

‘110 measures’ to grow the economy

With the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) predicting modest UK economic growth of 0.7% this year and 1.4% in 2025, during the Autumn Statement Chancellor Jeremy Hunt outlined 110 growth measures intended to get more people into work, cut business … Continue reading

Preparing portfolios for resilience in 2024

The past few years have been challenging for investors with a series of unforeseen events and rising geopolitical tensions weighing heavily on global markets and, as a new year dawns, many issues remain unresolved. However, while such times are disconcerting … Continue reading

Pensions – what’s changing?

During the Spring Budget the Chancellor announced several changes to pensions including increasing the Annual Allowance and the Money Purchase Annual Allowance. The changes, the most significant since pensions freedoms in 2015, have largely been met with positivity, bringing greater … Continue reading

IHT goes mainstream

Inheritance Tax (IHT) receipts have been consistently rising, with new data from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) showing takings for the 2022-23 tax year totalled £7.1bn, up a massive £1bn from the previous tax year (£6.1bn 2021-22). According to HMRC, … Continue reading

Achieving real financial empowerment

Traditionally, people might have assessed their financial health by simply checking the balance on their bank account or totalling their amassed level of wealth. In recent years, however, a different measure has emerged which seeks to balance financial stability with … Continue reading

Signs of optimism in global economy

Although the global economy continues to face significant headwinds, statistics released during the first few months of this year have revealed unexpected signs of resilience. This has led economists to begin upgrading growth forecasts, while the World Economic Forum’s latest … Continue reading

A pension – the best (retirement) gift for your child?

With the cost of children’s birthday presents and parties often totalling hundreds of pounds – could there be a better way to provide for your child or grandchild? Investing in a pension for your child can provide numerous long-term benefits … Continue reading

Transferring wealth, your way

With the coming years set to see record flows of assets pass down the generations, the thorny issue of wealth transfer has inevitably become an increasingly important financial topic. Seeking professional advice is a crucial step that can help ease … Continue reading

Are you a wealth accumulator?

Having your finances in order brings
tremendous peace of mind. Financial wellbeing varies from person to person but fundamentally encompasses having
security around money, now and in the future, plus knowing what makes us happy,
and having money goals in place to achieve this happiness2

The combination of money and mindset
is crucial, findings show that even if an individual feels confident about
their money ‘building blocks’ (income, long-term savings, safety net, debt awareness, assets), they won’t achieve optimal levels of financial wellbeing without a well considered and focused
mindset too; think ‘happiness, future self, written plans, long term perspective’.

Engage your mind

Aegon’s Wellbeing Index also shows that being a high earner doesn’t necessarily equate to being a long-term saver. If a saver has a connection to their future self and understands what gives them joy and purpose, they find long-term perspective. Being one of the highest earners doesn’t necessarily mean that they have long-term perspective. ‘The wealth
accumulator’ persona for example has a high level of wealth now and probably in the future, but when it comes to creating a healthy financial mindset, they might not have spent the time thinking, ‘what’s it all for?’ and truly connecting with the mindset element of financial wellbeing.

2. Aegon, 2022