Don’t miss out, start reviewing your options now
An Individual Savings Account (ISA) is a tax-efficient ‘wrapper’ designed to go around an investment. You’ve got until 5 April 2014 to use your current 2013/14 tax year annual ISA allowance before you lose it forever.
Keeping your tax bill to a minimum is not a matter of aggressive or complex tax schemes
During this period of austerity, why pay more tax than you need to? Sensible tax planning is an essential tool in making the most of your finances. Keeping your tax bill to a minimum is not a matter of aggressive or complex tax schemes, but rather of identifying which of the many tax reliefs and allowances specifically granted by law are available to you.
Ensure your inheritance goes to loved ones and not the taxman
Inheritance tax (IHT) is becoming an issue for an increasing number of people in the UK. None of us likes to entertain the thought of our own death and what would happen to our family after such an event. However, a financial plan for your death is vital, especially if you have dependants.
Make sure you have enough income to provide for your needs in the future
Sooner or later we will retire, and the decisions we make today are the ones that will determine the standard of living we will enjoy in the future. If you are approaching your retirement there are some very important choices you need to make that will determine how much income you live on once retired.
Keep focused on your end goals and don’t let market noise sway you
The complexity of today’s economic and global conditions, coupled with uncertainty in Europe, North America and China, have combined to create a degree of cautiousness among many investors. A long-term investment strategy could provide you with a clear advantage during uncertain times.
Save your loved ones from any additional stress at what is likely to be a very difficult time
As much as we might not want to think about it, we are all going to die one day. Most of us know that we should write a will, but most of us never get round to it. Do you fall into this category? If the answer is ‘yes’, as the New Year approaches make writing your will your top 2014 resolution.
Have you given full consideration to your long-term pension investment strategy?
Reviewing your
retirement planning
Having a pension today is recognised as just one important step along the path to achieving your dreams once you have stopped working. Now, not only must you carefully consider where you actually invest your pension money and how you are going to use your pension, but if appropriate you should also review other forms of retirement savings. Reviewing your retirement planning is critical, and probably the single most important decision you can make to help you realise your long-term goals.
By establishing a trust, you could protect your assets for future generations and protect your family business, in addition to offering charitable and other social benefits.
When it comes to taking investment risk to secure a higher return, those aged 55 and over are most likely to be taking the lead with Stocks & Shares Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs), according to research from Standard Life (08 April 2013). Over one in ten (11 per cent) of 55 and overs invest in the stock market via their ISA, compared to just 7 per cent of 35 to 44-year-olds.
The combination of the recent rise in gilt yields, positive market performance, gender neutrality changes, and the 20 per cent uplift in income levels announced by the Government earlier this year, can provide a substantial boost to the level of income available for female pensioners.