Clearmoney

Those dearest to us, and those financially dependent upon us

If something should happen to you, the last thing you want is for you or your family to be worrying about money. One of the most important aspects of your financial planning should be to ensure that you’ve made provision for your family and any dependants in the event of a serious illness, injury or untimely death.

‘Top 5’ list of planning areas

Making sure you use up any allowances you are entitled to is the first step to reducing the amount of tax you may be liable to pay. We’ve provided our top five list of planning areas to consider before 5 April 2020, the end of the 2019/20 tax year. The rates given are correct for the 2019/20 tax year.

1. Your ISA allowance: don’t wait to use it

Your destiny is now in your own hands

If you are in your 50s or 60s, your thoughts are probably turning towards retirement. When should you retire? How much money do you need?

In trying to answer these questions, you face a problem. Because of longevity trends, we are on average living longer. With longevity increasing, your wealth may have to provide you and your spouse or partner with an adequate income for 30 or even 40 years.

Wait for the bad weather to pass and stay the course

Volatility fluctuates based on where we are in the economic cycle, but it is a normal feature of markets that investors should expect. When stock markets start correcting, daily injections of bad news may sound as though it will never end. This can spark anxiety, fuel uncertainty and trigger radical decisions in even the most seasoned investors.

Turning pensions into money you can use

Today, you’ve got a number of options and permutations available when it comes to what to do with your pension in retirement. But lots of choice can also mean increased confusion.

Your retirement might seem like a far-off prospect, but knowing how you can access your pension pot can help you understand how best to build for the future you want.

Financial complexities of passing on wealth

Passing on wealth is a sensitive subject, not just because of the financial complexities of it all, but also the emotion and family politics involved.

Having built up their business or wealth, many families wish to enjoy it while also ensuring that it is passed on to the next generation in their families. Passing on what you have accrued in the most efficient way is of paramount importance. But some people find the idea of discussing passing on wealth uncomfortable.

Making decisions on your behalf

How to prepare your portfolio for inflation

Very low or very high inflation is damaging to the economy. The aim is usually to try and keep the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) at 2% in order to maintain a ‘Goldilocks Economy’ – not too hot, not too cold.

Half a million workers past pension age could be paying unnecessary tax

A significant number of people working past the State Pension age could be paying unnecessary tax on their State Pension, according to new research[1]. This is because they failed to take up the option of deferring their State Pension until they stopped work. As a result, their entire State Pension is being taxed, in some cases at 40%.

Pension freedoms usher in a new generation

The introduction of pension freedoms has been a huge enabler for over-55s, allowing millions to draw income from their pensions flexibly. Pension freedoms offer the opportunity to transition into retirement by continuing to work with reduced hours beyond traditional retirement age.