Articles
Below are a series of articles which appeared in the Easingwold Advertiser giving some basic help and facts on what needs to be done to look after financial affairs in retirement. Although much of the information is generic, there is a retirement focus.
The basic premise is that to live the life you want, it makes sense to sort out your finances, otherwise you will lose control.
You can sort out your own finances or get help, it’s up to you.
These began in January 2009 to coincide with New Year resolutions.
Article 1 - What is retirement?
The first article was to tee-up the series and look at the fact that retirement is now very different from what it was 20 years ago. It raised the importance of planning and got over the point that a lot of financial planning should be based on common sense.
Article 2 - Sort out your spending
Do you know what your money gets spent on? Have you reviewed the price you are paying? Examples of utility savings including electricity, water and insurance costs. You read about what you can do but have you done it?
Article 3 - What pension will I get from the state?
Overview of State Pensions including Pension credit and how to find out what you can expect to receive.
Article 4 - Private pensions
Overview of the different types of private pension covering defined benefit and defined contribution.Covering the choices that you will face at retirement.
Article 5 - Savings and investments
Brief overview of investments covering deposits, ISAs (cash and stocks and shares), investment bonds and unit trusts. Importance of aligning investments with attitude to risk. Article 6 - Having a plan The importance of having and regularly reviewing your financial plan.
Article 6 - Having a plan
The importance of having and regularly reviewing your financial plan.
Article 7 - It's good to make a sacrifice!
How salary sacrifice can help make pension saving more tax efficient.
Article 8 - Keep Your Pension on Track
It's worth checking up on your pension to make sure it's giving you what you want.
Article 9 - Insurance - are YOU covered?
Brief overview of the benefits and costs of life insurance and income protection
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Example savings rates 23.11.2010
Some of the savings rates currently available
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Cash ISA Rates 28.3.2011
Current rates
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Funding Long Term Care
The uncertainty that can arise as a result of needing care in later life can cause a strain on finances. This article looks at what the State provides and the ways that the cost of care can be funded.
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April 2011 Pension Changes
There were a number of pension changes introduced from the 6th April 2011. These are summarised here.
