Financial education
Beyond ‘active’ and ‘index’ investing
Describing an investment as ‘active’ or ‘passive’ doesn’t fully explain how your investment manager is looking after your money and trying to provide growth…
Financial advice in popular culture
There are very few examples of financial advisers on our screens and stories. Those that we see are worlds away from the usual day-to-day of an IFA. If your sole reference is Marty Bird of Ozark, you might benefit from this article.
The financial planning requirements of James Bond, Harry Potter and Doctor Who
We take a look at the finances of three fictional heroes from the UK and discuss how financial planning could help them. While we had a lot of fun writing this article, it highlights several specialist areas of financial advice, and how versatile an adviser’s toolbox can be.
No such thing as a ‘no risk’ pension
When looking at options for funding your retirement, it’s important to understand that your pension pot will be invested – and as with all investments, your capital is at risk.
Equity release in retirement; supplementing your pension with your property
When nearing retirement we face the challenge of ensuring our funds will last. Increasing numbers of UK homeowners have been looking for alternative methods to increase their income in retirement and are turning to their property to supplement their pensions.
How to track down a lost pension or investment
It’s now common for people to have multiple pensions. How can you find details of lost pensions or investments without searching in the attic for the paperwork?
Why are some people cashing in final salary pension schemes?
In recent years final salary pension schemes have been phased out by employers because people are living for longer and the uncrystallised liabilities are wreaking havoc with corporate balance sheets. Robert Blumberger explains why this is happening and sounds a cautionary note for those attracted to the idea of transferring.
How online portals are driving up engagement in employee benefits
Recent research found that employee engagement and productivity is HR leader’s primary concerns. Could an online benefits portal be the answer?
Why do most people have no life insurance or critical illness cover?
78% of adults would ‘rather be safe than sorry’ when it comes to their finances. Yet 65% have no life insurance or protection cover. So what’s causing this gap?