danielashby

Sustainable investment continues to grow: Do ethics affect your investment choices?

Investors are increasingly investing their money with sustainability concerns in mind, figures show. As October marks Good Money Week, we take a closer look at what ethical investing is and how the market's growing.

It's predicted that the UK's ethical investment market will grow by 173% by 2027, according to research from Triodos Bank. With the projected total amounting to £48 billion, ethical investing is slowly moving into the mainstream. But what is it and how does it influence your investment choices?

What is ethical investment?

In simple terms, ethical investing is where you invest your money with other considerations beyond the financial return in mind. You base your investment decisions on the impact your money could have; creating a double bottom line if you will.

When you look at changes in society in general, it's not surprising that ethical investment is growing. Have you already cut down on the amount of plastic you use? Do you purchase Fair Trade items from the supermarket? Or are there some brands you avoid because they test on animals? These are ethical decisions you make as part of your daily routine; ethical investment is an extension of this.

Ethical investment comes in many different forms and there are a lot of terms used to broadly cover the same motives. You may have heard phrases like sustainable investment, responsible investment, SRI (socially responsible investment) or impact investing. ESG (environmental, social and governance) is another commonly used term that breaks down ethical investing into three core areas of consideration:

Environmental: These are investment concerns that cover a range of environmental impacts. Companies developing renewable energy sources, providing alternatives to deforestation or taking steps to improve the local ecosystem can fall into this category in a positive way.

Social: Again, the social segment covers a broad range of issues. Providing safe working environments, paying a living wage and ensuring no children are employed throughout a supply chain, are social issues to consider. It can also cover a company's impact on the communities where it operates.

Governance: Governance issues focus on how the company is run. Funds that cover governance issues may, for example, look at female representation on boards, whether the company avoids paying taxes or remuneration levels of the highest paid executives.

What's the size of the ethical investment market?

When you look at the size of the whole investment market, the number of funds taking ESG factors into consideration is still niche. However, it is growing, and the pace of growth is set to increase.

In 2023, the market will reach a 'tipping point', according to Triodos Bank. This is partly being driven by the next generation of socially conscious investors seeing an increase in their income. As a result, the UK market alone is expected to reach £48 billion by 2027.

The Triodos Bank research found:

• 55% would like their money to support companies which contribute to making a more positive society and sustainable environment
• 61% of investors believe that for the economy to succeed in the long term, investors need to support progressive businesses tackling ESG issues
• A fifth of investors are planning to invest in an SRI fund by 2027
• Ethical investment appeals more to younger generations; 47% of those aged between 18-34 intend to invest in an SRI fund within the next nine years
• Within this group, 56% are motivated to invest in ethical funds because of climate-related disasters in the news; compared to 30% for older counterparts

While there is a growing interest in ethical investment, there is still a limited market, which can make it challenging. 73% of UK investors have never been offered ethical investment opportunities. Furthermore, 61% would not know where to go for more information in SRI.

Despite this there is a demand for more information; 69% of investors would like to have more knowledge and transparency about where their money goes.

The challenge of defining 'ethical'

You may have already spotted one of the biggest challenges with ESG investing; we all have different values and ethics. It's a highly subjective area.

You may consider a company to be ethical because it's taking proactive steps to improve the lives of its employees in the poorest parts of the world. Someone else, on the other hand, may say the company unethical because the firm operates in the oil and gas sector, resulting in environmental degradation. As a result, it's important to define what your personal priorities are, as well as where you're willing to compromise, before you start looking at ethical investment opportunities.

According to Triodos Bank, these are the five biggest issues that would put off investors:

• Manufacturing or selling of arms and weapons (38%)
• Worker/supply chain exploitation (37%)
• Environmental negligence (36%)
• Tobacco (30%)
• Gambling (29%)

So, how do you invest with your values in mind? There are three key ways to do so:

Negative screening: This is where you actively remove companies from your portfolio or avoid investing in them because you don't consider them to be ethical.

Positive screening: Positive screening is where you actively invest in companies that align with your principles, allocating a portion of your investable assets to support these firms.

Engagement: An engagement strategy is where you use your power as a shareholder to promote long term, ethical changes. As it relies on shareholder power, it's a strategy that's more effective for institutional investors, such as pension funds, than the average retail investor.

The above are ways of investing ethically and striving to encourage change but do this in very different ways. In the case of energy and reducing the amount of carbon emissions, for example:

• A negative screening approach would divest from oil and gas companies
• An investor using positive screening would put their money into renewable firms
• While those using the engagement approach would hold shares in oil and gas but vote at Annual General Meetings to invest in sustainable technologies

As with all investments, you do need to balance the risk of your investments potentially decreasing in value. If you'd like to discuss how your ethics and values can be reflected in your investment portfolio and what impact this could have on financial return, please get in touch.

Learn more about Beaufort's ethical portfolios, which combine socially responsible, ethical and environmental considerations with a strategy for capital growth, here.

by danielashby

The cost of university: Parents expecting to pay £17,000

Going to university can be expensive. But not just for the student; parents are expecting to pay out thousands of pounds every year to help their child secure a degree.

Parents anticipate spending £5,721 each year their child is at university, according to research from Lloyds Bank. Over the course of an average three-year degree, it amounts to £17,165. With around half of young people choosing to pursue higher education, it's an expense many households in the UK could be facing.

Just 10 years ago, the figure would have been enough to cover tuition fees and leave some leftover, that's now not the case. Current tuition fees are capped at £9,250. With accessible student loans covering tuition fees, many parents are focussed on the other costs associated with university.

The research found:

• Two-thirds of parents who anticipate sending their child to university expect to support them financially on some level
• Only 14% of parents do not anticipate helping their child financially while they study
• 65% of parents believe they will have to provide support with accommodation costs
• 64% will offer financial help with items essential for study
• 58% expect to pay some or all tuition fees
• 52% will help with travel to and from classes
• 23% are prepared to pay for luxuries

Robin Bullochs of Lloyds Bank said: The costs associated with going to university can mount up quickly, and often it's unexpected costs that rack up the bill making it essential to take some time to consider the many expenses that may arise and budget for how these will be afforded.

The findings suggest parents will face additional outgoings they may not have factored into their budget once teens head to university. Having a fund you've been saving into before they go to university can help spread the cost. For families that have more than one child aspiring to achieve a university education, it could be essential.

With this mind, how can you save for the cost of supporting your child through university?

Junior Individual Savings Account (ISA)

Like their adult counterparts, Junior ISAs offer a tax-efficient way to save.

Each tax year you can add up to £4,260 into a Junior ISA. The interest or return made from a Junior ISA is tax-free. Any money you add to an ISA will be locked away until your child turns 18; at this point, it will be converted into an adult ISA and fully accessible to them.

If you're considering opening a Junior ISA, you have two options: A Cash ISA or Stocks and Shares ISA. Which one is best for you will depend on your attitude to risk and how long you'll invest for.

Junior Cash ISA: If you choose a Cash ISA, the money you put in is safe and you will get a defined amount of interest. That being said, there is a risk that the money won't grow as quickly as inflation, meaning it loses value in real terms.

Junior Stocks and Shares ISA: A Stocks and Shares ISA offers you an opportunity to access potentially higher returns by investing. The return you receive will be dependent on the performance of the underlying investments. It is, of course, possible that the value may temporarily decrease at times.

Children's savings account

There is a range of children's savings accounts to choose from. Often, these types of accounts will offer you more flexibility, such as being able to make withdrawals. However, depending on the terms, this may come with a penalty, for example, losing the specified interest rate.

Children's savings accounts can offer competitive interest rates that will allow the money you deposit to keep pace with inflation in real terms.

Some accounts will specify you put in a certain amount each month or limit contributions. As a result, weighing up the pros and cons of each account is important before you make a decision.

Child Trust Fund

If your child was born between 2002 and 2010, they will have a Child Trust Fund.

The now defunct government scheme aimed to help parents build up a savings account for children. Each account benefited from an initial £250. Some children may have received more as an initial payment and benefited from a further boost when they turned seven.

If you didn't open a Child Trust Fund, the government will have automatically opened one in your child's name. It's estimated that 1.5 million Child Trust Funds are 'lost' or forgotten about. So, it's worth looking into this and you can track down 'lost' accounts here. Once they turn 18, your child will be able to withdraw any money in the account and spend it as they wish.

Even if you haven't added to the account since it was opened, it can provide a starting point to build future savings on. As the Child Trust Funds initiative has since been shelved, you can transfer the money into a Junior ISA account if you choose.

Bare Trust

A Bare Trust is the simplest form of trust. It's where a gift is held for the beneficiary, it can be opened by anyone and then managed directly. The child will be entitled to the money, and able to withdraw it, once they turn 18.

There are several benefits to using a Bare Trust:

• First, the trustee can withdraw money from the Trust before the beneficiary turns 18, so long as it's to benefit the child. It gives you a level of flexibility that some of the other options don't have. For example, you could take out money to pay for college or sixth form fees.
• You can also manage the Trust directly. If you'd like to make specific investments or have a clear risk profile, a Bare Trust might suit your needs.
• Finally, there's no contribution limit; you can add as much as you like to a Bare Trust.

As well as the options above, you may also want to consider saving or investing money in your own name. This is a good option if you don't want your child to have full control and access to the money when they turn 18. It allows you to retain some control over how it's spent and how quickly.

If you want tailored advice on saving for your child or grandchild, we're here to support you. Taking your personal circumstances into consideration, we can help you choose the savings vehicle that's best for you.

by danielashby

Four steps young people should take to improve financial resiliency

Whether you're a young person or you have children and grandchildren, it's important to start building financial resiliency early after research revealed 73% of young adults don't have an emergency fund.

Despite many people in their early thirties planning significant life milestones, such as buying a home or starting a family, research suggests they aren't in a position to do so financially. Across the UK, those aged between 30 and 35 have been identified as one of the least financially resilient groups.

A combination of low savings and a lack of confidence in finance is leading to major life events being put off. With many in this generation focusing on the present, research from LV= suggests that the current generation of 30-year olds aren't preparing for risks they may face in the future.

When looking at the Money Advice Service's (MAS) benchmark for financial resilience, it's a target many in their 30s don't meet. MAS recommends that people should hold an emergency fund of three months' income to weather potential obstacles, such as unexpected bills, illness, or redundancy. However, the LV= report revealed that 73% of those in their early thirties fall short of having 90 days' income saved, this compares to the national average of 56%.

Without financial resiliency, life milestones and security are being harmed for those in their early thirties:

• 24% feel worried about the financial impact on life milestones
• 17% put off major life milestones due to a lack of confidence about their finances
• 43% don't feel confident about handling a personal financial crisis
• 22% don't know how long they would be able to cope financially if they became unemployed

According to Dr David Lewis, an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, seven in 10 under 35s don't properly prepare for future risks because they believe their youthfulness will last forever. It's led to him dubbing the current 4.7 million 30-35-year olds in the UK the 'Peter Pan Generation'.

Dr Lewis commented, There are multiple reasons this age group isn't properly preparing for financial risks. A universal emphasis on the importance of 'staying young' means many people are in a state of denial or avoidance when it comes to facing up to the future. We also tend to talk within - rather than across - generation groups, which encourages us to focus inwardly on the present, not the future.

With people in their thirties likely to be taking significant steps towards milestones where finances are important, bridging the conversation between generation groups could be beneficial. From talking to parents and grandparents to seeking the support of an experienced financial adviser, it could help to identify ways to improve financial resiliency that can be tailored to them.

What steps should you be taking to improve financial resiliency?

If you're searching for ways to improve your financial resiliency now, there are steps that you can start taking. With a plan of action to move forward with, you'll be in a better position to achieve the life goals you want, whether that's to take your first step on the property ladder or become more secure financially as you start a family.

1. Consider the long-term milestones you want to achieve

While there are some common milestones that are on the majority of people's agenda, there's no one size fits all approach. That's why it's important to consider what you want to achieve in the next five or 10 years. Thinking about whether buying a property, getting married, or having children are things you want, means you're able to tailor a financial plan to match these goals.

A simple list with realistic timeframes of when you want to achieve each goal by can help you prioritise where your focus should be and the best option financially.

2. Assess existing income and outgoings

Understanding where you're starting from is crucial for improving financial resiliency. Take the time to assess your current income and outgoings, to work out where you're making mistakes and could be saving more. It's a step that's also important for setting practical dates for when you want to achieve each goal by.

Don't forget to account for any debt you have too, from an existing mortgage to credit cards. Depending on your long-term goals, paying off debt may help you achieve them or access better rates of lending. For example, reducing debt can improve your chances of securing a mortgage offer with a competitive interest rate.

3. Find a savings plan that maximises what you put in

Your savings will grow with you by simply adding to them alone but choosing the right saving plan that benefits from 'free cash' can help speed up your plans. Choosing tax-efficient options, accounts with better interest rates, and government schemes designed to help savers can have a big impact.

The savings plan that is right for you will vary depending on what your long-term goals are. For example, if getting on the property ladder is right at the top of your agenda, a Lifetime ISA (LISA) could be a good option. A LISA is a tax-free wrapper that lets you put in up to £4,000 a year, with a 25% bonus annually to help you build a deposit quicker. While a LISA could work for those working towards securing an early retirement too, a Workplace Pension or an alternative savings account may be a better option and provide more flexibility.

4. Plan for retirement now

With everything else you need to think about, retirement might not even be on your radar yet. However, if you're looking to improve your financial resiliency now, you should take steps to carry that on once you stop working. The earlier you start, the better for retirement planning. If you qualify, staying part of your Workplace Pension is a good place to start. Currently, employees pay 3% of their salary into their pension, with employers contributing a minimum of 2%, these percentages will rise to 5% and 3% respectively in April 2019.

On top of that, you may also want to consider a Private Pension, LISA account, or using a stocks and shares ISA to further build wealth.

To get a better understanding of the steps you could be taking to improve your financial resiliency, contact us.

by danielashby

Could you help your children have a £1 million pension?

Using your gifting allowance effectively could mean you're able to leave your children or grandchildren a significant, tax-free gift behind in the form of a £1 million pension. Discover the steps you can take to reach this goal.

With auto-enrolment now in full force, the topic of saving for retirement has never been more relevant for younger generations. Research has suggested that most people aren't saving enough to achieve the lifestyle they want when they retire, indicating that more than a few future retirees will experience a shortfall, with past research from Hymans indicating a UK-wide shortfall of £5 trillion.

Whether you're a parent or grandparent, using gifting rules and tax efficient saving schemes could help you secure a child's future once they finish work or help get them on to the property ladder.

Previous research from Aegon indicated that 12 million people weren't saving enough to provide the income they require in retirement, with many incorrectly estimating the sums required to generate an income in retirement. The firm's analysis found that people on average earnings required a pension of £301,500 to maintain their lifestyle in retirement. Future retirees that are planning to use their years after work to travel and explore new hobbies without the restrictions of work will need significantly more.

With the rising cost of living, the challenges of getting on the property ladder and student debt increasing, helping children and grandchildren experience long-term financial security is becoming a common goal. The good news is that with a bit of forward planning it is possible to help your child or grandchild have the means to purchase a property in adulthood or even secure them a £1 million pension.

Rather than leaving your loved ones an inheritance, which may be subject to Inheritance Tax (IHT), you can use your money to help children build wealth while you're alive. It gives you an opportunity to firstly leave a larger legacy and to see your loved ones enjoy your generosity while you're still with them. With IHT reaching record levels last year, it's an option that's worth exploring.

Laura Suter, Personal Finance Analyst at investment platform AJ Bell, said: Parents or, potentially more realistically, grandparents can save on their inheritance tax bill and pass substantial sums to their children or grandchildren by making use of lucrative annual gifting allowances.

Figures released recently showed record levels of inheritance tax were paid last year, topping £5.2 billion. As more and more people are caught in the net of inheritance tax, it's more important than ever to make use of the allowances the Government hands you.

Using your gifting allowance

If you're worried about your children and grandchildren facing a significant IHT bill when you pass away, using your gifting allowance wisely can help to put your mind at ease. It's a way for you to pass on substantial sums over time without being subject to IHT.

To begin with, your annual gifting allowance is £3,000, this is money that will always be free from IHT. Should you decide to gift over £3,000 annually, there's the seven-year rule to think about. Should you die within seven years of a monetary gift being received that went beyond the gifting allowance, IHT may need to be paid.

By making full use of the annual £3,000 gifting allowance to help children, AJ Bell has calculated that families could save £43,000 in IHT if both parents and grandparents use it to build wealth over an 18-year period.

What to do with the gifted money

According to the research from AJ Bell, if both parents and grandparents maximise their gifting allowance from the first year of a child's life right through to reaching 18, the child will have accumulated £108,000 before they even leave compulsory education. With this in mind, how should you hold this money to ensure it benefits them in the long-term?

There are two potential options to consider, a pension and a Junior ISA, depending on how you want the money to be used and accessed.

Junior pension

You can start saving for your child's future right away with a pension.

For children, contributions to a pension benefit from 20% tax relief up to a maximum annual contribution of £3,600. That means if you contribute £2,880 on behalf of your child or grandchild, they will receive a tax relief of £720 (which is effectively 'free money'). AJ Bell's figures show you end up with a sum of £64,800 over an 18-year span. Assuming returns of 5% after charges, your child's pension will have reached £105,197 before they start their working life.

Without any further contributions, AJ Bell's figures indicate it will take 46 years for the pension to reach the £1 million milestone, allowing your child to comfortably retire and enjoy their later years by the age of 64.

Of course, there is no guarantee that this will be the actual amount that will be in your child's pension. A range of different factors, including rate of return and charges levied, have an impact and need to be considered.

Laura Suter comments: Given the growing savings gap in the UK, a £1 million pension pot is an amazing thing to create for a child and gives them one less thing to worry about as they struggle with student debt.

Of course, with the right financial knowledge instilled, the child's pension should continue to grow, for example, through workplace contributions. However, one area to be mindful of is ensuring that they don't end up breaching their Lifetime Allowance on their pension. This is currently set at £1.03 million but it is a figure that will rise alongside the cost of living as it is index linked.

Junior ISA

If you want to ensure your child or grandchild has a significant financial buffer before they reach the age of 18 but don't want the restrictions of a pension, a Junior ISA could prove to be the better option for you. Rather than having to wait until retirement age, the child would be able to access the money once they reach adulthood, making it an excellent option for providing support to get on the housing ladder.

Junior ISAs can be used from birth up to the age of 18, with an annual contribution limit of £4,260. If you only used your £3,000 gifting allowance to make yearly deposits in an account that benefitted from 5% interest rates, the sum would total £87,664, which would be tax free to withdraw. Taken out at 18, the Junior ISA would provide a sizeable deposit for a home. Alternatively, if the account was left accumulating interest with no further deposits for a further decade, it would reach £144,383, AJ Bell's calculations show.

Get in touch with us to discuss the most tax efficient way to gift and maximise your legacy with securing your children or grandchildren's future in mind.

by danielashby

What's on the line for first-time buyers?

89% of first-time buyers describe the process as 'really difficult' with deposits, mortgage refusals, and purchases falling through being the biggest struggles. Find out how to make the process smoother.

First-time buyers are facing an array of difficulties due to the pressures of the market as they embark on their home buying journey. According to research, almost nine in 10 (89%) of prospective first-time buyers describe the process as 'really difficult'.

A survey from challenger bank Aldermore revealed there are four key areas that first-time buyers struggle with when they're aiming to buy the perfect starter home.

1. Raising a deposit

Four in 10 prospective buyers cited raising a deposit as their number one obstacle to owning a home. With home buyers taking an average of eight years to save a 20% deposit, according to Nationwide, it's no surprise that it is seen as an intimidating task. To make the process easier, 27% of future homeowners are living with friends or family while they save, and a further 33% would consider it if it sped up the process.

2. Being refused a mortgage

Once a deposit has been saved, it's not the end of woes for first-time buyers. While being refused a mortgage was the biggest concern for just 10% of prospective buyers, a quarter find that their application is initially refused. The findings indicate that it's critical for first-time buyers to assess their financial health and credit score before approaching lenders.

3. Purchases falling through

Having secured a mortgage, almost half (48%) of first-time buyers find that the deal on their first home falls through. With the associated losses of a deal falling through mounting up to £2,200, it's a costly setback. For the 10% that took three or more attempts to secure a deal on a house they wanted, they can find the expenses rival the deposit.

Of those that have experienced purchases falling through, almost two-thirds had to delay buying their first home as a direct result, with 23% putting off the milestone for more than a year.

4. The uncertainty of the house buying process

Next on the list of concerns is simply a lack of knowledge about the steps that need to be taken during the buying process. Some 9% said it was the hardest part of buying a house, with 52% stating it made them ill and 46% saying it caused tension and issues within their relationship. A lack of knowledge can make what should be a time for celebrating unnecessarily stressful but seeking support can help.

How to make your home buying process easier

Despite the challenges of getting on the property ladder, the research also found that, for most, it was worth it. Some 79% of survey participants said that owning their own home made them more financially stable, which is allowing them to plan for the future. For four in five people, it was also considered a bonus that they were no longer wasting money on rent and they believed they would be in a position to move up the property ladder when the time came.

Luckily, there are some steps you can take to improve your home buying process.

• Saving for a deposit: The first hurdle for most first-time buyers is getting the all-important deposit together. With typical deposits being 10% of the property value, it can seem like a daunting task. However, using a Lifetime ISA (LISA), assuming you qualify, is one way to build your savings up quickly. Each tax year you can add up to £4,000 into the account and the government will provide a bonus of 25%.
• Improve and maintain your credit score: Your credit score will dictate what mortgages are open to you. The better your credit score, the more competitive your interest rate will be, it can make a big difference to your monthly repayments and how long it takes you to pay off your mortgage. Taking steps to improve your score, such as clearing debt, making credit card payments on time and registering on the electoral roll should be a priority.
• Assessing location and prices: If you're finding that house prices are out of your range or you're putting in offers that are being beaten, it might be time to reassess where you're looking. A slight postcode change could mean you knock thousands off asking prices, making your first home more affordable.
• Researching types of mortgages: If your first mortgage application is refused, don't panic, there's more than one option available. Just because one mortgage lender says 'no', it doesn't mean that every bank or building society will take the same view. For example, some lenders offer mortgages that require lower deposit amounts or allow you to use a guarantor to access better interest rates.
• Check available help: For first-time buyers that are struggling, it's important to remember that help is available. Often your first port of call will be family. While some first-time buyers are lucky enough to be able to use the bank of mum and dad to gather a deposit, others aren't but acting as a guarantor and simply offering advice can still be invaluable.

The government also provides support for first-time buyers, for example, through the Help to Buy equity loan scheme, which can give you access to up to 20% (40% in London) of the property value to minimise the mortgage needed.

If you're embarking on your journey to buy your first home, talk to us for more information on how to make the process smoother from beginning to end.

by danielashby

The six biggest money worries for millennials

Money concerns are a big worry for the millennial generation as they make plans for life milestones. But what areas can they improve to reach financial resilience?

Money concerns are harming the millennial generation's ability to plan for the future due to poor finance education in schools, new research from Samuel & Co Trading has revealed.

Despite calls for financial education to be taught in schools alongside other core subjects, it is yet to be added to the curriculum. As a result, there is a high chance that young adults who are taking their first steps on the housing ladder, starting families, and planning for retirement are feeling put on the back foot when they look at their finances.

The research questioned 1,000 British citizens to discover the problems they have with understanding basic finance. It revealed seven money worries for the millennial generation.

1. Saving for unexpected costs

Life throws frequent obstacles at families, including those that require money to smooth over. From the boiler breaking down to being unexpectedly made redundant, as well as illness, injury, or even death, there are many instances where having a financial buffer can help. We all know we should have some money put aside to cover unexpected outgoings. However, the study found that it's a safeguard many millennials are missing.

According to the survey results, more than two in five (43%) Brits aged between 18 and 24 do not have any savings at all to cover unexpected costs. Whether you recognise your financial situation in that statistic, your children's or even your grandchildren's, not having the money to cover unexpected costs can push people into debt, harm their lifestyle, and cause unnecessary stress. Building up a savings account that is there should they ever need it can give millennials peace of mind.

2. Planning for the future

The survey found a lack of financial planning for the future was an issue that affected individuals of all ages. When asked if they had a five-year financial plan, 77% of women and 47% of men admitted that they didn't.

For the millennial generation, a five-year plan is likely to focus on getting on the housing ladder but should include other areas too, such as beginning to build up wealth through a LISA or Workplace Pension. Armed with a plan and financial goals for the next five years, you are far more likely to be in a better position over the long-term.

3. Understanding pension and tax outgoings

Some 78% of women revealed they did not know how much they paid into their pension every month and 35% didn't know how much tax they paid. The survey found that half of the men questioned were not sure of their pension contributions and 45% did not know the amount of tax they paid out of each pay cheque.

With auto-enrolment meaning the majority of millennials will now be paying into a pension, it's vital to understand salary outgoings that are applied to each payslip. Taking the time to review pension contributions and understand the income they'll provide for your financial future can help set you on the right path financially.

4. Confidence managing money

Across survey participants, it was found that many Brits do not feel confident managing their money. In fact, a lack of financial knowledge has led to a quarter of women feeling ill at ease when considering their money and 14% of men feel the same. With money concerns having implications across numerous areas, including health and mental wellbeing, taking steps to improve knowledge of the most common areas can have a hugely positive impact.

With a greater level of confidence when managing money, you will be in a better position to take control of your finances and ensure your actions reflect longer-term aims.

5. Knowledge of credit cards

Credit cards are a commonly used way to access credit when you need it. They're often used as a way to make big-ticket purchases, cover unexpected outgoings, and build up a positive credit rating.
Yet, despite this, 28% of women and 21% of men stated they did not understand the terms and conditions of their personal account.

Getting the most out of a credit card and minimising charges placed on purchases and balance transfers means it is important to understand the finer details. While reading terms and conditions can seem like a daunting task, it is one that should be considered critical.

6. Getting to grips with financial vocabulary

If financial jargon leaves you feeling confused, you're not alone. Six in 10 women and 38% of men, stated during the survey that they didn't understand financial vocabulary. It is a lack of knowledge that can hinder their confidence and ability to order their finances in a way that suits their lifestyle and plans.

Working with a professional that explains finance matters in a clear, transparent way can help you get to grips with your money. Understanding the most commonly used finance vocabulary will have a positive influence on the other common money worries millennials face too, from understanding the terms of a credit card to feeling confident on financial matters.

To gain a better understanding of your own finances or to help your child or grandchild plan their financial future, please get in touch with us.

by danielashby

Adjusting your retirement plans in light of the State Pension Age changes

Almost two million people face the reality of changing their retirement plans less than 10-15 years before they aim to stop working, according to Retirement Advantage.

Changes to the State Pension Age will mean that up to 1.8 million over-50s could be forced to work an extra three years if they don't make swift changes to their retirement plans. Are you, or is someone you know among them? Read on for your next steps.

What is happening to the State Pension Age?

It's being pushed back. So far, the age at which women start to receive their State Pension has been increased from 60 to 65, to bring it in line with the men's age. From 2019, the age will rise again, for both sexes, to 66. Further changes will mean that, by 2028, the State Pension Age for some people will be 67. Further increases are due between 2044 and 2046, which will push the State Pension Age back to 68.

The exact age that you will be able to claim your State Pension will depend on when you were born, for more information on this, click here.

What effect has this had so far?

According to the research:

• Almost two thirds (61%) of people over the age of 50 will now work for one-to-five years longer than they had originally planned
• 23% of over-50s will now work for up to 10 years longer
• The changes are affecting more women than men, with 35% of women changing their retirement plans, compared to just 21% of men

What can you do if you are one of them?

If the changes to the State Pension Age have affected your retirement plans, there are several things you can do to try to reduce the amount of time you will need to continue working. In order, they are:

1. Re-evaluating your retirement plans

Don't panic and assume that you will need to work for longer just because the State Pension Age is increasing. If you already have plans in place to retire early, or to use your own savings and investments as income when you leave work, you may be able to continue with that route after making a few adjustments.

2. Identify what you already have available to you

Calculate how much you will have when you reach your ideal retirement age, accounting for your savings, investments, personal pensions and workplace pension. For help with this, you can use a pension income calculator, or talk to a financial planner or adviser.

3. Work out how much you will need

While you may only need to support yourself for an extra year, you may be within a group with a much longer gap. It is important to be sure that taking that extra money at the start of your retirement won't affect your ability to afford care and accommodation in later life.

4. Identify any shortfall

If there is a difference between the retirement income available to you and the amount you need, it is time to start planning how you will fix that. You have three options here:

• Work for longer: Even if it is part-time or as a consultant, continuing your career for longer will give you extra income, without the need to work full-time and sacrifice the activities you had planned.
• Live on less: If you have less money to work with, but you are determined to stop working on your goal date, then it may be necessary to tighten the budget during the first few years of retirement so that the money you do have will last longer.
• Put more away: Alternatively, you could restrict your spending during your working life to ensure that you have enough to live on when you retire. The biggest thing that will help you to achieve this is a Workplace Pension, so making sure that you are enrolled at work is important.
• Take the help on offer: This includes automatic enrolment into a Workplace Pension and the tax relief available on money invested in it.

Talk to us

An independent planner or adviser will be able to help you to see your situation with fresh eyes, putting a new perspective on things and hopefully brightening your outlook. They will also be able to apply their years of financial knowledge and experience to suggest solutions which you may not have thought of, or heard about, previously.

To start discussing your options and to restore your confidence in your retirement plan, please get in touch with us.

by danielashby

How making the wrong borrowing decisions can affect mental health

Common mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, affect one in six UK adults. In addition, 35-50% of those with severe mental health problems are untreated. (Source: Mental Health Foundation)

People who suffer from mental health problems are 1.5 times more likely to turn to family and friends for loans, than banks and building societies, according to a new report from Money and Mental Health. But, what is the link and is informal borrowing more likely to lead to financial problems?

You might not feel like this affects you directly, but it might affect someone you know, or maybe you are the person they are asking for money from. Remember, mental health issues can affect anyone, your kids, your parents, even your friends, so knowing how to help those who need it could come in useful.

What is the difference between informal and formal borrowing?

While formal borrowing is carried out via a bank or building society, informal borrowing is the act of taking loans from unofficial sources, such as friends, family members and colleagues.

Formal borrowing has the advantages of being regulated, with terms and conditions stating what will happen if the borrower fails to make repayments as outlined in the agreement. However, informal borrowing includes asking friends, family and even strangers for money on an unsecured basis. The type of informal borrowing varies wildly, from asking parents for a small loan, to turning to loan sharks.

Who is most likely to lend informally?

Perhaps the most well-known informal lender is the bank of mum and dad. It can be hard for parents to turn family away when they ask for help, and that has led to parents and grandparents providing almost twice as many (88%) informal loans as close friends (49%).

'Other private lenders' make up 16% of informal borrowing, which could include anyone from neighbours to loan sharks, with one being evidently more dangerous to people facing mental health problems, than others.

Why turn to informal lenders?

Formal lenders will check the history of the borrower, who may fear that past indiscretions will make them ineligible for the help they need, making informal borrowing much more appealing. On top of this, informal lending often comes with added flexibility and lack of penalty for late repayments, which can be enticing to someone who is not in the right position to make legally binding agreements or stick to a regular payment schedule.

Those facing mental health issues may be in an unfortunate position because of their illness, and that could include having to leave work, having a lack of, or reduced income, and being unable to access credit through formal channels as a result.

How can informal lenders and borrowers better protect themselves?

If you are considering lending money to a friend or family member, or you know someone who is considering informal borrowing there are three key things to discuss:

1. How much do they need to borrow? It can be tempting to access as much cash as possible when in a crisis but taking more than they need is likely to leave them in a worse position when they come to repay the debt.
2. When and how will they repay it? Honesty is the best policy here, if they cannot afford to make repayments, they need to find another method of getting back on their feet.
3. What will money be used for? Whether you are lending money or helping someone who is thinking about borrowing, knowing this will help to make sure they are not borrowing too much, or taking help unnecessarily.

If you are the person thinking about lending money to someone in your life who needs aid, you may wish to:

• Formalise the agreement by getting the details in writing and both signing your agreement
• Work with that person to get into a position where formal borrowing is a viable option for them
• Remember that money alone will not fix what they are going through and that you may need to make alternative suggestions for places they can find help

What help is available?

If you, or someone you know needs help, the following resources might be helpful:

• Samaritans (mental health support)
• Mind Infoline (mental health support)
• Saneline (mental health support)
• Step Help (debt help)

It is always difficult to manage your finances when medical problems arise. But whether they are mental or physical, financial advice and planning can make sure that you are on track to meet your financial goals and make the most of your situation - whatever that entails.

To talk to an adviser or planner about your finances, feel free to get in touch with us.

by danielashby

The 'pocket money economy': How an income in early life can increase your children's financial skills

Could the way you give your children pocket money improve their money-handling skills and better prepare them for the challenges of adult life?

It could certainly help them to develop strong saving habits, with research from Santander showing that 84% of children who receive pocket money prefer to save it for the future.

But, how can you help them to make sure that they are saving in the best way?

There are two key factors to effective childhood savings:

• The types of account used
• The age and aims of the child

There are a wide variety of saving accounts for under-18s, but it is the way they are used which will determine how much your child benefits from them. Some accounts have great advantages, such as tax relief, but come with age and deposit restrictions. That means that you will need to create a strategy which makes use of them at the right time in your child's life.

Saving accounts for children

The accounts available for children's savings include:

• Child Trust Fund / Junior ISA: If your child was born between September 2002 and January 2011, they may have qualified for a Child Trust Fund. This is a long-term savings account which offers the opportunity for under-18s to deposit up to £4,260 each year, tax-efficiently. Parents and grandparents can contribute to this.Child Trust Funds are no longer available but those children who had them can continue to save in their account until they turn 18. However, those born after January 2011, when the scheme was cancelled, will have to turn to a Junior ISA (Individual Savings Account).Junior ISAs offer similar benefits, with an annual deposit limit of £4,260.

• Regular Saving Accounts: These require a minimum deposit each month and often come with limitations on withdrawals. However, these accounts may offer more competitive interest rates to encourage long-term savings.
• Instant Access Accounts: A more flexible option, with the ability to make withdrawals without incurring penalties or facing limitations. These accounts are likely to have lower interest rates than Regular Savings Accounts.

• Help to Buy ISA: A government-backed savings account which is designed for first-time buyers to save toward their deposit. This account is available from the age of 16 and offers a 25% bonus on your child's annual contributions. However, there are limits as to how much can be put into the account each month. During the first month, it is possible to put up to £1,200 into the account. After this, a monthly limit of £200 applies.

Help to Buy ISAs are like Lifetime ISAs, which are available for over-18s. It is possible to open a Lifetime ISA and transfer any Help to Buy ISA savings in, without affecting the annual deposit limit.

Why encourage children to save?

The earlier you begin to teach children about money, the better their understanding of it will be as they grow up. Unfortunately, the financial education provided by schools is lacking, or non-existent and our kids are not leaving school as financially savvy as perhaps we would hope. Research from The Halifax shows some worrying trends among children aged eight to 15, including:

• Believing that a loaf of bread costs an average of £15, with a pint of milk at £17
• Estimating the average income for a teacher is £110,000; £87,000 more than the actual starting salary
• Expecting to retire at 56, 12 years prior to their current projected State Pension Age, which could be later by the time they reach retirement

Of course, we can't expect children and young teens to understand everything about money and managing a budget, but it is never too early to start instilling some valuable life lessons - and it doesn't have to be boring, either!

Making saving interesting

If your child is still of an age where they want to do everything with you, make the most of the opportunity to involve them in the household budgeting or have them assist with the weekly shop. This will help them to see how much adults really spend on bills and food and to understand the financial demands they will face in later life.

Saving is always easier when there's an end goal. Start with something which will take a relatively short amount of time and have your child calculate how much they will need to save each week/month to afford it, then work with them each week to show them their progress toward their goal. The goal can then grow gradually, as they get older, and is likely to teach them both how savings work, and give them a frame of reference for saving for bigger things; which will eventually include a housing deposit and retirement.

It is also important for children to understand the practical side of saving; this includes the options available to them and learning how interest rates work, in terms of both saving and borrowing.

For more information and help with introducing your children to the world of saving, why not bring them to your next appointment with us?

by danielashby