The current political situation in the UK reminds me that, even within the most mature of democracies, fragile societies exist where the hopes and fears of polarised sections of the community can lead to irrational behaviours with little focus or thought given to the long-term outcomes of one’s actions. As with short-term political hyperbole, so…
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We are delighted to confirm that we have been awarded the Pension Transfer Gold Standard. This is a voluntary code of good practice for safeguarded and defined benefit pension transfer advice, based around a set of principles. Firms which adopt and promote the Pension Transfer Gold Standard are committed to helping consumers find good advice…
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I was chatting to a colleague recently about my forthcoming birthday, and suddenly it dawned on me that in eight years’ time, I will be able to access funds from my pension arrangements. My first thought was, ouch, how did that happen? I still feel 21 most of the time! Well the years pass quickly…
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We are now in the midst of the holiday season with many packing their suitcases, purchasing their suntan lotion and heading off to sunnier climes. It’s a chance to sit back, relax and let the brain wind down for a week or two, often recharging our batteries after a busy spell at work. Many of…
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Thorntons Investments are delighted to announce that our Pre-Retirement Seminars are now available to book. Click here – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/am-i-ready-to-retire-pre-retirement-seminar-tickets-64176371254. These informative seminars are free and are designed to help you explore whether you feel ready to retire, and also consider what this next stage of your life may look like. There will be a limited…
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Why do Pensions get a bad rap? I think the honest answer is that after decades of the government tinkering with pension legislation we have been left with countless rules and regulations that few people understand. This lack of knowledge scares people and generally where you have fear, you have distrust. So, let me try…
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‘What did the Romans ever do for us?’ is the entrée to a classic Monty Python sketch. One of the things they did do is introduce one of the first recorded pensions, by way of an annuity to Centurions who had finished their service. Subsequently people relied on savings, or more likely being looked after…
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Gone are the days when men made most of the financial decisions in a household. When I was growing up, my mum looked after the family and my dad looked after the finances, and this was certainly not uncommon. But things have changed and women should rightfully expect that the wealth management industry is keeping…
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In January 2018, the Markets in Financial Instruments II (MiFID II) rules came in to force. One of the outcomes was that all advisers must provide clients with a breakdown of the total costs and charges they pay for the investments they hold. These disclosures are required whenever we provide our clients with a new…
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There can seldom have been such little interest in a set piece UK Government announcement as was afforded the Chancellor’s Spring Statement yesterday. Large spaces on the green benches in the House of Commons, reduced to an afterthought on the main news channels last night and a lack of column inches in today’s newspapers tells…
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