Your Money - Your Future
News & Views
Mind over matter
In the world of investing, where numbers and market analyses typically dominate, a crucial element often remains veiled in the backdrop – our behaviour. Behavioural investing emerges as a pivotal field, merging the realms of finance and psychology to scrutinise how our emotions, cognitive biases, backgrounds and worldviews intricately influence our investment decisions. It ventures into the less discussed but significant spectrum of how our psychological makeup can mould our financial futures, for better or for worse. [...]
Employee preferences in Workplace Pension selection
Recent developments have seen the government introduce a Lifetime Provider model for workplace pensions, a move that has sparked considerable interest and debate. Findings from a recent survey reveal a striking preference among employees for their employers to take the lead in selecting their workplace pension provider. [...]
Overcoming the gender investment disparity
A recent study has spotlighted women and investing, offering critical insights that aim to empower women to take the reins of their financial destinies and forge paths toward a prosperous future. Notably, an impressive majority of women (68%) engage in investment activities at least once a month, with over two-fifths (42%) diligently monitoring their savings and investments via online platforms or apps at least once weekly[1]. This proactive stance leads to nearly one in five (19%) women having a precise understanding of the value of their investments at any given time. However, the distribution of investment vehicles among women reveals a tendency towards traditional savings accounts (61%) and Cash ISAs (35%), with a notably smaller segment (17%) opting for Stocks & Shares ISAs, in stark contrast to 30% of men. [...]
Unveiling the core principles of investing
In finance, the core investing principles stand as timeless beacons, guiding investors through periods of market volatility towards financial prosperity. These principles, distilled from the wisdom of centuries and the hard-won experience of investment titans, serve not merely as strategies but as foundational truths that underpin the very art and science of investing. As we peel back the layers, we explore the core principles of investing, the bedrock upon which the edifice of enduring wealth is built, and discover how these timeless truths can empower your financial journey. [...]
New pension tax framework
Beginning on 6 April 2024, a pivotal shift in pension benefit taxation commenced. The Lifetime Allowance (LTA) was replaced by a new structure comprising three distinct allowances: the Lump Sum Allowance (LSA), Lump Sum and Death Benefit Allowance (LSDBA), and Overseas Transfer Allowance (OTA). The implications of these changes will largely depend on individual circumstances, such as the aggregate value of one’s pension savings, any prior withdrawals from pension schemes and existing lifetime allowance protections. [...]
Troubling trend amongst UK workers
In an era where the lines between work and personal life are increasingly blurred, a new study sheds light on a concerning trend among UK employees. Despite advancements in workplace policies and a growing emphasis on mental health and wellbeing, a significant number of workers are still pushing themselves to work even when they are not in full health. [...]