Financial Planning
Finding the right expert: So much more than just looking after your money
If you read The Sunday Times on the weekend you would have received the supplement “Your Adviser- Finding the Right Expert” I was delighted to be listed as a Top Rated Adviser, in the section for the London based advisers. The supplement was produced in association with VouchedFor, who are the equivalent of Trip Advisor…
Read MoreWhy I’m happy to be sexist!
Trading as Wealth for Women and being the author of “The Wealthy Woman: A Man is Not a Financial Plan”, tends to split reaction into two camps. Some women (and men) have found it sexist and patronising. One comment left on my Facebook post recently offering a free digital copy of my book was “I…
Read MoreDon’t spend it all on shoes and handbags!
I’ve recently worked with a lovely lady to do her financial plan- let’s call her Gillian. What she told me in our first phone call absolutely astounded me. It’s not often I’m lost for words, but I was on this occasion. Gillian had savings in her bank account and in various deposit accounts and was…
Read MoreNo, I don’t want to have a meeting with you!
As an independent financial adviser specialising in advice to women, I am often telephoned by a female who asks “Can we have a meeting?” “Can you help me with my finances?” The short answer that I give is “no”. But before you think I’m horribly rude…. there’s as a longer answer. The longer answer is…
Read MoreNumber one IFA!
I’m delighted to have been advised by VouchedFor that I am currently the number one IFA in Esher on the reviews website VouchedFor.co.uk. To see the listings for yourself, take a look at VouchedFor’s list of IFAs in Esher. When you search for an IFA on VouchedFor, the results are based on the number of…
Read MoreHigh earners lose out on pension contributions
Under the present tax rules anyone making a pension contribution can get tax relief at their marginal rate. Further details are in Pensions: a 20% off sale! In summary, if you are a basic rate tax payer and wanted to pay £100 into your pension plan your cash contribution would be £80. Your £20 tax…
Read MoreChanges to the State Pension 2016. What it means for you.
With effect from 6th April 2016 a number of changes are taking place with regard to State Pension. Anyone who is already claiming their state pension and those who reach state pension age by this date will remain under the existing rules. This group will not be affected by the changes. Those who reach state…
Read MorePension not discussed as part of divorce.
The Scottish Widows Women and Retirement Report 2014 noted that among divorced women 84% said pensions weren’t discussed or they couldn’t remember them being discussed as part of any settlement. This is a similar figure to previous years. This is very worrying. Not because I believe 84% of family lawyers failed to discuss the pension…
Read MoreHow much do you need to save for retirement?
In their recent “women and retirement report 2014” Scottish Widows asked thousands of women about their plans for retirement. There was certainly good news, in that the number of women saving into a pension had increase by 10%. However, the report also highlighted that women save 40% less than men. This is a huge difference.…
Read MorePension sharing: two bites of the cherry
A pension sharing order (PSO) cannot be varied at a future date. In addition, if you are awarded a PSO from your partner’s pension you cannot apply for a second PSO for the same marriage on the same pension. It’s therefore important to ensure you take good legal and financial advice during your divorce negotiations. …
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