Pensions

Let's face it pensions are hardly the most interesting topic to discuss are they? Particularly when so many people have been banking on the value in their home or investment properties to supply them with funds for their Retirement.

Financial Freedom - The Real Goal

Maybe it's really that 'R' word, that puts some off investing for their future. We at Oaklands prefer to think of it as creating a fund that will give you financial independence and allow you the freedom to do something other than that which you are currently doing. That could include being in your dream place living a different life or taking on another project or business that you enjoy.

Whatever else you wish to be doing, investing in a pension will allow you this freedom at some point. Just when that point is will depend on the amount you are prepared to put aside and for how long. There really are only two options here - hope or planning. Please consider the fact that on average people live over 20 years in retirement and life expectancy is increasing! That's why it is important to plan how much you will require to keep you in your chosen lifestyle and do something positive about contributing towards it. Or you can hope!

Flexibility

We are not suggesting you forgo your other investments, including property, but take a balanced view as to how you build up a 'financial freedom' fund. Did you know that it is possible to start and stop your pension contributions and vary them up and down to suit your lifestyle requirements? So unlike a property that you still have to rent out and pay the outgoings on, you have ultimate flexibility to adjust your contributions at times when you need to divert your finances elsewhere.

How About a 'Synergy' Pension

You may not realise it, but combining the many pensions that you have accumulated so far can be a great way of regaining control of your future. By taking a risk profile assessment and constructing a portfolio that is matched to your requirements you can find it easier to monitor how far away you are from that day when you can choose to do something else, without the need for earned income. We term this our 'synergy pension' where the control you get in managing your funds in one place is much more positive than the worry you can have in keeping track of lots of individual pensions.

Should it be a SIPP, SASS, ISA or Personal Pension?

Of course SIPPS have been very popular over recent years but are they right for you? They can allow you to put shares and business property into your fund, but do you really need this?

Some people prefer to keep their finances flexibile by funding their future with ISAs, though due to their upper limits these may not provide you with the fund you need by the time you wish to achieve financial freedom.

There is of course the good old Personal Pension, or if you run a company, a Group Personal Pension. These can be constructed with a portfolio from a selection of hundreds of UK funds to give you the sort of growth profile appropriate to your age and attitude to risk.

So many options, so what should you do?

My Personal Offer To You

I'd like to make you an offer. So many people find that they simply need to chat over their situation without feeling that anyone is selling to them, so my offer is to give you 20 minutes of my time for you to discuss all or part of your financial affairs that are currently on your mind.

Apply For My Free 20 Minute Telephone Consultation

My diary gets very full so don't leave it too long!

I look forward to speaking with you very soon.

Helen

Helen Blackburn BA (Hons) CertPFS

P.S. Of course you may not be ready to chat right now, so if you would rather see what ideas I can give you by email please leave me your details below and I’ll be in touch with some leading thoughts on how to grow and manage your wealth.