Your long-term financial goals
After more than a decade of putting up with paltry savings rates, the sharp increase in rates over the past two years has certainly brought considerable cheer to savers. However, while the rise is welcome, it is important savers do not overly rely on cash savings but carry on investing if they are to maximise returns and achieve their long-term financial goals.
Think holistically
Although the availability of higher rates has provided a boost to cash savings, assessing the appropriate amount to hold in rainy-day funds is always difficult, particularly given recent cost-of-living pressures. However, history suggests holding too much money in cash can hold back your future wealth, as returns on both bonds and equities have a better long-term record in terms of outpacing inflation.
Time in the market
History also suggests long periods out of the market increase investors’ chances of underperforming. This is because, while cash rates may look attractive, knowing when to sell and buy back into the market is extremely difficult if not impossible, particularly when markets are volatile. The best approach is therefore usually to stay in the market and build a portfolio capable of capitalising on any improved outlook in order to maximise potential long-term gains.
Don’t be intimidated
Another reason why some people might shy away from investing is because they feel overawed. Indeed, a recent survey1 found that half of the UK population admits to being intimidated by investing, with more respondents saying it would be easier to learn a new language than start investing. On a more positive note, however, other research2 recently showed growth in the uptake of regulated financial advice, with 4.4 million UK adults seeking advice in 2022, up from 3.8 million two years earlier.
Here to help
And of course, we’re always here for you; so, if you need any advice get in touch and we’ll help you build an investment strategy focused squarely on your future dreams and aspirations.
1Lloyds Bank, July 2023
2FCA, July 2023
The value of investments and income from them may go down. You may not get back the original amount invested.
The complexities of succession planning
Succession, the hugely popular TV show, highlights the complexities of wealth transfer. There’s a lot to think about when passing on your wealth – as well as the risk of family disputes, tax implications need to be taken into consideration.
Preserving, planning and communication
As families accumulate wealth and assets it becomes important to preserve these and to plan the transfer across generations. Without a solid succession plan, a family’s hard-earned wealth could be at risk of erosion or loss, leading to potential disputes down the line.
Open communication through proactive discussions with all family members is important.
Take care with property
If you’re planning to gift property during your lifetime, you need to be aware of complicated Inheritance Tax (IHT) rules around this. For example, if you gift a house to a family member but continue to benefit from it in some way, it will remain part of your estate when you die and HMRC could tax your loved ones at 40% on anything over the tax-free threshold.
Reclaiming overpaid IHT
Even when the estate has paid any IHT that’s due, that’s not the end of the story.
Following several years of significant house price growth during the pandemic, property prices are now falling. This means that properties that were valued for IHT at the height of the pandemic are now likely to sell for less. Over the years, stock market volatility due to political and economic uncertainty has also led to investment losses for many. So, the IHT bill may have been overpaid and the estate will need to put in an overpayment claim.
There’s plenty to consider. For support with your succession plans, get in touch.
The value of investments and income from them may go down. You may not get back the original amount invested. A pension is a long-term investment. The fund value may fluctuate and can go down. Your eventual income may depend on the size of the fund at retirement, future interest rates and tax legislation. Inheritance Tax Planning is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Investor implications – Dividend Allowance cuts
With the UK in the midst of a sharp tax-raising drive, understanding the full impact of fiscal changes on investments has arguably never been so critical. One area that has been subject to particularly draconian reductions is Dividend Allowance, with changes in this area likely to have a significant impact on many investors.
Six-year slide
The annual tax-free Dividend Allowance was first introduced in 2016/17 and originally stood at £5,000. In 2018/19, it was reduced to £2,000, and was then halved to £1,000 from the start of the current tax year. This figure is set to halve again next April to stand at £500 – overall, this equates to a 90% reduction in the value of the allowance in the space of just six years.
Implications
Once an investor uses up their annual allowance they are liable for Income Tax on dividends, with the rate payable based on the Income Tax band they fall into. These changes will therefore inevitably increase the tax pressure on any individuals who own significant dividend-paying stocks or rely on dividends as a primary source of income.
Other options
Dividend Allowance is just one of the tax-free allowances investors can utilise in the UK. As a result of the cuts, it could therefore be increasingly beneficial for dividend-heavy investors to explore routes that offer exemption from dividend tax on qualifying shares, such as ISAs (which are also free of Capital Gains Tax). Alternatively, it may be appropriate for some investors to consider equity options that prioritise long-term capital growth over dividend payments.
The value of investments and income from them may go down. You may not get back the original amount invested.
A financial and wellbeing safety net
Life has a funny way of turning out differently to how we expect it. When faced with the unpredictable twists and turns of fate, it is comforting to have the support of the right protection cover for your needs.
Rising bills reinforce need for protection
Increased household bills, mortgage and rent costs, mean that protection is more important than ever right now. Have you considered how you would be able to afford your monthly outgoings if your family were to lose the income of the primary earner through death or illness?
Longer-term mindset
In response to these challenging conditions, some households are considering reducing their level of protection – and are therefore at risk of leaving themselves vulnerable to financial shocks.
It may seem tempting to save a few pounds a month by cancelling or postponing taking out cover. But there is a risk that, should the worst-case scenario strike, you and/or your family will be left in a difficult financial position.
Support for your wellbeing as well
Did you know – mental health issues are one of the top reasons for claiming under income protection? One leading provider1 paid £6m in income protection claims last year of which a third (£1.91m) related to mental health claims. Many life and critical illness policies also include support services for mental health issues
Essential
Protection is an essential part of long-term financial planning for everybody. Having the right insurance cover for your unique needs is an indispensable financial and wellbeing safety net for you and your loved ones.
1Zurich, 2023