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# Aristotle

The website of Aristotle

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/blog/)
- [Should you overpay your mortgage or invest the money instead?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/should-you-overpay-your-mortgage-or-invest-the-money-instead/) - It's a question that has come up several times with clients recently and in truth, it's one that has been asked in one form or another for as long as mortgages have existed. If you've found yourself with some spare income each month, or perhaps you've received a bonus or inheritance, you may be wondering
- [Three Money Things That Don't Make Sense, But Are True](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/three-money-things-that-dont-make-sense-but-are-true/) - Financial planning is full of apparent contradictions. Sometimes the things that seem sensible are harmful, and sometimes the things that seem counterintuitive are exactly what help people succeed. When it comes to money, most people assume that success comes from doing the obvious things. Spend less, save more, check your investments regularly, make every decision
- [Why Your Income Matters More Than You Think](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/why-your-income-matters-more-than-you-think/) - When people think about financial planning, they often think about investments, pensions, insurances, tax wrappers, withdrawal strategies. But before any of those things matter, there is usually one factor doing the heavy lifting in the background: income. Income is the engine that powers every financial decision you make. It funds your lifestyle today, creates your
- [Why Checking Your Portfolio Too Often Can Do More Harm Than Good](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/why-checking-your-portfolio-too-often-can-do-more-harm-than-good/) - It’s completely natural to want to keep an eye on your investments. After all, this is your money and your future. Of course you care about how it’s doing. But there’s a subtle trap here that catches a lot of people out. The more often you check your portfolio, the more likely you are to
- [Confidence vs Competence in Personal Finance: Why It Matters](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/confidence-vs-competence-in-personal-finance-why-it-matters/) - In the world of personal finance and investment, there’s a critical distinction between confidence and competence – and understanding this difference can make all the difference when it comes to managing your wealth effectively. At Aristotle Financial Planning, we understand that while it’s essential to feel confident about your financial decisions, it’s equally important to
- [Finding the balance between compounding investment returns and compounding experiences](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/finding-the-balance-between-compounding-investment-returns-and-compounding-experiences/) - Compounding is a term which is often talked about in terms of assets and the potential to obtain ‘growth on growth’ or ‘interest on interest’ over time. Compound interest is often described as the ‘8th wonder of the world’ due to its powerful long-term effect, although outcomes are uncertain and depend on market conditions and
- [The Ultimate Guide to Financial Disaster Planning](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/the-ultimate-guide-to-financial-disaster-planning/) - I am always a positive person and encourage other people to always think positively about their goals, dreams and aspirations. However, it is also important from time to time to be realistic and acknowledge that sometimes there are unexpected negative events whereby ‘bad things happen to good people’ as the saying goes. And that part
- [Three of the Best Investments You Can Make](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/three-of-the-best-investments-you-can-make/) - You might have clicked onto this blog article expecting to see the next hot tip on a specific investment to allocate your money to. Unfortunately not! Whilst I do spend a lot of time researching, reviewing and considering different types of investments and investment strategies to be able to give personalised financial advice on investing,
- [The 3 Hardest Things To Do In Personal Finance](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/the-3-hardest-things-to-do-in-personal-finance/) - I think that it is fair to say that the world of personal finance can be complicated at the best of times through a combination of tax rules and legislation, allowances and limits and complicated jargon and acronyms. So with that you might think that there are some really complicated and complex things that people
- [My thoughts on NS&I Premium Bonds](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/my-thoughts-on-nsi-premium-bonds/) - The thrill of the notification on your email or the dropping of a prize notification letter with an enclosed cheque telling you that you have won a prize in the monthly draw from the NS&I Premium Bonds. Exciting right? But what is the reality when it comes to considering whether to put money into NS&I
- [How to Navigate the transition from Saving to Spending in Retirement](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/how-to-navigate-the-transition-from-saving-to-spending-in-retirement/) - Looking from the outside it would be easy for people to think that being able to go from being a mode of saving and building up assets to suddenly beginning to draw from those assets once retired would be an easy one. However, over the years of working with people navigating this transition I have
- [10 important financial planning principles](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/10-important-financial-planning-principles/) - When it comes to finance there are lots of different principles, calculations and figures which people believe to be important. As a result, it can be hard to know which ones actually are or not, as well as what they are and what they mean. Therefore, I thought it would be a good idea to
- [Is a pre-retirement sabbatical a good idea?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/is-a-pre-retirement-sabbatical-is-it-a-good-idea/) - People traditionally think of taking a break or sabbatical from work either when they are early in their career where the impact of taking time out doesn’t have much influence in their long-term future, or due to major life events to themselves or loved ones such as bringing up children or caring for elderly parents.
- [How often you should be reviewing the different areas of your finances](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/how-often-you-should-be-reviewing-the-different-areas-of-your-finances/) - When it comes to your finances, it can be difficult to know what you should be focusing on and when. With the introduction of apps and online logins with nudges and notifications, it can trick us into thinking that we need to constantly be checking all areas of our finances. So rather than leaving you
- [A week in the life of a Financial Planner](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/a-week-in-the-life-of-a-financial-planner/) - A little while back, I met up with some of the parents from school for a drink and after the usual chit chat about the children a couple of them asked what it is that my job entails on a day-to-day basis. This week my eldest daughter Florence also probed me a bit more on
- [3 Things that are 'Features' and not 'Bugs'](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/3-things-that-are-features-and-not-bugs/) - When it comes to constructing financial plans, monitoring and maintaining them we are always striving to be as optimal as possible. This involves the use of ‘reasoned and reasonable’ assumptions along with a deep understanding of the person and their goals, investment markets and construction as well as the UK taxation system. However, with all
- [Who should you really be listening to about your finances?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/who-should-you-really-be-listening-to-about-your-finances/) - We live in the information age, and with that comes the benefit of information and opinion at your finger tips. Whether that be online in search engines, AI systems, websites, online groups and threads. This in addition to the previous sources that people have consulted such as the mainstream media, friends and family, work colleagues
- [5 Things to do if you come into ‘sudden money’](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/5-things-to-do-if-you-come-into-sudden-money/) - The thought of coming into a lump sum of money might be seem lovely for some and stressful for others. This could be because of an inheritance, lottery/premium bonds win, business sale, pension lump sum, work related bonus or something else. Once the money hits the bank account there is an internal feeling of need
- [5 Ideas on how to balance ‘living for today’ with ‘planning for tomorrow’](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/5-ideas-on-how-to-balance-living-for-today-with-planning-for-tomorrow/) - We now live in a World with competing interests. Firstly, where we are being encouraged to spend our money and live for today with less friction to spend money than ever. But then by contrast at the same time we are being encouraged to save for our own future to ensure that we both become
- [Are you following the recipe for financial success?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/are-you-following-the-recipe-for-financial-success/) - As someone who would consider themselves to be competent at the basics in the kitchen but far from a Michelin star chef, when it comes to cooking I am the type of person who prefers to follow a recipe for a new dish in a methodical order and with the ingredients prepped where possible before
- [Speculation, Speculation ... Why you shouldn’t act on it](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/speculation-speculation-why-you-shouldnt-act-on-it/) - At the time of writing this we are a little over a month away from the next UK Government’s Budget Announcement on 30th October 2024. Ever since the result of the UK general election there has been much discussion and speculation regarding the details of what will be within this speech, supporting documents and future
- [Should you be striving for eudaimonia rather than happiness?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/should-you-be-striving-for-eudaimonia-rather-than-happiness/) - In life we are all told that we should be aiming to pursue happiness to give us fulfilment and make life as good as it can be. The idea of this even extends back to the US constitution giving reference to the pursuit of happiness. But is that really correct? Happiness by definition is an
- [Why you need to maximise your ‘Go-Go Years’](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/why-you-need-to-maximise-your-go-go-years/) - When it comes to retirement, I have previously written and spoken about there being three different stages for most people. If you haven’t already read it then head to the blog entitled ‘The different stages of Retirement’ to learn more. To recap on what I mean by the ‘Go-Go Years’ – I am referring to
- [Why and how couples need to get on the same page for retirement planning](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/why-and-how-couples-need-to-get-on-the-same-page-for-retirement-planning/) - The transition from ‘work’ to ‘not working’ is one of the biggest lifestyle changes that anyone experiences in life. Prior to that point a significant proportion of people have from the age of 4 in the UK mostly had the structure within their regular weeks of either being in education or working. With this huge
- [7 Key things to focus on with your finances](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/7-key-things-to-focus-on-with-your-finances/) - Nowadays there is so much content and thought around regarding personal finance and what people should and shouldn’t be focusing on. Unfortunately, some of this time it comes with a hidden agenda or specific bias rather than being truly helpful. Therefore, I thought it would be useful as someone who works in the financial services
- [The other side of retirement planning you should think about](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/the-other-side-of-retirement-planning-you-should-think-about/) - When it comes to thinking about planning for a future retirement, of course it is important to give serious consideration to your finances. After all, without sufficient financial means a comfortable lifestyle that meets expectations is not possible. That’s why we spend a lot of time thinking about working with people looking at their income
- [Why you shouldn’t rely on an inheritance to meet your future financial goals](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/why-you-shouldnt-rely-on-an-inheritance-to-meet-your-future-financial-goals/) - It would be fairly sensible for a person not to be relying on winning the lottery as their preferred method to financial independence and having the freedom and choice to live as they wish. You would probably consider a person with that kind of expectation to be unrealistic, overoptimistic and not considering probability. But yet
- [What is true wealth?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/what-is-true-wealth/) - Have you ever been asked that question? This is an interesting topic to discuss with people. Whilst lots of us may have similar mindsets and aspirations, we are all individuals and have our own priorities. What may be important to one person may not be to another. It is common that one of the first
- [How will you know when to retire?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/how-will-you-know-when-to-retire/) - When we first begin working with new clients, but also as part of our regular updates with existing clients a question that comes up is relating to the timing of when they would like to retire. This is so that we have a purpose and something to aim for in becoming ‘financially independent’ and capable
- [Should we do away with ‘retirement’?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/should-we-do-away-with-retirement/) - Before you begin to think I have completely lost the plot, let me clarify … I don’t mean let’s never actually retire and just continue to work forever. So what do I mean? I am actually referring to the word ‘retirement’ and the traditional thinking around it. Why is that? Firstly, the word ‘retirement’ or
- [House Exchange – A Different Way to see the World?!](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/house-exchange-a-different-way-to-see-the-world/) - I was having meeting with an existing client recently and as usual we were chatting about what they had been doing since we had last spoken. I knew that they had a trip planned and so we were talking about how that went. As part of that conversation they explained to me that part of
- [The different stages of Retirement](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/the-different-stages-of-retirement/) - When people think about retirement they typically just think about this as one complete stage of life. Maybe that is because historically it was considered to be for a relatively short period of life, however these days it could be as long as 50 years or half of a person’s total lifetime – that doesn’t
- [Can money make you happy?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/can-money-make-you-happy/) - First instinct, what do you think? Some people would instinctively think no to this – partly because of a belief that is the case but partly because of not wanting to seem too greedy or materialistic. Others would instinctively think yes – potentially applying this to their own circumstances or just having the general belief.
- [How much do you really need to retire?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/how-much-do-you-really-need-to-retire/) - One of the big questions that people often come to me to ask is ‘how much do I need to be able to retire?’. This is one of the most difficult questions to answers quickly because everyone is different and has their own unique situation. The answer to the question is dependent upon: lifestyle and
- [My learnings from a trip to the ballet](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/my-learnings-from-a-trip-to-the-ballet/) - This month my wife and I went to watch the ballet. I had bought the tickets as a present a while ago, but before going had never really thought of myself as someone who would like it (watching football and boxing are more my thing although I do like the theatre generally). My girls do
- [The 5 Key Retirement risks to consider](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/the-5-key-retirement-risks-to-consider/) - When it comes to retirement it is a major life transition and point of change – going from saving and building up assets to beginning to spend them and potentially no longer having the ability to generate new income. As someone who has been advising clients in this area for more than a decade, a
- [Why you should protect your personal ATM](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/why-you-should-protect-your-personal-atm/) - When it comes to insurance there are some things which are mandatory and others which are optional. For example to drive a vehicle in the UK, legally you need to have insurance to at least a minimum level (third party insurance). For other things such as our pets or mobile phones this may be optional.
- [It’s not all about the money …](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/its-not-all-about-the-money/) - Reading the title of this article, you might well be entitled to wonder whether the lack of sleep from the children, the strains of running a business or what has been going on in the world these last few years has led me to finally lose my marbles. But, read a bit further and hopefully
- [Why you should consider front loading your retirement plans](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/why-you-should-consider-front-loading-your-retirement-plans/) - For those people who are not yet retired we often talk about what their future plans are once that is the case. And quite often there is a list of things, or a ‘bucket list’ if you like that they would like to achieve throughout their lifetime. When we start to map these things out
- [Don’t compare yourself to others when it comes to your finances](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/dont-compare-yourself-to-others-when-it-comes-to-your-finances/) - They say that comparison is the thief of joy and so it would make sense for us to try and block this out or eliminate it where possible. However, throughout the ages this is something that has always gone on. Whether that be about how successful someone’s job or business is, their health, their house,
- [Why Sometimes Doing Nothing is Correct](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/why-sometimes-doing-nothing-is-correct/) - We live in a world now where we are bombarded with information, thoughts and opinions. This can be great as it gives us the ability to access all of those with much more ease. No longer are we having to look through multiple newspapers, journals, books or bulletins to obtain the information we might require.
- [The Importance of Short Term Goals](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/the-importance-of-short-term-goals/) - Hopefully we would be in agreement that the general principle of having goals and something to move towards with purpose is a good idea. Often when it comes to finances, life or business it can be hard to think about the long term – it can often seem too far away and there are too
- [What will you actually do in retirement?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/what-will-you-actually-do-in-retirement/) - For those of you who are still in the working stage of life and got some time until you are financially independent and able to retire, this might not be a question that you have given much thought to. Or if you have given thought to it, only on a high level. I recently met
- [Focus on the route plan rather than the fuel](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/focus-on-the-route-plan-rather-than-the-fuel/) - The media tells bombards us with information about what is happening the world that makes us feel that we need to react to every single event. Our minds are also programmed to think in the short term. This stems back to the days of hunter gatherers where existence and survival was taken on a day
- [The three most important things to creating financial success](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/the-three-most-important-things-to-creating-financial-success/) - As financial planners we try to optimise an individual’s personal finances to maximise everything where possible. However, in the ongoing pursuit to try and demystify financial planning and personal finance in general, I wanted to try and explain the three most important things that really impact people’s financial progress. It’s not to say that the
- [Do you know 'Your Number'?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/do-you-know-your-number/) - Firstly, no I am not talking about your telephone number, your national insurance number or any other kind of standard number. In the world of personal finance, numbers are everywhere – from account numbers, to valuations, number of units/holdings, charges, taxation. But over and above that there is one sacred number above all other that
- [Why a business plan isn’t a personal financial plan](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/why-a-business-plan-isnt-a-personal-financial-plan/) - It probably doesn’t come as a surprise to know that we tend to work with lots of business owners. They are happy to outsource many things to enable them to focus on their business. Recently I was sitting down with a potential new client who whilst having a fairly successful profitable and income producing business,
- [The importance of making time for your finances](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/the-importance-of-making-time-for-your-finances/) - It would be fair to say that my life is currently pretty busy – running a small but growing business whilst having three young children. Given that it would be fairly reasonable to expect that time for certain things might be stretched. Getting up at anywhere between 4.30am and 6am most mornings is not a
- [Why you shouldn’t let the markets dictate your plans (provided you have a financial plan)](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/why-you-shouldnt-let-the-markets-dictate-your-plans-provided-you-have-a-financial-plan/) - Having had a turbulent few years due to the global pandemic, life has thankfully returned to a relatively normal state whereby we are no longer restricted by what we are able to do (within the law obviously). However whilst that is the case within your normal lives, over the past year financial markets have continued
- [Why you need to have something to retire to](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/why-you-need-to-have-something-to-retire-to/) - When it comes to retirement planning, I always say that are two main elements – planning your finances and planning your time. In the work that we do we often spend quite a bit of time considering the first of those elements as without the appropriate financial resources it is potentially not possible at all.
- [Could and should you be getting away in February?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/could-and-should-you-be-getting-away-in-february/) - February is normally the depths of winter in terms of temperature and weather meaning we are often inside more with the heating on … Not much sunlight and the sun setting early in the day … It is also a month past the festive period but still a month or so away from Spring approaching
- [Is there a best time of year to retire?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/is-there-a-best-time-of-year-to-retire/) - When it comes to selecting an actual date to retire, people often select default dates. This could include: Their birthday Their spouse/partner’s birthday Christmas The date that their state pension become payable The point of retirement is a significant milestone in someone’s life and is also a change in an individual’s lifestyle, so from my
- [Are you guilty of status quo bias? Time to think again …](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/are-you-guilty-of-status-quo-bias-time-to-think-again/) - No I am not talking about a bias towards liking or disliking the musical band Status Quo! What is status quo bias? Status quo bias is when people have a preference to continue to stay the same by taking no action or by sticking with a decision that has been made previously. This could even
- [Should we still bother with ‘Bucket Lists’?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/should-we-still-bother-with-bucket-lists/) - One of the things which we will commonly ask new clients is whether they have a ‘bucket list’ of experiences they would like to have during their lifetime and if so what they are. Where possible we try to incorporate this within their planning and if necessary give them a nudge to get started. Over
- [Why People Should try A ‘Test Run’ before Retirement](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/why-people-should-try-a-test-run-before-retirement/) - Retirement or exiting a business is potentially the biggest lifestyle change throughout people’s entire lifetime - going from having lots of structure and a framework within a week to a clear calendar. I have already eluded to the idea of giving some thoughts and consideration to this in the lead up to this, but one
- [Tips for a successful retirement](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/tips-for-a-successful-retirement/) - Over my career so far I have seen lots of people go through the transition in retirement. Whilst thankfully most of these have been successful, some have been more so than others. When I think about the ones who have gone through the transition and are truly enjoying and happy, it probably comes down to
- [5 Magical Christmas Activities in the East Midlands](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/5-magical-christmas-activities-in-the-east-midlands/) - Here are some ideas which are sure to get you in the Christmas spirit this year: North Pole Adventure - National Forest Adventure Farm “A truly magical journey. Experience the wonder of Christmas on an adventure to the North Pole: Children will receive a personalised ticket from Father Christmas Check-in and collect a passport and
- [How to Avoid Scams](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/how-to-avoid-scams/) - It seems that we hear and see possible scams throughout our everyday lives these days. The level of intelligence and sophistication within scams also seems to have gone up rather than being blatantly obvious. Unfortunately, some of the stories do not have happy endings. Therefore, with that in mind I thought it would be a
- [Tips for Enjoying Working from Home - by Gemma](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/tips-for-enjoying-working-from-home-by-gemma/) - I have had the flexibility to work from home for a long time, but it wasn’t until the start of Lockdown in March 2020 that it became the normal. Before this I would either steal my husbands office or work from the dining table. During the last few years I have done some things to
- [Consistency over perfection](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/consistency-over-perfection/) - Over the past decade of working with clients, there are multiple occasions where talk of perfection has come up. As someone who takes pride in their work and tries to do the best that they can, there is also a degree of this within myself - whether this be writing something, how a document looks
- [Joining Aristotle Financial Planning – by Gemma](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/joining-aristotle-financial-planning-by-gemma/) - After leaving my previous role it was a daunting thought finding a new role. I had worked for my previous employer for 10 years and during this time you get to know all the clients and all the company processes well. I felt sad it was coming to an end and was worried about
- [The importance of an ‘Oh No’ Fund for Emergencies](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/the-importance-of-an-oh-no-fund-for-emergencies/) - We all know that even with best laid plans life does not always run smooth. That could be something major and life changing such as a change of health, work situation or financial circumstances which could have a significant impact upon you. Equally it could be something relatively minor such as the need to replace
- [How self-employed workers can create financial security amid economic uncertainty](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/how-self-employed-workers-can-create-financial-security-amid-economic-uncertainty/) - As a self-employed worker, it can be more difficult to manage your finances. Your income may vary or not be as reliable as those who are employed. According to a study from Scottish Widows, almost half of self-employed workers said their income fluctuates. The research suggests that self-employed people could be more susceptible to income
- [7 essential money lessons your children need to know before they go to university](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/7-essential-money-lessons-your-children-need-to-know-before-they-go-to-university/) - The day that you send your child or grandchild off to university can bring up mixed feelings. There's pride and joy at their accomplishment, but also fear and worry as they venture out into the world on their own for the first time. There's also the issue of their financial security, with the National Student Money
- [Modern retirees are increasing their spending in later years, and it could affect your financial security](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/modern-retirees-are-increasing-their-spending-in-later-years-and-it-could-affect-your-financial-security/) - A trend among modern retirees to increase their spending as they get older could mean that some run out of money during their lifetime. The new research is an important reminder to consider how your spending needs will change during your retirement. Traditionally, spending has been higher during the initial few years of retirement as
- [Should you voluntarily pay National Insurance contributions to boost your State Pension?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/should-you-voluntarily-pay-national-insurance-contributions-to-boost-your-state-pension/) - The State Pension is often an important part of your retirement income, so should you top up your National Insurance contributions (NICs) to increase it? Even if you have other pensions or income in retirement, your State Pension can be valuable. As it’ll be paid from when you reach State Pension Age for the rest
- [Inflation: What happened the last time the cost of living was rising this rapidly?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/inflation-what-happened-the-last-time-the-cost-of-living-was-rising-this-rapidly/) - The cost of living is rising quicker than has been normal in the last few decades. Indeed, the last time inflation was this high was in the 1980s. So, what happened then compared to now? According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), inflation in the 12 months to June 2022 was 9.4%. As a
- [Two-thirds of retirees are planning a flexible retirement, but many don’t understand the potential tax implications](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/two-thirds-of-retirees-are-planning-a-flexible-retirement-but-many-dont-understand-the-potential-tax-implications/) - More retirees are planning to work in some way after they retire. While this flexibility can boost your income and help you strike a work-life balance that suits you, it can lead to some tax implications that you need to consider. According to a report from abrdn, just a third of people retiring in 2022
- [The minimum pension contribution may not be enough. Here are 3 reasons to increase your contributions](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/the-minimum-pension-contribution-may-not-be-enough-here-are-3-reasons-to-increase-your-contributions/) - Pension auto-enrolment means that if you’re employed you’ve likely been automatically enrolled into a pension and contributions are deducted from your pay. However, the minimum contributions may not be enough to secure the retirement you want, and the sooner you identify a gap, the more options you have. The current minimum contribution is 8% of
- [Investment funds: How do they work and how they could play an important role in your portfolio?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/investment-funds-how-do-they-work-and-how-they-could-play-an-important-role-in-your-portfolio/) - Investment funds often make up an important part of an investment portfolio and overall financial plan. If you’re not sure how they work or why they can complement your goals, find out here. When you think of investing, you may imagine investing in individual companies through purchasing stocks or shares. While this is possible and
- [Revealed: How long will you spend in retirement as more people than ever reach 100?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/revealed-how-long-will-you-spend-in-retirement-as-more-people-than-ever-reach-100/) - When you’re nearing retirement there are a lot of big decisions you need to make. From when to retire to how much income to take from your pension, how long you will spend in retirement is a crucial piece of information. And it’s not something you should put off thinking about until you’re ready to
- [How a virtual “shopping basket” is used to calculate the rate of inflation](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/how-a-virtual-shopping-basket-is-used-to-calculate-the-rate-of-inflation/) - Over the last few months, you’ve probably heard a lot about inflation and the effect it can have on your cost of living. While you may be familiar with the headline figures, how is it calculated? The key figure that you normally see is the Consumer Price Index (CPI). In the 12 months to April
- [3 interesting pieces of data that show why you shouldn’t panic during market volatility](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/3-interesting-pieces-of-data-that-show-why-you-shouldnt-panic-during-market-volatility/) - Over the last two years, investors have experienced a lot of volatility. If you’ve been tempted to change long-term plans, data can highlight why you shouldn’t panic. At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, markets fell sharply, and investors continued to experience volatility as the situation and restrictions changed. Just as things were slowly getting
- [Why good retirement planning is about more than your pension and money](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/why-good-retirement-planning-is-about-more-than-your-pension-and-money/) - If you’re nearing retirement, you may be starting to think about planning the next stage of your life. What steps spring to mind? You may prioritise organising your pension, claiming your State Pension, or reviewing how much you have in a savings account. These steps are important for creating security, yet good retirement planning goes
- [“Midlifers” are hit by time and financial pressures. Financial planning can help balance your priorities](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/midlifers-are-hit-by-time-and-financial-pressures-financial-planning-can-help-balance-your-priorities/) - Individuals aged between 40 and 60 – dubbed “midlifers” – are facing time and financial pressures as they try to support their families. Many are feeling the strain and don’t have the resources to focus on their own goals, and financial planning could help. According to a survey from Legal & General, 6 million midlifers
- [8 things entrepreneurs can do to improve their financial resilience](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/8-things-entrepreneurs-can-do-to-improve-their-financial-resilience/) - More people than ever before are working for themselves and setting up businesses. It can be incredibly rewarding, but you also need to consider how it’ll affect your financial resilience. The UK has a great spirit of entrepreneurship. According to the Office for National Statistics, around 4.8 million people (more than 15% of the labour
- [Why retirees need to consider the effect of inflation on their long-term income](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/why-retirees-need-to-consider-the-effect-of-inflation-on-their-long-term-income/) - As you may know, inflation (or the “cost of living”) has been rising at a faster pace than usual. If you’re retired, the effect of inflation can be more pronounced and it’s important to understand how it could affect your lifestyle now and in the future. The Bank of England (BoE) aims to keep inflation
- [More people than ever are saving into a pension, but 6 in 10 aren’t confident about their knowledge](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/more-people-than-ever-are-saving-into-a-pension-but-6-in-10-arent-confident-about-their-knowledge/) - The latest figures from the Pension Regulator prove that pension auto-enrolment has been a success – more people than ever are saving into a pension. Yet, research also shows that many people don’t think they know enough about saving for retirement. Before the government introduced auto-enrolment in 2012, just 4 in 10 private sector workers
- [1 in 3 people say financial protection is too expensive, but can you afford to overlook it?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/1-in-3-people-say-financial-protection-is-too-expensive-but-can-you-afford-to-overlook-it/) - Financial protection can provide you with a lump sum or regular income when you need it most, for example, if you’re unable to work due to a long-term illness. Research finds it’s something many people are putting off because they deem it too expensive, but you might be surprised by how affordable it is. According
- [Half of investors admit to making impulsive, emotional decisions, and many go on to regret it](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/half-of-investors-admit-to-making-impulsive-emotional-decisions-and-many-go-on-to-regret-it/) - While investment decisions should be based on facts, many investors find their decisions are sometimes influenced by emotions. Whether you’re excited about an investment opportunity, or worried about market volatility, keeping emotions in check can help you make better investment decisions. According to research from Barclays, half of investors admit to making impulsive decisions based
- [5 steps that could provide financial security for your partner if you pass away](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/5-steps-that-could-provide-financial-security-for-your-partner-if-you-pass-away/) - If you’re creating a financial plan as a couple, you should consider the effect one of you passing away could have. If one person’s income or assets are vital for the household’s financial security, it could leave the other in financial difficulty should they pass away. One of the questions couples sometimes ask is: “Will
- [Do you have realistic investment expectations?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/do-you-have-realistic-investment-expectations/) - When you invest, how much do you expect to receive in return? A survey suggests that some investors have unrealistic expectations that could affect their long-term financial security. Research from Aegon found that half of UK adults have put money into investments because interest rates are low. While this can be a positive step, it’s
- [5 retirement challenges you could face and what to do about them](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/5-retirement-challenges-you-could-face-and-what-to-do-about-them/) - Whether retirement is over a decade away or just around the corner, you could face significant challenges that may affect the lifestyle you want. Learning more about these potential obstacles and taking steps to reduce their impact now could make heading into retirement smoother. Almost half of people see retirement as a time of financial
- [Generation X is looking forward to life’s small pleasures in retirement, but are in the dark about the cost](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/generation-x-is-looking-forward-to-lifes-small-pleasures-in-retirement-but-are-in-the-dark-about-the-cost/) - How much do you need to save for retirement? It’s an important question, but research suggests that while Generation X is looking forward to the life they’ll have after work, many haven’t thought about the cost. Generation X, defined as those being born between the mid-1960s and the early-1980s, are beginning to approach retirement. While
- [Why you still need emergency savings in retirement](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/why-you-still-need-emergency-savings-in-retirement/) - Hopefully, you head into retirement confident in your finances and your retirement income. While your financial commitments and dependents may be fewer in retirement, it’s still important to have a safety net to fall back on when you need it most. According to a report in Money Age, 49% of those aged over 65 describe
- [Why you need to understand your State Pension entitlement](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/why-you-need-to-understand-your-state-pension-entitlement/) - Your State Pension may only make up a relatively small portion of your retirement income, but it’s an important part of it, and so it’s crucial you understand your entitlement. The recent news of underpaid State Pensions shows that many people don’t know how much they should receive. More than £1 billion unpaid to pensioners
- [5 behavioural biases that lead to investment mistakes](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/5-behavioural-biases-that-lead-to-investment-mistakes/) - Investment decisions should be based on logic and fact. But it’s easy for emotions and biases to affect your decisions, and this can lead to investment mistakes. Behavioural bias can be useful in some circumstances. It’s a way of making mental shortcuts when you need to make complex decisions. When you consider how many decisions
- [5 scary financial mistakes you could be making and how to avoid them](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/5-scary-financial-mistakes-you-could-be-making-and-how-to-avoid-them/) - It’s that time of the year when the nights are getting darker and spooky films start to appear on the TV. While the sight of ghosts, vampires, and more could frighten you, tackling your finances can be just as scary, especially if you’re making one of these five mistakes. 1. Failing to claim all the
- [Why you need to complete an expression of wishes alongside your will](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/why-you-need-to-complete-an-expression-of-wishes-alongside-your-will/) - You may have thought about who you’d like to benefit from your assets when you pass away and written a will to ensure your wishes are carried out. However, you may have overlooked what you’d like to happen to your pension. As you’ll be paying into your pension over your working life, it may be
- [Consolidation: Why it could help you beat the challenge of keeping track of pensions](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/consolidation-why-it-could-help-you-beat-the-challenge-of-keeping-track-of-pensions/) - Your pension might not be something you think about often. Unlike your current account or even ISA, it could be decades before you’ll be able to access it. So, it’s not surprising that keeping track of pensions isn’t a priority for many people. However, it’s important for effective retirement planning and ensuring you’re on track.
- [Should you use savings to help children pay for university?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/should-you-use-savings-to-help-children-pay-for-university/) - Over your child’s life, you may have built up a nest egg to give them a helping hand as they become independent. If they’re planning to go to university, you may be thinking about using these savings so they don’t need to take out a student loan, but is that the best use of the
- [83% of parents are saving for their children in cash, but it might not be a good idea](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/83-of-parents-are-saving-for-their-children-in-cash-but-it-might-not-be-a-good-idea/) - The Independent reports that 76% of parents and guardians in the UK are saving money for their children under the age of 18. Helping your child step into adult life with some savings could prove vital for their mental wellbeing and financial stability and could help them further down the line. But, of those saving,
- [When can you access your pension? It might be further away than you think](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/when-can-you-access-your-pension-it-might-be-further-away-than-you-think/) - The age you can access defined contribution (DC) pensions is rising. Research suggests that many people are unaware of this, but it could affect your retirement plans. At the moment, you can access money saved into a DC pension scheme from the age of 55. However, from 2028, this will rise to 57. If you’d
- [What is pension tax relief? How it can help you reach retirement goals](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/what-is-pension-tax-relief-how-it-can-help-you-reach-retirement-goals/) - There are many excellent reasons to save into a pension. One of them is the tax relief you benefit from, but many pension savers are overlooking this valuable boost to retirement savings. According to a Royal London survey, just 15% of people fully understand how tax relief on pensions is paid. Importantly, once people had
- [Should you take a tax-free lump sum from your pension to celebrate retirement in style?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/should-you-take-a-tax-free-lump-sum-from-your-pension-to-celebrate-retirement-in-style/) - What are your plans for your first few years of retirement? Being able to take a tax-free lump sum from your pension can open up a whole host of possibilities. But would you be better off leaving your money invested? You can take up to 25% of your pension without paying Income Tax on it
- [Cashflow modelling: How it can give you confidence in your choices](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/cashflow-modelling-how-it-can-give-you-confidence-in-your-choices/) - When you’re making financial decisions, one of the challenges is understanding the impact that it could have on your long-term finances. Not understanding the impact means you’re unsure what you should do, or when you do make a decision, you still won’t have full confidence in it. Financial planning can help you weigh up the
- [How financial planning can help you strike a better work-life balance](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/how-financial-planning-can-help-you-strike-a-better-work-life-balance/) - Financial planning is about much more than simply growing your wealth. Not only can it reduce financial worry, but it can help you achieve long-term goals, reduce stress levels, and increase your mental wellbeing. Perhaps you feel like you don’t have enough time to spend with those you love? Or maybe you’re striving for early
- [“It won’t pay out” and other financial protection myths busted](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/it-wont-pay-out-and-other-financial-protection-myths-busted/) - Most people in the UK do not have any type of financial protection. While there may be a good reason for some, in others it’s a decision that’s sparked by myths. It could mean you’re missing out on financial protection that could provide financial security when you need it most. According to the Financial Conduct
- [How compounding could help younger generations become a pension millionaire](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/how-compounding-could-help-younger-generations-become-a-pension-millionaire/) - When saving into a pension, reaching £1 million can seem like an impossible challenge. But the magic of compounding can mean it’s easier to reach than you might think, especially if you start saving while young. Compounding means that the returns earned from investments are reinvested. This means they go on to generate returns of
- [What is shareholder protection and why is it important for business owners?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/what-is-shareholder-protection-and-why-is-it-important-for-business-owners/) - If your business has multiple shareholders, what would happen if a shareholder became seriously ill or passed away? It could place the business in a challenging position and affect long-term plans, but as a business owner, it may be something you’ve overlooked. Thinking about a shareholder becoming ill or passing away isn’t a scenario anyone
- [How FOMO investing could mean you make financial mistakes](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/how-fomo-investing-could-mean-you-make-financial-mistakes/) - Does FOMO – the fear of missing out – affect your investment decisions? It can lead to you making investment decisions that aren’t right for you and potentially mean you take more risk than is appropriate. At times, it can seem like everyone is investing in a particular company or sector. Perhaps you’ve seen a
- [Why adding your savings to your pension could mean your money goes further](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/why-adding-your-savings-to-your-pension-could-mean-your-money-goes-further/) - Seven in ten (72%) UK adults have saved money due to the pandemic, but just a fraction plan to add these savings to their pension, according to an LV= survey. While considering short- and medium-term goals is important, making a one-off pension contribution can mean your money goes much further. Average pandemic savings are almost
- [5 financial steps new parents should take to protect their family](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/5-financial-steps-new-parents-should-take-to-protect-their-family/) - In the first nine months of 2020, there were 464,437 new babies welcomed across the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics. That’s more than one baby every minute! If you’re among these new parents, or know someone that is, you’ll know that there’s a lot to do – including taking some financial steps
- [5 reasons why Generation X need to engage with their pension to achieve security in retirement](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/5-reasons-why-generation-x-need-to-engage-with-their-pension-to-achieve-security-in-retirement/) - We all hope to achieve financial security in retirement, allowing us to focus on the things we enjoy. While retirement might be associated with indulging hobbies and aspirations, Generation X (born between the mid-1960s and early 1980s) need to plan ahead if they’re to enjoy the same level of security as their parents. For Generation
- [Employee benefits that self-employed workers miss out on, and how to bridge the gap](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/employee-benefits-that-self-employed-workers-miss-out-on-and-how-to-bridge-the-gap/) - There are more than five million self-employed workers in the UK, according to government statistics. This figure is rising, with around one in six people now working for themselves. There are advantages to being self-employed, but some workers could be missing out on benefits worth thousands of pounds compared to their traditionally employed contemporaries. The
- [What does “rebalancing” your portfolio mean and why is it important?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/what-does-rebalancing-your-portfolio-mean-and-why-is-it-important/) - When discussing investments or reading the news, you may have heard the phrase “rebalancing”. It’s an important part of making sure your portfolio continues to reflect your goals, but it can be overlooked or misunderstood. Read on to learn what rebalancing involves and why it’s part of investment strategies. Investing: A long-term game Before we
- [7 powerful investment lessons from Warren Buffett](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/7-powerful-investment-lessons-from-warren-buffett/) - The pandemic has led to more people taking control of their finances and investing. If you’re looking for some investing tips, the following pearls of wisdom from Warren Buffett are a great place to start. Known as a businessman and philanthropist, Warren Buffett consistently ranks on lists of the world’s richest people, with an estimated
- [5 steps to take for successful business succession planning to prime your firm for growth](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/5-steps-to-take-for-successful-business-succession-planning-to-prime-your-firm-for-growth/) - No matter the size of your business, some key people ensure its smooth running and growth. Without these people, even successful companies can face difficulties. Creating a business succession plan is an essential step for business owners. A succession plan is a strategy for developing future leaders within a company. It can help identify the
- [Can money buy happiness? It’s the freedom to reach goals that adds value to your life](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/can-money-buy-happiness-its-the-freedom-to-reach-goals-that-adds-value-to-your-life/) - Is the common saying “money can’t buy happiness” true? Research suggests that it isn’t, and that the opportunities financial security brings can deliver happiness and improve wellbeing. This latest study refutes often cited research, which claims money could buy happiness but only up to a point. A 2010 paper written by psychologist Daniel Kahneman and
- [8 pension mistakes that could affect your retirement](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/8-pension-mistakes-that-could-affect-your-retirement/) - Saving for retirement should be part of your financial plan and can help you secure the lifestyle you’re looking forward to. But watch out for these eight pension mistakes, which could ruin your plans. 1. Putting off paying into a pension The sooner you start paying into a pension regularly, the better. Throughout your career,
- [Thousands will run out of money in retirement, will you?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/thousands-will-run-out-of-money-in-retirement-will-you/) - Saving into a pension and accessing it comes with a lot of challenges as you need to think about how much income you need throughout retirement. Research from the People’s Pension suggests that looking at the bigger picture is something many people are putting off, even as they near retirement age and start drawing an
- [Protecting your business: Why business wills are important](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/protecting-your-business-why-business-wills-are-important/) - We all know how important it is to have a will in place to ensure assets are passed on to loved ones in a way that aligns with your wishes. But, if you’re a business owner, have you included your business? When writing a will, there’s often a focus on your personal life and it
- [Are Premium Bonds a good place for your savings?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/are-premium-bonds-a-good-place-for-your-savings/) - With interest rates low and investment markets experiencing volatility throughout 2020, you may be looking for an alternative place to put your money. Premium Bonds are an option you may be considering, but you could end up missing out on returns. What are Premium Bonds? Premium Bonds are a type of investment product issued by
- [Protecting your business: What you need to know about key person insurance](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/protecting-your-business-what-you-need-to-know-about-key-person-insurance/) - If you’re a business owner, there will be plenty on your mind. From the day-to-day tasks to a long-term strategy, you’ll need to make many decisions. But if you or another key worker were ill, how would your business fare? The loss of a keyworker can devastate a business. It can mean immediate challenges are
- [Financial health check: How do you score?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/financial-health-check-how-do-you-score/) - How do you rate your financial security? When you think about your financial situation, what defines it as ‘healthy’? For 77% of Brits, financial success is having the financial freedom to do what they want without worrying, according to research from Schroders Personal Wealth. Yet, despite this, 48% of adults admit they feel stressed or
- [Has financial bias cost you money this year?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/has-financial-bias-cost-you-money-this-year/) - Stock markets in 2020 have been characterised by volatility and uncertainty. If you’ve made financial decisions based on your feeling towards this, it could have cost you money. Whenever we make a decision, we have to weigh up the different options. While reasons and facts should be the basis for any decision you make, emotions
- [The pension basics everyone needs to know](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/the-pension-basics-everyone-needs-to-know/) - Most workers are now paying into a pension. But research shows that there is a worrying lack of understanding about how pensions work and why they’re a good option for saving for retirement. According to Royal London, seven in ten people admit they have little or no knowledge about pensions. Understanding your pension while you
- [Why life expectancy matters when planning your retirement](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/why-life-expectancy-matters-when-planning-your-retirement/) - When you’re looking forward to retirement, working out your life expectancy may not be something that’s on your mind. Instead, you’re likely to be planning how you’ll spend your time now you’ve reached the milestone. But life expectancy is an important part of retirement planning. Life expectancy is rising. And while pension age has increased
- [Underestimating the amount you need in retirement: How a mid-life check can help](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/underestimating-the-amount-you-need-in-retirement-how-a-mid-life-check-can-help/) - Do you know how much you need to save into your pension for the retirement you want? Millions of pension savers are underestimating how much they’ll need once they give up work. It’s a miscalculation that could lead to a retirement that doesn’t meet expectations. Even if retirement seems a long way off, a pension
- [Revealed: the wellbeing and emotional impact of financial advice](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/revealed-the-wellbeing-and-emotional-impact-of-financial-advice/) - It should come as no surprise that we believe financial advice adds real value to the lives of our clients. While the financial benefits of advice are often discussed, the value it can add in terms of wellbeing is sometimes overlooked but is just as valuable. The improvements to wellbeing that financial advice can offer
- [Why financial lessons are important for children and teens](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/why-financial-lessons-are-important-for-children-and-teens/) - Financial education in childhood is crucial. Attitudes and habits formed in our tentative years can have an impact in adulthood. Passing on your financial knowledge and the lessons you’ve learnt to children and grandchildren can lead to them being more financially savvy and secure in the future. Financial education is taught in schools, but it’s
- [4 strategies for better budgeting](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/4-strategies-for-better-budgeting/) - We all know that budgeting is important. It can help us make the most of our money and identify where savings can be made. A budget can help you meet goals, whether they’re just a few months away or you’re looking many years ahead. While a budget is likely to conjure images of complicated spreadsheets
- [How a will can help you reduce Inheritance Tax](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/how-a-will-can-help-you-reduce-inheritance-tax/) - October is Free Wills Month, an initiative solicitors can be part of that offers free will writing expertise to over 55s to support charities. The key reason to write a will is to ensure your wishes are carried out, but did you know it could help you mitigate how much Inheritance Tax your estate will
- [5 steps the self-employed should take to prepare for retirement](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/5-steps-the-self-employed-should-take-to-prepare-for-retirement/) - More people are becoming self-employed and it’s a step that’s been linked to improved wellbeing. But it can mean your financial security falls, particularly when looking ahead to retirement. For self-employed workers, it’s important to take steps that can ensure your financial security in the long term. According to research from the Institute of Fiscal
- [Pension age rises to 57: What does it mean?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/pension-age-rises-to-57-what-does-it-mean/) - From 2028, you won’t be able to access your Personal Pension until the age of 57. The government’s decision could affect your retirement plans and it’s important to review what it means for your future. The government previously stated it intended to increase the age people could access their Personal Pensions, currently set at 55.
- [Revealed: The value of financial advice](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/revealed-the-value-of-financial-advice/) - Financial advice can add real value to your life. Our guide looks at the ways financial advice can help you reach your goals and improve wellbeing. From improved financial security as assets grow to confidence in your long-term plans, financial advice can deliver numerous advantages. Research shows that financial advice benefits those that take it.
- [Understanding financial bias: How can you reduce the impact?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/understanding-financial-bias-how-can-you-reduce-the-impact/) - For our final blog in our financial bias series, we’re going to look at some of the steps you can take to reduce the impact of biases when making decisions. We’ve already looked at what financial bias is, where bias can come from and some of the most common types of financial bias. Financial bias
- [Giving to charity: How it can be tax-efficient too](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/giving-to-charity-how-it-can-be-tax-efficient-too/) - Supporting worthy causes is often something people want to include in their financial plan, whether through regular donations or a charitable legacy in their will. The good news is that to encourage charitable giving, there are tax breaks you can benefit from too. If you’re thinking of supporting a charity, now could be a perfect
- [Does market volatility affect your pension choices?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/does-market-volatility-affect-your-pension-choices/) - If you’re retiring this year, you may be worried about what the market volatility caused by Covid-19 means for your options. The good news is that Pension Freedoms, introduced in 2015, means you can choose how and when you access your retirement savings. Market volatility may have affected the value of your pension but that
- [How to improve your investment knowledge](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/how-to-improve-your-investment-knowledge/) - The vast majority of investors want to improve their knowledge. In fact, according to research from Schroders, 97% of investors want to boost their personal finance know-how. While a third wanted enough knowledge to comfortably make their own decisions, almost half wanted enough to be able to probe the advice they’re given. A further 17%
- [12 key points to consider before you start investing](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/12-key-points-to-consider-before-you-start-investing/) - Investing is a crucial part of a financial plan for many people. If you’re considering investing, whether for the first time or expanding your current portfolio, our new guide can help you understand what you should think about first. Among the topics covered in the guide are what to consider when choosing between saving and
- [Retirement planning as a couple: Balancing different goals](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/retirement-planning-as-a-couple-balancing-different-goals/) - Planning for retirement should be an exciting time in your life. You’re able to give up work and focus on the things you enjoy. But what if your aspirations and financial expectations don’t line up with your partner’s? Creating a balance can help both of you feel fulfilled in the next stage of your life.
- [What should you check when reviewing your pension?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/what-should-you-check-when-reviewing-your-pension/) - Have you reviewed your pension lately? Even though we make regular contributions to pensions, it’s not often something we think about until retirement is approaching. However, keeping track of progress during our working lives is important too. Figures from Aviva show that pension savers have been using their time in lockdown to get to grips
- [What happens if you don’t have a Power of Attorney in place?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/what-happens-if-you-dont-have-a-power-of-attorney-in-place/) - A Power of Attorney is just as an important part of estate planning as writing a will. Yet, it’s something that many people overlook, potentially leading to challenges for their loved ones and placing themselves in a vulnerable position. Power of Attorney gives someone you trust the ability to make decisions on your behalf, if
- [Understanding financial bias: 7 ways it could be affecting you](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/understanding-financial-bias-7-ways-it-could-be-affecting-you/) - Over the last couple of months, we’ve been looking at what financial bias is and where it can come from. This month, we explore some of the most common types of financial bias. You might recognise some of the behaviours when you think back to previous decisions you’ve made. So, here are seven types of
- [Understanding financial bias: Where does it come from?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/understanding-financial-bias-where-does-it-come-from/) - Last month, we looked at what financial bias is, but what is it that influences our decisions? Where do these biases come from? There are numerous ways bias can affect the financial decisions we need to make and can mean we’re not focusing on logic. We’re all prone to letting biases creep in at certain
- [Junior ISAs: Everything you need to know about saving for children](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/junior-isas-everything-you-need-to-know-about-saving-for-children/) - Building a nest egg for a child can help set them on the path to a financially secure future and highlight why saving is important. One of the most popular ways to save for a child or grandchild is using a Junior Individual Savings Account (JISA). During 2017/18, money was added to over 900,000 JISAs.
- [Planning for a 100-year life](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/planning-for-a-100-year-life/) - When you think about your lifestyle goals and financial plan, how far ahead do you look? It wasn’t so long ago that planning to reach 80 meant you could be sure of financial security throughout your life. But now, it’s becoming increasingly common to celebrate your 100th birthday, bringing new challenges to planning. Just a
- [5 ways you can reduce tax liability in retirement](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/5-ways-you-can-reduce-tax-liability-in-retirement/) - When you retire, there are a lot of financial decisions that need to be made as you start accessing the savings and investments you’ve built up. It’s natural to have lots of questions about your financial security at this point, such as: How much income will I receive from my pension? How long will my
- [Is now the time to invest?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/is-now-the-time-to-invest/) - Global stock markets have suffered due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and you may have heard suggestions that now is the ‘perfect time to buy’. After all, in an ideal world, you want to buy when stock prices are low and sell at a high. However, it’s not as straightforward as that and
- [Why you should have a Power of Attorney in place](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/why-you-should-have-a-power-of-attorney-in-place/) - Millions of Brits haven’t named a Power of Attorney. It may seem like something you can put off for a while, but it’s something we should all have in place. A Power of Attorney is a legal document which gives someone you trust the ability to make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to
- [Understanding financial bias: What is it?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/financial-bias-what-is-it/) - We all know what bias is and it’s something you may consider when making decisions in your day-to-day life but it’s also something that can affect financial decisions and, therefore, your lifestyle goals. Over the next few months, we’re going to explain what financial bias is and how it could be having an impact without
- [The danger of holding too much cash](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/the-danger-of-holding-too-much-cash/) - How much of your wealth do you hold in cash? Whilst it’s often viewed as the ‘safe’ option, there is a danger of your assets losing value in the long term and holding too much in cash too. It’s easy to see why people choose to hold large sums in cash. As it’s something we
- [Cashflow planning: Helping to answer ‘what if…’ questions](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/cashflow-planning-helping-to-answer-what-if-questions/) - When you begin making a financial plan, you could be looking several decades ahead, and we all know the unexpected can derail even the best-laid plans. So, as you’re setting out goals, it’s not uncommon to wonder if you’d still be able to meet them if things outside of your control have an impact. When
- [The tapered annual allowance: What you need to know](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/the-tapered-annual-allowance-what-you-need-to-know/) - The tapered annual allowance can mean you’re able to save less tax-efficiently in your pension. Inadvertently crossing the allowance could mean facing a tax bill, so it’s important to understand if you’re affected.
- [How have VCTs been used in the last 25 years?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/how-have-vcts-been-used-in-the-last-25-years/) - VCTs have been part of investment portfolios for 25 years. As the financial tool marks a quarter of a century, we take a look at how they’ve grown and when they can add value to financial plans.
- [Bank of Mum and Dad: How to understand the long-term impact](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/bank-of-mum-and-dad-how-to-understand-the-long-term-impact/) - Parents and grandparents are often relied upon to help purchase a first home. But it’s just as important that you understand how it could affect your financial future too.
- [3 things to consider when choosing an ISA](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/3-things-to-consider-when-choosing-an-isa/) - ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts) have been around for more than twenty years, but they’re still a key part of financial plans. However, it’s still important to choose the right ISA for you. The key advantage of saving or investing through an ISA is that they’re tax-efficient. You don’t pay Income or Capital Gains Tax on
- [Financial planning: Why do you need to revisit your plan?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/financial-planning-why-do-you-need-to-revisit-your-plan/) - Financial planning is essential at all stages of life. Speaking to an adviser can help you focus on your financial goals and give you the means to achieve them. But the hard work doesn’t stop once the plan is in place. It’s just as essential that you revisit your plan, and that you do so
- [Should I pay off my mortgage or invest the money?](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/should-i-pay-off-my-mortgage-or-invest-the-money/) - If you find yourself with a lump sum – perhaps through an inheritance, a bonus or because an investment has matured – you may be wondering what you should do with it. One of the common questions that we’re asked is ‘should I pay off my mortgage with a lump sum, or should I invest

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## Case Studies

- [Business Owners – Simon and Ollie](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/case-studies/business-owners-simon-and-ollie/)
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## Podcasts

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- [Lizzie Butler](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/podcasts/lizzie-butler/)
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- [Mike Whichello](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/podcasts/mike-whichello/)
- [Andrew Deighton](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/podcasts/andrew-deighton/)
- [Goldbox Productions](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/podcasts/goldbox-productions/)
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- [Craig Bunting](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/podcasts/craig-bunting/)
- [Tom Erskine](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/podcasts/tom-erskine/)
- [Stuart Bennett](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/podcasts/stuart-bennett/)
- [Adam Bamford](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/podcasts/adam-bamford/)
- [Emma Roberts & Shelley McBride](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/podcasts/emma-roberts-shelley-mcbride/)
- [Adam Holland](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/podcasts/adam-holland/)
- [Seleena Creedon](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/podcasts/seleena-creedon/)
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- [Helen Vann](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/podcasts/helen-vann/)
- [Kul Mahay](https://aristotlefinancialplanning.co.uk/podcasts/kul-mahay/)

## Testimonials

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