Close to a third of British females aged 25 to 45 interviewed in the survey – equivalent to some 2.6 million women – admitted they don’t like to think about the future, and so have therefore, made little or no plans to fund their late summer and autumn years.

Even though nearly one in four women do admit to worrying about ageing, many are seemingly pinning all their hopes on fending off old age through a mixture of expensive creams and ointments. Almost one in three (30%) of women said they were now using anti-ageing cosmetics and body treatments, including a quarter of 25-30 year olds.

Other, meanwhile, simply choose to date and marry younger men.

When quizzed on where they did spend most of their cash, many women offered a one word answer: - SHOES. According to the survey more than 2.2 million women aged 25-45 in Britain own at least 30 pairs of shoes (I certainly do – Tina), while another quarter confess to sacrificing lunch food money in order to feed their footwear habit.

Meanwhile, around one in three young women spends at least £50 each a month on clothes, while a similar proportion shells out more than £20 on cosmetics.

William Higham, founder of research consultancy Next Big Thing and author of the report said: - ‘One emerging ‘anti-ageing’ trend for women is to go out with a younger man. While it may not make ladies look younger, for many the ‘Samantha Jones’ (star of Sex and the City) approach to dating helps make them feel younger. Figures show that 10,000 women every year marry men at least 8 years their junior.’

But Christine O’Grady, senior media relations executive at Friends Provident, which co-sponsored the report, warned: - ‘Living for the day is all well and good, but it does pay to have one eye on the future. Lotions, potions and surgery ay slow the signs of ageing, but growing old happens to us all and it’s better to prepare for this inevitability.

Perhaps a few pairs of painful new shoes could be sacrificed each year to boost savings for a comfortable retirement!

Source: Citywire 24 May 2008 (Tony Bonsignore)

1: To protect your family

There are a lot of people trying to sell you insurance of one type or another but an adviser can tell you which one is actually worth buying. They will assess your position and guide you through the best options to protect yourself and your family - regardless of whether you are single, married, have children or they have long left home. Whatever your needs, an adviser can help ensure personal tragedy does not turn into financial crisis.

2: To help plan your spending – and saving

To secure your long-term future, you need to build some assets, initially to get you through the rainy days and then to pay for holidays and luxuries. Step one is to plan your spending so that you begin to save – and step two is to plan that saving so that you can build your wealth as efficiently as possible. Regardless of whether you currently have £10 or £10,000, a financial adviser will look at your situation and find the best starting point for you.

3: To secure your house

The mortgage market was complicated enough already, with its discounts and variables, AERs and caps, indemnities and early redemption fees. Then the credit crunch hit and things have got even worse. However, buying a house is still one of the most expensive decisions we make, and the vast majority of us need a mortgage. A financial adviser could save you thousands, particularly at times like this. Not only can they seek out the best rates, they can help you assess sensible levels of borrowing, make the most of your deposit and might also find lenders who would otherwise not be available to you.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE

4: To help you plan for retirement

Once you have sorted out your short-term saving needs, you can then start thinking about the long term – and most people these days realise they cannot rely on the State for more than the absolute basics. However, planning for retirement is a complex business and there are many different options available. Pensions have come a long way in terms of flexibility and transparency in recent years and also now offers a wide range of investment options. A financial adviser will not only help sift through the many rules and product options but also help construct a portfolio to maximise your long-term prospects.

5: To help meet your investment goals

As you progress through life, you begin to build your assets and your income begins to increase. You then start considering how you can enhance your position rather than simply consolidate it. This could mean anything from looking to retire early through to paying school fees for private schools or investing in overseas property. However your dreams evolve, a financial adviser can help assess what is realistically possible – and put the best plan in place to help you achieve it.

6: To find the right combination of assets

Investment is as much about protecting the potential downsides as it is about targeting maximum growth. With

high returns comes high risk – and not everyone is happy if their investment falls by a third or more overnight. A financial adviser will make a detailed assessment of your attitude to risk before making any recommendations. They will also ensure you don’t put all your eggs in one basket by helping you diversify not only across assets but also across accounts, individual funds and product providers.

7: To obtain an objective assessment

Every new product or investment opportunity is accompanied by hype, proclaiming it the best ever – but that does not mean it is right for you. Investors the world over have been and will continue to be caught out by market bubbles or high charges because they don’t take a step back. A financial adviser knows how products and assets work in different markets and can outline the downsides for you as well as the benefits. Between you, you can then make a more informed decision about what hype you can believe – and what products you really need to avoid.

8: To save money

Once your risk and investment assessments are complete, the next step is to look at tax and even the most basic

overview of your position could help. It may simply mean using ISAs or a pension plan to benefit from Government incentives or it could mean choosing growth assets over income to use capital gains allowances rather than pay income tax. Alternatively, for the more complicated arrangements, it might mean moving assets to your spouse or children to make full use of their personal allowances. A financial adviser will always have your tax position in mind when making recommendations and can help point you in the right direction even in complicated situations.

9: To keep you on track

Even when you have every product you need taken care of and your investments are set up and running to plan, someone needs to keep an eye on them in case markets or abnormal events push them off course. You can ask a financial adviser to do this monitoring work for you. They can assess the performance of individual investments against their peers, ensure that your asset allocation does not get distorted as markets move and also help you consolidate gains as the dates of your ultimate goals approach.

10: For peace of mind

Money is a complicated subject and there are many things you need to think about to both protect it and make the most of it. Markets are volatile and the media is prone to exaggeration of both the risks and the rewards. Employing a good financial adviser can take the emphasis away from you and move it into the hands of an expert. Whether you need general, practical advice or a specialist with dedicated expertise, the money you invest getting their advice could be paid back many times over in the long term.

If you would like to take a closer look at your own circumstances and discuss the best mix of investments to meet your needs, please give me a call on Scunthorpe 330088.

Issued by Marketing-hub.co.uk on behalf of your professional financial adviser. The contents of this document do not constitute advice and should not be taken as a recommendation to purchase or invest in any financial product. The value of a market investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount, particularly in the short term. Before taking any decisions, we suggest you seek advice from a qualified financial adviser. The Financial Services Authority does not regulate tax planning and tax advice.

If you are in doubt speak to your financial advisor first.

The FTSE 100 rallied in morning deals after sharp falls in New York overnight following the decision by Republicans to reject the bank bail out plan. We saw a decent fall in the FTSE yesterday of 5% but the sceptics always over do the ups and downs. So maybe after a day or 2 of levelling out to see if any more bad news comes out or if they can put the rescue package back together in America things might start to recover and confidence return. It also my opinion that the Bank of England must now make a major cut in interest rates to get the banks lending money again. Watch out for news on this next week.

SORRY to say, but it is likely that all investors will have seen falls in their fund value since last year. This is the worst financial crisis since 9/11 - 7 years ago. Had Bin Laden known that the banks were in such a state all he would have needed to do was to get Al-Qaeda to take out some sub-prime mortgages!

In times like this we must stick to the long term investment rules of having a diversified portfolio of equity, property and fixed interest funds, placed with top rated fund managers. Then when stability returns to the markets, we are well placed to recoup, with the gains which normally follow such declines in markets.

So my message is the same as always, STAY INVESTED and DO NOT SELL! If you have cash on deposit, THIS IS THE BEST OPPORTUNITY FOR 7 YEARS TO BUY INTO THE MARKETS, rather then when the FTSE returns to 6400 points.

A 25 year old needs to save 10-15% of their gross salary.

A 40 year old needs to save 17-24%.

A pensioner couple need £13,800 a year to cover their basic needs.

Most people require more than £13,800.

(Source: HubNews - Issue 2 - September 2008)

STOCK MARKETS MAY RISE AND FALL, BUT

THE RULES OF SENSIBLE INVESTMENT

REMAIN CONSTANT.

Successful long term investment is not just about buying low and selling high. Stock markets rise and fall, and share prices are vulnerable to everything from political news to the weather. Trying to find your way around – particularly during times of high volatility and uncertainty – can feel like negotiating a minefield. So how can we make sense of such a confusing world? It is probably time to go back to basics – stock markets may rise and fall, but the rules of sensible investment remain constant.

Rule 1: Buy what’s right for you.

Just because an investment works well for somebody else does not mean it is right for you. Consider your own situation – your future liabilities, your investment goals and, most importantly, your appetite for risk – and then make your own decision.

Rule 2: Diversify.

Spread your risk by diversifying your portfolio across a mixture of asset classes, industry sectors and areas of the world. If you put all your money into a single asset class, sector or company, your portfolio is very exposed and performance is likely to be volatile – whereas, if you mix it up, when one asset is going down, chances are, another asset could be going up and will

Rule 3: Invest for the long term.

It’s hard work – and largely pointless – trying to time your investment so you buy right at the bottom and sell right at the top. Similarly, trying to make short term profits by turning over investments quickly will get expensive and carries a high risk. Instead, target your portfolio at quality companies or funds and then allow them the time and space they need to grow. However…

Rule 4: If an investment has risen substantially, take another look.

There is an old rule of thumb which says ‘when your investment doubles, sell half’. Short term sentiment in stock markets can drive values artificially high, in which case, you may want to cash in while you can. Don’t get greedy – you should never be ashamed to take a profit.

Rule 5: Never buy what you don’t understand.

History is littered with funds which promised a great deal but which, when faced with pressure from the market, collapsed with all those promises broken. Some shares or funds might sound very exciting and, indeed very simple, but if you don’t understand exactly what the company does or how the fund works, steer clear.

Rule 6: Know when to say goodbye.

If a holding has performed particularly badly relative to its peers, you need to consider cutting your losses and selling it altogether. It might be better to sell out and reinvest the proceeds into a quality alternative than to sit round hoping to recoup your loss.

Rule 7: Don’t get emotionally attached.

It’s wonderful if a holding has worked for you, but you don’t have to feel grateful: the share doesn’t know that you own it. You should look at every existing investment with the same clear headed objectivity as you did before you bought it – and when it’s time to sell, do so with a clear conscience.

Rule 8: Be your own person – don’t follow the herd.

Many investors became caught up by the euphoria which surrounded the dot-com boom of the late 1990s simply because everyone else was and they did not want to miss out. Consequently, they bought shares in companies that promised much and delivered little or nothing. It is hard to turn against the flow but always take a step back and think not just about what you are buying, but why.

Rule 9: Review your portfolio regularly.

Your portfolio has been set up to meet your objectives based on your needs today. However, over time, your needs and circumstances can change. The markets can also change – and your portfolio may need the odd tweak to make sure it keeps up. Review it regularly – perhaps every one to three years – and make sure it stays on track.

Rule 10: Don’t believe everything you read!

Headlines on TV and in the finance sections of newspapers can be just as misleading without investigation as they are in celebrity news and sport. Make sure you keep a clear head, remain focussed on your objectives and take advice from a qualified professional to ensure you are making the most of your investment portfolio.

Issued by Marketing-hub.co.uk on behalf of your professional financial adviser. The contents of this document do not constitute advice and should not be taken as a recommendation to purchase or invest in any financial product. The value of a market investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount, particularly in the short term. Before taking any decisions, we suggest you seek advice from our qualified financial adviser

I offer the a completely free first half hour initial consultation on Pensions and Investments so we can access your financial situation and help you understand what choices you have available in order to maximise your return on investment or pension.

Don’t hessitate to call today and book a free initial consultation on 01724 330088
(Unfortunately I cannot give a free initial consultation on mortgages)

If you’re too busy or can’t get to the offices, the feel free to ring and arrange a home visit.

Since I live in the Grimsby & Cleethorpes area anyway, I am able to make home visits in the entire Lincolnshire area, whether it be Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Louth, Barton, Caistor or anywhere in the area!

Just give me a ring and I can arrange a home visit catered exclusively around your situation.

Since The Pensions Act 2007, it has been much easier for women to build up entitlement to the Basic State Pension. This has been done by reducing the qualifying number of years of National Insurance contributions from 39 to 30 years, as well as  giving more credits from unpaid carers. With the basic state pension being indexed in line with earnings rather than prices and moving S2P so that it is flat rate in the long term also helps women, whose pensions are made up by a higher proportion of state pension income, than that of men.

However, improvements in state pension benefits have not been matched by women increasing their own pension/retirement savings. Between 2006 and 2007, the gap between men and women privately saving for retirement increased from 8% to 13% (Source: Scottish Widows UK Pensions Index based on over 30s earning at least £10,000 per annum).

Basically, we all need to take control of our pension and retirement planning.

Young Women Action Plan

Start saving as early as you can – money saved when you are in your 20s has much longer to benefit from investment growth. You could also find that saving is interrupted in your 30s and 40s by looking after children.

Ensure you are claiming any benefits available at work – Ask your employer is there is a pension scheme, which they might even contribute to if you agree to start saving. All firms with 5 or more employees must have a stakeholder pension scheme in place. Personal pension contributions benefit from tax relief! A £100 contribution costs a basic rate taxpayer £80 and a £500 contribution costs a higher rate taxpayer £300!

Think long term – If you want to get maximum benefit, you need to think and act long term. It might seem selfish to lock away some of your money until retirement when you have children to worry about, but planning for your retirement is a basic financial need.

Pension contribution sharing during marriage­ – Where one of you has given up full time work to look after children, the main earner could easily contribute to a pension on your behalf.

Women over 50 Action Plan

Think about your state entitlement – Starting with how much state pension you are entitled to would be a good starting point. It may be possible to make up shortfalls of broken years of national insurance contributions. Contact the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) or your financial advisor for further details.

Pensions Tracing – Currently, billions of pounds worth of pensions are unclaimed. This is mainly due to people moving jobs throughout their lives and not keeping in touch with pension providers or previous employers. You can trace lost pensions through www.thepensionservice.gov.uk

Pension-sharing on divorce – while this applies to women of all ages, it is more likely to be significant to those who are nearing retirement. These women have less time to build up their own pension pot before they reach retirement, so should not be so quick as to waive their rights to any pension savings which have been built up during their married life.

Inheritance – don’t count on it – Windfalls at or in retirement could easily be spent on other things, such as long term care and other unforeseen expenses.

At what age should I retire? It pays to delay – With over 1 million people of retirement age still in employment , deferring your pension could increase your benefits. By starting your pension at age 65 instead of age 60 could give you the potential of a large increase in income by way of extra growth, further pension contributions and a potentially higher annuity rate. This could prove to be an effect way of making up any shortfall you may have in retirement income.

Generating income in other ways – Did you know that over half of women over the age of 50 own their own home outright? The value of this asset could be used in different ways to increase your retirement income.

Also, whether or not the open market option was used, 93% of people bought an annuity***. This meant that this 93% immediately removed their ability to react to their changing circumstances and income needs throughout retirement.

I believe that OMO should stand for Offering More Options. There is a great need for consumer awareness of all of the options which are available to them at retirement. Annuities are just one of several available retirement income provisions. Would your circumstances suit an alternative pension arrangement such as a drawdown plan, with-profits annuity, living time annuity, enhanced annuity, guaranteed retirement income plan to name but a few.

For impartial truly independent financial advice give me a call today.

* Source. ABI research paper No.8 2008.

** Source. ABI 2007 – 432,602 annuities purchased in 2007

*** Source. ABI 2007