Just to be clear, we’re not talking about your physical health here (that’s the doctor’s remit). We’re talking about a check-up to assess your financial wellbeing.
And we’re asking because nearly one in six people aged between 45 and 54 are now making significant financial sacrifices to ensure their pension pots are up to scratch for retirement5. At the same time, they are still juggling a multitude of other financial responsibilities, including childcare and mortgages, at a time when cost of living pressures persist.
Just like you’d go to the doctor for a check-up if you were feeling a bit run down, a financial MOT could be just what you need at this crucial time in your life to ensure your finances are working for you.
Here are some key aspects to think about:
- Retirement planning – as you approach retirement, now is the time to take stock of your pension savings to ensure you’re on track for your goals
- Protection – your health needs can change as you get older, so a review of your protection cover could be a good idea to ensure you and your family are properly protected
- Debt management – a review can help you assess your current debts and work out how to best pay them off
- Investments – are your investments working for you? Can your portfolio be rebalanced to better align with your risk profile and long-term financial objectives?
- Estate planning – now is also an excellent time to review your long-term plans for passing your wealth onto the next generation and to make a Will and Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).
Here to help
If a midlife MOT sounds like it might benefit you, then please do give us a call – we’re on hand to help you review each aspect of your finances and develop a comprehensive financial plan.
5Phoenix Group, 2023
The value of investments and income from them may go down. You may not get back the original amount invested. A pension is a long-term investment. The fund value may fluctuate and can go down. Your eventual income may depend on the size of the fund at retirement, future interest rates and tax legislation. Inheritance Tax Planning is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this document is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice and the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. It does not provide individual tailored investment advice and is for guidance only. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK. We cannot assume legal liability for any errors or omissions it might contain. Levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation are those currently applying or proposed and are subject to change; their value depends on the individual circumstances of the investor. No part of this document may be reproduced in any manner without prior permission.
The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated. If you withdraw from an investment in the early years, you may not get back the full amount you invested. Changes in the rates of exchange may have an adverse effect on the value or price of an investment in sterling terms if it is denominated in a foreign currency.
Information is based on our understanding of taxation legislation and regulations. Any levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation are subject to change.
Tax treatment is based on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future.
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