I'm 50 now and hope to retire at 60. I have been paying into Vanguard Lifestrategy for a few months now. I have just 9.5 years to pay in and grow, do you think this is a long enough period to invest in or should I stick with cash if shares and bonds are likely to take a hit in a few years?

Richard | Hull | 25/06/2020 | 40

• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds
• Pension

With China's economy emerging from COVID-19, is now a good time to invest into China? What funds with equities that have a China focus are out there on the market?

Tariq | Lancashire | 09/04/2020 | 5

• Funds
• Funds - Global Shares

I really don’t like this market meltdown during the coronavirus outbreak. Should I sell and just get out?

| 19/03/2020 | 17

• Private Pension
• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Junior ISA
• Lifetime ISA
• Shares
• Robo Adviser
• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds
• GIA
• Pension

Should I still make regular ISA and pension investments in the current COVID-19 turmoil? Or is it better saving to cash?

Andrew | UK | 17/03/2020 | 5

• Private Pension
• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Cash
• Pension

I'm thinking of moving into a drawdown SIPP, taking my 25% and leaving the rest invested until I need a regular income in my mid 60s. I am trying to find a financial adviser willing to review my plans, but they all want an ongoing relationship. Where can I find an adviser who will do a one off review? Also I am unsure whether financial investment protection is per fund or per SIPP.

Susan | London | 16/07/2019 | 16

• Private Pension
• Pension
• Workplace Pension

I have a small pension which I have not drawn on yet, and I am seriously thinking about cashing it in, as I’m worried Brexit will mean substantial losses. Would I be better off just leaving it where it is?

Anne | South Yorkshire | 19/06/2019 | 0

• Pension

How can I find out how my Aviva SIPP pension is performing against the competition? I'm 51. The fund value is £161K and it was opened a year ago. Appreciate any tips.

Danny | London | 30/05/2019 | 1

• Private Pension
• Pension

We currently have a Scottish Mortgage fund with Baillie Gifford. But we’ve received a letter stating that they plan to transfer us to Hargreaves Lansdown. Is this a good idea or should we look elsewhere? - Charles Stanley Direct, for example?

Matthew | London | 30/05/2019 | 4

• Funds

I have minimal pensions and would like to start a new pension to save for the next 12 years. I've already set up a Stocks & Shares ISA with Nutmeg, so would like to start my pension with another provider. Which would you recommend?

Sam | Norfolk | 30/05/2019 | 0

• Private Pension
• Funds

I’m thinking about investing £1000 in Sirius Minerals. I would like some advice on whether this is too small an amount to get any gains from. At the moment I would be leaving it in for the long term of 5-10 years. I do realise that no dividend is being paid.

Adam | Cleveland | 30/05/2019 | 0

• Shares
• Funds

I'm in my late 30s, have a mortgage, a baby, no outstanding loans or credit cards, three pensions, and two Cash ISAs. I’d like to invest to renovate our house, help fund our children’s education and help them onto the property ladder, and retire as soon as possible! I considered a LISA but thought I might be better paying off more of the mortgage. I'm also confused about using a platform for a Stocks and Shares ISA. Any advice would be appreciated! Keep up the good work, I’m impressed with how refreshingly approachable your website is.

Nick | Berkshire | 29/05/2019 | 4

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Junior ISA
• Lifetime ISA
• Pension
• Mortgage

Hello, I already have a workplace pension. Can I also have a private pension? If so, I have a LISA as well. Can I have all three in place?

Precious | Surrey | 23/05/2019 | 0

• Private Pension
• Lifetime ISA
• Pension
• Workplace Pension

I am a self-employed 55 year old, with only a state pension. What can I do to increase my money for retirement?

Sandra | Dumfries and Galloway | 21/05/2019 | 1

• Private Pension
• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Lifetime ISA
• State Pension
• Pension
• Workplace Pension

We have just retired to France. Our pensions cover our expenses but we also have £230k which we would like to invest for a monthly income. Could you please explain the low-risk options we might want to consider?

Keith | France | 10/05/2019 | 2

• Private Pension
• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Online Investment Platforms
• Pension

My parents (father since died) put money into Halifax 'Money Fund'. This then apparently changed to some form of 'investment'. I noted in January 2019, that a letter had been sent just under 3 years previously, advising that this was not the best place for their money. I made contact and complained. What can we do, as this money may as well have been under their mattress? It was originally mis-sold.

Maureen | Gloucestershire | 04/04/2019 | 0

• Funds

When I retired in 2018, I considered consolidating my pensions for income drawdown. Recently I spoke to an advisers aligned to the investment philosophy of Albion Strategic Consulting, but was scared off again. I understand the basics, but am now totally unsettled as to the direction I should take and if, at such a critical stage, I should invest in an IFA on a regular basis.

Rob | Hertfordshire | 20/03/2019 | 3

• Private Pension
• Pension

My Fundsmith accumulation Class 1 investment fund has done well over the last 5 years, and its share price today is just about the highest it's ever been. Should I bank it now in case it goes down, or leave it and diversify by reinvesting monthly elsewhere in another fund?

Peter | Stockport | 18/03/2019 | 0

• Funds

If my son increases his pension contribution, I have read it may affect the amount he can borrow on a mortgage. Is this correct? Should he take a SIPP out as well? Is there any advantage in maxing out his managed Nutmeg Lifetime ISA in the next financial year?

Richard | Hertfordshire | 06/03/2019 | 3

• Private Pension
• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Lifetime ISA
• Pension
• Mortgage

I am 65 and still working. I have a workplace pension, which was closed and replaced with a retirement saver pension. I contribute to this via salary sacrifice. I also have a personal pension serviced by an IFA. Should I move my personal pension fund to a SIPP provider at this late stage of my life? I would like to consolidate the workplace retirement saver and personal pension fund together and manage it myself.

Den | South Yorkshire | 27/02/2019 | 0

• Private Pension
• Pension
• Workplace Pension

Trying to get a bit more pro-active with my pension. If my money had been in an online managed fund like Nutmeg for example, is it reasonable to assume that as the markets fell last year the funds would have been managed in real(ish) time to limit the damage? If so, is it therefore a no-brainer to transfer my pension to an online managed pension or is it not quite as simple as that?

David | London | 08/02/2019 | 3

• Private Pension
• Robo Adviser
• Pension

I've been reading recently about how investment trusts are much the same as funds, but are cheaper to own. A: Is this true? and B: Do you have an article on Investment trusts on your site?

Nick | Surrey | 16/01/2019 | 8

• Funds
• Other

Hello, I really enjoy your website and find it useful and concise. My question is, what is meant by long term savings? I am 54, so what should I consider to be an appropriate time frame for any investment I make, that could supply the best results?

Jennifer | Essex | 16/01/2019 | 11

• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds
• Pension

I have an old pension and they have written to me saying that they are going to enhance my pension if I transfer it out. The company is also offering free independent advice. I have £117,000 in the pension at the moment, which would give me £6400 a year at 65. I am 61 in April and would like to finish work at that point. I am not sure how much extra they will give me. Have you any ideas or suggestions to help me decide? Thanks.

Nicholas | Carmarthenshire | 04/01/2019 | 0

• Pension
• Workplace Pension

I’ve been investing in Nutmeg’s Risk 10 profile for three years which helped my deposit for my house. I am now wondering whether to use Nutmeg again, or should I use LifeStrategy for my £1000 per month? Is there a difference between Vanguard's LifeStrategy option and let’s say a well known robo adviser like Nutmeg? I am still a beginner and would like to keep things simple, but happy to take risk and prepared to leave my investments for a long time.

Jordan | Surrey | 26/11/2018 | 19

• Robo Adviser
• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds

I was lucky enough to inherit a significant sum from my father... currently in Alliance trust platform in 10 investment trusts. They have delivered well in the last 20 years. But they are UK equity based. And highly risky. Do you offer a sanity check service for confused individuals like myself? I don’t know what to do...

Paul | Berkshire | 12/11/2018 | 2

• Private Pension
• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds

I am 25 and starting to seriously financially plan out my future. I would really welcome a 'sense check' on my thinking as well as some help on which investment choices to make. My goals are: To invest for 15 years - my risk appetite is very high (i.e. I could afford to lose all my money). Goal 1 - More Important: To have an investment pot of £1,500,000. Goal 2 - Less Important: To be mortgage free. My plan is: 1) Open an annual Stocks and Shares ISA each of the next 15 years. 2) Open Share trading/dealing account. 3) Reduce my mortgage term to 6 years by 2025. I appreciate the above is a lot to go though, but I'd welcome any help and guidance.

Mo | London | 15/10/2018 | 3

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Shares
• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds
• Other

My wife and I have recently separated. The equity in the house is going to be split 50/50. We don't have any other meaningful assets. We have agreed to co-parent the children equally. My wife is requesting that I pay child maintenance, child care and school expenses. A CMS document states that shared child care results in no child maintenance payments. However, I do agree with the child care and school expenses payments. Our daughter has Autism Spectrum Disorder, so my wife gets a Disability Living Allowance for her and also works full time. If I don't pay the child maintenance, child care and school expenses, my wife is threatening to claim spousal maintenance, and take half my pension. Should I pay the £350/month or take my chances in court?

D | Lincolnshire | 03/09/2018 | 1

• Pension
• Other

Can you advise me on the best approach when looking to invest in a product that offers compound interest? I’m thinking about funds rather than bank accounts. I also have 4 different pensions on the go. Should I keep them separate to diversify the risk? Or consolidate them? How will these pensions be treated when I retire? Will they be considered in aggregate by the tax man?

Craig | Clackmannanshire | 16/08/2018 | 1

• Private Pension
• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds

I have about two thirds of my ISA in funds with Charles Stanley Direct and about one third left with St James's Place. I was planning to transfer the remaining one third to Charles Stanley Direct. However the recent platform price increases seem to put me in the worst position possible. After Charles Stanley Direct's fee increase, could I do better elsewhere?

Gerry | Bedfordshire | 15/08/2018 | 6

• Private Pension
• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds

I invested my money in a St James's Place managed fund, split into ISAs and bonds, after advice from an adviser who was a St James's Place partner. My investments have done reasonably well, but I've read disturbing reports about St James's Place. Should I have concerns? Should I have found an independent financial adviser?

Glyn | Essex | 09/08/2018 | 8

• Funds

I wanted an investment trust with an income, so I put £10,000 into The Investment Company. It delivers a reliable quarterly dividend but the capital value has dropped by 10% since I invested 2 years ago. What are your favourite investment trusts?

Fran | Greater London | 08/08/2018 | 4

• Shares
• Funds

Is there an average number of funds that one should ideally hold? I have in excess of 20. I am happy with my portfolio and coverage, but wonder if I have too many funds. The second part to the question is how long should you leave an underperforming fund?

Richard | Hertfordshire | 06/08/2018 | 3

• Funds

I am 73 and cautious. There are two areas that your advice would be helpful..what if you just spend thousands on buying the gold standard footsie companies like shell and the rest and keep them for five years and then cash them in ?

DB | UK | 24/07/2018 | 6

• Robo Adviser
• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds
• Pension

My wife needs to set up a SIPP with a good value, low cost, low maintenance underlying investment portfolio. We want a good mobile app from a well respected provider. Where can we see the options and directly compare historic returns so we can make a decision?

Guy | Hertfordshire | 17/07/2018 | 1

• Private Pension
• Pension

I hope you can help. I recently consolidated two modest pensions into a SIPP in readiness to start UPFLS drawdown in May (2018). Whilst I was hoping for growth in my investments I wasn’t expecting it to rocket and now find I could well be looking at exceeding the lifetime allowance, possibly even before my first annual drawdown in May, and I’m unsure what, if anything, I should do.

John | London | 03/07/2018 | 3

• Private Pension
• Funds

I was considering applying for Individual protection 2016, which I understand would give me an LTA of £1,021,390. However, following the inflation rise of the Lifetime Allowance, it seems the LTA is now at £1,030,000. It now seems pointless applying for Individual protection 2016. Have I got this right?

David | London | 12/06/2018 | 0

• Pension

What are the differences between income and accumulation income funds? How do you declare income reinvested in a fund on your tax return?

C | 05/06/2018 | 0

• Funds

If I take a lump sum from my pension at age 55, what is the rate of tax after the first 25%?

Judy | UK | 17/05/2018 | 1

• Pension

How long does it take to release money from your pension at 55 years old?

Diane | West Yorkshire | 01/05/2018 | 1

• Pension

Do you have information on taking your pension pot before retirement? My husband is 62, on a final salary scheme & is trying to get clear information on it.

Jo | 17/04/2018 | 3

• Pension
• Workplace Pension

Can you recommend some very basic books for a 69-year-old widow who is now having to manage her money?

Martha | 12/04/2018 | 0

• Shares
• Funds

I am post-divorce with a good settlement which I have only partially invested. Are there any courses you can recommend? I have sat in a number of meetings with accountants and financial advisers feeling somewhat patronised! I am sure that there are plenty of women in a similar position to me (aged 55!).

Eavan | Ireland | 14/03/2018 | 3

• Shares
• Funds
• GIA

How can I find a good financial adviser?

Byron | Greater London | 01/03/2018 | 1

• Shares
• Funds

My question is about my wife's pension valuation in a divorce situation. She is on a final salary scheme working for a national charity organisation. I feel the CETV value is too low and certainly does not take into account the inbuilt benefits such as guranteed final salary, life insurance.

Jay | UK | 12/02/2018 | 1

• Pension

I am a 59 yr old retired lady with no income but I have reasonable equity..is it worth starting a pension or is it too late?

LL | Norfolk | 06/02/2018 | 2

• Private Pension
• Pension

Hi, If I take a lump sum from my pension at age 55, what is the rate of tax after the first 25% ??

Gareth | Hampshire | 26/01/2018 | 0

• Pension

Can losses in a pension SIPP be offset against anything?

Henryk | Hampshire | 17/01/2018 | 0

• Private Pension
• Pension

We have four grandchildren (2 English living in UK, and 2 Irish living in Eire). We have decided to start savings plans for their futures. Their ages are 18yrs, 11yrs, 8yrs and 4yrs respectively. My age is 75yrs, and my wife is a little older. What should we do, please?

John | Buckinghamshire | 01/01/2018 | 1

• Junior ISA
• Lifetime ISA
• Shares
• Funds
• Inheritance

I am a 59 yr old retired lady with no income but I have reasonable equity..is it worth starting a pension or is it too late?

LL | Norfolk | 10/11/2017 | 2

• Private Pension
• Shares
• Pension

If I were retired and drawing my pension, can I earn an income from doing some sports coaching too? If so, how much can I earn without it affecting my pension? Thanks

Charlotte | Devon | 07/11/2017 | 0

• Pension

I am getting long in the tooth at 79, a little forgetful and I am going through a painful divorce. This has shattered my confidence and I need help.

Richard | Kent | 05/11/2017 | 3

• Private Pension
• Funds

I have just sold my house and have a significant sum of money I want to invest. I may want to draw some income but also want to achieve capital growth. Are there funds that aim to achieve both or should I just invest for growth and draw money as I need to for income?

Jon | Surrey | 13/09/2017 | 1

• Funds

Please help me. Choosing a pension from Aviva. It asks if I want growth or income? Which one do I choose ? I'm 46 .

Ria | Greater London | 11/09/2017 | 9

• Private Pension
• Pension

I am confused about index funds, e.g. Vanguard Equity fund. Do they track an index or include the yield? In the case of Vanguard, their low cost is attractive but their portfolio is made up of other Vanguard funds. I assume these probably each carry a fee structure - is this correct?

Robin | Gloucestershire | 03/09/2018 | 0

• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds

Is it worth using a financial adviser when it comes to switching pensions funds, or should I do the research and pick the funds myself? I am no expert in stocks and shares.

Helen | Dorset | 10/08/2018 | 4

• Private Pension
• Shares
• Funds

I use H&L and although they are a bit 'plumy' on the phone I quite like their website and the costs are OK. So I was thinking of H&L for [my son]. I would be telling him to open these two funds and regularly invest and forget about them for 10 years!

R | Greater London | 29/05/2018 | 1

• Lifetime ISA
• Robo Adviser
• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds

Why should I bother with paying into a pension at my age of 55 years now when I have never had one?

Tee | Greater London | 07/09/2017 | 5

• Private Pension
• Pension

Can I sort a pension out myself online?

Sharon | Greater London | 07/09/2017 | 0

• Pension
• Workplace Pension

What might a savings pot of £100,000 get me as a retirement income?

Aboodi | Greater London | 06/09/2017 | 2

• Pension

Pensions vs ISA - which one is best?

Roderick | Greater London | 06/09/2017 | 0

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Junior ISA
• Lifetime ISA
• Pension

What funds could my millennial children invest in?

Anthony | Greater London | 06/09/2017 | 2

• Funds

What are the changes with pension annuities? My mother in law has asked as her retirement is looming. I've read in the press it's changing but it all feels confusing. I just need some simple clear advice. Thanks

Keith | Greater London | 06/09/2017 | 2

• Private Pension
• Pension