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Independent, no-nonsense ratings and reviews
Looking to fundraise or test your start-up idea? We’ve just had a fascinating glimpse of what four leading VCs are looking for in their next investment, as well as a bit of inside info on what the FCA Innovation department is hoping to test in their global sandbox.
Four start-up fintechs went head-to-head at our inaugural Fin-k Tank conference, judged by a panel of experienced VC investors:
There were four demos:
Dharmash said: “The thing we see most is great solutions that don’t really have problems. There needs to be a very clear problem the business is solving. We invest in companies which offer solutions that are 50-100% better…winners make investments in customer experience. It causes a self-fulfilling word of mouth loop.”
Zetaris intrigued him. “We see lots of companies with data living everywhere and in a mess. Zetaris seems to push on this significant problem.”
“The public is wooed by cost and pricing structures when it comes to switching,” said Rob Moffat. Pricing was a key theme of the day – Dharmash called out commission-free trading platform Robin Hood as a genuinely exciting entrant. “It’s hard to see how their pricing model won’t be very disruptive.”
Will Gibbs said there was “a lot of excitement about building value on top of existing incumbents. If you get the customer proposition and experience right, the size of the prize is huge.” Though he also called out the knowledge gap as a real barrier to mass-market adoption. “We’re underwhelmed by financial education – the gap is still there, and it creates a ceiling on innovative mass-market products.” Will, we couldn’t agree more.
The popular vote went to Anorak, a life insurance and income protection provider, which aims to ease the journey of finding and buying the right life insurance. David Vanek, CEO and Founder, said: “There are 9m without life insurance in the UK, and another 35m in the US. We want to make life insurance as accessible as possible.” It secured 51% of the overall votes.
Starting the presentation with a slide saying two words, DYING SUCKS, may have helped.
Anna Wallace, Innovate Head of Department at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), explained that although it’s tempting at times, it’s not the regulator’s role to tell start-ups how to innovate. When new ideas come along, however, they can help start-ups test them with real users in safe environments. The Global Sandbox is designed to do just that.
“Fintech business models are too untested to regulate well, so we set up a sandbox to test the safely with real users before they go to market,” Anna said. So, what would they like to see more of, just quietly?
“Helping the most vulnerable in society hasn’t been an attracting force for innovators. Low cost credit ideas, for example. We’d love to see more of that in the sandbox.”
You heard it here first.
I want to move my children's stocks and shares ISA to a robo adviser - what are my options?
Funmi | LDN | 12/10/2020 | 2
Hi! All going well I will be selling my flat next month and will be left with a large sum. Do you have a recommendation as to where I could put this money to best use during that time?
Matt | MLN | 18/09/2020 | 0
How much income will I need in retirement?
Rory | Ham | 28/08/2020 | 6
My question was about a man offering a 22.2% average return on his stock picking ability. I've tried to find reviews of his services but cannot find them anywhere except on a really old forum of his older product 'Spreedbet Beginner' where people have said they are blocked pretty swiftly on Twitter etc if they raise an issue. What is even more odd is that he cannot be found on Companies House. I would like your opinion on this matter as I have no idea what I should do.
Max | Lincolnshire | 27/08/2020 | 17
As a retiree with spare cash, how can I invest outside of my pension?
Wilson | ARL | 19/08/2020 | 1
I am looking for a new home for my SIPP. I am looking for a SIPP with low charges and which is easy to set up & run, as I am 75 now and keep forgetting I have dementia. Or do you think I should just leave it where it is?
Geoffrey | South Yorkshire | 08/08/2020 | 0
What are your views on Fidelity Multi Asset Income Fund, please? To me it seems to be a stable, low risk fund, paying a good dividend in today's climate but it won't shoot the lights out. Only negative for me is that it seems to invest in a lot of other Fidelity funds investing in UK stuff.
Nigel | Bedfordshire | 06/08/2020 | 2
The charges for my SIPP are around 1.5% per annum. When I look at other SIPP fees they are a lot lower than this. Am I paying over the top in charges?
Andrew | Greater Manchester | 04/08/2020 | 1
When investing across a range of funds, should I be putting the same amount into each fund or tailoring the amount to the % split I'm looking for? What if the platform I'm using has a minimum regular investment? Do I need to up the total investment to cover the minimum on all funds, or rotate which fund gets what each time?
Simon | Nottinghamshire | 29/07/2020 | 0
How can I compare the performance of different tracker funds (e.g. between PensionBee, Nutmeg, AJ Bell)? I want to see their track records.
Vivienne | London | 22/07/2020 | 1
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 | 41
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
I was going to sell my investments when COVID-19 surfaced, are any platforms faster at carrying out a deal?
David | Strathclyde | 26/03/2020 | 1
I really don’t like this market meltdown during the coronavirus outbreak. Should I sell and just get out?
| 19/03/2020 | 18
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
I'm looking to start investing and I'm torn between Evestor and Vanguard Lifestrategy. The entry requirements are much higher for Vanguard (£500 upfront and £100/month) while Evestor starts at £1. Is there any benefit of stretching my investment to use the Vanguard fund? Also do you know if I miss a monthly payment, will I be charged?
Charlie | UK | 30/07/2019 | 10
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
I want to invest in one specific company’s shares. What’s the cheapest way to do this via an ISA?
Peter | Lincolnshire | 21/05/2019 | 0
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
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
I have just received a letter from JP Morgan saying that they will no longer offer ISA accounts from the end of September 2019. I have an ISA with them and seem to have a choice of transferring the ISA to another company "as is" or liquidating and reinvesting. Any thoughts?
David | Staffordshire | 09/05/2019 | 0
I'm a 30 year old woman earning a reasonable salary with a low cost lifestyle. I have saved almost £8,000 and want to start investing. I like the idea of using a robo-investor like Wealthify, but I'm not sure if it's better to start with a Stocks and Shares ISA instead? Should I go with a Stocks and Shares ISA or a Robo Advisor, or both?
Kate | London | 29/04/2019 | 6
I am a British/Irish citizen living in Malta and have between £5k-£10k to invest for 5 years. Clearly, ISAs are out as there is a requirement to be a UK resident. I am happy to accept a medium level of risk, and would appreciate some info on where to put this to maximise returns.
Phil | Malta | 25/04/2019 | 4
I've a Cash ISA with about £80k in it, so I'm considering moving £50k into a Stocks & Shares ISA. I'm 73, retired, married, a house-owner and would like to utilise my savings better. What would you recommend?
Barry | Berkshire | 18/04/2019 | 1
I am a beginner investor and would like to invest in a "socially responsible" Stocks & Shares ISA. I have looked into the Nutmeg and Wealthify funds. Is there information about any other such providers on your website? And do you have any advice about how to compare the "socially responsible" criteria on the different funds?
Joy | Glamorgan | 16/04/2019 | 2
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
I have two separate company pensions from previous employers. For the last 12 years I have not contributed to a pension. I am now 44 and know I need to put money into one. I'm not financially aware and the robo providers sound tempting but, obviously, I want the possibility for the best return at medium risk. Your Q2 2018 results update showed Nutmeg’s Portfolio 10 as returning different figures than the Best Buys page for Nutmeg says. Why are these figures so different? Is Vanguard Lifestrategy 60 a good choice, though they don't have a SIPP.
Dave | West Yorkshire | 26/03/2019 | 0
We have £100,000 in Premium Bonds to invest. We need it as serious illness has changed our lives completely. We have been advised to invest in a Capital Investment Bond, but fees seem high to me - 0.3% and 1.7% management and on-going advice. I'm considering Wealthify or other online funds. Can you help?
Melanie | London | 25/03/2019 | 3
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
I have had a Hargreaves Lansdown Stocks & Shares ISA for the past 2+ years, divided into their Portfolio Plus Balanced Growth and in a mixture of shares I selected myself. While I am happy to keep the shares element, I don’t feel the managed portfolio is working for me and I could do better elsewhere. Where would you suggest I could invest for a better return? I am happy with balanced and some element of high risk. I’m 47, have two primary school age children, & live in central London. I also have a mortgage and a workplace pension.
Jennifer | London | 20/03/2019 | 0
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
For the last 9 months I've drip fed just over £10,000 into a Moneyfarm Investment ISA... it has been a very volatile year as you know. Moneyfarm seem to have done a good job of protecting my capital... however I haven't really made much in the way of gains... If I wanted, would I be able to transfer the whole lot to another platform where the fees are lower? I know you're not allowed to give regulated advice - but I'm uncertain if I should transfer the whole lot in one go, or drip feed.
Robert | UK | 14/03/2019 | 3
I am in my mid 20s & earning a regular salary. I have decent savings and am toying with the idea of Wahed Invest (I am looking for shariah compliant funds). I am also dabbling with the idea of property. If I have no financial commitments (living at home for next 2 yrs), is it worth using 90% of my savings for a house deposit for buy-to-let purposes? I am thinking this would reduce my loan to value?
Zara | West Midlands | 12/03/2019 | 0
I have about £100 monthly extra I want to invest, but I am not sure if my ISAs represent good value. I thought I could put the money in a higher risk investment, as it is money I can invest over 5-10 years, and had thought Nutmeg might be a good option as I have little investment experience. Am I right in thinking I can only contribute to one Stocks & Shares ISA at a time in my name? I could just put more money into my existing ISAs. What do you think?
Colin | Lothian | 11/03/2019 | 2
My 60 year old mum is not very financially literate and has has no private pension. She has approximately £900k to invest, from which she will need to draw down c.£40k a year for life. She is not very financially literate and would not be able to proactively manage the money herself. Would you favour an Independent Financial Adviser or a Robo Adviser for someone in her position? Thank you!
Harry | Kent | 11/03/2019 | 1
I am 47 and I would now like to open an investment ISA for growth for at least 10 years. I am tempted by the Vanguard LifeStrategy 80 due to the low fees and strong reputation. I would also consider investing in a couple of other Vanguard funds as well. Would this be advisable or relatively unnecessary, if I'm already investing in the LifeStrategy fund? I have also been looking with interest at Nutmeg, Wealthify, IG and AJ Bell Youinvest. Is there any provider that would stand above the others as most suitable in my circumstances?
Matt | South Yorkshire | 11/03/2019 | 4
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
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
I’m 36 years old, earn £85k, and have about £40k savings in the bank, mainly in an old ISA that I’ve done nothing with. I have a five year old daughter and would like to put my savings somewhere clever so they start to do something useful by the time she starts at an independent secondary school and fees go through the roof. Any bright ideas please?
Milly | Berkshire | 22/02/2019 | 2
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
I recently came across your blog and it has been a great introduction to learning about my personal finances. I was wondering if you could recommend any additional resources (websites, books, online help) for beginners and that are tailored to the UK market. I am in my early 20's and I'm looking to further my knowledge of money, and foster a greater relationship with it. In addition to that, I'd like to know your opinions on how the possible outcomes of Brexit will affect the market and potential personal finance investments.
Rita | London | 23/01/2019 | 0
With a SIPP in drawdown would a company like Netwealth whose investment management fees are of the order of .66% of the value of the portfolio, be a better option compared to companies like Hargreaves Lansdown or Investec? What are the relative benefits of Netwealth over the more traditional wealth managers?
Steve | Lancashire | 22/01/2019 | 7
Is there a Robo Investor who provides both income and growth for those who are retired? (There must be a large market for this?) It seems to me that at the moment all the Robos focus on long term growth and reinvesting dividends - which is fine if you are younger.
David | 18/01/2019 | 1
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 | 11
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
I’m new to investing and in my late 30's. I'm actually stuck in a dilemma whether to invest using DIY platforms like Interactive Investor, A J Bell or Hargreaves Lansdown OR invest using robo advisors like Nutmeg, Moneyfarm or Pensionbee. I have compared the fees and they are not significantly different. Do robo advisers have a better return rate? I can dedicate some time to DIY investing but not a significant amount of time. Please advise. Thank you.
Victor | Kent | 14/01/2019 | 1
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 | 3
I’m a 20 something year old woman who’d like to learn more about investing. Do you have any books or reading material that gives a complete beginner a better understanding of how investing works?
Precious | Surrey | 03/01/2019 | 0
From my retirement I received a lump sum of money and a monthly pension. I have £100,000 that I do not need for the foreseeable future... One of my main concerns with Financial Advisers are their costs... All I want is simply to see this money grow to its potential, sensibly and above inflation... Therefore my next thoughts are Stocks and Shares ISAs... My only concerns here are the current Brexit problems - I saw the FTSE drop this past week. I cannot find any information out there to assist with my decision making if this is certainly a good time to invest... I am aware that I can place £20,000 for this year. Come April 2019 I place another £20,000 and so on until the £100,000 has been utilised. Do I have to place it into the same fund or can I choose another different fund with a different company?... Please can you help to ease some of this burden, which has proved an awful part of my retirement and made me frightened to spend any money.
Katherine | Derbyshire | 02/01/2019 | 0
I'm the sole carer for my chronically ill and elderly mum, as well as a full-time police officer. I have no other family apart from her. Due to mum's condition, and the fact that I'm exhausted performing both roles, the only option is to go part-time, as mum won't accept help from anyone else. To allow me to go part-time, I will need about £25,000 until March 2020 when I will be retiring. I’m confident of getting another job shortly thereafter. In January 2021, I will receive a commutation lump sum of about £50,000. I have a sizeable fund portfolio under an ISA wrapper with Hargreaves Lansdown. That is doing very well, so I don't really want to sell any of these funds and 'lend myself money' from that. My ideal funding solution would be a bond-type IOU agreement, where 'someone' lends me the money. Are you aware of a peer-to-peer site that could assist? Thanks
Dave | Hertfordshire | 27/11/2018 | 1
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
Do you have any recommendations for books that I can buy my 18 year old daughter for Xmas on the subject of pensions and investments so she can start to understand the subjects? She's young I know but I would like to get her started. Many thanks!
Nicki | Devon | 15/11/2018 | 2
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
I am 35 and working part time on a reasonable salary. I've recently taken out a Stocks & Shares ISA with Wealthify (from reading the recommendations on Boring Money) where I pay in £40 per month. However, I'm wondering if I should be doing more? Should I be diversifying and using more than just Wealthify? Or is it better to increase the amount into Wealthify?
Holly | Sussex | 17/10/2018 | 1
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 | 5
I shall have £10k to invest shortly, and I want to use an actively managed portfolio in a quality company. How would you rate - Investec Click & Invest/True Potential Investor/Nutmeg on the basis of ROI/customer relationship/quality/risk factors etc? I would class myself as a mid-grade risk-taker/reasonably adventurous if appropriate, with a high quality company. I presently use Hargreaves Lansdown and Wealthify but feel the need to diversify. What do you recommend?
Richard | Shropshire | 03/10/2018 | 1
The recent Metro article which Holly participated in has really inspired me and made me think that investing in shares is something which I would like to do. Unfortunately I am completely thrown about where to start. I would be grateful for any advice you could pass my way. Realistically, I would only have about 2k to invest, so any tips would be gratefully received.
Sarah-Jane | London | 12/09/2018 | 3
Is there a reason you don’t list Saga in your Best Buys? Additionally, I have purchased a few investment trust shares but can’t work out how the dividends are paid. Scottish Mortgage is an example. I wasn't given an option to choose how to receive the dividends. It would be useful if you could provide some clarity on how investment trusts pay their dividends.
Carl | Buckinghamshire | 07/09/2018 | 1
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
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
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 | 7
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
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
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
I'm 24 and would like to begin investing. Am I better off using a robo advisor such as Wealthify/Wealthsimple or a fund such as Vanguard LifeStrategy?
Amanda | Greater London | 06/08/2018 | 7
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
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
Nutmeg require a minimum investment of £5,000. As I have less than £5,000 per annum income I am a bit confused about how much I can put into a pension. I know the government will only gross up a maximum of £2,880 per year but can I put more than this in and forgo the gross up?
Barbara | Hertfordshire | 10/07/2018 | 1
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 | 6
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
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
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
We have a portfolio of ISAs/PEPs worth around £250k, currently invested via Cofunds, managed by Chelsea and Bestinvest. I'm told this is quite an expensive option regarding platform charges. Are there better options?
John | Berkshire | 08/05/2018 | 6
How long does it take to release money from your pension at 55 years old?
Diane | West Yorkshire | 01/05/2018 | 1
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
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
Hi, I've got an old D.B. pension, approximate value £12k. I would like to invest & top up each month. Who would you recommend? Also I would like to make an investment, & don't know where to start? Thanks
Eve | 04/04/2018 | 5
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
How can I find a good financial adviser?
Byron | Greater London | 01/03/2018 | 1
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
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
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
I am very lucky to have just received a gift which I want to invest for our retirement. My husband and I aim to retire in around five years. We have 11 more years of school fees to fund, then hopefully university fees for two after that. I've put together a plan for us - can you have a look and see if it makes sense?
Fiona | UK | 18/01/2018 | 6
Can losses in a pension SIPP be offset against anything?
Henryk | Hampshire | 17/01/2018 | 1
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
I am already receiving a pension from a final salary scheme and I am retired. I have a sum of money I want to invest. Can I start another pension as a saver and, if so, how much can I put in every year?
Collette | Greater London | 25/11/2017 | 0
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
I've got £20,000 from an endowment policy (astonishing, I know), and I'm looking into how best to invest to get a reasonable return without excessive risk. Any thoughts much appreciated!!
Penny | Peterborough | 09/08/2018 | 1
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
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 | 7
Can I sort a pension out myself online?
Sharon | Greater London | 07/09/2017 | 0
What might a savings pot of £100,000 get me as a retirement income?
Aboodi | Greater London | 06/09/2017 | 2
Pensions vs ISA - which one is best?
Roderick | Greater London | 06/09/2017 | 0
What funds could my millennial children invest in?
Anthony | Greater London | 06/09/2017 | 2
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
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