Can you relax about your retirement?

Posted on February 20, 2012 by

It’s amazing how quickly time passes as we get older and our good intentions go by the wayside. A topic that we all need to address is that of how we will manage financially in our later years.

  • Even if you are saving and have a number of pension and/or savings plans, have you checked to ensure that they are working as hard as they should be?
  •  Do you have a number of different plans with masses of paperwork that you’d really love to simplify?
  •  Have you received a projection of how much income your existing arrangements might provide for you and your family?
  • Have you heard about SIPPs and QROPS and wondered what the fuss is about?

Pensions and retirement planning can be a complex issue and is frequently an emotionally difficult topic. The simple fact is that we’re all living longer and so we need to set aside more money to live on. The real value of company pension plans is diminishing and the burden falls more and more on the individual, away from both the employer and the state.

The sooner you address these issues, the better prepared you will be, so you can relax and enjoy life now. Make an appointment for a chat, free of jargon and without obligation, to plan for your financial future.

keren@holbornassets.com

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News: Clerical Medical International to pull out of offshore market

Posted on February 8, 2012 by

Scottish Widows, part of the Lloyds Banking Group, has announced that it is to withdraw from the offshore bond market, closing Clerical Medical International (CMI) as part of the process. This is part of a new strategy to focus on their core UK based business.

CMI will close for new business with effect from 31st March 2012, but has stated that it remains committed to supporting existing customers. In practice however, we tend to see a trailing off of both service standards and performance, so anyone with an existing Clerical Medical International bond may wish to arrange a review

keren@holbornassets.com

 

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Ever had a pension in the UK?

Posted on January 30, 2012 by
  • Did you know that it doesn’t need to lie dormant and that you can actively manage it as an expat?
  • Did you know that a number of options are available to you, some of which may offer better benefits?
  • If your plans have not been reviewed for some time, you may have monies in underperforming funds and could benefit from making changes.

If you have UK pensions, whether personal or linked to an employer, these plans should be reviewed to ensure that that they are managed effectively.    Some of the options available to expats will be adversely affected by legislation that is due to come into effect early April 2012, so it could be in your interest to have your plans reviewed now.

The world of pensions is full of jargon – SIPPs, QROPS, SERPS and more – and I will explain your options in clear English, with all the details you need to make a clear, informed decision. No myths, no hyped-up sales pitch, no false promises – just simple facts.

Please contact me for more details or to arrange a free consultation  keren@holbornassets.com

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On Your Side columns from The National newspaper, December 2011

Posted on January 2, 2012 by

In case you missed any, here are links to all the On Your Side columns from the Personal Finance section of The National newspaper from December 2011.

03/12/11      http://tinyurl.com/OnYourSide031211

10/12/11      http://tinyurl.com/OnYourSide101211

17/12/11      http://tinyurl.com/OnYourSide171211

24/12/11      http://tinyurl.com/OnYourSide241211

31/12/11       http://tinyurl.com/OnYourSide311211

If you have a question, a problem or want some professional advice regarding your personal finances, I can be contacted at keren@holbornassets.com

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Season’s Greetings

Posted on December 20, 2011 by

2011 has certainly been an interesting year in terms of the financial world. Political upheaval, natural disasters and banking issues has lead to a great deal of volatility in investment markets and I suspect there is more to come in 2012.

Whatever stock markets do, you still need to plan for your future and protect your family whilst making the most of your money. With this in mind I plan to run some seminars in 2012 to help people do just those things.

I am now taking a break until January and wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Keren

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Want to save money on currency transfers?

Posted on November 27, 2011 by

Who doesn’t want to save money?  As expats, we tend to make a number of transfers between currencies over the course of a year, but by doing it the right way, you could be saving yourself significant sums of money. Whether you are moving to or from UAE Dirhams, Saudi Riyals, Sterling, Euros, Dollars or just about any other currency you can make savings.

If you are planning on a currency transfer of a minimum of AED 15,000, or equivalent in any currency, you can take advantage of wholesale exchange rates that are more competitive than those offered by your own bank. And not only is the exchange rate better, there are no fees.

The system is very simple to use and all transfers are totally secure. The company is based in the UK, fully authorised by the UK Financial Services Authority and uses a major international bank for transfers. They have a number of offices outside of the UK including one in Dubai.

Transfers are available to and from any currency and real savings can be made. You agree the rate for your transfer so you know exactly what you will be getting. This method is suitable for both personal use and also companies.

To obtain further information about this valuable and useful service, please contact me by email and I will send you full details.

keren@holbornassets.com

 

 

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Make sure they miss you for the right reasons

Posted on November 20, 2011 by

In 1909 Winston Churchill said the following:

“If I had my way, I would write the word ‘insure’ upon the door of every cottage and upon the blotting book of every public man, because I am convinced, for sacrifices so small, families and estates can be protected against catastrophes which would otherwise smash them up forever.

It is the duty to arrest the ghastly waste, not merely of human happiness, but national health and strength, which follows when, through the death of the breadwinner, the frail boat in which the family are embarked, founders and the women and children and the estates are left to struggle in the dark waters of a friendless world.”

These words are as true today as they were then.  If your family is financially dependent on you then you need life cover.  It doesn’t have to be expensive, but surely you want to take care of your loved ones if something happens to you?

This video is from a recent campaign in the UK, but the message is relevant in the UAE too. If you die and leave you family, you can’t stop the heartache, but you can make sure that do not have financial worries, that they can stay in their home and your children can continue their education.

UK life assurance advert – youtube link

Be a loving spouse and/or parent and ask about arranging life cover to take care of your family today. They’ll miss you when you’re gone, but you can still look after them by making sure they’ll be financially secure.

keren@holbornassets.com

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