Tag Archives: expat pensions

A compelling investment opportunity for experienced investors

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I am have an interesting investment opportunity that I am offering to select clients. This is not for everyone but if you want something a bit different, it could be for you…

Please contact me for details and  I will send you a fact sheet with a good oveview.

Get in touch! Click on this link to send me an email: keren@holbornassets.com or use this contact form.

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Edited November 2025

Expert, qualified, professional advice on a range of issues including general financial planning, life and critical illness cover, investments and UK pensions, wills and inheritance tax planning, UK tax, offshore banking, citizenship programmes, currency transfers and more.

I write articles such as this one as part of the holistic personal financial planning service and that I provide to expats. Plus the general consumer, financial and legal information that I provide in The National newspaper, other media, and on the Facebook group British Expats Dubai.

Serious topics with relaxed and friendly conversations.

 

7 Retirement planning mistakes that could cost you thousands

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We all know that we need to plan for our future but few of us want to contemplate getting older so it is easy to keep putting off the topic. The fact is that planning for retirement is one of the most important financial steps you’ll ever take. Despite good intentions, many people fall into common traps that can delay or even totally derail their retirement goals.

These mistakes may seem small now, but over time, they could cost you a huge amount of money; tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds or dollars.

Here are 7 retirement planning mistakes you should avoid, with action points.

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Invest in Blackpool – the Vegas of the North of England!

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What if I told you that you can invest in property right next door to Blackpool Tower? The apartments are priced at an amazing price, from £129,995, rental yields are high, and short-term lets are permitted. Interested?

UPDATE 25/07/25 – SOLD OUT  Every unit has now been reserved but do ask about other opportunties. 

This is an opportunity to invest in property in Blackpool at a great price. According to the experts, the north west of England is one of the best areas to invest in UK property. This attractive and historic building will be totally renovated to the highest standards and you have a chance to get in now.

The fact is that Blackpool is a popular holiday destination for people across the UK. The wide golden sands and fun vibe draws people in and it has visitors year-round. Its popularity has never really waned.

EDIT 23/04/25  – this info was shared pre-launch and you can actually start with a deposit of just 5%!
I have limited advance units starting at £134,995 which means your 5% deposit is only £6,750. And you then pay £1,350 each month which is AED 6,580.

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UK Spring Statement March 2025 – a summary for GCC residents

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This was not a Budget according to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, but rather a forecast statement so we were not expecting much in the way of announcements.

It was information about the financial balance sheet of the UK.

Following every Budget or Statement, I write an article to give you a concise overview of some of the main points, with particular reference to any changes that have particular relevance to those living outside of the UK, and especially in the GCC.

The British press will cover many points in detail but much of it will not be directly relevant to those of us who do not live in the UK so this article focuses on the issues that will be of most interest to us.

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Investments in 2023. Where are we now?

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When it comes to investment we are still living in interesting times. With so many unexpected global events in recent years and those that are ongoing, investing has not been a great deal of fun of late, and I fully appreciate the frustration of clients, of all investors.

This article is designed to provide some context and comfort. So read on…

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Time to update that QROPS?

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If you are looking at this wondering what on earth I am on about, a QROPS is a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme – an overseas pension arrangement into which existing UK pension plans were transferred. A strange acronym but there will be many UAE residents who have one.

If you have one you need to read this article as there may be a better, more suitable, and cheaper option for you.

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2023 is the year to get serious about your financial goals

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It has often been said that “a goal without a plan is just a wish”, meaning that action is required if you want to achieve your goals in life.

We all spend our lives hoping for the best but you need to do something if you are serious about your life goals, specifically your financial life goals.  Do you want to retire at age 55? Do you want to buy a holiday home? Do you want spend some years travelling the world?  Great ideas but how will you achieve them?

With proper planning you can take action to turn these wishes into reality so read on…

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Are your investment funds in the dog house?

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It is estimated that in the UK alone more than £8 billion is languishing in under-performing investment funds. Add all the money in offshore funds and other jurisdictions and the number is worryingly large.

These poorly performing funds, known as dogs, can be found in all sectors but action can be taken. If your money is stuck in the dog house you can do something about it.

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Why investing can be more than just money

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For a significant number of investors, investing in shares and funds can feel like a dance with the devil as they have to compromise personal values to achieve a return. With the growing awareness of the environmental impact of modern life, interest in ethical and environmental funds is increasing, and you can get a good return on your investment without troubling your conscience.

There has been a substantial increase in interest in this area, and accompanying press coverage, in the past year but there has also been a lot of ‘jumping on a band wagon’ and there is more to this kind of investing than picking a fund with a name that seems to fit.

In this article I aim to give you an overview of what these funds are, why cryptocurrencies do not fit in this sector, and how you can invest and feel good about it.

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UK Budget March 2021 – the facts for expats

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There is no question that this will not have been an easy Budget to put together. There are still uncertainties in respect of Covid19 and the UK economy has problems, for more than one reason. With so many people on a reduced income and many businesses suffering,  tax hikes right now would be even more unwelcome than usual.

At this point in time, the UK is in more debt than it has been at any point in the past 50 years, at some £2.13 trillion which equates to 99% of GDP. Over the past 12 months the UK economy has shrunk by 10%, and some 700,000 people have lost jobs. UK unemployment is expected to peak at 6.5% in the 2021/22 tax year.

What is required now is to stimulate growth in the economy but I don’t think there is any immediate fix. The two main issues are to reduce debt and to support people and businesses who have been hardest hit – somewhat opposing issues.

No one knows quite how many people on furlough will actually have jobs to go back to and latest figures indicate that there are currently 6 million people on furlough in the UK at the moment.

This article is a brief overview of some of the main points with particular reference to any changes that have relevance to those living outside of the UK. The UK press will cover many points in detail but much of this is not directly relevant to expats so this article focuses on the main issues, highlighting any of relevance to expats.

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