The conflict in Ukraine is continuing to affect markets and economies around the world.

According to a report from the Kiel Institute of the World Economy, the war led to global trade falling 2.8% between February and March.

The effect has led to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) downgrading its global growth forecast too. In 2022, the global economy is now expected to grow by 3.6%, compared to an earlier prediction of 4.4%.

Inflation is a challenge that many countries are facing as the cost of living rises. The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has warned that the world may be on the cusp of a new inflationary era. Agustín Carstens, manager of the BIS, added that without a sharp rise in interest rates, there was a risk that prices could rise uncontrollably.

UK

In the 12 months to March, UK inflation hit 7% – the highest rate since 1992.

As the increase to the energy price cap came in on April 1, inflation could be pushed even higher in the coming months. It’s set to place pressure on both consumers and businesses.

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that regular real pay, which excludes bonuses, increased by 4% in the 12 months to March. However, once you factor in the rate of inflation, in real terms this means a reduction as the spending power of peoples’ income falls.

An ONS survey found that rising energy and commodity prices are the two main concerns for UK-based businesses. To alleviate some of the pressure, businesses are expected to increase prices further. A British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) survey found that 62% of firms expect prices to rise in the next three months, the highest percentage recorded since the survey began in 1989.

Ongoing price rises are likely to affect consumer sentiment.

Car sales suggest that some consumers are already changing their spending habits. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), car sales in March were the weakest they’ve been in 24 years. Sales fell by 14.3% year-on-year despite sales being subdued in 2021 because of the pandemic.

Amid the cost of living crisis, Deutsche Bank warned that there is a risk of the UK entering a recession. The bank said there are signs that the economy is slowing as it faces inflation pressure, global uncertainty, and supply chain challenges due to the effects of the pandemic.

Europe

Unsurprisingly, the eurozone is also experiencing significant rates of inflation.

According to Eurostat, the rate of inflation in March was 7.5% – the highest figure recorded since the single currency was created in 1999. The figure is much higher than the 6.6% expected by economists, with rapidly rising energy prices playing a key role in the high inflation rate.

In a bid to tackle soaring energy prices and guarantee the security of energy suppliers, German regulators have taken temporary control of Gazprom Germania. This effectively nationalises the unit in the short term.

While the eurozone is struggling with inflation, there is some good news. Thanks to a rebounding service sector, growth is picking up from a 17-month low, according to data from an S&P global flash survey. However, the survey also found that confidence among businesses remains subdued.

Following its invasion of Ukraine, economic forecasts and data suggest Russia is facing serious challenges.

The S&P Global Russia Composite PMI Output Index suggests the country’s private sector is contracting at the fastest rate since early in the pandemic. Many businesses have withdrawn or suspended their operations within the country in light of the invasion.

The UK government estimates that Russia is heading for its deepest recession since the collapse of the Soviet Union. The forecast suggests the Russian economy will shrink between 8.5% and 15% this year.

US

In the US, inflation reached another 40-year high in March at 8.5%.

However, there was good news for the job market. Despite fewer new jobs than expected, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that unemployment fell again to 3.6%. The figure is the lowest recorded since the economy began recovering from the pandemic and indicates that businesses are still confident about the future.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk made headlines around the world this month when it was revealed he’d built up a 9.5% stake in US social media company Twitter. The platform’s shares soared as Musk made his intention to takeover clear. On 26 April, Twitter agreed to sell itself to Musk for $44 billion (£35 billion).

Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

The value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

This summer the Queen will celebrate an incredible 70 years on the throne. Since her reign began in 1952, the world has changed a lot – who in the 1950s would’ve thought it’d be normal to carry a computer in your pocket that lets you make calls, access the internet, and a whole lot more?

During that time, money has changed enormously too, from how it looks right through to how we use it. Here are some of the ways money has changed during the Queen’s reign.

The changing portraits of the Queen

The Queen’s portrait has been a common feature on money for almost 70 years and there have been several changes over the decades.

It wasn’t until 1960 that the Queen’s portrait appeared on a note. The image of the young queen was used on £1 notes, and then a 10 shilling note in 1961. The portrait was criticised for being severe and having an unrealistic likeness.

An updated portrait used for £5 notes in 1963 received a more favourable response.

The current image on notes and coins has been used since 1990 and shows the Queen aged 64.

Adding the likeness of the monarch isn’t just for tradition. The Bank of England (BoE) explains that using a familiar image is a useful anti-counterfeiting feature. People can detect changes in pictures of faces, especially well-known ones, much more easily than in other types of patterns.

Modern polymer notes also use the Queen’s portrait on a small, see-through window with “£5 Bank of England” printed twice around the edge as a security feature.

Images: portraits of the queen used in 1960, 1963, and 1990.

Decimalisation day: Adopting a base-10 currency in 1971

Perhaps the biggest change to money in the last 70 years occurred on 15 February 1971, dubbed “decimalisation day”.

For centuries Britain had used a coinage system of pounds, shillings and pence – 12 pennies made a shilling, and 20 shillings made a pound.

After more than 50 years of dealing with a currency based on units of 10, it can be hard to appreciate the mental arithmetic older generations were adept at doing every time they made a purchase.

The debate of changing to a simpler currency had been going on since 1847.

An MP at the time, Sir John Bowring said: “Every man who looks at his 10 fingers, saw an argument for its use, and evidence of its practicability.”

A year later, the nation’s first decimal coin appeared – the florin, which was one-tenth of a pound. But that’s as far as decimalisation went until more than a century later.

While decimalisation day on 15 February 1971 was a milestone and represented a huge change, the transition was a little more gradual than the name suggests.

5p and 10p coins had entered circulation in 1968 and had the same value as shillings and florins. The last pre-decimal coin, the florin, wasn’t pulled from circulation until 1993. To help customers, some shops also ran dual prices for a while.

Even with a transition, it was vital that everyone knew about the change and how the new coins would work. So, the government commissioned performer Max Bygraves to record a song for the occasion.

The lyrics included: “They have made it easy for every citizen, cos all we have to do is count from 1 to 10.” And if you want a trip down memory lane, you can listen to the decimalisation song online.

The rise of cashless payments

In recent years, the shift towards not using money at all has accelerated, particularly during the last two years due to the pandemic.

Barclays issued the UK’s first credit card in 1966, with debit cards following in 1987. These first cards required a signature and used a magnetic strip that could be swiped.

This trend evolved over the decades, with chip and PIN introduced in 2003 and contactless payments in 2007.

With customers now able to make contactless payments up to £100, a life without physical money is already a reality for many people in the UK.

According to the latest figures from UK Finance, more than a quarter of all payments in the UK are made using contactless methods. In contrast, cash is falling out of favour. In 2010, it accounted for 56% of all payments, although by 2020 that had reduced to 17%.

While cash is likely to play an important role for years to come, its use is becoming rarer.

Average annual inflation of 5.1% has affected how far your money will go

It’s not just the appearance of money and how we pay for goods that have changed – the value of the money in your pocket has too.

Over the last 70 years, the rate of inflation has differed. Inflation is currently higher than it has been in recent years, reaching 9% in March April.  And older generations will well remember inflation entering double digits in the 1970s. 

Inflation means the cost of goods and services rises. Day-to-day, you may not notice how much costs are rising, while over 70 years it’s clear the effect inflation has.

Annually, between 1952 and 2021, inflation has averaged 5.1%. The BoE’s inflation calculator finds that if you had £1,000 when Queen Elizabeth II began her reign, you’d need more than £30,000 now to have the same spending power.

Money has changed hugely over the last 70 years, but what remains important is setting out your goals and getting the most out of your assets. If you’d like to talk about your financial plan, please contact us.

Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

Over the last few months, you’ve probably heard a lot about inflation and the effect it can have on your cost of living. While you may be familiar with the headline figures, how is it calculated?

The key figure that you normally see is the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

IIn the 12 months to April 2022, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, the CPI rose to 9%. This is the highest rate of inflation for 40 years and was driven by rising fuel and energy costs, which has been linked to the war in Ukraine.

The Bank of England (BoE) has a target of keeping inflation around 2%. However, the BoE expects inflation to rise to around 8% and then fall back over the next two to three years. It noted that even though the rate of inflation is expected to slow down, the prices of some things may stay at a high level when compared to the past.

To control inflation, the BoE can increase interest rates. It’s a step the Bank has already taken three times this year and could take again in the future.

The ONS uses around 700 items to calculate the rate of inflation

Measuring how prices are rising is a huge task, and it’s impossible to keep an accurate record of prices for every good or service that’s available in the UK.

So, ONS creates a virtual “shopping basket” of around 700 items.

The items that are included in the basket are chosen to represent an average person’s spending. It includes a huge range of goods and services, such as grocery shopping, clothing, meals out, furniture, recreational activities, and transport.

The organisation then looks at around 180,000 prices for these items to understand the average cost.

Rather than measuring prices, the CPI measures price changes. So, the ONS can produce a monthly inflation figure by comparing how prices have changed over 12 months.

While CPI provides an overview of how inflation is rising, the measure does have some limitations.

For a start, it only measures what’s in the basket. As a result, inflation calculations are based on only a sample of what’s available. This can create some blind spots and it may not accurately reflect your spending.

It’s also worth noting that the CPI doesn’t include housing costs, such as rent or mortgage repayments, despite them being a significant outgoing for most families. There is a separate measure of inflation – CPIH – that includes these costs.

What’s in the CPI basket? Suits are out but hand sanitiser is in

The ONS updates the items that are in the shopping basket regularly to reflect changing consumer habits.

This year, men’s suits were removed to reflect the growing trend of working from home and casual clothing. As more people have chosen a vegan diet or reduced the amount of meat they eat, meat-free sausages were added to the basket.

In 2021, hand sanitiser was added to the basket, as sales soared during the pandemic, and so were hybrid and electric cars following the announcement that sales of new diesel and petrol cars would be banned after 2030.

The changes can help ensure that the inflation rates reflect consumer spending as much as possible.

It also offers an interesting insight into how spending habits have changed.

The ONS has been using a basket of goods to calculate inflation since 1946 when the nation was still suffering from the after-effects of the second world war.

In the 1940s, condensed milk was a staple as it helped rations to go further and lasted longer than fresh milk. It remained in the basket until 1987.

Post-war fashion also influenced what was included in the very first shopping basket, with corsets and men’s three-piece suits featuring. Now, thanks to the growing trend for athleisure, you’ll find exercise leggings instead.

Technology entering homes is also demonstrated by how the shopping basket has changed. The washing machine entered the shopping basket in 1956 and the refrigerator in 1962.

Home entertainment shows how quickly technology has progressed. In 1987, video rental was included in the inflation measure as families around the UK went to Blockbuster to rent a video for an evening in. As DVD prices became as affordable as renting and streaming services took off, video rentals were removed.

How will the rate of inflation affect you?

As the rate of inflation rises in the UK, it could affect your budget and long-term financial plans.

Reviewing your plan and making your money go further is crucial for maintaining and growing your wealth during periods of high inflation. If you’d like to talk to us about the effects of inflation on your assets, please give us a call.

Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

Do you have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place? If you don’t, it could leave you in a vulnerable position if you’re unable to make decisions for yourself, such as after an accident or illness.

Losing the mental capacity or ability to make decisions for yourself is something no one likes to think about. However, by taking steps just in case, you can improve your security and wellbeing.

An LPA gives someone you trust the ability to make decisions on your behalf. These decisions could be related to medical treatment or finance to ensure you continue to meet commitments.

Having an LPA in place can provide you with peace of mind and security if you can’t, or don’t want to, make decisions.

4 in 5 over-55s don’t have a Lasting Power of Attorney

An LPA is an important step at any stage in your life. Accidents can happen, so even among younger generations, it can provide valuable security.

However, an LPA is most likely to be used later in life when some illnesses are more common or recovery times may be longer. So, it’s worrying that 80% of over-55s haven’t named an LPA according to a Lloyds Bank survey.

Almost a third said they hadn’t set up an LPA because they believe it’s only put in place if they become ill. This is incorrect.

You must have the mental capacity to decide to name an LPA. So, it’s a step that must be taken before it’s needed. If it’s something you’ve yet to do, you should think about it now.

Without an LPA, your loved ones would need to apply for a deputyship to act on your behalf. This can be more costly and time-consuming than setting up an LPA. As the process can be lengthy, it could mean no one can make decisions for you for some time while you may be vulnerable.

64% of UK adults don’t understand how a Lasting Power of Attorney works. Here’s what you need to know

Another reason that some people aren’t naming an LPA is that they don’t understand how it works. Almost two-thirds of people surveyed couldn’t explain what an attorney can do. So, here are five things you need to know.

1. An LPA can make decisions when you’re unable or unwilling to do so

An LPA will only make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to, or you decide you’d prefer not to make them. In some cases, the powers an attorney has can be temporary. For example, if you’re ill and recover.

Your named attorney cannot make decisions for you if you still have mental capacity and want to do so.

2. There are two types of LPA

There are two different types of LPA that grant the attorney the ability to make different decisions. You should have both types in place, and you can choose the same person for both or different people for each.

The first type is a health and welfare LPA. This would provide someone with the ability to make decisions relating to your health and care. This could include decisions about moving into a care home, medical treatment, and life-sustaining treatment.

The second is a property and financial affairs LPA. This would allow someone to manage your financial affairs on your behalf, such as paying bills, collecting your pension, or selling property.

3. An LPA grants someone the power to make decisions during your life

A quarter of people are unaware of the differences between an LPA and a will.

In essence, an LPA gives someone the ability to make decisions on your behalf during your life. They cannot decide how your assets will be distributed when you pass away. This is what a will is used for – it allows you to set out what you want to happen to your assets when you die.

You should have both a will and LPA in place. 

4. You can name more than one LPA

As mentioned above, there are two types of LPA, and you can name different people to fill these roles.

If you want, you can also name multiple LPAs, for instance, your partner and child. You can specify whether they can make decisions independently or must work together.

You should think carefully about who your LPA should be. Speaking to them about whether they’re comfortable with the role and what your wishes would be in various circumstances is important.

5. You should still name an LPA if you’re married

It’s a common misconception that your partner will be able to make decisions for you if you’re married or in a civil partnership. However, this isn’t always the case.

Your partner, for instance, does not have an automatic right to manage your bank account for you, even if it’s a joint account. As a result, naming an LPA, whether this is your partner or someone else, is still an important step.

How to name a Lasting Power of Attorney

You can download the forms to start the process of naming an LPA online or by contacting the Office for the Public Guardian.

You can choose to fill out the forms yourself or use the services of a solicitor. While you will need to pay a fee for a solicitor, they can help prevent issues from arising.

The forms will need to be signed by a certificate provider, who will verify you haven’t been placed under pressure to complete the forms. This can either be someone you know well or a professional like a doctor or solicitor.

Once the forms are complete, you must register the LPA with the Office for Public Guardian, and you may need to pay a fee of £82.

If you have any questions about LPAs or how they can fit into your financial plan, please contact us.

Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate estate planning or will writing.

When you’re nearing retirement there are a lot of big decisions you need to make. From when to retire to how much income to take from your pension, how long you will spend in retirement is a crucial piece of information. And it’s not something you should put off thinking about until you’re ready to retire.

Understanding your life expectancy means you can plan more effectively.

It can inform how much you should be saving to reach your goals during your working life, as well as how to use your pension and other assets when you retire.

The average retiree will need to plan for 2 decades in retirement

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows average life expectancy, which can give retirees an estimate of how long they’ll spend in retirement.

People that are reaching the State Pension Age this year have a life expectancy into their 80s.

• A 66-year-old man can expect to spend 19 years in retirement with a life expectancy of 85.
• A 66-year-old woman has a life expectancy of 87, meaning their assets would need to last for 21 years.

For workers that are still years away from retiring, life expectancy could be higher. Understanding how far your pension and other assets will need to stretch is crucial for building a sustainable income.

While an average life expectancy for your age can give you an idea of how long your pension will need to last, many people will live longer than this. If you rely solely on the average life expectancy when planning, you could face a significant financial gap.

Do you need to plan for a 100-year life? There were 52% more centenarians in 2021

It wasn’t that long ago that it was rare to celebrate your 100th birthday. Today, it’s become far more common.

According to the ONS, there are more people than ever aged 100 and over living in the UK. In 2021, the number of people celebrating the milestone increased by 52% when compared to a year earlier.

The sharp increase is partly attributed to the baby boom following the first world war. Between mid-1919 and mid-1920, there were 45% more births than the year before. However, healthcare and quality of life improvements also mean more people are marking their 100th birthday with a letter from the Queen.

If you lived to 100, would you have enough money to live securely?

As the number of centenarians rises, it’s become important that retirees consider how they’d cope financially if they reached 100. It could mean spending four decades in retirement.

Planning for a longer life doesn’t just mean ensuring your pension withdrawals are sustainable for four decades. A longer life means you’re more likely to need some form of care.

It’s important to think about what you would want if you needed some support and the potential cost of this. Setting aside a proportion of your wealth for later-life care costs can give you peace of mind.

A 30-year retirement may not be something you expect to consider, but the statistics highlight that it could be more common than you think.

• A 66-year-old man has a 1 in 10 chance of reaching 96.
• A 66-year-old woman has a 1 in 10 chance of reaching 98.

A 100-year life isn’t going to be that rare for people retiring today.

Younger generations are even more likely to reach 100. A 40-year-old woman has a 1 in 10 chance of reaching the milestone.

3 practical things you can do to make sure your assets last throughout retirement

As people live longer lives and spend more time in retirement, ensuring that your pension and other assets will last is essential. Here are three things you can do to prepare for a long retirement.

1. Start saving for retirement early

The sooner you start preparing for retirement, the better.

By saving into a pension at the start of your career, the proportion of your salary that you need to contribute to reaching your goals is lower than if you put it off. It also means your contributions will be invested for longer, and hopefully deliver larger returns.

Don’t put off reviewing your retirement goals and in a pension.

2. Understand your guaranteed income in retirement

When you retire, you may benefit from some income that is guaranteed for the rest of your life. This may come from the State Pension or a defined benefit (DB) pension.

This income can provide you with a foundation to build on and offer some security throughout this stage of your life.

3. Access your defined contribution pension and other assets sustainably

If you have a defined contribution (DC) pension, you can make withdrawals when you wish from the age of 55, rising to 57 in 2028. However, when depleting your pension or other assets, you will need to consider how long they need to last and what is sustainable.

A longer retirement provides great opportunities to reach your goals and really enjoy your life after giving up work. However, it can also make managing your finances more complex, and we’re here to help you navigate this.

Whether you’re just starting to think about pensions or you’re already retired, please contact us to arrange a meeting.

Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028). The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available.

Your pension income could also be affected by the interest rates at the time you take your benefits. The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances. Levels, bases of and reliefs from taxation may change in subsequent Finance Acts. 

Those nearing retirement have plenty of lessons to teach younger generations. A survey asking over-50s how they feel about their pension and retirement plans has highlighted some regrets workers could learn from.

When you’re in your 20s, 30s and 40s, retirement can still seem like it’s a long way off and it can lead to “pension apathy”. You may believe it’s something you don’t need to think about until your retirement date is near. However, engaging with your pension sooner means you are far more likely to enjoy a comfortable retirement.

So, what can you learn from those nearing their retirement date?

1. Almost half of over-50s regret not saving into a pension sooner

If you’ve been putting off saving into a pension, keep in mind that 49% of over-50s wished they had started sooner, according to an Aviva survey.

A quarter said they didn’t start saving into a pension until after they had turned 30. The biggest reason for not starting sooner was that they didn’t feel financially stable enough.

Another reason was understandably prioritising other areas of their life, like raising children (42%) and paying off their mortgage (40%).

Auto-enrolment has led to more people saving into a pension than ever before. Most workers over the age of 22 will automatically start saving into a workplace pension. However, you can choose to opt out.

Opting out of a pension when you’re decades away from retirement may seem like it makes sense on the surface. However, you’d also be missing out on employer contributions and tax relief.

In addition, the money you add to your pension later wouldn’t benefit from being invested for as long. Even small but regular deposits into your pension over your working life can grow into a retirement nest egg thanks to the effects of compounding when you invest.

2. 64% of over-50s wish they’d contributed more to their pension

Not only did those nearing retirement regret not starting contributions to their pension earlier, but almost two-thirds wished they’d contributed more.

If you’ve been automatically enrolled into a pension, the minimum contribution level is 5% of your pensionable earnings. However, don’t assume that saving this amount will be enough to secure a comfortable retirement.

How much you need to save for retirement will depend on a range of things, such as when you hope to retire and the lifestyle you want. In many cases, you’ll need to increase your contribution level from 5% to achieve your goal.

By looking at how your contributions will add up now, rather than waiting until you’re near retirement, you’ll have more opportunities to fill a potential gap. 

3. 4 in 10 nearing retirement could be underestimating the income they’ll need

Understanding how much income you will need in retirement is crucial for effective planning and making sure you’re taking appropriate steps now.

The survey results suggest some nearing retirement could find a significant gap in their income.

4 in 10 believe an income between £10,000 and £20,000 will be enough to live comfortably. This is far below the £33,600 the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association recommends for a comfortable standard of living.

While retirement may be years away, having a goal income now can mean you avoid a shortfall when you’re ready to give up work. Closing a pension gap is easier the sooner you spot it.

4. Don’t overlook the value of financial advice

More than 70% of over-50s said they had never sought financial advice about their pension. Yet, on hearing how working with a professional could potentially add tens of thousands of pounds to their retirement savings, half of them said they would.

When asked why they didn’t seek financial advice, 30% said they feel like they know what they’re doing. While this is the case for some savers, understanding pensions and how they’ll translate into a retirement income can be complex. Financial advice can help you identify how much you should be saving, the tax allowances you can make use of, and much more.

In addition, 10% said they relied on their family and friends for pension advice. Talking about finances with people close to you is good. However, you should keep in mind that your circumstances and goals may be very different. A retirement plan that will deliver the right outcomes for your friend may not work for you.

Financial advice can help you get the most out of your pension contributions, ensure you’re on track for retirement, and balance long-term goals with your lifestyle now.

Engaging with a financial planner can highlight where you could adjust your retirement savings now to deliver better outcomes. This way, you can look forward to a financially secure retirement when you’re ready.

Whether you’re approaching retirement or the milestone is still decades away, we can help you get the most out of your pension. Please contact us to arrange a meeting and a pension review you can have confidence in.

Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028). The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances. Thresholds, percentage rates and tax legislation may change in subsequent Finance Acts. 

Workplace pensions are regulated by The Pensions Regulator.