Debrief Article Archive

Career breaks can be both necessary and beneficial for women for a variety of reasons, and they are more likely to take them than men. But few see the effects on their path to retirement.

As the pensions gap grows, career breaks have an unequal impact on women, prompting the question - how can advisers support and address this disparity?

The Autumn Budget introduced a policy change that, at first glance, may appear to be a small administrative tweak - but implications could be significant. While changes don't come into effect until 2029, advisers must grasp the opportunity to initiate comprehensive conversations with clients to future-proof their finances.

Cash ISAs are proving increasingly popular despite lower-than-inflation returns over the past 10 years, while Stocks & Shares ISAs prove much more successful. However, with changes set to take effect in 2027, are they still a crucial part of an adviser's toolkit?

As the ‘great wealth transfer’ edges closer, greater scrutiny is being placed on how Gen Z engages with the world and their finances. For advisers looking to lock-in longer-term growth, understanding the habits, expectations, and aspirations of this generation could be key.

There’s a huge shift on the horizon for IHT planning, necessitating a re-examination of the use of pensions in the wealth toolkit. The Scottish Widows Investment Confidence Barometer reveals the extent to which the behaviour of investors and advisers is having to change.

An increasing number of parents are reassessing the affordability and risk of handing over a significant amount of cash. Fearful of unexpected future costs, advisers have a key part to play in both making robust plans and helping wider family members navigate them.

Social platforms are adding a new dimension to wealth planning and conversations about money, with ‘finfluencers’ opening up a new route to talk with often hard to reach audiences. But what will this mean for the advice gap and how advisers engage with new and future clients?

Pensions being brought into IHT presents a new opportunity to engage with clients. While it offers a notable advice and protection opportunity, advisers rarely involved in the protection space need to ready themselves for the increased complexity of the available solutions.

Contrary to many people’s perception, annuities can also provide valuable features. Having fallen out of favour post pension freedoms, annuities are playing an increasing role in helping solve the IHT conundrum and helping clients deliver a robust financial legacy. 

Any change of Government inevitably brings change – and this time is no different. And of course, it has come at a time of huge global uncertainty. But what do advisers and their clients need to be aware of to successfully navigate the next few years?

Most people perceive their retirement as a time of freedom and relaxation. Whether it’s travelling the world, discovering new hobbies, or spending more time with loved ones, people tend to have an idyllic view of how their retirement will take shape. However, the perception often differs from the reality, and financial challenges still persist for many - highlighting the importance of diligent financial planning.

As the UK celebrated Pride month, it’s a reminder of the financial challenges facing many within the LGBTQ+ community and the steps that advisers can take to help ensure that the particular challenges facing LGBTQ+ clients can be best mitigated and overcome.

Insights from our Women & Retirement Report help tell the wider story about the key challenges/opportunities facing female clients.

Vulnerability can be complex. Read our article for support in approaching the issue with greater confidence. 

We consider the shift in mindset as clients retire, stop saving and start spending, and how advisers can support both clients and their families at this milestone, with an intergenerational approach.

As we race towards the five year anniversary of the first COVID lockdown on the 23rd of March 2020, we are now seeing the lasting legacy the pandemic has had on the workplace and people’s attitude and approach towards savings and retirement.

A look at the rising number of people working part-time rather than stepping back from work entirely. What are the key aspects that need to be front of mind when planning for this more hybrid financial future?

Pulling together strands from the numerous pieces of research to examine the financial differences of married vs single clients in relation to pension, savings, and insurance gaps. 

For the next generation, key life goals are happening later in life.  Presenting advisers with opportunity to develop deeper client relationships by reframing financial milestones as unique to the individual.  

By 2025, women could hold the majority of UK wealth.  But with the gender investment gap continuing to widen, how can advisers reach more women?