How to choose a Financial Advisor

How to Choose a financial advisor_Simon Garber IFA

An Independent Financial Advisor should be looking after your money for both the short and long-term. It’s a relationship that could span decades, so you want to be sure you’re making the right choice. Firstly, get to know them. Ask yourself: Are they legitimate, registered and regulated? Do you like them? Do you like their…

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14 reasons why you need a financial advisor

Do I need a financial advisor_simon garber

Research shows an increasing number of Brits are forgoing professional financial advice, preferring to turn to friends and family instead. Some cite the cost of financial advice, as a reason, others simply don’t know how to find a financial advisor they can trust. Regardless, of the reason, there’s strong evidence that says you need a…

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Can I Retire at 55 with £250k? + How Long it Will Last

Financial advisor Simon Garber answering Can I retire at 55 with 300K

It’s the dream. Early retirement. A stack of cash in the bank. An exciting and colourful bucket list of a million different treats to enjoy. But in reality, how much does early retirement cost? How much do you need to have saved? How long will your money last? And can you plan to retire at…

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Can I Retire at 55 with £400k? (+ How Long it Will Last)

Can I retire at 55 with 400k and how long will it last

It’s the dream. Early retirement. A stack of cash in the bank. An exciting and colourful bucket list of a million different treats to enjoy. But in reality, how much does early retirement cost? How much do you need to have saved? How long will your money last? And can you plan to retire at…

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Can I take my private pension and still work?

Can I take my pension at 55 and still work? man enjoying his early retirement

One of the questions we’re asked most often when we’re helping customers with their retirement planning is Can I take my private pension and still work? The good news is you CAN take your private pension at 55 and still work. If you have a defined contribution pension you could access part or all of your…

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How Much Does a Married Couple Need to Retire?

How much does a married couple need to retire -Married couple discussing retirement plans

When it comes to planning a comfortable retirement income it might feel like there’s a lot of guesswork involved for couples. There are many unknowns involved like ‘how much does a couple need to retire in the UK’ or ‘how much money does the average couple need to retire?’ plus a consideration to what the…

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How much does a Final Salary Pension Transfer Cost?

How much does a financial adviser cost?

Transferring your Final Salary Pension to a personal pension arrangement may give you access to a large lump sum and offer you the freedom to invest and spend your pension pot as you see fit, but there can be significant costs and fees involved.  The amount you pay could impact your long-term wealth. So exactly…

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How Much Should I Invest in My Pension? (+ At What Age)

Planning my retirement guide_2020 Financial

You’re young. You’ve finally started earning money. You want to spend it while exploring the world. A pension couldn’t be further out of your mind. Or, perhaps you’re worried you missed the boat. You spent your twenties ignoring your impending future and now your chest fills with dread every time you think of the “P”…

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Can I Retire With 1 Million Pounds?

Financial advisor Simon garber answers Can I retire with a million pounds

Retiring early is a distant dream for many, with the figure of a million pounds often mooted as being a number that will provide for a comfortable retirement. But just how true is this nowadays, and can you retire early with a million pounds or will this only offer a decent income when retiring at…

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Can I Retire at 55 with £300k? + How Long it Will Last

Financial advisor Simon Garber answering Can I retire at 55 with 300K

It’s the dream. Early retirement. A stack of cash in the bank. An exciting and colourful bucket list of a million different treats to enjoy. But in reality, how much does early retirement cost? How much do you need to have saved? How long will your money last? And can you plan to retire at…

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How Much Does a Single Person Need to Retire in the UK?

Average annual spending for a retired single person

Planning your retirement as a single person can be a daunting task. You need to create a budget for the next 25+ years of your life. For things you may never have considered. The expected and unexpected costs. Dependents. Dreams. Hobbies.  On top of this, much of the available information focuses on couples, whose incomes, outgoings…

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Retirement Downsizing Strategy: How, When, & Why

How much does a financial adviser cost?

If you’re considering downsizing in retirement, you’re not alone, an estimated 4.1 million pensioners over 66 plan to do so. Whether your intentions are to release equity or find a home that will suit your changing needs in retirement, the advice is to tread carefully and do your research. This handy retirement downsizing strategy guide is…

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Pension Drawdown Before Retirement

Financial adviser Simon Garber with laptop showing drawdown pension model

If you’re considering pension drawdown before retirement you’re not alone. Figures from the Financial Conduct Authority showed a 10% rise in people choosing to access their pension early since between 2017/8 and 2018/9. The Pension Freedoms announced by the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, which came into force in 2015, brought sweeping changes to the way that…

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