Few of us will mourn the passing of 2020. The impact on health and wealth has been profound for so many. It’s tempting to sit tight and see how events pan out before making plans. But here’s a brief financial checklist of things you may want to consider sooner rather than later.
Use tax-efficient savings
You’d need to have saved a rather large amount of cash to exceed the Personal Savings Allowance for income tax. Many people choose to hold cash savings above that allowance in a cash ISA, or a LISA if eligible. Some people also choose to make full use of their ISA allowance with a stocks and shares ISA. Those still earning sometimes explore additional pension contributions, while keeping the Lifetime Allowance in mind.
Consider a one-off drawdown
If you’re still earning and paying into a pension plan then this is not for you. It may be relevant for people with a paid‑up pension plan whose income for the year falls below the higher‑rate threshold. It’s quite possible that the basic rate will be increased, or that the higher rate threshold may be reduced. There has been speculation about possible tax changes in future years. Some people respond to this uncertainty by considering a one‑off drawdown to make fuller use of the basic‑rate band within the current year. Those who take this approach often reinvest the proceeds, for example into a stocks and shares ISA.
Review pension plan beneficiaries
Your pension plans can help to reduce inheritance tax after you die. It can be helpful to check that your nominated beneficiaries are up to date with your plan provider. Most pension plans fall outside your estate, so your will won’t cover the distribution of any proceeds.
Review your will
Have you made a will yet? Many people choose to create one to ensure their estate is distributed according to their wishes. If you already have a will, consider reviewing it to make sure that it’s still what you want.
Don’t over-spend or under-spend
There’s plenty of advice saying not to over-spend and under-save; if you do, you’re liable to deplete your retirement funds too soon. But under-spending and over-saving is a bad idea too; there’s no guarantee you’ll live long enough to enjoy your savings. Some spending is on essentials, but some is discretionary and under your control. Getting the balance right isn’t easy, but our calculator is designed to help explore sustainable spending levels.
Review expenses
Spending on ‘essentials’ isn’t always fixed. Sometimes inertia causes us to keep paying for things for which we have little use, or for which there are cheaper alternatives. For example, some people find they are paying more than necessary for energy and explore switching providers. Or maybe you’re paying an exorbitant extended warranty cover for your old TV, and may decide to cancel it.
Review life insurance cover
How would your dependants cope financially were you to die tomorrow? The clue’s in the word “dependants”. If they rely on your income, life insurance is often considered important. A common rule of thumb is to base cover on future estimated earnings minus future personal consumption, ignoring inflation. Following this rule of thumb, some people periodically review whether their cover remains appropriate.
Your financial checklist for the long term
In the midst of turmoil, it’s too easy to think short term. A financial checklist isn’t something to do once and forget. Planning needs to be long term, and work for your whole life, before and after retirement. Having a long-term mindset will help you avoid making poor impulsive decisions, like panic selling in a falling market. For this, having a plan can be helpful. A plan is not about which specific shares or funds to invest in. You’ll still need to decide things like that, but only after you have a plan, which is like a roadmap. Our Intelligent Financial Planning Calculator can help you explore a long‑term roadmap and keep it updated as circumstances change.
And finally…
This is not the time to stress yourself out. The end of the year is not a deadline, but hopefully a new opportunity. We wish you peace, prosperity and Happy Holidays.