Category: Pensions
We at Barry Fleming and Partners have been advising clients on their financial planning needs for over 45 years. During that time we have experienced the many vicissitudes in the markets, in taxation, and in global politics. Our planning is based on advising clients on balanced portfolios that meet their individual income and capital requirements… 
We all know that the Ides of March fall on the 15th March – Julius Caesar was murdered on that day in 44 B.C. when Roman senators raided the Curia in Rome, a raid immortalised by Shakespeare. Then there was the French 48-hour raid into England on the Ides of March in 1360, pillaging and…
The Romans dedicated January to their god Janus – god of Endings, Transitions, and new Beginnings. He is depicted with two faces since he looks back to learn from the past and the year that has just ended (Endings) and, having taken stock of changes and new considerations that have arisen (Transitions), he looks forward…
As I was drafting this month’s Focus, coincidentally I read in today’s edition of Daily Express Money about a ‘pension warning’ highlighting that their research indicated that couples will need an annual income of between £26,000 and £41,000, depending on lifestyles, for a ‘comfortable’ retirement. Many will want to target more. Whatever your target starting…
In the UK, we are faced with the challenge of an ageing population. Many of us will live longer than we might have expected and, because of improvements in healthcare and nutrition, this figure only looks set to rise. A demographic shift to an older population brings unprecedented change to the way the country would…
In this month’s Focus we are taking the opportunity to … err … Focus … on why you should check your National Insurance Contribution situation and State Pension entitlement and, if eligible, consider topping up your NICs. We also suggest you do this before next April. First because you can usually only go back six…
Our Focus this month is an important reminder for all those who are members of a pension scheme – whether a personal pension plan or a company defined benefit scheme. Below, we focus on several key areas. Annual Allowance Your Annual Allowance is based on your earnings and other income and is currently capped at…
Income Tax – The personal allowance is reduced by £1 for every £2 of income above £100,000 * Consider transferring income yielding assets to a spouse or civil partner to maximise your allowances. Capital Gains Tax – The annual exemption for 2019/20 is £12,000 * Married couples and civil partners can consider transferring assets to…
There was scarcely a mention of the ‘P’ word in October’s Budget speech (believe us, we were listening closely for it!). However, we had a good read of the accompanying ‘Red Book’ looking for any mention of pensions. At 106 pages, this was no mean feat. Fortunately, though, it was time well spent as some…
This Focus is necessarily somewhat longer than usual. It holds a very important message for anyone who is a member of a pension scheme. It is based on our understanding of taxation matters that involve quite complex rules. Money Purchase Pension Schemes – Death Benefits As discussed in our October 2017 Focus (recent Focuses can…