In short, uncertainties regarding Brexit have served to compound a period of global volatility in which the prevailing politically centrist paradigms are being challenged by new polarisations, the US and China have become embroiled in a trade war and the developed world is facing mounting concerns regarding its capacity to maintain state healthcare and pensions systems for an ageing population.
Plan ahead to retain your purchasing power
According to the Office for National Statistics there were more than 207,000 retirement age UK nationals living in the EU in 2017.** If you are one of these and wish to retain your purchasing power during times of volatility, whether these are attributable to Brexit or to other factors, it is essential that you plan ahead by speaking with your expat financial adviser.
One strategy is to consider the possibility of an expat retirement transfer. All pension fund members are subject to the ups and downs of currency shifts, but by making a transfer and having a robust plan in place, you may be able to mitigate any increases in the cost of living.
It is important that you sit down with your financial adviser to discuss the possible impacts of currency exchange rate movements on your retirement assets and cash flow so that you can find the best way to achieve your retirement goals regardless of the vagaries of the market.
Advice from Blacktower Financial Management
If you would like to consider the ways you can retain your purchasing power even in the face of inflation and currency exchange rate movements, speak to Blacktower Financial Management’s expat financial advisers today about the possibility of finding a suitable cross-border solution.
Blacktower Financial Management provides personalised and regulated advice so that you can make the most of your expat pension and your long-term financial goals. Whether you live in Spain, Germany, Sweden or elsewhere in Europe, contact your local Blacktower Financial Management office today.
* https://equiniti.com/uk/news-and-views/news-releases/cost-of-living-for-uk-expat-pensioners-in-eu-rises-twice-as-fast-as-in-uk/
**https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/internationalmigration/articles/livingabroad/april2018
Disclaimer: The provision of information in this communication is not based on your individual circumstances and does not constitute investment advice.
This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.
New figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have given a more accurate idea of the number of Britons living in Germany (and vice versa) and also show that many UK expats in Germany have made the decision that they will stay.
Labour MP for Islington South and Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry has published an article for Politics Home in which she calls for greater pensions freedoms for public sector workers.*