Contact

News & Insights

Making 2016 financially secure

Whether you are thinking about wealth management, pension planning or making investments, Blacktower has the right specialist for you and we can help.

Of course, everyone’s circumstances are different, but it might be the time to ask yourself some simple questions about your financial plans and this may just help you decide whether or not seeking financial advice is right for you.

Three simple questions

  • Are you confident about your own financial knowledge? – If you know your FSAVC from your ‘actuarial variation’ then you probably know whether you’ve got your pension sorted. But, if these terms mean little or nothing to you, then it might be time to have a chat with someone who understands the ins and outs of planning for retirement.
  • Have you ever regretted arranging a financial product by yourself?
    Statistics suggest that around a third of people who have arranged a financial product without seeking professional advice regret it in the future – this figure rises to around half for people in their twenties.*
  • Do you fully understand the legal changes surrounding financial planning which occurred in 2015? – The financial landscape is constantly shifting and, as a consumer, if you stand still you are likely to lose ground. By talking to an IFA you can ensure that your understanding of the environment is up to date and that your plans are consistent with current legislation. This way you give yourself the best chance of reaping all appropriate benefits for you and your family.

So, why not resolve to make 2016 the year that you get your wealth in order – here at Blacktower it is our mission to use our knowledge and expertise to save you time, money and to bring you peace of mind. We have the industry know-how to find you the right products for your needs and to help you achieve your financial ambitions. We don’t believe in hard sell and always handle your money and assets with respect and diligence.

* 2015 Value of Advice report from unbiased.co.uk and MetLife

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.

Other News

Go Dutch?

French FlagBritish expats in the Netherlands are experiencing a difficult time at the moment. Not only do they have to deal with continued uncertainties over Brexit as well as government plans to overhaul the 30% expat tax break, they are also now having to digest news that the Dutch government is readying itself to publish new legislation regarding dual nationality.

However, early news suggests that developments on this final matter could prove to be rather more encouraging – albeit with a number of qualifications – with initial statements indicating that preparations are being made to reduce some of the restrictions on dual-nationality in the Netherlands.

As it stands, expats who wish to remain in the Netherlands and embrace Dutch citizenship are, in the majority of cases, obliged to renounce their nationality of origin. The choice is stark and onerous: go Dutch or stay as you are. This, of course, will prompt a number of British and Netherlands wealth management considerations and must be considered very carefully.

Read More

Tops Tips to Avoid Pension Transfer Scamming

Stop message painted on roadThe Pensions Regulator (TPR) has recently acknowledged that pension scammers are being caught out and hindered by action from the government, regulators, the Work and Pensions Committee, and the wider industry, but added that vigilance is still needed.

On 22 May, speaking at the Association of Member-Directed Pension Schemes’ conference, TPR’s Anthony Raymond said that the plan to ban cold-calling is a welcome step-forward in protecting consumers, and that a recent High Court ruling, which saw four scammers ordered to repay £13.7million they had swindled from 245 victims, sent a clear message to fraudsters.

However, while this court action to regain funds for scam victims is brilliant news, the recommendations for pension savers are clear: stay aware of fraudulent activity and seek independent, regulated pensions advice before signing anything.

Blacktower’s top tips for scuppering the scammers

Read More

Select your country

Please select your country of residence so we can provide you with the most relevant information: