Financial planning checklist

In view of the current government imposed working from home and social distancing rules which apply to many of us we may be looking for ways to usefully use our time. As a result this could be a good to invest in some financial housekeeping? Here are some ideas and how we might be able to help.

by Angus Branfield, 19th March 2020

As we get to grips with the restrictions being imposed on all of us and we all adapt to working from home (or simply not being able to go about our normal lives) it is important to make sure you are aware we at EQ are still here and available to help you.

Having a financial plan provides a foundation for making key decisions about your money. And you can avoid irrational decisions during times of stress if you have a plan to refer back to.

Have you used your ISA allowance for 2019/20?
If not, we can help you decide whether to use this as a cash ISA or investment ISA. Is this a time to be cautious or adventurous? Do you want to hold in cash in the short term until you feel markets are clearer, do you see this as an opportunity or should any new investments be phased in?
Have you or your family used the Junior ISA and Lifetime ISA allowances for 2019/20?
Did you know 16 and 17 year olds can invest in both a Junior ISA and an ISA in 2019/20?
Is your earned income in the 2019/20 tax year over £110,000?
If so, you could be impacted by the annual allowance taper – do you know if you’re affected? Announced in the budget were changes for the 2020/21 tax year. Would you like to discuss these?
Have you reviewed your utility costs in the last two years?
There are various comparison websites which can be used to find out whether you can reduce your energy costs and possibly switch to a renewable energy only tariff (at no increased cost).
Have you reviewed your mortgage costs in the last two years?
With base rate cut again last week could this be a time to look again? We can introduce you to a broker who may be able to help you find the best rate for you.
Have you reviewed the interest rate on your savings accounts in the last two years?
Interest rates are falling and now may be a time to check if you can get a better rate than your current savings account.
Do your savings exceed the FSCS compensation limit of £85,000 with any single banking licence?
With increasing strain on businesses including banks now could be a good time to check with us the extent to which you are covered by the FSCS and what action you can take to improve your protection.
Have you reviewed your Will and Lasting Power of Attorney recently?
Have you reviewed the expression of wishes for your pension recently?
Even if your wishes haven’t changed it might be a good time to complete a new record. If the declaration held by your pension provider is more than a few years old they may need to ask more questions to check it remains in line with your wishes before paying out.
Have you reviewed your life cover and protection recently?
Is it the right amount, not too much, not too little? Is it the right type of cover?
Have you reviewed your choice of beneficiaries for your life cover recently?
Are the right people going to receive the right support at the right time tax efficiently?
Have you reviewed the interest rate on your credit card recently?
Have you taken advantage of the IHT gifting allowances in 2019/20?
If family and friends need help this may be a way you can offer them some help.
Have you reviewed your expenditure recently?
Check your direct debits, do you know what they are all for? Are there things you are paying for every month and no longer using?

Contact us

We may not be in our physical office but we haven’t gone anywhere and we remain available:

for phone calls on all our usual phone numbers
for emails
for video calls/group meetings
for letters and paperwork by post.

Book a video consultation

Alternatively, please feel free to give us a call on 020 7488 7110 or email us at enquiries@eqinvestors.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help.

About the author: Angus Branfield

Angus is a director of EQ and has been working in Financial services for over 30 years, advising private clients since 1992. He has continued to ensure his knowledge is among the best in the wealth management profession and is both a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society and a Chartered Financial Planner. Angus has particular expertise in the fields of pensions and investments – ensuring client objectives are achieved in as effective and tax efficient a manner as possible. Angus is a member of the EQ Asset Allocation and Fund Selection committees and holds the Investment Management Certificate. He believes that a key part of his role is to cut out the jargon and simplify the complex rather than bamboozle clients with unnecessary bureaucracy. As he says, “Clients need to know that we know what we are talking about, but don’t need to be experts themselves” Away from work Angus is a family man with three children and lots of chickens.

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