Each year in June, Citizens Advice runs a two-week scam awareness campaign, aptly named “Scam Awareness Fortnight”. The organisation hopes its movement will raise your awareness of common scam tactics, and mean you’re confident that you know what to do if you spot one.  

This fantastic campaign comes at a convenient time, as investment scams have been on the rise in recent years. Indeed, FT reports that calls to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) related to investment scams have nearly tripled over the last five years. 

Unfortunately, the pressures caused by the cost of living crisis have created the perfect environment for scammers to foster false hope and tempt you towards investments that are too good to be true. 

So, what better time to read up on investment scams and protect yourself from them than Scam Awareness Fortnight? Read on to discover four tell-tale signs of scams, and what you should do if you spot a dubious investment opportunity. 

1. They offer “guaranteed” returns

One red flag to keep an eye out for is the promise of “guaranteed returns”. In the world of investing, it’s rare to find an opportunity that offers high or guaranteed returns for minimal risk.

In fact, the opposite tends to be true – low-risk investments typically offer slower-paced returns. Of course, past performance isn’t a reliable indicator of future performance.

If “get rich quick” opportunities did exist, it’s likely that everyone would be investing in them. So, a tell-tale sign of a scam is when an investment seems too good to be true. 

2. They pressure you to make a quick decision

Another common tactic of scammers is to use high-pressure sales tactics to force you to make a decision quickly. “Maybe” won’t be a suitable answer, and the scammer will likely be persistent in persuading you to invest. 

The scammer may also not agree to you calling them back after you’ve mulled over the opportunity – they’ll likely either demand an immediate decision, or offer to call you back after a brief period of consideration.

They may even tell you that the investment is a short-term opportunity that others have already reaped the rewards of. Scammers will try to pressure you into making a quick decision as you may be more likely to take a risk on impulse. 

Or, if the scammer believes you seem wary of an opportunity, they may offer you bonuses or one-off discounts that make the investment seem even more alluring. 

3. The investment opportunity may seem “unusual”

When the scammer presents you with an “unmissable” investment, some features of the opportunity may seem unusual and start ringing alarm bells. 

For instance, the details provided about the opportunity may be vague. Scammers typically use lots of jargon to confuse you and tend to focus on the headline figures promising high returns rather than the fundamental features of the investment opportunity.

Suppose the opportunity has aroused your suspicion and you ask to see a website to confirm the company's legitimacy. In this case, they may give you the address for a website that doesn’t have the details of its “once in a lifetime” offer. 

4. The scammer may contact you out of the blue

It’s highly unlikely that a legitimate investment company would cold-call you out of the blue to offer you an investment opportunity. So, if you’re contacted unexpectedly by someone offering you an “exclusive” investment, you should be wary.  

These days, scammers will typically attempt to contact you by phone or email. However, you should still be vigilant of being approached with investment opportunities on your local high street or even by someone knocking at your door.

And, when they do manage to get through to you, the scammers may attempt to ingratiate themselves with you. They could start asking about your family and any future financial plans you have, then use this information to empathise with you and reassure you that the opportunity is legitimate. 

What to do if you think you’ve spotted a scam

Ensure that anyone who offers you an investment opportunity is legitimate

You can ensure that a company or individual offering you an investment opportunity is legitimate in several ways. For instance, you can search for the name of the company on the Financial Services Register, which is provided by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). 

This is a database of all FCA-authorised companies, and if you can’t find the firm offering you the investment on this register, it may be wise to avoid it altogether. 

Be on your guard

Before you make any sort of investment, you should ideally set a firm rule that you won’t be tempted by any unsolicited opportunities. 

It’s worth sticking to this rule at all times; if you’re called with an investment opportunity, hang up the phone immediately, or refuse to respond to a text or email. By doing so, you could deter even the most persistent scammer. 

Talk to an expert before investing

Perhaps the best way to protect yourself from investment scams is to speak with a financial expert you trust before you invest.

You could reduce the risk of falling victim to a scam by working with us before making an important financial decision, such as transferring your pension or paying a considerable sum of money towards an investment. 

Get in touch

If you believe you’re being targeted by investment scammers, or fear you’ve already been the victim of a scam, then we can help.

Please contact us for expert guidance on how you should approach the situation. 

Please note:

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up, and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.

In a bid to encourage early retirees back to work, chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveiled several changes to pension allowances during the Budget. The announcements could mean you’re able to save more in your pension and boost your retirement income. 

Here are the four key pension changes Hunt announced. 

1. The Lifetime Allowance will be abolished 

Previously, the Lifetime Allowance (LTA) has limited the amount of pension benefits you could tax-efficiently build up in total. Those that exceeded the allowance could face an additional tax charge when they accessed their savings. In the 2022/23 tax year, the LTA was £1,073,100. 

It meant that some savers stopped pension contributions or even retired early because they didn’t want to cross the threshold. 

For the 2023/24 tax year, the charge for exceeding the LTA has changed to 0%, and it’s expected the government will abolish the LTA in April 2024. So, if you were nearing the LTA threshold, you could add more to your pension without worrying about paying more tax. 

2. The Annual Allowance has increased to £60,000

While the government is scrapping the LTA, the Annual Allowance will remain in place. However, the maximum amount you can save into a pension tax-efficiently each tax year will rise from £40,000 to £60,000. 

This means you can place up to £60,000 (or 100% of your annual earnings) and receive tax relief on your contributions. Tax relief is given at the highest rate of Income Tax you pay, so it could provide a welcome boost to your retirement savings. 

As a result, it’s worth reviewing your current pension contributions and calculating if increasing them could make sense for your financial plan. 

3. The Money Purchase Annual Allowance is now £10,000

If you’ve flexibly accessed your defined contribution (DC) pension, you may be affected by the Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA). 

The MPAA reduces how much you can tax-efficiently save into your pension. As retirement has become more flexible, the MPAA is affecting more people. It may affect workers who use their pension to create an income during a career break and then return to work, or those that have semi-retired and want to continue adding to their pension.

During the Budget, Hunt announced the MPAA would rise from £4,000 to £10,000. So, if you’ve taken an income from your pension, you may now be able to save more tax-efficiently.  

4. The amount high earners can tax-efficiently save has increased 

The amount high earners can tax-efficiently save into their pension is affected by the Tapered Annual Allowance. This allowance has now increased from £4,000 to £10,000. 

The “threshold income” for the Tapered Annual Allowance has also increased from £240,000 to £260,000. 

The amount you could tax-efficiently save into a pension falls by £1 for every £2 your income exceeds the threshold for the Tapered Annual Allowance. It can fall by a maximum of £50,000 to £10,000.

The changes mean that high earners will now be able to contribute more to their pension tax-efficiently, and some may no longer be affected by the Tapered Annual Allowance.  

Should you increase your pension contributions in 2023/24? 

The changes announced in the Budget mean many workers could tax-efficiently contribute more to their pension in 2023/24. So, should you increase your contributions?

There are many reasons why adding more to your pension makes sense. It’s a way to invest in your future and could mean you enjoy a more comfortable retirement. As you could receive tax relief on your contributions and investment returns are free from Capital Gains Tax, a pension could be a valuable way to invest for the long term.

However, you should keep in mind that pension contributions aren’t usually accessible until you are 55, rising to 57 in 2028. As a result, you couldn’t make a withdrawal to cover emergencies or other outgoings before you reach retirement age. 

If you are thinking about increasing your pension contributions, you should review your wider financial plan to balance short- and long-term goals. 

Contact us to create a tailored financial plan

A tailored financial plan could help you reach your retirement goals, whether you’re close to the milestone or it’s still years away. Please contact us to arrange a meeting and discuss what steps you could take to get on track for the retirement you want.

Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028). The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. 

The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances. Thresholds, percentage rates and tax legislation may change in subsequent Finance Acts.  

Estate planning is an important part of your financial plan. Not only does it ensure your assets are passed on to who you wish and considers areas like Inheritance Tax (IHT), but it could provide you with peace of mind about your future too.

Over the last few months, you’ve read about why estate planning matters, how to decide who to pass on assets to, and when you need to create a plan for IHT. Now, read on to find out what steps you could take to improve your own financial security in your later years.

While these three areas can be difficult to think about, they could safeguard your future. 

1. Create a care plan

There are many reasons why someone may need care or additional support in later life, and it can take many different forms. Carehome estimates that almost half a million people live in care homes in the UK. Others may have care services provided in their home.

A care plan can help you set out what your preferences would be. For example, would you want to remain in your own home if possible? Is there a care home you’d prefer because of the facilities it provides or the location means it’s accessible for your family?

In many cases, if you need support, you will be liable to pay for at least a proportion of the costs. So, creating a care plan should also include how you would pay for care. 

Carehome research suggests the average weekly cost of living in a residential care home is £760. This rises to £960 a week for a nursing home. The cost can vary significantly between care homes, so taking time to understand potential costs in your area is a must. 

With an idea of the potential cost of care, you can earmark some of your assets to pay for it. Of course, you may not need to use your care fund at all but knowing that it’s there can provide peace of mind. 

2. Name a Lasting Power of Attorney 

If you were unable to make decisions, who would you want to make them on your behalf?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) gives someone you trust the ability to make decisions for you if you can’t due to an accident or illness. There are two types of LPA: the first covers health and care, and the second finances and property. 

Even if you are married or in a civil partnership, your partner does not have the automatic right to make decisions for you. In fact, they could be locked out of financial accounts, including joint accounts, if you could not make decisions and they are not your LPA. 

If you cannot make decisions and you don’t have an LPA, your loved ones may not be able to manage your affairs. They would have to apply to the courts to appoint someone to act on your behalf. This can be costly and time-consuming, and the courts may not choose the person you’d prefer to act for you. It’s a process that could leave you in a vulnerable position and be stressful for your loved ones. 

Despite the importance of an LPA, research suggests it’s something many people overlook; according to Scottish Widows, only 37% of Brits have an LPA in place. 

3. Make funeral arrangements 

Thinking about passing away can be difficult, but it could ensure your wishes are carried out. It can also give your loved ones welcome guidance at a time when they’re grieving.

The cost of a funeral may also be something you consider. According to MoneyHelper, the average cost of a burial is £4,383 while the average cremation costs £3,290. 

There are several different ways you could make funeral arrangements.

When writing a will, you could set out your preferences. This would not be legally binding, but your family may find it useful to understand what you’d prefer. 

You may also choose to arrange and pay for your funeral while you’re still alive. This means you’d have control over the arrangements and your family doesn’t need to consider how to cover the costs. 

Contact us to create an estate plan you can have confidence in

An estate plan should give you confidence about your future and what will happen when you pass away. We can work with you to create a plan that reflects your wishes and circumstances. Please contact us to arrange a meeting. 

Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate estate or tax planning. 

Investors should expect further volatility in the markets in 2023, experts suggest.

Economies around the world are facing recession due to factors including high inflation and rising interest rates. The International Monetary Fund’s Kristalina Georgieva predicts that a third of the global economy will be in recession this year.

The World Bank also has a similar outlook, as it cut its global growth forecast from 3% to 1.7% after risks identified six months ago materialised. The organisation warned that fresh setbacks could lead to the second global recession in three years.

As an investor, remember that volatility in the markets is normal. Take a long-term view of your portfolio’s performance and focus on your overall goals rather than short-term market movements. 

Here are some of the factors that affected markets in January 2023. 

UK

There was a positive sign that the UK could avoid the long recession that some experts have predicted – the economy grew by 0.1% in November. 

The UK inflation rate also dipped slightly to 10.5% in the 12 months to December. It suggests that inflation is starting to ease, but it’s still far higher than the Bank of England’s (BoE) target of 2%.

However, the BoE’s chief economist Huw Pill warned that the UK could face persistent challenges if domestically generated inflation gained momentum. For example, if firms try to maintain real profit margins, it could prolong the high inflation environment. 

High energy prices in particular continue to be a challenge for both households and businesses.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will slash the current energy support scheme for businesses in March. He told business leaders that the current scheme is “unsustainably expensive”.

Trade body MakeUK, which represents around 20,000 manufacturers, criticised the news. It warned that two-thirds of businesses expect to cut production or jobs as a result of energy prices. 

The UK government’s borrowing reached a record high in December, which highlights the cost of the energy support scheme. The government borrowed £27.4 billion, the highest amount recorded since records began in 1993. The high figure was linked to the cost of energy and interest rates rising.

The figure was £9.8 billion more than the Office for Budget Responsibility forecast, potentially leaving little room for Hunt to cut taxes in the upcoming spring Budget.  

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), industrial action also affected firms, with a quarter of businesses said they were unable to obtain the necessary goods for their operations during the month. 

The ONS data suggests that some businesses plan to make cuts to their staff in the next three months. 5% say they could make redundancies, while two-thirds plan to take action to cut staff costs. Yet, the figures also show that a third of businesses are experiencing a shortage of workers. 

Readings from the S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) indicate that sectors are struggling. A reading below 50 indicates contraction. 

• The manufacturing sector ended 2022 in a downturn, with a reading of 45.3. It’s the fifth consecutive month of decline.
• A fall in new orders affected the service sector, but only marginally, with a reading of 49.4. 

The ONS has warned that some households could face a significant rise in their outgoings. In 2023, 1.4 million fixed-rate mortgage deals will end, and many of them have an interest rate below 2%. As interest rates climbed throughout 2022, this means homeowners could face a much larger mortgage bill than they expect when their current deal ends. 

Figures from the BoE also show that consumers are borrowing more to cope with the rising cost of living. £1.5 billion was borrowed in November. Most of this, around £1.2 billion, was on credit cards and was the highest figure recorded since 2004. 

Europe

Inflation in Europe could be stabilising. In Germany, the figure for the 12 months to December 2022 fell to 8.6% from 10% a month earlier. However, food prices (20.7%) and energy costs (24.4%) are still much higher than a year ago. 

The PMI data suggests the construction sector in the eurozone is suffering a “sustained contraction” after the reading fell to 42.6. All three of the largest economies the survey covers in the eurozone – Germany, France, and Italy – suffered a drop.

Total output is still in the contraction territory, but it is easing with a reading of 49.3, and the service sector moved back into growth with a reading of 50.2. 

While still challenging, the pressure easing is reflected in a survey from the Ifo Institute. It found that German business morale is up as the economic outlook improves. 

Unemployment figures from the eurozone also indicate that businesses are feeling confident about their prospects. Eurostat reported that unemployment remained at a record low of 6.5% in November. 

US

There are positive signs for the US economy – inflation fell and the number of jobs increased. 

In the 12 months to December 2022, US inflation fell to 6.5%. It indicates that the cost of living pressures are starting to ease. 

The US job market ended 2022 on a high. The Department of Labor reported that 223,000 jobs were added to the economy at the end of the year. Unemployment also fell to 3.5%, taking it to its pre-pandemic low.

Yet, some businesses are still struggling. The PMI for the factory sector suggests it suffered its fastest rate of decline since May 2020, with a reading of 46.2. 

Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

The value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.