KC Wealth

◻️ Stock Take US equities slipped last week as mixed corporate results and anticipation of the upcoming election tempered market sentiment. The S&P 500 had seen several weeks of growth, so a slight reversal was to be expected. This one was relatively mild, with the index dropping by just under 1%. Contributing to this were a few large companies. ◻️ Wealth Check Once we start, we stay. According to our Real Life Advice Report, the average professional advice relationship lasts seven years*. Loyalty and satisfaction appear to increase as the years go by – nearly a third of those over 55 have had the same adviser for 16 years or more. ◻️ Last Words "We need to answer to the people’s criticism. That is how I will take responsibility for the loss of the election." - Japan's Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, on the results of the election over the weekend. To read more about this week's finance updates click the link in the comments below! *The Real Life Advice Report, 2024. #finance #news #insights #weekwatch

Life insurance and protection planning aren't just about finances, they're about peace of mind. Here's why it's crucial: ◻️ Protect your loved ones: Ensure your family maintains their lifestyle even if you're not there. ◻️ Cover your mortgage: Prevent your home from becoming a burden. ◻️ Manage debt: Pay off outstanding loans and credit cards. ◻️ Fund your children's future: Support their education and dreams. For more information on our protection planning services, please visit our website. #lifeinsurance #protectionplanning #financialadviser #peaceofmind #familysecurity

For businesses today, it’s no longer about growth at all costs. In an ever-tougher market environment, you need to focus on improving the elements that make up corporate quality, from efficiency to wider purpose including Environmental Social Governance. ◻️ Higher interest rates has meant securing funding to invest in growth is harder for businesses – so you need to place emphasis on corporate quality as well as the narrative in numbers. ◻️ Quality comes from the factors that drive the long-term value in your firm, such as a healthy cash flow, quality of earnings, agility, innovation and intellectual property, in addition to strong profits. ◻️ To improve quality, you should look at what makes your business attractive to clients and investors, and the processes and strategies that will build on this. To learn more about balancing quality and growth for your business, click the link in the comments below! #finance #financialplanning #business #growth #quality

◻️ Stock Take With the US election just two weeks away, and the UK budget due next week, investors are facing greater uncertainty at the moment. However, this didn’t stop equity markets in either country from rising last week. Starting with the UK, the FTSE 100 rose 1.27% on news that inflation continued to fall in September. According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), headline CPI was just 1.7% last month, compared to 2.2% in August, and is notably below the Bank of England’s 2.0% target. This marked the first time CPI was below 2.0% since 2021. ◻️ Wealth Check Although inflation is now down to just under 2%, consumer prices remain high, and many households are still keeping a tight rein on finances. According to the Scottish Widows Retirement Report 2023, the number of those reducing their pension or savings contributions, has risen to 13%, up from the latest figures available in 2023*. ◻️ Last Words “Unless you put Britain on a stable economic and financial path, we’re not going to be able to get that investment in. And that will mean some difficult decisions, including on taxation.” - UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves, gives further indication that the Budget will include a number of tax rises. To read more about this week's finance updates click the link in the comments below! *Scottish Widows, 2023 #finance #news #insights #weekwatch

Scaling back on pension savings might seem like an easy fix for short-term challenges, but it can have long-term consequences. ◻️ When money’s tight, pausing future savings plans such as pension contributions may seem like a good option – but it can have significant long-term implications. ◻️ By cutting back or even cutting out pensions contributions completely, you’ll be missing out on the tax benefits and possibly also employer contributions – as well as the effect of compounding. ◻️ Financial advice can help to develop a plan to manage your short-term needs without impacting your future financial wellbeing. If you'd like to learn more about whether pausing your pension is the right thing to do, click the link in the comments below! #finanicalplanning #finance #pension #retirement

Juggling childcare, work, and finances can be tough as a single parent. But saving for retirement is crucial to secure your future. Here are some tips to help you get started: ◻️ Create a budget: Track your income and expenses to see where your money goes. Could you identify areas where you can cut back and allocate those savings toward your retirement fund? ◻️ Automate savings: Set up a regular automatic transfer to your pension or savings account. Even small amounts can add up over time. ◻️ Explore government schemes: Check if you qualify for any government schemes that can boost your retirement savings, such as State Pension or tax relief on pension contributions. ◻️ Consider a workplace pension: If your employer offers a workplace pension scheme, join it! Your contributions are often matched by your employer, which is like getting free money. ◻️ Seek financial advice: A financial advisor can help you create a personalized retirement plan that considers your unique circumstances and goals. Remember: It's never too early or too late to start saving for retirement, and the earlier you start the more you could have to enjoy a comfortable retirement! #singleparent #retirementplanning #financialadvice #retirement #pension

◻️ Stock Take Both the S&P500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average hit record highs, and posted 1.1% and 1.2% increases over the five days. This came despite US inflation coming in above expectations at 2.4%, narrowly beating the forecasts of 2.3% for September. That said, it still represented a slight drop on the 2.5% figure recorded in August. Of arguably more concern was an increase in core inflation, which doesn’t include volatile food and energy prices. This had sat at 3.2% since July but increased to 3.3% in September. ◻️ Wealth Check A major life event or milestone – such as marriage, home ownership or change in employment status – is the main reason why people seek financial advice, according to the second chapter of the Real Life Advice Report, St. James's Place’s largest consumer survey to date. These moments and milestones – some predictable, others not – are collectively the biggest trigger for people to seek financial advice. ◻️ Last Words “He took the SNP from the fringes of Scottish politics to the heart of government.” Scotland’s first minister John Swinney on former head of the Scottish National Party and Scotland first minister, Alexander Salmond – who passed away over the weekend. To read more about this week's finance updates click the link in the comments below! #finance #news #insights #weekwatch

The economic landscape is shifting, and it's crucial to be prepared for the ripple effects of potential tax increases and rising prices. What's on the horizon? ◻️ Tax rises: The government is exploring avenues to increase tax revenue, which could mean higher income tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax. ◻️ Inflationary pressures: The cost of living continues to climb, with rising energy bills, food prices, and transportation costs. How can you prepare? ◻️ Review your budget: Take a close look at your income and expenses. Identify areas where you can cut back and prioritise essential spending. ◻️ Maximise tax efficiency: Explore tax-efficient investment options like ISAs and pensions to shelter your savings from higher taxes. ◻️ Consider debt management: High-interest debt can erode your financial stability. Evaluate options for consolidating or refinancing debt to lower interest payments. ◻️ Build an emergency Fund: Aim for 3-6 months of living expenses in an easily accessible account to cushion the impact of unexpected costs. ◻️ Plan for the long term: Review your retirement plan and estate planning documents to ensure they align with your goals in light of potential tax changes. #financialplanning #taxefficiency #investmentstrategy #inflation #costofliving #economy

Do you ever feel lost or overwhelmed when it comes to your finances? Many people find it challenging to manage their money effectively, let alone plan for the future. This is where professional financial advice can be invaluable. A financial adviser can help you: ◻️ Identify and define your financial goals: Whether it's buying a home, saving for retirement, or securing your children's education, a financial adviser can help you clarify your objectives. ◻️ Create a personalised financial plan: Your adviser will tailor a plan to your specific circumstances, considering your income, expenses, risk tolerance, and time horizon. ◻️ Choose the right investments: With so many investment options available, it can be difficult to know where to put your money. A financial adviser can recommend suitable investments based on your goals and risk profile. ◻️ Navigate complex financial matters: From pensions and mortgages to inheritance tax and estate planning, a financial adviser can guide you through the complexities of personal finance. ◻️ Stay on track: Life throws curveballs. Your adviser can help you adjust your plan as your circumstances change and keep you focused on your long-term goals. For more information about our financial planning services, please visit our website. #financialplanning #finance #money #financialwellness

◻️ Stock Take Chinese and US markets overcame Middle Eastern geopolitical fears to post another positive week last week, although European and Japanese shares did not perform so well. The fears around Israel and Iran led to a rise in oil prices. Brent crude oil prices jumped 9.2% to $78.23 a barrel, the strongest weekly advance in nearly two years, as data showing ongoing low levels of global oil inventories pushed prices higher. ◻️ Wealth Check Securing a financial award due to an experience that was potentially life-changing or traumatic may well feel like the end of a journey for a claimant. This is understandable given the emotional, practical and legal challenges often faced in obtaining compensation or other form of payout. But it’s also the start of another journey, particularly where the sums involved are significant. After securing a settlement, they need to work out what to do with the money and understand the impact on their life. ◻️ Last Words “You have time to prepare – all day today, all day Monday, probably all-day Tuesday, to be sure your hurricane preparedness plan is in place. - Speaking on Sunday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis tells residents to prepare for the incoming Hurricane Milton, just a couple of weeks after the state was hit by Hurricane Helene. To read more about this week's finance updates click the link in the comments below! #finance #news #insights #weekwatch