Robson Macintosh & Company Ltd

When you should seek independent financial advice?
In light of the recent publicity surrounding people losing their pension pot to criminal scams, it’s important to understand the options that are available to you.
If your investments, pension and mortgage are all straightforward, then there is probably limited benefit in seeking independent financial advice. There are a number of services out there that offer free or low-cost options.
... For the full picture visit: http://www.robmac.co.uk/when-you-should-s eek-independent-f…/
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Andrew Hannay and the team at RobMac are delighted to sponsor Sheila Watson and her horse Cricket at this years Euromondial TREC championships near Rome from 30 August to 1 September 2018 -http://euromondialtrec.com/en/ We wish Sheila and the rest of the British team every success.

How much do you need to be comfortable in retirement? 12 Top tips to build a larger pension fund
More than you think? People are living longer (with help from Jennifer Hill of Capitol Hill). “Men in England and Wales can expect to live for almost 19 years from age 65 and women for more than 21 years. In simple terms this means that to raise a desired income of £1000 per month on top of the State Pension, men would need to build up pension funds of £228,000 and women £250,000....”
Two thirds of savers say their biggest concern is running out of money in retirement.
Our top 12 tips to help you build a larger pension funds are:
1. Take control and advantage of new pension freedom. Making savings into pensions has never been more attractive. The new freedoms give you control as to how to manage your pension and draw your income.
2. Start investing early. Save regularly and as soon as you can and as much as you can. This will give you the best chance of financial freedom in retirement. Put more in each year.
3. Join your employer’s pension scheme. Speak to your boss – by law they must provide and contribute to a pension scheme.
4. Asset allocate properly. Cash can be useful but a diversified portfolio of assets such as equities can reduce risk and grow your capital and address inflation.
5. Consolidate pension pots. You may have accumulated pension pots with different employers. Sometimes it makes sense to combine these so you can see more easily what charges you are paying and how your funds are doing. Expert advice is needed here as often older pension plans offer valuable pension guarantees.
6. Reclaim missing assets. There is an estimated £5 Billion in lost pension funds. The pensiontracingservice.com can help you locate any lost pension you may have. Also double check you have claimed all the tax relief you are due. You may be due a refund.
7. Regular pension check ups. Not negotiable – a few minutes can save you thousands of pounds!
8. Pensions for Spouses and Children. Pension savings for non-earners or children – £3600 per year (£2808 net).
9. Continue contributing to age 75. You can still pay into your pension after you stop work.
10. Get a State Pension forecast. Go online – Government Gateway and get a state pension forecast – how much and when.
11. Bring forward pension allocations from previous years. Make sure you know the maximum amount you can pay into your pension, especially as you get close to retirement. The annual allowance for most people is £40,000 and you can carry forward any unused pension allowance from the previous 3 years.
12. Seek independent advice from a professional. Invest some of your time with a pensions professional to check your affairs are in good order and up to date (they possibly won’t be), build a proper plan and review this at least once a year.
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Singing the Praises of Edinburgh as a Financial Hub 8th February 2018
In the most recent edition of Citywire’s New Model Adviser magazine, it featured Edinburgh as an excellent financial hub. The article covered all the major benefits of working and living in Edinburgh as well as speaking with a number of advisers including RobMac’s Lisa Davies.
... Lisa was careful to point out that they will of course travel to meet with their clients “But 90% of them are happy to visit us in Edinburgh. We are very central, so it means that clients can make a day of it and explore the city”.
On the subject of competition Lisa went on to say “We don’t actually experience much competition. It’s rare to see clients shopping around now. I believe there are enough clients and good core group of IFAs”
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Return of the Mac . . . . . . Great Burns Article In Citywire! http://citywire.co.uk/…/hoots-mon-10-sc ottish-sta…/a1086594…

Looking forward to donning the festive knitwear Friday & Raising money for a fantastic cause ❤️

A lovely gift from happy mortgage clients. Delicious 3pm tea break

Looking forward to the final Autumn test match this year, at Murrayfield tomorrow. Going to be an interesting game as both sides seem to be on the up, although rooting for Scotland! Need to wrap up as its fair chilly! For an alternative & humourous review of the New Zealand match and a look ahead to tomorrows game have a listen to The Thistle Scottish Rugby Podcast: https://www.acast.com/thethistle

Nucleus win Scottish Financial Services Award 2017! Many Congratulations to David Ferguson and all of his team at Nucleus for winning the prestigious award.

The countdown is on . . . . Most of us here at Robmac cannot wait for the match at Murrayfield tomorrow, Scotland at home taking on the mighty All Blacks!! Supporting Stewart Melville Rugby, all the very best to George Turner!!

Quip from last weekends Financial Times - £10,000 held in a deposit account, since 2006, including interest is now worth less than £8,000 in 2017 after adjustment for inflation. The same amount invested in an average UK Equity Income Fund would be worth over £12,500. Food for thought and pretty scary as inflation is tipping up.

Paradise Papers Lifted from Bill Jamieson in the Scotsman: One wonders if the Queens advisors might have been better to invest some of her Offshore Cash, in one or two of the excellent Investment Trusts companies located north of the Border. All above board, great diversification, excellent long term performance and dividend records.

Interesting & Informative Article from Baillie Gifford: Softbank Big Ideas - Masayoshi Son The 300 year vision fund Meet Pepper the Robot . . . . . http://magazine.bailliegifford.com/Tru… /softbank-big-ideas/…

After spending a year at Heriots RFC.. Our Director Andrew Hannay is delighted to see our advertisment board up at Stewart's Melville RFC!
Keep a look out if down at Inverleith.