1. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012Property-focusedinvestmentAutumncompanies StatementRegaining favour with The state of the economyinvestors as demand forand the governmentsincome continuesfuture plansURYOES FITTGEANC 12 FINFOR 20d taix s -en g t pear Y nninpla Would youHappyneed to get back towork quickly if youISA YearDont miss out on using yourwere off sick? Over half of UK workers are unable to survivetax-efficient allowancefinancially for more than three months

2. Welcome Investment Editorial W ith further tax increases likely on the horizon, there really is no time like the present to take a step back and look at how you could reduce your taxes and improve your financial planning strategyThe hunt for before the end of the current 2011/12 tax year on 5 April. On page 04 of this latest issue of our personal finance magazineincome continues apace we have provided an overview of the key areas you may wish to consider to get your finances fit for 2012 and achieve a more secure future for you and your family.An Individual Savings Account (ISA) is33 per cent of investment companies atax-efficient wrapper. Within an ISA you pay no capital gains tax and no further taxyielding more than FTSE 100 average yield on the income, making it one of the most tax-efficient savings vehicles available. If While the hunt for income continues apace, recent figures released by you are planning to open or transfer anthe Association of Investment Companies (AIC) demonstrate that 33 per existing ISA, you have until 5 April, butcent of conventional investment companies are yielding more than the dont leave it until this date. If you missFTSE 100 average annual yield of 3.2 per cent. Of these, 66 per cent are the deadline, youll lose your 10,680 trading at a discount to net asset value. allowance for the 2011/12 tax year forever. Read the full article on page 12.Annabel Brodie-Smith, Communications average discount), Global High IncomeInheritance Tax (IHT) in the UK may be oneDirector of AIC, said: The investment (5.4 per cent average yield, -2 per cent of lifes unpleasant facts but IHT planningcompany sector has long recognised average discount), Sector Specialist: and professional advice could help you pay the importance of dividends and its Infrastructure (5.3 per cent average yield, less tax on your estate. With the currentencouraging to see such a significant1 per cent average premium), UK Growth thresholds set to remain at 325,000 for proportion of the sector yielding more & Income (4.5 per cent average yield, individuals and 650,000 for married couples than the FTSE 100 annual average.0.3 per cent average premium), Global and registered civil partnerships until 2014,Investment trusts have the ability to Growth & Income (4.5 per cent average on page 07 we consider the importance of sustain their dividends by building up yield, 0.8 per cent average premium) and reviewing your potential liability and finding their revenue reserve in good years, hedge funds (4.2 per cent average yield, out what you could do to reduce or evenwhich allows them to pay dividends in-7.4 average discount). n eliminate this burden. n difficult years. They do this by retainingup to 15 per cent of the income they Dividend and discount data to 31 October Content of the articles featured in this publication receive each year and transferring this2011. Source: AIC using Morningstar. is for your general information and use only and is not intended to address your particular to their revenue reserve. Known asAIC Members only. Excludes VCTs and requirements. They should not be relied upon insmoothing dividends, this is one of the split capital investment companies, their entirety and shall not be deemed to be, or defining characteristics of the sector.leaving 246 companies. FTSE 100 average constitute, advice. Although endeavours have been made to provide accurate and timely information, Income-seeking investors should notannual yield over last 12 months to there can be no guarantee that such information is get carried away by yield alone. Investors 31 October 2011.Source: Datastream. accurate as of the date it is received or that it will need to consider their risk profile when The value of these investments and the continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or company should act upon such informationmaking an investment decision and if income from them can go down as well without receiving appropriate professional adviceinvestors are in any doubt they should as up and you may not get back your after a thorough examination of their particular consult their financial adviser. original investment. Past performance is situation. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respectnot an indication of future performance. of any articles. Thresholds, percentage rates andHighest yielding sectorsTax benefits may vary as a result of tax legislation may change in subsequent Finance The Property Direct UK sector has the statutory change and their value will Acts. Levels and bases of and reliefs from taxation are subject to change and their value depends on highest average dividend yield of 7 per cent depend on individual circumstances. the individual circumstances of the investor. Theand is on an average discount ofThresholds, percentage rates and tax value of your investments can go down as well as -4.2 per cent, followed by UK High Incomelegislation may change in subsequent up and you may get back less than you invested.(6.6 per cent average yield, -0.6 per cent Finance Acts.02 3. IN THIS ISSUE 06In this issue02The hunt for incomecontinues apace33 per cent of investmentcompanies yielding more than08 Property-focused investment companies Regaining favour with investors as demand for income continues1011FTSE 100 average yield10 Would you need to get04Get your financesfit for 2012Year-end tax planning tips back to work quickly if you were off sick? Over half of UK workers are unable to survive financially for more than05Working forfinancial need, rather three monthsthan enjoymentMore people will have to work later 11 How will you achieve your investment goals?in life to maintain an adequateGaining prudent exposure to stockstandard of living.exchange investment without putting all your eggs in one basket0612Autumn StatementThe state of the economy and thegovernments future plans 12 Happy ISA Year Dont miss out on using your ss iscu cial07Identifying the mostappropriatesolution for you tax-efficient allowance To d inan gr f inyou lannments p ire utainWhat should you do to reduce,req to oberor even eliminate, an Inheritance or furth tion,Tax burden?rma e infopleast ustaccon want to make more of your money IN 2012? For more information please tick the appropriate box or boxes below, include your personal details and return this information directly to us. nArranging a financial wealth check Name nBuilding an investment portfolioAddress nGenerating a bigger retirement income nOff-shore investments nTax-efficient investments nFamily protection in the event of premature death nProtection against the loss of regular income nProviding a capital sum if Im diagnosed with serious illnessPostcode nProvision for long-term health careTel. (home) nSchool fees/further education funding nProtecting my estate from inheritance taxTel. (work) nCapital gains tax planning Mobile nCorporation tax/income tax planningEmail nDirector and employee benefit schemes nOther (please specify) You voluntarily choose to provide your personal details. Personal information will be treated as confidential by us and held in accordance with the Data Protection Act. You agree that such personal information may be used to provide you with details and products or services in writing or by telephone or email.03 4. Wealth protection 10,680 The maximumGet your financesamount you can invest in an IndividualSavings Account thisfit for 2012 tax year 10,600 An individuals current annual capitalgains tax-free allowance (2011/12)Year-end tax planning tipsWith further tax increases likely on the horizon, there really is no time like the present to take a stepback and look at how you could reduce your taxes and improve your financial planning strategy.The end of the current 2011/12 tax yearTop up your pension paying IHT known as your annualis 5 April. We have provided an overview contributions exemption or 6,000 this year if youof the key areas you may wish to considerThe annual allowance for the tax year havent used last years allowance.that could help you achieve a more secure2011/12 is 50,000, inclusive of yourYou also have a small gifts exemption,future for you and your family.own contribution and any other amountswhich means that you can make small paid into an approved pension scheme. gifts of 250 each year free of IHT. ThereMake use ofContributions paid by you to a personal is no restriction on the number of smallpersonal allowancespension plan or a stakeholder pension gifts but they must each be to separateEvery person in the UK is allowed to earnscheme are made net of 20 per cent basicindividuals. You cannot use your annuala certain amount of money each yearrate tax. This means that for every 100exemption and your small gifts exemptionwithout paying income tax, known asyou want to save, you pay only 80. Tax together to give someone 3,250.a personal allowance. This tax year, the relief of 20, topping your contribution uppersonal allowance is 7,475, with higherto 100, is then added by HM Revenue &Reduce your capitalallowances available to those aged 65-74 Customs (HMRC). gains tax (CGT) liability(9,940) and age 75 and over (10,090). If you are a 40 per cent higher rate tax If you have made a taxable gain fromIf you become 65 or 75 during the year topayer, you may be able to claim additionalthe sale of property, shares, investments,5 April 2012, you are entitled to the full tax relief. If you are a 50 per cent additional businesses or any form of capital gain,allowance for that age group. If you earnrate tax payer, you may also be able to claim make sure you dont make unnecessaryincome above 100,000 you start to loseadditional tax relief at your highest rate. CGT payments. CGT is a tax charge thatthe personal allowance (at a rate of 1 forDepending on how much you earn over arises from the disposal of assets, such aseach 2 you earn above this limit).the higher rate tax band, and your level of shares or buy-to-let properties, charged at If you are married and one partner is contribution, any additional rate tax reliefnot working, if appropriate, it could be would range between a further 1 per centbeneficial to transfer savings accounts to up to a maximum of 30 per cent.them, so that you pay less income tax asa couple. If you dont make use of yourPlan for Inheritance Tax (IHT)personal allowance in any tax year, youEffective IHT planning could save your familycannot carry it forward to the next year.hundreds of thousands of pounds. If you havent done anything about a potentialUse your Individual SavingsIHT bill, now is the time to take action.Account (ISA) allowanceCurrently, IHT is charged at 40 per cent onISAs allow you to save tax-efficient money.anything you leave over 325,000 whenWithin an ISA you pay no capital gains tax you die (650,000 for married couples orand no further tax on the income. You dontregistered civil partnerships). With risingeven need to declare ISAs on your tax return.property prices in recent years, this hasThis tax year, you can invest up to 10,680 in resulted in more people being subject to IHT.a Stocks and Shares ISA or, alternatively, you Start by writing a will, making it clear tocan invest up to 5,340 in a Cash ISA andwhom you want to leave your money andthe balance in a Stocks and Shares ISA. Anypossessions when you die. You may thenallowance not used by the 5April deadline want to try and minimise any potentialwill be lost forever. The value of tax savings IHT bill by giving regular small gifts away.depends on your circumstances and tax rulesCurrently, you can give away a lump sumcan change over time.of up to 3,000 in each tax year without04 5. Retirement18 per cent for lower and 28 per cent for higher ratetax payers.Every individual has an annual CGT-free Working for financialallowance, which currently stands at 10,600 for the2011/12 tax year. need rather than enjoyment The limit applies to each individual, so if you are More people will have to work later in lifemarried or in a registered civil partnership you each havean annual exemption and should ensure that each of you to maintain an adequate standard of living.maximises your CGT-free gains. There are different ways to reduce CGT bills, for Some 6.1m of todays over-50s expect to work past the currentexample, equalisation or joint ownership of investmentsstate retirement age, according to data from LV=s Working Latewill transfer income to the lower-taxed one. This can be Index. The report reveals that, on average, those planning todone CGT-free for married couples and registered civil work past state retirement age will work for an extra six years,partnerships. By transferring an asset into joint names, which could see them retiring at age 71 for men and 66 foryou could both make use of your tax-free allowance women based on todays retirement age.so that up to 21,200 of any gain can be tax-free inthe current tax year. But the transfer to your spouse or Affordability, the fact that as a nation we arepartner must be a genuine outright gift, so this might the key reason living longer has had a significantnot be a suitable strategy for everyone. One in five over-50s said they impact on our retirement It may also be appropriate for some unmarried couples expect to work for at least aaspirations and the amountto equalise non-CGT assets such as bank accounts,decade past the current stateof money we need to live awhich could mean that it becomes possible to equaliseretirement age. Affordability is the comfortable retirement.or transfer assets on whichever gains are less than theirkey reason stated by 51 per centOur findings have shown a shift toannual CGT exemption. Even if an asset is only put intoof over-50s who plan to work continuing to work for financial needjoint ownership the day before it produces income forbeyond the state retirement age, rather than enjoyment and wereexample, through interest or a dividend that incomewhile a further 11 per cent want likely to see this increase further.will still be split equally between both owners. to delay taking out their pension If you immediately sell employee shares thatin the hope its value wouldWorking later in lifeyou get through a Save-As-You-Earn share optionincrease over time.Ray Chinn continued: In recent yearsscheme, company share option scheme or enterprise we have seen many people cuttingmanagement incentive scheme, you may have a CGT bill.Continuing to work for back on the amount they are savingConsider selling in several tranches, so that each yearsfinancial need towards retirement. As a result manygain is within your annual tax-free allowance. n The data from last years Workingwill have no choice but to work Late Index showed that 43 per cent later in life to maintain an adequate of those planning to work beyond standard of living in old age. state retirement age said theyWe urge those nearing would do so because they enjoyed retirement not to give up on the job they do. In 2011 this hadsaving at such a crucial time and to fallen to 37 per cent, which LV= consider all the options available claimed represented a shift to to them. continuing to work for financial need rather than enjoyment.Whatever your stageMoreover, these trends are likelyof life, it is important to continue as the state retirementthat your retirement age increases to age 65 for womenThere are various allowances andplanning is on track to in 2018 and to age 66 for bothreliefs available that can help ensure you meet yourminimise tax liabilities arising onmen and women in 2020.needs, now and in theearnings, profits of trade or gains future. To find outwhen you sell chargeable assets, Taking more about how webut understanding what they areprofessional advicecan help you plan toand which ones you are entitled to Ray Chinn, Head of Pensions atcan be a daunting task. Whateverenjoy your retirement LV=, said: The trend of peopleyour tax planning needs, we willyears, please contact us retiring well into their 60s,endeavour to find a tax savingfor more information. or even their 70s, has beenscheme to suit your circumstances. increasing slowly over the last All statistics are from LV=s dataPlease contact us to discuss your few years. taken from a survey of 1,522specific situation and requirements. The rising cost of living, lowBritish adults, all aged over 50. interest rates on savings and 25 November 2011. 05 6. Autumn Statement 107.45The amount the state pension will riseAutumnto - an increase 400mof 5.30 The amount allocated toStatement a new scheme to jump- start stalled constructionprojects in EnglandThe state of the economy and the governments future plansOn 29 November 2011, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, announced the AutumnStatement, which provided an update on the governments plans for the economy based on the latestforecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility. These are the key announcements from his speech.Pay, taxes and allowancesper cent discount and the money goingBattersea, which will create 25,000 jobs.Public sector pay awards will be frozento build new homes to stimulate theMr Osborne confirmed that rail fareat 1 per cent at the end of the two-year construction industry. increases would be limited to the Retailpay freeze. A 400m scheme will jump-start stalledPrice Index (RPI) plus 1 per cent, rather Most working age and disability benefits will construction projects in England.than RPI plus 3 per cent.be uprated by the September inflation figureThe government will underwriteof 5.2 per cent and the child element in the mortgages for 100,000 young families Families, education andchild tax credit will be increased in line withtrying to get on the property ladder.employment and skillsinflation, rising by 135 a year in 2012/13. ButFamilies in the south-west of Englandthe 110 above-inflation increase that was Transport andwill have their water bills cut by 50.planned for 2012/13 will not go ahead. infrastructureA further 380m will be invested by The state pension age is set to rise from The government is publishing a 2014/15 to extend the governments66 to 67 from 2026. Mr Osborne saidNational Infrastructure Plan, identifyingoffer of 15 hours of free educationthat it will save 59bn and will not affectover 500 projects for the next decade. and care a week for disadvantagedanyone within 14 years of receiving their Budget savings will enable thetwo-year-olds, covering an extrastate pension today. government to put 5bn into these130,000 children. The state pension will rise by 5.30 to projects along with a further 5bn it isThe government will provide an107.45, in a move which Mr Osborne said committing over the next spending period.additional 1.2bn for capital investmentwas the largest ever cash rise. Pensioners It has also struck an agreement with two in schools in England, including an extrareceiving pension credit will also benefit fromgroups of British pension funds to unlock600m to fund 100 additional Free Schoolsan increase worth 5.35. an additional 20bn of private investment. by the end of this Parliament. Januarys planned 3p rise in fuel duty Infrastructure measures to be funded A 1bn youth contract will fundwas cancelled and Augusts increase will beby a new 30bn include electrifyingmeasures including wage incentives forlimited to 2p. the TransPennine Leeds-to-Manchester 160,000 young people to make it easier rail route, building a new railway linkfor private sector employers to takeHousingbetween Oxford, Milton Keynes andthem on and at least 40,000 incentiveThe Right to Buy scheme for councilBedford, and extending the Northernpayments for small businesses to take onhouse tenants is back, offering a 50 Line of the London underground toyoung apprentices.06 7. Wealth preservationIdentifying the most appropriatesolution for youWhat should you do to reduce, oreven eliminate, an Inheritance Tax burden?Inheritance Tax (IHT) in the UK may be one of lifes unpleasant facts but IHT planning and professional advicecould help you pay less tax on your estate. With the current thresholds set to remain at 325,000 for individualsand 650,000 for married couples and registered civil partnerships until 2014, now is the time to considerreviewing your potential liability and finding out what you could do to reduce, or even eliminate, this burden.Everything you have of value Writing a will n Gifts of up to 250 to any numberIHT is usually payable on everything you One of the most important things you of other people but not those whohave of value when you die, including: yourcan do to help reduce the amount of IHTreceived all or part of the 3,000.home, jewellery, savings and investments,you may have to pay is write a will. If youn ny amount from income that is givenAworks of art, cars and any other propertiesdie without a will, your estate is divided- on a regular basis provided it doesntor land, even if they are overseas.up according to a pre-set formula and reduce your standard of living. These When you die, your assets becomeyou have no say over who gets what orare known as gifts made as normalknown as your estate. Any part of your how much tax is payable. expenditure out of income.estate that is left to your spouse or n If your child is getting married you canregistered civil partner will be exemptGifting it awaygift them 5,000, if a grandchild orfrom IHT. The exception is if your The taxman allows you to make a number more distant relative is getting marriedspouse or registered civil partner isof small gifts each year without creating2,500, and a friend or anyone else youdomiciled outside the UK. Then the an IHT liability. Remember, each person hasknow 1,000.maximum you can give them before their own allowance, so the amount canIHT may need to be paid is 55,000.be doubled if each spouse or partner uses By taking steps now and gettingUnmarried partners, no matter howtheir allowance.sound professional financiallong-standing, have no automatic rightsYou can also make larger gifts but theseadvice, you could reduce or even eliminate this potentialunder the IHT rules. are known as Potentially Exempt Transfers future burden for your loved IHT is usually payable on death but there (PETs) and you could have to pay IHT on ones at what would already beare certain circumstances, if you put assets their value if you die within seven years a difficult time while in someinto certain types of trusts, for example, of making them. Any other gifts madecases retaining full control ofwhen IHT becomes payable earlier.during your lifetime that do not qualify as your estate. To find out more, a PET will immediately be chargeable to please contact us to see how weTaper relief IHT. These are called Chargeable Lifetime could help you identify the most appropriate solution for you.Taper relief applies where tax, or Transfers (CLT) and an example is a giftadditional tax, becomes payable on yourinto a Discretionary trust.death in respect of gifts made duringThe tax treatment of any investmentsyour lifetime. The relief works on a The taxman lets you give the following depends on your individual circumstancessliding scale up to seven years and is as exempt transfers: and may be subject to change in the future.calculated on the number of years before Past performance is not an indication ofyour death in which a transfer is made. n Up to 3,000 each year as either one orfuture performance. Tax benefits mayThe relief is given against the amount a number of gifts. If you dont use it all vary as a result of statutory change andof tax youd have to pay rather than the up one year you can carry the remaindertheir value will depend on individualvalue of the gift itself. The value of the over to the next tax year. A tax year runscircumstances. Thresholds, percentagegift is set when its given, not at the time from the 6 April one year to 5 April in rates and tax legislation may change inof death.the next year. subsequent Finance Acts.07 8. InvestmentProperty-focusedinvestment companiesRegaining favour with investors as demand for income continuesThe property market has experienced some significant highs andlows since 2008 but is now steadily regaining favour amonginvestors as property-focused investment companies are provinga source of much sought-after income. The Association ofInvestment Companies (AIC) has surveyed property managers fortheir views on the outlook for the sector.7.3% Average annual incomeyield from property- focused investment companies We are able to offer you access to a broad range of income-producing products. To discuss your requirements, please contact us for more information.08 9. InvestmentPositive returns next year or so but the gap between London robust locations with reasonably financiallyThe increasing attraction of property forand the regions may narrow, particularly for secure firms as tenants are likely toinvestors can be seen in the discountCity offices, given the turmoil in the financial continue to produce a compelling positivemovement from 32 per cent at the end and debt markets. Nor should prime propertysustainable income yield that comparesof September 2008 to 6.5 per cent at the in regional markets be written off. favourably with the depressed yield on aend of September 2011 for the Propertyrange of other defensive type assets.- Direct UK sector. Income is a strong pullOutlook for propertyfor this sector, according to the Investment Although the long-term outlook for Economic backdropProperty Databank (IPD), with yields property is positive, investors must beRichard Kirby commented: This yearaveraging 7.3 per cent, but returns have prepared to weather any storms that mayis expected to be more difficult givenbeen positive too, up 23 per cent over the result from recent volatility. Jason Baggaleythe economic backdrop and thelast three years to the end of September cautioned: Some weakness in pricing isdownside risk implicit in the Eurozone2011 compared to the average investmentanticipated over the next few months ascrisis. There are positive elements. Lowcompany increase of 18 per cent. more stock is brought to market and it isinterest and borrowing rates coupled Jason Baggaley, Manager, Standard Lifelikely that the softer prices are accentuatedwith a second round of quantitativeInvestments Property Income, commented:for secondary assets in poorer locations easing may offer support. The UKDespite heightened volatility and with greater investor demand continuingmay be seen as a safe haven from theunprecedented uncertainty resulting from the for relatively low-risk assets. Despite some troubles of the Eurozone.ongoing Eurozone problems, UK Commercial softening in the prices for poorer- quality Looking to the longer term, years ofReal Estate continues to be one of the few stock, reasonable positive total returns low development have led to areas ofasset classes to provide reasonable positive are expected over the next few years for tight supply where a turnaround couldreturns over the year to date.investors as yields compensate for any be quick once demand recovers. For modest capital declines.now, though, the focus needs to be onAttributable to incomethe protection of the income stream andRichard Kirby, Manager, F&C Commercial A reliable source of incomesecuring its longevity. There are differencesProperty Trust, noted: The property marketHigher personal taxation and reduced within the market and this will involvehas proved remarkably resilient in the facepension contributions, as well as an all-timeselecting and managing property at theof slow domestic economic growth, fiscal low interest rate, have contributed to the asset specific level.austerity, a stalling of economic recovery growing importance of income to privateoverseas and the Eurozone crisis. Thereinvestors. Managers recognise the need toA well-diversified portfoliohave been two years of sustained growthprotect income streams and emphasise the Property is regaining its place as a mainstayfollowing a severe downturn. The initial importance of careful asset allocation in aof a well-diversified portfolio. The closed-sharp bounce-back has been replaced by poor macro-economic environment. ended structure of investment companies isa year when performance has been largely Jason Baggaley said: In the current particularly suitable for this type of illiquiddriven by income. In September 2011, the environment, with a relatively weakasset and the majority of the sector hasannual total return waseconomic backdrop, ensuring the qualitybounced back following the property bubble8.7 per cent, of which 6.9 per cent wasand sustainability of income is a keyof 2008/9. Property is once more in demandattributable to income, according to the IPD investment decision-making criterion.for its ability to provide investors withMonthly Index.Investors remain risk averse because ofattractive levels of income. n the economic volatility and are shunningA more affluent population poorer-quality secondary and tertiary All performance figures are mid-marketIn the UK property market, Londonstock at present. share price with net income reinvested andcontinues to outperform other regions a 3.5 per cent deduction for charges, stampalthough this difference could becomeStock-picking opportunitiesduty and market spread to end Septemberless marked. Richard Kirby maintained: However, these conditions may provide2011. Source: AIC using Morningstar. TheLondon has out-performed the regions, ideal stock-picking opportunities for savvy value of these investments and the incomehelped by a stronger local economy, ainvestors where good value assets can be from them can go down as well as upmore affluent population, tight newidentified in relatively resilient areas andand you may not get back your originalsupply, its role as an international ascan be repositioned further up the qualityinvestment. Past performance is not anwell as a national centre and its relative spectrum. We expect asset managementindication of future performance. Taxresilience to public sector cutbacks.initiatives and locational choices to be the benefits may vary as a result of statutory Overseas investors have been attracted defining characteristics contributing to change and their value will depend onto this market, with London seen as a large, income returns into this year. individual circumstances. Thresholds,mature, transparent and liquid market. This Currently, for multi-asset investors, real percentage rates and tax legislation mayout-performance is expected to persist for the estate assets that are located in relativelychange in subsequent Finance Acts.09 10. Protection 67.50 Weekly Employment44% and SupportAllowance The percentage of people who fear going back to work could cause a relapse of their conditionWould you need to get backto work quickly if you were off sick?Over half of UK workers are unable tosurvive financially for more than three monthsNew research from Aviva reveals that over half of UK workers (52 per cent) would be unable to survive financiallyfor more than three months if they were off work with an illness. Around a third (30 per cent) say they wouldsurvive for less than a month. Less than one in ten (9 per cent) say they would remain solvent for a year or more.Unsurprisingly, nearly seven in ten workersother people. However, in reality you nevermost suitable sum assured, premium, terms(65 per cent) cite financial concerns as the know whats around the corner and fewand payment provisions is essential. nmain reason to get back to work quicklypeople have the savings available to supportif they are off sick. Regaining a sense of themselves and their families for very long. Employment and Support Allowance can If you became seriously illpurpose (28 per cent), getting well (21 per or were injured and had tocent) and providing for their families (16 come to as little as 67.50 a week even give up work, you wouldper cent) are also high priorities.less than Statutory Sick Pay which in manywant to be sure that your cases would hardly cover a familys foodfamily could continue toAfraid of returningshopping, let alone their mortgage andbe supported financially. We take the time to understandto the workplace other necessary expenses. your unique needs andWhile the motivation to return to work circumstances so that weis apparent, the research reveals that Protecting your can provide you with themany workers are afraid of returning tofamilys lifestylemost suitable protectionthe workplace after a long-term illness. A Making sure you have the right protection solutions, in the most cost- effective way. To find outsignificant number of people (44 per cent) can protect your familys lifestyle if your more, please contact us.fear that going back to work could cause a income suddenly changes due to deathrelapse of their condition and a quarter (24 or illness. But with so many differentper cent) worry that they wont be able to insurance policies available, it can be All statistics are from a nationwidework to full capacity. difficult to know which ones will best survey of 1,000 British adult employees Commenting on the research, Aviva,protect your family from financial hardship. and 500 employers, carried out for AvivaUK Health says: Its understandable that Thats why obtaining the rightby market researchers OnePoll. The opinionover 80 per cent of people think long-term professional advice and knowing whichpoll was hosted online between 18 and 21sickness is something that happens toproducts to recommend including theOctober 2011.10 11. InvestmentHow will you achieveyour investment goals?Gaining prudent exposure to stock exchange investmentwithout putting all your eggs in one basketInvestment trusts are a way of gaining prudent exposure to stock exchange investment butwithout putting all your eggs in one basket. They are often categorised into country andregional funds and sub-divided further into funds that invest only in certain industry sectors.Investment objectivesShares of other companiesInvestment trust shares are traded onWith their long-term approach, usually low The difference between investment trusts the stock market just like those of anycharges and wide choice of investmentand normal trading companies is that other company and so their prices canobjectives, investment trusts andinvestment trusts invest their money in thechange on a minute-by-minute basis,investment companies could be used to: shares of other companies, rather than inaccording to how many shares investorsgrow your wealth; repay a mortgage;physical assets such as factories or mobileare buying and selling.build a retirement fund and providephone networks. Since they are like aincome in retirement; invest for childrencompany, they are also able to borrowTrading at a discountand grandchildren to pay for school fees,money to invest. However, only a few takeInvestment trusts calculate their netuniversity or a better start in adult life.advantage of this to any significant extent. asset value per share at regular intervals. Investment trusts are often referred toTheir share prices tend to trade at aLong track recordas closed-ended funds. Like ordinary discount to their net asset value. ThereInvestment trusts and investment companies, they have a set number of are a variety of reasons for this. Onecompanies have a long track record shares in existence (although they doreason is that you could buy the sameof helping people to achieve their occasionally issue more or buy some back). portfolio of shares yourself directly in theinvestment goals, whether it is for market, without suffering the ongoingincome, capital growth or both. They Net asset valuemanagement charge.allow investors to pool their moneyThe value of all types of investment These discounts make investmenttogether and spread the risk.fund is made by reference to their net trusts slightly more risky, since the The easiest way to understand investmentasset value (NAV) per share or unit. Thisvalue of your investment is affectedtrusts is to think of them as a company, net asset value per share is basically by the amount that the discount tobecause that is exactly what they are. Just like the total value of the trusts portfolio NAV changes during the period of yourany other company, they issue shares to raiseof investments divided by the totalinvestment, as well as the performancemoney from shareholders and then investnumber of its own shares or units. of the assets they hold. nthat money.Investment trusts and investment companies can be a particularly effective way to invest for appropriate investors. If you would like to find out more, please contact us. 11 12. Wealth creationHappy ISA Year 2012Dont miss out on using your tax-efficient allowanceAn Individual Savings Account (ISA) is atax-efficient wrapper. Within an ISA you pay no capital gains tax andno further tax on the income, making it one of the most tax-efficient savings vehicles available.If you are planning to open or transfer anefficient Cash ISA but to save in a Can I transfer myexisting ISA, you have until 5 April, but Stocks and Shares ISA you need to beexisting ISA money?dont leave it until this date. If you miss at least 18.You can transfer the money saved in a Cashthe deadline, youll lose your 10,680ISA to a Stocks and Shares ISA, even if itallowance for the 2011/12 tax year forever. How much can I invest?was saved in previous tax years, withoutHM Revenue & Customs says your ISAAs of April 2011, the ISA limit affecting your annual ISA allowance.application must have been received by your increased for everyone by 480 toISA provider and it must also have been 10,680 per tax year. Of this, the To ensure that there are noprocessed to qualify. maximum amount you can put intodelays in processing your ISAa Cash ISA is 5,340, and then the application, please contact us sooner rather than later.What types of ISAs are there? remainder can be invested into a Again, do not leave thisThere are two main types of ISAs: CashStocks and Shares ISA. until the last minute. If youISAs and Stocks and Shares ISAs.Alternatively, you may choose to allocate thedo and your ISA application Cash ISAs work in the same way asentire 10,680 into a Stocks and Shares ISA. is not processed on time, itnormal savings accounts. You choosewill be classed as part of next years ISA allowanceif you want a fixed rate account, anWhen should I invest?and you will have lost theeasy access (or instant access) account As long as you have not exceeded remainder of your tax-or a regular savings account. The onlythe current 10,680 ISA limit you canefficient allowance forever.difference is that you dont pay income invest in an ISA at any point during thetax on the interest you earn. tax year and, depending on the ISAThe value of these investments and the With a Stocks and Shares ISA you can provider, you can allocate lump sums or income from them can go down as well asinvest in individual stocks and shares or monthly contributions that fit around up and you may not get back your originalinvestment funds. Any profit you make is notyour lifestyle. investment. Past performance is not ansubject to capital gains tax. However, youindication of future performance. Taxpay 10 per cent tax on dividend earnings. Will ISAs alwaysbenefits may vary as a result of statutorybe tax-efficient?change and their value will depend onWho can save in an ISA? The government has promised to keep ISAs individual circumstances. Thresholds,Anyone who is 16 or over and a UK indefinitely. However, the tax treatment ofpercentage rates and tax legislation mayresident can save money in a tax- ISAs may change in the future.change in subsequent Finance Acts.Published by Goldmine Media Limited,Prudence Place, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU2 9PEArticles are copyright protected by Goldmine Media Limited 2012.Unauthorised duplication or distribution is strictly forbidden.