You may already know that at Ardent, clients are central to everything we do. That’s why we offer a wide range of services that could help you deal with a myriad of financial challenges and opportunities, so that you can get the most from your money.

While you might be aware that we can help with pensions and investments, you may not realise that there are many other ways we can work with you to grow and protect your wealth.

Read on to discover eight ways we can help you, or someone you know, to enjoy financial peace of mind and achieve those all-important goals.

1. Preparing for retirement

Planning for your retirement is about understanding many different things, including the lifestyle you want to live and whether you intend to work part-time or stop completely.

Knowing how you want to spend this phase of your life determines how large your pension pot needs to be to provide the retirement you want, without the risk of it running out. That’s why we work with you to create an individual strategy that will achieve this, using clear and understandable language.

We will also use sophisticated software so that you’ll understand the level of income you can expect from your pension, and the effects the rising cost of living could have on it. This provides you with the peace of mind that you can enjoy your retirement, for however long it is, while still enjoying today.

2. Helping you during retirement

While retirement is an exciting stage of life it can raise questions, such as: “what is the most tax-efficient way to take an income and will my pension run out?”

By using income modelling software, we’ll provide you with the answers to your questions, so that you can enjoy your retirement in the confidence that your level of income is sustainable. We’ll also ensure that your income is as tax-efficient as possible.

3. Intergenerational wealth planning

Working out how best to leave your wealth to loved ones as early as possible is typically a shrewd financial step.

Our extensive experience in this area means we’ll help you create a bespoke intergenerational wealth plan that could significantly reduce or even negate your exposure to Inheritance Tax (IHT).

As IHT is typically charged at 40%, doing this could allow you to leave significantly more money to your beneficiaries.

4. Helping you invest ethically

Investing with a conscience does not necessarily mean losing potential growth. According to a Morningstar article in February 2022, ESG funds had performed on a par with, or better than, conventional investment funds during the previous five years.

While demand for ESG funds has grown, many investors remain concerned about “greenwashing”. This is where a company deliberately appears more environmentally responsible than it is.

In 2021 we were named as a top 100 UK financial firm by New Model Adviser, and one reason for this was our extensive work with ESG funds. That’s why you can be sure that your money will only ever go into bona fide ESG funds, run by fund managers who are committed to using investments as a force for good.

5. During a divorce

At one of the most upsetting times of your life, it can be difficult to understand the household’s total marital assets and what your options are.

For example, research by Legal & General reveals that 24% of divorcees waive their rights to their ex-spouse’s retirement fund, which can result in financial hardship later on.

We are proud to have Resolution accreditation, which is awarded to those who demonstrate excellence in their area of expertise within family matters. That’s why you can be assured of sympathetic, non-judgemental, and clear advice.

We’ll provide an understanding of the household’s marital assets, including an ex-spouse’s pension, so that you will know what a fair asset split should look like. Furthermore, we’ll provide a bespoke financial strategy so that you can get back on your financial feet, and look forward to a brighter tomorrow.

6. Preparing for later-life care

While advances in medicine mean that many of us can look forward to a longer life, it also means later-life care costs can mount up.

A study by PayingForCare shows that, in 2022, the cost of care could range from £28,392 a year to £64,064 a year, depending on the level of care you need and where you live in the UK.

These costs could significantly reduce your wealth, and also the amount of money you then leave to loved ones. As members of the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA), we will help ensure that you can afford the level of care you want, while at the same time working to reduce its effects on your wealth.

7. Releasing capital from your home

Whether it’s for a better retirement, later-life care or to do much-needed work on your home, you might be considering unlocking capital from your home’s value. While this can be an effective solution, care needs to be taken as it could reduce the amount you leave to loved ones and have wider financial implications.

That’s why you can have peace of mind that we will take a holistic view of your financial situation to ensure equity release is right for you. If it’s not, we will be able to look at alternative options that may also provide the results you want.

8. Providing a financial safety net

Research by Nationwide suggests that 60% of people go to work when ill because of money worries, with a third continuing to work when their doctor has told them not to.

Having financial protection provides you with peace of mind that if life throws you a curve ball, you will be able to maintain your lifestyle. Receiving a cash payment if you’re unable to work due to illness may ensure you can meet your mortgage repayments, or that you don’t have to deplete your savings to survive.

Furthermore, if you should die, the right protection means your family will be able to maintain their standard of living and not have to deal with financial problems at an already difficult time. That said, it’s important to ensure that you have cover that meets your family’s needs and that is value for money.

Thanks to our extensive experience in financial protection and life cover, we can help ensure this.

Get in touch

If you would like to discuss any of the above issues, or would like to create a wealth strategy, please contact us on hello@ardentuk.com or call 01904 655 330.

Please note

This article is for information only. Please do not act based on anything you might read in this article. All contents are based on our understanding of HMRC legislation, which is subject to change.

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.

Similarly, a pension is a long-term investment. The fund value may also fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Your pension income could also be affected by the interest rates at the time you take your benefits.