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THE WOODEN SPOON CHRISTMAS CAROL CRUISE

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 10:51:48 GMT

TICKETS PLEASE: ALL ABOARD

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5 Scary Pension Mistakes to avoid this Halloween

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 13:57:20 GMT

Whether you associate Halloween with trick or treating, pumpkin carving or the slasher movie series, 31st October has become a key date in the Autumn calendar.

So, with the spooky season just around the corner, here are five scary pension mistakes to avoid.

1. Not Saving Enough

According to a study conducted by Money.co.uk, around one third of Brits are not currently saving enough for retirement. This is a particular issue for young people where only half of all 18–24-year-olds are saving for retirement. There are many reasons for this, however, the simple fact is that the earlier you start, the less you are likely to have to pay in as investment growth will do more of the ‘heavy lifting’. Even if you pay just the basic level of contributions, it’s a start.

2. Not Checking the Investments

We review lots of pension schemes and it is astonishing how many times we encounter poor performing, high-charging pension investment funds. Pensions have become much more flexible and cost-effective in recent years and most modern pensions have a good range of options and flexibility. If you have pension schemes that are more than 10 years old, you should think about having them reviewed – it could save thousands of pounds in charges and ‘missed’ potential investment growth.

3. Not Taking Enough Investment Risk

Many people do not wish to take responsibility for investment decisions and, therefore, end up in the default investment strategy. This is usually a medium risk fund that is likely to be suitable for some, but not all. If you are in your 20s or 30s (perhaps joining a pension scheme for the very first time), it is likely that you can take a high degree of risk which means investing the bulk of your fund in a wide spread of global shares. History shows that, in general, these types of funds perform very well over the long term – typically growing much more than a traditional medium risk fund.

4. De-Risking the Investments When Reaching Retirement

This is a spin-off from the previous point and one that has roots in a time when the only option available for many retirees was to buy an annuity (an income for life). Assuming retirement at 60, it is possible that you will live for another 30 years or more. If drawing down from a pension, de-risking the entire pension fund makes no sense as growth opportunities will be lost. Tailoring the investment profile to your time horizon and likely spending profile is essential.

5. Going it Alone

Financial planning adds value. Pensions are complicated (just look how often the government changes the goalposts). Working with someone who has a deep understanding of pensions can potentially generate enormous value – charge reductions, tax savings, inter-generational wealth transfer opportunities, confidence to retire and confidence to spend money to name but a few.

Get in touch

If you want to ensure a treat rather than a trick this Halloween, get in touch to find out how we can help.

Jeremy Jackson is a Director & Chartered Financial Planner with Bluesky Chartered Financial Planners.

Burghfest 22nd – 23rd September 2023

websitebuilder@1and1.de — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 13:57:20 GMT

Opening Times:

Friday 22nd September 3pm-11pm,

Saturday 23rd September 12pm-10pm

Real ale, live music and great fun brought to you by the Burghfield Santas in aid of Thames Valley Air Ambulance

Buy advance tickets and get discounted admission plus the option to buy 12 drink tokens for the price of 10!

On-sale now at TICKETSOURCE1

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/burghfieldsantas

Burghfest 2023 will feature:

Over 50 Cask Ales and Craft Beers from 20 local brewers including our very own beer, Santa’s Peel-y Good Brew, brewed in collaboration with Reading Amateur Brewers and Elusive Brewing.

12 traditional, fruit and fizzy Ciders from our local cider producers

A gin bar, featuring the award-winning Blowing Stone range from local distiller, Hawkridge.

Top-quality range of Wine and Prosecco as well as Pimms

An exciting program of Live Music from local acts including headliners Murdochs Crazy Eye and Dirtbag.

Family fun-fair and entertainment. 2 Hour Unlimited Ride ticket available.

A wide range of food from local street food vendors including vegetarian and vegan options.

and all profits will go to Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

Tickets Available Now

Entrance to the event on the day costs

Adult Weekend £17.00

Adult Friday £12.00

Adult Saturday £12.00

Under 18’s FREE

Those wishing to consume alcohol, need to purchase a Burghfest 2023 branded polycarbonate glass, bring a Burghfest glass from a previous year, or rent a Santa Recycles glass for use for the day.

Glass rental and alcoholic drinks are purchased with £2.50 tokens. 1/2 pint of cask ale costs 1 token, a glass of wine costs 2 tokens. See Price List for full details.

Calling All Fixers!

websitebuilder@1and1.de — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 13:57:20 GMT

Sustainable Baughurst's Repair Café Set to Launch

Riding the wave of green momentum, local eco-champions Sustainable Baughurst are gearing up to introduce a Repair Café, a space where “mend, don’t end” is the mantra. Mark your diaries, eco-warriors; the project officially takes off on November 19th at Heath End Village Hall.

Serving the close-knit communities of Baughurst, Tadley, and nearby hamlets, this café aims to breathe new life into your beloved but battered items. Got a teapot missing a handle or a bicycle with a wobbly wheel? This café’s got you covered.

Are you a dab hand at electrical repairs or a whizz with a sewing machine? Perhaps you’re a virtuoso of varnish or a tech troubleshooting maestro? If the thrill of restoring a treasured trinket gets your heart racing, then you’re precisely the sort of volunteer Sustainable Baughurst is keen to recruit.

Fancy joining a tribe of like-minded repair rebels? Love the idea of socialising whilst saving the planet one widget at a time? Then this café wants to hear from YOU. Give them a shout via email at baughurstrepaircafe@hotmail.com or scan the code.