Using your savings to achieve aspirations

Category: News

What’s on your bucket list? Whether incredibly exciting experiences, exotic travel destinations or something entirely different features on your list, it’s likely finances will play some role in how achievable they are. Could your savings be used to tick a few of your aspirations off?

You may have been saving with specific goals in mind or simply putting money to one side for the future. However, dipping into savings can be something people find difficult. To have built up a healthy savings fund you’ve likely established good money habits and accessing savings can go against this. However, it may mean you miss out on opportunities to achieve aspirations, even if you’re in a financial position that allows for it.

As a result, it’s important to understand your savings and how dipping into them will affect your plans, giving you the confidence to make decisions.

If you have big plans ahead, from helping younger generations get on to the property ladder to a once in a lifetime trip, there are a few things to consider. Your savings are likely to be spread across multiple products, how do you know where you should take the money from and when should you do it? Among the areas to consider are:

  • Accessibility: When looking at various savings, the first step should be to see how accessible they are. Are any of them fixed term accounts? Or are some of them invested? If you’re planning ahead for a few years’ time, accessibility is less likely to be an issue, but if you want the money soon, it may limit your options. Be sure to check that you won’t lose any of your savings, interest or returns by taking money out. Some accounts may lower interest rates, for example, if you make a withdrawal before a set date.
  • Tax efficiency: Would accessing your savings affect your tax position? There are some instances where taking a lump sum from savings may mean an unexpected tax bill. Let’s say you decide to use some of your pension after the age of 55 savings to kick-start retirement; the first 25% can usually be withdrawn tax-free, but, take out more than this and it may be considered income for tax purposes. If you sell stocks and shares, you may be liable for Capital Gains Tax too. Looking at the tax efficiency of different options allows you to maximise your savings.
  • Allowances: As you’ve been saving for the future, you may have made use of allowances. Your ISA (Individual Savings Account) allowance means you can save £20,000 each tax-year tax-efficiently. If you take money out of an ISA, you may not be able to return it without using up the current year’s allowance depending on the provider, which may limit you. In some cases, allowances will have little impact on your decisions, but in others they are important. This will depend on your personal circumstances and plans.
  • Potential for future growth: Which of your saving pots has the biggest potential for growth in the future? Accessing savings that are invested over a cash account with a low-interest rate may not be in your best interests financially when you look at the long term, for example.

The impact on your long-term financial security

Of course, it’s important to consider what impact using savings now will have on your long-term financial security. If you’re worried about how taking money out of savings could affect future plans, this is an area financial planning can help with.

Often people find they’re in a better financial position to start accessing their savings than they first think, but it’s normal to have some concerns. Cashflow modelling can help you visualise the short, medium and long-term impact of using your savings. It can also model how taking savings out of different saving products will have an effect, allowing you to choose the right option for you.

It’s also an opportunity to weigh up how your financial security will be affected. Would using a portion of savings mean your emergency fund is depleted, for example? Understanding the long-term implications gives you the tools needed to decide how much and when you should make a withdrawal from your savings. Taking the time to consider the long-term impact of your decision means you can proceed with confidence and really enjoy spending the money on turning aspirations into a reality.

If you’re thinking of accessing some of your hard-earned savings to work through your bucket list and have concerns, please contact us. Our goal is to work with you to help you get the most out of your money by creating a financial plan that reflects aspirations and boosts confidence.

What our clients say

Having dealt with various financial advisers in the past, both Gary and Kate give a far more personal service and explain things clearly. They take the time to understand what we want from financial planning and they have the knowledge to advise us in a variety of different aspects. Although we have only been clients from just before retirement, I would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone of any age and we have absolutely no regrets in switching to Lifeplan.

Colin, Nottingham

A client since 2016

On my first visit to Lifeplan several years ago, Gary took lots of time to get to know my background, my financial objectives and me. There was never any sales push or persuasion to get my business. We’ve always discussed issues; Lifeplan give me options and I decide what to do. I don’t feel any pressure to do anything that I’m not comfortable with. I feel as though we have a personal relationship, rather than just being another business transaction. That's why I’m happy with Lifeplan’s guidance with my life savings.

Anthony, Northumberland

A client since 2014

We have been with Lifeplan for a few years now. Kate has been brilliant in helping us understand our level of risk and planning for retirement. Before we spoke to Kate, it was always something we would just say we’d get around to at some point! It’s really important to have a plan and I feel more secure about our finances now.

Kate, Gateshead

A client since 2015

I initially approached Lifeplan as my parents had used them in the past. I received excellent financial planning advice, and as I am still quite young and newly-qualified, this was invaluable. I also approached Lifeplan to help me find a suitable mortgage and again they were fantastic. They took a lot of pressure off me by dealing with lenders as well as solicitors. First class!

Jamie, Northumberland

A client since 2017

I would recommend Lifeplan to anyone, as they provide an excellent and honest service.

Philip, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A client since 2016

Initially we were unsure about contacting Lifeplan, as we were wary that any advice given may not be impartial or even to our benefit. We needn't have worried as we now have every confidence in the planning, investments as well as the will and trust Lifeplan helped us with. It is a great relief knowing we can trust the people dealing with our finances. We are always kept fully up to date and have annual meetings where everything is explained in clear and concise ways.

June, Northumberland

A client since 2016

I have more in my pot now than when I retired 11 years ago, even though I joined at the beginning of the banking crisis.”

Derek, Consett

A client since 2011

I have had nothing but the best advice from Kate Boon over the last 12 years, in relation to mortgages, investments and financial planning for later life. She’s always down to earth in her approach, but very knowledgeable and a real professional.

Irene, Hexham

A client since 2012

In the five years that Lifeplan has looked after our investments, we have received an excellent, friendly, professional service, which has given us very satisfactory returns on our savings.

Pauline, Lanchester

A client since 2011

Our family has worked with Gary and Kate for many years and have built up a good trusting working relationship with this professional, efficient and caring company. We feel that they always consider our specific financial needs and provide advice accordingly. We definitely feel we are in safe hands with Lifeplan.

Julie, Consett

A client since 2010

As retirement approached, I was uncertain how to proceed. Advice from Lifeplan set us on the right track and we are now enjoying a very comfortable lifestyle. Good advice was provided regarding our wills and Powers of Attorney. We appreciate the guidance given and feel happy and secure in our retirement.

Albion, Tyne and Wear

A client since 2015

Lifeplan is an approachable and plain-speaking business. They are always there to help and assist, as well as provide annual reviews of my current finances and what can be changed to benefit me in readiness for retirement.

Ian, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A client since 2011

Kate is my financial consultant and has put a lot of work into my investments recently, making it very clear how it has been invested and where. This appears to be honest, up-to-date advice from someone who clearly knows the markets. I receive a pleasant, friendly service, in a nice modern office also.

Andrew, Hexham

A client since 2015

Lifeplan provides a friendly, professional service at reasonable cost. They are very responsive to any request I make and keep my portfolio of investments in line with my ongoing requirements. In 12 years of using Lifeplan, I have never had cause for concern.

Rob, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A client since 2006

Gary and Kate have been excellent in understanding our needs and requirements and have given first class advice. They have helped with our financial planning and setting up a trust to ensure our wishes for the future will be met. Nothing is too much bother for them and they provide an excellent service. My wife and I would happily recommend them.

John, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A client since 2014

When I retired, I wanted my capital to work for me. I was looking for a reasonable but realistic return on investment, but without a high risk. Lifeplan have provided me with just that. I have an annual review, where we have a frank discussion about current arrangements and any changes that Lifeplan may recommend. There is no jargon and things are explained in an understandable way. Plus, they are thoroughly nice people.

Harry, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A client since 2015

I found Gary and Kate very easy to speak to. They listen to your concerns and wishes, then give you the best options on how to invest moving forward. Their choices are always explained to you in understandable terms.

Edward, Hexham

A client since 2014

We have always been given helpful advice in a most professional manner. Every detail was explained fully in a way that was easily understood. We would have no problem in recommending Lifeplan to anyone wishing to invest.

Lisa, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A client since 2011

I'd tried several advisers prior to being introduced to Gary and was not happy with their service. Gary was instrumental in organising our pension information, so that we could understand what we were paying in to and why. Sounds easy, but we have had three previous advisers from some of the largest banks that could not do this. Since meeting Gary, we have successfully transferred our pension fund and original property in to a new scheme. In addition to this, Gary has successfully helped our company purchase a new property through our pension.

Bruce, Tyne and Wear

A client since 2013

Gary sorted out my pension by tailoring it to my own specific requirements. Until then, it was with large organisations and I really felt out of control with it. He explained technical financial terms well and I felt that he was not happy until he knew I fully understood all aspects of the business. There was no pressure from him and I always felt very confident that he was doing the best he could do on my behalf. He is fully qualified, takes pride in his job and in my opinion is impeccably trustworthy. His team is also very efficient, keeping me advised on all aspects of our business.

Henry, County Durham

A client since 2009

I was looking for financial planning and not just financial advice. Gary explained options in an easily understandable way and offered an alternative way of looking at the impact on different financial models. Initial advice was exactly what I wanted, and I am satisfied that the options I have now chosen are based on sound advice. I have decided to become a long-term client. What myself and my wife wanted was someone whom we felt we could trust with giving impartial advice on our future financial situation, and this we feel we have achieved with Gary

Colin, Nottingham

A client since 2016

I was recently widowed and wanted to simplify my financial affairs for my children should anything happen to me. Gary was very understanding of my needs and dealt with me patiently and in a simple way. I believe the products he recommended will benefit me.

H Walker, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A client since 2016

I contacted Kate to review my pension arrangements, with a view to changing my then pension provider. She helped and advised me on what I currently had, and helped find something better for my current and future needs. Obviously, it’s too early to say, but Kate clearly explained and showed me on the software what my pension could be like when it comes to retirement under various scenarios.

Richard, County Durham

A client since 2008

Redundancy required a re-think of my finances and future planning. Gary set up an investment portfolio following a detailed discussion, including provision of advice that met our needs. I am very pleased with the overall return over the last six years, balanced against the level of risk we were prepared to take.

Brian, County Durham

A client since 2012

Gary has developed a structured plan to ensure our funds will last in retirement. We are now deciding when to retire or reduce to part-time employment.

K Walker, County Durham

A client since 2010

We made an appointment to discuss the remortgage of properties. Kate understood our requirements and personally sorted the process in a very professional way from the start to a successful conclusion. She dealt with all matters, no matter how small.

Jim, County Durham

A client since 2016

Subscribe to our newsletter

Enter your details below to receive updates from the team straight to your inbox.

    Please read our Privacy Policy.

    Find us

    Office 87, Derwentside Business Centre, View Point,
    Consett, Co. Durham, DH8 6BN
    3.8, The Beacon, Beaufront Park, Anick Road, Hexham,
    Northumberland NE46 4TU

    Get in touch

    Complete the form below and a member of the team will be in touch.

      Please read our Privacy Policy.