Looking for Investment advice in Lincoln? We provide clear, personalised investment planning to help you grow and protect your wealth. Below are some of our frequently asked questions for you to review.

How do I know which investments are right for me?

The right investments depend on your goals, time horizon, attitude to risk, and tax position. For example, money needed in the short term is usually invested differently from long-term funds such as retirement savings. A Financial Planner will assess your circumstances and recommend investments aligned with your objectives and capacity for loss.

How much risk should I take with my investments?

Risk should match both your willingness to accept fluctuations and your ability to cope financially with losses. Higher-risk investments may offer the potential for greater longer-term growth but also the potential for greater loss. A balanced approach often involves spreading risk across different asset types and reviewing regularly as circumstances change.

How often should my investments be reviewed?

Most investments should be reviewed at least annually, or sooner if there are changes to your goals, income, or tax position. Regular reviews ensure your portfolio remains suitable, tax-efficient, and aligned with your objectives as markets and legislation change.

Are investments tax-efficient and how can I reduce tax on investment returns?

Yes, investments can be structured tax-efficiently. ISAs allow up to £20,000 per person in 2025/26 with no further liability to income tax or capital gains tax. Pensions offer tax relief on contributions and tax-free growth. Using allowances correctly can significantly reduce tax over time.

Professional retirement planning advice in Lincoln. Helping you plan income, pensions and tax-efficient retirement strategies.

How much money do I need to retire comfortably?

This depends on your lifestyle expectations, retirement age, and other income sources such as State Pension. Many people aim for an income of around two-thirds of their working salary, but this varies. A personalised financial forecast with one of our Financial Planners can help you to see a clearer picture.

When should I start planning for retirement?

The earlier you start, the more flexibility you have. Starting early allows contributions to benefit from compound growth and makes it easier to adjust if circumstances change. However, it is never too late to improve your retirement position with the right planning.

What are my options for taking income from my pension?

From age 55 (rising to 57 in 2028), you can usually take 25% tax free. The remainder can be used to provide income via drawdown, annuity purchase, or a combination. The right option depends on your income needs, health, and attitude to risk.

How can I make my pension more tax efficient?

Pension contributions benefit from income tax relief up to the £60,000 annual allowance (subject to earnings and tapering). Contributions reduce taxable income and pensions grow largely tax free. Careful planning helps avoid unnecessary tax when taking benefits later.

What happens to my pension when I die?

Pensions are usually outside your estate for inheritance tax purposes although this is set to change from April 2027. If you die before age 75, beneficiaries can often receive the pension tax-free. After age 75, withdrawals are taxed at the beneficiary’s marginal rate. Keeping beneficiary nominations up to date is essential.

Protection insurance advice in Lincoln. Life cover, income protection and critical illness insurance tailored to your needs.

What types of protection insurance do I need?

Common types include life insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection. The right mix depends on your family, debts, employment status, and financial commitments. Protection ensures financial security if illness, injury, or death occurs.

How much life insurance cover is enough?

This depends on factors such as outstanding mortgages, family living costs, and future plans. Many people aim to cover debts plus several years of income, but a tailored assessment ensures the cover matches your needs without overpaying.

What is the difference between income protection and critical illness cover?

Income protection pays a regular income if you cannot work due to illness or injury, usually until recovery or retirement. Critical illness cover pays a one-off lump sum following diagnosis of a specified serious illness. They serve different purposes and are often used together.

Is protection worth it if I’m self-employed?

Yes. Self-employed individuals often have limited sick pay or benefits. Income protection is particularly valuable as it helps replace lost earnings if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury.

Can protection policies be reviewed or changed over time?

Yes. Protection should be reviewed regularly to reflect changes such as marriage, children, new mortgages, or business ownership. Policies can often be adjusted or replaced to remain appropriate and cost-effective.

Mortgage advice in Lincoln, helping first-time buyers, home movers and homeowners find the right mortgage.

How much can I borrow for a mortgage?

Lenders typically offer between 4 and 4.5 times household income, although this varies depending on affordability, credit history, and existing commitments. A mortgage adviser can assess borrowing options across multiple lenders.

Should I choose a fixed or variable rate mortgage?

A fixed rate provides certainty with stable monthly payments, while variable rates may change with interest rates. The right choice depends on your budget, risk tolerance, and how long you plan to stay in the property.

What deposit do I need to buy a property?

Deposits usually start from 5%, but larger deposits often secure better interest rates. First-time buyers may access specialist schemes, while buy-to-let mortgages typically require higher deposits.

Can I re-mortgage to save money?

Yes. Many homeowners re-mortgage to secure a lower rate, release equity, or consolidate borrowing. Reviewing your mortgage before your current deal ends can help avoid higher standard variable rates.

How does my credit history affect my mortgage options?

A strong credit history improves access to better rates and lenders. Missed payments or defaults can limit options, but specialist lenders may still help. Reviewing your credit report early is important when planning a mortgage.

Inheritance tax and estate planning advice in Lincoln. Helping families pass on wealth tax-efficiently and with confidence.

How can I pass on wealth to my family tax-efficiently?

Using allowances such as the £3,000 annual gift exemption, pensions, trusts**, and life insurance can reduce inheritance tax (IHT). Early planning provides more flexibility and better outcomes for beneficiaries.

What is inheritance tax and how can it be reduced?

Inheritance tax is charged at 40% on estates above the £325,000 nil-rate band, with additional allowances for main residences passed to direct descendants. Planning strategies can significantly reduce or eliminate IHT liability.

When should I start estate planning?

Estate planning should begin as soon as you have assets or dependants. Early planning allows greater use of exemptions and helps ensure your wishes are clearly documented and tax-efficient.

What role do trusts play in passing on wealth?

Trusts can help control how and when assets are passed on, protect vulnerable beneficiaries, and reduce inheritance tax in certain situations. They are complex and should be set up with professional advice.

The value of an investment with St. James's Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested.

The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time. Tax relief is generally dependent on individual circumstances.

Your home or other property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Some buy to let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

**Trusts are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

*Please note that these plans do not have a cash-in value and will stop if payments to them cease.