Source: Netwealth. Example based on the forward-looking gross investment return for a medium risk portfolio of 4.40% per annum and an initial investment of £200,000. The total cost of investing for the traditional manager is 1.86%.
Forward looking models are not a reliable indicator of future performance.
Of course, many will question why they should invest at all and move from the presumed security of leaving cash in a savings account. However, the persistent impact of inflation over time shows that this thinking is a false safety net: £1,000 at the start of 1990 was only worth £488 at the end of 2019. (Source: ONS, Netwealth.)
So even when the outlook for the economy is uncertain people need to invest to mitigate against the effects of inflation. A cost-effective diversified portfolio can help you to achieve this goal.
Your tax-free allowances
During an economic downturn (as at any time) new rules may come into effect that demand a closer look at your circumstances. For example, the level where the tapered ‘annual allowance’ for pensions kicks in was raised recently, which means that many high earners could benefit.
The amount you can put into your pension each year is £40,000 gross for individuals and you can earn a certain level of income before this starts to taper off.
- Previously the ‘threshold income’ was £110,000 which covered all of your earnings (including investment income) subject to UK income tax. This is now £200,000.
- Your ‘adjusted income’ was £150,000 which covered all your taxable income + pension contributions paid by you and your employer. This is now £240,000.
What these increased levels mean is that pension savers could potentially have much more to set aside each year, as you are only affected by the taper if you earn over £200,000 annually. To see if you could benefit we analyse the various taper implications here.
It is also worth noting that how much you can save for a child in a Junior ISA doubled this year – from £4,500 to £9,000. While this is impressive on its own, when a family combines all of their ISA allowances, your funds can grow by a substantial amount. A family of four could receive almost £100,000 more in 10 years by using all of their ISA allowances compared to investing outside of a tax wrapper.
Take control
The trajectory of a crisis and often associated attributes such as market returns and inflation are outside of your influence. But amid the uncertainty there are factors you can control such as how much you pay in fees to invest, using tax wrappers effectively and reviewing how you apportion your money.
Managing your finances efficiently at the best of times can be complicated and time consuming – if you want the reassurance of an expert team by your side to help you navigate a variety of situations, please get in touch with one of our financial advisers.
Please remember that when investing your capital is at risk.