It’s time for me to take a not-too-thorough and not-too-serious review of 2019, now that the year is coming to a close. With the final claims and counter-claims of a divisive general election still ringing in our ears, let’s think financial for a while. Not the bold claims of future spending, but the more sensible, pragmatic views of a financial adviser. You’ll note, dear reader, that I’m keeping politics out of this, we’ll see what our new government really does and review their next budget when the time is right.

2019 Review: Long Term is Best

What with elections, division, trade wars and the all-pervading spectre of Brexit, many people have been focussed on the here and now, rather than their futures. But I am adamant that when you take a long-term perspective, these shocks to the system all even out in the end. And delaying saving for pensions usually means you’ll end up with less when it comes to retirement income. So, that’s been a recurrent theme for these blogs when I review 2019.

Back in February I was exclaiming that Long Term is Best and that despite short term uncertainty, financial markets have tended to rise over time. I returned to that general theme in April, focussing on the B-word and why you should act now, rather than delay. The buzz-words there were diversified portfolios overcoming localised risks ….. in the  long term.

Again, later in the year I returned to the long-term perspective when considering the 6 questions that you really should consider in times of volatile stock markets. That was too big for one blog, so I ran it as a 2-part mini-series.

Pensions, Education, Housing – Has Anything Been Missed?

I’m sure by now you’re spotting the themes. I really do like to talk about pensions, investments and saving for the future. I’m genuinely interested and want to help you find a way through the maze of financial market jargon. So, I’ve introduced a few other topics to the writing this year. Related, but subtly different, I hope you’ll agree.

We’ve discussed state pensions and how you need to ensure you’re fully paid up to get the most out of them. They may not be sufficient to keep you in the lifestyle you desire, but they do help. And for those of you that are parents, or grandparents, looking to fund private education, I’ve looked at that, too, back in June. Also, the housing market and how that’s been doing.

Pensions, savings, investments. That’s what I’m about. And helping people understand why they’re needed and how to find what’s right for you. So, as my 2019 review of the year ends and 2020 dawns, I try to look forwards. To consider what can be achieved rather than focussing on the uncertainties of the here and now. And that’s what I’ll be doing in the forthcoming blog pieces. Starting in January with a look at whether it’s best to pay off your mortgage or add to your pension pot. See you next year!