With life moving fast, demands on our time and finances never-ending, it’s easy Then there’s the ‘noise’ created by global geopolitics, economic challenges and their impact on markets and in turn your finances. Sometimes burying your head in the sand (preferably on a summer holiday) may seem like the most favourable option!

When it comes to your finances, neither inertia nor acting in haste is recommended. In fact, making informed, strategic, confident decisions about your wealth has arguably never been more important.

A decade on from pension freedoms: are savers making informed choices? Since pension freedoms were introduced in 2015, many over-55s have been accessing their pensions without understanding the tax implications or seeking advice. Research¹ among over-50s has found that only four in ten had considered the tax implications of withdrawing taxable lump sums, and
just 39% had taken financial advice. Also, while over half took the full 25% tax-free lump sum, many paid off debts or made the peculiar decision to move it into savings. Nearly one in five didn’t seek any guidance at all. With life expectancy on the rise, almost half of over-50s are worried about running out of money in retirement.

‘Lottery effect’ puts pension pots at risk Many retirees risk running out of pension savings by their late 70s as a result of the so-called ‘lottery effect’ (where access to large sums prompts impulsive spending) likely to blame, according to a new study². One in seven see their pension lump sum as a bonus and nearly half access it simply because they can. With the average life expectancy of a current 60-year-old in the UK sitting at 86, some retirees could be left with a shortfall between their retirement funds running out and the end of their life.

With new rules likely to be introduced from 2027 regarding unused pensions becoming subject to Inheritance Tax (IHT), careful planning remains key to long-term retirement security.

How career paths define your pension pot Research³ shows career progression significantly affects pension outcomes. Someone earning £25,000 at 22, with steady 3.5% annual pay rises, could retire at 68 with a £210,000 pension pot, while salary growth of 5% could boost this to £290,000. However, retiring as early as 58, for example, could reduce that pot to £176,000. While rapid career growth helps, burnout or early retirement can limit gains. Therefore, balancing ambitious career choices with wellbeing is critical.

Time to focus on your pension? Whatever life stage you’re at, we’re here to help you make confident, informed decisions. Your pension deserves some airtime.

¹ Royal London, 2025, ² L&G, 2025, ³ Standard Life, 2025

Retirement used to mean the end of working life, but that’s definitely no longer the case. People are living longer, staying healthier and keen to make the most of the time they have left . That’s where financial independence comes in.

What does financial independence mean?
Financial independence means having enough income from your assets, investments or part-time work to cover your desired lifestyle, without relying solely on a pension. It gives you the flexibility to keep working if you want to, or to pursue hobbies, travel, or even launch a second career. Essentially, it’s about choice, not just having enough to get by.

Rethinking retirement
The real goal of financial independence isn’t to stop working altogether, it’s to reach a point where working becomes optional. It’s about building a level of financial security where your investments and other income sources can comfortably support your lifestyle. Whether your income comes from rental properties, shares, or business interests, diversifying your income sources can help reduce reliance on any single pot of money, like your pension. The key is that your money is working for you, not the other way around.

Planning for freedom
Achieving financial independence takes careful planning. It means living within your means, saving and investi ng consistently, and having a clear idea of the life you want in later years and what that life will cost.  Whether you want to slow down or simply shift direction, financial independence gives you the power to choose.  We can help build a plan around your goals, ensuring you have the income and flexibility to live life on your terms, for as long into your later years as you want.

The pandemic, raised geopolitical tensions and supply chain shocks have all forced companies to rethink how they operate. Many, although not all, are moving away from globalisation strategies and focusing on greater resilience instead, with ‘nearshoring’ – bringing supply chains closer to home – becoming the priority.

A transition from ‘just-in-time’ to ‘just-in-case’ logistics Nearshoring reflects a move away from ‘just-in-time’ efficiency towards ‘just-in-case’ preparedness. The need for supply chain stability and faster turnaround times is encouraging businesses to bring their operations closer to the markets they serve. ‘Trump Tariffs’ have only underlined the need for companies to explore their options. This is opening up new opportunities in both developed and emerging markets.

For example, countries like Mexico, Poland and Vietnam are positioning themselves as regional production hubs. Demand is also increasing across sectors such as automation, logistics, real estate, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing, as companies modernise supply chains closer to home.

A temporary trend or lasting change? While some view nearshoring as a short-term response to recent disruptions, others see globalisation weakening. Perhaps, but labour costs in Nearshoring destinations are oft en higher than in traditional off shore markets, while infrastructure and policy support can vary widely. Also, restructuring supply chains is complex, expensive and time-consuming. Political risk and protectionist policies all add to the challenges.

What do the professionals think? According to investment manager PGIM, despite rising tariffs and shifting trade, around 75% of the world’s economy remains focused on global integration
rather than nearshoring. Shehriyar Antia, Head of Thematic Research at PGIM, explains, “Even if America’s ‘small yard’ of protected industries grows larger, companies in most industries will still seek out the benefi ts of free trade and competitive advantage.”

An evolving investment theme While nearshoring will create new investment opportunities, choosing the right ones takes careful research. As the global economy evolves, those who identify and understand long-term trends are likely to be rewarded. You can rely on us to do just that.