Guest Blog

US Economy Growth Fastest Since 2014

Donald Trump tweeted earlier last week that the US has “the best financial numbers on the Planet”. That’s not quite the case and it should be said that these first estimates of economic growth are based on skimpy data. However, last Friday’s economic data showing 2.2% growth is certainly good, and the president can take some of the credit. His large package of tax cuts has boosted growth. Perversely,...

Retirement Planning Traps To Avoid

An article published by Charles Stanley Wealth Managers highlights eight retirement planning traps and how to avoid them. It points out that while there have never been more options in terms of retirement planning, arguably there have never been greater challenges. 1. Not reviewing your pensions It is important to review your pension situation regularly. If you find you have a shortfall, you may still be able to take...

GUEST BLOG: What have you got planned for the rest of your life? – Becky Craig, Blu Lake

By Becky Craig – Blu Lake “I don’t want to retire. Or die.” These are just two of the comments I hear regularly!  I mentioned last month that retirement doesn’t mean stopping, it’s a transition to a new, exciting phase of life. You may spend more time in retirement than in your traditional working life so you’re looking for ways to live your dreams…ways to achieve Bold Age. So if it’s...

GUEST BLOG: Bold Age – Live to work or work to live? – Becky Craig, Blu Lake

By Becky Craig – Blu Lake Remember last week we started to redefine retirement, favouring: Bold Age: “To have the courage, desire and resources to continue to grow, in your own way, whatever number is on your birthday card” Given this more empowering description of Bold Age, the question I explore with clients is, ‘what role could work play in your life in this new stage?’ The Bournemouth Echo featured an article...

Introducing: Paperwise Solutions

At Redwood, helping our clients goes beyond the services and support we can offer in house. Our unique relationship with our clients means over the years we have tried to find expert partners who can help our clients in ways beyond financial and estate planning advice. In the last few years, we have identified that for a number of our clients, as they get older they need some help...

GUEST BLOG: Bold Age – Living life on purpose – Becky Craig, Blu Lake

By Becky Craig – Blu Lake Last Month we talked about the role of work in Bold Age, this week we ask the question; ‘What is the meaning of life? Embarrassingly, Siri’s response sums it up well: “I don’t believe there is a consensus on that question.”  There are as many different ways of finding meaning in life as there are people in the world, because we are all...

GUEST BLOG – Vitality – the fuel for life

  by Becky Craig – Blu Lake What do I mean by vitality? This story is a good place to start: Two young fish are swimming along and they meet an older fish swimming in the opposite direction who nods nods at them and says: ‘Morning, boys. How’s the water?’ The two young fish swim on for a bit. Eventually one of them looks over at the other and...

GUEST BLOG: A happy ending or a happy beginning? – You decide – Becky Craig, Blu Lake

by Becky Craig – Blu Lake A) Retirement:“To leave your job or stop working because of old age or ill health” B) Bold Age: “To have the courage, desire and resources to continue to grow, in your own way, whatever number is on your birthday card” Whilst retirement is a ‘thing’, I think the definition above insinuates that: Retirement means disengaging from work You are less able to contribute...