We all question how long we will live for, and a lot of factors affect the outcome. These can be known (such as your ancestry and lifestyle) or beyond your control and foresight (such as medical developments). Meanwhile, as many of us underestimate how long we will live for, the situation becomes even more complex because we are planning for an undetermined timeline with a finite sum of money.
Given the number of unknowns, we believe it’s best to plan to the age of 100. Yes, this is above the current averages for life expectancy levels, but centenarians are a steadily growing demographic group.
Using the UK as an example, it is estimated there are currently 92,000 people aged 100 or older in the UK, up 44% since 2000. However, by 2041, the number of people in this group is expected to have grown by 78%. This is a particularly important consideration for women, who currently make up 80% of UK centenarians, and who may outlive their spouses by many years.
These are just some of the facts and statistics to be taken into account. In addition, for example, you also need to review the increasing chance of health risks – such as arthritis and dementia – that affect your quality of life and may result in you needing full-time care. These health risks have financial implications too, which should be discussed and factored into your planning.
While interest rates have risen in a bid to curtail inflation, they still remain low compared to, say, the 1970s or 1980s. At the same time, we have seen stock market valuations fluctuate significantly.
This means the risks associated with investing remain a concern for many clients, not least since the returns derived from some investments are linked to the level of interest rates. This is particularly the case for those who have already retired and would struggle to generate a new income stream
Weighing alongside this has been the dramatic rise in the cost of living, particularly for basic costs such as energy and food.
And while many are confident that the cost of living will moderate – once the supply chain issues linked to the pandemic are finally resolved and the Russia-Ukraine war eventually ends – it is worth flagging that prices may continue to rise for other reasons, e.g. if the wage increases being demanded across many markets are subsequently priced into the cost of goods and services.
Taking into account all of the above, it’s likely that people may underestimate how much annual income they need over the long term or overestimate the level of withdrawals their portfolios can reasonably sustain.
Over the past few years, governments around the world have updated pension legislation to adapt to ageing populations and other new trends. And they will continue to have to do so, particularly where individuals have insufficient savings. The UK is not alone in raising the qualifying age for state retirement benefits. Eligibility for Australia’s pension, for example, is rising from 65½ to 67 years by 2023.
And while small changes are regularly implemented – typically related to state pension payment levels and limits for the lifetime allowance – many have not thought through changes such as those introduced in 2015, which saw the pensions landscape in the UK changed radically as investors were no longer ‘forced’ to buy an annuity when they retired.
The new ‘freedoms’, however, mean there is no longer a definitive point when your funds are permanently transferred to an insurance product providing you with a set lifetime income (albeit typically with adjustments for inflation). This has implications for you as you will own all the responsibilities linked to drawing down on your pensions, entering that phase of life called decumulation.
Limited understanding of these changes, however, continues despite the intervening years and due to the complexities and risks (e.g. those of sequence, longevity and inflation) that come with the management of investments. But these are important matters to grasp to help ensure you enjoy a lifetime income over an indefinite period from a finite sum of money.
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Clients of Nedbank Private Wealth can get in touch with their private banker directly to understand how wealth planning can help them achieve their financial goals and objectives, or call +44 (0)1624 645000 to speak to our client services team.
If you would like to find out more about how we can help you with retirement planning or more general wealth planning support, please contact us on the same number as above, or complete the contact us form using the link below.
Sources: Australian Government, Financial Times; and Office for National Statistics
Any examples of investments and structures used are for illustrative purposes only. The inclusion does not constitute an invitation or inducement to buy any financial investment or service. None of the content constitutes advice or a personal recommendation. Individuals should seek professional advice, based on their jurisdiction and personal circumstances, before making any financial decision.
Simon heads up the wealth planning division for the international business. He works with clients and their families, in tandem with their professional advisers, to help structure their investments and other financial assets to achieve their goals and aspirations through the development of bespoke wealth plans. Working in partnership with our teams of private bankers, he integrates the benefits of wealth planning alongside our broader wealth management and wealth structuring capabilities.
Simon has over 24 years’ experience of delivering investment and planning advice, 15 of which have been with Nedbank Private Wealth. His appointment followed the establishment of bank’s wealth planning function, where he was instrumental in its design, build and implementation.
Simon holds the Level 7 Diploma in Advanced Financial Planning, the highest financial planning qualification in the UK, and is a Certified Financial PlannerTM, a Chartered Wealth Manager and a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.
Simon heads up the wealth planning division for the international business. He works with clients and their families, in tandem with their professional advisers, to help structure their investments and other financial assets to achieve their goals and aspirations through the development of bespoke wealth plans. Working in partnership with our teams of private bankers, he integrates the benefits of wealth planning alongside our broader wealth management and wealth structuring capabilities.
Simon has over 24 years’ experience of delivering investment and planning advice, 15 of which have been with Nedbank Private Wealth. His appointment followed the establishment of bank’s wealth planning function, where he was instrumental in its design, build and implementation.
Simon holds the Level 7 Diploma in Advanced Financial Planning, the highest financial planning qualification in the UK, and is a Certified Financial PlannerTM, a Chartered Wealth Manager and a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.
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