As an industry we’re adept at enhancing our core products and adding multiple features and nuances. But there are times when the right thing to do is to stop, step outside the box, start from first principles and place the needs of a specific target market front and centre of product design.
The Covid-19 pandemic has made clear the inadequacies of Statutory Sick Pay and it's time to find an alternative solution, writes Debbie Kennedy, protection director at LV=
A lot of progress has been made professionalising the advice sector with qualifications, examinations and CPD. But we know that people don’t buy based on facts and logic, they buy through emotion – too often we forget that. Selling is an integral ingredient to financial planning, and an absolute essential when it comes to protection and the financial resilience of your clients.
Many of your clients might consider their most valuable asset to be their house, car, maybe their pension savings or the prospect of an inheritance. But like most, they’ll overlook the obvious – themselves and their ability to earn.
After almost two years of ‘unprecedented times’ it appears that consumers are seeking calmness and predictability more than ever.
Read 'Did the ‘unprecedented times’ take their toll on UK consumers?'
Covid-19 presented a once in a generation event, causing a seismic shift to the finances, needs, and priorities of the UK population. Since the start of the pandemic LV= has been conducting research into the UK population’s financial and wellbeing trends, and publishing our findings in the quarterly Wealth and Wellbeing report.
Smoothed Managed Funds could be an ideal solution for your new and existing clients who are uncomfortable with investment risk, or who cannot or do not wish to expose their accumulated capital to undue risk looking to take action to stop inflation eroding their savings.
We seem to talk a lot about risk these days. Whether it’s risk of infection or the risk of investment, that four letter word is high on most peoples’ agenda. Of course, managing risk is nothing new – and as an insurer with a 178-year heritage, risk is a currency we’re pretty familiar with.
More people are thinking seriously about their impact on global climate change and sustainability challenges through the investment of their pension savings. Senior Investment Manager, Adam Ruddle, explores how we’re taking this demand seriously through the integration of ESG principles within the investment strategy of our Smoothed Managed Funds.
Coronavirus has been a huge shock to the UK and our survey of the UK population’s financial confidence, health and attitudes to spending, saving and wellbeing reveals just how worried people are about the future.
Read 'Coronavirus outbreak accelerates wealth transfer between generations'
It’s fair to say that the Equity Release market continues to evolve and adapt to changing customer needs, but this also brings an element of complexity around product selection for advisers. Today’s equity release customer is a lot more focused on planning for the future and having control over their finances. Naturally, this means flexible product options are the preferred route.
Read ‘The changing customer needs require a more flexible approach to Equity Release’
With the growing popularity of Equity Release and the constant market changes, more and more advisers see lifetime mortgages as part of a holistic financial planning process to help their clients in later life.
Read ‘Giving financial advisers confidence when selecting a provider’
We consider and respond to the key questions relating to the Equity Release market, including information on the benefits of releasing equity from a second or holiday home, and exploring the challenges in the sector.
Equity Release is a dynamic and ever-evolving market, with products becoming a popular solution for clients in later life who are seeking peace of mind and flexibility. It’s no surprise that more advisers see lifetime mortgages as part of a holistic financial planning process, helping their clients achieve their financial objectives.
Read ‘Equity Release research shows it can become mainstream’