Managing Risk: Pensioners ‘in the dark’ over how to protect their pots if markets tumble.

Many retirees are at risk of overlooking their pension finances by falling into an avoidable trap, according to new research. A third (36%) of people keeping their pension invested through retirement could be hit harder by falling markets as they do not have a cash safety net to fall back on, research has found. And even though two thirds (64%) of retirees are holding cash in reserve, fewer than one in ten (8%) would think to use it if there was a ‘significant’ drop in the stock market.

Diversification across asset classes and regions is important for pensions, which is important not just for good returns but also to manage the risks inherent in different asset classes and geographies.

BUFFER OF CASH

Some retirees in drawdown will hold a buffer of cash which they can call on in volatile markets. By taking income from cash held inside their pension instead of their invested assets, they are not forced to sell investments at lower prices.

This can help to protect them from ‘pound-cost-ravaging’ where, as stock prices drop, retirees are forced to sell more investments to achieve the same level of income, depleting the capital of their pot quicker and reducing its future growth.

SAFEGUARD POTS

Recent volatility in the market could have left some retirees feeling unnerved, but there are steps that can be taken to safeguard their pots. It’s good to regularly check you’re not taking more income than you need and that your pension is well diversified.

If markets tumble, it pays to be more cautious by scaling back your income or turning off the taps altogether. Alternatively, limiting the level of withdrawal to the ‘natural’ income from share dividends or bonds leaves the underlying investment intact, giving it a better chance to regain lost ground when markets recover.

SHIELDING DRAWDOWN SAVINGS
DIVERSIFY TO AVOID STRETCHING INCOME

Diversification is essential to protecting your assets in a market crash.As ever, picking a portfolio of non-correlated investments, diversified by geographical region, asset class and sector, can help to reduce a portfolio’s overall volatility and create greater stability of returns.

HAVE A SAFETY NET

Building up a cash buffer can protect against falling stock markets and means you might not have to reduce their standard of living while the market corrects. Holding two years’ cash means you won’t be forced to sell when prices are falling, thereby locking in losses. Instead of cashing in funds, you can dip into cash reserves, giving their pot a chance to regain lost ground.

TURN OFF THE TAPS

If you can afford to, scale back their withdrawals or place them on hold until markets have recovered. Alternatively, limit the level of withdrawal to the natural income from share dividends or bonds. This leaves the underlying investments intact, giving them a better chance to recover when markets rise.

INVEST IN MULTI-ASSETS

Multi-assets, as the name suggest, invest in different types of assets, from equities to property. In a downturn, some asset classes may not fall by as much as others, meaning multi-asset funds can help to smooth out the effects of a market crash while offering investors greater level of protection.

HAVE A NUMBER OF BUCKETS

Having a medium-term investment bucket and longer-term investment bucket can help to manage the mood swings of the stock market. The cash bucket is fed by the medium bucket, which is in turn fed from the long-term bucket.

REBALANCE

Rebalancing can help to maintain the overall risk of a portfolio in line with your needs. Rebalancing won’t necessarily provide a greater investment return, but it is a protection mechanism against creating undue or unanticipated risk.

SAVE TODAY TO ENJOY TOMORROW

Whatever you want from retirement, one thing is certain – to give you the retirement you want and deserve, you need to plan ahead. Speak to us to find out how we can help you.

Who are Vizion Wealth?

Our approach to financial planning is simple, our clients are our number one priority and we ensure all our advice, strategies and services are tailored to the specific individual to best meet their longer term financial goals and aspirations. We understand that everyone is unique. We understand that wealth means different things to different people and each client will require a different strategy to build wealth, use and enjoy it during their lifetimes and to protect it for family and loved ones in the future.

All of us at Vizion Wealth are committed to our client’s financial success and would like to have an opportunity to review your individual wealth goals. To find out more, get in touch with us – we very much look forward to hearing from you.

DISCLAIMER:

INFORMATION IS BASED ON OUR CURRENT UNDERSTANDING OF TAXATION LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS. ANY LEVELS AND BASES, OF AND RELIEFS FROM TAXATION, ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

“The information contained in this article is intended solely for information purposes only and does not constitute advice.  While every attempt has been made to ensure that the information contained on this article has been obtained from reliable sources, Vizion Wealth is not responsible for any errors or omissions. In no event will Vizion Wealth be liable to the reader or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information provided in this article”.

Posted by Andrew Flowers

Andrew is the managing partner of Vizion Wealth and has been involved in the offshore and onshore financial services industry for over 18 years. Andrew was the driving force behind Vizion Wealth after years of experience in a number of advisory roles within high profile wealth management, private banking and independent financial advisory firms in the UK.

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