You may find it odd that we would pose such a question!  What we actually mean is are you acting your investment age?  Because at different stages of our lives we have different priorities.  We may be so busy travelling and enjoying ourselves or stressing over paying the bills and providing for our families that we don’t do the right things at the right time from a financial planning point of view.

If you are in your 20s you’re probably starting your career, paying back student loans or saving up for a deposit on your first home. Any spare cash might be put it into an account that pays a low rate of interest.  But, if you start investing early this can be a good long-term strategy.  One of the benefits of investing at an earlier age is that you have time to ride out any short-term fluctuations in the stock market, and if you use your annual ISA allowance your investment will be free of income and capital gains tax. 

People in their 30s usually have more financial obligations such as a home and a family but whilst you are coping with these challenges it’s important not to forget about saving and investing.  This may be for education fees or building up a healthy retirement fund. 

By the time you reach your 40s retirement may still seem pretty far off.  But you are likely to be in your peak earnings years so getting financial advice and maximising your pension contributions will really mean that you have grown up from a financial planning point of view. And of course taking full advantage of your tax-free ISA allowance! 

With pension changes introduced a couple of years ago many people in their early 50s are looking to retire when they are 55.  If you are contemplating this you need to think about the investment options available to you.  You may also want to change your investment strategy from generating income to concentrating on growth. 

Reaching your 60s used to mean looking forward to retirement.  Not anymore!  Many more people work well into their 60s and 70s.  This may be the time to revisit your attitude to risk.  At this stage in your life you may opt for lower risk investments. 

Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances.  Tax treatment, rates and allowance are subject to change.  

The value of pensions and investments and the income they produce can fall as well as rise.  You may get back less than you invested.

At Four Oaks Financial Services, our initial consultation is at our cost. Contact our Client Liaison Team on 01543 401029.