Browse our news section to find out more about what we’re doing in the financial wellbeing space.

We also share updates on any finance industry news as well as personal money matters.

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Don’t lose sight of your staff’s wellbeing

During the current cost-of-living crisis employers are being urged to not lose sight of the wellbeing of their workforce. Indeed, the importance of an employee’s financial wellbeing cannot be underestimated. At Lifetime we know just how vital it is, and we have the statistics and benchmarking to prove it. For example: Over 90% of employers […]

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Ten things to think about and act upon before end of tax year

The current tax year ends on Friday (April 5th). Here are 10 things that are worth thinking about – and acting upon. Have you maximised your pension contributions? Have you considered making a pension contribution for a child or grandchild? Have you used your annual ISA allowance? £20,000 per adult. Could you use your annual […]

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This Easter make sure you hatch a plan for your own tidy nest egg!

Happy Easter everyone! While this weekend the children and grandchildren might well be busy hunting for colourful eggs and devouring chocolate Easter bunnies, it’s also an ideal time to think about getting your finances in order and hatching a plan to ensure your own tidy nest egg for the future. Of course, saving is a […]

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Protect the people you love…

It is vitally important to have the knowledge and ability to make good decisions that will protect your family and loved ones if there is an unexpected/untimely death, illness or accident. For example, if you or your partner were unable to work would your household expenditure be covered? Lifetime’s specialists work with you to answer […]

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Debt can affect how we feel, think and act

Debt can happen to anyone. It is how we deal with it that can have a major impact on our lives. Owing money can be stressful. It can make us anxious and affect our mental wellbeing, as well as our financial wellbeing. This year’s Debt Awareness Week runs from 18th to 24th March – and we […]

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It is important to acknowledge how you feel about money

Sometimes we may feel angry or jealous that other people spend money on things we want but can’t afford. When that feeling occurs why not try and consider these points: Try and avoid making purchases when you’re angry or jealous, especially if it simply to try and impress others Listen to your friends or family. […]

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How the Spring Budget affects you and your finances

The Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt delivered his Spring Budget to the House of Commons this afternoon (March 6th). Let’s have a quick look at how his decisions may affect you and your finances. As widely anticipated, Mr Hunt’s key announcement was a further 2% cut in National Insurance for working people and the […]

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Is employee wellbeing on your agenda? Here’s what could be achieved!

The success of our recent ‘Ways to Wellbeing ‘conference at Winstanley House, Leicester once again emphasised that looking after employees should be right at the top of any organisation’s agenda. Introducing financial wellness programmes in the workplace is a crucial element in supporting stressed employees who are facing money challenges. Here are 10 ways that […]

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Ways to Wellbeing conference puts workforce at centre of the conversation!

The Lifetime-organised Ways to Wellbeing conference on Wednesday, February 28th proved to be a big hit! The event, at Winstanley House, Leicester, was aimed at enhancing and elevating employee wellbeing and engagement, and showcased relevant and interesting topics from speakers who are experts from the fields of financial wellbeing, mental health and nutrition. Delegates attending […]

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April price cap cut to bring some welcome relief to millions of UK households

A bit of good news is coming for millions of UK households this April. The typical annual energy bill will fall 12.3% to the lowest for two years, under the new price cap set by the regulator, Ofgem. The price cap, arranged for April until June, will be £1,690, a drop of £238 a year […]

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Financial planning video from Lifetime ‘opened up my eyes’ says worker

Lifetime’s digital coaches help employees, families, couples and individuals get to grips with their personal finances. They play a huge role in promoting the importance of financial education and financial wellbeing – and their efforts can often prove to be life-changing! And as such we just wanted to share this lovely testimonial we’ve had from […]

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Estimated income required for retirement continues to rise

The hope is that a pension can provide you with the comfortable retirement you strive for. You don’t want you to get to retirement and not find the joys in life, you want you to get to retirement and live some of your very best years. And yet…according to The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association […]

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Different attitudes between generations when it comes to funding retirement

A third of ‘Gen Z’ – people born in or later than 1996 – believe property will be their main source of wealth in retirement. That’s according to the latest research from according to research from life assurance, pensions and long-terms savings company Standard Life. Their ‘Retirement Voice’ report revealed different attitudes between generations when it […]

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Grab the chance to discover important ways to workplace wellbeing

As a seasoned financial wellbeing organisation, Lifetime is always looking at innovative ways of helping employers support their staff. That’s why we are delighted to have organised the ‘Ways to Wellbeing’ conference on February 28. The event brings together a group of experts who will focus on all all the positive strategies you can put […]

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Family finance tips for health, happiness and harmony!

Making time or even plucking up the courage to have a conversation about money and long-term goals can often be difficult, and most family units face serious challenges when it comes to dealing with money. Numerous research studies have shown that finance is among the top reasons why couples argue. Disagreements occur over how to […]

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Press coverage for what’s App-enning at Lifetime!

Delivering a holistic financial wellbeing service to as many people as possible. That’s our mission. We are passionate about it. Having the necessary financial education can make such a difference! So we were delighted (and proud) to discover that The Yorkshire Post were keen to do a detailed report on what we are doing, that was published […]

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Mortgage lenders begin 2024 by cutting rates but millions of UK households still face rise in repayments

The average rate on a two-year fixed mortgage has fallen to its lowest level for nearly seven months, as lenders compete for custom. Financial information service Moneyfacts said the average rate had fallen from 5.92% to 5.87% in a day. Major lenders, such as the Halifax and HSBC, have begun 2024 with rate cuts, in […]

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Make your financial health a priority in 2024!

The first month of a new year is a great time to make a real effort to look after your own wellbeing – and that includes your financial health! You won’t be alone if you have made a few resolutions for the next 12 months or so. Lots of people will be in that frame […]

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Here’s wishing you a very happy Christmas – and a wonderful New Year!

Today is our last day before breaking up for the festive season, and all of us here at Lifetime would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas – and a wonderful New Year! For many it has been another tough year, with a number of things playing havoc with our emotional and financial wellbeing. […]

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Have you got Christmas covered?

The festive season is no longer on the horizon, it is almost here! It is a time of excitement, for young and old. Yet according to a new study by professional services organisation KPMG, over a third of UK consumers are planning to cut back on their Christmas gift spending. That is being put down […]

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Financial wellbeing goes hand in hand with stability

Financial wellbeing goes hand in hand with stability. And both are crucial when it comes to the workplace. They go a long, long way to helping people do their best work. They bring peace of mind, can boost confidence, and can propel productivity. Good leadership – and the determination and clear sightedness to put an […]

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The Government’s Autumn Statement – what does it all mean?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt has claimed that the government’s economic plan ‘is working’, but that the work is by no means done. Mr Hunt delivered his Autumn Statement to the House of Commons on Thursday afternoon (November 22) and appeared eager to tell his fellow MPs that the tide was turning in […]

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Lifetime shortlisted for Best Financial Wellbeing Service Provider

Lifetime has been shortlisted for another wellbeing award! The organisation is thrilled to be nominated for Best Financial Wellbeing Initiative 2023-24 in the Great British Workplace Wellbeing Awards. Employee engagement and wellness are rightly taking centre stage in the business world – and these prestigious awards, which have a number of different categories, recognises the […]

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Talking with a finance professional can help boost your wellbeing and happiness

November 6th 2023 is the start of this year’s #talkmoneyweek – and we want to highlight the importance of talking with a professional about your finances, so that you can be in control of your finances, and not the other way around! Financial wellbeing is essential for a happy and fulfilling future. It gives you […]

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The importance of alleviating stress in the workplace

Today is National Stress Awareness Day! And we’d like to highlight the importance of helping alleviate stress in the workplace.  Even in the most upbeat company cultures and environments, staff can still get stressed out about their personal finances. Don’t underestimate the impact of a compassionate approach! Learn how an innovative wellbeing initiative can address […]

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What are your priorities when it comes to your money

Two of the biggest things that financial planning can give you is clarity and understanding. And understanding your needs versus wants is important. The distinction between what you want and what you need is key. It is okay to buy the things you need, but when it comes to things that you only want, then […]

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Menopause can often have a negative affect and impact on a person’s financial wellbeing and security

Today is #worldmenopauseday – and we’d like to highlight how the menopause can often have an affect on someone’s finances. Menopause is a natural change in the balance of the body’s hormones that comes with age, but despite the millions of workers affected – indeed roughly 50% of the population – it can be misunderstood […]

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Join free webinar and discover ways of unlocking wellbeing in your workplace

  Employees who are financially stressed are more likely to experience health problems, mental health issues, and absenteeism. They are also less likely to be focused and motivated at work.  This forthcoming webinar by Lifetime is designed to help employers understand the benefits of investing in financial wellness for their employees.  In this webinar, you […]

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More sick days being taken by UK workers than at any time in last 10 years

UK workers are taking more sick days than at any point in the last 10 years, research by the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD) suggests. Staff took on average 7.8 sick days in the past year, according to the CIPD. That statistic is up from 5.8 days before the Covid-19 pandemic. The CIPD […]

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Having a financial plan can change your whole outlook on life

Welcome to World Financial Planning Day 2023! With many parts of the world, including the UK, experiencing economic strain and a seemingly constant battle with the cost of living, it is becoming more and more important to emphasise the positivity and wellbeing a flexible financial plan can bring to someone’s life. World Financial Planning Day […]

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Knife-edge decision sees Bank Of England keep interest base rate at 5.25%

The Bank of England today (Thursday, September 21st) chose to leave the UK’s interest rates unchanged at 5.25%. The Bank (BOE) had previously raised rates 14 times in a row, in a battle to bring down inflation. That had led to increases in mortgage payments, but also higher savings rates. It was tipped as being […]

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Making the right decisions that will bring protection for your loved ones

It is vitally important to have the knowledge and ability to make good decisions that will protect your family and loved ones if there is an unexpected/untimely death, illness or accident. For example, if you or your partner were unable to work would your household expenditure be covered? Lifetime’s specialists work with you to answer […]

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How to bring about a happier, healthier and more financially aware workforce

Even in the most upbeat company cultures and environments, staff can still get stressed out about their personal finances. When employees can’t focus on work due to the financial strain and worry they are under, it is not only they who suffer. Employers pay the price too, particularly when it comes to motivation, concentration and […]

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A financial plan; what is it, why it’s important and how can you get one

Finance professionals and experts often talk about having ‘a financial plan’. But just what is it? Why is it so important? And how can you get one? Well, the first thing to point out is that money is an important subject. It often plays a crucial part in how you live your life, now and […]

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Rise in money-related health issues

The latest research shows that half of doctors and other health and care professionals are reporting a rise in money-related health issues. And yet the majority of those dedicated health and care professionals feel they are unequipped to have such financial conversations with the patients affected. While they are tremendously talented and highly skilled in […]

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Lifetime attend Vivup Benefits Day to promote wellbeing in the workplace

Members of the Lifetime team attended the Vivup Benefits Day in Birmingham on Thursday (August 3rd). Our COO Andy Wealthall, along with colleagues Sarah Kewley and Georgia Ryder, were at the Lifetime stand, talking about the importance of financial wellbeing and education within the workplace. Andy also delivered a presentation explaining how Lifetime’s financial wellbeing […]

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Bank of England raises interest base rate by a further 0.25%

The UK’s interest rate has today (Thursday, August 3rd) been raised a further 0.25% by the Bank of England (BOE), to a new level of 5.25%. It is the 14th hike in a row and the last time the base rate was this high was over 15 years ago, back in April 2008. The reason […]

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Taking the high road for the people who need us

Taking the high road. As a financial services company, we have always championed the importance of putting customers first. Indeed, our core values are geared towards delivering the very best service we can for the people who ask for our help. We stand by the line: “If it’s not right for the client, then it’s […]

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Finding solutions for poor financial wellbeing

It is frightening when you see the damage that can result from poor financial wellbeing. We’ve seen it. That’s why we are passionate about delivering a solution. Wellbeing in the workplace is a hot topic. Employees are seeking help, and inaction is simply not an option anymore. A holistic financial wellbeing programme, established deep into […]

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Lifetime shortlisted in three categories for this year’s prestigious Workplace Savings and Benefits Awards

Lifetime is thrilled to have been shortlisted in three categories for this year’s Workplace Savings and Benefits Awards. The accolades, which recognise both employer and provider excellence, attracts many of the best and biggest organisations in the UK, as well as the most innovative, and the whole team at Lifetime are proud to have been […]

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There are clear benefits to workplace stability and wellbeing

Financial wellbeing goes hand in hand with stability. And both are crucial when it comes to the workplace. They go a long, long way to helping people do their best work. They bring peace of mind, can boost confidence, and can propel productivity. Employers need to be focused on helping their employees when it comes […]

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Unlucky 13 for many UK mortgage holders as interest rates continue to climb

It is unlucky 13 for some! At lunchtime on Thursday (June 22nd) the Bank of England (BoE) raised interest rates for the 13th time in a row. That was expected, but what did come as something of a surprise (and a pretty nasty one for those people on a variable rate mortgage) is that the […]

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Protection pay outs reached record high last year – but just what is protection insurance?

The total amount of protection pay outs for both individual and group protection policies hit £6.85bn in 2022, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and industry body Group Risk Development (GRiD). This is a relatively small increase from the previous record £6.8bn of pay outs by protection providers in 2021. Overall, providers paid […]

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Energy regulator announces July lowering of price cap

Around 27 million UK households can expect a modest drop in their energy bills from July, after the regulator Ofgem announced a lowering of the price cap. When the change comes into effect this summer people will see their average gas and electricity bills fall from the £2,500 a year level set by the government’s […]

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A look at deposit-free mortgages

For those people who are renting and struggling to save a cash deposit for a home, getting a mortgage can often seem like an absolute pipedream. However, the recent reintroduction of deposit-free deals could turn those dreams into reality. Deposit-free mortgages where there is no financial guarantor necessary have become available for the first time […]

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New report indicates millions of UK adults are struggling financially

More than 10 million adults in the UK are currently struggling with their bills. People are admitting to purposely eating less, cancelling insurance policies, using their savings to pay for fuel and food, cancelling any memberships they have, such as the gym, and obtaining credit, a study undertaken by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has […]

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Clear links between financial health and mental health

Today is the start of #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek2023. Talking about things that trouble you may help. But making people feel comfortable enough to talk is difficult. We fully appreciate that. Especially when the subject matter is deeply personal. However, over the last few years there has been huge progress when it comes to addressing the stigma associated with […]

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The pros and cons of buy now pay later schemes

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has consistently warned companies who offer ‘buy now pay later’ schemes that they must regularly warn consumers of the risk of debt. Failure to do so would be ‘misleading’ and at worst be a breach of regulatory rules, according to the FCA. Platforms such as Klarna, Clearpay and Laybuy have […]

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Lifetime’s fun-packed, activity-filled wellbeing event goes down a storm!

Lifetime are passionate advocates of wellbeing – and as such we are always looking at ways of ensuring that our people, and all those organisations we partner with, feel happy and valued within the workplace. On Wednesday afternoon we put our work commitments to one side for a few hours in order to enjoy a […]

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Experts eager deliver food for thought when it comes to wellbeing at work!

There is an in-person event coming up in a few months time that could well pique your interest, where there will be informative talks delivering plenty of food for thought! Passionate about helping organisations create thriving, vibrant workplaces, a group of experts are coming together to focus on the important topic of wellbeing. The Ways […]

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As a financial wellbeing company, how do we help?

Is your life full of big questions? We can help you find the answers. Not only that, but we’ll guide you towards your goals and ambitions too. As a financial wellbeing company, how do we help? Well, not only do we provide support, tools and financial education so that you can have a full understanding […]

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Be aware! Stress can play havoc with your emotional and financial wellbeing

Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992. The purpose of having such a month is to raise awareness of the causes and possible cures for such a burden on our mental health. Now, let’s face it, it appears that stress is affecting more and more people. We’ve had to endure a fair […]

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An employee’s financial wellbeing cannot be underestimated

During the current cost-of-living crisis employers are being urged to not lose sight of the wellbeing of their workforce. Indeed, the importance of an employee’s financial wellbeing cannot be underestimated. Here at Lifetime we know just how vital it is, and we have the statistics and benchmarking to prove it. For example: 89.15% of employees […]

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Being fully aware of the debt you have – and how you are dealing with it – is so important

Debt can happen to anyone. It is how we deal with it that can have a major impact on our lives. Owing money can be stressful. It can make us anxious and affect our mental wellbeing, as well as our financial wellbeing. This year’s Debt Awareness Week runs from Monday, March 20th to Saturday, March […]

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The Spring Budget – what does it mean for you and your finances?

Getting people into work, and keeping them there for longer, were central themes in the 2023 Spring Budget delivered by Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt to his fellow MPs in the House of Commons on Wednesday (March 15th). The cost of living also remained high on Mr Hunt’s agenda, with households continuing to feel […]

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Colour coordinated Lifetime ladies celebrate International Women’s Day 2023!

A colour coordinated group of Lifetime ladies got together to hold a lunchtime quiz, as they celebrated International Women’s Day 2023. The quiz was won by delighted Client Administration Manager Sheila Lynch. The Lifetime ladies were joined by supportive male colleagues to mark a notable day in the calendar. International Women’s Day is a global […]

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Just what is financial wellbeing?

What is financial wellbeing? Well, according to Google, ‘it is about making the most of your money from day to day, dealing with the unexpected, and being on track for a healthy financial future. In short: being financially resilient, confident and empowered.’ But like anything of this nature, there can be many interpretations of financial […]

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Lifetime webinar on those ‘tough conversations’

We have a new webinar on the way! We have teamed up with Mark Edmondson and Jo “Happiness” Howarth (she/her, anti-racist) to discuss how workplaces can have those tough conversations. Ranging from mental health, illness and financial hardship, our experts want to discuss how you can explore these topics in the workplace. Also featured will be Lifetime’s Commercial […]

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Employees are looking to benefit from financial wellbeing

Employees are looking for help. Inaction is not an option anymore. It is estimated that companies are losing 9-13% of what is spent on payroll, through poor productivity and absenteeism amongst other things. Employers are already faced with quite a few strong headwinds, such as inflation, rising costs, the after-effects of Covid-19 and a challenging […]

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Lifetime nominated for Customer Service in Yorkshire Choice Awards – and need your votes!

Lifetime are thrilled to have been nominated for the 2023 Yorkshire Choice Awards. Celebrating notable achievement in the white rose county, the nominations for the awards represent the most inspirational individuals, local organisations and aspiring entrepreneurs who have made a genuine impact. Lifetime has been nominated for the Customer Service Award, in recognition of our […]

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Bank of England again raise interest rates while households continue to grapple with cost-of-living crisis

Just as oil and gas giant Shell announce record profits, and UK households continue to struggle amid the harsh reality of a historic cost-of-living crisis, the Bank of England (BOE) has raised interest rates for the 10th time in a row. The BOE also admits that the UK economy will ‘fall slightly’ in 2023 but […]

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‘A very useful, high quality and accessible financial wellbeing service that everyone can benefit from’

Financial wellbeing is now recognised as the number one employee workplace benefit in the UK. Perhaps that’s not surprising, given the cost of living crisis and the soaring energy bills that has enveloped the country for the past 12 months or so. It is a crucial workplace offering to have, as employees are conceding that […]

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Your financial priorities often comes down to knowing what is truly important to you

Determining your financial priorities comes down to one critical thing – and that is knowing what is truly important to you. Your money is used as a tool to achieve those life goals. It is all about priorities – and getting the right ones in place, and in the right order. Your goals and ambitions […]

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Guidance and support is available to help you achieve a better money mindset

It’s January, the month of (late) dark mornings and (early) dark nights! It is also Friday, January 13th, with ‘Blue Monday’ just around the corner! Christmas and all those good vibes already seem a lifetime ago. The wet and miserable weather isn’t helping either, especially if you are feeling the chill and want to put […]

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A workplace financial wellbeing service can help employees answer their biggest questions, and face their fears

An employer cannot truly support their employees if they don’t know what help they really need. It is important to spend time ‘taking the temperature’ of your organisation, particularly when it comes to the welfare of your people. In order to fully plan ahead, and have a programme in place that puts employees’ wellbeing at […]

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Make this the year of your financial wellbeing!

The first month of a new year is a great time to make a real effort to look after your own wellbeing – and that includes your financial wellbeing! You won’t be alone if you have made a few resolutions for the next 12 months or so. Lots of people will be in that frame […]

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Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas – and a wonderful New Year!

As we count down to the ‘big day’, and hopefully finding out that ‘Santa’s been’, all of us here at Lifetime would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas – and a wonderful New Year! It has been a tough year, no doubt about it, with the cost of living crisis playing havoc with […]

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The time has come to make financial wellbeing work for everyone

There is no doubt that financial wellbeing is a benefit for employee and employer alike. That’s why we need to push it to the forefront of the conversation. Right now, as UK households grapple with rising costs, such financial insight, guidance and advice has never been more important. There are plenty of reasons why financial […]

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“Anyone struggling to make their mortgage payments needs to speak to their existing lender as soon as possible”

Mortgage rates climbed throughout 2022, as the Bank of England put up interest rates in their battle to bring down inflation. Those mortgage rates certainly rocketed skyward following Kwasi Kwarteng’s emergency mini-Budget on September 23rd. However, mortgage experts now say that they have stabilised since Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement on November 17th. Fresh data provided […]

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The Government’s Autumn Statement – what does it all mean?

The cost of living is soaring at its fastest rate for 40 years. The latest official figures for the cost of living showed that the annual inflation rate jumped to a 41-year high of 11.1% last month, in large part due to a 90% increase in domestic energy bills and rising food prices. In his […]

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Financial wellbeing is a subject that needs to be embraced – for the good of us all

Financial education plays an important role in helping people. Sadly, this isn’t something that we receive in our days at school, and as a result many people enter adulthood with very little knowledge of money matters. They find themselves having to learn as they go. That may be okay for some people, but not the […]

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Lifetime Employee Survey discovers what money issues your workforce is worrying about

As part of Lifetime’s ongoing efforts to get employees actively engaged with their finances (getting them to talk about their money and fully understand their financial situation), we produce an ‘Employee Survey’. It is used to ‘take the temperature’ of a workforce – and discover just what is on their minds when it comes to […]

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Talking about your money can bring big benefits – and lead to financial wellbeing!

This week is…..#TalkMoneyWeek! It is a week that has been designed to increase awareness about the benefits of talking about money. It aims to try and increase people’s sense of financial wellbeing by encouraging them to open up about their personal finances – from pocket money through to pensions. It is so, so important to […]

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Things we could do to ease stress – including seeking financial guidance!

Today is National Stress Awareness Day (held every year on the first Wednesday in November). Now, let’s face it, we have all had our fair share of stress days in 2022, what with the cost of living crisis and soaring energy and fuel bills. In these turbulent times, many companies and individuals are either wrestling […]

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A pension can play such an important role in your life

This week is #PensionAwarenessWeek. Here at Lifetime we heartily agree it is a subject that needs raising awareness of! Pensions can be a complex subject and we understand the importance a pension can play in someone’s life. Do you know what sort of pension you have? Do you know where your pension is situated? Do you […]

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Lifetime lands county crown as most customer-focused financial advisory firm

Lifetime has landed a top award for its customer service. The company has been named the Most Customer-Focused Financial Advisory Firm – South Yorkshire in the Northern Enterprise Awards 2022. The awards programme, run by hosted by SME News, celebrates organisations who work tirelessly to make financial services and advice a positive benefit to as […]

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Taking control of your retirement dreams

Every month, more than 10 million people in the UK attempt to squirrel away some money towards their retirement. Yet how many of us are confident that what we are saving is enough? Will there be sufficient money to retire when we want – and live how we want in later life? Surprisingly few people […]

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Why choose Lifetime as a financial wellbeing partner for your organisation?

Why choose Lifetime as a financial wellbeing partner for your organisation? Well…. We are specialists in workplace financial education, and have spent years answering the most important questions that employees have. We are passionate about bringing financial freedom and financial health to as many people as possible. Lifetime works closely with employers to deliver tailored […]

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Spending time to map out your finances is crucial ahead of any mortgage move

Spending time to map out your finances is a very worthwhile exercise ahead of any plans to acquire a mortgage. It is also advisable to seek out a reputable mortgage broker who can help steer you through to the right outcome. Increases in the Bank of England’s base rate don’t immediately translate into higher rates […]

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‘I feel the work Lifetime does is absolutely vital in the current financial climate’

Video and Animation Assistant Rowan Wolowacz has been with Lifetime for just over a month. How’s she finding it? Well…. “It’s wonderful to go to work each day and learn something new,” she says. “I’ve thrown myself in at the deep end surrounded by this incredible level of expertise and empathy. I feel more empowered […]

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Your mental heath can also be affected by your financial health

Today is World Mental Health Day. The theme for this year, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, is ‘Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority’. And we want to play our part in highlighting it! Your mental health is so, so important. It can affect how we feel, think and […]

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Financial education must come with answers to the big questions!

When it comes to financial education, there is lots of stuff out there that can be absorbed, consumed, assimilated, devoured. But people don’t want just more information to drown in! When a consumer looks for something specific on Google, or other search engines, they are not just after reams and reams of data on that […]

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Lifetime to deliver free financial wellbeing webinar

Lifetime are hosting a new webinar that is completely FREE for all attendees. The webinar focuses on financial wellbeing, specifically in the workplace, and how it affects both employees and employers. The webinar, which takes place on Thursday, October 6th at 10am, is hosted by Lifetime Commercial Development Director Andy Wealthall (pictured below) and will […]

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Lifetime announce partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK on World Alzheimer’s Day

To mark World Alzheimer’s Day (21 September), we have joined forces with the UK’s leading dementia research charity, Alzheimer’s Research UK. Our staff voted in favour of the dementia research charity to be their official charity partner, launching on World Alzheimer’s Day. Over the duration of the partnership, we’ve pledged to raise money to support […]

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A Will is a key component of your overall financial plan

When most people think of financial planning, they might be under the impression that just concerns investments, pensions or savings. No, no, no! A purpose-built financial plan is made up of many working parts that all fit together seamlessly. Such a plan should put your goals first and foremost. By clearly identifying and prioritising your […]

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A financial wellbeing programme can help with staff retention, acquisition and succession planning

Helping employees with financial management can ease the burden on HR professionals, some of whom may not be equipped to answer finance-related questions from staff. Using a financial management expert delivers value for the employee and in turn frees-up HR resources. Recruitment is expensive, especially in the current climate of a talent drought affecting many […]

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UK households finding it tough despite government plans for energy price guarantee

The UK is embroiled in a severe cost of living crisis, which has brought the need to have control over your finances into even sharper focus. But just what is a cost of living crisis? Why is it happening right now? And are you concerned how it is impacting on you? Such an event materialises […]

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Lifetime specialists on hand to steer you on the best course to enjoy retirement

The usual starting point when it comes to starting a plan for retirement is income and expenditure. However, it can often be difficult for people to envisage what their life will be like in say 10 or more years’ time. That’s why Lifetime has retirement planning professionals who use specialist software to give customers an […]

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Some wise words from Helen Stocker

During an in-depth chat with Lifetime, Helen Stocker, director of HR Delivered, fittingly delivered some words of wisdom. The conversation had centred on what employers need to start looking at when it comes to employee benefits. Namely financial wellbeing! “Employers often have really good general employee benefits but financial wellbeing benefits can often be overlooked. […]

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Six key family finance tips to follow for happiness and harmony!

Making time or even plucking up the courage to have a conversation about money and long-term goals can often be difficult, but working with a Lifetime coach can help you create a comprehensive, flexible plan that can include your immediate family and generations. Most family units face serious challenges when it comes to dealing with […]

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Making and sticking to a financial plan that will be beneficial for your growing family

When you find out you’re expecting, your focus is likely to be on getting your home ready for a new baby but you’ll need to make time to put your financial house in order too. A good starting point is to draw up a budget and make a list of all your current incomings and […]

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With inflation hitting a 40-year high more and more UK workers are feeling financial squeeze

With the news that the UK’s inflation rate jumped to 10.1 per cent in July – a 40-year high – more and more workers are feeling the financial squeeze. Over half of employees surveyed by Lifetime admitted to feeling stressed or worried about their current financial situation. The national press are tapping in to the […]

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Wise words to ponder on the subject of financial wellbeing

Wise words…. During an in-depth chat with Lifetime, Helen Stocker, director of HR Delivered, fittingly delivered some words of wisdom. The conversation had centred on what employers need to start looking at when it comes to employee benefits. Namely financial wellbeing! Helen’s words bear repeating, nay trumpeting – loud and clear! “Employers often have really […]

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Energy price rise warning piles even more pressure on struggling UK public

Energy bills will hit £4,266 for a typical household by January 2023 – piling even more pressure on the beleaguered UK public. That warning comes from consultancy firm Cornwall Insight. They say their higher estimate means that the average household are faced with paying a staggering £355 a month, instead of £164 a month currently. […]

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Lifetime’s 2022 Employee Survey raises some important issues

An employer cannot truly support their employees if they don’t know what help they really need. It is so important to listen to your employees. You listen to understand. That’s where Lifetime’s financial wellbeing service can help. It can bring clarity, education, focus and awareness. Oh, and positive action! Lifetime’s employee survey is a tremendous tool that can […]

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Biggest interest rate hike in 27 years as Bank of England warns of impending recession

After making the biggest hike to interest rates in 27 years, the Bank of England (BOE) has warned the UK is heading for a recession. Interest rates rose, for the sixth time in a row, to 1.75%, with inflation now set to hit over 13%. It is now being forecast that the UK economy will […]

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Employees acknowledge need to start planning for retirement – Lifetime survey

There are thousands of employees across the UK who readily admit that they ‘really need to start planning for retirement’. Yet a lot of those workers don’t know how to begin that sort of in-depth planning – or who to turn to for help, guidance and advice. That’s why it is vital that employers play […]

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Thousands of employees admit they ‘need to start planning for retirement’

There are thousands of employees across the UK who readily admit that they ‘really need to start planning for retirement’. Yet a lot of those workers don’t know how to begin that sort of in-depth planning – or who to turn to for help, guidance and advice. That’s why it is vital that employers play […]

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Zooming in and out certainly gives a sense of perspective!

Before I became a financial planner with Lifetime, writes James Fisher, I spent a year training to become secondary school science teacher.  While that turned out not to be the career for me, I certainly learnt a lot that I use to the current day. One of the things you soon find out as a […]

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What Lifetime can bring

Lifetime’s digital service delivers an enhanced level of financial planning – allowing you to fully understand your finances and make informed money choices. As passionate providers of this innovative financial wellbeing programme we promise to: Listen to your concerns, hopes and ambitions Explain the financial facts using simple language, not jargon Show you how to […]

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Cost of raising a child to the age of 18 is nearing £200,000 mark

The cost of raising a child to the age of 18 is heading towards the £200,000 mark. That’s according to the latest research from the Child Poverty Action Group. Since 2012 their annual cost of a child report looks at how much it costs families to provide a minimum socially acceptable standard of living for […]

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‘More and more first time buyers are being gifted deposits from family’

More and more first time buyers are turning to the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ – or even the so-called ‘Family Bank’ – to obtain the deposits they need to get on the property ladder. That’s the view of Lifetime mortgage adviser Scott Kershaw (pictured). Scott says: “I’m finding that more and more first time […]

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The desire to improve financial health is there but are employees being hampered by cost of living crisis?

Many people want to improve their financial health in 2022. A survey, carried out on behalf of abrdn investment company and taking in 2,000 UK adults, revealed that more than half (55%) were determined to get to grips with money matters so they would be in a better position. Yet those people – indeed, all of […]

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Survey suggests millions expect to be still paying off their mortgage when they reach 65

Millions of people in the UK expect to be still paying off their mortgage when they reach the age of 65, according to new research. And some of those people will be dipping into their pension pots to do so. The survey, undertaken for the LV= and Wellbeing Monitor, took in 4,000 UK adults, and […]

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Latest Google review talks of ‘total confidence that finances are in safe hands’

Here at Lifetime we strive to deliver the best service we can to every single one of our customers. We are passionate about helping them achieve financial health. That’s why we are delighted when we receive customer confirmation that what we set out to do is working…. Here is our latest Google review, kindly submitted […]

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Award-winning Lifetime named Workplace Financial Wellbeing Champion

Lifetime has landed a top award for its innovative financial wellbeing service. The company has been named Workplace Financial Wellbeing Champion of the Year (UK) in the Worldwide Finance Awards 2022. The awards programme, run by Acquisition International, celebrates organisations who work tirelessly to make financial services a powerhouse industry that can bring positive benefits […]

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Empowering employees to engage with their own financial journey

As specialist providers of workplace financial education and planning, Lifetime has spent years answering the most important questions that employees have, and is able to guide them all the way from hire to retire, with tailored support at each stage of their career. During the past couple of years we have revolutionised our financial wellbeing […]

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Lifetime’s plan in place to reduce concern over cost of financial advice

There are still quite a number of people unwilling to seek financial advice because they deem it too expensive. That’s according to a new survey conducted for Hargreaves Lansdown by Opinium. The report showed that nearly three in 10 consumers (29%) admitted that they would avoid taking financial advice because, in their mind, it is […]

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Lifetime mortgage adviser Scott can help you make sense of housing market

The average price of a UK home has topped £250,000 for the first time, but the housing market may be ‘starting to slow’. That’s according to property website Zoopla. The property organisation bases its monthly figures on a combination of sold prices, mortgage valuations and information and data on agreed sales. And it says that […]

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Rapid rise in the number of employees reporting a lack of financial wellbeing support

There is a rapid rise in the number of employees reporting a lack of financial wellbeing support in the workplace. That’s according to the results of BrightPlan’s 2022 Wellness Barometer Survey. The survey suggests that since 2021 there has been a significant increase in employees reporting financial stress. Seventy-two per cent of those employees surveyed […]

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Get a better picture of your financial health with the help of a Lifetime coach

Regardless of personal wealth, the question Lifetime’s coaches and financial specialists get asked most frequently by customers is some version of: “Will I be ok? Do I have enough?” It can cause all sorts of worry if you don’t know the answer! We want to help you get a better picture of your financial health […]

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Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice golf day raises £7,000 for patient care

The Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice golf day proved to be another huge success. The event, again hosted by Silkstone Golf Club, managed to raise a tremendous £7,000 that will go to supporting patient care. Twenty-two teams took part and Barnsley FC legend Barry Murphy put in an appearance to support the day. ‘Kitch’s Klowns’ emerged triumphant […]

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There needs to be real focus on the financial happiness of employees

Show your employees you’re serious about their financial future! Research undertaken by the CIPD over the last few years has shown that financial wellbeing is often overlooked by some organisations compared to physical and mental wellbeing. Yet money worries are a big cause of stress for employees. There needs to be real focus – and […]

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Financial wellbeing in the workplace can no longer be a dream luxury

Employees might hold back from discussing their finances at work because they may be unsure if it would benefit them to do so. Lifetime believe that with the right financial wellbeing programme in place then employees will begin to see the benefits with far more clarity. They will understand that help is on hand and […]

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Your financial health also affects your mental health

There’s an important theme running through this week. And we want to play our part in highlighting it! It is…..Mental Health Awareness Week! Your mental health is so, so important. It can affect how we feel, think and act. It can heavily influence our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. At Lifetime we believe that your […]

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Many UK adults are not planning for retirement or later life, new survey suggests

Three-quarters of UK adults have carried out little or no planning when it comes to the money they will need in later life and retirement. That’s according to a new report carried out by Standard Life. Their survey took in the thoughts and opinions of 5,000 18-91-year-olds in the UK. And 73% admitted that they […]

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Helping your employees gain full control of their financial lives

There are plenty of reasons why financial wellbeing should be on any HR agenda. Employees with money worries are more likely to be distracted by those worries while at work. They may also have sleepless nights, leading to days when they simply can’t face work. Providing an independent means through which they can seek answers […]

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A place to find the answers to your important financial questions

You’ve got a question. Perhaps more than one. They could well be one of these: When can I retire?    How much life insurance and protection do I need?        Where can I find a financial adviser? How much will I need when I retire?  Can I afford to see a financial adviser?   […]

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Talking money matters with a professional could help ease your stress levels

Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992. The purpose of having such a month is to raise awareness of the causes and possible cures for such a burden on our mental health. Now, let’s face it, it appears that stress is affecting more and more people. We’ve had to endure a couple […]

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Excellent feedback from Lifetime pension webinar

 “Thanks, lots to think about” “Thanks again…took away some good pointers” “Thank you, brilliant session!” “Please may I thank you for arranging this presentation. It was very well delivered and the team at Lifetime were very professional and knowledgeable” “Thought the info was good and ‘learning’” The above were just some of the comments we […]

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It is no joke, employees need help now

 Almost one in two UK adults (45%) don’t feel confident managing their money day to day. One in five people say their employer is not doing enough to support their financial wellbeing You may think that we are pulling your leg with these stats, considering it is April 1st, #aprilfoolsday! But sadly this is no April […]

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The Chancellor giveth and the Chancellor taketh away…..

By Lifetime financial planner James Fisher Good news if you’re driving to a job with a median wage – less so if you’re receive a State Pension or other benefits. It’s been a strange couple of years since Rishi Sunak took up the role of Chancellor of the Exchequer.  At first, many though he would […]

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Is it time to speak to an adviser?

There doesn’t seem to be a lot of good news flying about these days. And if there is, it is being swamped by all the bad! It is so tough at the moment. Soaring energy bills The rising cost of food Fuel prices skyrocketing Inflation going up and up Russia’s invasion of Ukraine destabilising the […]

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Five reasons why your employees’ financial wellbeing matters

Regardless of how the pandemic has affected your business, financial wellbeing and security has never been more important. Expectations have risen in so many areas of life. We demand flexibility, accessibility and knowledge on tap. Digital-first solutions – for home, health, work and leisure – are now the norm but not, until now, for financial […]

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Financial wellbeing has to be integral to a company’s benefits programme; is it part of yours?

Soaring energy bills. The rising cost of food. Fuel prices skyrocketing. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine destabilising the world. Covid-19 still rearing its ugly head. All these things have intensified financial concerns. It appears to be getting harder and harder for people to make their money stretch far enough to meet their ‘needs’, let alone their […]

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Protecting your most valuable assets cannot be wrong

A survey has shown that almost three-quarters of employees would would work harder for an employer that provided benefits that dealt with and supported their individual needs. The survey, carried out by MetLike UK, also found that two-thirds of employers are now reviewing the reward packages they offer their workforce. Employers and HR departments up […]

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A financial education and wellbeing service is a vital step to understanding people’s needs

Employers are waking up to the fact that in this uncertain world they have to do all they can to care for their people. In more and more numbers they are embracing the need to support their staff’s financial wellbeing. Those bosses taking this step realise that financial education and guidance has to be embedded […]

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Employees want to see their own wellbeing at the forefront of company policy

There is now greater emphasis than ever before on working flexibility, competitive compensation and wellbeing when it comes to an employer’s workforce. Caring companies are keen to look after their staff as much as possible. There is no doubt that the worldwide pandemic has accelerated the eagerness to adopt automation and digitalisation, as well as […]

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A fresh new-look Lifetime website!

It was the right time! For a bit of a refresh! Lifetime has put time and resources into establishing an innovative, online financial wellbeing service that offers a pathway for people to take control of their finances and make better informed money choices. And our new-look website makes it clear, to both the employers we […]

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What’s important to you?

What’s important in our lives? What do we want to be, have, or do in the future, for ourselves or our loved ones? Big questions! Those sorts of questions are also linked to our finances. You need to remember the answers you come up. Give yourself a constant reminder if necessary. For if you can […]

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One size doesn’t fit all – not when it comes to your people!

Every employee is an individual in their own right – and has different needs. It is so important to keep that in mind when it comes to your staff’s financial wellbeing. One size doesn’t fit all. Not when it comes to your people! Everyone’s life and circumstances are different, so no two financial needs are […]

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One in four employees say they lose sleep over financial concerns

Financial health affects mental health. Don’t you agree? One in four employees say they lose sleep about financial concerns and eight out of 10 take those worries into the workplace. Those are statistics we need to address! Employees with money worries are almost five times more likely to suffer from depression while four out of […]

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Make it the Year of the Plan!

The first month of a new year is a great time to make new plans – and that includes your financial plan! You won’t be alone if you have made a few resolutions for the next 12 months or so. Lots of people will be in that frame of mind at this time of year. […]

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Sixty is the most popular age to retire early – but do you know if you can actually achieve that aim?

Sixty is the most popular age to retire early. That’s according to research carried out by Aviva. One in four (25%) of workers surveyed said they intended to celebrate their 60th birthday by leaving the world of work behind. The biggest reason for heading into retirement at that particular time – given by 32% of […]

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How would you define financial wellbeing?

Planning and preparing for our own personal financial journey can boost wellbeing. That’s what the research tells us. But just what does the term ‘financial wellbeing’ mean to you? Lifetime’s National Business Development Manager Andy Wealthall (pictured) was asked how he would define financial wellbeing: “If you take a look there are lots of descriptions […]

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Do you actually know when you can afford to retire….?

In this day and age of pension freedoms, you can easily get confused by all the numerous options and avenues open to you regarding your retirement. Planning when to retire and how to pay for it can certainly be a daunting prospect. A large number of people expect to continue working – if they  are […]

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Feel the benefits of Lifetime’s Digital Service

People often seek financial advice because of a specific concern, such as doubts over a pension policy, but right at the heart of that need is one overriding thing: peace of mind. You want to make sure that you can live how you want without ever running out of money. That’s an important goal and […]

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Asking for help over money matters may lead to a stress-free future

Worrying about money is not limited to those with debt. People worry about saving for a home, the cost of raising a family, funding relatives in care, where to invest their savings, losing their job….just getting to the next payday…the list goes on. Your money is an important subject. It can play a key part […]

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Let’s make people feel comfortable and confident when talking about their money

Making people feel comfortable enough to talk. It’s difficult. Especially when the subject matter is deeply personal. Over the last few years there has been huge progress when it comes to addressing the stigma associated with mental health. That progress has been notable within the workplace. According to the Employer’s Guide to Financial Wellbeing 2020-21 (from […]

Majority of people are happy to continue with new way of interacting with their planners

Covid-19 has impacted so many lives, on different levels, for different reasons. People have certainly changed the way they now interact with financial experts. The statistics that have emerged from a new survey carried out on behalf of investment company Abrdn show that more and more people have embraced technology and are now more confident […]

Providing access to guidance, education and someone to talk to is one of the first steps to helping your people

In a poll by YouGov, more than a third of employed people admitted to missing out on a ‘good night’s sleep’ because of their money worries. That’s a statistic that Lifetime is working hard to change. We partner with employers to deliver help and guidance to employees when it comes to financial matters. The way […]

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Can’t see the wood for the trees? Let’s help…..

What’s that old saying…….’you can’t see the wood for the trees’. What does it really mean? Well, the main definition is that if someone can’t see the wood for the trees, ‘they are so involved in the details of something that they do not notice what is important about the thing as a whole’. That could […]

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Every generation of worker can benefit from a wellbeing service that offers financial planning

Employers want staff who are fully committed, engaged and productive in their work (certainly during their working hours). That’s totally understandable. But that equilibrium can be undermined if employees have money worries and fears that affect their mindset and wellbeing. Your workforce need to be happy and confident if they are to be committed and […]

Of the many things that can damage your mental health, money is one of the biggest

The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on October 10th each year. The official theme for 2021 is ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’. Mental health problems can affect anyone, at any moment. It is a vital issue ‘at the best of times’, but the need for support, guidance, help and advice has […]

Saving – and all it entails!

People often find it difficult to know where to start saving, how much you need to put away, and what that money will amount to in the future. The first thing you need to do is think about how long you want to save for. Is it for two to five years, perhaps for a […]

Financial wellbeing in the workplace can be achieved for the benefit of both employer and employee

When employees can’t focus on work due to the financial strain and worry they are under, it is not only they who suffer. Employers pay the price too, particularly when it comes to their workforce’s wellbeing. If that wellbeing is low, or, God forbid, non-existent, then motivation, concentration and productivity drop. Yet companies don’t have […]

A pension can play such an important role in someone’s life

This week is #PensionAwarenessWeek. Here at Lifetime we heartily agree it is a subject that needs raising awareness of! Pensions can be a complex subject and we understand the importance a pension can play in someone’s life. Do you know what sort of pension you have? Do you know where your pension is situated? Do […]

Taking control of your retirement planning

Taking control of your retirement. It’s by no means an easy thing to do, is it? In this day and age of pension freedoms, you can easily get confused by all the numerous options and avenues open to you regarding your retirement. And planning when to retire and how to pay for it can certainly […]

‘Just utterly brilliant’ – happy client hails Lifetime mortgage service

Our latest Google review centres on our mortgage service. Lifetime client Toby Foulds was delighted with the help and guidance he received from our mortgage adviser Scott Kershaw CeMAP. Toby wrote: “It’s taken me a while to get round to leaving this glowing review but that’s only because I’m too busy redecorating the house that […]

When free means free!

There’s not many people who talk freely about money. Yet here at Lifetime we make a habit of it! We believe that money, and what we do with it, is an important subject. One starting point is how much you have to pay out. Or not, as the case might be! Take Lifetime’s digital service. […]

‘You provide an excellent service that is understandable and honest’

Lifetime regularly ask the people we help (through the company’s client questionnaire) if our service has been of value. One female client, Deborah Black, kindly returned her form and her kind words (about Lifetime and in particular her adviser Paul Lee) reinforced our belief that ‘we are on the right track’ and our financial planning […]

Making people feel comfortable enough to talk about their finances

Making people feel comfortable enough to talk. It’s difficult. Especially when the subject matter is deeply personal. Over the last few years there has been huge progress when it comes to addressing the stigma associated with mental health. That progress has been notable within the workplace. According to the Employer’s Guide to Financial Wellbeing 2020-21 […]

My Lifetime financial planner offers invaluable help and advice when I most need it

Feedback is extremely welcome. Very useful too. Genuine feedback from customers or clients, whether good, bad, positive or negative, is always helpful. It is important information that can be used to make important decisions. The very best companies are where they are because they constantly search for ways to make their very best even better! […]

Mortgage help leads to glowing Google review

We are always grateful when someone engages with us and afterwards decides to leave a #googlereview. Our latest centres on the mortgage help we offer. It reads: “Lifetime Mortgage Adviser Ken Abbott has recently helped me with my second mortgage. Being self employed, getting a mortgage is never going to be straight forward but Ken has […]

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The time has come to make financial wellbeing work for everyone

There is no doubt that financial wellbeing is a benefit for employee and employer alike. That’s why we need to push it to the forefront of the conversation. Right now, as the government takes steps to lift the majority of Covid-19 restrictions, such financial insight, guidance and advice has never been more important. While some […]

The power of stability

Should employers be focused on helping their employees when it comes to stability? It’s a worthwhile question don’t you think? Stability is crucial when it concerns the workplace. It goes a long way to helping people do their best work. It brings peace of mind, it can boost confidence, it can propel productivity. Now some […]

Generation Xers, the time to act is now as new research suggests bleak retirement beckons

A bleak retirement beckons for many middle aged people, new research suggests. The research, carried out by the International Longevity Centre (ILC) on behalf of Standard Life, revealed that nearly one in three people aged between 40 and 55 are not saving nearly enough for the day when they finish work and begin their retirement […]

If you are asking Google ‘are pensions worth it?’ Here is Lifetime’s answer!

The FTAdviser published a story this week saying that many Britons seeking help with their finances have asked Google ‘Are pensions worth it?’ (https://lnkd.in/dvGNugb). This is Lifetime’s answer to the ‘Are pensions worth it?’ question (it makes up part of the FAQs section on our website, https://www.lifetime-fm.com/faqs/ In short – yes! One of the main benefits […]

Let us share true stories of life insurance benefits

A lot has been made over the past few days on the topic of life insurance. Putting protection policies in place for people has come in for criticism in certain quarters. Here at Lifetime we put our clients’ financial situation and financial wellbeing first and foremost. And, as financial planners, if we believe our clients […]

A stroke of luck it most certainly wasn’t, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel….

A stroke of luck it most certainly wasn’t… In fact, was a stroke of a much more debilitating nature. It came this morning, F.A.S.T – just as the tv advert warns it can. I had been fine up until that moment. Well, blood pressure was too high, but that’s a given, right? I was a […]

Employers: what is the impact of staff struggling to achieve their dream of purchasing their first home?

House asking prices have hit record levels across every part of the UK. That’s according to the June 2021 statistics released by property listings website Rightmove. The average price of properties now on the market rose by 0.8% to a third consecutive monthly record of £336,073, says Rightmove. The new record figure appears to be another […]

‘Too expensive’; ‘Getting advice is only for the wealthy’; Royal London research again reveals the need to debunk money myths

‘Getting financial advice is too expensive’. That’s the main reason why people don’t seek help and advice on their finances, according to recent research. The mutual life, pensions and investment company Royal London interviewed around 4,000 people and the research revealed a number of reasons why people do not engage with financial advisers. The biggest […]

From an employee’s point of view, a pay rise remains one of the clearest forms of measurement and ‘doing well’. But is it ‘the be all and end all?’

Imagine a caring employer. Keen to help and ensure staff enjoy emotional and financial wellbeing – so that they are happy in work and just as importantly out of it. The employer decides to implement a positive financial wellbeing benefits policy, and has stumped up the resources and money to make sure the service is […]

Client so grateful for help, guidance and kindness from financial planner Paul – and for Lifetime’s ‘wonderful service’

There are times when a financial adviser or financial planner can be so much more than just a professional person imparting their knowledge and expertise. Sometimes it goes beyond just merely giving that important advice on someone’s financial affairs – and can veer into territory where showing kindness, empathy, consideration and understanding can have such […]

‘Times have changed in our profession’ says Lifetime MD

The way financial advice is delivered has changed massively over the years. Certainly, over the last 12 months or more, financial advisers and planners have had to find new ways to support and help their clients. Here Lifetime MD Ian Dickinson (pictured) talks about the changes in our profession: “In the late 1980s and through […]

Lifetime clients delighted with digital service

Having people truly value what you do – and why you do it. They are things that businesses constantly strive for. At Lifetime we put our clients at the very centre of what we do. Helping them achieve what they want from their lives, via a flexible financial life plan, is something we are passionate […]

Lifetime delighted to promote financial wellbeing with conference sponsorship

Lifetime are committed to helping employers help their employees understand their financial choices, take control of their lives and make good decisions surrounding their money. That’s why we are delighted to be one of the sponsors of the 2021 Rewards and Benefits Conference which takes place tomorrow (Wednesday, May 12th). Many businesses have already realised […]

Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice golf day is a sell-out

The countdown to the 2021 Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice Golf Day is now well and truly on. The popular charity event, which is again being held at Silkstone Golf Club on Friday, May 14th, is a sell-out. As well as again being the main sponsor, Lifetime has also put forward a team, which will be led […]

Connect with your finances too!

Almost 8 in 10 UK employees take their money worries to work, affecting their performance.* And as well as affecting work performance, it must surely hit hard on an employee’s mental health and emotional wellbeing too. Today is the start of #mentalhealthawarenessweek2021. The theme this year is ‘Connect with nature’ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdDioDtjkis). Here at Lifetime we believe […]

We will help you get the answers to some very important questions

You’ve got a question. Perhaps more than one, a whole shedload! They could well be one of these: When can I retire?    How much life insurance and protection do I need?        Where can I find a financial adviser? How much will I need when I retire?  Can I afford to see […]

Remember, when it comes to financial planning, you are unique!

When it comes to financial planning there is something very important to remember. You are unique. You are different from everyone else out there. Your situation is different from that of your boss, your work colleagues, your next door neighbour, your close friends. So when it comes to looking at establishing your own financial plan, […]

Two thirds of people retiring this year risk running out of money, new survey suggests

Two thirds of this year’s retirees risk running out of money in the future. That’s according to a new study carried out for Standard Life Aberdeen. The research, undertaken by Censuswide in February, covered 2,000 UK adults who were either due to retire sometime in the next 12 months, or had retired in the past […]

A team that can help you land that mortgage

Here at Lifetime we have a dedicated Mortgage department who source and recommend the mortgage lenders that deal with intermediaries. Whether you’re buying your first home or moving up the housing ladder the time when you need a mortgage can be exciting.  However, choosing the mortgage for you can be daunting. Our experienced mortgage team […]

When the human touch can prove the difference in financial planning

The rise of robo-advice in financial services over the last decade has understandably coincided with the unceasing march of technology. There is no doubt that technology continues to transform every facet of our lives – and the financial sector is no different. Nowadays, if you so wish, you can become an investor with just a […]

Truth has the power to shock – but can lead to enlightenment and happiness!

  The quote above, credited to celebrated late-nineteenth-century French author Jules Renard, is an apt one when it comes to telling this tale. For truth indeed had the power to shock for two of Lifetime’s clients. Fortunately for them, that shock led to immediate change – and with that change came clarity, enlightenment and happiness. […]

Everyone’s financial situation is different – that’s why you need a service like this!

Lifetime help people understand what their money can and cannot do for them. We have vast experience in delivering innovative financial planning – life planning – to thousands of individuals, couples and families across the UK. We also partner with employers to bring financial understanding, clarity and wellbeing to their employees. This is done via […]

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Survey shows that pension and retirement, as well as savings, are what employees would like to ask about most

Lifetime recently conducted a survey amongst nearly 350 employees of an education provider and client in the North of England. One of the questions posed to the employees was: ‘If you could ask a financial expert anything what would it be?’ There were two subjects that came out easily the most popular. The first one […]

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When it comes to his finance story, the Bard of Barnsley is happy to let Lifetime do the talking for him!

Ian McMillan is an acclaimed English poet, writer, playwright, and broadcaster. He is well known for his strong and distinctive Yorkshire accent on such programmes as BBC Radio 3’s The Verb. He continues to live in Darfield, the village of his birth, and is a fervent, season-ticket holding fan of his hometown football club, Barnsley […]

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Spring clean your ‘too hard to do box’

Do you have a ‘too hard to do box’? Is it full of important papers and documents that you can’t bear to look at, or simply don’t want to? The ‘too hard to do box’ might actually be in the form of a biscuit tin, a ring binder, or even a messy drawer. Whatever it […]

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‘Steve always explains things well and puts us at ease’

Our pension specialist Steve Lambarth (pictured) has received lovely feedback from Lifetime client Nick Boothroyd, who responded to the following questions: How was the interaction with your financial planner? Did they put you at ease and explain things in a way that resulted in understanding and reassurance? “Yes, absolutely. Steve always explains things well and […]

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Hands up if you are the person with a ‘too difficult to deal with’ carrier bag, biscuit tin or shoe box!

Hands up if you are the person with a ‘too difficult to deal with’ carrier bag, biscuit tin or shoe box – which contains all the information you have about your money. There are thousands, perhaps millions of you out there, all putting the latest pension or mortgage statement into that ‘difficult’ box without having […]

Five-star feedback for Lifetime financial planner Robert reinforces ‘why we do what we do’…..

There are times when a financial adviser or financial planner can be so much more than just a professional person imparting their knowledge, and giving advice. They can also be a trusted human being to turn to in a time of need. Lifetime financial planner Robert Bligh (pictured below) was the ‘trusted human being’ who […]

Lifetime Managing Director Ian Dickinson being filmed.

MD Ian Dickinson is Lifetime video star!

Managing Director Ian Dickinson was the  ‘video star’ in the latest of Lifetime’s filming projects. Ian proved a bit of a natural in front of the camera as he talked freely about himself, and the company he started two decades ago. What clearly comes through is Ian’s continued passion for helping people via Lifetime’s financial […]

Young adults potentially face 12 years shortfall when it comes to retirement cash according to survey

Research carried out by Aegon has suggested that young adults face a significant financial shortfall by the time they come to retirement. The survey also revealed that only 20% of young adults feel they are on course to achieve the income they need in retirement. The Aegon Retirement Readiness Survey 2020: Young adults reinventing life, work, […]

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Lifetime link-up with Academy Trust receiving attention

Lifetime’s link-up with Hoyland Common Academy Trust is receiving attention in the financial press. The online publication ftadviser.com has reported on the partnership, which sees Lifetime provide financial education and guidance to HCAT employees. So too has Best Advice, with a story written by Kevin Rose. Financial management company Lifetime, through the launch of its […]

Helping people secure their mortgage brings great job satisfaction

Helping people land a mortgage brings a real buzz to the Lifetime team. That’s according to our Mortgage department manager Michelle Youel. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic playing havoc with the lives of so many people, Michelle (pictured) says that over the last 12 months she and the dedicated Lifetime mortgage team have still managed to […]

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Free financial video shows Lifetime customer is on the right path

We passionately believe that financial guidance has never been as important as it is right now. That is why the Lifetime digital service was launched, to help people take control of their future, and make informed decisions that could boost their emotional and financial wellbeing. That help and guidance proved decisive for one lady who […]

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Sign up for our free webinar: ‘Five surprising ways to take back control of 2021’  

Financial wellbeing is a topic close to our heart and for many people it has already been a tough start to the year. So, with this in mind, our next webinar (27th January) will focus on ‘Five surprising ways to take back control of 2021’. In this webinar we will be revealing our top five […]

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The two Steves helping Lifetime clients feel confident!

One of Lifetime’s core values is ‘Ownership’. For us that means that: We consider the impact on our colleagues and clients in every decision we make. We care about our business and take pride in delivering great service and quality for our customers. We are passionate and take responsibility to: “think bigger than ourselves”. We […]

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Brian’s expert guidance and advice appreciated by new Lifetime clients

Financial planner Bran Howard (pictured) has been helping some new Lifetime clients deal with their financial affairs. Brian takes up the story: “Unfortunately, a close relative (and a Lifetime client) had passed away unexpectedly, but had left them with a sizeable sum of money and property. “The initial Lifetime client’s Transact pension has been transferred […]

Lifetime adviser Brian on helping widow deal with late husband’s finances

A financial adviser can be so much more than just a professional person giving advice. They can be also be someone to turn to in a time of need. Lifetime financial planner Brian Howard (pictured) was just such a person for one particular client. Brian explains: “I looked after the husband and wife, but unfortunately […]

Help from a financial planner can be so powerful – especially in trying times

The help given by a financial planner can be so powerful – especially in times of need. That was certainly the case for clients of Lifetime adviser Steve Baskind (pictured). Steve first met the clients, a husband and wife, in the autumn of 2019. The wife, aged 60, was unfortunately diagnosed with a terminal illness. […]

Explaining how to apply for a POA refund

In this video, Lifetime financial planner James Fisher explains how to apply for a Power of Attorney refund, if you are eligible:    

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The power of planning

The impact that a helping hand can have was clearly illustrated this week, when Lifetime financial planner Steve Baskind took one of his clients through a meeting via zoom. Steve says: “The client is 53 and looking to retire in a couple of years. His wife also wants to retire in the not too distant […]

Lifetime MD Ian Dickinson

‘Advice needs a reboot, not a robot’ – Lifetime MD Ian Dickinson speaks in Professional Adviser

“Now as never before, we need to ask ourselves what future we want, and how we position ourselves for it now……advice needs a reboot, not a robot.” Lifetime Managing Director Ian Dickinson (pictured) has been speaking to Professional Adviser, in a piece where he shares his insight on the opportunities for rejuvenation in the financial advice […]

Meet our new charity partners

Lifetime has always been passionate about helping people. Part of that ethos is giving something back. Our referral scheme was born out of that eagerness to make a difference where we could, and we chose hospices as the beneficiaries as this was something that appealed very strongly to both Lifetime staff and our loyal clients. […]

Importance of financial wellbeing hitting the news!

If your financial wellbeing is poor, or downright bad, there can be a number of worrying reactions. Low financial wellbeing could trigger severe mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, high blood pressure and stress. Indeed, money-related stress can really impact on your ability to be happy or healthy, both mentally and physically, either in work […]

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Free Lifetime webinar for financial advisers: Overcoming the challenges of client servicing

Calling all financial advisers! We have another free webinar coming up covering a very important topic. ‘Overcoming the challenges of client servicing. What’s the solution?’  In this busy world, and in light of COVID-19, the pressure on advisers to service every single one of their clients has probably increased. Does this mean that advisers are […]

Lifetime director and pension specialist Rupert Smith.

Lifetime webinar now available on-demand

If you missed Lifetime’s free webinar, ‘The Impact of COVID-19 on Pension Planning’ on 26th November 2020 then don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We have saved it safely away and made it available for you on-demand! Should you like to listen to what our director and pension specialist Rupert Smith had to say, or […]

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Sign up now for November Lifetime webinar

We only have a few days to go before our free webinar ‘The Impact of COVID-19 on Pension Planning’. This is a gentle reminder to secure your spot if you haven’t already done so, using the ‘register your place’ link below. Lifetime director and pensions specialist Rupert Smith will discuss the impact that the worldwide […]

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Twenty-five UK hospices have now benefitted from Lifetime referral scheme

The number of hospices that have received a cash boost from Lifetime’s referral scheme has now risen to 25. The latest to join the list is The Prince of Wales hospice in Pontefract, West Yorkshire. Lifetime has loyal clients throughout the UK and, as of 19/11/2020, the hugely successful referral scheme has now raised £40,347.46. […]

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Money gap between retirees who take financial advice and those that don’t

There is a noticeable money gap between retirees who take financial advice and those that don’t. That’s according to a study done by a think tank from the International Longevity Centre UK (ILC). The report says that retirees who take financial advice are, on average, £47,000 better off in their retirement years than those people […]

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Free Lifetime webinar: Has COVID-19 impacted on pension planning?

As part of Lifetime’s ongoing commitment to helping people truly understand their financial picture, we are delighted to launch the details of our new webinar, which focuses on a very relevant topic. Has COVID-19 impacted on pension planning?  Is it really all bad? Lifetime director and pensions specialist Rupert Smith will discuss the impacts that […]

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It is your money, your life, your story……talk about it

This week is…..#TalkMoneyWeek! It is a week that has been designed to increase awareness about the benefits of talking about money. It aims to try and increase people’s sense of financial wellbeing by encouraging them to open up about their personal finances – from pocket money through to pensions. It is so, so important to […]

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Lifetime’s personal touch….personified by Paul!

By Andrew Lodge The picture that goes with this article is of Paul Lee, one of Lifetime’s great team of financial planners. Now, I like the man, I think he is a lovely human being, who happens to be damn good at his job. Helping people comes so naturally to him. And, guess what? I’m […]

Lifetime advisers and staff available for customers and clients during new lockdown

All our lives are in some sort of upheaval due to the resurgent spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19). From tomorrow people in England will enter a new national lockdown that is initially set to run until December 2. We know that people are anxious right now, including our clients. Even those who have a long-term, trusted […]

Our clients talk and we listen.

Things we could do to ease stress – including seeking financial guidance!

Today is the start of International Stress Awareness Week, which incorporates National Stress Awareness Day (held every year on the first Wednesday in November). Now, let’s face it, we have all had our fair share of stress days in 2020. No question, it has been a sure-fire stress year! Covid-19 has wreaked havoc with our […]

A financial plan can bring you answers

You’ve got a question. Perhaps more than one. They could well be one of these: When can I retire?    How much life insurance and protection do I need?        Where can I find a financial adviser? How much will I need when I retire?  Can I afford to see a financial adviser?   […]

Lifetime named in top 100 Financial Advisers for 2020

Lifetime is committed to delivering a great service to the people who need us – a service where help and financial guidance go hand in hand with expert financial advice. Making a customer’s financial journey with us a truly worthwhile experience is of the utmost importance. It is something we are passionate about. So it […]

Millions of self-employed workers not saving sufficiently for their retirement

More than 3.5 million self-employed workers in the UK are not paying into a private pension to fund their retirement plans. That’s according to a new study from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS). What emerges most from the study is the clear warning that saving among the self-employed has dramatically declined over the past […]

That warm feeling when you know you are helping someone

Everyone at Lifetime is committed to helping people; being of value. We are passionate about it. It runs through everything we do, as people and as a company. That is why, this morning, we have a bit of a warm glow. The reason? Well, we have received a fantastic 5-star Google review from a lady […]

The steps you will take alongside a Lifetime customer coach

People most often seek financial advice when they realise they need it. It is extremely rare that they look for it on a whim. For financial service companies who put customers and clients at the very centre of what they do,  it is crucial that they are there, visible, available and willing for when the […]

Our clients talk and we listen.

Emotional and financial wellbeing boosted by contact with advisers

Financial wellbeing. Emotional wellbeing. Both are popular phrases, often used as buzzwords. As the Coronavirus-hit year of 2020 draws nearer to a close they are words that need to seep into the very fabric of our society, our collective souls. We all want to be happy in our lives. Here at Lifetime we believe that […]

A good time to get help understanding your pension

Majority ‘not sure’ about their retirement, Lifetime poll shows

There is a worryingly large number of people who are ‘not sure at all’ what their retirement will look like, a Lifetime poll has indicated. The poll, carried out for a week across our Twitter and Linkedin social media platforms, was titled ‘Are you confident about your retirement?’. There were two options: ‘yes, I’ve got […]

Our clients talk and we listen.

Stories can be so powerful, they matter, and that is why we love listening to our clients

By Andrew Lodge Stories can be so influential, compelling, beautiful even. They can be heartrending too. True stories carry a particularly potent power all of their own. In essence, they matter. We are not alone in that viewpoint. Tyrion Lannister of Game of Thrones fame clearly thinks the same. He (or should that be George […]

We can answer your important financial questions

You’ve got a question. Perhaps more than one. They could well be one of these: When can I retire?    How much life insurance and protection do I need?        Where can I find a financial adviser? How much will I need when I retire?  Can I afford to see a financial adviser?   […]

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New arrival Andy is ‘excited’ about finance – and making dreams come true!

In his own words, Lifetime’s new National Business Development Manager Andy Wealthall reveals what is getting him excited about his change in career: I am not an expert when it comes to writing articles, or producing a post. So I don’t really know about what is best to write; something short and sweet, or something […]

Lifetime can help explain the Pension Savings Statement

Members of public sector pension schemes may soon receive a Pension Savings Statement (PSS). The statement focuses heavily on the Annual Allowance, which is the maximum value of the growth in your pension savings each year that can benefit from tax relief. High income individuals may be subject to a tapered Annual Allowance. If you […]

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Lifetime’s hospice referral scheme passes 40k mark

Lifetime’s hospice referral scheme has broken the £40,000 barrier. The latest cash donation took the company’s referral scheme total to £40,062 – spread around 24 different hospices in the UK. Lifetime launched their referral scheme initiative after a friend of managing director Ian Dickinson was cared for by his local hospice. Ian said: “That left […]

Receiving professional financial advice boosts a person’s emotional wellbeing, survey shows

Receiving professional financial advice boosts a person’s emotional wellbeing, especially in times of crisis, new research has revealed. The research, carried out on behalf of Royal London, also showed that an ongoing relationship a financial adviser provides the most benefit. The Royal London survey stated that around 17 million people in the UK (26% of […]

It is Pension Awareness Week – a good time to get help understanding your pension

This week is #PensionAwarenessWeek, with particular focus on Tuesday, September 15th which is classed as the main Pension Awareness Day. Here at Lifetime we heartily agree it is a subject that needs raising awareness of! Pensions can be a complex subject and we understand the importance a pension can play in someone’s life. Do you […]

Hi, I'm flo, Lifetime's financial guide. I am also known as a financial bucket!

What is a financial bucket?

What is meant by the term ‘financial bucket’? Well, it is a visual concept financial planners like Lifetime use to help clients understand their money. Your financial bucket has in it all of the money you could easily get your hands on. By understanding what’s in there, and how your money flows in and out, […]

Welcome to Lifetime’s new website – and our financial guide flo!

Welcome to Lifetime’s new website, featuring our financial guide flo! We have put time and resources into establishing an innovative, online service that offers a pathway for people to take control of their finances and make better informed money choices. This accessible digital service is for everyone who wants to understand their financial picture – […]

Google? Alexa? Why not ask flo? She may just have the answers you’re seeking….

You've made the decision. Given yourself the go-ahead, the necessary nudge. You have turned on your computer, or brought your mobile phone to life, and headed for the search bar. Let's admit, it is probably Google! Or you may have cut out the 'middle man' and gone straight to Alexa! The majority of times it [...]

A sporting coach, business coach, life coach; why not a ‘money coach’?

There are coaches in sport. There are business coaches. In fact, there are a whole slew of different coaches, for different goals, environments A personal coach, a career coach, a life coach, an executive coach, a leadership coach, a team coach. The list goes on….. And yet you don’t come across many ‘money coaches’; financial [...]

Lifetime-sponsored hospice golf day set to tee off

The 2020 Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice Golf Day is almost here. The teams are all set to tee off in the popular charity event, which is again being held at Silkstone Golf Club, on Friday, August 21 (12 noon start). All the Covid-19 guidelines have been followed in order for the event to take place – [...]

Majority of working adults admit to not understanding enough about their pension – ONS survey

The majority of working adults admit to not understanding enough about pensions to make important decisions about their retirement. That is according to new data emerging from the Office of National Statistics. The Wealth and Assets survey carried out by the ONS revealed that only 44 per cent of working adults felt they had enough [...]

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Lifetime financial planner Kris achieves chartered status

It took him two years to complete but Lifetime financial planner Kris Booth is now celebrating – after achieving chartered status. Kris (pictured right) chose the PFS route (through the London Institute of Banking and Finance) and took four exams in total – studying six months for each. The exams consisted of: Pension Transfers (Assignment [...]

Bassetlaw Hospice

Bassetlaw becomes 24th UK hospice to receive donation from Lifetime referral scheme

Lifetime’s highly successful referral scheme has now given donations to 24 different hospices in the UK. The latest hospice to receive a cash boost is Bassetlaw in Retford, Nottinghamshire (pictured) The cheque to Bassetlaw has lifted the total number of Lifetime referral scheme donations to over £39,950. The foundation of our financial management business has [...]

Research suggests Gen Xers do not have enough savings to fund retirement

UK residents aged between 40-55, often referred to as Generation X, have not enough pension and investment savings to fund even a modest retirement. That is according to research carried out by Dunstan Thomas. The research also revealed that 10% of the Generation Xers that were surveyed claim to have no pension whatsoever. Other alarming [...]

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Lifetime offices closed but ‘business goes on’ and clients can contact financial planners and staff

All our lives are in some sort of upheaval due to the rapid spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19). We know that people are anxious right now, including our clients. Even those who have a long-term, trusted relationship with their Lifetime financial planner may be concerned about their money and investments, as the Coronavirus continues to [...]

LifeStrategy – The Journey Continues…..

As we enter the fifth week of ‘lockdown’ caused by the Coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis, we thought it important to update you with a little of the information available to us through our various professional bodies. As I’m sure you will appreciate, it is extremely difficult to assess the likely timescale for the current situation but [...]

Lifetime clients appreciate message of support and guidance

Lifetime has been communicating regularly with clients during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis, either by email, telephone or video technology, and the messages of support and guidance we have issued have been very much appreciated. It is ‘business as usual’ for the company, with the majority of our financial planners, pension specialists, mortgage advisers, communication team […]

Lifetime’s case for Vanguard LifeStrategy

Following the communication earlier this week regarding discipline being one of an investor’s greatest ‘weapons’ we thought it would be beneficial to impart some of the very latest information provided by Vanguard to the United Kingdom’s adviser force via a webinar on 26th March 2020. As we previously stated, the ability to ‘sit tight’ in [...]

Wrap platform Transact ‘resilient and financially strong’

One of our main wrap platforms of choice, Transact, has issued words of encouragement during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. Transact released a statement which read: “We are continuing to review and implement guidance as it is received from the government. All of our staff are now working from home. “Our priorities remain the welfare of […]

If you have to self-isolate use any spare time to get your finances in order

If, like me, you and a lot of your colleagues, and indeed some of your employers, have made the sensible decision to go into self-isolation during this chaotic time, you may now be faced with the reality of being home day after day. Though you may have relished the idea during those stressful days at […]

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Message of support to our clients in these turbulent times

The Coronavirus (Covid-19) has introduced real uncertainty and trepidation into economies and markets. We fully understand investors’ concerns about the potential effects of the coronavirus outbreak on their money. Yet there are reasons why investors should remain disciplined. A Lifetime director received a message from a client, through our secure online portal, stating they were […]

Coronavirus update from Lifetime

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – an update from Lifetime

We are living in unprecedented times – and sometimes that leads to unprecedented steps. We know that people are anxious right now, including our clients. Even those who have a long-term, trusted relationship with their Lifetime financial planner may be concerned about their money and investments, as the Coronavirus continues to impact the UK and […]

Lifetime financial planning

‘In times like these many people start to think about their protection needs’

‘Lifetime will find a way to help people sort out their protection cover’ says financial planner Robert Bligh. Robert (pictured), who is based in Lifetime’s Driffield office, has urged people to make sure they have the necessary protection policies in place. He says: “In times like these many people start to think about their protection […]

Lifetimer Liam chalks up RO5 exam success

Lifetimer Liam Burnett is a delighted young man this week – after passing the RO5 finance exam. The RO5 exam focuses on financial protection and forms part of the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. Research Administrator Liam, who is on his placement year from university, was rewarded for all his study work with an exam […]

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Let Flo help find answers to those important questions you keep asking yourself

People often seek financial advice because of a specific issue, such as a concern over a pension policy, but right at the heart of that need is one overriding thing: peace of mind. It is an important goal and what cash flow financial modelling is all about. Are these the sort of questions you keep [...]

Survey suggests one in five people are ‘in the dark’ about their pensions

Almost one in five people (19%) never access information about their pensions. That is according to a survey carried out by Populus for the ABI. The survey, which was undertaken in November 2019, covered 2,008 consumers. It found that many people were in the dark about their pension pots – and could potentially miss out […]

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Miles all smiles as he completes Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning!

Lifetimer Miles Myers is one very happy young man – after receiving the fantastic news that he has passed his last Financial Planning exam. A delighted Miles (pictured below) learned on Friday morning that he successfully passed the RO6 exam – and has now completed the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. He is now a […]

Coronavirus and the impact on global markets

We came across this article, written by Christopher Cowell of Seven Investment Management, on the subject of the coronavirus outbreak and the economic and financial impact of the epidemic. The article is slanted towards the investment side of things but also contains some very useful general information. We felt that both aspects may be of […]

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More than a quarter of people in their 50s do not fully understand their retirement options, survey suggests

More than a quarter of people in their 50s do not understand the retirement options available to them when they hit 55. That is according to fresh research carried out by Fidelity. The survey results, which have been announced ahead of April’s five-year anniversary of the introduction of pension freedoms, revealed that 26 per cent […]

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A digital planning process aimed at giving you better informed money choices

Technology is transforming every facet of our lives and we believe that a new era of financial planning is upon us. As one of Lifetime’s core values is Innovation, we have put time and resources into establishing a dynamic, digital service that can combine our more traditional face-to-face proposition with another pathway for clients to […]

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What is meant by the term ‘Financial Planning’?

Financial planning is an ongoing process that helps you make sensible decisions about money, so that you achieve your goals in life. It is about getting organised. It is far better to be in control of your finances rather than letting those finances control you. Many people find their finances confusing, aren’t sure where they […]

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Lifetimer Anji delighted with RO5 exam success

Lifetime trainee financial planner Anji Ward has been studying hard for the past few months – and that work has paid off with a terrific exam success. Anji (pictured below), who is based at our Driffield office along with financial planners Robert Bligh and Kris Ward, has passed the RO5 (Financial Protection) paper. Well done Anji! Many congratulations!

Lifetime director William Bottomley hands over hospice referral scheme cheque to Simon Atkinson of Barnsley Hospice.

Another cash boost for Barnsley Hospice from Lifetime referral scheme

Lifetime’s highly successful referral scheme has resulted in another cash boost for Barnsley Hospice. The hospice’s corporate fundraiser Simon Atkinson was a welcome visitor to Lifetime House on Tuesday morning to receive a cheque for £198.02 from our director William Bottomley (pictured below). The foundation of our financial management business has always been the relationships […]

Lifetime thrilled to be named in Financial Advisers top 100 for 2019

Lifetime is committed to delivering a great financial planning service to our clients. Making their journey with us a truly great experience is paramount. So it is lovely to be included as one of the top 100 Financial Advisers 2019, according to ftadviser.com Everyone at Lifetime can be proud of this latest recognition – and we are […]

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Lifetimer Joseph passes R01 finance exam

Lifetime trainee financial planner Joseph Dickinson is celebrating exam success. On Tuesday morning Joseph (pictured below) passed the R01 financial services, regulation and ethics exam.    Many congratulations Joseph!  

The need to understand our financial picture

How times have changed! The responsibility of managing your finances, and that of your family, has never been more onerous than at this present time! In years gone by the majority of companies offered pension schemes that were fully managed by Trustees. If you were a member of one of those schemes then you had […]

Have you been asking yourself ‘when can I retire?’

When can I retire? Quite often it can be hard to imagine life in retirement. It is even trickier figuring out how to achieve it. You have a limited time to plan for your future and so you need to make sure that you make the right decisions during your working life. Have you been […]

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Lifetimer Danny delighted with RO5 exam success

Lifetimer Danny North is one very delighted young man! Danny (pictured below) has been studying hard in the last few months – and that work has paid off with a terrific exam success. Danny has passed his RO5 (Financial Protection) paper. Well done Danny! Many congratulations!

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Lifetime seeking new member of communications team

Lifetime is seeking fresh inspiration in the form of a new member of our communications team. Based at our Barnsley headquarters, we want someone with individual flair, allied with a tremendous team ethos, who has a love of words and the ability and imagination to communicate our message to current and potential clients. The full-time role [...]

Trainee financial planner Miles passes RO4 exam

Trainee financial planner Miles Myers (pictured below) is a delighted young man this week – after passing the RO4 finance exam. The RO4 exam focuses on pensions and retirement planning, and forms a part of the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning which Lifetimer Miles is successfully powering  towards. He was rewarded for all his study work with an exam pass on Tuesday. Many congratulations Miles! Onwards and upwards!

A Lifetime financial planner acts as a guide, coach, mentor and friend

A proper financial plan – a life plan – is something that we all should look to put in place. At Lifetime our financial planners act as a guide, coach, mentor, friend and confidant to their clients. Many people come to us looking for help with a specific issue, yet they soon come to realise that we […]

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Meet Flo, your financial bucket!

Many people find their finances confusing, aren’t sure where they are headed or would like a little more guidance on how to manage their money. They wonder when they can retire, how their family would cope if they were unable to work or whether they can afford to make their big plans for the future […]

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‘Lifetime offered a great experience’ – Mortgage team receive glowing Google review

The Lifetime Mortgage team has received a glowing testimonial on Google from a delighted client. Anthony Henry rated the service a full five stars and gave particular praise to the sterling work put in by Mortgage Adviser Ken Abbott and Mortgage Manager Michelle Youel (both pictured below). Mr Henry enthused: “As first time buyers the process […]

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Taking control of your retirement planning

Taking control of your retirement. It’s by no means an easy thing to do, is it? In this day and age of pension freedoms, you can easily get confused by all the numerous options and avenues open to you regarding your retirement. And planning when to retire and how to pay for it can certainly […]

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‘Lifetime opportunity’ for those people seeking financial advice

A ‘Lifetime opportunity’ awaits those frustrated people in the UK who are struggling to get financial advice. Financial management company Lifetime are sending out the message ‘we are here, come and talk to us’ following the results of research by IFA network Openwork, which has revealed that there is a real demand for financial advice. […]

Lifetime colleagues come together to mark retirement of financial planner Jen

The Lifetimers came together on Friday afternoon to mark the retirement of chartered financial planner Jennifer Broadhead. Jen (pictured below) has been a popular figure at the company since her arrival in October 2016 – and colleagues were determined not to see her leave without letting her know of their high regard. And keen baker Jen […]

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Lifetimer James passes Long Term Care Insurance exam

Lifetime financial planner James Fisher has chalked up another notable exam success. James (pictured below) passed the CII’s CF8 (Long Term Care Insurance) exam, adding another string to his already impressive financial bow! Well done James!

Lifetime seeking telephone appointment maker

Lifetime is seeking fresh inspiration in the form of a new telephone appointment maker. We want someone with a warm, welcoming personality who wants to progress and thrive with a dynamic, forward-thinking financial management company. Working hours (Monday to Friday) would consist of: 9am to 5pm (three days) and 11am to 7pm (two days). The […]

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Lifetimer Danny delighted by RO1 finance exam success

Delight is the order of the day for Lifetimer Danny North. Danny (pictured below) is following his dream of becoming a financial planner and has been given the news that he has passed the RO1 finance exam. Well done Danny!

Lifetimer Ken clocks up the coastal miles in 'mighty hike' for charity

Lifetimer Ken clocks up the coastal miles in ‘mighty hike’ for charity

Lifetime Mortgage Adviser Ken Abbot clocked up the coastal miles on Saturday – all for a great cause. Ken (pictured below) took part in one of Macmillan Cancer Care’s Mighty Hikes. This particular hike was from Weymouth to Wareham along the challenging but magnificent Jurassic Coast, England’s first natural World Heritage site. Ken said: “I managed to […]

Loyal Lifetime clients helping boost hospice coffers

Loyal clients helping Lifetime boost hospice coffers

Lifetime’s loyal clients continue to help the Yorkshire-based financial management company boost the coffers of UK hospices. For all introduced clients to Lifetime, we donate, on your behalf, 10% of any initial fees generated on new transactions completed with these clients, to your local hospice. The Lifetime referral scheme has now raised over £38,000 to […]

Lifetime pension pair chalk up AF7 exam success – making it a full house!

Lifetime pension specialists Rupert Smith and Steve Lambarth have chalked up exam success. The pair (pictured below) have passed the AF7 pension transfers exam. That means that all four full-time members of Lifetime’s pension department (Rupert, Steve, Jeff Winter and Tom Nelson) are AF7 qualified. A great achievement guys!  

Lifetimer Steve 'ambles' 22 miles for charity cash

Lifetimer Steve ‘ambles’ 22 miles for charity cash

Lifetime pension specialist Steve Lambarth once again successfully completed the 22-mile long ‘Acorn Amble’, from Castleton to Burncross, in the aid of charity. Lifetimer Steve, pictured below (right, in baseball cap), took part in Saturday’s event along with over 100 others. The organisers are hoping to raise a record amount this year for the two […]

The Lifetime team at the Barnsley Hospice golf day

Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice golf day is a huge success

The Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice golf day proved to be another tremendous success. Silkstone Golf Club was again the superb venue for teams from all over the Barnsley borough, who revelled in the convivial atmosphere and raised thousands of pounds for the hospice. Said Lifetime Director William Bottomley: “This is the eighth successive year that Lifetime has been a sponsor […]

Lifetimer Joe completes Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning

Lifetimer Joe Musson is one very happy young man – after receiving the fantastic news that he has passed his last Financial Planning exam. A thrilled Joe (pictured below) successfully passed the RO6 exam and has now completed the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. He is now a qualified financial planner with Lifetime. Well done Joe – many congratulations!

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Teams all set to tee off in Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice golf day

The 2019 Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice Golf Day is almost here. The teams are all set to tee off in the popular charity event, which is again being held at Silkstone Golf Club, on Friday, May 17 (12 noon start). As well as being the main sponsors of the event – for the seventh successive year – Lifetime has [...]

Lifetime Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge presents Barnsley Hospice fundraiser Simon Atkinson with a donation from Lifetime's successful referral scheme.

Lifetime referral scheme generates more cash for Barnsley Hospice

Barnsley Hospice Corporate Fundraiser Simon Atkinson was a welcome guest to Lifetime House on Wednesday morning. Simon was met by Lifetime Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge and was presented with another cheque – this time for £122.69 – from the Dodworth-based company’s highly successful referral scheme. The Lifetime Referral Scheme has now raised over £37,000 for […]

Lifetimer Joe offers a glimpse into the world of work

Lifetime trainee financial planner Joe Musson offered young students a glimpse into his working world at a recent event put on by Ahead Partnership. Joe (pictured below) took part in the ‘World of Work Day’ at Carrfield Primary Academy. The students were delighted with the opportunity to find out more about Joe’s chosen career. Here […]

A Lifetime financial planner acts as a guide, coach, mentor and friend

A proper financial plan – a life plan – is something that we all should look to put in place. At Lifetime our financial planners act as a guide, coach, mentor, friend and confidant to their clients. Many people come to us looking for help with a specific issue, yet they soon come to realise that we […]

Financial planning with Lifetime is a process, not a product

Financial planning is a process, not a product. It is the long-term method of wisely managing your money so you can understand your true financial picture, and achieve your goals and dreams. Your first step will be to let us get to know you. We will help you think about your future in a way […]

Lifetime Bake Sale a yummy success for Red Nose Day!

Lifetime Bake Sale a yummy success for Red Nose Day!

Lifetime’s Bake Sale on Friday morning – held to raise funds for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day – proved a yummy success! Lifetimers Annabelle Dickinson, Macy Corbett and Mathew Leech had done a terrific job in organising the event – with their colleagues responding in fantastic fashion with some scrumptious goodies! Said Macy: “We’ve had a […]

Latest exam success sees Lifetimer Charlie complete Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning

Lifetimer Charlie Parker is celebrating – after receiving the fantastic news that he has passed his last Financial Planning exam. A thrilled Charlie (pictured below) successfully passed the RO6 exam and has now completed the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. To mark the memorable moment Charlie fetched in some cupcakes to share with his colleagues, who were equally delighted for […]

The Lifetime mortgage team, consisting of (l-r) Mortgage Advisers Ken Abbott and Scott Kershaw, Mortgage Administrator Bev Shapcott and Mortgage Department Manager Michelle Youel.

Lifetime Mortgage Adviser Ken hailed for ‘brilliant job’

Lifetime Mortgage Adviser Ken Abbott has been thanked for doing a ‘brilliant job’ by delighted first time buyers. Ken (pictured below) guided the clients through the mortgage process from beginning to end – with happy results. The clients enthused: “The service we received from Ken was excellent. “As first time buyers everything was new and […]

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Lifetimers celebrate achievements of retiring directors

The Lifetimers came together on Friday for a bit of a party! It was to celebrate the achievements of directors Steve Ramsden and Brian Skelton (pictured below) – and to mark their retirement from the company. Said Managing Director Ian Dickinson: “Both Steve and Brian have been a massive influence on the creation of this business. […]

Lifetimer Macy celebrating Diploma success

Office Administrator Macy Corbett is celebrating a notable diploma success. All the hard work paid off as Lifetimer Macy (pictured below) found out on Thursday that she had passed her Apprenticeship – Business Administration Diploma Level 2. Well done Macy!

Miles all smiles after passing RO3 finance exam

Lifetimer Miles Myers is all smiles – after passing his latest exam! Trainee financial planner Miles (pictured below) this week successfully navigated the RO3 finance exam (which covers personal taxation). Well done Miles!  

Trainee financial planner Joe passes RO5 exam

Trainee financial planner Joe Musson (pictured below) passed the RO5 finance exam in Leeds on Tuesday morning. The RO5 exam focuses on financial protection products, and forms a part of the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning which Lifetimer Joe is successfully powering  towards. Many congratulations Joe!

‘Brilliant from start to finish!’ Lifetimer Scott and mortgage team receive glowing testimonial

Lifetime Mortgage Adviser Scott Kershaw (pictured below) was thrilled this week to receive a glowing testimonial from a very happy couple. The delighted clients wrote: “We found the entire process extremely easy due to your help. “You and the service you provided was brilliant from start to finish. You made the entire process stress free, […]

RIP Jack Bogle, the man who transformed money management

Jack Bogle, the genius behind Vanguard and Passive investment strategies, has died at the age of 89. The Vanguard Group founder and father of the index fund passed away on Wednesday. He transformed money management, making investing cheaper, simpler and more accessible than ever before, lifting the financial well-being of millions of people in the […]

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What our clients have to say about us!

Clients are at the very heart of all we do at Lifetime. We get to know you and discover what’s important to you. Indeed, our starting point is your story. Says Lifetime MD Ian Dickinson: “Lifetime will always strive to deliver and adapt to change so that our customers feel well served by the advice and […]

One in three employees lose sleep over retirement money worries

Employees need help with their finances. A report prepared by the Financial Advice Working Group for HM Treasury and the Financial Conduct Authority [March 2017] revealed that almost half of all employees worry that they will be unable to retire, and one in three actually admit to losing sleep because of this. Research by the […]

Lifetimers get into the festive spirit on 2018 Christmas Jumper Day!

Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas – and a wonderful New Year!

As we count down to Christmas Day, all the festivities, and the onset of 2019, all of us here at Lifetime would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas – and a wonderful New Year! The foundation of our financial management business has always been the relationships we have had with our clients. Lifetime has been built […]

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Lovely Lifetime ‘Christmas do’ at Cannon Hall Farm!

For the second successive year the Lifetimers enjoyed a terrific ‘Christmas Do’ at Cannon Hall Farm’s White Bull. The company came together in a fantastic venue to celebrate the forthcoming festive season – and to mark another highly productive year. And our ‘social secretary’ Annabelle Dickinson was on hand to take some photos! The Lifetimers also […]

Spirit of Christmas alive and well as Lifetimers present hospice with referral scheme cheque

Spirit of Christmas alive and well as Lifetimers present hospice with referral scheme cheque

Barnsley Hospice Corporate Fundraisers Vicky Stead and Samantha Silverwood were welcome visitors to Lifetime this cold and frosty morning – to receive another cheque from our highly successful referral scheme. Vicky and Samantha were presented with a cheque for £142.98 by Lifetimers Holly and Danny, who were resplendent in their Christmas jumpers! The Lifetime Referral Scheme […]

Lifetimers get into the festive spirit on 2018 Christmas Jumper Day!

Lifetimers get into the festive spirit on Christmas Jumper Day!

Christmas Jumpers were all the rage at Lifetime HQ on Friday! The Lifetimers took great delight in donning their festive favourites to mark Christmas Jumper Day 2018 – and ‘social secretary’ Annabelle Dickinson was on hand to capture the scene!

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Lifetimer Tracey takes along client to present latest hospice cheque

A delighted Lifetime client presented the latest cheque from the company’s highly successful referral scheme. The client was taken along to Lindsey Lodge Hospice in Scunthorpe by Lifetime financial planner Tracey Warring – and a cheque for £245.15 was presented to funsdraiser Sharon Tune (see picture below). Lifetime, with the help of their loyal clients, […]

Notable exam success for Lifetimers Jen and Jeff!

Lifetime’s Pensions Technical Director Jeff Winter and financial planner Jennifer Broadhead are both celebrating exam success. Jeff  and Jennifer (both pictured below) received the great news on Thursday that they have successfully passed the AF7 (Advanced Pension Transfers) exam. Well done you two!  

Trainee financial planner Joe passes RO4 exam

Trainee financial planner Joe Musson (pictured below) is one happy young man this week – after passing the RO4 finance exam. The RO4 exam focuses on pensions and retirement planning, and forms a part of the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning which Lifetimer Joe is successfully powering  towards. He had been revising hard for the paper – and was rewarded […]

Lifetime looking for a Lead Contact Co-ordinator

Lifetime are looking to recruit a Lead Contact Co-ordinator. The successful applicant will be working from home or one of our offices, calling prospects who have expressed a desire to acquire information about their retirement options. The purpose of the call is to arrange an appointment with a Financial Planner, at the potential client’s convenience and […]

Congratulations in order as Lifetimer Catherine passes RO2 exam

Lifetime pension analyst Catherine O’Dowd has enjoyed notable exam success. After weeks of hard work and study, Catherine (pictured below) has passed the RO2 (Investment principles and risk) finance exam and is understandably extremely happy! All her colleagues are thrilled for her too. Well done Catherine!

R06 exam success sees Lifetimer James complete Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning

Lifetimer James Fisher is celebrating – after being given the fantastic news that he has passed the R06 Financial Planning exam. Said a delighted James: “I’m absolutely thrilled to find out that I’ve passed the R06 exam and completed my Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.” To mark the memorable moment James fetched in some chocolates to share with […]

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‘Lifetime Adviser Day’ emphasises drive towards digital future

The Lifetime Adviser Day, held at the picturesque Wortley Hall on Tuesday, proved to be an informative event as the drive towards a digital future continues apace. Director William Bottomley had organised the meeting, and as well as his presentation there were also talks from fellow director Rupert Smith and colleagues Tom Nelson and James Fisher. […]

Number of hospices given cash from Lifetime referral scheme rises to 22

The number of hospices that have received cash from Lifetime’s referral scheme has now risen to 22. The latest to join the list is Douglas Macmillan Hospice based in Blurton, Staffordshire. Lifetime has loyal clients up and down the country and the hugely successful referral scheme has now raised just short of £35,000. The foundation of our […]

Employers should take more responsibility for providing financial education, survey suggests

More than a third of the working British population believe that employers should take more responsibility for providing financial education and guidance for their employees. That is according to Unum’s Workplace Communication Blueprint. Unum provide employee benefits, which form a valuable part of any effective workplace wellbeing strategy. Their findings – the culmination of a YouGov […]

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Lifetimers place importance on values and company culture

Lifetimers have been getting together this week to talk about the emphasis we place on the importance of values and culture within our company. Our five ‘values’ – Integrity, Innovation, Ownership, Team and Communication – were discussed at length. Here are some pictures, taken by our colleague Annabelle, of some fantastic  meetings!

Lifetime financial planner Robert Bligh presents referral scheme cheque to Dove House Hospice

Lifetime financial planner Robert presents referral scheme cheque to Dove House Hospice

Our Driffield-based financial planner Robert Bligh was a welcome visitor to Dove House Hospice in Hull on Thursday morning, to present a £308.16 cheque generated from the Lifetime referral scheme (see picture below). Lifetime has clients up and down the country and the referral scheme has now raised over £34,700. If you are happy with the service you […]

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Lifetime sponsor Barnsley Ladies skipper Lucy

Barnsley Ladies central defender and captain Lucy Turner was a welcome visitor to Lifetime House on Monday afternoon. Lifetime are sponsoring the Barnsley skipper for the 2018-19 season and Lucy popped along to have her picture taken with our Managing Director Ian Dickinson. Lifetime would like to wish Lucy and her team-mates all the very […]

‘Our adviser Ken was friendly, professional and knowledgeable’

Lifetime Mortgage Adviser Ken Abbott has received a lovely, heartfelt message from grateful clients. Dean and Alison Jacques had been looking for mortgage and life insurance advice and were delighted with how Ken (pictured below) dealt with their needs. They said: “After being recommended by a colleague, we contacted Lifetime for financial advice, primarily to arrange a […]

What our clients have to say about Lifetime

Clients are at the very heart of all we do at Lifetime. We get to know you and discover what’s important to you. Indeed, our starting point is your story. Says Lifetime MD Ian Dickinson: “Lifetime will always strive to deliver and adapt to change so that our customers feel well served by the advice and […]

Double exam delight for Lifetimers!

Following hot on the heels of the exam success enjoyed by their colleague James, Lifetimers Miles Myers and Joe Musson are also celebrating. The two trainee financial planners have also successfully negotiated their latest exams. Miles (pictured below) passed the RO2 (Investment principles and risk) paper. Meanwhile, Joe (pictured below) was all smiles after he passed […]

Lifetimer James passes RO5 finance exam

A great piece of news emerged from Lifetime this week – with trainee financial planner James Fisher successfully passing the RO5 (Financial Protection) exam. Former University of Sheffield graduate James (pictured below) is now just one more exam away from becoming  a fully qualified financial planner with the company. James is just one of a number of […]

Lifetime Mortgage team turned into the 'Mortgage Machine'!

Look out for the Lifetime Mortgage Machine!

Once there was Scooby Doo and his mystery-solving chums Fred, Daphne, Velma and Shaggy………well now there is the Lifetime Mortgage Machine! Our specialist mortgage team (pictured below) take the time to explain all of the different options open to you, to make sure that you are with the right provider and have the right mortgage product. We firmly believe our Mortgage […]

Lifetimer James passes R04 Pensions and Retirement Planning exam with flying colours

Lifetimer James Fisher is now well on the way to becoming  a fully qualified financial planner with the company. Former University of Sheffield graduate James (pictured below), is one of a number of trainee financial planners at Lifetime, and as well as his normal daily workload he has been studying hard for exams. That revision paid […]

Lifetime Financial planner Paul Bassinder and Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge deliver a referral scheme donation to Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.

Another bumper Lifetime cheque for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice

Lifetime financial planner Paul Bassinder and Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge were only too pleased to pop along to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice on Tuesday morning to deliver a cheque from our referral scheme. Paul and Andrew are pictured below handing over the £758.48 cheque to Bluebell Wood fundraiser Julie Hampson. Said Paul: “It was a pleasure to […]

Glancing back: Front cover stars!

Lifetime were proud to be the front cover stars of the New Model Adviser magazine. Managing director Ian Dickinson and Communications director William Bottomley were pictured alongside a Barnsley hospice van, emphasising the company’s commitment to ‘giving something back’ to the community via their sponsorship of the hospice golf day and their client referral scheme (https://www.lifetime-fm.com/hospice.aspx). […]

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Lifetimer Steve completes 23-mile Acorn Amble – raising cash for charity

Lifetime pension specialist Steve Lambarth once again successfully completed the 23-mile long ‘Acorn Amble’, from Castleton to Burncross, all in the aid of charity. Steve (pictured below, far right, with his walking colleagues) undertook the seven-hour walk to raise money for Weston Park Cancer Charity.   He said: “A massive thanks to all those who sponsored […]

Lifetime financial planner Steve Baskind presents a referral scheme cheque to Barnsley Hospice fundraiser Simon Atkinson.

Lifetime referral scheme generates more cash for Barnsley Hospice

Barnsley Hospice Corporate Fundraiser Simon Atkinson popped into Lifetime HQ on Friday afternoon to receive another bumper cash donation from our highly successful referral scheme. Simon was presented with a cheque for £853.90 from Lifetime financial planner Steve Baskind (see picture below). Said Simon: “We are very, very grateful to Lifetime for the regular donations we receive from their referral […]

Lifetimer Tom passes pension exam

There was delight at Lifetime HQ on Friday morning – as the news came through that Pension Department Manager Tom Nelson had chalked up a notable exam success. All Tom’s hard work and study paid off as confirmation came through that he had passed the AF7 pension transfers exam. Well done Tom!

Exam not too taxing for delighted Lifetimer Charlie!

Lifetimer Charlie Parker has taken another notable step towards establishing himself as a fully qualified financial planner with the company. His latest exam – the RO3 (Personal Taxation) – proved to be not too taxing as the young man passed with flying colours! Charlie (pictured below) is one of a number of trainee financial planners at Lifetime. […]

Lifetimer Catherine passes RO1 exam

Congratulations are in order for Lifetime pension analyst Catherine O’Dowd. Catherine (pictured below) has passed the RO1 finance exam and is understandably extremely happy! All her colleagues are thrilled for her too. Well done Catherine!

How much can I spend in retirement? Anne’s pension predicament

If you’ve read any of my previous blogs, you’ll probably have guessed that I enjoy running.  Sometimes, I run with music, other times without.  But I also listen to podcasts on some of my runs to keep me up-to-date with personal finance and financial planning news.  Recently, I listened to an episode of BBC Money Box […]

Look out for the Lifetime Mortgage Machine!

Once there was Scooby Doo and his mystery-solving chums Fred, Daphne, Velma and Shaggy………well now there is the Lifetime Mortgage Machine! Our specialist mortgage team (pictured below) take the time to explain all of the different options open to you, to make sure that you are with the right provider and have the right mortgage product. We firmly believe […]

Lifetime director William Bottomley presents a referral scheme cheque to Barnsley Hospice fundraiser Simon Atkinson.

Bumper cash boost for Barnsley Hospice from Lifetime-sponsored golf day

The sun shone, the smiles were broad, the putts (sometimes) dropped and the cash flowed as the Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice golf day proved to be another tremendous success. Silkstone Golf Club was the superb venue for teams from all over the Barnsley borough, who revelled in the lovely atmosphere and raised £6,260.71 for the hospice. Said […]

New research suggests at least £260,000 now needed to fund retirement

Retirees now need at least £260,000 in their pension pot to avoid an ‘uncomfortable retirement’. That figure – which has increased from £150,000 back in 2002 – makes up part of the findings from new research carried out by retirement provider Royal London. And the £260,000 figure will spiral even further upwards for those people who rent properties over the […]

Lifetime clients pay tribute to Ken’s sterling service

Mortgage Adviser Ken Abbott and the hard-working Lifetime mortgage team have received a lovely testimonial from happy clients. The clients, Richard and Natalie, praised the work put in by Ken (pictured below) and his colleagues, which made getting their mortgage ‘virtually stress free’. The testimonial reads: “Lifetime was recommended to us by a family member, […]

Lifetime clients pay tribute to Ken’s sterling service

Mortgage Adviser Ken Abbott and the hard-working Lifetime mortgage team have received a lovely testimonial from happy clients. The clients, Richard and Natalie, praised the work put in by Ken (pictured below) and his colleagues, which made getting their mortgage ‘virtually stress free’. The testimonial reads: “Lifetime was recommended to us by a family member, […]

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Teams looking forward to teeing off at Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice golf day

The countdown to the 2018 Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice Golf Day is now well and truly on. The teams are gearing up to take part in the popular charity event, which is again being held at Silkstone Golf Club, on Friday, May 18 (12 noon start). As well as being the main sponsors of the event – […]

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Lifetimer Miles enjoys first exam success on road to becoming financial planner

Lifetime trainee financial planner Miles Myers is one happy young man! Miles  (pictured below) has been studying hard in the last few months – and that hard work paid off with a notable exam success. Miles passed his RO1 (Financial Services, Regulation & Ethics) exam this week. Well done Miles!

It’s a half marathon – not a sprint! Planning for performance….

Back in February, I wrote a blog post about setting goals.  One of the goals I’d set for the year back then was to complete the Sheffield Half Marathon.  At the time I didn’t have a target time, I just wanted to finish.  I knew that my other goal, to complete all of my financial planning […]

Lifetimer James chalks up another exam success

Lifetimer James Fisher has taken another notable step towards realising a major ambition – that of establishing himself as a fully qualified financial planner with the company. James (pictured below), is one of a number of trainee financial planners at Lifetime, and as well as his normal workload he has been studying hard for exams. […]

William Bottomley, co-director of Lifetime, with Simon Atkinson, corporate fundraiser at Barnsley Hospice

A big thank-you as Lifetime are put in ‘Supporter Spotlight’ by Barnsley Hospice

Lifetime has been featured on a press release – and video – that has been put together by Barnsley Hospice and their PR partner Capital B Media, which has been entitled ‘Supporter Spotlight’. Lifetime has donated over £18,000 to Barnsley Hospice over the the past eight years and on the video (which can be seen below) […]

Lifetimer Joe delighted with exam success

Lifetime’s Customer Service Administrator and trainee Financial Planner Joe Musson is one happy chap! Joe (pictured below) has been studying furiously in the last few months – and that hard graft paid off with a terrific exam success. Joe passed his RO2 (Investment, Principles and Risk) exam this week. Well done young man!

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Lifetime donations to Barnsley Hospice top £18,000

Lifetime’s highly successful referral scheme is helping boost the coffers of hospices up and down the country. The main beneficiary of the scheme is Barnsley Hospice – and Corporate Fundraiser Simon Atkinson, along with Mary Ferguson from PR firm Capital B Media, popped into Lifetime’s Dodworth headquarters on Thursday morning to reveal the fact that the financial management company has […]

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Trainee financial planner Charlie passes RO2 exam

Lifetime trainee financial planner Charlie Parker is one happy young man! Charlie  (pictured below) has been studying hard in the last few months – and that hard work paid off with a notable exam success.   Charlie passed his RO2 (Investment, Principles and Risk) exam on Monday. Well done Charlie!

The power of Truth helps Lifetime client make life-changing decision

Lifetime financial planner Robert Bligh has seen at first hand how the power of ‘Truth’ can help a client make a ‘life-changing decision’, hopefully for the better. Lifetime uses the fantastic cash flow modelling software from Prestwood Truth to help put together a client’s financial plan. It helps us tell our clients the ‘truth’ about their money. […]

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Lifetime’s Angels brave wintry weather to attend International Women’s Day conference

Two of Lifetime’s Angels braved the wintry weather to get the opportunity to speak to hundreds of Yorkshire business women about the importance of cash flow financial modelling. Business Development Consultant Janette Town and Lifetime Financial Planner Jennifer Broadhead (pictured below) battled with the snow and ice to reach Wetherby Racecourse, for the Yorkshire Ladies […]

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Opening minds to a lifetime of possibilities

Minds were opened to a ‘lifetime of possibilities’ at our recent ‘Values Day’ at Wortley Hall. All the Lifetimers came together to watch presentations delivered by our MD Ian Dickinson, Communications Director and ‘special guest’ Mel Bligh, before deciding on the six ‘value’ words we will shortly be making ‘part and parcel’ of our company […]

Grateful client thankful for ‘first rate’ Lifetime service in time of need

A grateful client has contacted Lifetime to offer their thanks for a ‘first rate’ service in a time of need. Coming in for special praise was our financial planner Jennifer Broadhead (pictured below). The client takes up the story: “Prior to June/July 2017 our investments had been overseen by an independent financial adviser who, over the […]

Tom Nelson our Pension Manager

There are easier ways to talk about your pension!

Lifetime’s new  video has catapulted Pension Manager Tom Nelson to ‘star status!’ Tom has been hailed the ‘new Steve McQueen’ after his action-packed showing in Lifetime’s new pension blockbuster! Tom overcame a number of ‘obstacles’ to let people know that Lifetime are ready, willing and able to help you with your retirement planning. Enjoy the […]

Goal Setting for Success

Now that January is over many of our New Year’s Resolutions may already be distant memories.  But if this has happened to you, don’t despair!  Maybe January 1st isn’t the best time for goal setting.  And perhaps you need a bit of help to come up with goals that you’ll actually stick to! One of […]

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Blog – by James Fisher

Now that January is over many of our New Year’s Resolutions may already be distant memories! Yet if that is the case with you, don’t despair!  Maybe January 1st isn’t the best time for goal setting.  And perhaps you need a bit of help to come up with goals that you’ll actually stick to! One of […]

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Exam delight for Lifetimer James

Lifetime trainee financial planner James Fisher is one happy chap! James (pictured below) has been studying furiously in the last few months – and that hard work paid off with a notable exam success. James passed his RO2 (Investment, Principles and Risk) exam on Tuesday. Well done sir!

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Barnsley Hospice fundraising boosted by Lifetime referral scheme

Barnsley Hospice Corporate Fundraiser Simon Atkinson is becoming a regular visitor to Lifetime’s Dodworth headquarters. Simon popped into Lifetime House on Monday lunchtime to receive another cash boost from our highly successful referral scheme. Simon was presented with a cheque for £780.67 from Lifetime director Brian Skelton (see picture below). Said Simon: “We are very, very grateful to Lifetime for the […]

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Big birthday celebrations at Lifetime!

Lifetime are celebrating some very special birthdays this week. The Lifetimers came together to deliver 50th Birthday presentations to Accounts Manager Nicola Dickinson and Office Administrator Elaine North (both pictured below). Nicola turns 50 on Wednesday (January 24) and Elaine hits the same mark on Thursday (January 25). To mark the occasion their fellow Lifetimers surprised them by […]

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Lifetime team up with Chadwick Lawrence to run breakfast seminar for business owners

Lifetime are running a joint breakfast seminar run with Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors on Tuesday, 6th February (8.30am registration, 10am close), entitled ‘Business Owners – Planning for a Successful Future’. As well as enjoying a free breakfast, the seminar will offer business owners an opportunity to consider appropriate exit strategies for themselves and their business. The Corporate and Commercial team at […]

It’s a wrap! Lifetimers Amy and Mat aiding company recycling

Two Lifetimers have taken it upon themselves to help the company with their recycling. Wrap Administrators Amy Brown and Mathew Leech (pictured below) have purchased new bins which have been installed at Lifetime’s HQ in Great Cliffe Court, Dodworth. Says Mat: “We’ve purchased new bins for the kitchens in Brook House, which have been added in an […]

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Blog by Mathew Leech

By Mathew Leech If, like me, you and a lot of your colleagues, and indeed some of your employers, have made the sensible decision to go into self-isolation during this chaotic time, you may now be faced with the reality of being home day after day. Though you may have relished the idea during those […]

The unsuspecting financial planner

I never really expected to be working towards becoming a financial planner.  At school I always loved science the most, with drama coming in as a close second.  So you’d have thought I’d end up either with a life on the stage or a life in the lab. For quite a few years I followed […]

The beginning of a new year is a great time to make new plans – including your financial plan!

The beginning of a new year. The perfect time for new beginnings. Ideal for making new plans. And talking of plans, there is nothing more important than a financial plan! Now we know that those two words – financial plan – can strike fear into the hearts of many people who look upon money matters […]

Financial Planners, financial advisers, wealth managers – what’s the difference?

As alternative financial planners, Lifetime work in a different way. We start off by finding out about you.  What your hopes and ambitions are for the future.  The ambitions you have for yourself and your family.  Then we look at the resources you’ve got available to reach those dreams. We use all the information you […]

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Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas – and a wonderful New Year!

As we count down to Christmas Day, all the festivities, and the onset of 2018, all of us here at Lifetime would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas – and a wonderful New Year! The foundation of our financial management business has always been the relationships we have had with our clients. Lifetime has been built […]

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Hospice fundraiser Simon all smiles after receiving Lifetime referral scheme cheque

Barnsley Hospice Corporate Fundraiser Simon Atkinson was a welcome visitor to Lifetime this morning – to receive another cheque from our highly successful referral scheme. Simon was all smiles as he was presented with a cheque for £632.18 from Lifetime financial planner Steve Baskind. (see picture below). Said Simon: “We are very, very grateful to Lifetime […]

There are easier ways to talk about your pension…..

Lifetime's new  video has catapulted Pension Manager Tom Nelson to 'star status!' Tom has been hailed the 'new Steve McQueen' after his action-packed showing in Lifetime's new pension blockbuster! Tom overcame a number of 'obstacles' to let people know that Lifetime are ready, willing and able to help you with your retirement planning. https://youtu.be/sQ-P91y1VuM Enjoy [...]

‘There are easier ways’ to talk to Lifetime about your pension!

Lifetime’s new  video has catapulted Pension Manager Tom Nelson to ‘star status!’ Tom has been hailed the ‘new Steve McQueen’ after his action-packed showing in Lifetime’s new pension blockbuster! Tom overcame a number of ‘obstacles’ to let people know that Lifetime are ready, willing and able to help you with your retirement planning. Enjoy the […]

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‘There are easier ways’ to talk to Lifetimer Tom about your pension pot!

Lifetime’s new  video has catapulted Pension Manager Tom Nelson to ‘star status!’ Tom has been hailed the ‘new Steve McQueen’ after his action-packed showing in Lifetime’s new pension blockbuster! Tom overcame a number of ‘obstacles’ to let people know that Lifetime are ready, willing and able to help you with your retirement planning. Enjoy the […]

Lifetimers enjoy Christmas Jumper Day!

Christmas Jumpers were out in force at Lifetime HQ on Friday! The Lifetimers took great delight in donning their festive favourites to mark Christmas Jumper Day 2017 – and our trainee accountant and ‘social secretary’ Annabelle was on hand to take photographic evidence! And there was more festive fun to come later that day – as Cannon […]

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Whistlestop video tour of Lifetime HQ

We were delighted to have a ‘film day’ at Lifetime – with a production company coming in to make some promotional videos for us. And here is a whistlestop video tour of our HQ in Dodworth, Barnsley. Enjoy!

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A bucket, but not as you know it!

Can a bucket change your life…….? It could well do! Once we have discovered what is important to you and how you want to live your life, we put together a financial plan with you. We create this plan by using a financial bucket – to illustrate what your present picture looks like and how […]

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Number of hospices benefiting from Lifetime referral scheme rises to 21

The number of hospices that have benefited from Lifetime’s referral scheme has now risen to 21. On Tuesday morning our Driffield-based financial planner Robert Bligh, resplendent in his pink tie, was a welcome visitor to the newest hospice on our ever increasing list, Dove House Hospice in Hull, to present a £400 cheque (see picture below). Lifetime have […]

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Lifetime’s Angels on mission to make finance more female focussed!

Lifetime’s Angels are on a mission – to make financial services more female focussed! A report from research firm Kantar (October 2017) stated that women find the world of financial services “aggressively masculine” – and that deters them from seeking financial advice or buying financial products. Kantar sought views from 30,000 women and concluded that women […]

Latest Barnsley Hospice cheque takes Lifetime referral scheme over £30k mark

Lifetime’s Hospice Referral Scheme has now generated over £30,000. Twenty hospices up and down the country have benefited from the referral scheme (https://www.lifetime-fm.com/lifetime-in-the-community/hospice-referral-scheme/), none more so than Barnsley Hospice. And on Tuesday morning (November 21)  Barnsley Hospice Corporate Fundraiser Simon Atkinson was a welcome visitor to Lifetime House to receive a £600 cheque, presented to him by […]

Double delight as Lifetimers Joe and Charlie pass RO1 exam

Congratulations are in order for Lifetime trainee financial planners Joe Musson and Charlie Parker. Joe and Charlie (both pictured below) have passed the RO1 financial planning exam and are understandably extremely happy! All their colleagues are thrilled for them too. Well done Joe and Charlie!

More advisers should use cashflow planning says senior financial figure

A senior financial figure wants to see more cashflow planning used by advisers – something we heartily agree with here at Lifetime. In his piece for www.moneymarketing.co.uk, Danby Bloch, the chairman of Helm Godfrey and consultant at Platforum, commented: “Cashflow planning and monitoring provides a core tool to enrich advice and justify annual fees to clients. The main […]

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World food celebrated at Lifetime House!

The Lifetimers came together on Monday – some of them in their Halloween costumes – in a celebratory world food event. The company’s new social area was the perfect venue – and the food, most of it having been made by the staff’s fair hands(!) – went down an absolute treat. Food linked with the following countries […]

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Vision and values at the forefront of Lifetime staff meeting

Vision, values and employee engagement were at the forefront of an informative Lifetime staff meeting at Wortley Hall near Sheffield on Monday morning (October 9). Managing Director Ian Dickinson and fellow directors Brian Skelton and William Bottomley (all pictured below) delivered engaging presentations which gave the staff an insight into the potentially glittering future of the […]

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Desert Island Discs: Luke Worthy

Desert Island Discs: financial planner Luke Worthy: Very difficult to come up with eight favourite songs! Disc One: Grounds For Divorce – Elbow   Disc Two: Out Of The Black – Royal Blood   Disc Three: That Golden Rule – Biffy Clyro   Disc Four: Hysteria – Muse   Disc Five: Goodbye – Circa Waves   Disc Six: Lights Out – Royal Blood   Disc Seven: Wired – Mallory Knox   Disc […]

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Lifetimers explain financial planning career to Sheffield Hallam students

A Lifetime trio ventured into ‘student land’ on Friday (September 22) – to talk about a career in financial services. Director William Bottomley, Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge and trainee financial planner James Fisher popped along to the Sheffield Hallam University’s ‘Meet the Industry’ event. Following presentations by representatives of Allianz, the CII and Aviva, […]

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Only a high quality, specialist service will do when it comes to ‘Defined Benefit’ decision

Legendary investor Warren Buffet’s well-known adage, ‘Price is what you pay, value is what you get’ – or even the famous firefighter Red Adair’s view that ‘if you think it’s expensive to hire a professional wait until you hire an amateur’ – certainly comes to mind when the subject of transferring out of a defined benefit […]

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Lifetime ladies at Yorkshire Business Festival

Lifetime’s female financial planners attended Yorkshire’s largest networking conference for women on Wednesday. Janette Town, Karen Lodge, Jennifer Broadhead and Tracey Warring joined hundreds of other business ladies at the Yorkshire Business Festival in Harrogate. The event had been organised by Yorkshire Ladies Links for all women in business.

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Lifetime ladies set for popular Yorkshire business event

Lifetime’s female financial planners will be at Yorkshire’s largest networking conference for women next week. Janette Town, Karen Lodge, Jennifer Broadhead and Tracey Warring (pictured below) will join hundreds of other business ladies at the Yorkshire Business Festival in Harrogate on Wednesday, September 13. The event has been organised by Yorkshire Ladies Links for all women in business. The Lifetime […]

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Karen passes final exam to become Lifetime financial planner

Lifetimer Karen Lodge is one happy lady – after passing her final exam and becoming a financial planner with our company. Karen (pictured below) had been studying hard and all that work paid off as she passed with flying colours. Well done Karen – many congratulations!

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Exam success for Lifetimer Catherine

A key member of Lifetime’s top class Pensions/Retirement Solutions department is celebrating exam success. Pensions analyst Catherine O’Dowd (pictured) has received the brilliant news that she has passed her RO4 exam. Hip Hip Hooray! Well done Catherine!

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Cause for celebration as Lifetimer Scott passes final mortgage exam!

Lifetimer Scott Kershaw is celebrating – after passing his final mortgage exam! Scott (pictured below) had been studying hard while carrying on his duties as mortgage administrator at our Barnsley headquarters – and now he is on his way to being a mortgage adviser with the company. Well done Scott – many congratulations!

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Fancy being a Lifetimer? Two exciting jobs on offer!

Lifetime is seeking fresh inspiration in the form of a new office administrator and a new receptionist. We want someone with individual flair allied with a tremendous team ethos, someone who wants to progress and thrive with a dynamic, high performing company who puts people at the very heart of everything they do. Sounds grand?! […]

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Exam success for Lifetime financial planner Paul

One of Lifetime’s senior financial planners is celebrating his latest exam success. Paul Lee (pictured below) received the brilliant news that he had passed the ‘Later Life Financial Planning – first level 6 exam’ while he was watching the action at the 2017 Open Golf Championship at Royal Birkdale on Friday! Many congratulations Paul!

Survey suggests 20% of working adults still have no pension savings

A survey of 2,000 workers across the United Kingdom has revealed that one in five people still have no pension savings. And, according to autoenrolment.co.uk, the survey showed that of those people that have saved for retirement, only 25% know just how much cash is going into their pension pot every month. Another one in […]

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Bumper cheque for Ashgate Hospice from Lifetime referral scheme

Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield has received a bumper cheque from Lifetime’s highly successful referral scheme. Lifetime financial planner Daryl Clarke popped along to present Alison Ward-Foster (Ashgate Hospice Partnerships Manager, Fundraising and Communications) with a cheque for £1289.88 (see picture below). Lifetime has now given over £28,000 to hospices via the company’s referral scheme. The scheme, which […]

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Over £27,000 now given to hospices through Lifetime referral scheme

Lifetime has now given over £27,000 to hospices via the company’s highly successful referral scheme. The scheme, which the Yorkshire-based company introduced just over three years ago, has raised much-needed cash for 20 hospices up and down the country. One of the latest cheques was presented  by Lifetime Mortgage Administrator Scott Kershaw at the recent Lifetime-sponsored […]

Lifetimer Daryl enjoys super exam success

Lifetime financial planner Daryl Clarke is celebrating a notable milestone in his career. Daryl (pictured) is now recognised as a Chartered Financial Planner after passing the AFPS exam. He said: “I worked very hard for this latest exam and I’m delighted that all that effort has paid off.” Many congratulations Daryl on a super success!

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Lifetime-sponsored charity golf day raises smiles – and plenty of cash – for Barnsley Hospice

Once again the Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice Golf Day proved to be a smash hit – with £5,560 being raised for a tremendous cause. Silkstone Golf Club was the superb venue for teams from all over the Barnsley borough, who revelled in the lovely, convivial atmosphere. The overall winners proved to be CK Beckett, who had former […]

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Rotherham Hospice the recipient of Lifetime referral scheme cash

Rotherham Hospice fundraiser Sharon Thompson was a welcome visitor to Lifetime on Thursday afternoon. Sharon popped along to our Barnsley headquarters to receive a cheque, for £400, generated from the highly successful Lifetime hospice referral scheme (https://www.lifetime-fm.com/lifetime-in-driffield/hospice-referral-scheme/). The cheque was presented to Sharon by our new trainee financial planners James and Charlie. Through the referral […]

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Countdown on for 2017 Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice golf day

The countdown to the 2017 Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice Golf Day is now well and truly on. The teams are gearing up to take part in the popular charity event, which is again being held at Silkstone Golf Club, on Friday, May 19 (12 noon start). As well as being the main sponsors of the event – for […]

Big birthday milestone for Lifetime director Rupert and MD Ian

Thursday, May 4th 2017. A big day in the lives of two Lifetimers. A major milestone! For today is the birthday of both director Rupert Smith and our MD Ian Dickinson (both pictured below). But it is not just ‘any old birthday’.  It is number 50 for both lovely men! Many happy returns you two! […]

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Lifetime take part in first Enterprise in Dodworth event

Lifetime were delighted participants at the first Enterprise in Dodworth event at Horizon College on Wednesday evening. Communications Director William Bottomley and Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge joined a number of other Dodworth-based businesses, local community groups, students and residents, to celebrate everything good about the village.

Buoyant Lifetime celebrate notable milestones

Lifetime is celebrating  major milestones in a journey that continues to go from strength to strength. The buoyant business, which has its headquarters in Dodworth, Barnsley but also has an office in Driffield, East Yorkshire, has reached a notable figure in clients’ funds under management. Not only that, but Lifetime has now taken 3,000 households through the company’s Truth […]

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Signs looking good for Lifetime in Driffield!

The signs are certainly looking good for Lifetime in east Yorkshire! Driffield to be precise. At our latest new offices. While we continue to have our headquarters in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, we have also now firmly established ourselves in Driffield, alongside accountants Jackson Robson. And as the following pictures show, we have put the ‘Lifetime’ touches […]

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Lifetimers delight in baking – and ‘doing something funny for money’

There was plenty of ‘Red Nose Day’ shenanigans at Lifetime HQ on Friday! ‘Spring Bakes’ and ‘Bad Taste Fancy Dress’ outfits were the order of the day as the Lifetimers raised money for Comic Relief. Here are the various ‘bakes’ produced by the Lifetimers. Fantastic effort guys and gals! The Bake Off, judged by the ‘dream […]

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Hospice fundraiser Mandie delivers Easter Bouquet – and leaves with referral scheme cheque!

Our good friends from Barnsley Hospice were welcome visitors to Lifetime on Thursday. Events Fundraiser Mandie Ibbotson had kindly popped in to drop off a charity Easter Bouquet (pictured below) – which one member of the Lifetime staff will hope to win while raising plenty of money for the hospice in the process. And before she went away, […]

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Lifetime team ‘blown away’ by inspirational Webmart chief Simon

The Lifetime team were left buzzing by a quite inspirational visitor on Monday afternoon! Webmart CEO Simon Biltcliffe had been invited to come and talk to the Lifetimers about his own personal and professional journey, and the right culture a company should be looking to live by. And what a talk it was! The staff were blown […]

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Tasty treats to be had at Lifetime Pancake Day!

The newly-established Lifetime social team came up trumps when they suggested a special ‘Shrove Tuesday’ event. Their idea of a ‘Pancake Lunch’ at Lifetime House proved a roaring success – with tasty treats leading to plenty of fun…….and full bellies! The Lifetimers took turns in making their own pancakes on a hot plate, before adding their preferred toppings.

Lifetimer Tracy chalks up notable exam success

Lifetimer Tracy Ward has chalked up a notable exam success. Tracy, who is currently studying to be a financial planner with the company, has passed her latest exam, the AMA Unit, and achieved DipMAP status! Well done Tracy!  

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Episode 25 of Lifetime’s Desert Island Discs – featuring Wrap Administrator Amy Brown

Desert Island Discs: Episode 25, Wrap Administrator Amy Brown: There are so many songs I could have chosen for my Desert Island Discs! It has taken me a long time to choose just eight, but here they are:   Disc One: Common People – Pulp This song takes me back to my childhood camping and caravanning days with my […]

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Desert Island Discs: Amy Brown

Desert Island Discs: Featuring Wrap Administrator Amy Brown: There are so many songs I could have chosen for my Desert Island Discs! It has taken me a long time to choose just eight, but here they are:   Disc One: Common People – Pulp This song takes me back to my childhood camping and caravanning days with my parents […]

Signs are looking good for Lifetime in Driffield!

The signs are certainly looking good for Lifetime in east Yorkshire! Driffield to be precise. At our latest new offices. While we continue to have our headquarters in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, we have also now firmly established ourselves in Driffield, alongside accountants Jackson Robson. And as the pictures show, we have put the ‘Lifetime’ touches [...]

Lifetime delighted to present Rotherham Hospice with another referral scheme donation

Rotherham Hospice Corporate Fundraiser Sharon Thompson made a welcome return visit to Lifetime House on Tuesday morning. Sharon braved the wet South Yorkshire weather to make the short journey to Lifetime HQ and receive a cheque, made out to Rotherham hospice for £778.04, which had been generated by our highly successful referral scheme (https://www.lifetime-fm.com/lifetime-in-the-community/hospice-referral-scheme/) New Lifetime recruits Natalie and Danny […]

Lifetime and ‘Big Questions’ video cause a buzz – and gets thumbs-up from Steve Bee!

It is always nice to be complimented, to be congratulated and encouraged for doing things a certain way. To be recognised as being on the right track. Here at Lifetime we strive to be different. Being the same as the majority of finance firms does not ‘float our boat’. Our social media policy is to […]

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Lifetimer Neil talks at Rotherham Hospice business breakfast event

Lifetime Business Development Manager Neil Hodgson was a welcome guest at Rotherham Hospice’s business breakfast event on Tuesday. Lifetime regularly present Rotherham Hospice with cheques raised from our referral scheme (https://www.lifetime-fm.com/lifetime-in-the-community/hospice-referral-scheme/). Neil was invited along to talk about what we do – and why we do it – as well as explaining how we help […]

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We will always look to provide a culture of empowerment and innovation at Lifetime

Building a culture where everyone is part of a happy, vibrant, innovative and passionate team. That is what Lifetime strives to do, each and every day. And in 2017 the workplace culture is more important than ever. A person’s working hours is something that they should not fear, or dread every morning when they wake up. Employees […]

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Hospice fundraiser Mandy made up with latest Lifetime referral scheme donation

Barnsley Hospice Events Fundraiser Mandy Ibbotson was a welcome guest to Lifetime House on Thursday morning. She had popped along to chat with MD Ian Dickinson and Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge about the annual hospice golf day, an event held in May at Silkstone Golf Club and sponsored by Lifetime. But not only did […]

Lifetime ‘family’ has two new faces!

Two new faces have joined the Lifetime ‘family’. Natalie Dvelys and Daniel North (both pictured below) have joined the admin team based at Lifetime House in Great Cliffe Court, Dodworth. Welcome aboard you two!  

The beginning of a new year is a great time to make new plans – including your financial plan!

The beginning of a new year. The perfect time for new beginnings. Ideal for making new plans.And talking of plans, there is nothing more important than a financial plan! Now we know that those two words – financial plan – can strike fear into the hearts of many people who look upon money matters with […]

Passed with distinction! Lifetimer Karen thrilled with exam success

Lifetimer Karen Lodge has chalked up a notable exam success. Karen (pictured), who has operated as a Mortgage Adviser with the company, is now on her way to becoming a financial planner. As such she had to tackle the Diploma for Financial Advisers Unit 1 (Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics) – and passed with distinction! Well done Karen!

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Episode 24 of Lifetime’s Desert Island Discs – featuring Business Development Manager Peter Clarke

Desert Island Discs: Episode 24, Business Development Manager (Wealth Division) Peter Clarke: Well, here goes, my choices for Lifetime’s Desert Island Discs!   Disc One: A Night To Remember – Shalamar This was the first CD that I bought in the early 1980’s – and I still have it!   Disc Two: Trapped – Colonel Abrams This was playing […]

Joint venture opportunity backed up by glowing testimonial from accountants

Lifetime currently has a highly productive partnership with around 40 professional business organisations – including accountants and solicitors – who enjoy a worthwhile income by referring clients and contacts to us. It is a business relationship that has been tried and tested, and is working extremely well. One of the chartered accountant firms who have […]

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Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas – and a wonderful New Year!

As we count down to Christmas Day, all the festivities, and the onset of 2017, all of us here at Lifetime would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas – and a wonderful New Year! The foundation of our financial management business has always been the relationships we have had with our clients. Lifetime has been built […]

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Adviser Robert named Lifetime’s Financial Santa!

Adviser Robert Bligh has been crowned Lifetime’s Financial Santa! Affable Robert (pictured below), who is normally based in our Driffield office, had popped over to our Barnsley headquarters and was soon getting involved in the pre-Christmas banter with his colleagues. But then……..he proceeded to drop the bombshell, the news that perhaps his children didn’t really […]

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Lifetime director presents St Luke’s Hospice with referral scheme cheque

The latest cheque from Lifetime’s highly successful hospice referral scheme has been handed over to Sheffield-based St Luke’s. Lifetime director Brian Skelton (right of picture below) was pleased to present St Luke’s Corporate Fundraising Co-ordinator Jack Kidder with a cheque for £641.17 at Lifetime House on Wednesday afternoon. Lifetime has now given over £24,000 to 20 […]

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Birthday milestone for Lifetime pension specialist Steve!

Lifetime came together on Wednesday afternoon to celebrate a notable birthday milestone for colleague Steve Lambarth. Pension specialist Steve is 50 next week and before the Christmas break his work-mates called him over to the Lifetime House administration room, where MD Ian Dickinson presented him a birthday card and a voucher that all the staff had collected […]

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Joint venture opportunity backed up by glowing testimonial from accountants

Lifetime currently has a highly productive partnership with around 40 professional business organisations – including accountants and solicitors – who enjoy a worthwhile income by referring clients and contacts to us. It is a business relationship that has been tried and tested, and is working extremely well. One of the chartered accountant firms who have [...]

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Lifetime client who set up ‘Fitmums and Friends’ venture proud to have received British Empire Medal

Lifetime Financial Planner Robert Bligh knows a good photo opportunity when he sees one! Robert, who is mainly based at our Driffield office in East Yorkshire, was keen to get a snapshot of client Samantha Barlow and the British Empire Medal she was given by the Queen (see picture below). Mrs Barlow, of Cottingham near […]

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Rotherham Hospice thrilled with Lifetime referral scheme!

Rotherham Hospice Corporate Fundraiser Sharon Thompson was a welcome visitor to Lifetime House on Monday. Sharon had popped along to our offices to receive monies generated by our hospice referral scheme (https://www.lifetime-fm.com/lifetime-in-the-community/hospice-referral-scheme/) She was met by our Mortgage Adviser Ken Abbott, who was delighted to present her with a cheque for £717.78 (see picture below). Lifetime […]

Moneypenny’s Mate!

In Layman’s language First things first. An introduction. I’m a man who loves words. Words=sentences=inspiration. Youthful in mind if not body. A friend of Guido’s. And sometimes referred to as Moneypenny’s mate. Plus I’m a Layman. In fact, I’m the Layman in question. This is my blog. For a kick-off, it’s the name I’m saddled […]

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Lifetime’s Pension Professionals stand out from the rest!

We believe that our team of Pension Professionals stand out from the rest. They certainly do in our new online and social media promotion of them! The Lifetime specialist pensions department is focussed on providing the best advice possible to our personal and corporate clients. The team (pictured below) has over 150 years of combined […]

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Lifetime’s Pension Professionals stand out from the rest!

We believe that our team of Pension Professionals stand out from the rest. They certainly do in our new online and social media promotion of them! The Lifetime specialist pensions department is focussed on providing the best advice possible to our personal and corporate clients. The team (pictured below) has over 150 years of combined […]

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Lifetime’s Pension Professionals stand out from the rest!

We believe that our team of Pension Professionals stand out from the rest. They certainly do in our new online and social media promotion of them! The Lifetime specialist pensions department is focussed on providing the best advice possible to our personal and corporate clients. The team (pictured below) has over 150 years of combined […]

Income tax threshold to be raised announces Chancellor Hammond in Autumn Statement

Philip Hammond today delivered his first Autumn Statement as the Conservative Government’s Chancellor of the Exchequer – and there were a number of key issues surrounding taxation and pay. Hammond revealed that the income tax threshold is to be raised to £11,500 in April 2017. It currently stands at £11,000 . The Chancellor also stated that the […]

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FCA introduces cap on early exit pension charges

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has today announced its final rules on capping early exit charges for consumers eligible to access the government’s pension reforms from age 55. From 31 March 2017, early exit charges will be capped at 1% of the value of existing contract-based personal pensions, including workplace personal pensions. Early exit charges […]

Passed on Merit! Lifetimer Tracy chalks up exam success

Lifetimer Tracy Ward has chalked up a notable exam success. Tracy (pictured), who had operated as a Mortgage Adviser with the company and as such had been studying for the Diploma for Financial Advisers Unit 1 (Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics), has passed with merit. Well done Tracy!

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Joe is ‘star baker’ as he takes 2016 Lifetime charity Bake-Off crown!

The 2016 Lifetime Charity Bake-Off proved to be the toughest competition yet, with a number of terrific entries. Special judges, former Lifetimer Barbara ‘Mary Berry’ Collins, Beverley ‘Paul Hollywood’ Shapcott, who kindly took time out from maternity leave, and  and Lucie ‘Sue Perkins’ Haxby, had a very difficult time making their decision, but after what seemed […]

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Episode 23 of Lifetime’s Desert Island Discs – featuring our MD Ian Dickinson

Desert Island Discs: Episode 23, featuring our Managing Director Ian Dickinson: I am thrilled to share my selections for Lifetime’s Desert Island Discs. I have listened to hundreds of choices on the BBC radio app and they have proved a fascinating insight into the lives of some extraordinary people. In turn they also expose you […]

Desert Island Discs: Ian Dickinson

Desert Island Discs: Featuring Managing Director Ian Dickinson: I am thrilled to share my selections for Lifetime’s Desert Island Discs. I have listened to hundreds of choices on the BBC radio app and they have proved a fascinating insight into the lives of some extraordinary people. In turn they also expose you to such a […]

Fang-tastic stuff as Halloween comes to Lifetime House!

Halloween was at its spookiest, pumpkin-making, fang-tastic best at Lifetime House on Monday! The Lifetimers took the opportunity to don their favourite halloween outfits, slap on the ghoulish make-up, and create some fabulous pumpkins. Lifetime directors Brian Skelton and William Bottomley were asked to judge the charity competition, Brian choosing the best pumpkins and Bill […]

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‘Staggering’ rise in Auto Enrolment fines for small and micro businesses

There has been a ‘staggering’ rise in fines handed out to small and micro businesses for ‘non-compliance’ over their Auto Enrolment obligations. The Pensions Regulator published new data this week which showed a significant upward trajectory in the number of penalties served  in the third quarter of 2016. There were 15,073 compliance notices in the quarter, 3,728 […]

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A Lifetime point of view: Ten years and counting!

Lifetime Data Analyst Robert Briggs has been with the company for over a decade. ‘Ten years and counting’, he says. Here , in his own words, is a reflection of his ‘Lifetime journey’: “I often hear it said that, as you get older, time seems to pass much quicker. Whereas I don’t believe there is any quantum […]

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Lifetimer Robert presents latest referral scheme cheque to Barnsley Hospice

It was rather fitting that Lifetime Data Analyst Robert Briggs was on hand to present the company’s latest referral scheme cheque. Robert, who has been an integral part of the company for over 10 years, celebrated his 70th birthday on Wednesday. He kindly agreed to deliver a cheque, for £43.87, to Barnsley Hospice fundraiser Samantha Silverwood […]

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Lifetime come together to celebrate 70th birthday of ‘wonderful colleague’ Robert

Lifetime ‘downed tools’ for a short time on Thursday afternoon – in order to mark a significant birthday in the life of an esteemed colleague. Data Analyst Robert Briggs (pictured below) turned 70 this week – and after spending a lovely birthday with his devoted family on Wednesday came in with cake for his work colleagues […]

New research suggests 40-somethings are falling behind in pension saving

People aged between 40 and 49-year-olds are not saving enough for a secure retirement according to research from Scottish Windows. Just 53 per cent of that age group are on target to have enough money for their retirement, compared to 57 per cent a year ago, according to the research. “We know that 12 per cent of the […]

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Glowing testimonial for Lifetime’s Pension Professionals!

Lifetime’s Pension Professionals have received a glowing testimonial from an independent trustee of a company. Donna Hobbs is an independent trustee of a well respected company who invited Lifetime directors William Bottomley and Rupert Smith (pictured below) to talk to them about financial planning and in particular retirement planning. Said Donna: “I joined a presentation […]

Lifetime Pension Dept staff, Dodworth, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, UK.

Glowing testimonial for Lifetime’s Pension Professionals!

Lifetime’s Pension Professionals have received a glowing testimonial from an independent trustee of a company. Donna Hobbs is an independent trustee of a well respected company who invited Lifetime directors William Bottomley and Rupert Smith (pictured below) to talk to them about financial planning and in particular retirement planning. Said Donna: “I joined a presentation […]

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Glowing testimonial for Lifetime’s Pension Professionals!

Lifetime’s Pension Professionals have received a glowing testimonial from an independent trustee of a company. Donna Hobbs is an independent trustee of a well respected company who invited Lifetime directors William Bottomley and Rupert Smith (pictured below) to talk to them about financial planning and in particular retirement planning. Said Donna: “I joined a presentation […]

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Number of hospices given Lifetime referral scheme donations hits 20 mark

The number of hospices who have benefited from Lifetime’s referral scheme has now hit the 20 mark. Lichfield-based St Giles Hospice (pictured below) has become the latest to be chosen for a donation from the referral scheme. A cheque for £151.46 is winging its way to St Giles, after being picked by a Lifetime client of our director William Bottomley. Lifetime […]

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Lifetime’s Here Is A Man animation to feature in Sheffield ‘short film night’

Lifetime’s ‘Here Is A Man/Big Questions’ animation is to be screened in Sheffield next week, as part of a ‘Showroom Shorts’ film night. The event, hailed by organisers as ‘the best short film night in the region’ will be held at The Showroom Cinema, Paternoster Row, Sheffield on Tuesday (September 27). Commencing at 9pm, there  will […]

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Lifetime enjoy ‘sweet success’ and plenty of chat at Yorkshire Business Festival!

A number of Lifetime ladies attended the Yorkshire Business Festival at Tankersley Manor on Tuesday. Lifetime had a stand at the event, which has been organised by Yorkshire Ladies Links and celebrates Women in Business. Over 700 tickets were sold for what proved to be another terrific occasion, featuring some inspirational speakers.   Our female financial planners and […]

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‘Makes my job worthwhile’ says financial planner Robert after cancer-hit client sends message while heading for Venice!

Lifetime financial planner Robert Bligh says a text message, received from a client who is ‘living life to the full’ after having a second opinion on his cancer, makes his job worthwhile. Robert (pictured below) joined Lifetime last November – and is mainly based at our offices in Driffield. The client in question was the […]

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Lifetime delighted to present ‘Bard of Barnsley’ Ian with ‘Here Is A Man’ picture

Lifetime were thrilled to welcome client Ian McMillan and his lovely wife to our Great Cliffe Court offices on Friday – and present him with a framed print of our ‘Here Is A Man’ animation. ‘Bard of Barnsley’ Ian had kindly agreed to narrate our video ‘Here Is A Man/Big Questions’ (see below) – which […]

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More lovely mortgage testimonials for Lifetime ladies Karen and Tracy!

Lifetime ladies – and dedicated Mortgage Advisers – Karen Lodge and Tracy Ward have received glowing testimonials this week.. The clients, clearly happy with the service provided by both advisers, were effusive in their praise Asked ‘how did you find the process’, a client commented on their dealings with Karen (pictured below): “Well presented, easy to […]

Government says it will introduce a ‘Pensions Advice Allowance’

The Government says it will take on board recommendations in the Financial Advice Market Review and introduce a Pensions Advice Allowance, which will allow people to take £500 tax free from their DC (defined contribution) pension to help pay for the cost of financial advice. The tax-free amount would be in addition to the normal 25% tax free […]

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BBIS speakers congratulate students and schools over Barnsley GCSE results

Lifetime’s ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ speakers have issued a hearty ‘well done’ to all schools, staff and in particular students in the borough over their GCSE results. Barnsley has announced its best ever GCSE results. The proportion of students in the town attaining five or more A* – C grades, including maths and English, has […]

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Meet our latest BBIS speaker: Michelle Bailey

Michelle Bailey is the latest recruit to Lifetime’s ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ venture. Michelle (pictured below) is the Managing Director of award-winning Active Response Security Services. She is well known for her safeguarding of children initiative #BeeSafe, which was originally intended for local schools to warn of the dangers of building sites. The interest grew to […]

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Barnsley Hospice the beneficiary as two Sarahs meet up!

Two Sarahs came together at Lifetime House on Tuesday morning – as Barnsley Hospice received another cheque from our referral scheme! Lifetime’s office administrator Sarah Sellars was only too happy to present Barnsley Hospice Community Fundraiser Sarah Hattersley with a cheque for  £91.14 (see picture below). Lifetime has built up a lovely relationship with the […]

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Grateful client says a ‘big thank you’ to Mortgage adviser Tracy

Lifetime Mortgage Adviser Tracy Ward was thrilled to receive a lovely thank you card from a grateful client. And along with the card came some scrumptious looking buns! The client was delighted with the work put in Tracy (pictured below) and the Lifetime mortgage team – and wrote to say: “A really big thank you for all […]

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Lifetime administrator Karen volunteers for races day – with St John Ambulance

Administrator Karen Woodall, who has proved a tremendous asset since Lifetime opened up an office in Driffield, East Yorkshire, also does sterling work for charity. She regularly volunteers to work for St John Ambulance, the leading first aid charity in the United Kingdom. Her latest venture for St John was at Beverley Races – where she […]

The Importance Of Your Why

My first day back from holidaying in the beautiful fishing village of Mousehole in Cornwall was also the first day for our new Lifetimer Luke, who has joined us as a trainee Financial Planner. He’s just graduated from Sheffield University with a Law degree and can’t wait to get stuck into his career in Financial [...]

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Episode 22 of Lifetime’s Desert Island Discs – featuring Financial Planner Helen Holland

Desert Island Discs: Episode 22, Financial Planner Helen Holland: It is a lot harder than it seems this choosing of Desert Island Discs! But here goes…..   Disc One: Lets Get Ready To Rhumble – PJ & Duncan  I just absolutely love Ant & Dec, I watch everything they are in! I started watching them […]

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Meet our latest BBIS speaker – Sarah Valentine-Bull

Sarah Valentine-Bull, the Managing Director of Propolis Professional Services, is the latest speaker to join our ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ venture. She works with a variety of different size and nature of businesses helping them to grow through process and people development, often supporting in large projects. This can include development of management information for running a successful […]

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Lovely surprise for Sheffield-based St Luke’s as Lifetimer Lambo pops along with hospice cheque!

Lifetime Pension Specialist Steve Lambarth was a welcome visitor to Sheffield’s St Luke’s Hospice on Thursday (July 28). Steve, a Sheffield man himself, and a huge, season-ticket holding supporter of the footballing Owls from Hillsborough, popped along with Lifetime Communications Director William Bottomley to present a cheque for £778.34 to St Luke’s Corporate Fundraising Manager Joasia […]

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It’s a wrap! Lifetime say goodbye to great colleague Kathryn

Lifetime said goodbye to Wrap Administration Manager Kathryn Holmes today – as she departs for pastures new. Kathryn, with her good nature and iconic laugh, will be sadly missed. In front of the Lifetime staff, MD Ian Dickinson presented Kathryn with some ‘leaving goodies’ – including a lovely bunch of flowers, Lego, a chain and […]

Six million now signed up automatically to a pension savings scheme

More than six million workers have now been signed up automatically to a pension savings scheme. However, fears continue to surface over just how much is being set aside for their retirement – and whether it will be enough. The BBC report that the latest stage of the government’s Auto Enrolment programme has seen a 95% […]

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Lifetime toast mum-to-be Bev!

Lifetimer Bev Shapcott departed on maternity leave with the ‘best wishes’ from her work colleagues ringing in her ears! Bev was presented with a bouquet of flowers from MD Ian Dickinson – and received presents from her work-mates – who all wished her the very, very best as she prepares for the arrival of her […]

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Number of hospices given Lifetime referral scheme donations rises to 19

The number of hospices who have benefited from Lifetime’s referral scheme has now risen to 19. Wetherby-based Martin House Children’s Hospice (pictured below) has become the latest to be chosen for a donation from the referral scheme. A cheque for £62.40 is winging its way to Martin House, after being picked by a Lifetime client. Lifetime has loyal […]

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‘BBIS’ ladies deliver inspirational stories to Netherwood pupils

Netherwood ALC in Barnsley welcomed their first ‘BBIS’ speakers on Thursday. The ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ programme is the brainchild of Lifetime – and is on offer at a number of local schools, including  Horizon Community College, Penistone Grammar, Darton, Holy Trinity, Netherwood and Greenacre. Netherwood held a ‘careers drop-down day’ on Thursday (June 30) and had contacted Lifetime to see if […]

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Referral scheme cheque presented to Barnsley Hospice

Lifetime were delighted to hand over another cheque from our referral scheme to our good friends at Barnsley Hospice on Wednesday. Despite the miserable weather outside, there were smiles aplenty in the Lifetime office as our financial planner Janette Town presented Hospice fundraiser Samantha Silverwood with a cheque for £380.00 Hospices up and down the country have […]

Top trio join a top team! Lifetime’s new financial planners raring to go!

Lifetime is delighted to welcome three new financial planners, Tracey Warring, Kris Booth and Mal Ward. The experienced trio have gone through a week-long induction course and are now ‘raring to go’. Lifetime Director and General Manager Brian Skelton, along with Business Development Manager Neil Hodgson, ran the induction, and on Friday afternoon Brian reflected: […]

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Three more Lifetime referral scheme cheques delivered to hospices

Three more Lifetime referral scheme cheques have been delivered to hospices. Wakefield Hospice, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice (pictured below) and Overgate Hospice are the latest recipients of our referral scheme donations. For all introduced clients to Lifetime, we donate, on your behalf, 10% of any initial fees generated on new transactions completed with these clients, to your […]

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Lifetime enjoy the party as Roy’s boys leave it late to beat Wales!

Lifetime staff enjoyed a bit of a party on Thursday afternoon – revelling in England’s win over Wales in Euro 2016! The Lifetime directors had made the kind – and very much appreciated – move of allowing staff to take a two-hour break from work to watch the game live in the Loft Boardroom. They even put on […]

Lifetime financial planner Daryl delighted with exam success

Lifetime financial planner Daryl Clarke is a very happy chap! Daryl (pictured below) was delighted to receive confirmation that he has passed his AF5 exam. He is now just one [successful] exam away from chartered status. His colleagues were thrilled for him and passed on their congratulations.    

Third of workers still do not have retirement plan suggests survey

A third of workers still do not have a retirement plan, according to a new survey. The research, carried out on behalf of by Aegon, has found that workers are not setting up a proper financial plan for their retirement. The survey of 14,400 employees and 1,600 retired people across 15 countries resulted in the following […]

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Episode 21 of Lifetime’s Desert Island Discs – featuring Office Administrator Sarah Sellars

Desert Island Discs: Episode 21, featuring Office Administrator Sarah Sellars: My choices are made! So here you go…..   Disc One: Champagne Supernova – Oasis One of my all time favourites! I love to relax to this song.   Disc Two: Temperature – Sean Paul This song reminds me of just starting to go out ’round town’ – and […]

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Desert Island Discs: Sarah Sellars

Desert Island Discs: Featuring Office Administrator Sarah Sellars: My choices are made! So here you go…..   Disc One: Champagne Supernova – Oasis One of my all time favourites! I love to relax to this song.   Disc Two: Temperature – Sean Paul This song reminds me of just starting to go out ’round town’ – and pre-drinks at […]

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Lifetimers set for a capital Bank Holiday bonanza – with nerves aplenty!

A number of football-loving Lifetimers are off on a ‘capital adventure’ this Bank Holiday weekend! The Sheffield Wednesday supporters here at Lifetime – Steve Lambarth, Tom Nelson, Daryl Clarke and Phil Richards – will be in London on Saturday, and walking up Wembley Way, hoping that the Owls can see off the Tigers of Hull […]

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Lifetime’s BBIS programme ventures further afield – to Doncaster!

Lifetime’s ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ programme is venturing further afield……..to Doncaster! The ‘BBIS’ has made a significant impact in Barnsley – with a number of speakers going into schools such as Horizon College, Darton College, Greenacre, Holy Trinity and Penistone ALC to deliver their inspirational stories to students. And now Outwood Academy in Adwick near Doncaster […]

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Lifetime-sponsored charity golf day raises £6,000 for Barnsley Hospice

The 2016 Lifetime-sponsored charity golf event proved to be another bumper pay day for Barnsley Hospice. Teams from all over Barnsley converged on Silkstone Golf Club for a brilliant day – with the rain thankfully staying away – and £6,000 was raised for the hospice. Said Lifetime MD Ian Dickinson, whose team (pictured below) finished […]

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Lifetime director Bill a guest on Sine FM radio show

Lifetime Communications Director William Bottomley was a guest on Doncaster-based Sine FM radio on Wednesday. Bill was invited to appear on the ‘Doncaster Is Great’ show run by solicitor Andrew Isaacs – joining two other very interesting guests, a gentleman who has already won two gold awards at the Chelsea Flower Show and is bidding for a […]

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Meet the latest speaker to join Lifetime’s BBIS venture – Louise O’Leary

Louise O’Leary is an international actress and Artistic Director of Sheffield’s first and only professional Method Acting Studio – StandBy Method Acting Studio. Louise is a master of her craft having initially trained at The Arden School of Theatre, Manchester and later at the world renowned Actor’s Studio in New York – a far cry from the council […]

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Now 18 hospices who have received donations from Lifetime referral scheme

The number of hospices who have benefited from Lifetime’s referral scheme has now risen to 18. Rotherham Hospice (pictured below) has become the latest to receive a donation from the referral scheme. Lifetime have clients up and down the country and the referral scheme has already led to over £17,500 being raised for hospices, not only in […]

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Glowing testimonial for Lifetime – and our mortgage man Ken!

Lifetime – and our Mortgage Adviser Ken Abbott – has received a glowing testimonial this week. Lifetime client Ashley Bennett contacted us to pass on his best wishes and thanks for all the help and support he received when buying his first home around the turn of the year. Said Mr Bennett: “I wanted to […]

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Glowing testimonial for Lifetime – and our mortgage man Ken!

Lifetime – and our Mortgage Adviser Ken Abbott – has received a glowing testimonial this week. Lifetime client Ashley Bennett contacted us to pass on his best wishes and thanks for all the help and support he received when buying his first home around the turn of the year. Said Mr Bennett: “I wanted to […]

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Lifetime ‘Here Is A Man’ animation shortlisted for national Big Chip Awards

Lifetime’s Big Questions/Here Is A Man animation – done in collaboration with Fettle Animation and ‘Bard of Barnsley’ Ian McMillan – (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdVxmrLojiQ) has been shortlisted for a national award. Here Is A Man has been shortlisted in the ‘Best Use of Animation’ category in the 2016 Big Chip Awards. Big Chip (http://bigchipawards.com) is the UK’s longest running […]

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Teams gearing up for 2016 Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice Golf Day

The countdown to the 2016 Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice Golf Day is now well and truly on. The teams are gearing up to take part in the charity event at Silkstone Golf Club on Friday, May 20 (12 noon start). They include a team from Barnsley Football Club. As well as being the main sponsors of the event […]

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‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ set to finance 25% of all UK mortgages in 2016

The so-called ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ are now as crucial as one of the UK’s top 10 lenders –  and will finance 25 per cent of all mortgages in in 2016. That is according to research from Legal & General and financial services group Cebr. Their research has indicated that parents will lend over £5 billion this year, […]

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Episode 20 of Lifetime’s Desert Island Discs – featuring Office Administrator Mathew Leech

Desert Island Discs: Episode 20, featuring Office Administrator Mathew Leech: My choices are made! Here you are…..   Disc One: Sex On Fire – Kings Of Leon I can’t imagine anyone not knowing the lyrics to this song! It’s brilliant! It reminds me of summer and playing it loud with the windows down.   Disc Two: Neutron […]

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Desert Island Discs: Mathew Leech

Desert Island Discs: Featuring Office Administrator Mathew Leech: My choices are made! Here you are…..   Disc One: Sex On Fire – Kings Of Leon I can’t imagine anyone not knowing the lyrics to this song! It’s brilliant! It reminds me of summer and playing it loud with the windows down.   Disc Two: Neutron Star Collision […]

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Lifetimer Amy completes Yorkshire 3-Peaks Challenge for charity close to her heart

Lifetime office administrator Amy Brown completed the Yorkshire 3-Peaks Challenge on Saturday (April 23) – raising money for charity with every step she took to the summit! Said Amy (pictured below, right, with a colleague after completing the challenge): “There were around 25 of us who took on the Yorkshire 3-Peaks at the weekend. We were doing […]

Big changes to the state pension now in operation

Big changes to the state pension have now come into operation. If clients reach state pension age after 5 April 2016 they will receive the ‘new state pension’. The full amount is £155.65 per week (2016/17) and up until 2020, it’s guaranteed to increase by the highest of price inflation, earnings growth or 2.5%, known as […]

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‘It’s amazing to think this all started with that little talk’ – BBIS speaker Liz

When Lifetime came up with the idea of ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ just over 24 months ago, the ‘dream’ was that, in subsequent years, a young boy or girl would make a real success of their lives and turn round and say a BBIS talk had been the initial spark. A student leaving school and going on to […]

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‘So happy that there are still kind, genuine people in the world’ – Lifetime client

Lifetime office administrator Sheila Lynch had a lovely telephone conversation with a client of financial planner Brian Howard on Tuesday – which left colleagues in tears! Sheila (pictured below) called one of Brian’s elderly clients to book an appointment. She got talking to the client and he told her how he had fallen and hit […]

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Double delight as Lifetimers Rupert and Scott pass their respective exams

There was double delight at Lifetime on Tuesday afternoon – after news came through of exam success. Lifetime director Rupert Smith (pictured below) passed his RO8 exam. Rupert became the third Lifetimer in recent weeks to pass that particular exam, following in the footsteps of financial planners Jane Gray and Brian Howard. Meanwhile, Lifetime mortgage administrator Scott […]

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FCA says rush to cash in pension pots is fading

The urge to cash in pension savings a year on from the introduction of new rules has been fading, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has said. Since the new regulations came into force on 6th April last year, savers have been able to release the cash from their pension pot from the age of 55, subject to […]

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Lifetimers enjoy their Wembley day!

The Barnsley FC supporters among the staff at Lifetime had a memorable day out at Wembley on Sunday – as their favourites overcame Oxford United 3-2 to win the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. By car, coach and train the various Lifetimers made their way to London for a capital adventure – and wearing their flat caps […]

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Lifetime financial planners pass RO8 exams

There has been exam success for two of Lifetime’s highly respected financial planners. The hard work and revision put in by both Jane Gray and Brian Howard (pictured below), paid off as they passed their RO8 exams.     Many congratulations the pair of you!

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Lucie reigns supreme as Lifetime charity Bake Off again proves a sweet success!

The second Lifetime Bake Off – staged in aid of Sport Relief – proved to be a sweet success on Friday (March 18). And once again Office Manager Lucie Haxby proved to be the ‘Mary Berry’ of Lifetime – winning the competition for the second successive year, this time with her entry ‘chick, chick, chick, chick, chicken, […]

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Episode 19 of Lifetime’s Desert Island Discs – featuring Trainee Accountant Annabelle Dickinson

Desert Island Discs: Episode 19, featuring Trainee Accountant Annabelle Dickinson: Here are my choices: Disc One: Reach – S Club 7 When I was only four, S Club 7 were my favourite band and I used to dance to them all the time!  My mum took me to watch them at Sheffield Arena with my cousin and her mum.  […]

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Desert Island Discs: Annabelle Dickinson

Desert Island Discs: Featuring Trainee Accountant Annabelle Dickinson: Here are my choices: Disc One: Reach – S Club 7 When I was only four, S Club 7 were my favourite band and I used to dance to them all the time!  My mum took me to watch them at Sheffield Arena with my cousin and her mum.  It was […]

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What the Budget 2016 means for pensions and savings, plus personal taxation

Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne delivered his eighth Budget on Wednesday (March 16). Here are the main points of what he said on the subjects of pensions and savings, and personal taxation: The annual Isa limit to rise from £15,240 to £20,000 New ‘lifetime’ Isa for the under-40s, with government putting in £1 for every £4 […]

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Lifetime director tells Hull University students about ‘the best job in the world’!

Lifetime Communications Director William Bottomley delivered a terrific presentation to the students of Hull University Business School on Friday (March 11). As part of Lifetime’s engagement with universities, Bill and Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge had been invited along to the University of Hull, to talk about financial planning. Bill showed the company’s ‘What’, ‘How’ and ‘Why’ – as well […]

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Episode 18 of Lifetime’s Desert Island Discs – featuring Wrap Administration Manager Kathryn Holmes

Desert Island Discs: Episode 18, featuring Wrap Administration Manager Kathryn Holmes: When I found out I had been chosen for my own Desert Island Discs my response was ‘Oh No’! That’s because although I have been thinking about my choices for a few weeks (just in case my name was drawn out of the hat), my […]

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Lifetime ladies, pop-up banners, buns, a Yorkshire Hamper and a bucket at Be Inspired event!

It will be hard to miss the Lifetime stand at Tuesday’s ‘Be Inspired’ Yorkshire Ladies Links event at The Pavilions of Harrogate! Our female financial planners Janette Town and Helen Holland, and mortgage advisers Karen Lodge and Tracy Ward, will be there to talk to at stand 22 in the Calder Room – and there will be […]

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Lifetimer Bill tells Darton College students: ‘find something you love to do’

Lifetime Communications Director William Bottomley told students at Darton College on Thursday (February 25) to ‘find something you love to do’. Bill (pictured below) and Lifetime Social Media/Communications Manager Andrew Lodge joined a number of other speakers from Lifetime’s  ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ project at Darton’s drop-down careers day. The event was held for students of all year groups […]

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Pensions still the most tax-efficient way of saving says Institute for Fiscal Studies

Pensions are still the most tax-efficient way of saving, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has stated. That is despite forthcoming tax changes, added the IFS. The organisation compared saving in a pension with buying a house, putting funds into an Individual Savings Account (Isa), or investing in buy-to-let property. The main reason for the IFS to […]

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Lifetimers to join hundreds of business ladies at ‘Be Inspired’ Yorkshire conference

A number of Lifetime’s female advisers will be at Yorkshire’s largest networking conference for women in March. They will join hundreds of other business ladies to celebrate International Women’s Day at the ‘Be Inspired’ Yorkshire Ladies Links event at The Pavilions of Harrogate on March 8. Lifetime financial planners Janette Town, Jane Gray and Helen Holland, […]

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Lifetime come together to celebrate Lesley’s milestone birthday

The Lifetime ‘family’ came together on Friday afternoon to mark a milestone birthday of colleague Lesley Vine. Office administrator Lesley is 50 on Sunday – Valentine’s Day. She’s sure to be spoiled! She certainly was by all her many friends at Lifetime House on Friday – as director Brian Skelton made a special presentation to […]

Study suggests 45% of small businesses are still confused about Auto Enrolment rules

Forty-five per cent of small businesses are still confused about Auto Enrolment rules – which requires them to enrol their employees in a qualifying workplace pension scheme. The study, carried out by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), also finds that three-quarters of small businesses feel the regulations will put too much pressure on them – and that […]

Investment advice regarding income drawdown is top query from clients reveals adviser poll

Investment advice regarding income drawdown tops the list of queries clients have been asking over the last year relating to the pension changes, a poll of advisers has revealed. Just under half (48%) of the 250 advisers polled by Censuswide – on behalf of Aegon – said that income drawdown was the top issue raised by […]

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Planning when to retire and how to pay for it can be an tough task without thorough Financial Planning

Maintaining your standard of living when you have retired from work is always one of the biggest challenges we face. Planning when to retire and how to pay for it can be an impossible task without thorough Financial Planning. Retirement planning is not always about putting money into a pension; your income could come from […]

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Desert Island Discs: Sheila Lynch

Desert Island Discs: Featuring Office Administrator Sheila Lynch: It was tough whittling the list down to eight songs, but here are my picks: Disc One: Blue Monday – New Order The first 12″single I ever bought. Think it lasted about 14 minutes!   Disc Two: I Wanna Be Adored – The Stone Roses This song was released in […]

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Episode 17 of Lifetime’s Desert Island Discs – featuring Office Administrator Sheila Lynch

Desert Island Discs: Episode 17, featuring Office Administrator Sheila Lynch: It was tough whittling the list down to eight songs, but here are my picks:   Disc One: Blue Monday – New Order The first 12″single I ever bought. Think it lasted about 14 minutes!   Disc Two: I Wanna Be Adored – The Stone Roses This song […]

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Signs looking good for Lifetime’s aim to ‘tell the truth about money’ in Driffield!

The signs are looking good for Lifetime….in Driffield! We may have our HQ at Dodworth in Barnsley, but we’ve ‘branched out’ to new offices in the east of Yorkshire and the great Totty Signs has helped us put Lifetime ‘on the map’! Lifetime now have a good number of clients in parts of East Yorkshire and […]

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Lifetime present another referral scheme cheque to Barnsley hospice

Lifetime Financial Planner Brian Howard was delighted to present Barnsley hospice with another donation from our referral scheme on Tuesday. Brian handed over a cheque for £163.13 to hospice fundraising team leader Katie Haddad (see below). Dodworth-based financial management company Lifetime has built up a very strong relationship with Barnsley Hospice. As well as sponsoring the hospice’s annual golf […]

Jane and Michelle display Lifetime commitment to help client in ‘complicated situation’

Lifetime were thrilled to receive a lovely thank you message after helping a client with a particularly complicated situation. Financial Planner Jane Gray and Mortgage Manager Michelle Youel (pictured below) came in for special praise as they steered the gentleman in question through a difficult financial process. The delighted client duly rang the Lifetime offices to […]

Forthcoming changes to way pensions are taxed will encourage people to save, says government

Proposed changes to the way pensions are taxed will “encourage saving”, a government minister has claimed. David Gauke, the First Secretary to the Treasury, said a review of pension taxation would keep savers in mind. “We need to ensure it is effective in terms of encouraging saving, and it is going in the right place,” Mr Gauke […]

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BBIS speakers invited to be part of Darton College Careers Day

A number of speakers from Lifetime’s ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ project will be going into Darton College next month to ‘tell their story’. Darton are delivering a Careers drop-down day for students of all year groups on Thursday, February 25 – and the BBIS speakers have been invited to be part of it. The speakers, […]

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Meet our latest BBIS speaker: Steph Cronin

The latest speaker to join Lifetime’s ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ project is Steph Cronin. Steph Cronin runs Black Bee Creative, which specialises in marketing campaigns, branding, graphic design and illustration (www.blackbeecreative.com). When Steph graduated from Croydon College of Art and Design in 1999 she had a dream of using her creative skills to save the world by […]

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Great ‘works do’ at the Oil Can Cafe!

Here at Lifetime we know how to throw a good party – and Saturday night’s annual ‘works do’ proved no exception! The event, which had a ‘Swinging 60s’ theme, was held at the brilliant Oil Can Cafe, The Carding Shed in Hepworth, West Yorkshire – and featured the fabulous band, Soul Jam. Here are some […]

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BBIS speakers Chloe and Stuart prove a big hit at Penistone School

Two speakers from our ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ project proved to be a smash hit at Penistone School last week. Chloe Adams-Pickford and Stuart Turner (pictured below) popped along to deliver ‘their story’ to eager students who are studying Design and Technology at GCSE and A level. Chloe is an undergraduate student from Barnsley who is currently […]

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Fore! Lifetime again the main sponsor of Barnsley Hospice golf day

Lifetime is proud to announce that they are again the main sponsors of the Barnsley Hospice golf day – for the fourth year running. The event, which raises thousands of pounds for the Hospice, will be held on Friday, May 20 at its usual home, Silkstone Golf Club. Entry includes 18 holes of golf, food and […]

One in five 75-year-olds wish they had started saving earlier says new survey

Failure to save up a pension pot is the biggest financial regret for over a quarter of over 65-year-olds, a new survey has suggested. And almost one in five (19%) of over 75-year-olds stated they also wished they’d started saving sooner. Despite many having generous ‘gold plated’ final salary pension schemes in place, 26% of those […]

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Pouting in heels! That’s our latest BBIS speaker!

The latest speaker to join Lifetime’s ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ project is known for pouting in heels! Katie is a freelance journalist, PR and copywriter as well as an award winning lifestyle / family blogger at Pouting In Heels. She’s also a mum to one, her three-year-old daughter Elsie. Her first book is set to be […]

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Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas – and a wonderful New Year!

As we count down to the festive season and the onset of 2016, all of us here at Lifetime would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas – and a wonderful New Year! The foundation of our financial management business has always been the relationships we have had with our clients. Lifetime has been built upon their […]

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Lifetime get into the festive spirit on National Christmas Jumper Day

Lifetime got into the festive spirit on Friday – by donning their Christmas jumpers! And ‘National Christmas Jumper Day’ certainly proved to be very popular, as the two offices came together wearing their eye-catching pullovers! All proceeds raised go to Text Santa, who support three charities – Macmillan Cancer Support, Make A Wish Foundation and Save […]

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Episode 16 of Lifetime’s Desert Island Discs – featuring Pensions Analyst Lee Bridgewater

Desert Island Discs: Episode 16, featuring Pensions Analyst Lee Bridgewater: Towards the latter end of the 1980’s to mid-1990’s the continuing indie scene and emerging northern music scene had a big impact on me. Therefore, needless to say, most of the songs I have chosen emanate from that period. Here are the desert island discs from my disaffected […]

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Lifetime welcomes Cosan and Orica

It was lovely to welcome representatives from Cosan and Orica to Lifetime House on Tuesday. Lifetime’s Communications Director William Bottomley and Corporate Technical Director Rupert Smith delivered presentations, before the guests were treated to a lovely lunch – put on by Lifetimers Sue and Tracey – in our ‘Bronte’ room. And later in the afternoon […]

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Lifetime’s BBIS project picking up pace as we head towards 2016

Lifetime’s Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students project is really picking up pace as we head towards Christmas and 2016. Horizon Community College was the first to take up the BBIS programme, which sees business people who hail from Barnsley or live and work in the town go into schools to deliver their ‘inspirational story’ to students. […]

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More than a third of Yorkshire people will go into debt to buy Christmas presents this year says charity

More than a third of people in Yorkshire are going into debt to buy Christmas presents this year. That is according to the charity Money Advice Trust, who has announced that calls to its national debt support line jumped 61% after last Christmas. The charity also says they have found that nearly one in four Britons feel under pressure […]

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Lifetimer Ken delighted to present Barnsley Hospice with referral scheme cheque

Lifetime mortgage adviser Ken Abbott was only too happy to present Barnsley Hospice with yet another donation from our referral scheme. Ken handed over a cheque for £56.09 to the Hospice’s Fundraising Team Leader Katie Haddad at Lifetime House on Wednesday afternoon (picture below). Lifetime’s hugely successful referral scheme (https://www.lifetime-fm.com/lifetime-in-the-community/hospice-referral-scheme/) has seen over £15,000 raised for […]

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Episode 15 of Lifetime’s Desert Island Discs – featuring Office Administrator Beverley Shapcott

Desert Island Discs: Episode 15, featuring Office Administrator Beverley Shapcott: When I was asked to pick eight songs, I thought how could I possibly just pick eight songs, when there are so many good songs to pick from?! Then I thought, well I could just pick some of the songs from our first wedding dance […]

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Desert Island Discs: Beverley Shapcott

Desert Island Discs: Featuring Mortgage Administrator Beverley Shapcott: When I was asked to pick eight songs, I thought how could I possibly just pick eight songs, when there are so many good songs to pick from?! Then I thought, well I could just pick some of the songs from our first wedding dance mash up, because […]

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BBIS member Andrew invited to deliver his ‘fluent story’ to Penistone students

Penistone Grammar School has joined the growing number of schools who are embracing Lifetime’s ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ scheme. Stuart Turner, owner of sushisushi.com (pictured below), was the first BBIS member to speak to the school’s Year 11 students at a special event recently – and will be returning in January to speak to Year 9s. And now […]

Employers reminded to prepare well in advance for their Auto Enrolment staging date

As at November 27, 2015: The latest figures on employers who are due for their Auto Enrolment staging next year and beyond continue to highlight the need for making preparations well in advance. Deciding on who and how the ongoing assessments will be run is the first challenge. After that it is finding the right scheme. […]

Employers reminded to prepare well in advance for their Auto Enrolment staging date

The latest figures on employers who are due for their Auto Enrolment staging next year and beyond continue to highlight the need for making preparations well in advance. Deciding on who and how the ongoing assessments will be run is the first challenge. After that it is finding the right scheme. Just finding the right pension […]

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Everyone left with a warm glow as BBIS speaker Amanda is a big hit at Greenacre!

It is always nice to share a ‘good news’ story…… And there was certainly a warm glow – a feeling of something really clicking into place –  on Wednesday as Greenacre School welcomed its very first speaker from Lifetime’s Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students project. After an initial trial at Horizon Community College, our ‘BBIS’ venture is now being […]

Personal service of mortgage man Ken made the process pain free says grateful Lifetime client

We put our clients at the centre of our services here at Lifetime – and the personal touch we provide is very much appreciated. The support and help provided by Lifetime mortgage adviser Ken Abbott – a lovely Liverpudlian (pictured below) – was certainly appreciated by one such client, Tom Drake. Tom was effusive in his […]

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Personal service of mortgage man Ken made the process pain free says grateful Lifetime client

We put our clients at the centre of our services here at Lifetime – and the personal touch we provide is very much appreciated. The support and help provided by Lifetime mortgage adviser Ken Abbott – a lovely Liverpudlian (pictured below) – was certainly appreciated by one such client, Tom Drake. Tom was effusive in his […]

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Greenacre School to welcome their first ‘BBIS’ speaker

Greenacre School are looking forward to having their first ‘BBIS’ speaker on Wednesday (November 25). After an initial trial at Horizon Community College, Lifetime’s ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ project is now being rolled out to other schools in the borough – and Greenacre were delighted to take up the opportunity. Their first ‘BBIS’ speaker is Amanda Heenan (https://www.lifetime-fm.com/bbis/amanda-heenan/) When trying […]

Topping up the state pension

The new Class 3A state pension top-up scheme is available to everyone who is already entitled to state pension or will be before 6 April 2016. That is all men born before 6 April 1951 and all women born before 6 April 1953. The deal opened on 12 October and will last until 5 April […]

New study suggests young people are on course to be poorer than their parents at every stage of their lives

Young people are on course to be poorer than their parents at every stage of their lives, according to a new report. The study, carried out by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS),  says the slow rate of growth in overall wealth suggested that young people would lag behind earlier generations. The study did point out […]

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All seems a long way from my quiet garage in 2004!

Here is the latest blog from Lifetime financial planner Paul Lee: “When I left Friends Provident in January 2004 I don’t think I really knew how big a change becoming a self- employed financial planner was . “It was only when I sat in my converted garage at home with a brand new desk , […]

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Lifetimer Bill and his three-minute bucket goes down a storm at university event!

“Some great presentation work by Lifetime – definitely drumming up student interest tonight!” That was the twitter message posted by the University of Sheffield Careers Service – after Lifetime Communications Director William Bottomley (pictured below) and Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge joined the likes of HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group, Deloitte and CPA Australia at the University’s exclusive networking […]

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Lifetime comes together to celebrate retirement of brilliant colleague Barbara

The Lifetime ‘family’ came together on Friday afternoon to mark a very special occasion – the retirement of their brilliant, stalwart colleague Barbara Collins. Bubbly Barbara (pictured below) has been  with the company for around 17 years – and both Managing Director Ian Dickinson and Communications Director William Bottomley were gushing and heartfelt in their […]

Paul Lee: Financial Planner

My latest blog: "When I left Friends Provident in January 2004 I don’t think I really knew how big a change becoming a self- employed financial planner was . "It was only when I sat in my converted garage at home with a brand new desk , new laptop , new phone that I realised [...]

Life expectancy continues to improve according to Office for National Statistics

Life expectancy has continued to improve, according to data released by the Office for National Statistics. The ONS has stated that, according to their research, a new-born baby boy in England can now expect to live to 79.5 years – an increase of 5.9 years over two decades. This compares to Wales where expectancy is 78.5 years […]

Government should set up pensions ‘early warning system’ says think-tank

A think-tank is urging the Government to set up a pensions ‘early warning system’ – to help prevent savers from running out of money in their retirement. In a report published this week, think-tank Social Market Foundation says that David Cameron’s Conservative Government should closely monitor pension balances, consumer behaviour and the take-up of guidance and […]

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Lifetimer Colin presents St Luke’s Hospice with referral scheme cheque

Lifetime financial planner Colin Chadburn was a very welcome guest to St Luke’s Hospice near Sheffield on Thursday. Colin popped along to personally present the hospice with a cheque for £800.99 (see picture below) – money raised from Lifetime’s hugely successful referral scheme (https://www.lifetime-fm.com/lifetime-in-the-community/hospice-referral-scheme/). Said St Luke’s Corporate Fundraising Manager Joasia Lesniak: “Everyone here would like […]

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Happy Halloween! Some fantastic entries for Lifetime’s pumpkin carving competition

Staff at Lifetime were only too happy to get into the Halloween spirit – by carving out some fantastic pumpkins! The Lifetime pumpkin competition, put together by the admin team, resulted in some wonderful entries – and gave our Communications Director William Bottomley a bit of a headache when it came to judging time! He […]

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Here is a man….

Here is a man…….a blog by Lifetime Director William Bottomley: It seems to be my destiny to spend my life explaining difficult concepts in simple uncomplicated language and painting pictures without being patronising in an attempt to further understanding. Teaching Religious Education in Catholic Comprehensives for nine years stretched this ability to its limits, but every […]

‘Not right time’ for new pension implementation says government minister

Three proposed pieces of new pension legislation has been ‘put on hold’ by the government, who have said it is ‘not the right time’ for implementation. Pot-follows-member, defined ambition and collective benefits have all been put on hold. Minister for Pensions Ros Altmann issued a written ministerial statement on Thursday morning (October 15) in which she […]

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Here is a man! Lifetime’s new animation is unveiled – and goes down a treat!

An animation about the ‘Big Questions’ in life – featuring a family man called Guido who has a strong, distinctive, rich Northern accent! One Big Question may have been just what people would make of it when the official unveiling was carried out! Well……..thankfully ‘Here Is A Man’, Lifetime’s new animation video about the questions we […]

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Lifetime delighted to play the host for Penistone Business Group

Lifetime once again threw open its doors to host the Penistone Business Group meeting and networking event. Lifetime financial planner Janette Town (pictured below) is a member of the group and had organised Wednesday morning’s get-together at Lifetime House – which included a presentation from special guest, Barnsley-based teenage entrepreneur Eve Lodge (pictured bottom), the […]

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Double delight as Lifetime mark the 50th birthdays of Michelle and Karen!

The Lifetime ‘family’ came together on Wednesday afternoon to mark the special birthdays of two colleagues. Lifetimers Karen Lodge, who celebrated her 50th birthday on Tuesday, and Michelle Youell, 50 on Friday, October 31 (both pictured below) were both pleasantly surprised as they were presented with flowers and gifts by Managing Director Ian Dickinson – […]

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Lifetime all set for fourth Connected Business conference

The fourth annual Connected Business conference takes place at The Civic in Barnsley on Tuesday (October 13). Hosted by Enterprising Barnsley, Barnsley Council’s business support programme, this half day conference helps to bring your business bang up to date with all that is happening in the world of online and digital technology. Lifetime Communications Director William […]

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Lifetime donations from hospice referral scheme soars past £15,000 mark

The amount Lifetime has given hospices up and down the country through its referral scheme has now soared past the £15,000 mark. The latest cheque was personally delivered by our financial planner Colin Chadburn to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice in Sheffield on Wednesday (see picture below). A few days earlier another Lifetime financial planner, Steve Baskind, […]

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Lifetime financial planner Colin presents Bluebell Wood with bumper cheque

Lifetime financial planner Colin popped along to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice in Sheffield on Thursday morning, to deliver a bumper cheque (£575.68) from our referral scheme. It is not the first time Colin has presented a cheque to Bluebell Wood – and they were delighted to see him again. Said Bluebell Wood fundraiser Julie Hampson: […]

Lifetime pensions duo pass exams

Two members of Lifetime’s highly successful Retirements Solutions department have passed exams. First up was our department manager Tom Nelson (pictured below), who passed the RO2 exam. And Tom has been quickly followed by his colleague, pension specialist Steve Lambarth (pictured below), who has successfully passed his R08 exam. Well done guys!

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Financial Planner Steve thrilled to present Wakefield Hospice with Lifetime referral scheme cheque

Financial Planner Steve Baskind was delighted to be able to pop along to Wakefield Hospice on Thursday afternoon, to present them with a cheque from Lifetime’s referral scheme. Steve handed over a cheque for £555.48 (see picture below). Said Wakefield Hospice Fundraising Manager Keeley Harrison: “I would really like to thank Steve for coming in with […]

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Lifetime is talk of the town as new animation gets set for ‘Civic unveiling’

Lifetime’s new short animated film, designed to help families get to grips with financial planning, is to be premiered at a Barnsley digital business conference. Lifetime will launch their new three-minute film at the Connected Business Conference at Barnsley Civic on Tuesday, October 13th. Production of the animated ‘Big Questions’ short, which is scripted and voiced by […]

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Lifetimer Andrew delighted to play his part in Horizon’s Special Awards night

Lifetime Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge was delighted to play his part in Horizon College’s ‘I Know I Can Special Award’ ceremony at the Holiday Inn, Barnsley on Monday evening. The glittering event, attended by a number of local dignitaries including the Mayor of Barnsley, author and former teacher Mel Dyke, and Barnsley FC player George Smith, […]

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Lifetime to feature in Barnsley’s biggest digital business conference

Lifetime is to feature in Barnsley’s biggest digital business conference at The Civic next month. The town will celebrate its growing reputation as an expanding digital economy at the fourth annual Connected Business Conference – and Lifetime Communications Director William Bottomley (pictured below) will be one of the guest speakers, talking about how our company […]

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BBIS speaker Jonathan reveals ‘story’ behind his latest novel

One of Lifetime’s ‘BBIS’ speakers, author Jonathan Lee, has admitted that his new novel, A Tiny Feeling Of Fear, came about due to his experiences of living with his brother Simon, who sadly committed suicide in 2004. Jonathan (pictured below) is a popular part of the ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ project put together by Lifetime […]

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Desert Island Discs: Michael Naylor

Desert Island Discs: featuring Office Administrator Michael Naylor: Well, here are my choices – and I’ve even done it without the help of my sister Tamsin! Disc One: She Moves In Her Way – The Kooks This song reminds me of my first lads holiday in Benidorm! Back in the days of CD players. The only CD we took was the […]

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Episode 14 of Lifetime’s Desert Island Discs – featuring Office Administrator Michael Naylor

Desert Island Discs: Episode 14, featuring Office Administrator Michael Naylor: Well, here are my choices – and I’ve even done it without the help of my sister Tamsin! Disc One: She Moves In Her Way – The Kooks This song reminds me of my first lads holiday in Benidorm! Back in the days of CD players. The only CD we took […]

Your Financial Plan: have you got one?

A Financial Plan. Three words (well…..particularly the latter two!) that can strike fear into the hearts of many people who look upon money matters with trepidation. Sometimes it can feel great to ‘fly by the seat of your pants’ – and letting things ‘just happen’. But not where your money is concerned. A proper financial […]

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Episode 13 of Lifetime’s Desert Island Discs – featuring Pensions Technical Director Jeff Winter

Desert Island Discs: Episode 13, featuring Lifetime Pensions Technical Director Jeff Winter: Here are my choices! Disc One: Run To The Hills – Iron Maiden When I heard this song for the first time back in 1982 I thought “wow” these are fantastic!  I wasn’t into heavy metal or rock music at the time until I heard […]

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Desert Island Discs: featuring Lifetime Pensions Technical Director Jeff Winter: Here are my choices! Disc One: Run To The Hills – Iron Maiden https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86URGgqONvA When I heard this song for the first time back in 1982 I thought “wow” these are fantastic!  I wasn’t into heavy metal or rock music at the time until I heard this [...]

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People invest more in income products than taking cash from their pension pots

Savers have invested more in regular income products than just taking cash since the pension freedoms came into force in April. That’s according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI). The ABI have stated that during April, May and June of this year, around £1.3bn was extracted in cash lump sums, with an average payment […]

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Three more Lifetime cheques for Barnsley Hospice

More cash has gone into the coffers of Barnsley Hospice – thanks to the efforts of Lifetime. Communications Director William Bottomley was only too pleased to present the hospice’s corporate fundraiser Brian Curran with three cheques at Lifetime House on Wednesday afternoon (see picture). Two of the cheques came from Lifetime’s hugely successful referral scheme […]

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Episode 12 of Lifetime’s Desert Island Discs – featuring Mortgage Administrator Scott Kershaw

Desert Island Discs: Episode 12, featuring Lifetime Mortgage Administrator Scott Kershaw: Well……here’s my choices! Disc One: Thunderstruck – AC/DC I chose this song because it’s really upbeat. When I ran the Sheffield half marathon not so long back, this song really got me pumping when I was running up a hill for four miles!   Disc Two: […]

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Desert Island Discs: featuring Lifetime Mortgage Administrator Scott Kershaw: Well......here's my choices! Disc One: Thunderstruck – AC/DC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2AC41dglnM I chose this song because it’s really upbeat. When I ran the Sheffield half marathon not so long back, this song really got me pumping when I was running up a hill for four miles!   Disc Two: Sweet [...]

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Number of hospices benefiting from Lifetime referral scheme rises to 17

The number of hospices that have benefited from Lifetime’s referral scheme has now risen to 17. Two new hospices joined the ever lengthening list this week: St John’s in Doncaster and St Gemma’s in Leeds (pictured below). Lifetime have clients up and down the country and the referral scheme has already led to thousands of pounds […]

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Financial Planner Matt a welcome visitor to St Gemma’s Hospice

Lifetime financial planner Matthew Appleby was a very welcome to Leed-based St Gemma’s Hospice on Monday morning. Matt popped along to present two cheques from Lifetime’s hospice referral scheme, which totalled £284.36 (see picture below).   Cheques have also gone out this week to St Luke’s Hospice near Sheffield and to St John’s Hospice in […]

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Thank you messages bring heartwarming feeling of knowing you are being of value!

As we constantly emphasise, the foundation of our financial management business has always been the relationships we have had with our clients. As alternative financial planners, we put clients at the centre of our services. We get to know a client and discover what’s important to them. Our starting point is their story. And so when we receive messages […]

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Two important changes announced by Financial Services Compensation Scheme

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has announced two important changes to the protection it gives people on cash savings that they hold in any bank or building society accounts covered by the scheme. This includes the vast majority of mainstream current and savings accounts, including virtually all those available from the major UK banks or their […]

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Company presentation to Lifetimer Brian, as he gets ready for the big Five-0!

Lifetime came together on Wednesday afternoon to celebrate a colleague’s impending ‘Five-0’! Our lovely Financial Planner Brian Howard (pictured below) – hailed ‘one of the nicest men at Lifetime, or anywhere for that matter(!)’ – is all set for his 50th birthday next week and he was the recipient of a surprise presentation in his […]

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Episode 11 of Lifetime’s Desert Island Discs – featuring Accounts Manager Nicola Dickinson

Desert Island Discs: Episode 11, featuring Lifetime Accounts Manager Nicola Dickinson: When Andrew asked me to compile my Desert Island choices, I panicked! That’s not because I have hundreds to choose from, but because I’m not a massive popular music fan! As some of you might know I have danced since being three years old, directed shows […]

Desert Island Discs: Nicola Dickinson

Desert Island Discs: Featuring Lifetime Accounts Manager Nicola Dickinson: When Andrew asked me to compile my Desert Island choices, I panicked! That’s not because I have hundreds to choose from, but because I’m not a massive popular music fan! As some of you might know I have danced since being three years old, directed shows and done […]

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Two important changes announced by Financial Services Compensation Scheme

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has announced two important changes to the protection it gives people on cash savings that they hold in any bank or building society accounts covered by the scheme. This includes the vast majority of mainstream current and savings accounts, including virtually all those available from the major UK banks or their […]

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Directors delighted to welcome Vanguard’s Head of HR (Europe) to Lifetime House

Lifetime were delighted to welcome a special visitor from investment management company Vanguard to Great Cliffe Court on Friday morning. Alexandra Gotts, Vanguard’s Head of HR, Europe (pictured below) spoke on a number of topics to our MD Ian Dickinson and his fellow directors in the boardroom at Lifetime House. Said Lifetime’s Communications Director William Bottomley: “It was […]

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Senior financial planner Colin delivers Lifetime cheque to Bluebell Wood

Another cheque generated by Lifetime’s referral scheme has been presented to a grateful hospice. Our senior financial planner Colin Chadburn was only too happy to pop along to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice in Sheffield on Wednesday morning to deliver a cheque for £332.68 (see picture below). Helen Mower, Head of fundraising at Bluebell Wood, commented: […]

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Reed all about it! Lifetime run out of steam in football clash with neighbours!

The Lifetime team, sadly they ran out of steam. No, this isn’t the start of a piece of poetry. It is the headline of Monday night. For the Lifetime football team (pictured below) were ultimately over-run by neighbours Reed Smith Accountants in a challenge match played at Shaw Lane Sports Club. The contest, played in a […]

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Turmoil hits financial markets as Greek banks are shut

Share prices slumped across Europe on Monday (June 29) as Greece shut its banks – following a fateful weekend that has shaken Europe’s single currency. Due to the Greek debt crisis – and the breakdown of talks between the country’s government and European officials, Greece’s banks will stay shut today in an effort to prevent customers withdrawing their […]

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UK housing market is moving more slowly than a year ago, new figures show

The UK housing market is moving more slowly than a year ago, a new survey by HM Recenue and Customs (HMRC) has suggested. A total of 98,540 homes were sold in May 2015, seasonally-adjusted figures from HMRC show. That figure is down 3% on a year earlier. The first nine months of 2014 saw property being […]

Firms with fewer than 30 employees now being ‘phased into’ Auto Enrolment

Small family businesses and people with a single employee will need to start paying into a pension for their workers in the next phase of a move to boost retirement savings. From May 31, 2015, thousands of firms with fewer than 30 employees will start to be phased into the Government’s Automatic Enrolment scheme, which was set […]

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Episode 10 of Lifetime’s Desert Island Discs – featuring Office Administrator Elaine North

Desert Island Discs: Episode 10, featuring Lifetime Office Administrator Elaine North: The eight songs I’ve chosen all remind me of growing up and my teenage years. I loved the era of music that these songs come from – and it has always stuck with me. When I hear these songs they always make me feel happy […]

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FCA guidance on use of social media

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) recognises that social media are powerful channels of communication which are of significant value to firms and do not want to prevent their use. As a result the FCA have guidance  on financial promotions in social media. This follows detailed engagement and consultation with the industry. The guidance is designed to […]

Desert Island Discs: Elaine North

Desert Island Discs: Featuring Lifetime Office Administrator Elaine North: The eight songs I’ve chosen all remind me of growing up and my teenage years. I loved the era of music that these songs come from – and it has always stuck with me. When I hear these songs they always make me feel happy and I’m […]

We are still not saving enough for retirement says new research

Retirees could be heading into trouble as average pension pots require ten times more investment growth than they currently produce to realise the desired levels of retirement income, according to research. Figures from Avacade Future Solutions showed the average saver ideally wants to retire on a pot size of about £335,000, which equates to an income […]

Desert Island Discs: Stephen Ramsden

Desert Island Discs: Featuring Lifetime Research Director Stephen Ramsden: Here’s my choices: Disc One: You’ve Got A Friend In Me – Randy Newman   Disc Two:  Father and Son – Cat Stevens   Disc Three: When You Are Old – Gretchen Peters   Disc Four: Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler   Disc Five: Torn Between […]

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Lifetime referral scheme cheque goes to St Luke’s Hospice

St Luke’s Hospice in Sheffield has received another cheque from Lifetime’s highly successful referral scheme. A cheque for £91.44 is winging its way to the hospice (pictured below) based in the Steel City. Hospices up and down the country have benefited from Lifetime’s referral scheme (https://www.lifetime-fm.com/lifetime-in-the-community/hospice-referral-scheme/), none more so than those based in Yorkshire. The […]

‘Giving while living’ now competing with ‘traditional’ inheritance

The idea of people leaving a traditional inheritance may be dying out a report has suggested – as around half of the UK’s retirees say they are now ‘giving while living’ . Three in five retirees surveyed (60%) said they are already providing regular financial support to their family and friends. The survey, carried out on behalf […]

‘Giving while living’ now competing with ‘traditional’ inheritance

The idea of people leaving a traditional inheritance may be dying out a report has suggested – as around half of the UK’s retirees say they are now ‘giving while living’ . Three in five retirees surveyed (60%) said they are already providing regular financial support to their family and friends. The survey, carried out on behalf […]

Desert Island Discs: Ken Abbott

Desert Island Discs: Featuring our Mortgage Adviser Ken Abbott: To whittle my song choices down to eight was so, so hard. Music has been such a big part of my life, right from listening to Radio Luxembourg and Family Favourites on Sunday lunchtimes! Eight? I could choose 88, even 888! I’m still unsure and not truly satisfied, but […]

Great day for a great cause – Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice golf day hits the heights!

This year’s Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice golf day ended up being the best yet – certainly in terms of money raised! The rain held off too, as 25 teams enjoyed an excellent day’s sport at Silkstone Golf Club on Friday – and raised a whopping £8,304.02 for a great cause into the bargain! Enthused fundraiser Victoria Stead: […]

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Meet our latest BBIS speaker: Chloe Adams-Pickford

The latest speaker to join Lifetime’s ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ project is currently studying at The University of Oxford. Chloe Adams-Pickford is an undergraduate student from Barnsley who is currently studying Engineering Science. Chloe studied A-Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry. She also completed an Extended Project Qualification on the merits of small-scale hydroelectric power […]

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A pictorial take on the 2015 Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice golf day

The 2015 Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice Golf Day, held once again at Silkstone Golf Club, on Friday, May 22, proved to be a resounding success, with lots of money raised for a great cause. Here is a pictorial take on the day, including all the teams that kindly took part:

Desert Island Discs: Brian Howard

Desert Island Discs: Featuring our Financial Planner Brian Howard: It was a very tough choice to narrow my songs down to just eight, but here they are! Disc One: Light My Fire – The Doors This makes the cut just because it makes me want to ‘boogie’!   Disc Two: Heliosphan – Aphex Twin Who said ambient music […]

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A Friday favourite! Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice golf day set to be another smash hit

The Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice golf day promises to be another smash hit on Friday. The annual event, which raised over £7,000 for the Gawber-based hospice last year, always proves popular with local companies, and is once more a sell-out. Silkstone Golf Club is the venue and 26 teams will take part, with a 12 noon ‘shotgun […]

Spotlight on the new retirement landscape

The freedoms now being offered to pension investors have been broadly welcomed by commentators and individual savers alike. However, with these new found freedoms comes a significant transfer of responsibility for income and security from the life assurance industry to the individual concerned, and of course, their financial advisers. Accompanying this transfer of responsibility comes a […]

Spotlight on the new retirement landscape

The freedoms offered to pension investors by the Government have been broadly welcomed by commentators and individual savers alike. However, with these new found freedoms comes a significant transfer of responsibility for income and security from the life assurance industry to the individual, and of course, their financial advisers. Accompanying this transfer of responsibility comes a transfer […]

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Helen hands over referral scheme cheques to Wakefield hospice

Lifetime Financial Planner Helen Holland was a very welcome visitor to Wakefield Hospice today – as she delivered two cheques raised from our highly successful referral scheme. Hospices up and down the country have benefited from Lifetime’s referral scheme (https://www.lifetime-fm.com/lifetime-in-the-community/hospice-referral-scheme/), none more so than those based at Barnsley and Wakefield respectively. And our Financial Planner […]

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Lifetimer Andrew joins talks over ‘new business alliance’

Lifetime Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge was delighted to be invited to the first meeting of a proposed new ‘business group’. The aim of the group, which currently has the working title of ‘Barnsley Business Alliance’, is to work in collaboration with Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council and other agencies, as appropriate, to: Further business excellence […]

Desert Island Discs: Neil Hodgson

Desert Island Discs: Featuring our Business Development Manager Neil Hodgson: This has been difficult for me because my taste in music is quite limited compared to most people. Although I like almost anything guitar orientated, my favourites are usually some form of blues/rock tunes. I have tried to offer up a selection that most of you […]

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Lifetime thrilled to present new hospice fundraiser Brian with referral scheme cheque

Another cheque from Lifetime’s popular referral scheme has been presented to Barnsley Hospice. Lifetime Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge popped along to the Gawber-based hospice on Friday morning to personally present a cheque for £234.27 to their new Corporate and Partnerships Fundraiser Brian Curran (see picture below). Lifetime has built up a very strong relationship with […]

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Lifetime charity bake-off attracts some mouth-watering entries!

Tuesday was certainly treat day at Lifetime House! A good  number of Lifetimers, having been inspired by the rallying cry of colleague Sheila, got into the kitchen over the Bank Holiday weekend, in order to take part in the Lifetime charity bake-off! All the entries were homemade, with Sheila checking very closely that none of […]

Desert Island Discs: Paul Lee

Desert Island Discs: Featuring Lifetime Financial Planner Paul Lee: Here is my list for you all – enjoy or laugh at! Disc One: One Vision – Queen I have been a Queen fan since 1984 and it would have been really easy to pick eight Queen tracks, but this is my favourite track, even above Bohemian Rhapsody!   Disc […]

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Barnsley hospice benefit from another Lifetime referral scheme cheque

Lifetime Financial Planner Brian Howard was only too happy to present Barnsley hospice with another donation from our referral scheme on Tuesday. Brian handed over a cheque for £32.21 to hospice fundraiser Samantha Silverwood (see below). Dodworth-based financial management company Lifetime has built up a very strong relationship with Barnsley Hospice. As well as sponsoring the […]

Lifetime directors delighted to attend Winning Advisers event

Lifetime Managing Director Ian Dickinson and Communications Director William Bottomley (pictured below) were delighted to accept the invitation to the Winning Advisers seminar at Rudding Park, Harrogate on Tuesday. The event has attracted 70 CEOs/MDs from the top 60 – 400 UK IFAs, for a bespoke strategic executive meeting to work through a set of strategies crucial […]

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Financial planner Steve presents cheque as Ashgate hospice joins the Lifetime referral scheme list

There is a new hospice that has been added to the Lifetime referral scheme list. Ashgate hospice, of Old Brampton, Chesterfield, is the latest to receive a cheque from our referral scheme (https://www.lifetime-fm.com/lifetime-in-the-community/hospice-referral-scheme/). Lifetime financial planner Stephen Baskind popped along to the hospice today, to personally present a cheque for £256.98 to Ashgate’s Fundraising Manager […]

Pensions Regulator warns employers over Auto Enrolment preparation

The Pensions Regulator has warned tens of thousands of small and micro employers they must start preparing for their Automatic Enrolment duties. New research published by the regulator shows that while levels of awareness of automatic enrolment ‘remain high’ among all employers, more than 20% of those due to start Automatic Enrolment between June and November this […]

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Episode Four of Lifetime’s Desert Island Discs – featuring Pension Department Manager Tom Nelson

Desert Island Discs: Episode Four, featuring our Pension Department Manager Tom Nelson: When Lifetimer Andrew (Social Media Manager) first tasked me with choosing my eight Desert Island Discs I thought it would be impossible; mainly because I’m passionate about music, I love going to gigs, reading about music and listen to it whenever I can, so choosing just eight songs […]

Desert Island Discs: Tom Nelson

Desert Island Discs: Featuring our Pension Department Manager Tom Nelson: When Lifetimer Andrew (Social Media Manager) first tasked me with choosing my eight Desert Island Discs I thought it would be impossible; mainly because I’m passionate about music, I love going to gigs, reading about music and listen to it whenever I can, so choosing just eight songs was difficult. […]

New study suggests savers will withdraw an average of £27,000 from their retirement pots this year

Savers are planning to withdraw an average of £27,000 from their retirement fund this year says new research. However, the study, commissioned by financial and technology services firm True Potential, also suggests that the big changes to pension rules, which came in at the beginning of this month, may not lead to a massive clearing out of retirement […]

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Lifetimers Tom and Scott put ‘best foot forward’ in Sheffield half marathon

Two Lifetimers put their ‘best foot forward’ on Sunday – to deliver fine runs in the Sheffield half marathon. Pension Department Manager Tom Nelson (pictured below) and Mortgage Administrator Scott Kershaw were among almost 8,000 runners who took part in the popular event. Scott (pictured below after the finish) came home in one hour, 38 minutes […]

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People accessing their pension for first time are warned over size of tax bill

The majority of people accessing their pensions for the first time might well end up overpaying tax, particularly if they withdraw large sums of cash. That’s the warning from Prudential head of business development Vince Smith-Hughes. People rushing to draw large chunks of money from their pension pots from April 6 will likely fall into the […]

Imminent changes to Pensions

You may be aware that the biggest changes to pensions in a generation are being introduced from 6th April 2015. Please bear in mind that the information below is based on our understanding of current and proposed legislation. The new rules: Flexible Access from 6th April 2015 onwards You will have new options, as to […]

Imminent changes to Pensions

You may be aware that the biggest changes to pensions in a generation are being introduced from 6th April 2015. Please bear in mind that the information below is based on our understanding of current and proposed legislation. The new rules: Flexible Access from 6th April 2015 onwards You will have new options, as to […]

Over a third of people retiring this year are providing financial help to their families says survey

More than a third of people retiring this year are currently supporting their families financially. That’s according to a survey carried out by international financial services group Prudential. The survey, of more than 1,000 people planning to retire in 2015, found that 36% are providing financial help to relatives. Indeed, the survey stated that retirees are paying […]

FCA proposing a ‘pensions dashboard’ – to allow people to see all their ‘pots’ in one place

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is proposing a ‘pensions dashboard’ – which will allow consumers to see all their pension pots in one place. The proposal follows a study on retirement income the FCA carried out last year. The regulator also wants an ‘annuity quotation ranking system’ – so that consumers can easily see if they […]

FCA urging people to be ‘ScamSmart’ as massive pension changes come into force next month

The massive changes to the pension system that will allow people to access their pension pot come into force next month, and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is urging people to be ‘ScamSmart’. The FCA are warning people to be on their guard and to keep a wary look out for dodgy investment scams. The FCA’s ScamSmart campaign highlights the warning […]

Lifetime allowance to be cut to £1m says Osborne in pre-election budget

Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne has confirmed in Wednesday’s Budget  that the lifetime allowance will be cut from £1.25 million to £1 million. Osborne, in his last Budget before this summer’s general election, added that the new lifetime allowance will be indexed, but he did not go on to explain by what. Mr Osborne ruled out changes to the […]

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Lifetime MD Ian delighted to present cheque to Barnsley Hospice

Lifetime Managing Director Ian Dickinson was delighted to hand over a referral scheme cheque to Barnsley Hospice on Tuesday lunchtime. Ian presented the £744.77 cheque to fundraiser Samantha Silverwood and the hospice mascot, Oscar (see picture). The Lifetime referral scheme (https://www.lifetime-fm.com/lifetime-in-the-community/hospice-referral-scheme/) has proved to be a resounding success, generating over £10,000 for hospices up and […]

Chancellor expected to announce measures to enable pensioners to sell their annuities

Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne is being tipped to further relax pension rules in his Budget on Wednesday –  to allow the sale of annuity contracts. Osborne is expected to announce measures which will allow up to five million pensioners to sell their annuity contracts in exchange for cash lump sums. Osborne said: “There are five […]

Workplace pension scheme membership on the increase, driven by Automatic Enrolment

Pension membership increased in all age groups in 2014 compared with 2013, according to the Office of National Statistics. The largest increase (17 percentage points, to 53%) was in the age group 22-29. The 2014 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings: Summary of Pensions Results also showed that workplace pension scheme membership has increased to 59% […]

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Lifetimers get comfy on Red Nose Day!

It may well be Friday the 13th but Lifetime was undoubtedly a happy place to be – as the team took great delight in getting comfy! It is, of course, Red Nose Day, and to raise money for Comic Relief, Lifetimers took to wearing their ‘comfies’, baking buns and guessing the name of the chocolate rabbit! […]

UK ‘saving’ hits a 10-year high says survey

People in the United Kingdom are managing to save more money  than at any time in the last decade. That is according to a survey carried out by National Savings and Investments (NS&I). Individuals are now putting aside an average of £113.77 each month – or 8.52% of their income. Both figures are higher than […]

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Lifetimer Andrew joins fellow patrons to hand out IKIC awards to Horizon students

Lifetime Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge was delighted to be part of the latest ‘I Know I Can Awards’ ceremony at Horizon College on Wednesday afternoon. Andrew is one of 17 Horizon IKIC patrons who have kindly volunteered to help Horizon recognise and celebrate young peoples’ community activities and personal achievements. Around 100 students and […]

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Lifetime apprentice one of over 5,000 working in the Barnsley borough

Lifetime are just one of numerous local companies who are benefitting from the addition of an apprentice into their ranks. New apprentice Giorgio Williams (pictured below) started at Lifetime House last week and has already settled in nicely into his role within the administration department. Apprenticeships is certainly a subject that takes centre stage in the next few days. National Apprenticeship […]

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New Lifetime pair present referral scheme cheque to Barnsley Hospice

Two new Lifetimers were on hand to present a referral scheme cheque to Barnsley Hospice on Wednesday. Amy Brown  and Giorgio Williams were only too happy to give hospice fundraiser Samantha Silverwood a cheque for £20.62 (see picture below). Amy has been with the company for a few weeks and is currently learning the role of receptionist […]

Mitch offers plenty of good insights into Purpose-Filled Retirement!

A lot gets written about retirement planning. And rightly so. It is an important subject after all! One presentation has caught out eye recently – that of American Mitch Anthony, who talks passionately about The Purpose-Filled Retirement. Anthony (pictured below) is a well-known finance author ‘across the pond’ (see how we went for the American parlance there….!) and the […]

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Buffett talks of avoiding the ‘ABC of business decay’ in annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

Warren Buffett’s annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders is always one of the best-read business documents of the year. And his latest coincided with a notable milestone – 50 years at the helm of Berkshire Hathaway. American billionaire Buffett highlighted the main themes broached in his last 49 letters – and looked ahead to the next […]

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The ‘Helpers’ who turn out not to help your investment returns!

You’ve heard the saying ‘too many cooks spoil the broth’……. Well, according to the ‘sage of Omaha’, Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett, too many ‘helpers’ can affect your investment returns. Buffett has a phenomenal – and deserved – reputation as arguably the world’s finest ever investor, with a long-term outlook that has served him so […]

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Lifetime financial planner Jan presents referral scheme cheque to Bluebell Wood

Financial planner Janette Town was thrilled when asked if  she would be available to make a cheque presentation on behalf of Lifetime. And on Wednesday afternoon she popped along to to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice to personally deliver a cheque from our referral scheme, for £224.96. Jan can be seen below (left of picture) handing over the cheque […]

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The ‘Helpers’ who turn out not to help your investment returns!

You’ve heard the saying ‘too many cooks spoil the broth’……. Well, according to the ‘sage of Omaha’, Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett, too many ‘helpers’ can affect your investment returns. Buffett has a phenomenal – and deserved – reputation as arguably the world’s finest ever investor, with a long-term outlook that has served him so […]

Boost for savers and pension holders as FTSE 100 index hits new record high

The FTSE 100 index has reached a new record high, handing millions of savers and pension holders a huge financial shot-in-the-arm. It has soared to 6958.89, beating the previous high of 6950.6 which was set during the dot.com boom of 1999. And financial analysts are predicting that the record level would continue to climb, possibly peaking at an extraordinary 7500 by […]

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Putting clients at the heart of everything we do

A lifetime commitment. It’s a phrase often used. People regularly make them, in every area of their lives, be that on their wedding day, to their children, even football teams! Well, here at Lifetime we make a commitment too: to our clients and to our community. As well as ‘giving something back’, via our hospice referral […]

Businesses still running the risk of not being fully prepared for Auto Enrolment

Small and medium-sized businesses are running the risk of not being fully ready for their Auto Enrolment staging date. That is because they are putting off their preparations until after May’s general election, according to some pensions experts. This year, 50,000 companies are due to auto enrol their employees into a pension scheme, while a further 500,000 must […]

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A great day for a great cause

For the third successive year, Lifetime are proud to be the main sponsors of the Barnsley Hospice Golf Day. The event, which raises thousands of pounds for the Hospice, will be held on Friday, May 22 at its usual home, Silkstone Golf Club. Any team interested in taking part are asked to email [email protected] or telephone 01226 […]

Lifetimer Annabelle in exam success

Congratulations are in order for Lifetimer Annabelle Dickinson, as she celebrates passing two important accountancy exams. Annabelle, our trainee accountant here at Lifetime House, has succeeded in passing the AAT ITax exam and the Spreadsheet exam. Well done Annabelle!

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Meet the latest addition to our BBIS speakers: Rachel Veitch-Straw

Here at Lifetime we are thrilled to announce that Rachel Veitch-Straw, the National Liaison Officer for Brass Bands England, is the latest addition to our ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students project’. Rachel’s role with Brass Bands England sees her assisting community music-making groups across England to survive and thrive as cultural enterprises. She is an accomplished, […]

Primrose Hospice cheque presentation with Margaret Brown

Margaret helps Lifetime show ‘personal touch’ by delivering referral scheme cheque

Lifetime has been able to display the ‘personal touch’ and deliver another bumper hospice cheque from our referral scheme – thanks to one of our lovely clients! Margaret Brown kindly agreed to present a cheque for £595.10 to her local hospice Primrose Hospice in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. She is pictured below handing over the donation to […]

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Lifetime pair treated to passionate presentation from Holy Trinity Young Leaders

Lifetime Communications Director William Bottomley and Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge were treated to a brilliant and passionate presentation from four Holy Trinity Year 10 students on Wednesday. The enterprising quartet’, Jenny Baldwin, Niamh Wood, Luke Binney and Callum Bailey, were part of a 13-strong student group from the Carlton-based Barnsley school who spent a week last […]

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Lifetimer Simon all set for school return – as part of ‘Future First’ education programme

Lifetime Financial Planner Simon Megson is going back to school! He has been invited back to his old school King Ecgbert in Sheffield, to talk to their Year 10 students as part of their partnership with education charity ‘Future First’  on the afternoon of Thursday, March 5. Simon will talk to students for a set time about his […]

New top-up form of National Insurance contributions on offer from October – for people seeking higher state pension

A new form of National Insurance contributions, which can be paid in return for a higher state pension, will be offered to 13 million people from October. Pensioners will be able to pay a lump sum in return for an additional £1 to £25 a week. Under the new top-up system those who feel they are likely to miss out on […]

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Buffett looks to be backing a winner as index tracker leads hedge fund

World famous billionaire investor Warren Buffett is well on course for a $1m wager win – thanks to a charity bet over which would produce better returns, the index tracker or a complex hedge fund. Back in 2008 Buffett, the chairman and chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway, made a bet with American asset management firm Protege Partners that […]

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Yorkshire hospices cashing in on visits from Lifetime financial planners!

A number of our financial planners have been welcome visitors to hospices in Yorkshire this week – personally delivering cheques generated from our very successful referral scheme. Lifetimer Girish Lad popped along to Wakefield Hospice on Monday morning, to present a cheque for £181.18 to fundraiser Samantha Wood (see picture below). Girish then went along to Bradford (Marie Curie) Hospice on […]

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Survey says 28% of those aged 55-74 are undecided on what to do regarding new pension reforms

A survey has revealed what people who earned the moniker ‘Britain’s baby boomers’ – those now aged between 55 and 74 – are looking to do with their pension, when the new reforms come into effect in April 2015. Following the announcement by the government in last year’s Budget, individuals with a private pension will no longer have to take […]

More than 160 employers issued with fixed fines in last three months of 2014 for failing to comply with Auto Enrolment regulations

More than 160 employers were issued fixed fines of £400 last year for failing to comply with Auto Enrolment regulations – with the vast majority of penalties coming in the last three months of 2014. It appears that The Pensions Regulator (TPR) is beginning to flex its muscles over Auto Enrolment failures. The TPR issued 166 businesses with fines in October, November […]

Government’s new pension guidance service not the same as receiving professional advice

People planning their retirement – or what to do with their pension pot – have been warned that the government’s new ‘pension guidance’ service, albeit helpful, will be nowhere near as good as taking professional advice. Retirees will also have no comeback if they make the wrong decision with their money, says think-tank the International Longevity Centre (ILC). Their […]

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An eerie, humbling, gut-wrenching place we all should visit

A blog by Lifetime’s Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge: Winter storm ‘Juno’ smashes into New York Live updates as Big Apple is battered by huge blizzard Snowmageddon shuts down New York Those three sentences were part of a flurry of headlines that dominated many of the UK media’s online news outlets on Tuesday morning. Further down the […]

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Cost of raising a child from birth to 21 is now almost £230,000 says study

Parents now face an average bill of almost £230,000 to raise a child from birth to the age of 21, according to the Centre of Economic and Business Research. The cost has risen by almost £2,000 over the last year, with the research suggesting that this is largely driven by a rise in the price […]

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Forget Me Not Children’s hospice thrilled with Lifetime donation

Lifetime Director and Corporate Pension Specialist Rupert Smith was only too happy to pop into Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice in Huddersfield on Monday morning, to hand deliver a cheque for £310.55. The money was raised from Lifetime’s ever expanding and highly successful hospice referral scheme (https://www.lifetime-fm.com/lifetime-in-the-community/hospice-referral-scheme/). Rupert presented the Lifetime cheque to corporate fundraiser […]

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It’s snow problem as Lifetimers team up to tackle car park!

Wednesday’s wintry weather proved ‘snow problem’ to the Lifetimers – who displayed their ‘all for one, one for all’ teamwork by clearing the car park spaces outside both Lifetime offices in Great Cliffe Court, Dodworth. This was the rather lovely snow scene outside Lifetime House at 7.30am this morning. That led to MD Ian leading from the […]

Howard’s way helping Lifetimers Colin and Phil ‘lead the field’

Thinking on your feet – and leading the field. Things that we believe we do well here at Lifetime! And so it was fitting that our senior financial planner Colin Chadburn and Lifetime colleague, financial planner Phil Richards (both pictured below), were at The Source Skills Academy in Sheffield on Thursday night, for the CPD (Continuing Professional […]

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Wright way to go – as Barnsley Hospice receives Lifetime cheque!

Barnsley Hospice chief executive Matthew Wright was a welcome visitor to Lifetime House on Tuesday. He was here for a meeting – on behalf of the Gawber Road based hospice – with our Communications Director William Bottomley and senior financial planner Jane Gray. But before they all got ‘down to business’ Matt was the grateful recipient […]

Proper financial advice vital as push for £6 billion pension cash is predicted

Savers are being urged to seek professional financial advice as reports emerge of a potential rush for cash in the first four months after new pension access rules begin in April. People are being tipped to withdraw up to £6 billion more than usual from retirement pots, with the new rules giving greater powers to spend […]

Less than half of pensioners will receive full state pension from 2016

Less than half of all pensioners will receive the full £150-a-week new ‘flat rate’ state pension from 2016. In response to a freedom of information request, the Department for Work and Pensions have said that only 45% of the 3.5 million people who will retire between 2016 and 2020 will receive the full £150 a week. […]

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‘Community company’ Lifetime chalk up sponsorship hat-trick

For the third successive year, Lifetime are proud to be the main sponsors of the Barnsley Hospice Golf Day. The event, which raises thousands of pounds for the Hospice, will be held on Friday, May 22 at its usual home, Silkstone Golf Club. Any team interested in taking part are asked to email [email protected] or telephone 01226 […]

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Simon and Stuart provide brilliant start to BBIS talks at Holy Trinity!

The Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students project - the brainchild of Lifetime - has got off to a tremendous start at Holy Trinity School. Holy Trinity is the second school in the borough to embrace the BBIS venture - where business people with a Barnsley connection, free of charge, deliver their inspirational story to students. Horizon Community [...]

Desert Island Discs: Robert Briggs

Desert Island Discs: Featuring our Marketing Manager Robert Briggs: Robert’s discs: My disc selection reflects the musical memories throughout my life. Music which immediately evokes significant memories of my journey. I was brought up at a time when the British music industry and artists were not that influential or inspirational. I was a child of Rodgers […]

Lifetime’s Desert Island Discs

Desert Island Discs: Episode One, featuring our Compliance Director Kevin Lawton: Kevin’s discs: “I’ve put the music in order that they would fit in my life. “The hardest category to choose was the eight discs. If only I could have taken my ipod…….!!………that would have fitted the bill because I’ve got thousands of songs on […]

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Have you got a financial plan? If not, make it happen in 2015!

A Financial Plan. Words that often strike fear into the hearts of people, especially those who look upon money matters with some trepidation. Sometimes it can feel great to ‘fly by the seat of your pants’ – and letting things ‘just happen’. But not where your money is concerned. A proper financial plan – a […]

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Lifetimer Lesley so pleased with her tower poppy!

Lifetime office administrator Lesley Vine is a ‘very proud’ owner of a Tower of London red poppy. She brought it into the office on Tuesday morning to show her work colleagues – causing plenty of jealousy in the process! The major art installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red at the Tower of London, marked […]

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Financial Planner Colin a welcome guest with cheque for Bluebell Wood

Lifetime senior financial planner Colin Chadburn was a welcome guest to Sheffield’s Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice – as he delivered a cheque raised from our referral scheme. Colin was delighted to hand over a cheque  for £402.05 to Bluebell Wood corporate fundraiser Joasia Lesniak. Said Colin: “It was a pleasure to be invited to the hospice […]

Don’t be down in the dumps on first working Monday of the year!

Monday, January 5, 2015. Today. A date – according to research – that is rated the most depressing day of the entire year. Polls suggest that the first Monday back at work after the Christmas and the New Year break is the ‘saddest on the calendar’. The happiest days of the year are, apparently Christmas Eve and Christmas […]

Dementia: a cause for concern, both from a financial and health point of view

Deaths from dementia have risen by 52% since 1990 and the disease is now the third most common cause of death in the UK, a study has shown. In 1990 a total of 32,429 deaths from dementia were recorded, but last year the condition accounted for 49,349 deaths, as more Britons live longer than ever before. […]

Lifetime’s commitment to clients makes us feel part of FCA’s good practice guide

We are proud of our system and financial management proposition here at Lifetime – and our efforts to put clients at the centre of our services, rather than their money, makes us feel we are very much part of the ‘good practice’ scenario put forward by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Lifetime get to know clients […]

Banks offering lowest-ever 10-year mortgage deals as inflation falls

Lowest-ever 10-year mortgage deals are being offered amid plunging inflation and the expectation that interest rates may now stay low for longer. Lower fuel prices have pushed the UK’s rate of inflation down to a 12-year low, the Office for National Statistics stated on Tuesday (December 16). The Consumer Prices Index inflation measure – which assesses the cost […]

Financial sector responding positively to RDR reforms says FCA chief executive

Financial advisers are offering investors an increasingly professional service, tailored to their individual needs, according to a press release issued by the Financial Conduct Authority. It follows the first stage of the post-implementation review of the Retail Distribution Review (RDR), along with thematic work into the disclosure of ongoing services and charges. In December 2012, new […]

Only a quarter of UK adults claim to understand new pension rules suggests new research

New research has suggested that over 40 per cent of people over the age of 55 are not confident they will have enough money to do what they dream of doing in retirement. And that only a quarter (25%) of UK adults claim to understand the new pension rules that were announced by the government earlier in […]

Concentrating on the client’s story is key to trust

As alternative financial planners, Lifetime put clients at the centre of our services rather than their money. We get to know a client and discover what’s important to them. Vitally, our starting point is their story. That is why we are confident that our client base will continue to grow, despite the latest research into ‘retirement market behaviours’, […]

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Lifetime get into festive spirit on Christmas Jumper Day – and raise money for Barnsley Hospice

The Lifetime team came together on Friday to celebrate National Christmas Jumper Day – and raise money for their good friends at Barnsley Hospice into the bargain! The top ‘jumper’ prize was won hands down by one of the Lifetime directors, Kevin, while everyone felt that colleague Scott had somehow painted his on….! Here are a few […]

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Lifetime’s BBIS project blazing the trail – and free!

It appears that Lifetime and our brilliant ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ speakers have been blazing the trail……. For while our BBIS project has been running for just over a year – and our speakers currently give their time free of charge at two Barnsley schools, Horizon College and Holy Trinity – yesterday in the House of […]

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Lifetime happy to host popular business event

Lifetime gladly threw open its doors on Wednesday morning to welcome members of Penistone Business Group and other guests to a networking event. And Lifetime House certainly proved to be a hive of activity – and excellent conversation – as the event attracted people from local business and Enterprising Barnsley. Lifetimers Sue and Tracey produced […]

More women to seek financial advice on their pension pots suggests new survey

More women need to take financial advice on their pension pots after the government’s changes come into force next year. That is one of the findings from a survey carried out by technology specialist Selectapension, which found that in 2014 men made up 73 per cent of an adviser’s pension review activity. Only 27 per cent of […]

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Lifetime’s Desert Island Discs

The venerated radio programme Desert Island Discs has been going for well over 60 years – indeed, the first episode was broadcast on January 29, 1942 – and it continues to be very popular with guests and listeners alike. Well……here at Lifetime we decided to have our own Desert Island Discs……and we asked our team to […]

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Director Bill explains Lifetime’s ‘why’ on business podcast

Lifetime director William Bottomley was the special guest on a podcast series created by fellow Barnsley businessman Mark Asquith. Mark, a director at creative digital agency Hacksaw, has come up with ‘Excellence Expected – The Actionable Podcast For Business Owners’, and Lifetime’s Communications Director Bill (pictured below) kindly agreed to contribute. Says Mark: “Inspired by the marvellous […]

Auto Enrolment ‘simplification’ plans unveiled by DWP

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are attempting to make life easier for employers with their Auto Enrolment obligations – by bringing in a number of ‘simplifications’ to the rules. In a consultation, the DWP set out changes to rules concerning: whether some employees need to be enrolled, (such as those within a protection regime) the information employers […]

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Lifetime director Bill explains his ‘why’ on business podcast

Lifetime director William Bottomley is this week’s special guest on a podcast series created by fellow Barnsley businessman Mark Asquith. Mark, a director at creative digital agency DMSQD, has come up with ‘Excellence Expected – The Actionable Podcast For Business Owners’, and Lifetime’s Communications Director Bill (pictured below) kindly agreed to contribute. Says Mark: “Inspired by […]

One quarter of working over 55s now believe they will never fully retire

More than one in four people in the United Kingdom over the age of 55 now believe they will never be able to fully retire – for fear of running out of money. That’s according to research carried out by retirement specialist Key Retirement. In a survey of more than 3,000 UK adults, 28 per cent […]

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Lifetime thrilled to host Penistone Business Group networking event

Lifetime are delighted to host the next networking event of Penistone Business Group (PBG). The early morning, one-hour get-together will be held at Lifetime House on Wednesday, December 10. The aim of the Business Group is to provide the spark that gets Penistone business people connecting and developing together. Lifetime started out in a small Penistone office – […]

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Christmas budget set to be spent as festive season draws ever nearer!

A family’s ‘Christmas budget’ -the money put aside for presents – is about to be spent, even before the last month of the year arrives. That’s according to new research, which says that this Friday the nation will begin its Christmas shopping in earnest. The research – which was the result of a study carried out […]

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Lifetime referral scheme helping hospices – by going coast to coast!

It’s official! Lifetime’s hospice referral scheme is going coast to coast! Yorkshire has been the big beneficiary of the scheme – with the likes of Barnsley Hospice, Wakefield, Kirkwood (Huddersfield), Bluebell Wood, Marie Curie (Bradford), St Leonard’s (York) and Scarborough’s St Catherine’s Hospice all receiving cheques – but donations have also gone to Myton Hospice […]

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November an ‘inspirational’ month for two Barnsley schools

November is proving to be an ‘inspirational’ month for two Barnsley secondary schools. Horizon Community College and Holy Trinity School have both embraced Lifetime’s ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ project – and as a result have benefitted from terrific talks from local business leaders. Webmart founder Simon Biltcliffe and Stuart Turner of sushisushi delivered their BBIS […]

Pensions minister embarking on nationwide radio tour to emphasise importance of planning for retirement

Pensions minister Steve Webb is to speak up over the importance of planning for retirement. The government official is taking the lead role in a nationwide radio tour in an effort to raise awareness over retirement issues. To coincide with Mr Webb’s tour of the country, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a […]

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Thumbs up from Oscar as Barnsley Hospice receive referral scheme cheque

Oscar, the Barnsley Hospice mascot, was a welcome guest to Lifetime House on Monday morning to receive another cheque from our referral scheme. The amount of donations Lifetime has given to hospices up and down the country has now soared past the £10,000 mark – with most of that money having  gone to the Barnsley-based hospice. […]

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A simple Christmas shoebox brings unbridled joy!

The short video above shows the unbridled joy of a young boy in Angola, Africa after he receives a Christmas shoebox all the way from the UK, courtesy of the Samaritan’s Purse appeal. The smile on his face is simply dazzling – and heartwarming. Hopefully, this festive season someone like that young boy will receive […]

Local authorities now need to ‘signpost’ people to financial advice over long-term care planning

Local authorities will have to signpost people to financial advice, which makes long-term care planning essential, the director of the Society of Later Life Advisers has said. Speaking at the Personal Finance Society conference in Birmingham, Tish Hanifan, founder and joint chairman of the Society of Later Life Advisers, said: “Advisers need to engage more […]

Thousands of small and micro employers to seek out financial advice over auto enrolment suggests survey

Thousands of small and micro employers say they will turn to financial advisers when they begin to auto enrol next year, according to the National Employment Savings Trust (Nest). Nest questioned over 300 and 500 employers in two different surveys and found that 74% of small and micro employers wanted support from intermediaries such as IFAs to help with […]

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Lifetime hospice donations soar past £10,000 mark

The amount of donations Lifetime has given to hospices up and down the country has now soared past the £10,000 mark. Most of that money has been generated from our hospice referral scheme (https://www.lifetime-fm.com/lifetime-in-the-community/hospice-referral-scheme/). We also sponsor both the Barnsley Hospice annual golf day and their mascot Oscar, which has helped push the total amount we have given to hospice […]

‘World class’ Rupert joins Lifetime board of directors

Pension and Corporate Specialist Rupert Smith (pictured below) has joined the board of directors at Lifetime. Says Lifetime MD Ian Dickinson: “It is with a great deal of pride that I am happy to announce the appointment of Rupert as Director and member of the Board of Lifetime. “Rupert has been an integral member of our […]

First employers fined for failing to auto enrol their staff

Three firms who failed to auto enrol their employees into a pension scheme before their staging date deadline have been fined £400 by The Pensions Regulator (TPR). It is the first time that employers haven been fined for failing to meet their auto enrolment requirements. An update from  TPR also shows there has been a surge […]

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Plenty of BBIS inspiration on offer at Holy Trinity in November!

There will be plenty of inspiration on offer at Holy Trinity School in November – with a number of speakers from Lifetime’s ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ project booked in to ‘tell their story’. Kicking things off will be Simon Biltcliffe (pictured below, courtesy of Angus Thomas), who will talk to Holy Trinity’s Year 11s on Monday, November […]

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Lifetime referral scheme cementing already strong ties with Barnsley Hospice

Barnsley Hospice chief executive Matt Wright and Marketing Manager Zoe Mitchell popped into Lifetime House on Monday morning. And they did not leave empty-handed! They were there for a meeting with our Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge, who kept them ‘entertained’ for an hour or so before presenting Matt with the latest cheque from Lifetime’s […]

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Oscar gets charity event off and running!

Oscar, the Barnsley Hospice mascot sponsored by Lifetime, was one of the star attractions at Sunday’s Cannon Hall Run. The hospice host the popular event, which covers 10 kilometres, and raise much-needed funds. And Oscar helped the race get underway, on a glorious sunny weekend morning, by sounding the klaxon! Nearly 400 first-time and experienced […]

Why do you want to stop working?

Why do you want to stop working? It seems a simple enough question, but it’s one that always takes people by surprise. And the answer to the question varies between the incredulous, “I hate my job” through to “I need time to do the things that my time at work is preventing me from doing.” Yet the surprising answer […]

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Meet the latest addition to our BBIS speakers: Jane Robinson

Here at Lifetime we are thrilled to be able to announce that Jane Robinson,  the co-founder of highly successful company Cutting Technologies, is the latest addition to our ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students project’. The leading laser cutting and engraving firm – more affectionately known as Cut Tec – was launched in 2003 and now turns over £3m […]

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Government begins consultation on freezing Auto Enrolment threshold

The government is looking at scrapping the link between the Auto Enrolment ‘trigger’ and the threshold at which workers begin paying income tax. In a consultation published on Thursday, October 23, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has outlined four alternatives for setting the trigger from the next tax year. Since the introduction of […]

‘New changes’ to pensions

The government is set to allow savers to treat their pensions ‘like bank accounts’ and take their tax-free lump sum whenever and in as many withdrawals as they like. Currently the government has a restriction in place which requires a pension’s tax-free lump sum to be paid within 18 months of the member becoming eligible […]

Revamping the intestacy laws

Following the announcement on the changes to pension death benefits has come plans to revamp the intestacy laws in England and Wales. The proposed changes once again highlight the importance of letting people know how you intend for your death benefits to be distributed. Make sure wills and pension death benefit instructions are in place and regularly reviewed. The […]

Retirement age set to rise as much as six months per year says pensions minister

The retirement age could rise by as much as six months per year according to the pensions minister Steve Webb. The government minister says people must accept dramatically longer working lives in order to avoid a health care funding crisis. Mr Webb says government plans to increase the average retirement age by six months every year […]

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Matt’s all Wright! Meet our latest BBIS speaker…..

The latest speaker to join Lifetime’s ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ project certainly has a story to tell! And it helps that he’s an all Wright guy to boot! Matt Wright, the current chief executive of Barnsley Hospice (pictured below), was delighted to offer his support to the BBIS scheme. “I have watched the sunset over Ayers […]

Financial advice can boost retirement savings says research

Financial advice boosts retirement savings levels by nearly £100 per month  Advised savers benefit from an additional income of £3,654 every year of their retirement People who receive advice feel better prepared for their retirement than those who don’t Those were some of the key points to emerge from new research carried out by unbiased.co.uk and AXA Life […]

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Lifetimer Tamsin once again doing her bit to bring Christmas cheer to under-privileged children

Lifetime office administrator Tamsin Naylor is once again doing her bit to bring Christmas cheer to under-privileged children around the world. Tamsin is helping collect Christmas shoeboxes as part of the Samaritan’s Purse appeal. Tamsin said: “The Christmas shoeboxes are a wonderful gift for a child who has nothing. “For the last couple of years my […]

Younger generation sticking with Auto Enrolment pension plan

Just one in 20 workers under 30 are opting out of pensions savings, according to figures released on Tuesday. That is compared to one in four workers aged over 60. The figures, released by NEST, show that younger workers – a quarter of whom were once expected to opt out of Automatic Enrolment – actually have […]

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Lifetimer Andrew proud to play role of patron at Horizon Special Awards night

Lifetime Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge was proud to play his part in Horizon Community College’s Special Awards celebration event at the Holiday Inn, Barnsley on Monday evening. Andrew, representing Lifetime, is one of Horizon’s I Know I Can patrons (see picture below), who have volunteered to help the college recognise and celebrate the community […]

Government look to axe 55% tax duty

The current 55% tax duty, payable when pension funds are passed on after death, is set to be axed under a Conservative government, the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne has announced. The measure was unveiled by Mr Osborne at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham on Monday. It was originally due to be announced at […]

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York-based St Leonard’s a new beneficiary of Lifetime’s hospice referral scheme

Lifetime’s hospice referral scheme has generated thousands of pounds for hospices up and down the country – and the latest donation is being sent out to a new addition to an ever-lengthening Lifetime list! For anyone referring new clients to the company, we have agreed that a percentage of any initial fees on transactions completed with […]

80 per cent of small businesses seeking advice on Auto Enrolment

Around 80 per cent of small-to-medium businesses who have their Auto Enrolment staging date between October 2014 and April 2015 had consulted advice of some form, to help them meet their new duties, data from the Pensions Regulator has revealed. Eight in ten employers staging between the above dates had consulted an ‘adviser’, be that a range […]

80 per cent of small businesses seeking advice on Auto Enrolment

Around 80 per cent of small-to-medium businesses who have their Auto Enrolment staging date between October 2014 and April 2015 had consulted advice of some form, to help them meet their new duties, data from the Pensions Regulator has revealed. Eight in ten employers staging between the above dates had consulted an ‘adviser’, be that a range […]

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‘Business is all about relationships’; speakers get it spot-on at Barnsley event

No matter what the future holds, certainly in terms of technological advancement and the amazing speed that new and often wondrous innovations are introduced, remaining at the very core of business is ‘relationships’. ‘Business is all about relationships’. That was one of the key sentences to emerge from the hugely popular ‘ConnectedBiz’ event organised by Enterprising Barnsley […]

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Time continues to whizz past – so can you afford NOT to plan your financial future

Today, as the Google Doodle points out, is the first official day of Autumn. No wonder there was a cold snap in the September air early this morning! Where has the time gone in 2014?! It has absolutely flown by.   And it got us thinking. If time is whizzing by as fast as it […]

Lifetime trio to join hundreds of local business people at popular Civic event

Hundreds of local business people will converge on The Civic in Barnsley on Wednesday for the third Connected Business conference. Among them will be Lifetime trio William Bottomley (Communications Director), Andrew Lodge (Social Media Manager) and Victoria Oliver (Communications Manager). The 2014 Connected Business event, which is being supported by Enterprising Barnsley, is set to […]

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Everything just Wright for Lifetime and Barnsley Hospice!

Barnsley Hospice chief executive Matt Wright paid a visit to Lifetime on Thursday morning – and departed with a cheque for the hospice coffers and a commitment to our ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ venture. Matt popped in to see Lifetime Communication Director Bill Bottomley and Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge, to discuss his participation in the […]

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Lifetime in the mix as Barnsley means business!

Barnsley means business – and that’s official! Lifetime Pension Department Manager Tom Nelson and Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge (pictured below) popped along to a Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce event at Tankersley Manor on Wednesday. The 2014 ‘Chamber Means Business’ event is South Yorkshire’s premier business to business exhibition – and a platform for […]

Number of annuities sold falls by a third

The number of annuities that were sold between the first and second quarters of 2014 fell by a third. That’s according to figures released by the Association of British Insurers (ABI). The ABI’s statistics reveal that 27,902 fewer annuities were sold in the second quarter of 2014 than in the first quarter – a drop of 37.5%. The total […]

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Lifetime client and football lover Bob receives long service award from FA

One of Lifetime’s valued clients has received a long service award from the Football Association. The long service awards are highly valued and handed out only for individuals who have given at least 50 years service to the ‘beautiful game’ – and especially if it is a ‘love affair’ with local football. One such gentleman is […]

What you need to know at retirement

What you need to know at retirement… The government’s consultation, entitled  ‘Freedom and Choice in Pensions’, has outlined plans for sweeping changes in pensions. The changes, some of which are yet to be fully decided before April 2015, are designed to give you more choice and flexibility with your accrued pension fund at retirement. But […]

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Lifetime looking forward to Barnsley ‘Connected Business’ event

The third Connected Business conference, held at The Civic in Barnsley, is set to be the biggest yet – and Lifetime will again be in attendance. Lifetime Communications Director William Bottomley (pictured below), together with colleagues Andrew Lodge and Victoria Oliver, will be popping along to the popular event, which is being supported by Enterprising Barnsley, on […]

Beware the pitfalls over your pension

One in three babies born in 2014 will live to the age of 100. Well, that’s what the latest statistics say anyway. And here’s another stat for you: People who are now 65 years old are expected to live off their pension for another 21-24 years! So……the younger you are today, the long you are expected […]

Assuming The State Will Provide For You

Figures revealed that one in seven people who retired in 2013 relied exclusively on the state pension for their retirement income. For 2014-2015 the state guarantees a minimum income of £148 a week for those who have reached the state pension age. But from April 2016 the complex system of basic state pension, additional state […]

Not Shopping Around When You Retire

You should explore all options when you retire, as things can very often change. If you are unsure, make sure you get the very best advice.

Not Using Pensions to Save Tax

Tax relief on pension contributions is one of those rare occasions when the taxman gives you something back. In 2012-2013 it cost the government nearly £35 billion. This is because, under current rules, when you pay money into a pension, the government effectively pays 20% of the total contribution (subject to maximum limits). If you […]

Not Taking Up Employer Contributions

Some workers aren’t currently saving into a workplace pension scheme. Many more are just contributing the minimum amount. The good news is that by 2018 all companied in the United Kingdom, big or small, will have to offer a pension to their employees – and contribute to it on their behalf. You will be able […]

Relying On Property

Most of us will recognise the famous saying ‘an Englishman’s home is his castle’. Well, it may also be his largest investment. If you decide to just use property as a retirement fund, then, to take another well-worn phrase, you could be putting all your eggs in one basket….. What’s more, the property market isn’t […]

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Lifetime receive lovely thank-you letter from Barnsley Hospice

Lifetime Managing Director Ian Dickinson has received a lovely thank-you letter from Barnsley Hospice, following the latest donation from our client referral scheme. For all introduced clients to Lifetime, we will donate, on your behalf, 10% of any initial fees generated on new transactions completed with these clients, to your local hospice. And Barnsley Hospice has […]

Relying On Inheritance

It is claimed that millions of Britons are relying on inheritance – in all its various shapes and sizes – to fund their retirement. However, many people could find those plans resting rather queasily on shaky foundations. Why is that? Well, the first major problem with inheritances is that you can’t be sure just when […]

Not Making Sure You Are Getting Good Value For Money

The majority of people know how much they pay for their mobile phone, or their Sky, BT or Virgin TV package, but not for their pension. Nor do they know exactly what they are paying for. The charges you pay typically buy you the services of your pension provider and the expertise of a fund manager […]

Delaying Saving

There’s no way around it, unless you suddenly hit the National Lottery jackpot, the longer you delay in saving for your retirement, the more it costs you to build a good-sized pension pot. Everything being equal, the earlier you start saving the more potential your pension fund has to grow.  

Not Saving Enough

Millions of people in Great Britain face a ‘bleak old age’. Those were the words of Lord McFall, chair of the Workplace Retirement Commission. Figures show that more than one person in 10 expect to never be able to afford to fully retire. More than four in 10 people of working age simply don’t know […]

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Don’t just take our word for it! Testimonials on a ‘great Lifetime service’

Lifetime puts clients at the centre of our services rather than their money. We get to know you and discover what’s important to you. Our starting point is your story. Says Lifetime MD Ian Dickinson: “Lifetime will always strive to deliver and adapt to change so that our customers feel well served by the advice […]

Get yourselves a financial plan

A Financial Plan. Three words (well…..particularly the latter two!) that can strike fear into the hearts of many people who look upon money matters with trepidation. Sometimes it can feel great to ‘fly by the seat of your pants’ – and letting things ‘just happen’. But not where your money is concerned. A proper financial […]

Sharon joins the BBIS class!

Welcome aboard Sharon Pickering, the latest person to join our ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ project. Here’s what Sharon had to say: “Having a number of years experience within the public sector, both in Local Authorities, Government Department and the NHS, I currently work in the 14-19 education team in Barnsley Local Authority where raising participation […]

Four million people now automatically enrolled into a workplace pension; many more still to come

Four million people have now been automatically enrolled in workplace pensions. That is an  increase of over one million this year – or over 6,000 a day on average. Colleges, care providers, hairdressers, hi-tech factories, a seaside hotel, a scrapyard and a designer were among the variety of employers who have staged this month. Automatic Enrolment began […]

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Technology is just great…..when it’s working!

Technology is great. Well, certainly most of the time it is! As a nation we just love our gadgets, be they the latest tablet computer, iPhone, iPod, Smart TV….. Over the last decade or so we have become increasingly dependent upon technology; home/work computers, mobile phones, iPads, Kindles and many others. They provide instant answers, music, films, directions. […]

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Wedding bells set to ring at Lifetime, not once, not twice, but three times!

Lifetime are set for a celebratory hat-trick! For wedding bells are set to ring out, not once, not twice, but three times! The company has three employees all getting ‘hitched’ in the space of just a fortnight. First up is Financial Planner Helen Snodin. Tuesday was her last working day at Lifetime before she gets married. Then come […]

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Hospice hail ‘great fundraisers’ Lifetime

Barnsley hospice has hailed Lifetime as ‘great fundraisers’ – after being presented with another cheque from the Dodworth company’s referral scheme. Hospices up and down the country have benefited from the generous referral scheme, which donates 10% of fees generated on new accounts to a hospice chosen by the person who referred them the business. […]

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Meet our latest BBIS speaker: Mel Dyke

“I started teaching in Barnsley schools in 1969 and left in 1994/95, during which time I had taught every age range from pre-school nursery to A Level – always with extramural involvement. “As I had also done visiting lectures and secondments at Bretton Hall College of Higher Education since 1972/73 on the PGCE Secondary Teacher […]

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Don’t just take our word for it! Testimonials on a ‘great Lifetime service’

Lifetime puts clients at the centre of our services rather than their money. We get to know you and discover what’s important to you. Our starting point is your story. Says Lifetime MD Ian Dickinson: “Lifetime will always strive to deliver and adapt to change so that our customers feel well served by the advice […]

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A business legacy: MD Ian puts forward his dream for Lifetime

Lifetime Managing Director Ian Dickinson has given a glimpse of what makes him and his forward-thinking company tick – and how he wants it to be remembered. The ‘Lifetime legacy’ is very important to the Barnsley-born businessman. Ian (pictured) was kind enough to agree to a ‘question and answer’ request from a local organisation who […]

A business legacy: MD Ian puts forward his dream for Lifetime

Lifetime Managing Director Ian Dickinson has given a glimpse of what makes him and his forward-thinking company tick – and how he wants it to be remembered. The ‘Lifetime legacy’ is very important to the Barnsley-born businessman. Ian (pictured) was kind enough to agree to a ‘question and answer’ request from a local organisation who are […]

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Lifetime referral scheme again comes up trumps for Wakefield hospice

Wakefield Hospice has received another cheque generated from Lifetime’s hospice referral scheme. Hospices up and down the country have benefited from the generous referral scheme, which donates 10% of fees generated on new accounts to a hospice chosen by the person who referred them the business. The latest donation sees Wakefield (pictured below) receive £189.88. Lifetime Managing Director Ian […]

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Lifetime-sponsored hospice mascot proves a big hit at ‘Midnight Walk’ event

Oscar, the Barnsley Hospice mascot sponsored by Lifetime, proved to be a big hit at this year’s neon-themed Midnight Walk. The hospice fundraiser was held on Saturday, at an earlier start time of 8pm, Oscar, together with the Mayor of Barnsley, officially started the event. The ladies only 10k walk, starting and finishing at the Metrodome […]

Lifetime glad to oblige with Auto Enrolment story when New Model Adviser come calling

With Lifetime currently in contact with over 100 companies over their Auto Enrolment requirements – and a brilliant spoof Lifetime video doing the rounds – it came as no surprise when the well respected magazine New Model Adviser got in touch. They wanted us to do a ‘piece’ on the tricky topic of Auto Enrolment […]

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Lifetime pay tribute to stalwart Michelle – for 10 years sterling service!

Lifetime held a special presentation ceremony today to pay tribute to office administrator and a key member of our Mortgage Solutions team, Michelle Youel. For this week will see Lifetime stalwart Michelle complete 10 years sterling service for the company! The decade-long milestone was celebrated in great style with a presentation from the company directors. A thrilled […]

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Lifetimer Matt all set for charity challenge in Sunday’s Leeds 10K

Lifetime’s Financial Planner Matthew Appleby will be running the Jane Tomlinson Leeds 10K race on Sunday. Matt (pictured), who has been in training for the event, is taking part to raise money for Martin House Children’s Hospice. He said: “I’d like to issue a very big thank you to everyone who has sponsored me already. “Your optimism that I’ll actually be […]

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Business is really motoring for Lifetimer Brian – all the way to Cornwall and back!

Lifetime Financial Planner Brian Howard had a very long journey yesterday – but it was well worth it! Brian (pictured below) drove all the way to Cornwall to see a client. He set off on Monday, stopped overnight in Tintagel, and then went to see the client on Tuesday before driving all the way back home, […]

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Auto Enrolment: make life easier with ‘postponement’

An employer can make life easier on themselves with some forward planning by knowing how and when to use Postponement. Essentially, postponement is a way of delaying the assessment of a worker(s) at certain dates and therefore a postponement of whichever employer duty may apply. This flexibility of postponement means an employer could use it […]

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Cheque presentation sees Barnsley hospice hail Lifetime commitment to the community

Barnsley Hospice has hailed Lifetime’s commitment to the community. Lifetime’s Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge popped along to the hospice in Gawber on Thursday morning to deliver a cheque for £200.56 from our hospice referral scheme to fundraiser Sam Silverwood (see picture below). A hospice representative said: “Lifetime’s continued support is absolutely fantastic. They are wonderful fund-raisers […]

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Seminar shows that Lifetime are on right track with corporate social responsibility

Lifetime Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge attended an excellent seminar on ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ at the Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre on Tuesday lunchtime. He came away glowing with the knowledge that Lifetime are right on track with our commitment to giving something back to the community!  What is corporate social responsibility? Well, it is a […]

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Lifetime don yellow for Yorkshire Air Ambulance – and to celebrate ‘Grand Depart’

Lifetime staff celebrated the arrival of the Tour de France to South Yorkshire – and raised money for Yorkshire Air Ambulance – by having a ‘yellow day’. The Lifetimers got together on Friday morning in their outfits to show their support for #YellowYorkshire, a social media campaign which has raised awareness of the airborne emergency […]

Lifetimer Lambo ‘ambles’ 25 miles – all for charity!

Lifetime Pension Specialist Steve Lambarth once again completed the gruelling 25-mile ‘Acorn Amble’ from Castleton, in Derbyshire, back to the Acorn Inn at Burncross in Sheffield. Lambo, as he is known to his friends and work colleagues, found it anything but an amble….!! But he stuck to his guns and completed the miles, raising money […]

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UK house prices reach new peak

UK house prices have risen to a new peak, surpassing the previous highest back in 2007. That’s according to the Nationwide – after prices climbed 1% in June and were up 11.8% from a year earlier. However, despite the acceleration in house prices, the building society said there was “significant variation” across the country. It said the […]

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Lifetime link up with Holy Trinity for next phase of BBIS

Lifetime are linking up with Holy Trinity School as part of the next phase of their ‘Barnsley Inspiring Students’ project. Lifetime’s Communications Director William Bottomley and Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge met with Holy Trinity Headteacher Simon Barber and the school’s Head of Business Studies and Citizenship Ged McInerney – and there was a mutual desire to […]

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Lifetimer Andrew proud to play his part as patron of Horizon IKIC awards

Lifetime’s Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge said he was ‘honoured and privileged’ to play his part in helping Horizon Community College choose the recipients of their inaugural ‘I Know I Can Special Awards’. Andrew is one of the patrons of the Horizon IKIC scheme – along with the likes of BBC Young Apprentice winner Ashleigh […]

Savers can boost their pension by putting off retirement for two years says campaigner

By delaying retirement for two years your pension pot could be boosted by 25%. So says pension campaigner Dr Ros Altmann CBE. In an interview with the Daily Express, Dr Altmann said that by staying in full-time work for two years and then cutting back and taking a part-time job for three years, Britain’s workers could increase […]

The importance of a will

The importance of having a will was again brought home to us here at Lifetime following the sudden death of a client. Our Business Development Manager (Wealth Division) Peter Clarke takes up the story: “I went to see old bank clients of mine who were in two minds whether to invest with Lifetime, or go to the bank and […]

National newspaper highlights concerns over ‘massive’ care home bills

The concerns over long term care – and the devastating fall-out over who pays for it – has again hit the headlines. For relatives of the 130,000 elderly people who enter care homes every year, the sums at stake can be quite considerable. According to healthcare analysts Laing Buisson, residential care costs around £600 a week. It […]

Long-term care crisis looming says insurance giant

One of the country’s leading insurance companies fears that Britain is heading for a ‘crisis’ in long term care. Scottish Widows issued a stark warning that it would take “four or five years” for the problem to become big enough and attract enough media attention to force political action. Speaking at the launch of the Scottish […]

Auto Enrolment helps UK pension savings move to five-year high says new report

UK pension savings levels are at a five-year high, thanks to the arrival of Auto Enrolment and an improving economic environment. That’s according to the Scottish Widows Retirement Report. The report, which is based on the responses of 5,000 individuals, found that 53% of savers surveyed had adequate retirement provision, a figure up from 45% last […]

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Lifetimer Matt presents referral scheme cheque to Barnsley Hospice

Lifetime’s community-driven referral scheme has again come up trumps for Barnsley Hospice. The sun was beaming down in appreciation at Lifetime House on Wednesday morning, as our Financial Planner Matt Appleby handed over a cheque for £243.10 to fundraiser Mandy Ibbotson and the hospice mascot, Oscar. Lifetime has built up a very strong relationship with […]

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Lifetime’s BBIS project set for school hat-trick

Lifetime’s ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ project is set for a school hat-trick! The ‘BBIS’ project has been a big hit at Horizon College – where it was launched back in late 2013 – and now it is set to be embraced by fellow Barnsley-based schools Darton College and Holy Trinity from September. Lifetime trio William […]

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Lifetime’s second Auto Enrolment seminar gets the thumbs-up!

Lifetime’s second Auto Enrolment seminar for accountants proved to be another highly successful event. The free seminar was held at Lifetime House on Thursday morning (June 5) – and once again Lifetimers Sue and Tracey came up trumps with a scrumptious breakfast spread (see pictures below). Following breakfast and refreshments – Lifetime’s Auto Enrolment specialists Rupert […]

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‘Exam season’ can be such a stressful time; just ask parents of the students!

We are in the midst of GCSE exam season – which means that stressful arguments and quite often  sleepless nights are all too common in many UK homes – with teenagers, parents and teachers all sharing the pain! Here at Lifetime we have a number of people whose children are in the last year of their Secondary School education […]

Lifetime specialists ready to ‘do their stuff’ at Auto Enrolment seminar

Lifetime specialists will ‘do their stuff’ on Thursday – providing the essential key facts to accountants over the big Auto Enrolment issue. Lifetime are holding a free Auto Enrolment seminar for accountants on Thursday (June 5). Breakfast and refreshments will be served at Lifetime House from 8.30am to 9am, and then Auto Enrolment Specialists Rupert […]

Protection must be high up on financial planning agenda says insurance giant

The government and financial services must work together to ensure customers get the important information they need to put protection high up on the financial planning process, That’s according to insurance giant Aviva, who has published a report outlining proposals to help raise awareness of protection and encourage UK families to plan ahead. Only four […]

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Lifetimer Lambo again set for 28-mile charity ‘amble’

Lifetime pension specialist Steve Lambarth is doing his charity ‘amble’ once again this year. Steve, known to his colleagues as ‘Lambo’, will undertake the annual 28-mile, seven-hour Acorn Amble on Saturday, June 28. He will be raising money this year for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice. Rambling Steve (pictured below, far right, with his walking colleagues […]

Kirkwood Hospice

Kirkwood hospice latest recipient of Lifetime referral scheme donation

Kirkwood Hospice in Dalton near Huddersfield is the latest recipient of a cheque from Lifetime’s hospice referral scheme. For all introduced clients to Lifetime, we donate, on your behalf, 10% of any initial fees generated on new transactions completed with these clients, to your local hospice. As a result, hospices up and down the country have […]

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Lifetimer Matt to run the Jane Tomlinson Leeds 10k for charity

Lifetime’s Financial Planner Matthew Appleby will be running the Jane Tomlinson Leeds 10k race on July 20 – all in the aid of charity. Matt (pictured) said: “Hopefully I’ll manage the full distance without collapsing in a heap, since I haven’t run more than about 20 yards in the last 20 years! “After three weeks […]

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Lifetime receive lovely ‘thank you message’ from Barnsley hospice – as donations continue to pile up

Lifetime were thrilled to receive a lovely message today from our good friends at Barnsley Hospice, which read: “We would like to say a huge ‘Thank You’ to Lifetime who sponsored our recent Golf Day, and donated another Client Referral Scheme cheque for £97.32. They have now donated a fantastic total of £7185.93!” Here at Lifetime we […]

Free Auto Enrolment seminar for accountants at Lifetime House

Lifetime are holding a free Auto Enrolment seminar for accountants on Thursday, June 5. Breakfast and refreshments will be served at Lifetime House from 8.30am to 9am, and then our Auto Enrolment Specialists Rupert Smith and Steve Lambarth will show accountants how they can make Auto Enrolment work for them and their clients. Their presentation will last from 9am until […]

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Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice mascot gets mobbed on school visit!

Oscar, the Barnsley Hospice mascot sponsored by Lifetime, was mobbed during a school visit this week. Oscar clearly went down a storm with the kids at Holy Rood Catholic Primary School, during a cheque presentation on Tuesday. Said hospice fundraiser Vicky Stead: “The school are regular supporters of the hospice and kindly donated £140 from […]

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Great day, great cause; Lifetime-sponsored hospice golf day raises nearly £7,000

Nearly £7,000 was raised for Barnsley Hospice from another highly successful, Lifetime-sponsored golf day at Silkstone. The sun was beating down on Friday as over 20 teams came together for a great day – and a great cause! The overall winners were AG Pest Management (see picture below). Adrian Gough was one of the stars of […]

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Barnsley Hospice the beneficiary of another Lifetime referral scheme cheque

Lifetime has built up a very strong relationship with Barnsley Hospice – and that bond has been strengthened even further by our referral scheme. As well as sponsoring the hospice’s annual golf day at Silkstone GC, and the hospice mascot, Oscar, we also send regular donations via our hospice referral scheme. For all introduced clients […]

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It’s a wrap! Lifetimer Catherine, a leaving presentation, a ukelele and George Formby!

It’s a wrap! Today is the final working day for Lifetimer Catherine. It is rather a sad day for all of us here at Lifetime – as Catherine, the Technical Support Administrator in our Wrap Department, leaves for a new chapter in her life and career, after over four years with the company. Yesterday’s leaving presentation […]

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Today’s the day – and the sun is shining for Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice golf event

Today’s the day – and the sun is shining! The weather is gorgeous for the 2014 Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice Golf Day at Silkstone GC. That will put a beaming smile on all the golfers taking part, especially those who braved the driving wind and rain at last year’s event! Over 20 teams are taking part […]

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Looking on the bright side for Lifetime-sponsored hospice golf day!

According to the weather forecasters, there is plenty of sunshine set for these parts as the week goes on. That’s good news for all the golfers taking part in this Friday’s Barnsley Hospice golf day at Silkstone, a charity event sponsored by Lifetime. Over 20 teams will take part, including Lifetime and a quartet from Barnsley Football […]

The ‘time burden’ cost of Auto Enrolment

Protection and health insurance set to boom suggests new research

The insurance sector will grow significantly over the next three to five years, with life/critical illness and health products leading the way, suggests new research. The research, carried out by information management specialists EDM Group, showed that 44% of executives within insurers expect the insurance sector to grow by between 10.1% and 20% – while only […]

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American ‘Queen Bee’ is latest speaker to join BBIS venture

An American ‘Queen Bee’ is the latest speaker to join Lifetime’s ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ venture. Julie Roberts (pictured below), who traded the Florida sun for England’s green and pleasant land – Barnsley in particular – is the content marketing strategist and ‘Queen Bee’/Founder of Content Honey, whose aim, in Julie’s own words, is to ‘deliver sticky […]

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Lifetime’s loveable Liverpudlian Ken celebrates special birthday

Lifetime’s loveable Liverpudlian Ken Abbot was the toast of the company on Thursday – as he was presented with birthday goodies! Mortgage adviser Ken, a dyed-in-the-wool Liverpool supporter who also declares an interest in watching Huddersfield Town(!) was 60 this week. As a result his Lifetime colleagues came up with gifts and a football-style cake, […]

Lifetime committed to passive investment philosophy

We are wedded to the belief that a passive investment philosophy is the best way to help our clients achieve their investment goals. Passive investing involves choosing assets that best suit the risk you need to take over a particular time scale and selecting a portfolio of index tracking funds that match your needs. Here […]

‘Fund Management’ story serves to show Lifetime is very much on right track!

A highly valued client of Lifetime sent us a copy of The Economist’s ‘Fund Management’ comment piece, which was published at the weekend. The Economist reported: “The first stock market index fund was created more than 40 years ago, in 1973. “Two years later Jack Bogle of Vanguard launched the first index fund for retail […]

Truth put in the cloud!

The technology provider Prestwood Software has launched a cloud-based version of its cashflow modelling proposition. They say it will help financial advisers plan their clients’ retirement income even more easily. Paul Etheridge, the chairman and founder of West Midlands-based Prestwood Group, said the enhancements to its software packages, ‘Truth’ and ‘Professional’, would allow financial planners […]

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Lifetimer Jan helping raise awareness of local Society for the Blind charity

Lifetime Financial Planner Janette Town used to be the President of the Huddersfield Society for the Blind charity but was forced to give up the role due to increasing work commitments (she’s a very busy lady here you know!). But Jan (pictured below) always helps out when she can – and so she is keen to publicise […]

We could all take something from the life lessons handed down by Bob Hoskins

The daughter of popular British actor Bob Hoskins – who died on Wednesday following pneumonia, at the age of 71 – has revealed the 11 life lessons that her father taught his family. Writing on her website, Rosa Hoskins said: “These are the lessons he taught me, I will keep them close to my heart and remind […]

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Countdown on for Lifetime-sponsored hospice golf day

The countdown to the Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice Golf Day is well and truly on. Over 20 teams will take part in the sold-out charity event at Silkstone Golf Club on Friday, May 16 (12 noon start). They include a team from Barnsley Football Club. As well as sponsoring the event, Lifetime has put forward a […]

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Lifetimer Simon heading back to old school for ‘Alumni Afternoon’

Lifetime Financial Planner Simon Megson is going back to school! He has been invited back to his old school King Ecgbert in Sheffield to talk to their Year 12 students as part of their ‘Alumni Afternoon’ on Thursday, July 10. Simon (pictured below) is partaking in a careers networking event with the students. He will talk to individual […]

Number of people needing long-term care will ‘outstrip’ support says report

The number of elderly people needing care will ‘outstrip’ the number of those being able to provide informal care by 2017, a new report has warned. The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) says that further pressure on funding will be applied. Their report states that most care for older people is not provided by the state or private agencies but […]

Number of people needing long-term care will ‘outstrip’ support says new report

The number of elderly people needing care will ‘outstrip’ the number of those being able to provide informal care by 2017, a new report has warned. The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) says that further pressure on funding will be applied. Their report states that most care for older people is not provided by the state or private agencies […]

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Changes to UK mortgage rules come into force on Saturday

Changes to UK mortgage rules come into force on Saturday, April 26, under what is known as the Mortgage Market Review (MMR) – and could reduce some demand from buyers who may find that an application takes longer to process, or a home loan becomes harder to secure. The rules, which have already been implemented […]

Changes to UK mortgage rules

Changes to UK mortgage rules come into force on Saturday, April 26, under what is known as the Mortgage Market Review (MMR) – and could reduce some demand from buyers who may find that an application takes longer to process, or a home loan becomes harder to secure. The rules, which have already been implemented [...]

Lifetimer Tracy receives thank-you card after coming up trumps for her client!

Lifetime’s General Insurance Manager Tracy Ward was thrilled this week to receive a lovely thank-you card through the post. The card came from a grateful client who Tracy had helped secure very satisfactory insurance cover – against the odds. The client had discovered – whilst in the process of purchasing a house – that it was […]

Lifetime allowance and fixed protection 2014

  Growth rate shown is the compound annual rate payable at the beginning of each year. Please note that for Defined Benefit/Final Salary Schemes there are a different set of rules and calculations used to test against your Lifetime Allowance. The Lifetime Allowance applies to all UK Registered Pensions and, overseas pensions that qualify for UK Tax […]

As Auto Enrolment gathers pace, will your business be ready?

2014 sees the beginning of the ramping up of smaller businesses needing to be ready for Auto Enrolment. The above figures are national and give a sign of things to come. As we move into 2015, in Yorkshire alone some 6,000 businesses will need to be ready. This means for the employers yet to make any […]

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As Auto Enrolment gathers pace, will your business be ready?

2014 sees the beginning of the ramping up of smaller businesses needing to be ready for Auto Enrolment. The above figures are national and give a sign of things to come. As we move into 2015, in Yorkshire alone some 6,000 businesses will need to be ready. This means for the employers yet to make any […]

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Lifetimer Tracy receives thank-you card after coming up trumps for her client!

Lifetime’s General Insurance Manager Tracy Ward was thrilled this week to receive a lovely thank-you card through the post. The card came from a grateful client who Tracy had helped secure very satisfactory insurance cover – against the odds. The client had discovered – whilst in the process of purchasing a house – that it was […]

Property sales continue upward momentum ahead of changes to UK mortgage rules

UK property sales were 19% higher in March than the same month a year ago, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). There were 94,080 transactions in the UK during March – higher than February – as buyers appear to be returning to the housing market with a renewed appetite. The first months of a […]

Lifetimers Phil and Girish set for Personal Finance Society ceremony

Lifetime Financial Planners Phil Richards and Girish Lad will be attending a glittering gala ceremony in London on Friday, April 25. When someone reaches APFS or has achieved Chartered or Fellowship status, then the Personal Finance Society will invite that person to attend one of their ‘Graduation Ceremonies’. Phil and Girish (pictured below) have both […]

Happy Easter……from Lifetime!

We would like to wish all our current clients – and potential ones too – a very Happy Easter! So we came up with the idea of doing a ‘Happy Easter’ video message. We hope it makes you smile, laugh, perhaps even giggle almost as much as we did making it! So here you go…..Happy […]

Colin Chadburn

Colin’s lasting impression – as client remembers his ‘fantastic advice’ nine years on!

Lifetime’s Senior Financial Planner Colin Chadburn certainly made a lasting and very favourable impression on one particular client. That customer can still recall our Colin nine years on – and credits him with delivering ‘the best advice he’d ever been given’! The client had called Lifetime House in response to a contact letter sent to […]

HMRC remove tax penalty on reinstating pension pots

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has removed a tax penalty to allow individuals to reinstate cash lump sums back into their pension pots without being charged. The New Model Adviser reported that Aegon and other life companies were in talks with HMRC over allowing providers to put recently withdrawn tax-free cash lump sums back into […]

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Jan and her IKIC team sell out of milkshakes at school fair!

Lifetime Financial Planner Janette Town had a great time with ‘her girls’ at Thurgoland Primary School today. ‘Her girls’ are Thurgoland Year 6 pupils Holly, Ellie and Nancy (pictured below), who Jan has kindly agreed to ‘mentor’ as part of the I Know I Can Challenge project. Jan popped along to the school fair today, […]

A century and counting; Lifetime helping Yorkshire companies cope with Auto Enrolment

Lifetime is currently supporting over 100 companies across the whole of Yorkshire and down to the West Midlands with Automatic Enrolment advice and support. Each business has been eager to use Lifetime because our service combines pension expertise and project management without adding unnecessary complexity or cost. Will your business be ready? A lot of employers are […]

Lifetime were always ready for RDR; a lot of other finance firms clearly weren’t!

While Lifetime, with our commitment to client service of paramount importance, were always ready for the advent of the Retail Distribution Review (RDR), it appears that a number of other financial advisory firms were not. According to a review carried out by the Financial Conduct Authority, three-quarters of financial advisers fail to give required information […]

If you own all or part of a business, then make a will

Nobody likes to think about, or plan for, their death. But if you are someone who owns all or part of a business, then it is essential that you make a will. Without a will, your shares in a company could be sold; the business could be broken up; or it could even collapse completely […]

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Roll up, roll up……for your IKIC milkshakes!

Lifetime Financial Planner Janette Town has kindly agreed to be a ‘mentor’ to pupils at Thurgoland Primary School, as they begin their ‘I Know I Can’ Barnsley Big Challenge project. Jan (pictured above) met with her Year 8 team on Thursday – and things are already moving apace! On Tuesday (April 8th) she will be […]

If you own all or part of a business, then make a will

Nobody likes to think about, or plan for, their death. But if you are someone who owns all or part of a business, then it is essential that you make a will. Without a will, your shares in a company could be sold; the business could be broken up; or it could even collapse completely […]

Be different, be innovative and believe in your product. Indeed!

Lifetime Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge was fortunate to be able to ‘sit in’ on an insightful and informative ‘Business In The Community-Meet The Buyers’ event held at Boots HQ in Nottingham on Monday. Almost 50 small-to-medium businesses had been invited to attend. Andrew took the opportunity to listen to some excellent speakers, ranging from […]

The pension changes that could affect you

The 2014 March Budget announced some big changes to pensions. Here we outline those changes and where they could affect you. The immediate changes: From Thursday, March 27th 2014 the following changes will take effect: Capped drawdown – the limits for capped drawdown are increasing from 120% to 150% of the equivalent annuity. If you are currently in capped […]

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‘Do what you love – and be yourself’; Helen’s super BBIS story!

‘Do what you love’. ‘Be yourself’. Two lovely, pertinent sentiments that were delivered by Birdwell-born Helen Clarke as she gave ‘her story’ to Horizon College students on Thursday afternoon. Helen, who attended Worsbrough High School and has lived in London for 20 years, was the latest brilliant speaker in Lifetime’s ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ project. […]

Budget 2014: the pension changes that could affect you

The 2014 March Budget announced some radical changes to pensions. Here we outline the changes and where they could affect you. Immediate changes From Thursday, March 27th 2014 the following changes will take effect: Capped drawdown – the limits for capped drawdown are increasing from 120% to 150%of the equivalent annuity. If you are currently in capped drawdown, […]

Brothers’ tale over long term care for their father proves to be riveting radio!

Long term care. It’s an emotive topic. It’s also a very, very important one. Brothers Ben and Nick Wright, both in their 20s, have been full-time carers for their father for the last seven years. Dad Tom Wright was just 56 when he was diagnosed with dementia; his sons were just 15 and 20 respectively. […]

Family tale over long term care proves to be riveting radio!

Long term care. It’s an emotive topic. It’s also a very, very important one. Brothers Ben and Nick Wright, both in their 20s, have been full-time carers for their father for the last seven years. Dad Tom Wright was just 56 when he was diagnosed with dementia; his sons were just 15 and 20 respectively. […]

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‘Fantastic feedback’ for BBIS project

There has been some fantastic feedback from speakers involved in Lifetime’s ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ project. Following the official launch at Horizon College in September, the ‘BBIS’ venture  is now really kicking into gear – and causing a major stir in and around the borough. Lifetime have now managed to attract around 70 ‘committed speakers’ […]

Auto Enrolment survey: ‘Pensions crisis is brewing for smaller firms’

Auto Enrolment was launched for big firms in a blaze of publicity two years ago, There were television adverts announcing the arrival of AE, starring well-known businesswoman Karren Brady. But a recent survey of 450 smaller businesses, carried out by provider NOW: Pensions, has found that 44 per cent had not given any thought to […]

Cash in your pension pot – and you may be liable for care

The Prime Minister has warned people who cash in their pension pot could be punished when they need to pay for old age care, reports the Daily Telegraph. People who choose to take large sums from their pension pots under the Government’s reforms – announced in the Budget last week – may end up paying more […]

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Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice golf day is a sell-out

The Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley Hospice Golf Day is already a sell-out. Over 20 teams will take part in the charity event, which will be held at Silkstone Golf Club on Friday, May 16 (12 noon start). They include a team from Barnsley Football Club. As well as sponsoring the event, Lifetime has put forward a team, […]

Auto Enrolment survey reinforces newspaper claims that ‘pensions crisis is brewing for smaller firms’

Auto Enrolment was launched for big firms in a blaze of publicity two years ago, There were television adverts announcing the arrival of AE, starring well-known businesswoman Karren Brady. But a recent survey of 450 smaller businesses, carried out by provider NOW: Pensions, has found that 44 per cent had not given any thought to […]

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MD Ian takes on starring role in new video giving a glimpse into Lifetime’s world!

Lifetime welcomed a video company to our two Great Cliffe Court homes on Friday. Sam Middleton and his father Pete (pictured below) popped along to film our Managing Director Ian Dickinson – not to mention some of the staff(!) – for a promotional video. Said Ian: “It was lovely to welcome Sam and Pete to […]

Lifetime require Insurance Sales Adviser

We are looking for a strong and competent individual to join our General Insurance Department. The ideal candidate must be organised and have a good telephone manner with excellent communication skills as you will be dealing with new and existing clients. Previous experience within General Insurance and knowledge of SSP Software an advantage but training […]

Chancellor’s Budget speech announces far-reaching pension reforms

The Chancellor George Osborne announced far-reaching reforms to pensions in his fifth Budget speech – and said  “no-one will have to buy an annuity” in the future. Osborne also stated that limits on income drawdown and flexible drawdown would be reduced and trust would be handed over to savers. “Each and every DC [defined contribution] […]

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Volunteer required to become Oscar the hospice mascot for Oakwell football fixture

Barnsley hospice are looking for a volunteer to wear their mascot outfit for Saturday’s Championship football match between Barnsley and Bournemouth at Oakwell. Said a hospice spokesperson: “We need a volunteer to wear the mascot outfit at this Saturday’s Barnsley game against Bournemouth, to walk around the pitch with the Reds’ mascot Toby Tyke. “The volunteer […]

Demand for specialist financial advice on care issues is set to leap

The proposed new changes to the Care Bill have the potential to generate a huge increase in demand for specialist care advice. New adult social care rules are likely to arrive with a bang rather than a whimper. With the cost of care capped for the first time, all those paying for their own care […]

New £1 coin to be introduced – to ‘combat counterfeiting’

Among the announcements made in today’s Budget was the launch of a new £1 coin. It is set to be introduced into circulation in 2017. The coin has been designed to combat counterfeiting and is is intended to be the ‘most secure in the world’. There have been growing concerns that the current £1 coin, […]

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Lifetime among best of Barnsley at Digital Media Centre event

Lifetime will be attending an event at Barnsley Digital Media Centre on Wednesday. Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge and Business Development Manager David Vickers will be among the region’s leading business people gathering together on Budget Day. The ‘Meet the Chamber’ event (10am-2pm) is being put on by Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, and is […]

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Dodworth Colliery MW brass band in fundraising concert

A fundraising concert featuring Dodworth Colliery MW brass band will be held at Ardsley House Hotel on Sunday, April 6 in aid of BIADS – Barnsley Independent Alzheimers & Dementia Support. All monies raised will go directly to BIADS for projects in and around Barnsley. The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets (priced £5) are […]

Still some small employers who do not know their Auto Enrolment staging date

There are still some small employers that do not know their Auto Enrolment enrolment staging date. That is the worrying news from the latest research carried out by The Pensions Regulator (TPR). Four in five (83%) small to medium employers – those with between 50 and 89 workers who will stage from July 2014 onwards […]

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Barnsley author Jonathan wows students with his story

Barnsley author M. Jonathan Lee has delivered one of the best ‘BBIS’ talks yet. Jonathan, whose novel ‘The Radio’ was published last year to rave reviews, wowed the Year 7/8 students at Horizon Community College on Thursday afternoon with his own ‘story’. He came up with a self-deprecating, honest and illuminating powerpoint presentation which perfectly […]

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Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice the latest beneficiary of Lifetime referral scheme

Lifetime Senior Financial Planner Simon Snowball says he felt ‘honoured and privileged’ to deliver the latest cheque from our hospice referral scheme. The recipient on this occasion was Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice in Sheffield – and Simon popped along on Wednesday lunchtime to hand over a cheque for £150 to Head of Fundraising Helen Mower […]

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Barnsley U3A Choir in musical charity performance at Horizon Theatre

A ‘musical charity performance’ will be held at the Horizon College Theatre on Friday, May 2. Stainborough Rotary Club, Barnsley (Rockley) Rotary Club and Horizon Interact Club have come together to proudly present the Barnsley U3A Choir in a musical extravaganza (from 7.15pm). Following last year’s sell-out performance at Worsbrough Sports Centre, Barnsley‘s U3A choir […]

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Lifetime leading the way in helping and inspiring next generation

Lifetime are playing their part in helping and inspiring the next generation of Barnsley business leaders. In 2013 we launched the ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ project, which is being trialled at Horizon Community College before being rolled out to other schools in the borough. We have around 75 speakers committed to the venture, including four […]

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Lifetime ‘proud’ to feature on Barnsley hospice dvd

Lifetime welcomed Barnsley hospice representative Zoe Holman and a video crew from the University of Huddersfield to our Great Cliffe Court offices on Tuesday afternoon. And Lifetime Communications Director William Bottomley (pictured below) found himself being filmed for a dvd! The hospice, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2014, are putting together a series […]

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Oscar and Toby Tyke team up at Oakwell!

Oscar, the Lifetime-sponsored Barnsley hospice mascot, joined forces with Barnsley FC mascot Toby Tyke at Oakwell on Saturday. The pair (pictured below) came together on the turf prior to Saturday’s SkyBet Championship fixture with Nottingham Forest, in order to promote Let’s Club 2gether – an exciting partnership between Barnsley FC’s Community Sports & Education Trust and […]

Customers to get more help in achieving ‘better pension pots’

Customers will get more help to achieve better outcomes when they turn their pension savings into a retirement income, the Association of British Insurers have announced. The pensions industry will introduce a minimum standard for customers to ensure that people understand their options at retirement – and have the opportunity to shop around for the […]

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More than half of children use social media by the age of 10

In this fast-changing, digital age of ours, social media continues to swamp the world. A new poll, conducted by Opinium, revealed that more than half of children use social media by the age of 10. Opinium surveyed 1,004 children aged eight to 16 – and their parents – and the results showed that more than […]

Almost half of workers resigned to staying in their jobs past official retirement age

Almost half of British employees now expect to stay on in their jobs past their retirement age, suggests a new study. That is more than twice the global average. The Nielsen Global Survey About Ageing revealed almost half of UK workers say their retirement age will be later than they would like. The poll of […]

Yorkshire could generate £2.4billion in financial services sector over next six years

Well regulated and sustainable growth in the UK financial services sector could generate an extra £2.4 billion for the Yorkshire and Humberside economy by 2020, according to a new report. The report, carried out by PwC, says that while London’s ‘hub status’ unsurprisingly sees it create the biggest increase, all the UK regions would gain […]

Rest of financial services coming round to Lifetime’s thinking on RDR

Lifetime – with our commitment to client service – were all ready for the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) well before it came into being, and and now new research suggests that financial services in general are catching up. The research, carried out by NMG Consulting, found that 86% of 100 advisers polled said the new […]

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Lifetime-sponsored hospice mascot set for Barnsley debut!

Oscar, the Barnsley hospice mascot sponsored by Lifetime, is set for his Oakwell debut tomorrow! Oscar will join Barnsley FC’s official mascot Toby Tyke on the pitch prior to the SkyBet Championship fixture with Nottingham Forest. Their appearance in front of the Reds’ fans is to promote Let’s Club 2gether – an exciting partnership between Barnsley […]

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A Photographic Peek Into Your Lifetime!

Helping you to live the life you want to live is our objective at Lifetime. We spend time with you discovering where you have come from and what is important to you now and in the future. What are your concerns and what are your dreams and aspirations? Our starting point is your story – […]

Extolling virtues of passive investments

Lifetime staff found themselves nodding their heads in agreement after reading a blog in The Economist – which extolled the virtues of passive investments. The feature kicks off with the words: “Everyone knows that if you go to a casino, the odds are rigged in favour of the house. But people still dream of making […]

Bank of England keep UK interest rates at record low

The Bank of England has today kept UK interest rates at 0.5% for another month. The decision, take by the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee, comes five years after the record low level was first introduced. It is the first rate decision since the bank amended its “forward guidance” policy that linked borrowing rates to unemployment […]

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FCA places consumer protection at the heart of crowdfunding

People looking to lend money or invest through crowdfunding will be better protected under new rules confirmed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). A statement on the FCA website read: “By boosting consumer protection, the rules will help ensure that consumers have access to fair, clear information that is not misleading, when using loan-based, or […]

Extolling virtues of passive investments

Lifetime staff found themselves nodding their heads in agreement after reading a blog in The Economist – which extolled the virtues of passive investments. The feature kicks off with the words: “Everyone knows that if you go to a casino, the odds are rigged in favour of the house. But people still dream of making a killing. […]

Barnsley hospice the beneficiary of kind gesture from ‘delighted’ Lifetime client

Barnsley hospice will be the beneficiary of a very kind gesture from a ‘delighted’ Lifetime client. The client, who had recently signed up for a will through Lifetime Legal Solutions, had actually overpaid by £4. The lady didn’t own a chequebook and so had paid in cash. Lifetime telephoned the client to say the overpayment would […]

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Barnsley hospice the beneficiary of kind gesture from ‘delighted’ Lifetime client

Barnsley hospice will be the beneficiary of a very kind gesture from a ‘delighted’ Lifetime client. The client, who had recently signed up for a will through Lifetime Legal Solutions, had actually overpaid by £4. The lady didn’t own a chequebook and so had paid in cash. Lifetime telephoned the client to say the overpayment would […]

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Lifetime-sponsored hospice mascot teams up with Toby Tyke!

Oscar, the Barnsley hospice mascot sponsored by Lifetime, bumped into Toby Tyke today! Oscar and Toby, the official mascot for Barnsley Football Club, were in attendance at Oakwell for the official launch of the Let’s Club 2gether project – an exciting partnership between Barnsley FC’s Community Sports & Education Trust and Barnsley Hospice to raise essential […]

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Lifetime and Mr Buffett on same wavelength over Vanguard!

It is great to see that Lifetime and supreme investor Mr Warren Buffett are on the same wavelength! The Oracle of Omaha and us here in Barnsley, South Yorkshire are both supporters of Vanguard. Mr Buffett, 83, is the chairman of investing conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway, which has announced a record profit last year. And in his […]

New report says that families are spending more each year on childcare than their mortgage

Families with two young children are spending more on childcare than on an average mortgage, according to a new report. The Family and Childcare Trust’s annual report found that parents with two young children needing full-time care would pay £11,700 a year, 62% higher than the average annual mortgage bill for a family home. Meanwhile, […]

Lifetime and Mr Buffett on same wavelength over Vanguard!

It is great to see that Lifetime and supreme investor Mr Warren Buffett are on the same wavelength! The Oracle of Omaha and us here in Barnsley, South Yorkshire are both supporters of Vanguard. Mr Buffett, 83, is the chairman of investing conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway, which has announced a record profit last year. And in his […]

Number of mortgages approved for home buyers reaches six-year high

The number of mortgages approved for home buyers has risen to a six-year high. Figures from The Bank of England show that the number of mortgage lending given pre-approval was 76,947 in January. This represents the largest number of approvals since the early stages of the country’s banking crisis in November 2007. Sales of homes […]

This week marks five-year anniversary of record low interest rates

This Wednesday marks the five-year anniversary of the Bank of England’s record low 0.5 per cent interest rate. For some people that low interest rate has been good news, for others it has been bad. Five years ago this week, on 5 March 2009, the Bank of England took the dramatic step of cutting interest […]

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The Oracle of Omaha does it again!

The Oracle of Omaha has gone and done it again! The Oracle is billionaire Warren Buffett and the investing conglomerate he chairs, Berkshire Hathaway, has announced a record profit last year. The company released its annual report on Saturday and revealed profits soared to $19.5 billion. In 2012, Berkshire Hathaway’s net income was $14.8 billion. But even […]

The Lifetime Oscars….

The 86th Academy Awards have just been held, with 12 Years a Slave taking the Oscar for Best Picture; Matthew McConaughey being named Best Actor; Cate Blanchett Best Actress; and Frozen landing the Best Animated Feature Oscar. That got us thinking – and we duly came up with the Lifetime Oscars….. Best Picture/Film/Video: The Lifetime […]

Important pension news concerning lifetime allowance

IMPORTANT PENSION NEWS REDUCTION IN THE LIFETIME ALLOWANCE There are some important changes being made to the lifetime allowance, and any individuals who think they may be affected by this should seek advice as soon as possible. Those affected are likely to be higher earners who have accumulated larger pension funds and/or substantial accrued final […]

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Barnsley author Jonathan to deliver his BBIS story

Barnsley author Jonathan Lee will ‘deliver his story’ to students at Horizon Community College on Thursday, March 13. Jonathan is a committed speaker in the ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ project, the brainchild of Lifetime. The venture is really beginning to gather momentum, with over 12 speakers having already told their tale at the College, while […]

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National newspaper delivers front page splash on ‘paltry pensions’

‘Paltry pensions mean that ­millions of Britons will have to work until they drop’. That is the damning start to a front page splash in the Daily Express today. The Express headline reads: ‘Pensions blow for millions as 66 per cent of people will be forced to work even longer’. Many people have found that […]

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Important pension news over lifetime allowance

IMPORTANT PENSION NEWS REDUCTION IN THE LIFETIME ALLOWANCE There are some important changes being made to the lifetime allowance, and any individuals who think they may be affected by this should seek advice as soon as possible. Those affected are likely to be higher earners who have accumulated larger pension funds and/or substantial accrued final […]

Another ‘get ready’ warning over Auto Enrolment

Around two thirds of employers who have auto-enrolled their staff found it ‘more difficult than they had anticipated’. That’s according to the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST). The NEST Insight report, published on January 28, says 63% of employers surveyed in 2013 had ‘encountered unexpected challenges’, while 55% ‘found it difficult to understand the legalities’ […]

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Lovely Lifetime lady Anne retires

Lifetime bade farewell to an esteemed member of the team on Thursday. It was Anne Paget’s final day as a Lifetimer, before she heads into a well-earned retirement. The company directors and Anne’s colleagues came up trumps with a fantastic presentation and a scrumptious buffet! There were plenty of tears shed, and Anne will most […]

Lifetime looking to recruit Office Administrator

Protection must be a priority

Customers must be made aware of the need for protection policies, particularly as the mortgage market has begun to show significant signs of recovery. New figures from the Council of Mortgage lenders has revealed that lending for first-time buyers has increased significantly in recent months. Kevin Russ, technical manager for individual protection at Friends Life […]

Lifetime in contact with over 100 companies over Auto Enrolment proposition

Lifetime are now in contact with over 100 companies over their Auto Enrolment obligations. And 12 of those companies have either committed to implementation of our AE proposition –  or the proposition has already been implemented. The 12 firms are: Doyle Consultants  GM Wilson Rushbrook & Rathbone Effective Tax Solutions Pennine Law St Anne’s Sheet Metal […]

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Scrumptious breakfast kicks off Lifetime Seminar!

Lifetime held its first Auto Enrolment Seminar this morning – and the invited guests, all local accountancy firms – were treated to a rather scrumptious continental breakfast before receiving a top quality presentation! Lifetimers Sue Skelton, Nicola Dickinson and Tracey Lawton made sure all the preparation was perfect for what is hoped will be a […]

Pensions Regulator investigating 89 employers over ‘suspected AE non-compliance’

The Pensions Regulator has announced that it has started 89 investigations into employers over suspected Automatic Enrolment non-compliance. The Auto Enrolment system was launched for the UK’s largest employers in October 2012 – and goes on to affect medium and small firms between now and 2018. It requires companies to set up a pension scheme […]

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Some accountants ‘trailing’ behind in Auto Enrolment drive

Accountants form a crucial link between financial advisers and businesses, but many are lagging behind the advice firms who are already poised to take up the Auto Enrolment opportunity this year. So says Les Conway of Essentially Financial. He commented: “IFAs aiming to offer clients an Auto Enrolment service in 2014 should already be well […]

Guidelines needed for mortgage lenders

The Financial Conduct Authority is coming under fire for failure to issue guidelines to mortgage lenders to financially protect customers when making an offer. As from April, the FCA will require lenders to undertake stringent affordability tests to assess borrowers’ abilities to repay their mortgages before releasing funds. Simon Burgess, director at mortgage protection provider […]

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Lifetime staff donation brings gratitude from charity project

Lifetime has received a lovely ‘thank you’ letter from Barnsley Churches Drop-In Project, after our Lifetimers donated around 75 tins of tomatoes. The BCDP secretary Caroline Hyde wrote: “We would like to thank everyone at Lifetime for their kind donations of tinned tomatoes to the Barnsley Churches Drop-In Project. “We really appreciate your wonderful generosity. […]

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Lovely thank-you letter from Primary School pupils

Lifetime Managing Director Ian Dickinson received a lovely letter from the pupils at Hoylandswaine Primary School on Monday morning, thanking the company for sponsoring the ‘Friends of Hoylandswaine School’ race night at the local cricket club. The letter from the kids reads: “We are very grateful for your donation. In total we managed to raise […]

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Fresh light to be thrown on ‘hidden’ pension charges

People who pay into company ‘defined contribution’ pension schemes will be given much more information about the cost of investing their money. The government is amending its own Pensions Bill, so that pension providers will have to reveal more about the investment costs they incur on behalf of pension savers. The pensions minister Steve Webb […]

Care home fees – do take care!

Homeowners are being warned to ‘tread carefully’ before signing up to any scheme that claims to protect their home from being sold if they need to go into care. These schemes are aimed at sheltering homes from being included when a local authority assesses an elderly person’s assets to determine how much they should contribute […]

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Warning over care home trust fees

Homeowners are being warned to ‘tread carefully’ before signing up to any scheme that claims to protect their home from being sold if they need to go into care. These schemes are aimed at sheltering homes from being included when a local authority assesses an elderly person’s assets to determine how much they should contribute […]

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BBIS speaker Rebecca gives ‘snapshot’ into photography

Rebecca Sykes gave Horizon’s Year 7 master class students a ‘snapshot’ of her life as a Barnsley-based photographer on Thursday afternoon. Rebecca, who owns Blush Photography, is one of Lifetime’s ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ speakers, and had kindly agreed to go into the Community College on Dodworth Road to deliver ‘her story’. She followed in […]

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BBIS speaker Rebecca gives students a ‘snapshot’ of life as a photographer

Rebecca Sykes gave Horizon’s Year 7/8 master class students a ‘snapshot’ of her life as a Barnsley-based photographer on Thursday afternoon. Rebecca, who owns Blush Photography, is part of the ’Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ project – the brainchild of Dodworth-based financial management company Lifetime. Lifetime has built up a stable of over 70 speakers – […]

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Look out for Oscar at Lifetime-sponsored hospice golf day!

Lifetime are once again delighted to be the sponsor of the Barnsley hospice golf day. This year’s event is once more at Silkstone Golf Club, on Friday, May 16 – and coincides with the hospice’s 20th anniversary celebrations. It is hoped that the new hospice mascot, Oscar, who is also sponsored by Lifetime, will put […]

New study says three-quarters of women fear they will struggle at retirement

Three-quarters of women fear they will struggle to get by when they reach retirement age. That is because their current income is too low for a decent pension, a study has suggested. Research also showed widespread confusion among working age women over the effect of changes to the pension system and the rising retirement age. […]

Advisers encouraged to increase online presence in post-RDR, fast-changing technological world

The Retail Distribution Review (RDR) is starting to have a positive impact on public perception and is encouraging more people to consider seeking advice, according to the latest consumer survey from the Personal Finance Society (PFS). However, the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) has warned of the ‘increasing need’ to educate the public on the value […]

FCA to carry out ‘market study’ into retirement income

The Financial Conduct Authority have said that ‘some parts’ of the annuities market are not working well for some consumers. The FCA carried out a ‘thematic review’ of annuities in January 2013. They found that eight out of ten consumers who purchase their annuity from their existing provider could get a better deal on the […]

‘Some parts’ of annuities market are nor working well for consumers say FCA

The Financial Conduct Authority have said that ‘some parts’ of the annuities market are not working well for some consumers. The FCA carried out a ‘thematic review’ of annuities in January 2013. They found that eight out of ten consumers who purchase their annuity from their existing provider could get a better deal on the […]

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Author Milly brilliantly flies the flag for her hometown – and the BBIS!

Best-selling local author Milly Johnson brilliantly flew the flag for her hometown – and the ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ project – with a superb talk to Horizon College Year 7 and Year 8 students on Thursday afternoon. Milly had kindly agreed to be a speaker in Lifetime’s BBIS venture – and not only did she […]

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Exam joy for Lifetimer Annabelle!

There were smiles all round at Lifetime House today – and congratulations were issued – as Annabelle Dickinson celebrated passing her latest accountancy exam. Annabelle (pictured) passed the ‘Working Effectively in Accounting and Finance’ exam. Well done Annabelle from your Lifetime colleagues!

Rain, storms and floods could cost insurance industry up to £500m

Weather-related damage in December 2013 and in the first eight weeks of this year could cost the insurance industry up to £500m. That is the view of insurance company PWC. Insurance partner Mohammad Khan said: “We have revised our total cost estimates upwards, taking into account the January weather. Our expectations are that the insurance […]

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Team Activ director Darren delivers super BBIS speech

Another one of Lifetime’s ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ speakers, Darren Padgett, delivered a terrific talk to Horizon College’s Year Eight assembly on Tuesday morning. Darren is the director of social enterprise Team Activ – an organisation he founded in 2011. They make sport for all, through physical competitions and teamwork strategies in businesses, schools and […]

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Lifetime set to stage free Auto Enrolment seminar

Lifetime are holding a free Auto Enrolment Seminar for accountants, via invitation only, on Wednesday, February 26. The event will be staged at Lifetime House, from 8.30am to 9.30am. A continental-style breakfast and coffee/tea will be available from 8-8.30am. Lifetime’s Auto Enrolment Specialists Rupert Smith and Steve Lambarth will show attendees how they can make […]

HMRC warn taxpayers not to be caught out by ‘phishing’ emails

HM Revenue and Customers has issued a warning to taxpayers not to be caught out by email phishing scams offering tax rebates in return for bank account or credit card details. HMRC received 23,247 reports of phishing emails in the three months prior to the tax return deadline, a leap of 47% on the same […]

Almost one million long-term absences a year from UK companies

UK employers suffer almost one million long-term sickness absences from their companies each year, according to official government statistics released this week. The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) figures showed there were an estimated 960,000 instances of employees being absent for at least four weeks a year between October 2010 and September 2013. The […]

Platform fees to remain exempt from VAT say HMRC

Platform fees will remain exempt from VAT, according to guidance released by HM Revenue and Customs. HMRC had consulted on whether to impose VAT on platform fees, but has now relented on the issue, as long as the fees are charged in connection to the primary services provided by platforms. These primary services are defined […]

Annuity market: is it working?

The annuity market, which millions of Britons rely on for income in old age, isn’t working. Well, that’s the view of many people, including the government’s pensions minister Steve Webb, who says that the opportunity to ‘switch annuities’ – so that pensioners will be able to shop around and change annuities in the same way […]

People plump for pets over themselves

British people are twice as likely to take out pet insurance than a critical illness policy on themselves, a new survey has revealed. The research from Friends Life (correct at February 2014) found that just 12% of individuals had a critical illness policy in place, compared to 21% of respondents who insured their pet. The […]

Employers: start planning early

Around two thirds of employers who have auto-enrolled their staff found it ‘more difficult than they had anticipated’. That’s according to the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST). The NEST Insight report, published on January 28, says 63% of employers surveyed in 2013 had ‘encountered unexpected challenges’, while 55% ‘found it difficult to understand the legalities’ […]

Planning your financial future – poll

New research suggests that one in 10 of the UK’s retirees are spending less than an hour to determine their financial future for potentially the next 25 years or longer. The research, carried out by Legal & General and unbiased.co.uk, reported that: Over one in five, (22%) spend a year or more researching their travel […]

UK mortgage levels show yearly surge

Mortgage levels in the United Kingdom have risen once more. A total of 734,969 home loans were approved during the year, up from 612,654 the previous year. Mark Harris, the chief executive of mortgage broker SPF Private Clients, told the BBC: "We expect this to continue this year as Help to Buy [government-backed mortgage scheme] [...]

Planning your financial future – poll results

New research suggests that one in 10 of the UK’s retirees are spending less than an hour to determine their financial future for potentially the next 25 years or longer. The research, carried out by Legal & General and unbiased.co.uk, reported that: Over one in five, (22%) spend a year or more researching their travel […]

‘Worrying level of inertia’ over reviewing protection needs

More than half of consumers who have bought protection insurance (53%) have ‘never reviewed’ their protection needs, new research has claimed. The latest poll by insurance giant Aviva, which took in 806 UK protection purchasers, said despite changing life circumstances, there is ‘a worrying level of inertia’ when it comes to revising cover. Eighteen per […]

People in their 20s and 30s accumulate ‘substantial debt’ says new poll

People in their 20s and 30s can either put their lives on hold or accumulate substantial debt, a new poll has indicated. The Populus poll, commissioned by the ‘Demos think tank’, suggest that young people are overwhelmingly bearing the burden of increasing levels of debt, while the older generation are ‘doing better’ in escaping the […]

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Company MD Andy delivers heartfelt BBIS ‘story’

Andy Nicholson, the Managing Director at Lifetime’s neighbours, Doyle Consultant Limited and Doyle CCTV and Monitoring Ltd, delivered an impassioned, heartfelt talk to students at Horizon Community College on Thursday afternoon. Andy (pictured below), is a committed speaker in Lifetime’s ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ venture and kindly gave his time to tell his own ‘inspirational […]

Platform fees to remain exempt from VAT say HMRC

Platform fees will remain exempt from VAT, according to guidance released by HM Revenue and Customs. HMRC had consulted on whether to impose VAT on platform fees, but has now relented on the issue, as long as the fees are charged in connection to the primary services provided by platforms. These primary services are defined […]

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‘You say tomato’, Lifetimers say ‘Yes we’ll help!’

‘You say tomato, I say tomahto’. That line comes from a famous song by George and Ira Gershwin, written way back in 1937, called ‘Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off’. It came to mind after Lifetime Office Manager Karen Lodge issued a ‘kind request’ to her work colleagues a few days ago. She said: “My […]

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Great stories to be told, as Milly and more BBIS speakers get set to inspire students

Horizon Community College students are in for a treat – as more Barnsley-based speakers are booked in to inspire them. The ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ project, the brainchild of Lifetime and being trialled at Horizon, has already seen some terrific people deliver their ‘stories’ to various classes and assemblies – and there is plenty more […]

Long-term care annuity launched by Just Retirement

Just Retirement has launched an ‘immediate needs’ annuity for people facing long-term care costs. The Care Funding Plan provides a regular stream of income – usually paid directly to a care provider such as a residential home, rendering it tax-free – in return for a one-off payment. Under the Care Bill, introduced in May last […]

‘Worrying level of inertia’ over reviewing protection needs

More than half of consumers who have bought protection insurance (53%) have ‘never reviewed’ their protection needs, new research has claimed. The latest poll by insurance giant Aviva, which took in 806 UK protection purchasers, said despite changing life circumstances, there is ‘a worrying level of inertia’ when it comes to revising cover. Eighteen per […]

Embrace social media to ‘stay successful in the digital age’

Insurance company Unum have said that all insurers and brokers should embrace social media in order to ‘stay successful in the digital age’. The insurer stated it has seen its own social media presence ‘go from strength to strength’ since the start of its campaign in 2011 to help the UK’s workforce to get a […]

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A Capital tale!

It’s a true Capital tale – as Barnsley-based financial management company Lifetime helps a Barnsley-born woman buy a house from another Barnsley-born woman – in London! Helen Clarke, originally from Birdwell, is the Production Director for the British designer Margaret Howell. She went to Worsbrough High School, Barnsley Sixth Form College and Barnsley Art College […]

Lincolnshire lady thrilled with Lifetime help

A lady in Grantham, Lincolnshire was thrilled after Lifetime helped her buy a house. The client had applied to her own bank – where she had been a loyal customer for many, many years – for a further advance on a mortgage. She wanted to buy a house for her mother, in order for the […]

One in 10 UK retirees spend less than an hour planning their financial future says research

New research suggests that one in 10 of the UK’s retirees are spending less than an hour to determine their financial future for potentially the next 25 years or longer. The research, carried out by Legal & General and unbiased.co.uk, reported that: Over one in five, (22%) spend a year or more researching their travel […]

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Lifetime quotes are Taylor-made job for ace artist Alan!

A Wortley-based artist is helping bring a dash of colour and personality to Lifetime House! Alan Taylor (pictured below) and his wife Caroline are talented muralists and artisan decorators who work nationwide and abroad – and Alan, through knowing our MD Ian Dickinson due to their love of golf! – was asked to come in […]

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UK mortgage levels show yearly surge

Mortgage levels in the United Kingdom have risen once more. A total of 734,969 home loans were approved during the year, up from 612,654 the previous year. Mark Harris, the chief executive of mortgage broker SPF Private Clients, told the BBC: “We expect this to continue this year as Help to Buy [government-backed mortgage scheme] […]

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Scarborough-based St Catherine’s hospice thrilled to receive another Lifetime cheque

Saint Catherine’s Hospice in Scarborough has thanked Lifetime for a further donation to its coffers. Lifetime donates 10% of fees generated on new accounts to a hospice chosen by the person who referred them the business. After receiving a cheque for Lifetime’s latest donation, the hospice’s Director of Funding Development, David Marshall, said: “We are […]

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Would you ‘park up your shopping trolley’ to get financial advice?

Would you park up your shopping trolley and nip into a little booth for financial advice? No? Us neither. It just doesn’t feel right that at all does it? Yet that could be the future for customers of Barclays Bank. Barclays plan to cut hundreds of jobs in its investment banking division, and is also […]

Another warning for employers to start planning their Auto Enrolment early

Around two thirds of employers who have auto-enrolled their staff found it ‘more difficult than they had anticipated’. That’s according to the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST). The NEST Insight report, published on January 28, says 63% of employers surveyed in 2013 had ‘encountered unexpected challenges’, while 55% ‘found it difficult to understand the legalities’ […]

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Coding set to sit alongside reading, writing and mathematics in curriculum

From September 2014, coding will be part of the primary and secondary education curriculum in the UK, as part of wider changes designed to boost computer literacy alongside reading, writing and maths skills for British children. And gaming, animation and other technology is certainly hitting a chord with today’s youth. Lifetime’s Social Media Manager Andrew […]

The opportunity to ‘switch annuities’ and shop around; good or bad proposal?

The annuity market, which millions of Britons rely on for income in old age, isn’t working. Well, that’s the view of many people, including the government’s pensions minister Steve Webb, who says that the opportunity to ‘switch annuities’ – so that pensioners will be able to shop around and change annuities in the same way […]

Auto Enrolment – the key facts

Auto Enrolment involves all employers having to auto enrol, by law, all eligible employees into a qualifying pension scheme, and to make minimum contributions on their behalf. It is part of a Government initiative to increase personal retirement savings. This is as a result of the fact that a large number of the working population […]

Auto Enrolment – the key facts

Auto Enrolment involves all employers having to auto enrol, by law, all eligible employees into a qualifying pension scheme, and to make minimum contributions on their behalf. It is part of a Government initiative to increase personal retirement savings. This is as a result of the fact that a large number of the working population […]

Cap on pension charges not until April 2015 at earliest says government minister

The government’s Pensions Minister Steve Webb has reiterated his commitment to implementing a cap on pension charges. Mr Webb insists ‘nothing has changed’ as a result of responses to the official consultation, but says that a cap will not be introduced until April 2015 at the earliest. He added: “Some of what is ‘leaking out’ […]

Make paying into a pension like tax suggests think tank

Paying into a pension should be compulsory in the same way as paying taxes, a think tank has suggested. as concerns grow that people are not saving enough for retirement. The Policy Exchange think tank is calling for the Government to create a ‘Help to Save’ scheme that would make it obligatory for people to […]

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Students left feeling ‘flush’ – as musical brothers deliver inspiring BBIS talk

Two Year 11 Horizon College students were left feeling ‘flush’ as Barnsley musicians Jake and Josh Ingamells delivered an inspirational talk on Tuesday morning. The brothers (pictured), who run their own Barnsley-based record company, Big Sky Records, and make up part of local rock bank Hitomi, are committed speakers in Lifetime’s ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ […]

Mr Kinder’s view is no surprise to Lifetime; we are in full agreement!

Kinder Institute of Life Planning founder George Kinder has written a quite brilliant blog on the about-face financial services needs to take to improve the experience for the most important person of all – the client. His views are echoed here at Lifetime – who, well before the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) came into force, […]

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Animation Director Liz thrills students with her BBIS presentation

Liz Paton from Barnsley-based Tarnished Studios ended up being surrounded by eager students thirsting for knowledge after delivering a fantastic ‘BBIS’ talk at Horizon College on Thursday afternoon. Tarnished Studios is a full animation and post production house based at the Barnsley Business Innovation Centre in Wilthorpe Barnsley, and is run by Animation Director Liz […]

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Lifetime-sponsored hospice hound meets the kids!

Oscar the hospice hound proved to be a big hit with young Barnsley schoolchildren on Friday morning. The new Barnsley hospice mascot – which was given its new name of Oscar by listeners to local radio station Dearne FM – is being sponsored by Lifetime. And Shafton Primary Academy were the first group of children […]

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Lifetime continues to grow, while in contrast bank and building society adviser numbers are in decline

While Lifetime continues to build upon an already excellent client base, Bank and Building Society adviser numbers have been dealt a fresh hit over the second half of 2013, according to new figures from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). An update on adviser numbers from the regulator has shown that in the bank and building […]

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Hospice mascot makes first official appearance – at Lifetime

The new Barnsley hospice mascot made its first official appearance on Tuesday afternoon – at Lifetime! We are thrilled to be the sponsor of the mascot for 2014 – and the ‘hospice hound’ bounded up to our offices in Dodworth – alongside fundraiser Samantha Silverwood – to receive monies generated by our Christmas charity activities. […]

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Are your New Year resolutions already in the bin?

It is January 14th today…exactly two weeks since quite a few of us made our New Year’s Resolution. The chances are that some, or all of us have already broken them! 2014 had begun so promisingly, full of hope and good intentions. But not a month in and for most, our best intentions have all […]

Plans to increase state pension age are ‘unaffordable and irresponsible’ says think tank

Plans to increase the state pension age are ‘unaffordable and irresponsible’. That’s according to the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA). The think tank has called for a far earlier rise in the state pension age to 68, reaching that level by 2023 instead of around 2045 under existing plans. The Government has already signalled that […]

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Demand for mortgages at a six-year high

The demand for mortgages rose at the fastest pace in six years in the fourth quarter of 2013, according to a survey by the Bank of England. The Bank’s latest Credit Conditions Survey found that increased availability of credit was driven by optimistic expectations for house prices and an increased appetite for risk. Lenders suggested […]

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Your Financial Plan: have you got one? If not, why not?

A Financial Plan. Three words (well…..particularly the latter two!) that can strike fear into the hearts of many people who look upon money matters with trepidation. Sometimes it can feel great to ‘fly by the seat of your pants’ – and letting things ‘just happen’. But not where your money is concerned. A proper financial […]

Transact Platform

We started using a Platform to hold our investments in 2003 having become totally disillusioned with the commission-based model that many advisers were using. Having seen that it is virtually impossible to give impartial advice and at the same time receiving pay from providers, we moved onto a fee based proposition for our clients that […]

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An extra Christmas present – as Lifetimers raise over £100 for hospice

There was smiles all round at Lifetime this morning when it emerged that our ‘Christmas Card’ charity venture raised over £100. Instead of sending Christmas cards to each other, the Lifetime staff again opted to give money to charity. And this year the Lifetimers have raised £102.70 which will go to Barnsley hospice (pictured). Well […]

Consequences if ignored

What happens if you fail to act? The consequences from the Pension Regulator for non Auto Enrolment compliance are: Stage 1 – Warning                                                       Compliance/unpaid contributions notice Stage 2 […]

When is it happening?

The staging dates for when an employer must by law have a fully Auto Enrolment compliant Pension Scheme in place are indicated below. The Pensions Regulator will write to all employers around twelve months before their staging date so that they know when to automatically enrol their eligible job holders. Three months before the employer staging date […]

Have you the biggest of Monday blues – or are you upbeat for the year ahead?

Monday, January 6. A desperate date of deep disappointment. Today is – according to research – the most depressing day of the year. And we are only six days into 2014! A UK study has found the first Monday back at work after Christmas and the New Year is the saddest on the calendar. The […]

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Lifetime proud to sponsor new Barnsley hospice mascot

Santa brought Barnsley hospice a very special Christmas present – in the form of their new mascot! The new, loveable hospice hound will be seen at the organisation’s many fundraising events in 2014. And Lifetime are proud to be the mascot’s sponsor! A hospice spokesperson said: “Look out in 2014 for him out and about […]

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It’s a kind of magic…….as Lifetimers enjoy brilliant Christmas party!

Queen took to the stage – and there was definitely a ‘Kind of Magic’ in the air as all the Lifetimers and their families came together to enjoy a fabulous Christmas party at Silkstone Lodge. It proved to be a brilliant occasion, and once again showed just what a great tight-knit team we have. One to […]

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Christmas is coming……

The Lifetime offices will be shut from 4pm today (Monday, December 23) and will re-open on Thursday, January 2 at 9am. We would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

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Lifetime MD Ian inspiring next generation with BBIS talk

Lifetime MD Ian Dickinson, together with Social Media Manager Andrew Lodge, went back to school on Thursday morning! They opted out of school dinners though! They were the special guests of Horizon College, as part of Lifetime’s Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students project. Ian delivered his tremendous, inspirational success ‘story’ to Horizon’s Year 10 Business Studies […]

‘Plastic fivers’ to be in circulation come 2016!

In just over two years time the Bank of England will start to issue plastic banknotes for the very first time. The Bank has issued paper banknotes since it was founded way back in 1694, but starting in 1916 there will be a plastic five pound note, featuring Sir Winston Churchill. A new polymer £10 […]

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Congratulations in order as Lifetimer Annabelle achieves exam joy!

There is one young Lifetime lady who is all smiles today. Annabelle Dickinson has received the great news that she has passed her next accounting exam at College this morning! All her colleagues at Lifetime, plus her proud mum and dad and family, would like to say ‘congratulations Annabelle!’ Onwards and upwards!

FCA says it has ‘much to prove’ but hopes its future approach will benefit advisory industry

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has admitted it has ‘much to prove’ to the advisory industry, but hopes its actions and approach in the future will indeed show it is different from previous regulators. In an end-of-year message to advisers, given exclusively to IFAonline.co.uk, the FCA said: “We recognise we have much to prove to […]

British people twice as likely to insure their pets than themselves!

British people are twice as likely to take out pet insurance than a critical illness policy on themselves, a new survey has revealed. The research from Friends Life found that just 12% of individuals had a critical illness policy in place, compared to 21% of respondents who insured their pet. The vast majority of employees […]

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Young Apprentice winner Ashleigh proves a BBIS big hit!

South Yorkshire ‘entrepreneur’ Ashleigh Porter-Exley proved to be a big BBIS hit at Horizon College on Friday morning. Eighteen-years-old Ashleigh, who attended Wath Comprehensive School as a student, was the deserved winner of the BBC’s 2012 Young Apprentice, and won £25,000 from Lord Alan Sugar. She currently works for Reeds Rains Estate and Letting Agents – […]

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Barnsley Football Club chief executive Ben delivers brilliant first BBIS talk

Barnsley Football Club’s chief executive Ben Mansford is used to pressure, having been a high profile sports lawyer and football agent, not to mention currently running a football club that, before Saturday at least, finds itself bottom of the league! So he had absolutely no problem in taking on the challenge of being our very […]

Financial Services Consumer Panel critical of some insurance companies and pension providers in new report

Some insurance companies and pension providers confuse customers and charge high commisions. That is the view of the Financial Services Consumer Panel, which works alongside the financial watchdog, the FCA. The Panel, in a new in a report on the sale of annuities to people when they retire, have been heavy in their criticism of […]

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Average UK teenager owns six digital devices – and love creating content!

The average UK teenager owns six digital devices and regularly creates online content a survey has stated. The poll carried out for IT firm Logicalis, showed that 84% of the teenagers polled own a smartphone, 78% owned a laptop and 51% a tablet device. And with Facebook, YouTube and Twitter coming in as the top […]

Government to boost ISA, Junior ISA and child trust fund annual subscription limits

The government is to boost ISA, Junior ISA and child trust fund (CTF) annual subscription limits in line with the consumer price index. The 2014-15 ISA limit will be increased to £11,880 per year – half of which can be saved in a cash ISA – while the Junior ISA and CTF limits will both […]

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Lifetime MD Ian looking forward to ‘engaging with students’ in BBIS question and answer session

Lifetime Managing Director Ian Dickinson is the latest local business leader to be booked in to tell ‘his story’ to students at Horizon College. Ian is a committed speaker in the ‘Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students’ project, the brainchild of his Dodworth-based financial management company Lifetime. The venture is being trialled at the college and promises […]

A vision of the future: working life will be extended into late 60s before state pension is available

More people in the United Kingdom will have to work until they are 68 before being entitled to a state pension, under plans to be announced by Chancellor George Osborne. The current state pension age was set to change from 65 to 68 in 2046. But that date will be brought forward to the mid-2030s, […]

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Car tax disc to be scrapped – after 93 years

The car tax disc is to be scrapped – after 93 years in existence. The tax disc, which is placed on the inside of a car windscreen to show that motorists have paid vehicle excise duty, is to be replaced with an electronic system, the government’s Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne is to announce […]

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Barnsley FC chief executive takes time out from managerial search to be the first BBIS speaker!

Barnsley Football Club’s chief executive Ben Mansford has a lot on his plate at the moment – trying to find a new first team manager following the departure of David Flitcroft – but that is not stopping him from speaking to students at Horizon College next week. The 33-year-old (pictured) is one of the committed […]

Medium-sized companies are the ‘unsung heroes’ behind economy revival suggests new research

Medium-sized companies are the ‘unsung heroes’ behind the UK economy says a new survey. The CBI employers’ group has published research showing that despite accounting for only 1.8 per cent of UK private sector businesses, mid-sized companies created 185,000 jobs in 2010-13. That was a 4.1 per cent increase, compared with 1.9 per cent by […]

Cyber Monday set to trigger e-commerce explosion for Christmas!

Monday, December 2, 2013. It could well go down in the history books. Why, we hear you ask….? Well, it may prove to be the busiest online shopping day ever! ‘Cyber Monday’, as this date is regularly termed, looks set to trigger an e-commerce explosion for Christmas, as millions of people go online to order […]

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Penistone and Stocksbridge MP calls for schoolkids to start learning about money

Penistone and Stocksbridge MP Angela Smith has called for local schoolchildren to start to learning about money. The Labour MP, who offered her support to Lifetime’s Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students venture, is also backing a charity’s new campaign to help improve the financial capability of young people. Every school in the Penistone and Stocksbridge area […]

Could you live on £110 a week? Thousands of Britons approaching retirement look like they might have to!

Could you live on £110 a week? Well, apparently a quarter of workers aged 55 or more are banking on that particular sum to fund their retirement. Due to the alarming, rising cost of living and a worrying lack of financial know-how, thousands of Britons approaching retirement are not paying into a pension plan and […]

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Barnsley FC chief executive booked in as BBIS speaker

Barnsley Football Club’s forward-thinking chief executive Ben Mansford will be going in to Horizon College early next month to tell ‘his story’. Ben is one of the committed speakers in the Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students venture – which has been put together by Lifetime and being trialled at the Dodworth-based school. The 33-year-old will speak […]

FCA release statement on a cap on the cost of payday loans

The Financial Conduct Authority have today released a statement on a cap on the cost of payday loans. The statement read: “The power to cap the cost of credit will be formally established through amendments to the Banking Reform Bill, which is currently going through Parliament. “This will be one of a number of powerful […]

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Young Apprentice winner Ashleigh set to be a BBIS big hit at Horizon!

Lifetime’s Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students venture is set to take a big step forward in the next few weeks – with a number of speakers lined up to go into local school Horizon College to deliver ‘their story’. One of the first will be the BBC’s 2012 Young Apprentice winner Ashleigh-Porter Exley, who has been […]

Chris making big song and dance about ‘A Circle of Life’

A Lifetime client is making a big song and dance about a forthcoming musical show. Barnsley man Chris Pearsall is a member of BeVox community choir, who will be putting on their premier event of their autumn-winter 2013 season – ‘A Circle of Life’ – at Elsecar Heritage Centre’s Building 21 on Saturday, December 7. […]

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Lifetimer Simon ‘humbled’ by visit to Bradford’s Marie Curie hospice

Lifetime Financial Planner Simon Snowball says he was ‘humbled’ by his visit to Bradford’s Marie Curie hospice on Friday morning. Simon (pictured) had gone along to present a cheque for £120 that came from Lifetime’s hospice referral scheme. Said Simon: “I felt very privileged to be the one to go along to the hospice and […]

Crippling household debt is Britain’s ‘ticking timebomb’ suggests new study

Britain is facing a ticking timebomb over crippling debt according to a major study published today. The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) think tank says that the average household debt now stands at £54,000 – double the level a decade ago and despite record low interest rates. There is a growing fear that the cost […]

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Barnsley MP backing Charter to stop ‘payday loan rip-off’

A Barnsley MP has backed the Charter to stop the ‘payday loan rip-off’. Michael Dugher, the Labour Member of Parliament for Barnsley East, is among 70 MPs and Peers who have already backed the Charter – and now members of the public are being invited to add their support. The Charter calls for tougher regulation […]

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Well I never….! Those mind-boggling, real-life, incredulous moments!

Well I never! Coincidence, mind-boggling real-life moments, fate…… We have all encountered times in our lives where something ‘pops up’ that takes our breath away in astonishment, leaving us to shake our heads (or rub our eyes) in disbelief. Lifetimers Bill and Andrew were subjected to one of those moments on Monday. They had been […]

‘Our goal isn’t to make money’ – Apple design chief delivers a philosophy to be proud of

Here at Lifetime we put our clients at the very centre of what we do. Client satisfaction is key. If they are happy, we are happy. And that’s why we are so impressed with the philosophy of Apple, and in particular their Senior Vice President of Industrial Design Sir Jonathan Ive. It all revolves around […]

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Wonderful letter from Wakefield hospice adds to Lifetime’s feel-good factor!

We are feeling pretty good here at Lifetime, as we head towards the end of 2013. We have expanded into two buildings – and our reputation as an innovative, friendly, experienced, professional, ethical and successful financial management company continues to grow. There is no resting on any laurels, of course. Plenty of hard work continues […]

House heating levels often raises the family temperature!

Apparently, the temperature of the house causes more arguments among couples and families in winter than any other subject, a survey has found. Almost 60 per cent of couples row about heating – with women often saying it is too cold, while men moan about the cost of fuel bills. Lifetimer Andrew would argue with […]

Yorkshire business leaders ‘feeling more confident’ about future prospects

Yorkshire business leaders are feeling more confident about their future prospects. That’s according to the latest research from Lloyds Bank’s Commercial Banking arm. Ninety per cent of those surveyed said they felt more optimistic about their future expansion prospects now compared to this time last year – and suggested the region could benefit from an […]

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It’s ‘vroom vroom’ on Lifetime’s extra room!

The tradesmen have almost completed the task of renovating the new office, so if you are visiting during the next few weeks don’t be surprised if you see desks, chairs and printers being transported across the car park! It will be a phased move over a period of four weeks so that service to our […]

Scottish Life representative in warning over Auto Enrolment ‘capacity crunch’

Provider Scottish Life could exit the Auto Enrolment pension market in 2015, as the looming ‘capacity crunch’ hits. Speaking at the Personal Finance Society (PFS) conference, Scottish Life’s Business Development Manager Jamie Clark said a substantial amount of employers who leave compliance too late will end up in mass market schemes. Mr Clark stated that […]

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Lifetime thrilled to mark Bev’s 10-year milestone!

Lifetime’s office administrator Beverley Myers received a ‘wonderful’ surprise – after chalking up 10 years. Bev Myers has worked for the South Yorkshire financial management company since leaving college – and on Friday (November 8), her 10-year milestone was celebrated with a special presentation from the company directors. A thrilled Bev was presented with a […]

Two-thirds of financial advisers have concerns over ability of UK education system says new survey

A new survey has revealed that nearly two-thirds of financial advisers have concerns that the UK’s education system is incapable of helping produce the next generation of advisers. The Personal Finance Society’s (PFS) seventh annual survey, which was conducted among 1,498 members, found that 63% of respondents believe the UK education system does not adequately […]

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Auto Enrolment: are your clients looking to you for a solution?

The current marketplace has a variety of solutions for Auto Enrolment, offering different levels of support and guidance. But it all adds extra pressure to existing workloads. So is researching and deciding on the right solution for your clients proving to be an unwanted headache? Lifetime’s solution provides a bespoke service that helps businesses get […]

Slight dip in post-retirement life expectancy, but UK population tipped to continue ageing

Post-retirement life expectancy for people in the United Kingdom is now lower than previously expected, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS). Life expectancy at age 65 in 2012 has been projected as 18.3 years for men and 20.6 years for women on average. This, according to the ONS, has signalled a decline on […]

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House prices increase for ninth successive month

Increased demand for homes has led to the ninth consecutive monthly increase in house prices, according to the Halifax. The mortgage lender said that property prices were up by 0.7% in October, compared with the previous month. However, the lender stated that prices and sales had not reached the levels seen at the height of […]

HSBC putting aside £93m to review investment advice – after ‘mystery shop’ by FCA

Around 200,000 HSBC customers who bought investments after being advised by sales staff in high street branches could be in line for compensation after a mystery shopping exercise by investigators from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). HSBC says it is spending £93m to review the investment advice given to customers between August 2008 and October […]

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Adopting the kind of pension scheme used in Holland and Denmark would provide boost for pensioners says charity report

Pensioners could see their income boosted by a third if the Government consented to a radical shake-up of Britain’s pension system. That’s according to a new report from respected charity Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (The RSA). Adopting the type of pension scheme used in fellow European countries such as […]

Two thirds of Yorkshire businesses grew turnover and profits in last year suggests new survey

Two thirds of Yorkshire businesses grew their turnover and profits in the last year, while half also boosted their workforce, according to a new survey. And looking ahead, nearly nine in ten (87%) executives are expecting further turnover growth, while more than four in five (82%) are anticipating a profit rise in the next 12 […]

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Two more Yorkshire hospices benefit from Lifetime referral scheme

Two more Yorkshire hospices have benefited from Lifetime’s generous hospice referral scheme. Lifetime has set up a scheme whereby it donates 10% of fees generated on new accounts to a hospice chosen by the person who referred them the business. Barnsley hospice has already received a number of cheques, while last month Lifetime Financial Planner […]

Auto Enrolment – are the goalposts shifting for SME’s?

We are now over a year into Auto Enrolment – the major pensions reform – and in 2014 thousands of small to medium businesses will be setting out on what some employers and employees feel is still a journey ‘into the unknown’. Large companies are currently ‘settling into’ working with the new regulations, but are […]

Lifetime helping bring some Christmas cheer!

November is here, and so the countdown to Christmas has well and truly begun. And Barnsley lady Tamsin Naylor, with the help of her work colleagues at Lifetime, is once more aiming to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to under-privileged children around the world. Tamsin, an office administrator, has been busy collecting Christmas shoeboxes […]

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A Capital gain – as Lifetime helps Barnsley woman buy a house from another Barnsley woman – in London!

Here’s a mortgage story with a bit of Barnsley bias! It’s a true Capital tale – as Barnsley-based financial management company Lifetime helps a Barnsley-born woman buy a house from another Barnsley-born woman – in London! Helen Clarke, originally from Birdwell, is the Production Director for the British designer Margaret Howell. She went to Worsbrough […]

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Signs looking good for Lifetime!

The signs are looking good for Lifetime! In fact one particular sign is really making people sit up and take notice! Lifetime House, at Great Cliffe Court, Dodworth, has our sign emblazoned on the front of the building (see below). Not only is it eye-catching during the day, but it lights up at at night […]

Average Briton spends almost a year on sick list throughout their working life says new survey

The average Briton spends almost a year off sick throughout their working life, according to new research. The survey of full-time workers, carried out by LV=, revealed that stress and depression are two of the most common illnesses that resulted in long absences. Workers said they took an average of two and a half months […]

PPI complaints top one million mark confirms Financial Ombudsman

The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has now received over one million complaints about payment protection insurance (PPI), with the majority of them being in relation to the mis-selling of policies. The Ombudsman has revealed that in the second quarter of this financial year, from July to September, it received 115,247 new complaints about PPI. That […]

HMRC contemplating whether platform charges should be subject to VAT

HM Revenue & Customs is investigating whether platform charges should be subject to VAT, according to the Money Marketing website. The article on http://www.moneymarketing.co.uk says that HMRC may seek to tax a wider range of platform charges after rebates became subject to income tax back in April. One option that has been floated among the […]

The things that rile – and wind you up!

The things that rile……. They can be ‘big things’, something serious that could potentially have repercussions. Yet others can seem relatively small in life’s grand scheme. But there always seems to be something that, any any given moment, can really wind us up! It could be: Being stuck on the motorway, rain lashing down, as […]

Stories have such power…..

There are stories everywhere. On TV there are soap stories, films, dramas and news bulletins. There are newspapers and magazines full of stories, true or fiction. Online news is widely available, many accompanied by videos and blogs. There are countless novels and short stories in bookshops. The e-book market is expanding. People love stories. They […]

Now seven times more car mechanics than financial advisers

There are now seven times more car mechanics than financial advisers. The number of financial advisers has fallen sharply in response to the implementation of the retail distribution review. And fears are growing that not only are advisers falling by the wayside, but that consumers are turning more and more to ‘DIY investing’. Jasper Berens, […]

Prince of Wales tells pensions industry to use ‘longer-term investing approach’

A senior member of the Royal Family has warned of the risk to future pensions. The Prince of Wales, eldest son of the Queen, warned a National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) conference that the focus on short-term investing was ‘unfit for purpose’. Prince Charles had recorded his message, which also told the pensions industry […]

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Lifetimers meet up with local sporting stars!

Lifetime’s Financial Planner Paul Bassinder and Mortgage Adviser Ken Abbott braved the wet Yorkshire weather on Wednesday go and talk to a client. While there they both got chatting to a ‘brilliant young Kid’!! Highly-rated boxer Kid Galahad, to be exact! Paul managed to get this terrific photo of our Ken with the thoroughly likeable […]

England football fans jubilant after Brazil trip is booked – but what makes up your own personal feel-good factor?

he English dictionary definition of the phrase ‘feel-good factor’ is: ‘a quality in something that makes people feel happy and positive about their lives’. Well, supporters of the England football team certainly have the ‘feel-good factor’ this morning – after Roy Hodgson’s boys booked their trip to Brazil and the World Cup next summer. It’s […]

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UK house prices hit record high say Office for National Statistics

House prices across the UK hit a record high in August, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The ONS said that its house price index, which measures purchases financed with mortgages over the month, stood at 185.8, surpassing its previous peak in January 2008 by 0.3 per cent. According […]

Looking forward to the cold months?

It’s official,the summer is over. The nights are drawing in, the leaves are falling from the trees, the heating is on, the winter clothes are out and yes, the first adverts for Christmas are on the telly!! Hibernation is not an option so how do you cope with Autumn and Winter? Here are a few […]

Other businesses could learn a lot from the global phenomenon that is the gaming industry

The computer games industry – a true global phenomenon – continues to go from strength to strength. It is a juggernaut that, at the moment, shows no sign of slowing; a success story that throws up a number of tips that other, more ‘orthodox’ businesses could pick up on. At the heart of it, customers […]

What do you have to kick-start your working day?

What do you have to kick-start your ‘productive day’? If you had to name your number one breakfast what would you plump for? Well, according to new research half of us are confirmed ‘porridge eaters’! There are certainly plenty of people here at Lifetime who like to start their day with a bowl of porridge, […]

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Sixty-one per cent of UK adults do not have a current will suggests research. Reason? ‘Just not got round to it’

Sixty-one per cent of adults in the UK do not have a current will. And the main reason why? Those people ‘have just not got round to it’. That’s according to research carried out on behalf of Standard Life. And one of the most worrying aspects of the survey is that the ‘just not got […]

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Lifetime staff are sound as a pound – and that’s official!

The Lifetime staff are sound as a pound – and that’s official! Our good friends at Barnsley Hospice came up with a fund-raising venture entitled ‘Bring A Pound To Work Week’. It was to help mark Hospice Care Week, raise the profile of hospice care across the UK, and help raise funds into the bargain. […]

Transact land two trophies at 2013 Aberdeen UK Platform Awards

Transact, the Platform that Lifetime use to hold our investments, emerged double winners at The 2013 Aberdeen UK Platform Awards on Tuesday night. Transact won ‘Best Platform for Adviser Service’ and ‘ Best Large Platform’ categories. The glittering awards ceremony were held at the London Marriott in Grosvenor Square. The event was hosted by Kate […]

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Lifetime Flat Cap Tour – in pictures

A group of Lifetimers, including MD Ian Dickinson and fellow directors Bill Bottomley, Brian Skelton and Jeff Winter, have returned from their intrepid ‘Flat Cap Tour’! They headed ‘oop north’ to play three golf courses in three days – Goswick Golf Club, Berwick Upon Tweed; Whitekirk GC, East Lothain; and then Slaley Hall, Northumberland. And […]

‘No dream is too big, no dreamer too small’

Lifetime Communications Manager Victoria Oliver took her four-year-old daughter on her first ever trip to the cinema this weekend. The film was called Turbo – and was about a garden snail who dreamt of being the fastest racer in the world. His obsession with speed and all things fast made him an oddity and an […]

Help to Buy scheme enters next phase

Tens of thousands of home buyers will today be offered 95 per cent mortgages by state-owned banks. It is a £12 billion move that Prime Minister David Cameron claims will make the ‘dream of home ownership a reality’. Help to Buy was launched in April initially to provide loans for people moving into newly built […]

Millions of reasons why advisers are following in the footsteps of ‘Mr Cake’ – and using social media!

There are now millions of reasons why financial advisers are increasingly using social media to get their message across. In fact, in some areas it is billions of reasons! Social media is everywhere; it appears everyone is using it; and more and more financial companies are keen to get in on the act. Just take […]

Ofcom findings suggest tablet computers are ‘must have device’ for children

Children in Britain have turned their backs on laptops and desk-bound computers and are instead asking their parents for tablet computers such as the i-pad. Latest figures from the regulator Ofcom show that 26% of children between the ages of 12 and 15 now own a tablet – up from seven per cent in 2012. […]

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Scarborough-based hospice latest grateful beneficiary of Lifetime referral scheme

Saint Catherine’s Hospice in Scarborough is the latest beneficiary of Lifetime’s generous hospice referral scheme. Lifetime has set up a scheme whereby it donates 10% of fees generated on new accounts to a hospice chosen by the person who referred them the business. Saint Catherine’s has received a cheque for £131 (see picture below) after […]

Lifetimers heading ‘oop north’ on a ‘Flat Cap Tour’

A group of Lifetimers, including directors and MD Ian Dickinson, are embarking on the ‘Flat Cap Tour’ tomorrow! They are heading ‘oop north’ to play three golf courses in three days – while raising money for charitable causes into the bargain! And the intrepid lot have been given the task of wearing flat caps at […]

Apple takes top spot in list of world’s leading brands; Coca-Cola drops to third; and Lifetime’s on the march!

Apple has toppled Coca-Cola as the world’s leading global brand. After 13 years as the undisputed number one, the world renowned fizzy drinks firm has been relegated to third place in this year’s Interbrand list, behind new leaders Apple and second-from-top Google.   Jez Frampton, Interbrand’s global chief executive officer, said: “Every so often, a company […]

Iconic designs to be auctioned off for charity – but what would be your most prized possessions?

Over 40 of the ‘most iconic designs’ of the 20th and early 21st centuries are to be auctioned off for charity. Two of the world’s foremost design pioneers, Sir Jonathan Ive, Senior Vice President of Design at Apple, and Marc Newson CBE, have teamed up with world famous musician Bono (lead singer of rock band […]

Brilliant Ben’s sporting success inspires Lifetime

Following your dream and helping to inspire people are core to our philosophy here at Lifetime. So imagine our excitement last week as we watched Sir Ben Ainslie help inspire Oracle Team USA to one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history. His sporting success story encapsulates everything we stand for. The four-time Olympic champion […]

William Bottomley

Communications Director Bill reflects on Barnsley ‘Connected Biz’ event – all part of his ‘fascinating journey’ into social media!

It’s official! Lifetime’s Communications Director Bill Bottomley is having fun! He’s always loved his job as our Bill, but it appears that he’s revelling in a new part of Lifetime’s development! Bill takes up the story: “On January 1st 2013 I embarked on a fascinating journey into the unknown world, and, to me, the very […]

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Lifetime proud to play role in official opening of Horizon Community College

Lifetime were privileged to play a part in the official opening of Horizon Community College on Thursday evening. Our Communications Director Bill Bottomley was one of a number of VIP guests – including speaker Sir Steve Houghton, leader of Barnsley Council – who were invited along to the grand ceremony. The students delivered a number […]

We are connected!

One of the first important steps of the new office transformation has happened. The two Lifetime buildings at Great Cliffe Court, Dodworth are now connected by a secure, invisible, radio link, meaning that despite being completely separate, the two offices can now function as one. Lifetime Communications Manager Victoria Oliver said: “Using this technology is […]

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Client experience top of agenda as Lifetime get keys to new building!

Lifetime is delighted to announce the exciting news that we have acquired a new office! The building, formally owned by the Brook Group, is handily located adjacent to our current home at Lifetime House – and will help with the continued expansion of the company. Lifetime is committed to making the client experience one of […]

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‘Q & A’ with Lifetime MD Ian

Our very own managing director Ian Dickinson is a pretty busy chap – but he kindly made time to get involved in our ‘question and answer’ session. The results were brilliant – and showed the character of the man who has helped turn Lifetime into a financial management force, and a leading ‘player’ in putting […]

Can too much togetherness ruin your retirement? Some couples are plumping for ‘parallel play’

Can too much togetherness ruin your retirement? That is the interesting question being posed by a psychologist from the United States. Seattle-based Maryanne Vandervelde, writing in the Wall Street Journal, has suggested that ‘parallel play’ – two individuals engrossed in separate but parallel activities – might well hold the key to happiness in later life. […]

Crackdown on pension schemes that offer poor value to savers

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has ordered a crackdown on pension schemes that offer poor value to millions of savers. The OFT is recommending a series of reforms, including giving new powers to the Pensions Regulator. However, it has stopped short of recommending a cap on management charges, for the moment at least. It […]

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High percentage of women have never taken out life insurance, new research reveals

Just under two-thirds of women have never taken out life insurance cover, according to new research. In addition, a third of women said they would never consider taking life cover out. The research, carried out by Friends Life, showed that there is a real need for financial services to engage more with women in particular, […]

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‘Inspiring’ times ahead as launch of BBIS proves a big hit

“Fantastic idea” “Great to see you taking the initiative like this” “Tremendous turn-out” “Lifetime should be congratulated for coming up with a venture of this kind” “Thanks so much for the invitation, we are so excited by the project” “Great school, great idea, great people, great students” “Can’t wait to get started” That was just […]

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New Horizon for BBIS

Tonight sees the public launch of our Barnsley Businesses Inspiring Students scheme. Nick Bowen, Principal of Horizon Community College, and William Bottomley of Lifetime will formally launch the BBIS at an event hosted by the Barnsley-based college. During the evening the committed speakers have the chance to meet each other and look around the fantastic […]

Financial education to be taught as part of English national curriculum

inance will be taught as part of the English national curriculum, according to reports in the national press this week. The Daily Telegraph stated this week that financial education has been confirmed as an official part of the curriculum, including lessons on the public finances. Children will be taught how to manage their money in […]

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Lifetime Legal Solutions launches

  We are proud to announce that Wills@Lifetime has today rebranded as Lifetime Legal Solutions. This part of our business has gone from strength to strength since it was first launched nearly three years ago. Then the primary focus was to provide wills, however it quickly became apparent that our clients wanted far more when […]