The last episode of the series takes on a different format, with our guest this week, Lettie Cartwright, Financial Planner. Together, Mark and Lettie analyse financial stories and digest the details!

Debt Resources:

Please visit https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice if you are struggling with debt and need advice.

Pensions... your choices now affect your plans later.

The topic that is mentioned most by our advisors, explained simply!

Pensions are a long-term investment. Your eventual income will depend on several factors, including the value of your fund when you decide to take benefits and the choices you make at retirement. The value of your pension can fall as well as rise, and you may get back less than you have paid in. Past performance is not a reliable guide to future results.

This brochure provides general information and should not be taken as personal financial advice. Everyone’s situation is different — please speak to a qualified financial adviser before making any financial decisions.

While we aim to ensure the information provided is accurate and up to date, we cannot guarantee its accuracy in the future. We are not responsible for any loss caused by decisions made based on this content.

Tax rules, rates, and reliefs can change. How they affect you will depend on your personal circumstances. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) does not regulate estate planning, trusts, wills or tax advice.

Pareto Financial Planning Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

ISA's: What are they and how do they even work?

This week we finally sit down and chat about Individual Savings Accounts.

Whats an APR??

Courage joins us to talk about what an Annual Percentage Rate really means, why it shows up on loans and credit cards, and how it impacts your money.

Do you make the most out of your employee benefits?

Olivia takes us through what salary sacrifice means and what it does in the long run.

It’s important to be aware that entering a salary exchange arrangement may affect your entitlement to certain statutory and state benefits. Reducing your contractual salary could impact:

• Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
• Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
• Redundancy pay
• Death-in-service benefits
• Eligibility for means-tested benefits or tax credits

These impacts depend on individual circumstances, including your earnings and the timing of the exchange. We recommend speaking to your HR or payroll team, and considering independent financial advice, before entering into or making changes to a salary exchange arrangement.

Think it'd never be you that falls for a scam?

In this week's episode, we explore how financial fraud happens, the warning signs to watch for and what you can do to protect yourself.

Fraud Resources

Check for Potential Fraud

Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information. It could keep you safe.

Ask yourself, could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

If you're unsure or something doesn’t feel right, you can use these tools to check:

• FCA ScamSmart – www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart
• Citizens Advice Scam Checker – www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/check-if-something-might-be-a-scam

Contact Your Bank Immediately

If you've shared personal info or made a payment, your bank may be able to stop or reverse it if you contact them promptly.

Acting quickly improves your chances of recovering funds.

Report the Fraud

It’s important to report scams to the right organisations so they can investigate and help to protect others.

• Action Fraud - Report the Fraud to the police for official reporting and a crime reference number -www.actionfraud.police.uk - 0300 123 2040.
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) - If the scam involves a regulated financial firm or product, report it to both Action Fraud and the FCA - fca.org.uk/consumers/report-scam
• Cifas – For identity protection and fraud alerts - https://www.cifas.org.uk/individuals

Get Support

If you’ve been affected by fraud, free and confidential help is available

• Citizens Advice - if you need support call the Citizens Advice helpline at 0808 223 1133
• Victim Support – for free, confidential support to anyone affected by crime - www.victimsupport.org.uk

Educate Yourself to Stay Safe

Learning how scams work is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others in future.

• Stop! Think Fraud – stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk
• Get Safe Online – www.getsafeonline.org
• Take Five – https://www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/protect-yourself/

Disclaimer - This information is provided for general awareness only and does not constitute financial advice or endorsement of any organisation. Please seek professional guidance if you are unsure.

Starting with the foundation of making sense of your finances - Budgeting!

This content is for general information only and does not constitute personal financial advice. Everyone’s circumstances are different, and you should seek advice from a qualified financial adviser before making any financial decisions.

While we aim to ensure the information provided is accurate and up to date, we cannot guarantee its accuracy in the future and are not responsible for any loss arising from decisions made based on this content.

Pareto Financial Planning Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.