Latest Blog Posts

Posted on 12 Feb 2025

Retiring early can be exciting for some, offering longer holidays and a slower pace of life, but it may also cause anxiety for others. A critical question is: how much do you need to fund your new lifestyle? If you have a defined benefit pension, you might feel more secure due to a guaranteed income for lif... Continue Reading

Posted on 12 Feb 2025

One of the biggest shocks from Labour's first Budget came when Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that pensions would become subject to inheritance tax (IHT). This change reverses the decision by George Osborne in 2015, which exempted pension pots from being considered part of an estate. Although ... Continue Reading

Posted on 12 Feb 2025

When it comes to financial planning, you can face unique challenges and opportunities, whether it be building wealth during the accumulation stage, managing your finances in the decumulation stage or saving for big life events. Cash flow modelling provides a clear picture of income expenses savings and inve... Continue Reading

Posted on 12 Feb 2025

Is your salary having an impact on your child benefit payment or are you losing part or all of your Personal Allowance? Currently child benefit is worth £25.60 a week for the eldest or only child and £16.95 a week for younger children. With effect from April 2025 benefits will increase by 1.7% and the w... Continue Reading

Posted on 12 Feb 2025

Here is a date for your calender: Sunday 22nd June from 1pm to 6pm, at the Park Estate Nottingham NG7. For those who joined us last year you will have enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon walking around some beautiful gardens in the lovely Park Nottingham.  This will be the 26th anniversary of ... Continue Reading

Posted on 12 Feb 2025

The UK government has set a crucial deadline of 5th April 2025 for making voluntary National Insurance (NI) contributions to fill gaps in your contribution history for the tax years 2006/07 to 2017/18. This could significantly impact your eligibility for the full State Pension. If yo... Continue Reading

Posted on 12 Feb 2025

You will stop stressing about wrinkles and grey hairs, but you’ll also have a gradual change in perspective, a mellowing of sorts. The things that used to upset you might not seem so important anymore, and you start to appreciate the simpler, more meaningful aspects of life. Here are some things you sta... Continue Reading

Posted on 28 Aug 2024

One question many of my female clients ask is ‘How much does a comfortable retirement cost?’  As people start to reflect on their life after work, often when their children are less dependant and they can afford to enjoy more freedom to travel and take time o... Continue Reading

Posted on 28 Aug 2024

In today’s digital age, financial scams have become increasingly sophisticated targeting individuals across all demographics. However, women, particularly those who are single, elderly, or new to managing finances, can be especially vulnerable. Understan... Continue Reading

Posted on 07 Feb 2024

With interest rates having risen 14 times since the low of 0.10% in March 2020, we now have a steadying of rates since August 2023 with the current rate being 5.25%.  Savings rates from banks and building societies continue to look attractive compared to recent years. The bank of England h... Continue Reading

Posted on 25 May 2023

Coming next month. . . . . . CL4Women are proud to sponsor the Park Garden Trail which will take place on Sunday 11th June in Nottingham's historic Park Estate. This will be the Parks 25th Garden Trail and after a 4 year absence and with more than 20 open gardens and greens spaces to view... Continue Reading

Posted on 12 Oct 2022

We are thrilled to have been announced as a finalist for the ‘Wealth Manager of the Year’ category at this year’s Growth Investor Awards. Having been providing a trustworthy, independent financial planning service since 1997, this nomination is further recognition of our industry-leadi... Continue Reading

Posted on 07 Jul 2022

DURING PERIODS OF ECONOMIC OR FINANCIAL UNCERTAINTY, IT IS INEVITABLE SHARE PRICES WILL TAKE A HIT. SUCH TIMES ARE NEVER COMFORTABLE BUT THERE SHOULD BE NO NEED FOR INVESTORS TO PANIC. INSTEAD, THEY CAN OFFER AN OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW YOUR PORTFOLIO AND ENSURE IT IS POSITIONED TO WEATHER ANY STORMS THAT MIGHT LIE AHEAD... Continue Reading

Posted on 21 Jul 2022

During periods of economic or financial uncertainty, it is inevitable share prices will take a hit. Such times are never comfortable but there should be no need for investors to panic. Instead, they can offer an opportunity to review your portfolio and ensure it is positioned to weather any storms that might lie ahead.... Continue Reading

Posted on 21 Jul 2022

Cystic Fibrosis Week 2022 ran from 13 to 19 June 13 staff members of the Cockburn Lucas Financial Services team are walking 1,411 miles which is the distance from West Bridgford Nottingham to Alvor in the Algarve Portugal throughout the month of September. We are doing this to raise money for Cystic Fibr... Continue Reading

Posted on 21 Jul 2022

I can’t believe that it’s been a whole year since I joined the team at CL4Women, it truly has been everything I hoped it would be! One of my core passions for moving to CL4Women was to be able to reach out to women who require support with their finances and to be able to provide them with holistic financial... Continue Reading

Posted on 21 Jul 2022

We are thrilled to announce that Joanne Noon who heads up CL4 Women has achieved ‘Chartered status’ by passing numerous advanced exam papers to reach the prestigious CII Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning! Jo has worked in the industry for 30 years and explained that taking her knowledge to the next leve... Continue Reading

Posted on 21 Jul 2022

Our client Dawn Reeves is a publisher and very talented book writer. We have read and enjoyed her book ‘In our Shoes’ which shares the experiences of children and young people in the family justice system. Here’s what she had to say: "It's a bit niche but I love my work as a publisher and story acti... Continue Reading

Posted on 05 Apr 2022

In 25 years your cash could have lost almost half its value due to inflation. And yet many people still have their savings in cash ISAs or sitting in the bank. There’s usually something comforting about having money in the bank but the likelihood is it might not be doing you any favours. It’s always importa... Continue Reading

Posted on 22 Mar 2022

With inflation at *5.5%, quite simply, if you're saving for retirement your money is going to have to work harder to keep its value Let’s say you were planning to retire on savings of £100,000. If prices go up by 10% before you retire, you’ll need to save an additional £10,000 to have the same reti... Continue Reading

Posted on 08 Mar 2022

My name is Katie Hancock and I have recently been asked to take on the responsibility of becoming our vulnerability champion.  My role is to understand, identify and support clients who may be vulnerable and to ensure they are supported through our who... Continue Reading

Posted on 24 Feb 2022

With rising inflation in the UK and globally, and with political tensions mounting in Ukraine, the early months of 2022 have been uncertain for investors. In particular, many investors in ‘growth’ stocks have seen their investment values take a short-term hit. In times like these it can be easy to forget yo... Continue Reading

Posted on 13 Dec 2021

It has been a strange couple of years for investors. There was a lot of noise and panic in the air back in early 2020, when stock markets and asset prices plunged in response to the Coronavirus outbreak. However, an unprecedented speedy recovery meant that investor despair quickly tur... Continue Reading

Posted on 13 Dec 2021

Over recent years we have seen an increased demand amongst our clients for private equity investments. Not only are higher-rate taxpayers and those selling businesses looking for legitimate ways to reduce their tax bills, investors are also considering how they can diversify their portfolio of ‘mains... Continue Reading

Posted on 13 Dec 2021

There has been a lot of talk in the news lately regarding inflation, both in the UK and globally, with many predicting some sharp increases on the horizon.  Indeed, in his recent Autumn budget, the Chancellor announced that the rate of inflation in the UK is expected to average 4% in 2022.... Continue Reading

Posted on 13 Dec 2021

With COP26 having been in the news during November, issues such as climate change have once again been leading the headlines as world leaders discuss their plans on how and when to reach a ‘net zero’ economy. As we all become increasingly aware of environmental and societal issues, investors continue ... Continue Reading

Posted on 26 Jul 2021

If you are unhappy and need to say ‘goodbye’ to your marriage it is often very hard to know where to start!  The split can often affect not just the two of you but the wider family too.  Ma... Continue Reading

Posted on 26 Jul 2021

You’ve taken the time to set your money goals. But how do you make sure you’re on track to achieve them?... Continue Reading

Posted on 26 Jan 2021

For almost three-years now, we have been developing our Responsible Investment service and having conversations with investors about how their money can make a difference, as well as a return. While responsible investing had been slowly creeping into people’s thoughts over recent years, th... Continue Reading

Posted on 26 Jan 2021

When it comes to making sure your loved ones are looked after when you’re gone, it’s important not to overlook the important part that passing on your pension savings could play. Some basic checks and steps can help ensure they pass to the right people and ... Continue Reading

Posted on 26 Jan 2021

In a spot of good news for those people who’ve had to work at home throughout the Covid-19 pandemic - you could be owed some money!  If you've been asked to wo... Continue Reading

Posted on 05 Feb 2021

We are delighted to introduce you to Rebecca Hoe, who has recently joined the Financial Planning team here at CL4Women. Rebecca brings with her a wealth of experience, having worked within the financial services industry for over 25-years, and will be helping to expand and promote the CL... Continue Reading

Posted on 23 Apr 2020

While social distancing measures may mean that face-to-face meetings are a ‘no go’ for the time being, I am pleased to let you know that we can still hold our regular review meetings via the medium of Zoom Video Conferencing! If you want to hold a Zoom meeting with me then you will need a laptop, PC or tablet with a camera and microphone (most laptops and tablets have these inbuilt)... Continue Reading

Posted on 23 Apr 2020

Over previous editions of our Newsletter we have talked about the concept of ‘positive impact’ investing; how your money can help to make a real difference to the world and how this is an area of investing which is growing in popularity. In this 5-minute video below, EQ Investors – who provide a series of Positive Impact Portfolios – provide an update as to how their portfolios ... Continue Reading

Posted on 23 Apr 2020

The fallout from Covid-19 has changed the way that we are all living and, for those lucky enough to be able to continue with their work, this means setting up a new working station in your home office, spare bedroom or perhaps the kitchen table! In this article Sophie Kennedy, Head of Investing at our sustain... Continue Reading

Posted on 23 Apr 2020

I recently discovered this Investing for Women guide which has been put together by the people at Good With Money and felt that I should share this with you, as there are lots of interesting and thought-provoking articles in it. The guide covers several topics such as: Breaking down psycholog... Continue Reading

Posted on 08 Oct 2019

Victoria Branch is a Certified Practicing MarketerÂ... Continue Reading

Posted on 23 Apr 2020

Here at CL4Women we are always happy and willing to do our bit in supporting the local community. You may remember that over the last couple of summers we have sponsored the Lady Bay Open Gardens, which sees local residents open up their beautiful and colourful gardens to the public. Last year’s ... Continue Reading

Posted on 08 Oct 2019

As you know, CL4Women was established with the objective of making financial services more accessible for females. Those of us who have ... Continue Reading

Posted on 08 Oct 2019

In our previous two newsletters we have written about our Positive Impact Investment Service and how your money could make a difference to the world. ... Continue Reading

Posted on 08 Oct 2019

In the last two editions of Sisterhood Speaks we have spoken ... Continue Reading

Posted on 08 Oct 2019

CL4Women were proud sponsors of the Lady Bay Open Gardens for the second consecutive year and we are thrilled to report that the event was a huge success! ... Continue Reading

Posted on 24 Apr 2019

Most people would rather go on holiday than make a Will, but making sure you have done that is arguably one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family, to protect your partner, your children, and your assets. ... Continue Reading

Posted on 24 Apr 2019

CL4Women are delighted to be sponsoring the Lady Bay Open Gardens weekend for a second consecutive year. Last year’s event was a great success with over 1,300 attending, 2... Continue Reading

Posted on 26 Apr 2019

A recent polling report on public attitudes to money provided insights to behaviours around finance and investment when comparing men to women. ... Continue Reading

Posted on 08 May 2019

In recent years we have read lots about women earning on average less than their male colleagues and, in our last newsletter, we referenced some alarming research which suggested that women’s pension funds are on average a lot less than men’s.  ... Continue Reading

Posted on 18 Sep 2018

Come for a relaxed evening of fun with refreshments, cake, and cocktails. There will be a charity raffle and two guest speakers, Sophie Kennedy from EQ Investors and Rebecca Morgan-Jones from The Recharge Room. You’re welcome to bring a friend, just let us know! Free entry. Click here to view invite... Continue Reading

Posted on 13 Aug 2018

We as a society are becoming more and more aware of wanting to make the world a better, safer place to live. At CL4Women we are mindful that female investors in particular are increasingly concerned with how their money is invested and have a desire to create a legacy for their children and grandchildren in a responsible way. That’s why we are delighted to have recently p... Continue Reading

Posted on 13 Aug 2018

I am excited to let you know about a major new development within CL4Women over recent months, and that is the introduction of Cash Flow Modelling to our client advice process. In short, Cash Flow Modelling allows us to use the data which our clients have provided us – such as their assets, liabilities, income, expenditure etc. – and provides a forecast of how their wealth may grow ... Continue Reading

Posted on 13 Aug 2018

In my role heading up CL4Women I have met many female clients and professionals who are going through, or have recently gone through, the painful process of a divorce. It is such a stressful time for any woman and it often leads to many financial uncertainties. Here, Caroline Elliott of Shakespeare Martineau Solicitors explains why using a specialist Family Lawyer can help you through a div... Continue Reading

Posted on 13 Aug 2018

Sponsorship for West Bridgford Open Gardens – A lovely day was had by all at West Bridgford Open Gardens on the weekend of 30th June. The event was a resounding success with over 1,300 people in attendance over the two days. A total of 24 gardens of all shapes and sizes took part with families enjoying the hospitality and entertainment. Despite the high tempera... Continue Reading

Posted on 25 Aug 2015

During difficult market conditions, such as those experienced recently, it is easy to get caught up in the short-term noise and become irrational, which is what a lot of short-term investors and those operating on a ‘DIY’ basis will be... Continue Reading

Posted on 21 Oct 2015

During difficult market conditions, such as those experienced recently, it is easy to get caught up in the short-term noise and become irrational, which is what a lot of short-term investors and those operating on a ‘DIY’ basis will be... Continue Reading

Posted on 26 Apr 2019

Now that springtime has arrived – why not make a table centre piece to brighten up your home.   ... Continue Reading

Posted on 05 Aug 2021

As the hospitality sector begins to fully re-open, Nottingham has been blessed with yet another great new bar to enjoy a cocktail or two. ... Continue Reading

Posted on 06 Aug 2021

Open Water Swimming You would have thought that being selected to swim for your County in your younger years would mean you were a strong enough swimmer to put your mind to swimming anywhere…. I have, from a distance, admired and followed (on Instagram, not literally!) those who partake ... Continue Reading

Posted on 29 Mar 2023

Wind turbines, solar panels, ground or air source heat pumps or purchasing your first electric car are all ways you can take steps to help ‘save the planet’ when it comes to climate change.  Many of us are starting to do our bit, but we have a long wa... Continue Reading