Been to the gym yet? Had a smoothie for breakfast? The New Year is not just a good time to get your bodily health in order, but your financial health too.
There have been some big changes to the way we invest over the past year, and January is a good time to take stock and make sure you are on course to hit your financial goals. Nearing retirement? Take some time to consider how you plan to take advantage of the new pension freedoms. In retirement? You will be affected by the new flat-rate State Pension coming into effect in April.
Hard at work? Chances are if you haven’t already been auto-enrolled into a pension scheme over the past two years you will in 2016 – this is the year that businesses with less than 30 employees have to provide a retirement savings plan.
Those investing for shorter-term goals are not immune either. Are your investments working as hard as they could be, in the most tax-efficient way? Have you used your ISA allowance for the 2015/16 tax year?
A surprising number of investors never review their investments, according to AXA Wealth’s Adrian Lowcock.
“Reviewing your investments means you keep on top of the performance of them and only have the funds that suit your current objectives,” he says. “Give your portfolio an annual spring clean, make sure that each fund deserves its place.”
So what are you waiting for? Start the New Year right with our Guide to Investing Ideas for 2016.
Monday: Home-grown Stocks
How did UK stocks fare in 2015 – and what does this year hold?
FTSE 100: Biggest Losers of 2015
5 Undervalued UK Stocks for 2016
What Can Investors Expect from UK Equities in 2016?
Developed Markets Will Post Modest Gains in 2016
Tuesday: International Equities
Which markets will outperform in 2016?
Buy Assets that Failed in 2015, says Psigma
Did Japan Deliver Promised Gains in 2015?
5 Drivers of Investment Returns in 2016
China Woes to Cause Global Stock Market Volatility
Will 2016 Be the Sixth Year of Emerging Market Underperformance?
Wednesday: What Now for Bonds?
With the Fed taking action, what is the fixed income outlook?
Should You Still Invest in Bonds in 2016?
World Banks React to Fed Rate Hike
Gilts to Lose Value in 2016 as Yields Rise
Investors Sell £9bn Bond Funds
Thursday: Back to Basics in 2016
Swot up on your financial knowledge to equip yourself for the New Year
Changes to Your Pension in 2016
5 Most Popular ETFs - and ETFs Explained
What Do Morningstar Ratings Mean?
9 Stock Market Resolutions for 2016
Friday: Getting Your Financial House in Order
Key dates for your calendar and early spring cleaning for your portfolio
2016: Ignore Market Noise for Investment Success
Investor Views: "Why I Have Chosen Passive Funds for My Pension"