With 2022 just beginning, it is an opportune time to review finances, plan for the future and take steps to manage your money in the most economically effective way.
Naturally, Christmas and a new year encourages optimism, but it is sensible to be prepared for what fate could throw at you. When times are good, there is a reluctance to consider potential worst-case scenarios.
Everyone has mortgage protection, for example, but income protection is often overlooked. It is vital that critical illness cover is in place to guard against the ‘what ifs’ of life. Serious illness is traumatic in itself, but it is magnified if you then have to cope with the financial implications of having to stop work, either temporarily or permanently. A one-off, tax- free payment will help pay for treatments, mortgages, rents and any necessary adaptations to the home, such as wheelchair accessibility.
An emergency fund is equally vital, as the Covid-19 pandemic so recently proved when many found themselves having to access – and sometimes empty – their funds. The ramifications of being unable to make a repayment can snowball rapidly. Faced with such a possibility, it is recommended that you set aside enough money to cover at least three months of expenditure. This will afford you valuable breathing space to make new arrangements.
When it comes to investing, everyone will have their own attitude towards risk, which will typically be linked, intrinsically, to their demographic, personal circumstances and personality.
If you’re looking for low-risk investments then the highs won’t be as high, but the lows won’t be as low. There is a degree more certainty but there is no guarantee. The main question to ask yourself is do you want your money just sitting in an account earning zero interest for another year when it could be working hard for you? This is particularly relevant as inflation continues to increase and cash is effectively being eroded in value.
Mindsets towards social and environmental impact are evolving year-on-year and if one of your resolutions is to make a positive contribution to the world around us, then ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investments can be a compelling option.
Some assume that ethical investments do not yield as good a financial return and that investing for the greater good brings an element of financial self-sacrifice, but that is not necessarily the case. ESG investments are performing well and the more successful companies have already embraced ESG as part of their corporate cultures.
For the more tentative or less experienced investor, pound cost averaging can offer a good introduction to stocks and shares. This strategy involves making regular, smaller investment contributions over a period of time, rather than investing one larger lump sum at the outset.
The rationale is that in volatile equity markets, where the value of investments can fluctuate considerably in the short term, ‘drip-feeding’ your cash offers a level of protection if the market falls shortly after you have invested.
A pension still remains the most tax efficient option for securing financial well-being. Adding to your pension whenever possible should be a priority as it increases the likelihood of achieving the retirement you desire, and you could receive tax relief on your additional contributions.
With the state pension currently providing an annual income of £9,339, adding one or multiple personal pension schemes has become an attractive and popular proposition. Selecting the appropriate personal pension can be confusing and it is advisable to seek advice from a financial adviser. Too often, those attempting to navigate the market alone are swayed by cost rather than performance.
The discrepancy in pension amounts between genders is something that you do not want to fall victim to in retirement. Recent figures reveal men, who have not yet retired, already have an average of £62,336 in their pension pot compared to women who average just £22,735. This has been partly attributed to married women who may, at some point in their career, reduce their working hours or take time out to care for young children, for example. During such periods, husbands should consider making contributions to their wives’ pensions to ensure pension parity in retirement which will enable them to spread the income across both of their income tax bands, potentially resulting in less income tax being paid.
When you receive child benefits you also receive National Insurance credits towards your state pension. If you don’t claim the child benefit then you may not be receiving these National Insurance credits which could result in a lower state pension entitlement and this is something that a lot of women don’t realise. In a scenario where the husband is earning a salary above the child benefit entitlement threshold, and the wife is working fewer hours, it might seem pointless to claim the benefit as the level of taxation on it could leave you no better off. But failing to do so can mean that your pension entitlement will suffer.
Married women should ultimately look to ensure they are involved in all financial planning decisions, rather than simply relying on the assets – including pension – of their spouse.
June
18jun10:0016:00Legal Essentials: Supporting Women at Work
18/06/2025 10:00 - 16:00(GMT+00:00)
Did you know that tribunal claims related to menopause, menstruation, fertility treatment and pregnancy loss are rising fast? Many employers don’t realise that these issues can
Many employers don’t realise that these issues can legally qualify as a disability under the Equality Act.
Yet most of these claims are avoidable with the right training, policies and action.
That’s why I’ve partnered with employment lawyer Hannah Strawbridge to deliver a full-day, live online course designed specifically for HR, DEI, and managers.
You will be able to:
Understand your legal obligations around women’s health issues
Recognise when they may be classed as a disability under the Equality Act
Take practical steps to reduce legal and reputational risk
Learn how to avoid tribunal claims
Handle health-related conversations and workplace adjustments with confidence
Create a legally compliant Women’s Health Action Plan
Whether you’re reviewing your current policies or building a strategy from scratch, this course will give you the legal clarity and practical support you need.
DATE: Wednesday 18th June
TIME: 10.00am – 4.00pm
PLACE: Zoom
19jun18:0021:00Discover How You Can Make a Difference at our eCubed Volunteer Social
19/06/2025 18:00 - 21:00(GMT+00:00)
Arch One
83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Whatever your interests or skills, there’s a place for you on our passionate volunteer team. Together, we run inspiring
Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks, nibbles, and conversation with the eCubed team. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what we do, how we do it, and the charities we champion.
Curious about getting involved? This is the perfect chance to throw yourself into the eCubed experience and see if it’s the right fit for you. All you need is a can-do attitude and a passion for creating positive change—everything else is a bonus.
Day : Thursday 19th June, 2025
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location : Arch One, 83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Simply register below, let us know any guests you’d like us to bring. We can’t wait to meet you. You’re guaranteed to meet some awesome people and hopefully be inspired to get involved or even share some new ideas – no pressure, no obligation.
26junAll DayThe Brilliance Summit 2025
26/06/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms
The Edinburgh Suite, 61-65 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5DA
We’re proud to announce our partnership with The Brilliance Summit, an electrifying one-day event for women in leadership
This isn’t just a summit—it’s a movement.
“At The Brilliance Summit, women show up, speak up, and level up. They shake off limitations, own their presence, and lean into their next level.”
Taking place in London on Thursday, 26th June this transformative event is curated for ambitious women who lead, whether that’s in the boardroom, the business world, or within themselves.
Here’s why this matters:
We’ve seen the power of what happens when women are given space to show up fully—and this is that space.
As partners, we’re excited to offer our community a discounted ticket.
Use code WeAreTheCity2025 at checkout to access your exclusive rate.
Grab your ticket now at www.thebrilliancesummit.com
Let this be the moment you stop waiting and start owning your brilliance.
26jun08:0017:00WeAreTech Festival | Hybrid Conference
26/06/2025 08:00 - 17:00(GMT+01:00)
etc.venues, St Paul's,
200 Aldersgate St, Barbican, London, EC1A 4HD
As a hybrid event dedicated to empowering women in technology, our festival continues to break barriers and redefine industry norms. This year promises an even more exhilarating experience as we bring together women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to share knowledge, inspire one another, and create new opportunities for growth and advancement in the tech industry.
The WeAreTech Festival is a beacon of inspiration for women in the tech industry, urging them to confidently stride forward in their careers. Our goal is simple yet profound: to inspire and motivate every attendee to take bold steps towards their professional aspirations.
Throughout the day, you’ll have unparalleled access to the wisdom and insights of senior leaders in the tech field. Engage with thought-provoking discussions through our panels, where you can contribute your perspectives and glean invaluable knowledge from industry experts.
But that’s not all. The afternoon sessions are designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your learning journey. Tailor your experience to your needs and interests, shaping your path towards growth and success in the tech world.
And let’s not forget the added perks of speed networking and mentoring. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge meaningful relationships, and gain invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals who are eager to support your journey.
At the WeAreTech Festival, we believe in empowering women to embrace their potential and seize every opportunity that comes their way. Join us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.