Scary times

[frankieboy]

Makes you wonder about pensions, lost nearly 10 grand from my pension pot because Trump makes veiled threats about tariffs. Took a week to lose that, how long before i make that back.

[RobertT]

It's not pensions themselves, it's the investments you hold inside them!

Generally speaking, falls tend to happen quickly but recoveries take longer.

What we've seen recently is more a case of volatility rather than a crash, and is all part and parcel of investing in the stock market.
Lower prices means the money you put in now goes further and buys more units than before, and as long as markets go back up, you're quids in!

While drops can seem frightening, the worst thing you can do is start panicking and moving your money about. As time in the market is usually better than trying to time the market, because the danger is you'll miss out on the recovery days. At the time of writing, today(10/4/25) seems like it's going to be one of those days.

[freespeech]

I've just noticed that my Flexiplan AVC dropped this month compared to last. I'm on the Lifestyle plan and that seems to be 75% cash as I am only 12 months away from NRA60. It seems to make sense, so close to pension age (and leaving the business later this month), to change Flexiplan to 100% cash. Any thoughts (it's a £20k pot)?

[RobertT]

I've never really been tempted by the official lifestyle option because I'd rather have control over where and when my money is invested. So instead I've done my own version of it and transferred funds as and when I think it's the right time for me.

I've moved to about 70% Cash / 30% Cautious over the last 12 months with my Flexiplan, with around 3 years to go until I take it. I will probably move to 100% Cash at some point before then.

I've done that to hold onto my previous gains and play it safe as I approach taking my Age60 benefits. It's seen a steady if probably boring return since, but that's basically what I'd hoped for!

Going by posts on here, some people will be 100% in Growth or Sharia from day one and until they take it, while others avoid equities altogether and stick with Cash the whole time.
Ultimately it comes down to your own attitude to risk.

[freespeech]

In terms of changing the % do you use the existing from that also has the monthly contribution on? Seems a bit odd now that we don't contribute to it anymore? Anyone have a link to the form online.....my Google skills haven't come up with anything.

[RobertT]

In terms of changing the % do you use the existing from that also has the monthly contribution on? Seems a bit odd now that we don't contribute to it anymore? Anyone have a link to the form online.....my Google skills haven't come up with anything.

You can do it on the money4life website.

[reedy]

I was heavily in Sharis Law and it did me proud.Im only 55 but as Trump won i moved 100% into cash as the goal of early retirement is close. So glad i did!

[Hyrrokkin]

I am 100% in the Shariah fund (was going to transfer to HL SIPP but delayed that for a few months)

I have not looked at the fund but no doubt quite a bit down (but still well in profit) but not worried in the slightest - it is what it is and will not be retiring for years anyway.

The key is play the long game and not time the market

[yubin282]

lost £4000 in a week, to be far it was hardly performing "well" in the first place

[milly]

I think people don't realise what a high risk investment the Shariah Fund is.
50% invested in Tech isn't something I would be comfortable with, especially after the run Tech stocks have had.

[koolishy67]

100% 20 years to go no worries lost £20k in recent fall but no worries gain lot as well in last 5 years just keep adding at lower price target £300k in 20 years

[SMS1969]

I lost 20k in the last two weeks on my private pension, looked today and 4k has gone back in. Will have to ride the storm out, not taking it for a few years anyway. It still surprises me when your money falls as sharply as that though.

[Judgee]

I lost 20k in the last two weeks on my private pension, looked today and 4k has gone back in. Will have to ride the storm out, not talking it for a few years anyway. It still surprises me when your money falls as sharply as that though.

Same amount for me we must have a similar pot!

But with over a decade to go til retirement for me I see this a good thing. I get more bang for my buck now Trump has spooked the markets and he will be long dead and buried when I need to cash in my pot which will have hopefully recovered nicely by then!

My heart does however go out to anyone retiring this year that has been hit by the falls created by that bellend! If you can face it try and carry on working for a bit longer I think it will be worth it in the long run. The markets will recover if you can hold out!

[Hyrrokkin]

I think people don't realise what a high risk investment the Shariah Fund is.
50% invested in Tech isn't something I would be comfortable with, especially after the run Tech stocks have had.

Quite aware how risky it is - my choice my money

If people do not realise the risk then they should have done their homework

[heapsy]

I am 100% in the Shariah fund (was going to transfer to HL SIPP but delayed that for a few months)

I have not looked at the fund but no doubt quite a bit down (but still well in profit) but not worried in the slightest - it is what it is and will not be retiring for years anyway.

The key is play the long game and not time the market

Correct. As Warren Buffett says "it's time in the market, not timing the market"