{"id":654224,"date":"2026-06-23T15:46:21","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T15:46:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/654224\/"},"modified":"2026-06-23T15:46:21","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T15:46:21","slug":"i-moved-80-of-my-pension-savings-into-gold-coins-for-retirement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/654224\/","title":{"rendered":"I moved 80% of my pension savings into gold coins for retirement"},"content":{"rendered":"

Samantha Nelson has put around 80 per cent of her savings<\/a> into physical gold<\/a> as part of her retirement plans<\/a> after becoming concerned about relying too heavily on cash savings.<\/p>\n

The interior designer, from Surrey, began looking at alternatives after selling a flat and finding herself with a substantial amount of money sitting in the bank.<\/p>\n

While she already had savings in an ISA<\/a> and a workplace pension<\/a>, she wanted to diversify part of her wealth into an asset she could physically own.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tShorts\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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\"D?sseldorf,The Midlife MOT is open to all and covers three key areas: work, wealth and well-being (Photo: Westend61\/Getty)<\/p>\n

Feeling insecure at work
in your 50s? You\u2019re not alone <\/p>\n

The final decades of work<\/p>\n

There\u2019s this assumption about being put out to pasture\u2026 but now that we\u2019re living and working longer, we have to challenge myths around ageing and remember that over-50s are a crucial part of the workforce\u2026<\/p>\n

LYNDSEY SIMPSON, AUTHOR OF AGE REBELLION AND FOUNDER OF 55\/REDEFINED<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\nThe current situation\n<\/p>\n

By 2030, almost half of all employees in the UK workforce will be over 50.<\/p>\n

36%<\/p>\n

Now one in three workers are over 50.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Yet more than a third of those between 50 and 69 believe that their age puts them at a disadvantage when they apply for jobs.\u00a0<\/p>\n

37%<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Age Without Limits\u00a0study from 2024 shows that 37 per cent of workers between 51 to 70 felt badly treated in work because of their age.<\/p>\n

\nThe things to do, says Simpson\n<\/p>\n

\"OnlineMore and more people are using AI for counselling (Photo: Oscar Wong\/Getty\/Moment RF)<\/p>\n

Keep learning new skills<\/p>\n

We need the same level of career planning in
our fifties as our twenties. It\u2019s possible to reinvent yourself again.<\/p>\n

Embrace technology<\/p>\n

It\u2019s nonsense that older people can\u2019t pick up how to use new tech.<\/p>\n

\"John?rCaption: John?r Bildbyr? AB
+46 8 644 83 30
www.johner.se
info@johner.se
sales@johner.se
Photographer: Johner Images
Provider: Getty Images\/Johner RF
Source: Johner RF
Copyright: John?r Images\/Lisa ?berg<\/p>\n

\"ThisCaption: This is a photo of a woman clutching a pink piggy bank labelled pension. See PA Feature FINANCE Pension Pots. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature FINANCE Pension Pots. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Alamy\/PA<\/p>\n

NOTE TO EDITORS: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature FINANCE Pension Pots<\/p>\n

Photographer: Alamy\/PA
Provider: Alamy\/PA
Source: PA<\/p>\n

Think about money<\/p>\n

Do you need a pay rise? Could you trade some of that money you earn, to work a bit less, and do more things you enjoy?<\/p>\n

\nThe things not to do\n<\/p>\n

Become full-time childcare<\/p>\n

Grandparenting on the horizon? If you don\u2019t want to do childcare, have the conversation early \u2013 even before a child becomes pregnant \u2013 that you plan to continue working and love your job.<\/p>\n

\"IndoorCaption: Indoor image of thoughtful puzzled senior woman with gray hair in glasses looking at paycheck holding head in hand, upset with high rent charge, sitting at kitchen table in front of laptop
Photographer: shurkin_son
Provider: Getty Images
Source: iStockphoto<\/p>\n

\"GrandparentsGrandparents and granddaughter gardening together \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Accept redundancy too quickly<\/p>\n

It\u2019s going to be so much harder to get back into work if you don\u2019t have a plan before you take that leap.<\/p>\n

\nThe things not to do\n<\/p>\n

Rush into retirement<\/p>\n

\"SeniorSenior bed woman problem pain headache home elderly mature pain bedroom upset unhappy female caucasian adult relationship retirement old difficulty ache head sick migraine hangover sleep \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Everybody thinks early retirement is the dream but the reality can be different. There can be loneliness, lack of purpose and a sense of invisibility.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n

5 min read<\/p>\n

By November, UK food prices\u00a0will be 50 per cent higher than they were at the start of the\u00a0cost-of-living crisis\u00a0<\/p>\n

With that in mind, food editor Sophie Morris shares how she saves money on her weekly shop<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\nEasy ways to save on the weekly shop\n<\/p>\n

\"NORTHWICH,Caption: NORTHWICH, ENGLAND \u2013 JULY 06: Whole chicken sit on display in a Tesco supermarket on July 06, 2022 in Northwich, England. The British Retail Consortium recently said food manufacturers and supermarkets are having to pass on some of the cost of soaring raw materials to consumers, leading to the price of basic goods throughout the UK rising at the fastest pace since September 2008. Fresh food prices increased by 6% in the year to June 2022 coupled with an increase in inflation, and fuel and energy prices to create a cost of living crisis. This is leading to millions of low-income households going without essentials items, falling behind on bills and taking on debt. (Photo by Christopher Furlong\/Getty Images)
Photographer: Christopher Furlong
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images Europe<\/p>\n

Avoid chicken breast<\/p>\n

Boneless chicken thighs are all meat and a much tastier product.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t plan everything<\/p>\n

If you plan every meal all week, there\u2019s no leeway for necessary last-minute changes of plan (or leftovers).<\/p>\n

\"ManMan Cooking By Woman Chopping Carrots In Kitchen \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"YoungGovernments are not all powerful when it comes to huge international forces like those increasing global food prices (Photo: Oscar Wong\/Getty Images\/Moment RF)<\/p>\n

Shop alone<\/p>\n

There are so many products that children want to fill the trolley with \u2013 all kinds of exciting eye candy.\u00a0It\u2019s cheaper to go alone.<\/p>\n

\nEasy ways to save on the weekly shop\n<\/p>\n

Consider a vegetable box delivery<\/p>\n

Having a Riverford box delivery helps Morris avoid impulse buys and go to the shops
less \u2013 even though the box is pricey. \u201cIt is expensive, but of great quality\u00a0and organic\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"AMilk and potatoes prices are expected to increases sharply later this year, say supply chain experts (Photo: Kate Wieser\/Getty)<\/p>\n

\"LowLow carb, FODMAP diet food background with vegetables, fruits, smoked salmon, chicken fillet, greens, nuts, olives. Menu for healthy eating . \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Track your spending<\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t need to be an elaborate spreadsheet but without some kind of metric, it\u2019s impossible to spot where you
can or must make cutbacks.<\/p>\n

\nEasy ways to save on the weekly shop\n<\/p>\n

\"LoyaltyThe supermarket loyalty schemes vary in their generosity (Photo: Paul Childs\/Reuters)<\/p>\n

Look for yellow stickers<\/p>\n

You can save plenty
over a year by never buying branded products at full price.<\/p>\n

Take stock<\/p>\n

Do a quick cupboard stocktake. You might find you already have three jars of one thing. <\/p>\n

\"Mid-AdultMid-Adult Couple Calculating Their Finances On The Laptop In The Kitchen \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"dieting\u201cSoft restrictions\u201d aren\u2019t infallible; we can always make the effort to get a ladder and get the biscuit tin down from the highest shelf (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Avoid packaged snacks<\/p>\n

Packing fruit, biscuits, and nuts etc into a Tupperware to take out is more cost effective than buying tiny packaged portions.<\/p>\n

\nEasy ways to save on the weekly shop\n<\/p>\n

Be wary of DIY treats<\/p>\n

\u201cFaking\u201d a takeaway at home can sound like a cheaper option, but if it\u2019s something you don\u2019t usually cook \u2013 that needs new ingredients \u2013 it could work out pricier.<\/p>\n

\"AWhatever you buy, buy British if you can. That will help boost fishermen\u2019s finances (Photo: Betty Laura Zapata\/Getty)<\/p>\n

\"ACaption: A customer looks at packages of chilled chicken cuts in a part-empty refrigerated display unit at a Lidl supermarket store in Walthamstow, west London, on September 21, 2021. (Photo by Tolga Akmen \/ AFP) (Photo by TOLGA AKMEN\/AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: TOLGA AKMEN
Provider: AFP via Getty Images
Source: AFP
Copyright: AFP or licensors<\/p>\n

Do you need it now?<\/p>\n

Returning a few things to the shelves that you won\u2019t need in the near future can save you a healthy amount.<\/p>\n

Skip a shop<\/p>\n

Every time you make do with what\u2019s at home,
you save big.<\/p>\n

\"ShoppingSupermarkets will find ways of holding down the price of the basics, and try to make their money on the fancy lines (Photo: Roy James Shakespeare\/Getty)<\/p>\n

\nEasy ways to save on
the weekly shop\n<\/p>\n

Try a week or a month of shopping local,
and you might be surprised at the results,
in terms of cost and other benefits like supporting local businesses, and
avoiding car journeys and traffic.<\/p>\n

\"Supermarket,Defenders of the triple Lock point to the fact pensioners are often asset-rich and income-poor. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Go shopping when you\u2019re not in a huge rush so you can make relaxed and informed decisions. Don\u2019t expect to stick to your\u00a0plan or make great choices when you\u2019re in a hurry.\u00a0<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been a cleaner for 30 years \u2013 these are the 10 products I swear by<\/p>\n

Rebecca Jones has tried most cleaning products in her
decades-long career. <\/p>\n

She shares the ones she can\u2019t
live without. <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\nThe 10 best cleaning products\n<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Best vacuum<\/p>\n

Henry is a classic.
It has fantastic filters, sucks up pet hair quickly, and is great at cleaning up fine dust.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best mop and bucket<\/p>\n

The Vileda H2PrO set is light, manoeuvrable and keeps clean and dirty water separate.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\"PortraitA reader has asked whether or not she should sack her cleaner because she isn\u2019t doing a good job anymore (Photo: stock image of a man cleaning a window via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Best glass cleaner<\/p>\n

The HG Glass and
Mirror cleaner removes stains without leaving smudges or streaks. <\/p>\n

\nThe 10 best cleaning products\n<\/p>\n

Best multipurpose cleaner<\/p>\n

Method\u2019s multi-surface cleaner is plant-based, cruelty-free, and works great on grease, sinks, sealed wood surfaces, hobs, bins and sealed laminated floors.<\/p>\n

\"DeepDeep cleaning glass door handles for Covid-19 disease prevention. alcohol,disinfectant spray on Wipes of Banister in home for safety,infection of Covid-19 virus,contamination, germs \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Best toilet brush <\/p>\n

Unlike a regular toilet brush, nothing gets stuck in the bristles of Ibergrif M34152 Silicone brush. It also dries quickly, so
there\u2019s less odour.<\/p>\n

\nThe 10 best cleaning products\n<\/p>\n

Best mould remover<\/p>\n

Jones uses the HG Mould Spray on walls, tiles, grout, windows and outdoor furniture.<\/p>\n

\"A(Photo: boonchai wedmakawand\/Getty\/Moment RF)<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Best cloths<\/p>\n

The Seep Eco Bamboo clothes have a streak-free finish and last.<\/p>\n

Best carpet cleaner<\/p>\n

Every home should have a bottle\u00a0of Dr Beckmann\u2019s stain remover, says Jones.<\/p>\n

\"DrCaption: Dr Beckmann Power Brush Stain Remover
Image from https:\/\/www.dr-beckmann.co.uk\/products\/pre-wash-stain-devils\/<\/p>\n

\nThe 10 best cleaning products\n<\/p>\n

Best stain remover<\/p>\n

The Mr Siga Multi-Functional Eraser Sponge acts like fine sandpaper to\u00a0lift
dirt, stains, and scuffs\u00a0using only water.<\/p>\n

\"hand(Photo: Viktoriya Skorikova\/Getty Images\/Moment RF)<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Best kept secret<\/p>\n

Jones uses Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser to polish stainless-steel, scour sinks and clean her fridge and cookware. <\/p>\n

Around 957,000 people aged 16 to 24 are classed as NEET ie. not in Education, Employment or Training<\/p>\n

But as youth unemployment rises, not all companies
are looking to universities to find their new recruits. Meet the people who have benefitted. <\/p>\n

\"UniversityPoorer graduates will be hit hardest by the changes, the National Union of Students says (Photo: Andrew Fox\/Getty\/Image Bank)<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

For young people unable to attend uni<\/p>\n

My whole life was being a carer, so I was very lost\u2026<\/p>\n

From the age of around 10, Bruce Devlin took responsibility for everything at home \u2013 from administering his mother\u2019s medication, to doing the shopping, cooking, cleaning and supporting his mother\u2019s mental health.<\/p>\n

He scraped through school, leaving with the lowest grades.<\/p>\n

Now, aged 26, he has secured a job by pursuing an unconventional route. <\/p>\n

The charities helping them<\/p>\n

Bruce followed an unconventional route.<\/p>\n

Getting a foot\u00a0in the door seemed impossible with his qualifications, lack of experience and connections.<\/p>\n

His Job Centre work coach put him in touch with Generation, a non-profit which partners with companies to identify roles which they are struggling to fill.<\/p>\n

He landed a place on Generation\u2019s first IT support boot camp and benefited from CV and interview coaching.<\/p>\n

Bruce is now a level three senior quality engineer with 2i Testing, a company which tests other companies\u2019 software.<\/p>\n

The result<\/p>\n

Getting a full-time salary and being a contributing member of society is an amazing achievement. Without this, I\u2019d be just another person on jobseeker\u2019s allowance, wasting any potential I had.<\/p>\n

BRUCE DEVLIN, 26, GLASGOW<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\nThe apprenticeship route\n<\/p>\n

Jessica Andrea Carvalho had an offer to start a media and marketing degree but she rejected it at the last minute to avoid huge debt and years of classroom learning.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Avoiding increasing
NEET numbers <\/p>\n

\"YoungYoung woman at her first job interview with the owner of a coffee shop \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Generation placed 700 people
like Bruce in jobs last year.<\/p>\n

The number of placements has jumped 20 per cent from last year.<\/p>\n

42 per cent of their learners come from the UK\u2019s most deprived areas.<\/p>\n

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Big Read<\/p>\n

10 min read<\/p>\n

\"YoungPlan 5 applies to students who began university courses on or after August 2023
(Photo: Abraham Gonzalez Fernandez\/Getty Images\/
Source: Moment RF)<\/p>\n

What do employers think?<\/p>\n

Creating more routes in is not just about opportunity \u2013 it helps bring in talent with different experiences.<\/p>\n

Paula Cunnington, the chief talent officer for Publicis Groupe UK, a network of marketing agencies that has hired 79 apprentices, says curiosity and real-world experience are far better indicators of future success.<\/p>\n

Up to 75 per cent of us in the UK are not drinking enough water.<\/p>\n

The human body can survive for a time without food, but it cannot survive for long without water.<\/p>\n

Here are the signs you need more fluids, according to a GP.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\nHow much we should drink\n<\/p>\n

Water is the most vital component for life.<\/p>\n

6-8<\/p>\n

NHS guidelines advise we should be drinking six to eight glasses of fluid per day.<\/p>\n

This does vary depending on our activity levels, the weather, and if we are ill.<\/p>\n

80%<\/p>\n

An estimated 50-80 per cent of our bodies and brains being made up of water.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It allows us to deliver nutrients to cells in our blood, lubricates our joints, regulates our temperature and much more.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nHow to stay hydrated\n<\/p>\n

What to drink<\/p>\n

Not all fluids are the same \u2013 water takes top spot, as it hydrates without sugars or calories, but lower-fat milks,\u00a0sugar-free drinks\u00a0or moderate amounts of tea and coffee can all count towards fluid intake.<\/p>\n

\"AsianCaption: Asian girl grocery shopping in supermarket. She is choosing fresh fruit juice along the beverage aisle, reading the nutrition label and checking ingredients on the bottle. Making a healthier food choice and balanced diet. Healthy eating lifestyle
Photographer: d3sign
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Moment RF<\/p>\n

\"CheerfulA reader bemoans that his children spend money on fancy coffees and holidays with friends, never having a penny left each month
(Photo: Getty\/Gorica Poturak)<\/p>\n

What to avoid<\/p>\n

Limit smoothies and fruit juices to 150ml per day because the sugar causes dental decay.<\/p>\n

\nSigns you\u2019re not drinking enough\n<\/p>\n

1. Our brains<\/p>\n

\"AThe pain from migraines is sometimes described as feeling like you\u2019ve had an axe blow to the head (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

When dehydrated, we can display an exaggerated response to pain and experience\u00a0headaches. Concentration, attention, reaction times and short-term memory can also all be negatively impacted.<\/p>\n

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LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n

6 min read<\/p>\n

\nSigns you\u2019re not drinking enough\n<\/p>\n

2. Our bodies<\/p>\n

Another common sign of dehydration is constipation. Our skin can look duller, be less bouncy to the touch and be less elastic.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"TiredTired Asian businesswoman working on a laptop computer in the office \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"Closeup(Photo: Ekaterina Demidova\/Getty).<\/p>\n

3. Our psychology<\/p>\n

Research has shown that even mild dehydration can lead us to feel more moody, stressed and irritable. We can also feel more tired than usual, with less energy and motivation.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Quick and life-changing tricks for a calmer, tidier home<\/p>\n

\nEasy habits to declutter your home\n<\/p>\n

\"DeclutteringI need someone to tidy up my attitude towards tidying. Who does one hire for that?
(Photo: Getty Images\/iStockphoto)<\/p>\n

The habits audit<\/p>\n

Subconscious habits can cause clutter so take regular pauses to stop and notice what you are doing during the day.<\/p>\n

The re-entry reset<\/p>\n

Establish a routine you follow every time you come home so the entrance stays clear.<\/p>\n

\"TwoTwo young children wearing school uniforms exit their front door \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"ALate toilet training has become more common, putting pressure on teachers and taking up learning time (Getty)<\/p>\n

The exit mindset<\/p>\n

Each time you leave the house, take a minute to think: \u2018What can I take out with me?\u2019\u00a0To the tip? To the charity shop? To recycle? <\/p>\n

\nEasy habits to declutter your home\n<\/p>\n

The drop zone<\/p>\n

Doing a clear-out for charity doesn\u2019t need to be a big task. Have a donate box in a practical location to drop any unwanted items as you come across them.<\/p>\n

\"Man(Photo: Westend61\/Getty).<\/p>\n

\"Woman(Photo: Getty).<\/p>\n

Dedicated home<\/p>\n

Create a logical home for everything so it\u2019s easier to find and keeps everything in place.<\/p>\n

\nEasy habits to declutter your home\n<\/p>\n

The quick scan<\/p>\n

Each time you open a drawer\u00a0identify a few items you can bin, donate or return to their rightful home.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"WomanWoman carrying box while moving and cleaning up at home happily \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"YoungFollow these rules to declutter your own home (Photo: Nadzeya_Kizilava\/Getty\/E+)<\/p>\n

One in, one out rule<\/p>\n

To manage wardrobe clutter follow the rule that a new item can only go in if you give something else away.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The daily check-in<\/p>\n

Give yourself a few minutes at the start or end of the day to acknowledge the progress you\u2019ve made.<\/p>\n

\"WomanWoman Refreshing the Bed with Clean Bed Sheets in a Bright Room \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

It can be far easier to seek an internal promotion rather than a new job elsewhere<\/p>\n

\nThe statistics\n<\/p>\n

A trend of \u2018job hugging\u2019<\/p>\n

12%<\/p>\n

In January, available vacancies were down 12 per cent compared to a year prior.<\/p>\n

According to the ONS it marked 39 consecutive quarters of decline.<\/p>\n

51%<\/p>\n

of UK employees plan to stay in their current roles, as\u00a0Employment Hero\u2019s first Annual Jobs Report\u00a0shows. Four in 10 say competition is too high to take the risk.<\/p>\n

So how can you improve your current situation without leaving?<\/p>\n

Learn to humble brag<\/p>\n

Your wins don\u2019t always speak for themselves. Share them. Jump into conversations beyond your usual remit. How people see you today shapes the opportunities that come your way tomorrow. Even small updates can have an outsized impact.<\/p>\n

VICTORIA MCLEAN, CEO OF CITY CV AND AN EXPERT IN CV AND PROFILE WRITING<\/p>\n

\"DriveDrive Talent Investments with Strategic Workforce Planning. A female job-seeker answering questions during a job interview with a human resource manager in a business office. \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\nMake your case \u2013 with data\n<\/p>\n

\"ACaption: Mid adult man with eyeglasses sitting on a comfortable sofa at home, thoughtfully writing notes in a small notebook while natural sunlight illuminates the room
Photographer: Milan Markovic
Provider: Getty Images
Source: E+<\/p>\n

Keep a log<\/p>\n

The chances of your boss remembering what you achieved in Q1 by December is low so keep a success log. <\/p>\n

Treat it as a proposal<\/p>\n

Show impact, link it to organisational goals,
and outline future
value, says McLean.<\/p>\n

\"MaleMale candidate handshake with the recruiter at job interview \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"Remember(Photo: Shutterstock).<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t be shy<\/p>\n

Ask your boss directly what you need to do to\u00a0be promoted\u00a0in the next six to 12 months.<\/p>\n

\nOffer solutions to problems\n<\/p>\n

Ask yourself: what\u00a0keeps your organisation awake
at night?<\/p>\n

Solve those problems and you shift from just doing your job to being a strategic asset.<\/p>\n

Sharing your ideas and views with the people above you can really prove what you\u2019re capable of.<\/p>\n

Proactively\u00a0initiate new projects
or processes.<\/p>\n

\u00a0It \u2018s daunting but getting people to see you in a more elevated position before you get there is really effective.<\/p>\n

\"WorriedCaption: Worried businessman biting his nail while waiting for a job interview with other candidates in a hallway of an office building.
Photographer: skynesher
Provider: Getty Images
Source: E+<\/p>\n

Ask for training<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a fantastic signal to show how serious you are about your development.\u00a0<\/p>\n

As careers are no longer linear, a promotion may not be in your current role, but perhaps in the same company in a broader role. <\/p>\n

Do some digging to find out what else might be available in\u00a0other areas.<\/p>\n

How to resolve the biggest rows that can end marriages<\/p>\n

Private school, sex and housework\u00a0can be some of the biggest causes of tension between warring couples. <\/p>\n

Mike Talbot, a psychologist, and chief executive of UK Mediation [below], reveals how to fix them.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\nWhat couples row over\n<\/p>\n

Parenting and schooling<\/p>\n

\"YoungYoung couple having an argument. Woman is angry with man. \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Psychologist Mike Talbot says parenting can expose ideological differences in a couple. He encourages people to listen to each other, and find a \u201cthird way\u201d, something that they come up with between themselves, rather than sticking to one person\u2019s opinion.<\/p>\n

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OPINION<\/p>\n

3 min read<\/p>\n

Money (or a lifestyle)<\/p>\n

\"ACaption: A mature couple sitting in bed and looking at each other angrily after a disagreement
Photographer: kupicoo
Provider: Getty Images
Source: iStockphoto<\/p>\n

It\u2019s common for couples to disagree on their property or finances.<\/p>\n

Couples might have different ideas about what the best plan of action is for the future.<\/p>\n

Dr Talbot says its important to find \u201ccommon ground\u201d on what both parties wish for, or worry about.<\/p>\n

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Agony Uncle<\/p>\n

5 min read<\/p>\n

\nIncompatibilities around sex\n<\/p>\n

Dr Talbot has seen this when one person loses their sex drive. \u201cIt can happen when the couples get older, and she\u00a0loses her sex drive during menopause, whereas the guy\u2019s still as randy as he was when he was 20.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"YoungCaption: Young couple having relationship difficulties at home. Both about 25 years old, Caucasian people.
Photographer: GoodLifeStudio
Provider: Getty Images
Source: E+
Copyright: DAMIR MIHAJLOVIC<\/p>\n

\"MillennialCaption: Millennial black lady vacuuming floor while her husband watching TV, not helping her with household duties, cropped view. Unrecognizable young couple having problem with domestic chores
Photographer: Prostock-Studio
Provider: Getty Images\/iStockphoto
Source: iStockphoto<\/p>\n

Domestic workload<\/p>\n

We get people disagreeing about how tidy the house should be, how neatly dressed the kids should be\u2026\u00a0<\/p>\n

This goes back to the gender stereotypes.<\/p>\n

The solution is to focus on value and to get the couple to think about the conflict in a different way.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\"\"\/<\/p>\n

Speaking to The i Paper, she said: \u201cAfter selling a flat, I had money sitting in the bank and began thinking more seriously about how to diversify my savings as part of my long-term planning.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to move some of it into a physical asset I could hold for the future, rather than leaving it entirely in cash.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her decision reflects a broader interest among some savers in alternative assets as they look beyond traditional savings accounts and pensions for retirement planning.<\/p>\n

Gold has attracted growing attention from investors recently amid geopolitical tensions, inflation concerns and uncertainty in financial markets.<\/p>\n

The precious metal, which is often viewed as a safe haven asset during periods of turmoil, has surged over the past year despite recent volatility.<\/p>\n

It has been trading at around \u00a33,100 per ounce in recent times, up sharply from a year ago, although prices have fallen back from record highs reached earlier this year.<\/p>\n

Analysts say conflict in the Middle East<\/a> alongside central bank buying and concerns over inflation, have all helped drive demand for the metal.<\/p>\n

Samantha said concerns about the long-term value of cash savings played a role in her thinking. Interest rates<\/a> on her ISA had fluctuated significantly over time, making her more aware of the limitations of relying solely on cash.<\/p>\n

She said: \u201cMy ISA currently pays around 4 per cent interest, although in previous years it was closer to 1.7 per cent, which at the time was still considered a good rate. That experience made me more aware of how variable and limited returns on cash savings can be over the long term.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rather than increasing pension contributions or investing more heavily in shares and funds, she opted for physical gold coins.<\/p>\n

Samantha added: \u201cWhat appealed to me most is that gold is tangible. I can hold it, store it, and sell it if I need to, which gives me flexibility and reassurance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI also value the independence it offers from traditional financial systems. Gold has historically been viewed as a long-term store of value, which was a key factor in my decision.\u201d<\/p>\n

Buying gold \u2013 how it works <\/p>\n

She first became interested in gold after reading an article online and subsequently contacted a bullion dealer to learn more about the market and the process of buying physical gold.<\/p>\n

Part of the attraction was the tax treatment of some coins. She explained: \u201cCertain UK legal tender coins such as Sovereigns and Britannias are typically exempt from capital gains tax and VAT-free, which can be beneficial for long-term returns.<\/p>\n

\u201cI also have concerns about the increasing move towards a more cashless society<\/a>. Having part of my savings in physical gold gives me reassurance, because it\u2019s an asset I can hold, control, and sell independently if circumstances change.\u201d<\/p>\n

The investment was funded using proceeds from the sale of her flat, with purchases spread over several months rather than made all at once.<\/p>\n

Her first purchase consisted of four 1oz gold coins worth around \u00a320,000. She later bought two more coins worth around \u00a38,500 before adding a further \u00a310,000 in April and \u00a317,000 in May.<\/p>\n

Overall, she estimates that around 80 per cent of her savings are now held in physical gold.<\/p>\n

Her collection includes coins from The Queen\u2019s Beasts and Tudor Beasts series, as well as a Lion and Eagle coin produced in collaboration between the US Mint and The Royal Mint.<\/p>\n

Before committing, Samantha said she wanted to understand exactly how the market worked.<\/p>\n

She said: \u201cI visited Britannia Bullion\u2019s office and met their market experts, who explained how physical gold works as a long-term asset. Speaking directly to the team gave me confidence in the decision.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile it\u2019s encouraging to see movements in the market, I\u2019m focused on the long term rather than short-term fluctuations. This is part of my retirement planning, not a speculative investment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Instead, she sees the coins as one part of a broader retirement strategy that also includes her pension and cash savings.<\/p>\n

She can track the value of her holdings online and through an app, but says the main attraction is the security of owning a physical asset that can be sold if needed.<\/p>\n

Looking ahead, she said: \u201cMy plan is to hold the coins for around 10 years as part of a broader retirement strategy. What matters most to me is having part of my savings in a tangible asset I can track over time.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf, in 10 years\u2019 time, the investment has helped preserve and potentially grow the value of my savings while giving me peace of mind, I\u2019ll feel it has done its job.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Samantha Nelson has put around 80 per cent of her savings into physical gold as part of her…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":654225,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[84,4176,1568,1086,12251,4174,4175,4204,3668,56,54,55],"class_list":["post-654224","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-personal-finance","tag-business","tag-finance","tag-gold","tag-investing","tag-money-advice","tag-personal-finance","tag-personalfinance","tag-retirement","tag-savings","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-unitedkingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/654224","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=654224"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/654224\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/654225"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=654224"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=654224"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=654224"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}