Money4life website - How to work out if Flexiplan/Bonusplan is doing well?

[Krafty]

I find pensions extremely confusing.

I'm paying into Flexiplan and Bonusplan. When logging into money4life website, how can I tell if the plans are doing well?

Thanks

[RobertT]

My advice is to keep your own records.

Log in at regular intervals and make a note of the balance and how much has gone in since the last time, and compare figures over the course of time.

How often you do that is up to you.
Personally I think no more than monthly and no less than quarterly. But it's your choice.

You can also see how each fund is performing using the info found via this link: https://digital.feprecisionplus.com/cor ... ory=2rmp62

[NWpostie]

I take a screenshot every time I check my Flexiplan and Bonusplan and save it to my pension folder.

[Decky Boy]

Sign in regularly and note balance. Going forward Fund Choice (dependant on your age) is gonna have a major impact on fund growth or decline ! I've recently transferred out of equities into the Cash Fund as my Age 60 pension date is getting near.

I have concerns that a stock market crash or another black swan event may be just around the corner and have made the decision to consolidate the growth I've had over the years in a "less risky" fund ! ! !

I may be wrong about a crash ... and sincerely hope I am.

The above is not financial advice.

[RobertT]

I stopped paying into my Flexiplan about 4-5 years ago and changed investments from all Growth to a third each of Growth, Balanced and Cautious. They've still provided decent returns since then!

But with stock markets being historically very high, wanting to hold onto my gains and nearing 60, I've recently moved my Growth and Balanced funds into Cash, and I may well move the Cautious over at some point too, but decided to keep that for a while longer.

Market crashes are a fairly normal thing and for those with many years to go before retirement, should be seen as nothing to worry about and a good time to invest. But for me and my situation, I think moving into safer havens is wise.

That is not financial advice from me either!
What any individual decides to do will be down to their own age, choices, attitude to risk, etc.

[NWpostie]

I've recently logged into my account, it's looking healthy.

Bonusplan is cash
Flexiplan is 95% is growth

Got 3 years to retirement, so mulling over my options.

By the way, the website now have a new format and you now need to update your password and security questions.

[Decky Boy]

Hands up if what happened over last weekend and on Monday 5th made you "poop yer pants a bit" ? As I write on Sat 10th World Markets seem to have recovered somewhat, thankfully !

It's amazing how events in Japan could/can effect the quality of our retirement ! ! !

[RobertT]

Just wait until there's a proper stock market crash.

Many share prices will drop 30-40%, and some will fall more than that!

[Decky Boy]

Just wait until there's a proper stock market crash.

Many share prices will drop 30-40%, and some will fall more than that!

Agree !

[Hyrrokkin]

Hands up if what happened over last weekend and on Monday 5th made you "poop yer pants a bit" ? As I write on Sat 10th World Markets seem to have recovered somewhat, thankfully !

It's amazing how events in Japan could/can effect the quality of our retirement ! ! !

Complete opposite - good time to invest more...markets always go all over the place but over time go up

[yellowbelly]

Hands up if what happened over last weekend and on Monday 5th made you "poop yer pants a bit" ? As I write on Sat 10th World Markets seem to have recovered somewhat, thankfully !

It's amazing how events in Japan could/can effect the quality of our retirement ! ! !

Complete opposite - good time to invest more...markets always go all over the place but over time go up

Depends on how much time you've hopefully got to recover those losses!

[Hyrrokkin]

Hands up if what happened over last weekend and on Monday 5th made you "poop yer pants a bit" ? As I write on Sat 10th World Markets seem to have recovered somewhat, thankfully !

It's amazing how events in Japan could/can effect the quality of our retirement ! ! !

Complete opposite - good time to invest more...markets always go all over the place but over time go up

Depends on how much time you've hopefully got to recover those losses!

Of course that is point - time is just as important as the amount you pay in.

I have several years left at least and i intend to remain in Sharia funds - or transfer to my SIPP and invest in all world trackers etc.

At the end of the day it is your choice.