Thanks to everyone for their positive feedback on these newsletters. They are purely to give us ‘foreigners’ the heads up on financial matters that are at best opaque here in Spain. Before I head off to a chiringuito, as it’s that time of year, this month we shall be concentrating on the following important topics:

• National Insurance deadline to backdate/buy years in the UK – act now!
• What pension are you likely to receive as self-employed/autonomo here in Spain?
• How much money do I need to retire (with example) comfortably?
• Legal aid in Spain for British nationals

UK National Insurance deadline approaching

I meet many people who have contributed into the UK state pension (National Insurance contributions) and then move abroad. They may also pay into other countries´ state pensions, but the BIG potential issue is that no one knows for sure if these will be combined and what income in retirement you will receive. Some people say ‘Well they have to, otherwise it’s not fair and that’s how it works now/used to before Brexit’. I tend to focus on as many certainties as possible and always try to have a ‘more guaranteed’ plan instead of relying on what governments do and don’t do, as that doesn’t fill me with confidence.

I have met many people with 5 years’ state contributions here, 10 there and another 5 somewhere else and they don’t actually end up receiving ANY state pension. This is not the situation I want to end up with and that’s why I recommend to anyone who has existing UK NI contributions to continue to contribute to them, aiming to reach the maximum years needed to receive a full UK state pension. As a non-UK resident, if you are paying taxes in Spain it´s normally £12 a month to contribute to the UK system – for me it’s a no brainer.

With that in mind, normally you can ‘backdate’ or buy past years’ contributions to fill in any gaps you may have. However, from the end of July (next month), you will only be able to backdate 6 years, whereas before this deadline you can buy more. So, if you have significant gaps in your UK NI contributions you only have until next month to ‘fill’ a part of them. You can find out more here: National Insurance Gaps

Self-employed/autonomo state pension amounts

I wanted to clarify something that not many people here realise when they contribute into the social system as self-employed. In the UK you pay your contributions and the number of years you have contributed dictates, more often than not, how much you receive. However, this is not the case in Spain.

Many people are autonomo here and presume the monthly payment they make to the social security, if made over the necessary number of years, (currently 35), will give them the full Spanish state pension – unfortunately that is incorrect.  That is because it’s not JUST the number of years you contribute, but also the amount you pay. Not many accountants will confirm that there is a choice on how much you can pay each month towards your social security – a low, medium or high amount. Therefore, most people pay the low amount for many years and only realise the problem when they start looking closer, usually at retirement age. I hope most people are sitting down when I tell you that if you paid the minimum contributions for the full number of qualifying years in Spain, you would receive around €643 a month, (almost half of the UK amount), whilst the maximum is €2,617.

That is why I recommend to almost everyone that they ensure as far as possible that they are fully contributed into the UK system by retirement.

Here are the links to HMRC to read about and organise this, (please don’t get in touch with me for help as it has to be done by yourself):

• Information on paying National Insurance contributions from abroad – gov.uk/national-insurance-if-you-go-abroad
• The Form to complete to pay Class 2 voluntary contributions at £12 a month – gov.uk/government/publications/social-security-abroad-ni38

You can obtain a state pension forecast here in Spain if you have a digital certificate here

As a local accountant recently told me, and I quote, “My personal opinion is that it is better that you make your own pension, saving the money and investing it directly, and more because each time the pensions are reduced year by year and it is quite sure that in the future they will be reduced most, but this is only my opinion…… This is what I decided to do a long time ago.”

So, my advice? Pay the minimum here, pay your NI in the UK and reach the maximum alongside making your own provision along the way.

Therefore, one could surmise an income needed in retirement of €4,000 per month before tax could be the average amount required. If we say you receive the full state pension of around €1,000 per month, you need to supplement €3,000 per month.

If you had €300,000 and it gave you 5% return each year this would give you €1,250 per month – so we still need another €1,750 per month. Of course, this means that as you are taking the full interest earned from your money pot it is not keeping up with inflation. Therefore, taking 4% at most is more applicable which gives you €1,000 per month income. However, if this income falls under income tax (such as property income), then from earnings upwards of the current allowance of €6,700 each year at age 65 in Spain you will be taxed. Adding that to the state pension, (which is declarable for income tax in Spain), we probably need to say it’s more likely €800 a month net from this monetary income.

So, we see the problem, what do we need to do? In essence, make your savings/monies and assets work for you over the years with professional management, taking into account tax mitigation. The more money you invest and the longer the time, the more comfortable or higher probability you will achieve your goals.

By the way, the answer to the above question also depends on how you are receiving the income. Tax efficient savings will greatly reduce you tax liability away from income tax to the lower, (and with possible offsetting capability) of capital gains tax. In monetary terms, to be safe I would suggest €800,000 plus a property rented out in retirement, in today’s money, as an income will safely achieve this. Is that the average persons situation?

Legal aid in Spain for British nationals

The UK has just released the following information on legal aid available for those residing in Spain which is perhaps ‘better’ than I would have expected and well worth knowing: Legal Aid Spain

Click here to read independent reviews on Chris and his advice.

If you would like any more information regarding any of the above, or to talk through your situation initially and receive expert, factual based advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Chris.

“If you think you have it tough, read history books.” Bill Maher
I was not particularly interested in history at school, mainly because the history masters (I went to a grammar school where we were taught by masters in moth-eaten gowns and who wore their ties outside their jumpers) would want to teach us about aspects that I had absolutely no interest in.

The Dark Ages, for example. They are called dark ages for a reason. These days I will happily surf the web (can we still say that?) going off-piste (no holding me now) and finding out brilliant historical facts that I am interested in and not what I am told to be interested in. Or maybe I am being told, in this Artificial Intelligence world that we now live in. Having said that, I have not felt any pressure to learn any more about the dark ages.

What is my point here? History is important because it can help us to make decisions. The problem is that, although we have plenty of information to refer to, and perhaps have taken on board, we all too often forget, or even choose to ignore, the “lesson”. In the investment world, it appears that everything that is happening now never occurred before. Or maybe it did but in a dark age when nobody was literate enough to write down what was going on.

Sell low, buy high. Isn’t that a ridiculous investment strategy? It seems not, to some. I have been in the company of many people over the years who believe that they know when to sell and when to buy back in when “things are better/markets have settled/it is less rainy/the dog has been to the vet”. This strategy has consistently proven itself to be flawed. Although past performance is no guarantee of future performance, history can give us an idea of what could happen in the investment world after different global events. In more recent years, the financial crisis of 2008 and Covid-19 in 2020 have been big tests. After both “incidents”, those who stuck with it have been better off.

Focusing on a stock market index that many British people are familiar with, the FTSE100, in the last 15 years to 1^st May 2023, there have been 4 years that have been negative. I apologise for spelling this out but that means 11 years have been positive. 11-4. I like that score. The average annual gain of the index over that period has been almost 13%. Even more interesting is the tendency that a bad year is followed by an outstanding one. This is why, when people sell, they crystallise a loss and then possibly miss the best part of any recovery.

I understand that not everybody is comfortable with sitting out large falls (2008 and 2020). To cater for this, we have solutions within our armoury which limit the downside whilst still providing long-term growth.

To find out how we can help you with your existing investments, and/or provide you with ideas for the future, contact me today at john.hayward@spectrum-ifa.com or on +34 618 204 731 (WhatsApp)

If you are feeling down, pick up a history book. It is certain to take your mind off your woes.

In recent years, the debate surrounding wealth tax has gained significant attention, especially in the context of Spain’s Andalucia region. Andalucia is one of the most populous regions of Spain and has a strong agricultural and tourism-based economy. In September 2022, the Andalucian government announced the abolition of wealth tax.

The decision to abolish wealth tax in Andalucia was based on the regional government’s belief that it was an unfair tax and discouraged investment and economic growth in the region. The tax was seen as a deterrent for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and business owners, who were seen as crucial for job creation and economic stimulation.

However, critics of the decision argued that wealth tax was an important source of revenue for the government and helped to reduce inequality in the region. They argued that the abolition of wealth tax would only benefit the rich and widen the gap between the rich and poor in Andalucia.

To address these concerns and also that it was unfair to all other autonomous regions (except Madrid which also scrapped wealth tax), the Federal government introduced a new tax called solidarity tax. Solidarity tax is a progressive tax that aims to reduce inequality and generate revenue for the government. It is applied to all autonomous regions. If a region has no wealth tax, then the solidarity tax is applied. If, however, a region already has wealth tax in place, then the solidarity tax is removed. The tax is based on a sliding scale, starting with HNW individuals with assets of €3m and above. There are three bands, the lowest rate being 1.7% which rises to 3.5% on assets worth €10m and above.

The introduction of solidarity tax was seen as a positive step by many, as it addressed concerns about inequality and raised much-needed revenue for the government. However, some critics argued that the tax was not enough to make up for the loss of revenue from the abolition of wealth tax. However, it has allowed many to escape wealth tax on assets under €3m, especially if those assets are held jointly. This is seen as attractive by many resident expatriates as it mitigates the impact of wealth tax (in effect there is no wealth tax for a couple on assets below €6m).

In the case of Andalucia, the abolition of wealth tax and introduction of solidarity tax highlights the ongoing debate about the role of taxation in reducing inequality and promoting economic growth. While some argue that wealth tax is an important tool for reducing inequality, others argue that it discourages investment and entrepreneurship. What is clear is that it is part of a concerted move to make the region attractive to those who would stimulate economic growth. For example, inheritance tax has been removed and capital gains tax scrapped on all first homeowners over the age of 65. Income tax is being lowered by at least 4% and water tax has also been abolished. All of which represents a strategic move to lure back permanently those who had moved away, including to nearby Portugal for example. Ten of the top 20 wealth tax payers in 2019 left Andalucia in 2020, resulting in a loss of income for the region of nearly 18 million Euros (3.5 m in wealth tax and 14m in personal income tax).

The Spectrum IFA Group is committed to helping expatriates navigate their way through the taxation minefield. Our disciplined financial advice process ensures that valuable planning opportunities are fully utilised, for optimal tax efficiency on assets, income, investments and, eventually, inheritance for your beneficiaries. By doing so, we can demonstrate, perhaps surprisingly to some, that Andalucia truly is a tax haven, not just in Spain but in a wider European context.

Whether you are planning to move here or are already a full time or part time resident, please contact me for a no fee and no obligation chat – perhaps over a coffee?

The ongoing Ukraine conflict has had a significant impact on global financial markets and the value of investments. While it is difficult to predict the exact outcome and duration of the conflict, there are several strategies investors can employ to protect their investments during this uncertain period. Here are some suggestions:

1. Diversify your portfolio: One of the most important strategies for protecting your investments during a period of geopolitical uncertainty is to diversify your portfolio. By investing in a variety of asset classes such as stocks, bonds, commodities, and real estate, you can spread your risk and reduce the impact of any one investment being affected by the conflict.

2. Avoid investments in affected regions: If you are concerned about the impact of this conflict on your investments, it may be wise to avoid investing in companies or industries that are directly impacted. For example, companies that do business in Ukraine or Russia, or companies that rely heavily on imports or exports from these regions, may be more vulnerable to a serious and sustained downturn.

3. Consider safe-haven assets: During times of geopolitical uncertainty, investors often flock to so-called “safe-haven” assets such as gold, US Treasuries, and the Swiss franc. These assets are generally considered to be less risky than other investments and, depending on wider market conditions, can provide a hedge against volatility.

4. Keep an eye on news and developments: It is important to stay informed about developments which may affect financial markets. By keeping a close eye on political and economic news, investors can make informed decisions about their investments and, if necessary, adjust their portfolios accordingly. Note that becoming overly reactive to short term events will usually be counter-productive, but staying informed will also often present valuable opportunities for tactical portfolio adjustments.

5. Take a long-term view: While it can be tempting to react to fluctuations in the financial markets, it is important to remember that successful investing almost always relies on patience and taking a long-term view. Rather than trying to pre-empt short term market direction, it is often more prudent to focus on your long-term investment strategy and stick to your plan.

6. Consult with a suitably experienced financial adviser: If you are uncertain about how to best protect your investments, it may be helpful to consult us. A professional adviser can help you navigate the complexities of the financial markets and provide personalised advice based on your individual goals and risk tolerance.

Points 1 to 4 above are actually the responsibility of the fund managers whom we select for their prowess, long term performance and consistency. It is their job to navigate your investments through uncertain times. Point 5 is vital and it is important to remember the adage “It’s not timing the market, but time in the market, which matters”.

In conclusion, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine presents a challenging environment for investors, but there are strategies that can be employed to protect investments. By diversifying your portfolio, avoiding investments in affected regions, focusing on safe-haven assets, staying informed about the latest developments, considering the long-term and consulting with a financial adviser, you can help protect your investments during this uncertain period.

The Spectrum IFA Group again co-sponsored an excellent Arts Society de La Frontera “Live” lecture on the 15th March at the newly renovated San Roque Golf & Country Club on the Costa del Sol. We were represented by one of our local and long-serving advisers, Charles Hutchinson, who attended along with our co-sponsors Currencies Direct represented by Ignacio Ortega, Carol Schleisman and Cristina Ruiz. Also present was the society’s European Chairman Jo Ward.

The Arts Society is a leading global arts charity which opens up the world of the arts through a network of local societies and national events throughout the world.

With inspiring monthly lectures given by some of the UK’s top experts, together with days of special interest, educational visits and cultural holidays, the Arts Society is a great way to learn, have fun and make new and lasting friendships.

At this event, over 50 attendees were entertained by a talk on The Manufactured Woman which is the story of Pandora, her box and the reasons for her creation by Mary Sharp of BBC Radio 4 fame. She gave an interesting talk showing comparisons with other created female characters such as Eve in the Bible and Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion and the later My Fair Lady.

The talk was followed by a drinks reception which included a free raffle for prizes including CH supplied book on Dutch Art and Champagne. Smart Currency Exchange also supplied wine presentation cases with glasses and Brandy.

All in all, it was a good turnout and a successful event at a wonderful venue. The Spectrum IFA Group was very proud to be involved with such a fantastic organization during its current global expansion and we hope to have the opportunity again at the November lecture.

What is wrong with the way some banks work nowadays? It seems to me you can run a poor show, and when things go badly wrong the central banks will bail you out, and then off you and your highly paid colleagues can go again to mismanage your way to the next catastrophe.

The one thing I explain to people time and time again is that when you deposit any of your hard- earned cash in a bank, the bank has it is on ‘their’ balance sheets. They can then use that to go off and lend money or invest in assets where they can make more money. So effectively, they are using your money to make themselves money. The problem is that a lot of what they do may need a long timeline to work, so if people start demanding their money in large numbers (known as a run on the bank), they may not actually be able to meet those requirements, hence they close the doors to withdrawals.

Years ago a run on a bank would take time, with people literally queuing around the block looking to withdraw their money from the person behind the counter. The trouble nowadays is that a run on the bank is so much easier to implement, with all of us having apps on our phones and laptops that mean we can ask for our money in an instant. That was one of the biggest issues contributing to the failure of Silicon Valley Bank in America a couple of weeks ago, and the start of this whole process of fear beginning again. Due to the frenzy of concerns about that bank being whipped up on social media, thousands of clients started to try and withdraw their deposits all at the same time. To say the run on the bank happened quickly would be an understatement.

It is interesting to see what happened by looking more closely at what went wrong there. The bank had a huge amount of funds on deposit, and although they were large lenders, they had a lot of excess cash doing nothing for them. They needed that to be making money for them so, in their view wisely, they bought a large amount of 10 year government bonds. They did this because government bonds are traditionally seen as safe and would earn a small return.

Then the Fed started raising interest rates in a bid to stem inflation. Of course, this then meant the value of the government bonds became more and more stressed the higher the rates went. Effectively the clients’ money was now in the wrong place and couldn’t easily be unwound. In simple terms, a pretty basic error which you would hope someone looking after your money should have been aware of.

As I write, the contagion this whole issue has caused in the banks is causing share prices to tumble again. It’s so frustrating when this sort of thing happens, as very often it’s the baby being thrown out with the bathwater, but unfortunately this is how the stock markets tend to be. Anyway, it never seems to change and the fact that the Fed raising interest rates has led to the banks ´´crumbling´´ is somewhat bizarre in my humble opinion, when they seem to think they know what they are doing!

I speak a great deal with clients about using ‘insurance’ based products to house their investments. The reasons and advantages are many but the most relevant point I like to make, and relevant to what I’ve been talking about, is when you invest your money in these companies it is physically off their balance sheet and held for your benefit only. That’s the polar opposite to leaving your money in the bank. Of course, the risk is then what you do with your money, but it’s a massive point that is regularly overlooked and gives people a high level of comfort.

If you are worried about your money and where it is at the moment please feel free to get in touch and we can see what alternative solutions may be available for you.