Sorting out your shortfall

Christine Ross of S G Hambros dispenses advice

One of the big impacts the stock market fall has had is on investments, particularly endowments and pensions.

There are things you can do to try to make up these shortfalls, but what if you're running out of time and your policy is due to mature any day now.

Christine Ross from SG Hambros has some advice for people in that position - but don't be too hopeful of recouping all your losses.

In the case of endowments, many terminal bonuses have been wiped out but it is still possible to do something with the endowment itself.

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To hear Christine's full interview with Adrian, click on the link at the top right of the page.

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"Some companies will let you roll them over for another period," says Christine, "but is that the most efficient savings plan for now?"

Other policies allow switching between different investment funds, which could be a good idea when the market starts to pick up.

As far as pensions are concerned, Christine says it is possible to leave much of your pension if you don't want to take it on retirement.

It is possible to take the tax-free lump sum and invest the rest in the market, possibly with a safety net.

"Five years before retirement it's always been good advice to start to move your accumulated fund into safer areas," says Christine.