Don’t leave it too late to plan ahead

Rochdale residents can take advantage of free advice on how to plan for the future after Cancer Research UK teamed up with financial planning experts.

One-to-one advice on retirement planning and will-writing will be available on Saturday and Sunday at The Paterson Institute for Cancer Research on the site of The Christie in Manchester. There is also the chance to find out more about the charity’s work.

It has joined forces with financial advisers Origen and the Institute of Professional Will Writers for the unique event after a new survey revealed that short-term money pressures are causing North West residents to fail to plan beyond the recession.

The survey was carried out to highlight the importance of writing and updating a will and to promote leaving a gift to charity when doing so. Cancer Research UK receives a third of its voluntary income in this way.

The results showed that almost a fifth of North West folk are neglecting their long-term financial security for short-term gain.

Almost one in 10 fail to write or update their will, with over half of those saying it’s because they can’t afford solicitor fees.

Rob Tinsley, Head of Retirement Services at Origen, said: “Retirement and old age might seem a long way off for a lot of people, but the choices you make now will almost certainly have an effect in the years to come.

“The future shouldn’t be left to look after itself. Making rash decisions about long-term issues, such as pensions and writing a will, could have a massive impact on yours and your family’s lives in the future, so it’s vital people take expert advice.”

Nick Georgiadis, legacy fund-raising manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “Remembering a charity in your will is a simple yet impactful way for anyone to support a good cause.

“Cancer Research UK’s work has saved millions of lives across the world. Over the next decade, we aim to save many more.

“But we can’t do this without the support of the public. In these difficult times, we need that support more than ever.”

The event is by registration only. For more details call 0161-244 5928 or visit the website at www.planfortomorrow.org.