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system, as it depends on individual circumstance. So what can barristers do to save for the future, when all these factors are taken into account? The first step is to build awareness. Barristers must understand their different financial stresses, cash flow squeezes and even tax commitments before a sustainable plan can be built. A financial adviser can help here. 1. 2. 3. Melbourne Mercer Global Pensions Index (MMGPI), 2015 The Bar Council, 2014 Law Society president Lucy Scott-Moncrieff, 2013 Once this has been established, the next step, with your adviser, is to identify a longterm goal, then put into place an achievable – and flexible – plan to achieve this. Crucially, this will also help to identify the periods when cash flow will be stretched, so that long-term saving is not compromised. The right financial adviser will also help make the most of a barrister’s irregular income. This will include tax-planning measures, and financial product selection (such as mortgages) for their circumstances. This should also include investment planning. Ensuring that a non-regular income is well managed so that it can grow over time, and work that little bit harder, is vital. Yes, barristers face an array of financial planning challenges, but there is no reason why they should not reach retirement having met their financial goals, making the most of later life. the barrister Hilary Term 2016 barmag67.indd 13 13 03/12/2015 10:21