Latest News

• Ways to reduce a Capital Gains Tax liability

  5 days ago

  From using your annual exemption to saving in an Individual Savings Account (ISA), we look at ways to reduce a Capital Gains Tax (CGT) liability potentially. Cuts to the CGT exemption mean that arranging your investments as tax-efficiently as possible is more important than ever. The CGT annual exemption more than halved from £12,300 to £6,000 on 6 April 2023 and dropped again to £3,000 from 6 April 2024. This means many investors selling assets will face a higher tax bill. Any gains that exceed the CGT annual exemption are taxed at 20% for higher rate taxpayers and 10% for basic rate taxpayers. The rate is higher for gains on second properties, at 28% and 18% respectively. [...]

• The importance of drafting a Will

  1 week ago

  Many people still lack a properly organised estate plan despite the numerous benefits of writing a Will—such as getting our finances in order, planning our legacy, and ensuring that our loved ones are well looked after. By taking the proactive step to draft a Will, you can protect your family from uncertainty and potential conflicts, ensuring that your legacy is preserved according to your exact intentions. If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to prioritise this important task and secure the future for those you care about most. [...]

• Financial protection

  1 week ago

  Nobody wants to consider what would happen if they became too ill to support their family financially. Financial protection is essential to creating peace of mind for your loved ones, but understanding what cover you may need can be confusing. [...]

• Investing a lump sum

  1 week ago

  Receiving a lump sum of money, whether from an inheritance, windfall, or proceeds from a business or property sale, can be exciting and overwhelming. Deciding where to invest this money is crucial, and with numerous options available, it can be challenging to determine the best course of action. Knowing where to put a cash windfall can be difficult, particularly in times of market and economic uncertainty. We explore ways to invest your lump sum to help you make an informed decision and ensure you maximise your financial growth and security. [...]

• Britain’s biggest pension taxpayers

  1 week ago

  Since 2015, individuals over the age of 55 with defined contribution (DC) pension pots have enjoyed full freedom to decide how to manage their pensions; purchasing an annuity (a guaranteed income for life) is no longer mandatory. More than 221 people fully withdrew a pension pot of £250,000 or more between October 2022 and March 2023[1], resulting in a tax bill of at least £97,500 each[2], according to new analysis of FCA figures. [...]

• Placing assets into a Trust

  1 week ago

  Trusts are a powerful tool for estate planning, providing flexibility and control over asset distribution. Properly structured, they can address various scenarios and requirements, ensuring that your legacy is managed according to your wishes long into the future. [...]

• Learning from the retired

  2 weeks ago

  The experiences of today’s retirees offer a wealth of knowledge for anyone planning their retirement. By observing the paths already taken, future retirees can glean valuable lessons from the triumphs and challenges faced by those who have navigated this transition before them. This collective knowledge is crucial in shaping a retirement plan that balances financial security with mental well-being. [...]

• Retirement matters

  2 weeks ago

  When considering retirement planning, pension savings are a crucial component of your financial strategy and essential for a comfortable retirement. Securing the right professional advice is critical, as decisions made at this stage will significantly impact you and your family. [...]

• How much do I need to save for retirement?

  2 weeks ago

  How you invest in your 50s could significantly impact your quality of life in retirement. While there is still time to increase your retirement savings, a seemingly simple mistake could derail your plans. This is where obtaining professional financial advice becomes crucial. [...]

• Strategic reinvestment of State Pension increases

  1 month ago

  Following the 8.5% rise in the annual State Pension from 6 April, the redirection of this enhanced income into private pension savings could make sense under certain conditions. The idea of investing one’s State Pension into a personal or Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) might seem at odds with conventional wisdom. [...]

• Unique insight into the current attitudes towards pension investment

  1 month ago

  A comprehensive survey has unveiled a complex picture of how savers perceive their pension investments. Despite a high level of awareness, with 82% of pension savers acknowledging that their pensions are invested, a mere 26% possess knowledge about the specifics of these investments[1]. This gap in understanding presents a unique insight into the current attitudes towards pension investment among savers. [...]

• Understanding estate planning

  1 month ago

  Some people may believe estate planning is just for the wealthy. However, effective estate planning is essential to managing your assets and final wishes while trying to ensure your family’s financial stability once you have passed on. Estate planning isn’t just for the elderly, either. You don’t have to be old to become mentally incapacitated or pass away early from an illness or even an accident. An estate plan will ensure that your affairs are properly executed in the event of your passing. [...]