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Trump's Tariffs Create Turbulence in Global Markets
The first quarter of 2025 has been anything but steady for global markets. With the arrival of President Donald Trump's new administration in the United States, economic tensions have surged worldwide. Global stock markets have been rattled as sweeping tariffs, intended to bolster the American economy, were introduced. While these measures may aim to stimulate domestic growth, on page 10, we consider their ripple effects that are reshaping global trade, inflation and investor sentiment.
Ten years of pension freedoms
Research reveals worrying trends among savers
New rules of Inheritance Tax on businesses and land
What families need to know and how to plan for the future
Is it time for a financial MOT?
Helping you secure a smoother ride towards a brighter future
Bridging the financial gap across generations
Why planning, talking and taking action now can secure your family’s future
Trump’s tariffs create turbulence in global markets
Remaining focused on established investment principles is essential
Have you lost track of your pension pots?
Step-by-step guide to help you reclaim your lost pensions
Talking to your children about investing
How to prepare the next generation for financial success
How to prepare for retirement
Insights for taking control of your future planning
Investing for your financial future
What savers need to know about UK pensions to make informed choices
How much is enough for your retirement?
The best way to foresee your future is to prepare for it now
Understanding fixed interest investing
Looking for a steady approach to building your portfolio?
The 'secret' to easing an Inheritance Tax burden
A practical solution to a challenge many families could face
Safeguarding investments in a volatile market
Planning for stability by diversifying your investment portfolio
Transferring wealth to the next generation
What to consider when planning your legacy
Planning for life’s most significant milestones
Understanding retirement cash flow modelling
Basic truths about investing
Invest smartly, build your future
What to consider when taking tax-free cash
Make a more informed decision about how best to utilise your pension savings
Is it time to maximise your savings and investments?
Unlocking the secrets of tax-efficient saving with ISAs
Generating an income from retirement savings
Planning for a comfortable, flexible and secure future
How can Millennials save for retirement?
Start early, stay consistent and make time and strategy work for you
Asset allocation
Getting the right blend of investment types in your portfolio
Mind the gap
Why you might need to rethink your retirement savings
Closing the gender gap in investing
Young women need to feel more confident about their financial futures
Guide to the Spring Statement 2025
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, delivered her Spring Statement 2025 on Wednesday 26 March. Keeping to her promise of one fiscal event per year, she made no new tax announcements. Instead, she focused on measures to boost housebuilding and defence spending while making substantial welfare cuts.
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has lowered the UK's 2025 growth forecast from 2% to 1%, but it expects improved growth in the years leading up to 2029. Reeves acknowledged the challenges, stating that achieving economic growth will require time, tough decisions and persistent effort. However, she mentioned that people would be 'on average over £500 a year better off' under a Labour government – a figure she claimed the OBR has confirmed.
Labour's welfare cuts are expected to save £4.8 billion, with reductions deeper than initially anticipated. Day-to-day spending remains safeguarded, except for the aid budget. Defence spending is set to increase by £2.2 billion next year, aiming for 2.5% of GDP in the future. Due to Labour's planning reforms, housebuilding is projected to reach its highest level in 40 years.
Maximising The End of the UK Tax Year 2024/2025
The UK tax year is a well-structured framework governing tax assessment and collection. It begins on 6 April and runs until 5 April the following year. As we approach the end of the 2024/25 tax year, maximising available opportunities is essential to make the most of your finances. Time is running out to review your plans and fully capitalise on tax-saving options. On page 12, this article explores some key strategies to ensure you finish the tax year in a strong position and make your money work harder for you.
Wealth transfers of financial legacies
Are you among the many families unprepared and lacking structured plans?
‘Grey divorce’
Understanding the financial impacts of divorce over 50
Empowering your retirement savings
Understanding how SIPPs work to help you maximise your retirement investments
Trust in your future
Is now the time to consider protecting and managing your wealth for future generations?
How would you cover some or all of the cost of an Inheritance Tax liability?
Especially when your primary aspiration is to pass on as much wealth as possible to loved ones
Maximising the end of the UK tax year 2024/25
Time is running out to review your plans and fully take advantage of any tax-saving options
It’s good to talk
How to approach financial conversations with older family members
Do you fall into the 60% tax trap?
Making additional pension contributions could mean lowering your effective tax rate
Understanding retirement decisions
The impact of pension lump sums and their long-term implications
Long-term Investing
The optimal time to invest is shaped by your personal goals and circumstances
Dreaming of achieving the lifestyle you want in retirement?
How to maintain your quality of life and pursue the activities and experiences you value most
Long-term later-life care costs
Understanding the options that could alleviate this burden and help you feel more in control
Markets respond unpredictably to rapidly evolving events
Understanding the impact of rising interest rates on investment trusts
Maximising your money
Navigating life’s twists and turns without jeopardising your financial stability
Avoiding financial pitfalls
Recognising common mistakes can help protect your wealth
Visualising life's destination
Helping you stay on track even in unpredictable circumstances
Managing your finances with confidence
Creating a roadmap for realising life's objectives is key
Currency conundrums
What is the impact of exchange rates, and why are they important?
Supporting your grandchildren financially
Providing a financial head start and paving the way for a more secure future
How realistic is your vision for retirement?
Deciding when to retire and being financially ready to sustain that dream are two very different things
Are your capital gains causing you a financial headache?
Without a clear strategy, you might end up paying more tax than necessary
Growing your wealth
Reinvesting dividends can significantly boost your investment returns over the long haul
City Capital Financial Planning - Quarterly Market Commentary - March 2025
Welcome to the March 2025 issue of our Quarterly Market Commentary.
Global markets displayed mixed performance from December 2024 to February 2025, shaped by various macroeconomic factors, adjustments in monetary policy, and geopolitical developments. Similarly, UK markets experienced a range of outcomes during this period, influenced by economic challenges, monetary policy shifts, and overarching global uncertainties.
During this period, the FTSE 100 showed resilience. However, this optimism was tempered in early 2025 as political uncertainties regarding key domestic policies increased market volatility. In February, the Bank of England reduced interest rates to 4.5%, halved its UK growth forecasts for the year, and cautioned that households would face renewed pressure from rising prices.
Start 2025 with a New Year's Wealth Check
Like your car, your finances require consistent care and attention to keep running smoothly. Just as a regular service ensures your vehicle performs at its best and avoids costly breakdowns, a yearly financial check-up is vital to ensuring your money works as effectively as possible. On page 12, we look at why the beginning of 2025 offers an ideal opportunity to take stock of your financial health, setting the tone for a prosperous and secure year ahead.
Maximise your tax allowances before 5 April
Make the most of your financial situation before the deadline
Autumn Budget Statement 2024
How could the range of changes impact your wealth planning?
Financial resolutions to boost your wealth this year
Taking a proactive approach to clarify your current financial standing
ISA returns of the year
Making the most of your 2024/25 tax allowances
How to navigate the Capital Gains Tax changes
Ensure your hard-earned investments work efficiently for your future
Start 2025 with a New Year's wealth check
An ideal opportunity to take stock of your financial health
Taking the road to a comfortable retirement
Achieving this vision requires careful planning and preparation
Navigating estate planning amid changing IHT rules
Ensuring your loved ones are cared for takes proper planning
Planning for the future of your wealth
How to integrate emotional, financial and practical dimensions
Making the most of a lump sum windfall
Much will depend significantly on your goals, needs and long-term aspirations
Pension funds and the path to net zero
Survey pinpoints several barriers threatening pension funds' progress
Investing isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach
Why timing the market could be holding you back
Practical financial planning for busy mums
The road to robust financial health, even when you're juggling the demands of family life
How to boost your chances of early retirement
Maintaining a strong commitment to your long-term goals
Planning for your dream retirement
Whether that’s adventure, relaxation or simply a slower pace of life
Pensioners set for income boost, but watch out for the tax trap
Could you lose out on tax-free allowances for other income?
Financial planning in your 70s
Striking the balance between living comfortably and preparing for unpredictable eventualities
Financial planning for your children’s education
Education is one of the most significant and rewarding investments you can make for your child
From crisis to resilience
Building a solid financial plan
Understanding State Pension rights and inheritance
The topic goes beyond the basics – there are numerous layers to uncover
How to plan for your special wedding day
Alleviate financial stress and ensure you start off married life financially secure
Building a resilient investment portfolio
Smoothing returns and providing greater stability
City Capital Financial Planning - Quarterly Market Commentary - Dec 24
Welcome to the December 2024 issue of our Quarterly Market Commentary.
Looking back over the last quarter, global equities faced a notable downturn in August, with the US economy at the centre of investor scrutiny. Mixed economic indicators, inflationary pressures, and global equity markets showed varied performance in late 2024, shaped by macroeconomic challenges and political events. The re-election of Donald Trump in the 5 November presidential vote brought political clarity to the United States, though economic uncertainty persisted. US equities fell in October due to lacklustre corporate earnings and concerns over Federal Reserve policy. Sharp declines in healthcare, materials, and real estate overshadowed strong gains in the financial and communication services sectors. The US economy, however, demonstrated resilience with an annualised Q3 growth rate of 3.1% and inflation easing to 2.2% in November from 2.4% in October.
Understanding the Rising Impact of Inheritance Tax
Welcome to our latest issue. The amount of Inheritance Tax (IHT) paid by families has dramatically increased over the past decade, increasing from £3.1 billion in the 2012/13 tax year[1] to £7.5 billion in the 2023/24 tax year[2]. This rise is attributed to growing asset values and stagnant IHT thresholds, coupled with many families delaying their planning. On page 08, we look at how to maximise IHT allowances, strategic planning to reduce IHT, tax-efficient gifting and transfers, utilising pensions for IHT efficiency and additional strategies for reducing IHT.
How does pension consolidation work?
Pensions can be confusing, but there is an alternative way to help keep on top of them
Maximising returns
The power of reinvesting dividends for long-term growth
Stay focused on your retirement goals
Identifying any potential financial gaps and bridging these gaps before it's too late
Understanding the rising impact of Inheritance Tax
Exploring strategies to secure your family’s financial future
A safety net for uncertain times
How would you pay your bills if you couldn't work?
Have you had a retirement conversation?
Many people do not engage in crucial conversations regarding the lifestyle they envision
Who pays for long-term care?
Ensure you’re well placed to fund any future care needs
Building a diversified investment portfolio
Why it's imperative to consider your objectives and attitude towards investment risk
Enhancing your financial plans as you approach 50
Steps you can take now to influence your retirement and overall financial security significantly
Planning your path to a fulfilling retirement
Are your finances on the right track as you approach this new chapter?
How much financial security do you need for a happy retirement?
Financial status plays a significant role in retirement happiness
Is it time to evaluate your financial landscape?
Financial strategies are not immune to the impacts of life’s changes
Unlocking homeownership
Generous parents and grandparents are turning to their property wealth
Managing the menopause, a financial perspective
Often-overlooked financial implications during this transformative life stage
Balancing motherhood and financial security
Juggling responsibilities can often push long-term financial planning to the sidelines
Building a secure financial future together
How to prevent misunderstandings and lay the groundwork for mutual financial success
Combating inflation, the ‘silent thief’
Why retirement planning needs to account for longevity risk
Retirement readiness in your 50s
Now is the time to make sure you know how much you need to save
Understanding the gender pension gap
Why do women often find themselves disadvantaged in retirement?
Landscape of workplace pensions
Six in ten employees feel they are not saving enough for retirement
Navigating life events and inheritance
Research highlights a profound impact on financial security and life choices
The role of trusts
Providing timely financial support to your loved ones when they need it most
Autumn Budget Statement 2024 - What it Could Mean For Your Finances
Welcome to our latest issue. On 30 October, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves will deliver the Autumn Budget Statement 2024. It will be a critical indicator of the government's approach to managing the economy, aiming to foster an environment conducive to sustainable growth. The outcomes of this Autumn Budget will have far-reaching implications, potentially influencing everything from tax rates and public services to business investment and consumer confidence. As such, it is a pivotal moment that will shape the economic landscape in the months and years ahead. On page 10, we look at what it could mean for your finances.
Could you have been underpaid the State Pension?
HMRC estimates that affected women could be owed an average of £5,000 each
Pension scams on the rise
Protect your savings! 7.3 million UK adults encountered an attempted scam in the past year
Navigating the complexities of inheritance
Should you consider estate planning and gifting for future generations?
Mastering financial planning
Essential tips for mothers balancing family and finances
Autumn Budget Statement 2024
What it could mean for your finances
Time to revisit your retirement plan?
Helping you feel more prepared for this stage of your life
The middle-aged squeeze
Juggling careers, family care and financial pressure amid rising costs and wealth transfers
The cost of early withdrawal from your pension
How retirees are impacting their financial future by accessing pension pots too soon
Rising demand for health cover
Grappling with a workforce sickness epidemic and long NHS waiting times
Building wealth and achieving financial goals
Aligning investments with risk tolerance and capacity
The future of retirement
Experiences of the past and potential future scenarios
The Great Unretirement
Contemplating a return to work after a significant absence or considering a phased return?
Sandwich generation
Two-thirds of people in the UK will care for a loved one at some point
Take your pension to the max
Do you have potential shortfalls and need to address these gaps?
Empowered savers
How to make future aspirations more attainable and less stressful
Shaping a sustainable future
The imperative of collective action and responsible investment
New study uncovers financial vulnerability in five million UK households
Delayed life milestones and lack of planning pose significant risks
Redundancy and your pension
Understanding your workplace pension options to navigate your next steps confidently
Have you secured your legacy?
The vital role of Wills in estate planning
Should you use your pension lump sum to pay off your mortgage?
Essential key considerations and potential pitfalls you need to know
The retirement gap
Why UK retirees are working seven years longer than planned
The rise of remote work and moving abroad
Becoming a UK expat can mark the start of an exciting chapter, but what about your pension?
City Capital Financial Planning - Quarterly Market Commentary - Sept 24
Quarterly Market Commentary September 2024 - Investors reassess positions amidst high valuations and potential corrections in stock prices
Welcome to the September 2024 issue of our Quarterly Market Commentary.
Looking back over the last quarter, global equities faced a notable downturn in August, with the US economy at the centre of investor scrutiny. Mixed economic indicators, inflationary pressures, and interest rate fluctuations contributed to widespread market anxiety. Concerns about a potential US economic slowdown prompted sell-offs across various sectors as investors reassessed their positions amidst high valuations and potential corrections in stock prices.
UK equities experienced a turbulent August, initially buoyed by a Labour Party election victory that sparked optimism for economic recovery. However, this optimism was short-lived as broader economic concerns and geopolitical tensions significantly declined the FTSE 100. Despite a promising start, the UK market faced challenges due to adverse economic data and diminishing investor confidence.
The Eurozone displayed resilience in July, with gains led by the healthcare, utilities, and real estate sectors. However, August shifted sentiment as global market downturns and economic apprehensions impacted the region. Political uncertainties, such as France's inconclusive parliamentary elections, added to the Eurozone's economic challenges and growth prospects.
In the US, August's downturn overshadowed July's initial market gains. Despite the Federal Reserve's potential rate cut and improved inflation data, concerns about a recession and political shifts, including President Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race, affected market dynamics. Investors recalibrated their expectations in response to these complex economic and political factors.
Japan's market experienced significant volatility, with the yen's appreciation impacting exporters and equity sectors. The Bank of Japan's rate hike supported the yen, while small-cap and value investments demonstrated resilience. Economic concerns contributed to further market fluctuations in August, highlighting the need for strategic diversification in investment portfolios.
Emerging markets showed resilience in July, benefiting from a weaker dollar and potential US rate cuts. However, challenges in China and Taiwan, along with currency depreciation in Turkey and interest rate delays in Poland, tempered gains. By August, increased volatility and geopolitical uncertainties reshaped the emerging market landscape, demanding adaptable investment strategies. Meanwhile, global bonds enjoyed a positive July, driven by dropping yields and central bank actions, though they faced renewed challenges in August due to economic concerns.
Financial Protection - Ensuring a Secure Future For You and Your Loved Ones
Welcome to our latest issue. Nobody wants to consider what would happen if they became too ill to support their family financially. Financial protection is essential to creating a secure future for your loved ones, but understanding what cover you may need can be confusing. On page 10, we discuss whether you have considered the implications financially if you or someone in your family were unable to earn money, became ill or were to die prematurely. It’s not something we like to think about, but if you have left regular employment and are now either retired or have become self-employed, then any previous protection you received from an employer becomes your responsibility.
Articles featured in this issue:
Retirement matters
Making the right decisions today could boost your retirement pot and make the future a whole lot brighter
Caring for grandchildren
How it can help you boost your State Pension
Britain’s biggest pension taxpayers
How to make sure you avoid becoming one
Placing assets into a Trust
Ensuring your legacy is managed according to your wishes long into the future
Financial protection
Ensuring a secure future for you and your loved ones
Ways to reduce a Capital Gains Tax liability
How will you ensure more of your money will go towards your future?
Investing a lump sum
Received an inheritance, windfall, or proceeds from a business or property sale? But what next?
How much do I need to save for retirement?
Ensure your money works effectively to enjoy retirement on your own terms
The importance of drafting a Will
Protect your family from uncertainty and potential conflicts
Quarter of retirees financially struggling despite paying off mortgage
Urgent need for effective financial strategies and support systems to ensure a dignified and secure retirement
Financial planning conversations you need to have
Protecting your legacy and boosting your children’s financial security
Young women and retirement
How much income will you need for a comfortable retirement?
State Pension awareness
What payments can you expect to receive from the government later in life?
Changing retirement trends
Why the concept of a 'hard stop' retirement is becoming less prevalent
Learning from the retired
Balancing financial security with mental wellbeing
Retirement experience among over-55s
Money, or lack thereof, a significant driver of overall retirement satisfaction
Building financial confidence in children
Sharing values and encouraging children to formulate their own
Many Britons unaware of incorrect tax codes
What you need to know to avoid discrepancies and potential financial strain
Retirees supporting family and friends financially
Nearly 40% support grown-up children, a spouse or partner, a parent, an elderly relative or a friend
Downsizing in later life
Research highlights what people consider before making the decision
Minimise Inheritance Tax
Allow your loved ones to benefit more from your accumulated wealth
Only two-fifths of Britons know how to boost their pension
How much money will you have for retirement, where is it invested and what are you being charged?
Enhancing Pension Contributions for a Brighter Future
Welcome to our latest issue. As we embark on the new tax year, on page 08, we consider why reviewing your pension savings strategy presents an opportune moment, setting a solid foundation for future financial stability. Early attention to your private pension at the onset of the fiscal year is not just about cultivating beneficial saving habits; it's also about ensuring you take advantage of the benefits and allowances available to you.
Britons procrastinate on making a Will
Research identifies that over half of adults do not have a Will
Looming pension pitfall
£50 billion of hard-earned pension funds could be in jeopardy
Costs of later-life care
Establishing a thorough wealth strategy is key to ensuring financial readiness
Changes to Individual Savings Accounts in 2024
Why savers and investors now have a more flexible approach
Enhancing pension contributions for a brighter future
New tax year, new you? Maximise your pension savings this new tax year
Navigating Inheritance Tax
How to pass on assets to the next generation to secure their future for tomorrow
Rising trend of unretirement
14% of those aged over 55 have found themselves re-entering the workforce
Prudence of perseverance in investing
Maintaining an investment stance centred on the potential for long-term growth
Enhancing retirement through lump sum contributions
Contributing additional amounts to your pension stands to benefit you significantly in the long term
Understanding pension uncertainties
Survey highlights prevailing uncertainty among those on the cusp of retirement
Generational wealth perspectives
Whether through property, pensions or a blend of both, informed decision-making is crucial
New pension tax framework
Pivotal shift changes you need to know commenced from 6 April 2024
Troubling trend amongst UK workers
Prevailing issue of presenteeism highlights a need for a transformation in workplace culture
Unveiling the core principles of investing
Timeless beacons guide investors through periods of market volatility towards financial prosperity
Mind over matter
How behavioural investing can shape financial futures
Strategic reinvestment of State Pension increases
When transferring into a personal pension may make sense
Unique insight into the current attitudes towards pension investment
Prevailing concern among savers regarding their capability to make informed investment decisions
Employee preferences in Workplace Pension selection
Complex landscape of employee preferences, confidence and skills
Overcoming the gender investment disparity
Critical insights to empower women to take the reins of their financial destinies
UK retirees confronting pension shortfalls
Many regret not having commenced their savings journey earlier in their careers
Reliance on Defined Benefit pensions among over-50s
Diverse avenues through which individuals plan to supplement their retirement income
CCFP - Pre-Year End Tax Planning Newsletter
As we approach the end of the current tax year on 5 April 2024, it's an opportune moment to examine both your personal and business finances to ensure they are structured to optimise your tax efficiency. Despite the ongoing freeze on many tax rates and thresholds, numerous strategies remain for efficiently organising your financial matters.
Articles featured in this issue:
Planning for an early retirement
Living life to the fullest and accomplishing long-held dreams
Wealth accumulation
Valuable insights that can impact an investment strategy
Adjusting your pension plans
How could the normal minimum pension age change affect your plans?
What will your legacy look like?
Effective Inheritance Tax planning is a careful balancing act
Pre-year-end tax planning
Tax-saving actions to take before the deadline
Managing your finances as a couple
Discussing finances may feel uncomfortable, but it is crucial to maintain a healthy relationship
Harnessing the power of Green Pensions
One of our most potent tools in making substantial strides towards net zero
Protecting yourself from investment scams
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is
Navigating through divorce
Safeguarding your future financial stability and preserving your wealth
The 'Bank of Family'
A £38 billion lifeline for modern parents
Young visionaries eye early retirement
The power of small changes can lead to a path to significant returns
Pension puzzle
Research highlights the gender disparity in financial engagement
The gift of giving
Distributing assets or cash without contributing to your estate's overall value for Inheritance Tax purposes
Jeopardising financial stability
Protecting you and your family’s financial future
The impact of disability on financial planning
Report highlights retirement savings must be inclusive for everyone
Health consciousness divide
Why prevention is better than cure
Postponing retirement
An increasingly growing trend in Britain
Unpredictability of financial climates
Strategic diversification of your investments can be your first line of defence
Life’s complicated. Getting life insurance shouldn’t be
Make sure your loved ones are looked after should the worst happen
Proactive retirement planning
A growing trend among mid-lifers prioritising their future financial stability
Age is not just a number
The impact of an increased lifespan on your retirement finances
The £26 billion lost pension maze
Unclaimed pensions could mean thousands of pounds added to your retirement fund
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