Newsletter

These articles help you understand your financial needs and aspirations 

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  • Tax Planning

Tax-Saving Measures - What Actions to Review Before the 2023/2024 Year End?

Welcome to the first issue for 2024. The tax landscape has witnessed considerable changes, making the situation more challenging for taxpayers and investors alike. As we near the end of the 2023/24 tax year on 5 April, every taxpayer should understand the importance of this date and consider their tax position. Don’t leave it to chance and miss the deadline. On page 06, we’ve provided some planning tips to consider and discuss with us.

National Insurance Contributions (NICs) 

Significant reforms and rates cut for millions of workers

 

Changes to the State Pension

‘Triple Lock’ to increase by 8.5% from 6 April 2024

 

Tax-saving measures 

What actions to review before the 2023/24 year-end?

 

Balancing profit and planet

Striving to use impact to boost investment returns

 

Time to SIPP into financial freedom?

‘I want to take charge of my retirement savings’

 

Succession planning, a family affair 

A delicate process that requires clear communication and effective planning

 

Treasure trove

£26.6 billion in forgotten pensions

 

A tax-efficient, flexible method for future planning

Time is running out to use your 2023/24 ISA allowance 

 

Financial road map for 2024

How to devise a robust plan for wealth accumulation and protection

 

Securing retirement

The art of de-risking

 

Charting your financial future

Tackling retirement anxieties requires understanding your current financial resources

 

Time to kickstart your retirement plans?

How to get your retirement plans in motion

 

Make the most of your wealth

Opening up a world of possibilities for your future

 

Gender pension gap

The potential barrier to reaching the same savings levels as men

 

Heightened interest rates increase demand for annuities

What will you do with your hard-earned pension pot at retirement?

 

The forgotten task on Britons' to-do list

Financial pitfalls that could easily have been avoided

 

Investing after retirement 

Preserving wealth for your future lifestyle 

 

The power of prevention

An effective financial plan acts as your protective shield

 

It’s good to talk

How to navigate financial conversations with your family

 

£32 billion hole in UK savings pots 

Rise in living costs forcing many people to dip into their financial reserves

 

Bridging the pension generation gap

Urgency for younger generations to access improved financial education

A Crucial Decade: Financial Planning in your 50s

Welcome to our November/December 2023 edition. As you sail into your 50s, it becomes pivotal to consider your financial strategy. Life has likely found a steady rhythm by now. Children have probably taken flight, becoming financially self-sufficient, and the idea of reducing work hours or even retiring completely starts to surface. Each person's life journey is unique and has different resources and challenges. However, there are shared goals and steps that one can take during this stage. On page 09, we consider how knowing where to begin can be daunting, whether you aim to maximise your earnings or lay down a robust financial plan.

Welcome to our latest November/December 2023 edition. 

 

Articles featured in this issue:

 

Taxing times for 2023 

A year marked by several tax changes that impacted higher rate taxpayers

 

Strategies to minimise retirement tax

Many pensioners may face a lurking tax risk as the State Pension grows

 

Decoding auto-enrolment

Good news on the horizon for future retirees

 

A crucial decade: financial planning in your 50s

Maximising your earnings or laying down a robust financial plan

 

Journey to monetary autonomy

Optimising your finances and formulating an all-encompassing wealth plan for the future

 

‘Time in the market’, not ‘timing the market’

The allure of quick profits and instant gratification

 

Weathering the inflation storm

Is it time to diversify your portfolio?

 

High costs of private education

The significant decision of choosing a private school for children

 

Aspiring towards retirement

Why many people experience a mixed bag of emotions on the subject

 

A timely proposition

Considering gilts for your investment portfolio?

 

The Family Bank

Planning to aid the next generation

 

Mind the retirement gap

Crisis looming over today's youth

 

Financial planning

A personal journey tailored to your unique financial situation and aspirations

 

Positive impact on financial wellbeing

Improving your overall life satisfaction and happiness

 

Navigating multiple pensions

Simplifying financial management, lowering charges and increasing future funds

 

The reality of retirement

Are you sure your target retirement age aligns with your financial status?

 

Taking the first step

Introduction to investing for beginners

 

Inflation and your retirement income

Several strategies to lessen its impact on retirees

 

The gender divide

Reflecting on 75 years of State Pensions

 

Fixed-income investments

Providing significant value in a diversified investment portfolio

 

Immediate gains, long-term losses

The high price of halting pension contributions

 

Investment Bonds - How Bond's Structure & Tax Advantages Can Help you Pass on Wealth

Welcome to our September/October 2023 edition. In this issue, we look at investment bonds and explain how they offer several benefits that some investors may be missing out on, which have become even more beneficial due to recent changes in tax regulations. This follows last November’s Budget and the Chancellor’s decision to reduce the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Allowance from £12,000 to £6,000 this year and to £3,000 in April 2024. This is likely to increase the appeal of investment bonds for some investors who want to minimise Inheritance Tax (IHT) liabilities when passing on wealth. 

Preserving wealth for future generations

Starting estate planning early and implementing it in stages is desirable

 

Will you make the right decisions around your pension pot?

Why defined contribution pensions are even more appealing for wealth transfer

 

Building a reliable income stream for your golden years

Make sure you maximise your retirement income through annuity shopping

 

Investment bonds

How bonds' structure and tax advantages can help you pass on wealth

 

Missing out on unclaimed money that could be in your pocket?

£1.3 billion pension tax relief unclaimed by pension savers over a five-year period

 

Saving for the next generation

Taking proactive steps in securing your child’s or grandchild’s financial future

 

Money and divorce

Untangling your finances and navigating the financial aspects of divorce

 

Pension drawdown

Greater flexibility in accessing your pension funds

 

Cost of care in later life

Choosing the best option for yourself or your loved ones

 

Retirement cash flow modelling

Assessing your current and projected wealth, income and expenses

 

Preparing the next generation to engage with their finances

How to help with money management and financial literacy 

 

Key traits for successful wealth-building

Developing an investment strategy tailored to your goals 

 

Macro trends impacting weddings in 2023

Main pressures are rising costs and unexpected expenses from suppliers

 

Retirement challenges faced by women

Nearly half of women aged 50-65 plan to continue working in some capacity after reaching the State Pension age

 

Do our later life dreams really become retirement reality? 

Taking the necessary steps towards a fulfilling retirement

 

Gap in knowledge and uptake of Power of Attorney

Protecting individuals and facilitating smoother decision-making processes

 

Millions may have to rethink their retirement plans

More than one in ten have mortgage debt in the final decade before they retire

 

How much will I need to live on in retirement?

Planning for your life after work to ensure a financially secure future

 

How to reduce the impact of inflation on retirement income

During periods of economic uncertainty, it's advisable to reassess your retirement plan

 

Professional financial advice – where’s the value?

Making more informed decisions about money leads to better financial health in the long run

 

How to find or trace a lost pension

Total value of lost pension pots £26.6 billion in 2022

Getting Retirement Ready - Key Steps to Achieving a Comfortable Retirement

In this issue, a comfortable retirement is a common financial goal, and contributing to a pension is essential to achieving it. Although retirement may appear distant at the moment, there's much to consider. Let us assist you in navigating this crucial life milestone. By planning ahead and making smart decisions about your savings, you can ensure a stable and enjoyable retirement. On page 12, we consider what steps will help you get pension retirement ready.

Normal Minimum Pension Age update

Essential information for your retirement planning

 

10 reasons to get your tax return filed now

British workers overpay £8.2bn in tax due to wrong codes

 

Maximising your investments in your 50s

Time to evaluate whether you need to modify your objectives or saving strategies?

 

Responsible asset selection

Supporting responsible practices and contributing to a sustainable future

 

Getting retirement ready

Key steps to achieving a comfortable retirement

 

Tax relief matters

How to build a bigger pension pot

 

Building a diversified portfolio

What is it, and why is it important?

 

Are we entering an investment bond renaissance?

Exploring why they are an attractive option to mass-affluent investors

 

How to invest after retirement

Ensure your wealth is preserved for future generations

 

Protecting your children and securing their future

Our health, an invaluable asset, is often overlooked or taken for granted

 

Lump sum vs regular contributions!

Choosing the right pension payment strategy

 

Using your inheritance effectively

Making informed decisions about managing the funds wisely

 

The importance of understanding tax-free pension withdrawals

Many over-55s are unaware that they can access 25% of their pension pot tax-free

 

The Gender Pension Gap issue

73% of women make only minimum pension contributions, compared to 58% of men

 

Price of adulthood

Financial responsibilities increase significantly after 25

 

Saving for retirement

A decade-by-decade guide

 

Bonds vs equities

Where should income-seekers turn?

 

Should I delay my retirement?

Delaying retirement could boost your chances of a secure financial future

 

Investing mistakes to avoid

Errors can have long-lasting consequences, setting you back financially

 

Hidden impact of inflation on savings

A closer look at a financial understanding among Britons

 

Adjusting your investment portfolio with age

Is your asset allocation aligned with your risk tolerance?

PENSIONS OF SIGNIFICANT VALUE WELCOME BUT UNEXPECTED CHANGES TO PENSION TAX

In this issue, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's first proper Budget 2023, on Wednesday 15 March, brought some welcome but unexpected changes to pension tax, the most significant of which was the abolition of the pension Lifetime Allowance (LTA) charge. Britons can now expect significant changes that will affect their retirement savings. On page 10 we consider how these changes could impact on your pension and secure your retirement plans.

Articles featured in this issue:

 

State Pension

How much has the 2023/24 State Pension increased by?

 

Early bird investors

Does the early bird get the ISA worm?

 

More people choosing semi-retirement for a variety of reasons

Two in five over-55s plan to gradually phase out working life before State Pension age

 

Pensions of significant value

Welcome but unexpected changes to pension tax

 

Giving while living

What will your legacy look like?

 

Spring Budget 2023

How the changes affect pensions and taxes

 

Professional financial advice matters

Making informed decisions about how best to allocate your resources

 

I have a Will, so why do I need a Lasting Power of Attorney?

Making decisions in relation to your financial affairs, health and welfare

 

Financial wellbeing

More than 24.5 million people are financially disengaged

 

Securing an income stream for the rest of your life

Deciding what to do with your pension fund can be a complex decision

 

Relying on an inheritance for future financial security

50% of British adults admit to having checked the value of their parents’ property

 

Retirement matters

Will you have enough funds to cover your desired lifestyle after you stop working?

 

Principles of growing your money

Investing could help you beat inflation and build a nest egg for the future

 

Want to help give the younger generation a boost?

One in 12 grandparents use property wealth to support grandchildren

 

Passing on assets tax-efficiently

How to ensure that your wealth is preserved for future generations

 

Mind the State Pension gap

Knowing how much you’ll receive is vital for planning your future finances

 

Combining drawdown with an annuity

Enjoying a comfortable and sustainable retirement income that gives you the best of both worlds

 

Think of life insurance like a safety net

Make sure your dependents would have the money they’d need if you were no longer around

 

Gender pension gap

Gap in pension benefits between men and women widens

 

Building up more tax-free money in your pension

Changes present significant opportunities for various individuals

 

Time to give annuities another chance?

Nearly one million pre-retirees considering annuities

Wealth Succession - Making the Right Preparation for Future Generations

In this issue, financial planning can be a daunting and uncomfortable conversation for many, but thankfully attitudes towards talking about money are changing. Wealth succession should be an integral part of your financial plan as early as possible – because the right preparation now can have positive long-term impacts on future generations. On page 06, before you start this process, we consider the questions you need to ask.

Articles featured in this issue:

 

Goals don't just happen, you have to plan for them

How professional financial advice benefits both you and your family

 

Rising prices can wipe years off retirement pots

How to protect your pension income against inflationary pressures

 

Wealth succession

Making the right preparation for future generations

 

Show me the money

Britons not researching their investments because it’s ‘time consuming’ and ‘complicated’

 

Time to retire?

Planning your finances to be sustainable for the long term is key

 

Critical illness cover, your questions answered

Protecting against the financial impact that a serious illness can cause 

 

Retirement planning

Your wealth. Your legacy

 

Giving retirement a second thought?

Over a third of over-55s think they will work beyond their State Pension age

 

Financial security and freedom

Rising prices add almost 20% to ‘minimum’ cost of retirement

 

Thinking about divorcing?

Protecting your assets and preparing you for going forward on your own

 

Cost of living crisis

Almost one in three over-55s’ mortgage repayment plans derailed

 

Financial bliss!

Money and finances are a common source of disagreement and stress

 

Cost averaging your investments

Reducing the risk of investing in volatile markets

 

Insurance that works while you can’t

2.5 million Britons lose at least £23,126 a year due to long-term illness

 

Retirement planning for every life stage

Alleviate any fear and uncertainty you might have about your financial future

 

Overwhelmed by your pension? 

Almost half of UK consumers find pensions information daunting 

 

Protecting income

7% of self-employed workers would choose to carry on working through illness or injury

 

Financial jargon

7 out of 10 adults are puzzled by financial matters lingo

 

Future wealth

Ready to start investing for your grandchild’s future?

 

Drawdown, annuities or both?

Make sure your retirement strategy meets your needs and goals

Taxing Times - Time for a tax health check?

With the current tax year having begun on 6 April 2022, the clock is ticking and it is important to utilise all the tax reliefs and allowances available to you before 5 April 2023 in order to minimise any potential liabilities. On page 08, we look at the way personal tax planning should be at the top of your agenda as the end of the current tax year is not too far away. Taking action now may give you the opportunity to take advantage of any remaining reliefs, allowances and exemptions. 

Articles featured in this issue:

 

Chancellor retains State Pension triple lock

State Pension is set for a record-breaking increase from April 2023

 

Don't miss the ISA deadline 

Use your tax-efficient allowance or lose it forever! 

 

‘Phased retirement’

Pre-retirees starting their plans but will rising living costs halt their plans?

 

No ‘one-size-fits-all’ protection solution

Helping you feel confident your family’s finances are secure

 

Menopause in the workplace

Unique retirement planning challenges women face

 

Taxing times

Time for a tax health check?

 

Time to get your retirement plans in motion?

Three in five Britons feel stressed about later life planning

 

Tracing old and lost pensions

Nearly half of pension holders have lost track of some of their pension pots

 

Millennials willing to forgo inheritance

Harder to support bigger financial commitments of older generation parents

 

Feeling the pinch

Women more vulnerable to cost of living crisis

 

Perfect storm

Major long-term ramifications for financial health and wellbeing

 

Show me the money

Choosing an investment style that best suits your needs

 

Ins and outs of CGT

Ways to potentially reduce your Capital Gains Tax liability

 

Planning to meet your goals

How advice can boost your financial wellbeing

 

What sort of lifestyle will you be able to afford?

How inflation could be impacting on your retirement plans

 

Impacts of climate change

Nearly two-thirds of people in the UK more concerned about climate change

 

Understanding pensions

A topic high up on the recruitment radar

 

Time to talk

Discussing Wills and trusts with adult children or dependents

 

Insurance that works while you can’t

Would you be able to carry on paying the bills using statutory sick pay or your savings?

Don't Abandon Pension Contributions as Prices Rise

As the cost of living continues to soar, with inflation reaching a 40-year high, the impact on household finances is taking its toll. But it is essential to try to maintain a savings habit even in the current climate.  In our latest Newsletter we look at the impact breaks in pension contributions could mean to savers by missing out on thousands of pounds in future that will mean less income during retirement.

Articles featured in this issue:

 

Working 9 to 5

More over 65s are still working than six years ago

 

Pension saving revolution

Auto-enrolment: celebrating a decade that has encouraged a culture of saving 

 

Investing for positive change

More investors align investments with personal values

 

Passing wealth down through the generations

Millions of retirees help out in cost of living crisis

 

Don’t abandon pension contributions as prices rise

Savers could miss out on thousands of pounds in retirement

 

Spotting an investment scam

How scammers are getting more convincing

 

Pensioners’ incomes

What is the average UK retirement income? 

 

How to maximise the value of pension savings

Mistakes to avoid when you’re aiming to build your pension pot

 

Doing the right thing for the planet

Four in five looking to change jobs demand green pensions

 

Balancing risk and returns

Bonds can play a key part in building an investment portfolio

 

Leaving a tax-efficient legacy

Considering the rule of seven when making financial gifts

 

Shrinking safety nets

More people set to dip into emergency funds

 

Increasing financial support for millennials 

Cost of living crisis drives early inheritance gifting

 

Preparing your finances for retirement 

Could market volatility and inflation mean you have to delay retirement?

 

Solving investor challenges

How to take less risk when investing

 

Reluctant to return

Millions want to stick with lockdown lifestyle changes

Putting Life on Hold

Welcome to our latest edition. Rising living costs have been so significant in recent months that most UK households will have noticed a squeeze on their monthly budgets. Not only does this have a direct impact on people’s lifestyles, even though they are making every effort to cut back, but it has a knock-on effect on their lifelong goals such as owning a home or retiring comfortably. On page 05 new research highlights millions of people across the UK fear that the long-term impact of today’s rising living costs could see their life goals delayed or even missed altogether.

 

Navigating the higher rate tax freeze

Minimising the impact on your personal finances

 

Great wealth transfer 

Preparing both ‘the family’ and ‘the money’ for the transition of wealth to the next generation

 

Cash may not be king

Deciding whether to withdraw cash from your pension pot

 

Putting life on hold

Cost-of-living crisis delays homeownership, having children and retirement

 

Are you saving enough for retirement? 

One in six over-55s have no pension savings yet

 

Bringing pensions together

What to consider if you have multiple pension pots

 

How to protect you and your family’s future 

What kind of protection insurance do you need?

 

Inheritance Tax receipts reach £6.1bn

What if I could make my wealth more tax-efficient?

 

Bridging the gender pensions gap

Women left with half the pension pot, no matter the job

Unretirement

More over-50s returning to work amid cost-of-living crisis

 

Cost-of-living crisis

Britons cutting back on food and entertainment to keep cars on the road

 

Funding the lifestyle you want

Get your retirement plans in motion

 

It’s good to talk

More young adults are more engaged about money with their parents than past generations

 

A healthier approach to retirement wealth

Pension schemes have a critical role to play in the transition to a net zero economy

 

Health, wealth and happiness of a nation

Overall wellbeing still not close to being back to levels seen pre-COVID

 

Ten tips for first-time investors

Ready to get started on your investment journey?

 

When should I stop working?

How to tell whether you’re ready to retire

 

Never too early to plan ahead

Pension savers struggling to save enough for their later years

 

Bank of grandma and grandad 

Older generation using the wealth held in their property to help younger generations

 

Mind the retirement gap

Four out of five workers not saving at levels which are likely to deliver an acceptable standard of living in old age

 

Reevaluating the role of work

Preparing your finances for a career break 

 

Self-employed extremely vulnerable to loss of income

81% aren’t seeking financial advice

 

Later life and financial wellbeing

More than one-million over-60s are rethinking later life plans

 

Pension booster 

Mistakes to avoid when you’re aiming to build your pot

New Year's Tax Savings Resolutions

Welcome to our latest edition. Inside, we look at New Year’s tax saving resolutions to make sure you are fully utilising your relevant tax planning opportunities. With the tax year end (5 April) on the horizon, taking action now may give you the opportunity to take advantage of any remaining reliefs, allowances and exemptions. On page 08 we have provided some key tax and financial planning tips to consider prior to the end of the tax year. Now is also the perfect time to take a wider review of your circumstances and plan for the year ahead.

Adult social care charging reform

What will the government’s proposals mean for the social care system?

 

Improve your financial life

Setting a financial New Year’s resolution you’ll actually keep

 

Beyond profit

How green is your pension?

 

Get ready to beat the ISA deadline

Time to give your financial future a boost?

 

New Year’s tax saving resolutions

Make full use of your relevant tax planning opportunities

 

Time to bring your pensions together?

3.6 million Britons have lost track of their pension savings

 

It may be time to invest your cash

Is your wealth protected from the damaging effects of inflation?

 

How much income will you receive from your State Pension?

Knowing what to expect can be an important part of planning for life after work

 

Create a better world to live and retire in

Pension investments to harness a more sustainable planet

 

The importance of financial protection 

Millions battling with financial hardship, relationship stress and sleepless nights

 

Across the generations

Pandemic forces people to reassess their finances

 

Mind the pension gender gap

Women are being urged to think about their long-term savings

 

Could equity release fund your future?

Freeing up funds or releasing money tied up in your home

 

Missing midlife workers

Redundancy pushes over-50s out of the workforce

 

What’s your magic number?

Keeping up your current lifestyle and enjoying your golden years

 

Live sustainably: how to be a conscious consumer  

The everyday choices we make all have impacts on our planet

 

Saving for a rainy day

What’s the right emergency fund amount for you?

 

What matters to you?

What you want your wealth to achieve will be unique. It may involve your family, your business and other interests - as well as the social or environmental causes you are passionate about. We can help you achieve the financial future you want for you and your family – please contact us.