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These articles help you understand your financial needs and aspirations 

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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 : Guide to the Autumn Statement 2023

Our detailed Guide to Autumn Statement 2023 looks at these key announcements.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, unveiled his 2023 Autumn Statement on Wednesday 22 November, alongside an updated economic forecast from the Office for Budget Responsibility. 

The Statement was centred around ‘growth’, with Mr Hunt leveraging increased tax receipts from a stronger-than-anticipated economy to fund 110 growth-promoting initiatives. Mr Hunt said the government had taken difficult decisions to put the economy back on track and halve inflation, but ‘the work is not done’. He said his priorities are to avoid big government spending and high taxes and instead cut taxes and ‘reward hard work’.

Among the highlights were significant changes aimed at enhancing earnings. Mr Hunt's drive to 'make work pay' materialised through reductions to National Insurance for both employees and the self-employed, coupled with an uplift in the National Living Wage.

Additionally, Mr Hunt announced the permanent establishment of the 'full expensing' capital allowance, reforms to the R&D tax credit and increased business rates support for smaller enterprises. These measures are expected to bolster innovation and provide much-needed relief for small businesses.

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

 

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?

Guide to the Spring Budget Statement 2023

Guide to the Spring Budget Statement 2023

On Wednesday 15 March, Jeremy Hunt, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, addressed the Commons to deliver the Spring Budget 2023, with an aim to bring people back into the workforce. Mr Hunt commented that the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) expects inflation to fall from 10.7% to 2.9% by the end of 2023.

The Chancellor said the OBR now forecasts the UK will not enter a technical recession this year. But despite narrowly avoiding recession, living standards are still predicted to fall by 6% within this fiscal year and the next. 

 

Key budget announcements included the abolishing of the Lifetime Allowance on tax-free pension contributions, which was previously set at £1,073,100. The tax-free annual pension allowance for pension pots will also rise from £40,000 to £60,000 from 6 April 2023.

 

Working parents in England are to receive 30 hours of free childcare per week, though this won't be fully implemented until 2025. It will be phased in for households where the parent or parents work: April 2024: Eligible two-year-olds will get 15 hours of free childcare per week; September 2024: Eligible children between nine months and two years will get 15 hours; and September 2025: Eligible children between nine months and three years will get 30 hours.

 

Fuel duty has been frozen again whilst help with energy bills will remain for an extra three months and disabled people can apply for up to 50,000 places on a new voluntary employment scheme funded by the government. The Chancellor also confirmed that Corporation Tax will rise from 19% to 25% in April.

 

What does the Spring Budget Statement 2023 mean for you, your family and business?

 

In our guide to the Spring Budget Statement 2023, we look at the key announcements from Jeremy Hunt's speech. If you require any further assistance or would like to discuss your situation, please contact us

2021/2022 Tax Year-End Planning

Protect yourself, your family and your future

As another tax year end approaches, it’s important to finalise your 2021/22 tax planning to reduce your obligations wherever possible.

The current tax year started on 6 April 2021 and ends on 5 April 2022.

Reviewing your tax affairs now will enable you to make the most of any allowable deductions and strategies available to minimise or mitigate a potential tax burden.

Identifying any tax planning opportunities

Check your PAYE tax code

Transfer part of your personal allowance

Contribtue up to £9,000 into your Child's Junior ISA

Utilise Capital Losses

Maximise Pension Contributions

Pay Pension Contributions to save NICs

Make a Will

Leave some of your estate to charity

Make regular IHT Free Gifts

Use the IHT Marriage Exemption