Category: All News

 New Inheritance Tax rules apply from 6 April 2017 Unforeseen life events and circumstances can potentially impact your finances in a number of ways. We can help you to safeguard your wealth for future generations. Although often in the news, Inheritance Tax (IHT) is still not widely understood. That’s worrying, because it affects thousands of… Continue reading Safeguarding wealth for future generations

Turbulence in the economy has left many feeling confused The UK’s decision to leave the EU has left over two million[1] people planning to change their retirement plans. It’s undoubtedly a thought-provoking time for many approaching retirement and even more difficult for retirees to know what is right for them. It’s essential you have access… Continue reading Millions change retirement plans post–EU vote

Time to take control over where your money is invested tax-efficiently Each tax year, we are each given an annual Individual Savings Account (ISA) allowance. The ISA limit for 2016/17 is £15,240, rising to £20,000 in 2017/18. Anyone wishing to utilise their allowance should do so before the deadline at midnight on Wednesday 5 April… Continue reading Don’t miss the ISA deadline

What you have and what you want to happen to it Everyone should have a Will, but it is even more important if you have children, you own property, you have savings, investments or insurance policies, or you own a business. The very act of having a Will drawn up can be beneficial in that… Continue reading Getting your affairs in order

Reducing the amount of Inheritance Tax payable on other assets Business Depending on how you own the business and what type of business it is, you could receive either 50% or 100% tax relief on it. Business Relief reduces the value of a business or its assets when working out how much Inheritance Tax (IHT)… Continue reading Alternative exemptions

Inheritance Tax exemptions Making a gift to your family and friends while you’re alive can be a very effective way to reduce the value of your estate for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes and benefit your loved ones immediately. Married couples and registered civil partners are allowed to pass their estate to their spouse tax-free when… Continue reading It’s good to give

Winners and losers from the seismic US election result After a long and brutal US presidential election campaign, Donald Trump emerged victorious, winning 279 electoral votes and 47.5% of the popular vote. Republicans also maintained majorities in the House and the Senate. His inauguration is scheduled for Friday 20 January. Trump will be sworn in… Continue reading Top Trump

Taking preventative action is essential With careful planning and professional financial advice, it is possible to take preventative action to either reduce your beneficiaries’ potential Inheritance Tax bill or mitigate it out altogether. 1. Make a Will A vital element of effective estate planning is to make a Will – unfortunately, a significant number of… Continue reading Planning for Inheritance Tax

Certain innate behavioural traits influence decision-making Nobody knows quite what the future holds. The good news is that advances in medicine and healthier lifestyles have led to an increase in the average life expectancy of both males and females. The downside is we now have to find ways of funding a longer retirement and longevity.… Continue reading Generating income

Achieving your long-term financial goals whilst minimising risk One of the most effective ways to manage investment risk is to spread your money across a range of assets that, historically, have tended to perform differently in the same circumstances. This is called ‘diversification’ – reducing the risk of your portfolio by choosing a mix of… Continue reading Managing investment risk