The importance of getting the expression of wish right
April 2015 saw the most radical changes to private pensions for a generation. Following the introduction of pension freedoms, there has been a dramatic change in how pension death benefits are taxed with increased flexibility to cascade pension wealth tax efficiently. Most (though not all) pensions will not form part… Read More
How we keep people from ‘blowing themselves up’!
First and foremost, we take the time to get to know our clients. Only by understanding their objectives for themselves, their family and for the wider community can we ensure that their financial planning is structured efficiently to achieve their goals. However, giving sound advice and planning is not just… Read More
Inheritance Tax – but perhaps not as we know it!
The Inheritance Tax (IHT) rules could be facing significant changes in the future. Following Philip Hammond’s request for a review, the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) has recently published its report. The findings note there are many areas where IHT “is either poorly understood, counter-intuitive, requires substantial record-keeping, creates… Read More
The perceived value of advice
Ever wondered if the additional value of receiving financial advice has added to your investments? Interestingly, a survey of more than 1,000 investors in the UK by Legg Mason Global Asset Management revealed that on average, advised clients achieved returns of nearly 6.2% in 2018 from income-producing assets. This… Read More
The power of financial planning and why I love my job
A recent meeting with a client really brought it home to me the impact that we, as financial planners, can have on our clients. I made this client cry, yes really cry. But, don’t worry, it’s OK because they were happy tears. The sense of relief this lady felt that… Read More
Beware of scams!
You may have heard about being aware of fake HMRC websites and emails supposedly from them – in fact you’ve probably had more than one email, we certainly have! If this is news to you, we wouldn’t want you to be caught out. A little while ago Roger Eddowes… Read More
Spring Statement
In another week dominated by Brexit, the 13th March saw Chancellor Philip Hammond’s Spring Statement arrive without the usual fanfare, though it made repeated mentions of the dangers of a no-deal outcome. The Chancellor warned that a no-deal Brexit would make the economy smaller and weaker, with higher prices for… Read More
Why is financial planning important to you?
You have probably found yourself planning for the big expenses like holidays or a new car, but have you made any plans for the long term future? This is where working with our small expert team will help. You have to decide what you want your future life to look… Read More
New Year’s resolutions
Have you made any new year resolutions? It’s a question that tends to divide people as, for some, it’s the first goal they set of the year and will continue to set (and hopefully achieve) throughout the year. For others, it’s a precursor to failure and so they choose instead… Read More
Reflection – saying farewell to 2018
As this is our last newsletter for 2018, it feels appropriate to briefly reflect on a few key changes we have seen over the last year. The biggest thing to mention is obviously the team! Clare, Michael and Hannah all joined us this year and are now firmly settled… Read More