Smart financial moves to consider before the tax year ends on 5 April 2026
As the 2025/26 tax year-end approaches on 5 April 2026, now is the time to review your finances to ensure you’ve maximised all available allowances and reliefs. Continue reading
VAT on private school fees: the increasing cost of education
How new tax rules are reshaping family finances and long-term planning
From 1 January 2025, private schools across the UK were required to apply 20% VAT to tuition and boarding fees. The change represents a significant shift in education funding and has placed substantial financial pressure on families with children in independent schools. Continue reading
Pensions to fall under Inheritance Tax rules from April 2027
How upcoming changes could affect estate valuations and beneficiary payouts
In the previous 2024 Autumn Budget, the Chancellor announced that the Inheritance Tax (IHT) thresholds, which are the amount you can pass on when you die before IHT is due, will remain unchanged until 2030. However, from 6 April 2027, pensions will no longer be exempt from IHT, which will alter how estates are valued and passed on. That means that Inheritance Tax may have to be paid on your pension when you die. Continue reading
How to increase your State Pension
Taking action now can significantly enhance your future financial security
For many in the UK, the State Pension remains a vital component of retirement planning, providing a financial foundation in later years. Alongside workplace or private pensions, it provides income essential for maintaining the lifestyle you envisage after retirement. Currently, the full rate of the new State Pension for the 2025/26 tax year is £230.25 a week, which totals nearly £12,000 annually. Continue reading
Should annuities be included in retirement plans?
Protect against the risk of outliving your savings with a steady income
Planning for retirement can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to ensure your money lasts as long as you do. Annuities have long been a reliable option, offering guaranteed income during your golden years. Continue reading
Planning for early retirement
Is it time to move forward towards your financial freedom?
Early retirement appeals to many, driven by reasons such as a desire to travel or a need for a break from high-pressure or demanding jobs. However, reaching this goal requires more than just asking ‘Can I afford to retire early?’ It involves understanding financial planning, lifestyle adjustments and personal preparedness. Continue reading
Passing on wealth through trusts
Is it the right moment to begin safeguarding your wealth for the future?
A UK trust is a legal arrangement in which one
party holds and manages assets on behalf of another party, in accordance with the terms set
by the trust’s creator. Continue reading
Unlocking financial freedom
Save, invest and grow your wealth for a secure future
A Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) is a type of personal pension that provides you with greater control over how and where your retirement savings are invested. While it operates similarly to a standard personal pension by allowing you to save, invest and grow your wealth, SIPPs stand out because of the flexibility they provide. They enable you to choose from a wider range of investment options, allowing you to tailor your investments to suit your personal goals and risk tolerance. Continue reading
Government considers Inheritance Tax reforms
Tightening gift-giving regulations is among the measures being considered
The UK Treasury is seeking further new ways to reduce the growing deficit ahead of the much-anticipated Autumn Budget. With a financial shortfall exceeding £40 billion, reports suggest that officials, under the guidance of Chancellor Rachel Reeves, are exploring potential changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) rules. Tightening gifting regulations is just one of the measures being considered to increase revenue and stabilise the country’s finances. Continue reading
Principles of successful investing
Building wealth in an uncertain world
It’s not surprising that the world of investing can seem complex. Investors today are confronted with ever-changing market conditions, a constant stream of news and an overwhelming number of investment options. Navigating this landscape can feel daunting, even for seasoned investors. Continue reading
