Balancing motherhood and financial security

Juggling responsibilities can often push long-term financial planning to the sidelines
Motherhood is a multifaceted journey, where the daily juggling responsibilities can often push long-term financial planning to the sidelines. Yet, dedicating just a small time window to review your finances could dramatically enhance your financial outlook. While managing finances is important for everyone, mothers encounter challenges requiring tailored financial strategies to ensure stability and growth. Continue reading

Main announcements from Chancellor Rachel Reeves at a glance

Key measures on tax, investments, pensions and property
What does the Autumn Budget Statement 2024 mean for your money? Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered Labour’s first Budget since 2010 on 30 October, after the party’s return to power in July’s general election. She announced tax rises worth £40bn, commenting that these would rebuild public services and stabilise the public finances. Continue reading

Inheritance Tax

Departure from previous rules where pensions were excluded from calculations
In a significant shift announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, inherited pensions will become subject to Inheritance Tax (IHT) from April 2027. This marks a departure from previous rules where pensions were excluded from IHT calculations. Currently, pensions are usually passed on tax-free if you die under the age of 75 – or taxed at the beneficiaries’ marginal rate of Income Tax if you die over 75 – but in most cases, pensions don’t attract IHT. Continue reading

Capital Gains Tax

Higher taxes on profits from selling assets like shares
As part of a broader tax-raising initiative, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, confirmed that the lower Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rate will rise from 10% to 18%, while the higher rate will increase from 20% to 24%. This change means you might face higher taxes on profits from selling assets like shares. Previously, those with gains above the threshold had to pay 20% on profits from assets such as shares, or 24% from selling additional property. Rates on residential property will remain at 18% and 24%, respectively. Continue reading

Sandwich generation

Two-thirds of people in the UK will care for a loved one at some point
With life expectancy rising and more people starting families later, around 1.3 million individuals in England and Wales now have caring responsibilities for older and younger dependents. If this sounds familiar, you’re likely part of the ‘sandwich generation’[1]. Continue reading

Empowered savers

How to make future aspirations more attainable and less stressful
Saving can bring you a level of financial freedom that transforms your life. By putting money away regularly, you create a financial cushion that can support you through emergencies, help you achieve significant milestones or provide peace of mind. Continue reading

Autumn Budget Statement 2024

What it could mean for your finances

On 30 October, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves will deliver the Autumn Budget Statement 2024, accompanied by a comprehensive fiscal statement from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). This significant event comes as the new government, elected to boost economic stability and growth, takes its first important step in addressing the nation’s financial health. Continue reading