Often dubbed the “most hated tax” in the media, Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a tax on your estate when you pass away, which could reduce how much you leave behind for family and friends. If your estate is worth more than £2 million, the potential IHT bill might be higher than you expect. Read on to find out why. Frozen …
5 ways financial planning could help you emotionally prepare for retirement
While financial challenges often come up when those nearing retirement are asked about their concerns, emotional obstacles could be just as important. A financial plan might include looking at areas like your pensions and investments, but it could help you emotionally prepare for retirement as well. Here are five ways a financial plan could improve your wellbeing and confidence when …
Looking beyond the numbers when using a cashflow model
A cashflow model is a valuable tool that lets you understand how the value of your estate and individual assets might change in the future. But, to get the most out of it, you need to look beyond the numbers. A cashflow model provides a graphical representation of all your assets, such as investments, property and pension, as well as …
How to stop following the investment crowd and stick to your strategy
We’re only weeks into 2025, and it’s already been one filled with market volatility and uncertainty. At times like this, being part of a crowd might feel comforting, but following the investment decisions of others could lead to choices that aren’t right for you. Political and economic uncertainty means investors may already have experienced the value of their investments falling …
Guide: 5 key financial planning steps to consider during a divorce
Going through a divorce can be incredibly emotionally challenging, but it may also represent the beginning of a new phase of your life. When starting a new chapter, it’s important to consider your financial plan, review your goals, and prepare for any challenges you might face in the future. This could be especially true during a divorce as the process …
Investment market update: December 2024
Political instability in Europe and further afield affected investment markets in December. Read on to find out what other factors may have influenced your investment returns at the end of 2024. Remember to focus on your long-term goals when assessing the performance of your investments. The value of your assets rising and falling is part of investing. What’s important is …
5 useful allowances and exemptions that will reset at the end of the tax year
Using allowances and exemptions could reduce your overall tax bill and help you get more out of your money. On 5 April 2025, the current tax year will end, and many tax-efficient allowances and exemptions will reset. So, here are five that you may want to consider using before the 2025/26 tax year starts. 1. ISA allowance ISAs provide a …
Research: Financial stability could be the key to retirement happiness
While the saying might be “money can’t buy happiness”, research suggests that financial stability certainly plays a role in your overall wellbeing. In retirement, when you’re no longer earning a salary, finding a way to create financial stability could be a vital part of building a lifestyle that allows you to enjoy the next stage of your life. Legal & …
The compelling benefits of building a tailored financial plan
While you might have similar goals or circumstances to other people, a financial plan isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, a tailored financial plan that considers your needs and goals could help you get far more out of it. For instance, one goal might be to ensure you’re financially secure in retirement. It’s likely to be something many other people are …
Why building emotional resilience could improve your finances
Emotions can affect how you feel about different scenarios and your response to them, including when you’re making financial decisions. Improving your emotional resilience could mean you’re better equipped to handle stressful situations. Read on to discover why and how it might support your financial goals. Emotional resilience simply refers to your ability to adapt to and deal with stressful …