As the darker evenings and colder days of autumn approach, our thoughts often turn to hunkering down and preparing for the winter months. A season traditionally associated with change, preservation and preparation, autumn is a perfect time to get your finances organised before the rush [...]
After a long period in which there was little to worry about, this has reappeared on the agenda. As it is a very significant factor in considering investment policy, it might be helpful to clients if we set out our current view. Many of us, [...]
It is fascinating to consider the psychology of investing. There are many behavioural traps that investors could find themselves falling into during times of market volatility, when knee jerk reactions can take hold. One example being ‘the anchoring trap’, which is where investors rely too [...]
It’s been three years since then-Chancellor Philip Hammond asked the Office of Tax Simplification to look into potential amendments to the Inheritance Tax (IHT) regime*. Since then, no changes have been made to the tax incurred when wealth passes onto the next generation; could Rishi [...]
Probate software specialist Exizent has published its first Bereavement Index*, with some interesting findings. It shows that many people fail to organise their finances before death, leading to stress and anxiety for those left dealing with a ‘financial mess’. According to the research, one in [...]
Private school fees have once again increased this year, with an average termly fee of £12,000 (£36,000 per year) for boarding schools and £5,064 (£15,191 per year) for day pupils*. A lifetime endeavour As data from the Independent Schools Council shows, sending your child to [...]
At a time where it is becoming harder to save up adequate sums for retirement, a new study shows that the UK’s low interest rate environment is causing retirees to turn to riskier pension and investment products which could potentially lose them a significant sum. [...]
Summer, freedom and (hopefully) sunshine are all well on the way, but not planning for the Lifetime Allowance (LTA) freeze could cast a cloud over your finances. For the next five years (until April 2026), the pension LTA will be held at its current level [...]
If not, now is the time! Essentially, an expression of wishes allows you to designate one or more beneficiaries whom you would like to inherit your pension. While many people draw up an expression of wishes when they first open their pension, many forget that [...]