Planning your inheritance to transfer wealth to the next generation
Passing wealth to the next generation is a goal for many. Recent research shows that nearly half of us (47%) intend to leave a financial legacy, with a significant number planning to transfer assets directly to their children[1]. However, navigating the complexities of Inheritance Tax (IHT) can be daunting, leaving many uncertain about how to pass on their wealth in the most tax-efficient manner.
Frozen thresholds and new caps reshape the financial landscape for savers and investors
Last year’s Autumn Budget outlined several fiscal changes that will significantly influence personal and family wealth planning in the coming years. Understanding these reforms is the first step towards protecting your financial future and keeping your strategy effective in a changing economic environment.
Making sound financial decisions this decade is crucial to securing a comfortable future.
For those in their 50s and beyond, investing can seem particularly intimidating. As retirement approaches, the timeframe for growing your money narrows, and priorities shift towards protecting capital. However, this does not mean investment opportunities are limited. Making sound financial decisions this decade is crucial to ensuring a comfortable future.
Navigating this requires careful planning to ensure you maximise your earnings
Recent figures from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) reveal a startling trend: an increasing number of pensioners are caught in a punitive 60% tax trap[1]. In the 2024/25 tax year, 77,000 individuals aged 66 and over had earnings between £100,000 and £125,140, subject to this alarmingly high effective tax rate. This figure has more than doubled in just three years, demonstrating the significant impact of frozen tax thresholds on older, higher-earning workers.
Impacts on living costs, mortgage, holiday funds, savings and investments
To understand the current economic climate, it is essential to assess the strength of the pound. You might have seen headlines about sterling falling against other currencies, particularly the US dollar. But what does this mean in real terms and how does it affect your personal finances?