As part of this new service, we will be offering support with Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA)—two essential legal documents that form the cornerstone of any comprehensive estate plan. These tools ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, and that the people you trust are legally empowered to make decisions on your behalf should you become unable to do so.
- A Will allows you to clearly set out how your estate should be handled after your death, helping to avoid disputes and ensure your loved ones are cared for.
- A Lasting Power of Attorney enables you to appoint someone you trust to manage your affairs—both financial and health-related—if you lose the capacity to make those decisions yourself.
Whether you’re planning for the future of your family, protecting your business interests, or simply ensuring your affairs are in order, our personalised estate planning service can guide you through each step with clarity and compassion.
We believe that estate planning isn’t just about legal documents—it’s about making your wishes known, protecting what matters most, and giving you and your loved ones lasting peace of mind.
Stay tuned for more details as we approach the launch date. If you’d like to register your interest or learn more in the meantime, please get in touch.Will Writing and advice on Lasting Powers of Attorney are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Maximise Your Tax-Efficient Allowances
As the 5th April 2025 tax year-end approaches, now is the time to review your financial position and take advantage of available tax reliefs, exemptions, and allowances before they reset.
- ISAs: Have you utilised your full £20,000 ISA allowance for 2024/25? ISAs offer tax-efficient savings, shielding you from Income Tax, Dividend Tax, and CGT.
- Pension Contributions: Ensure you’ve fully used your £60,000 Annual Allowance and any unused allowances from the past three years for maximum tax relief.
- Junior ISAs: Secure your child’s or grandchild’s future with tax-free savings. The £9,000 annual allowance helps pass on wealth efficiently.
- Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Exemption: Have you used your £3,000 CGT exemption before it resets? This reduced limit makes planning even more crucial.
- Business Tax Planning: We assist business owners with Corporation Tax relief, employee pensions, and other available tax benefits.
- Inheritance Tax (IHT) Planning: Without proper planning, 40% of your estate could go to HMRC instead of your loved ones.
Investment Outlook for 2025
Global markets remain influenced by inflation, interest rate policies, and geopolitical events, including the potential economic impact of a second Trump presidency. The UK economy is expected to grow by 1.4%, while the US is on track for 2.1% growth. Interest rates may ease, but fluctuations are likely as central banks respond to data.
China’s economic stimulus efforts could significantly impact global markets, particularly in property and equities. Meanwhile, AI-driven stocks and alternative assets like gold and fixed income investments continue to shape investment strategies. A well-diversified approach is key to long-term stability and growth.
Adapting to Regulatory Changes: Pension and Inheritance Tax
The recent Autumn Statement has introduced significant changes to pension and inheritance tax (IHT) regulations, reshaping the landscape of financial and estate planning. These updates require strategic, proactive adjustments to help clients navigate the complexities of wealth transfer, retirement income, and tax efficiency.
The inclusion of pensions in IHT calculations marks a major shift in UK financial planning. Pensions, traditionally used as a tax-efficient wealth transfer tool, now require reassessment within estate planning strategies. Financial advisers must guide clients in balancing income tax efficiency with wealth preservation, adapting retirement plans to align with the evolving regulatory environment.
For unmarried couples, the changes present additional challenges, as they face immediate IHT liabilities upon the first partner’s death, unlike married or civil partners. Addressing these complexities demands personalised plans, including careful pension nominations and asset restructuring to mitigate potential tax burdens.
Business and agricultural assets, long exempt from IHT, also face new regulations. Financial advisers must review asset portfolios to address valuation, transfer, and tax implications, crafting more dynamic strategies to protect family-owned enterprises.
To remain effective, wealth management now depends on advanced tools, data-driven strategies, and personalised insights. By embracing technology and predictive analytics, advisers can offer tailored solutions, ensuring clients are well-prepared for shifting regulations.
Navigating these changes requires expertise, agility, and forward-thinking strategies. Advisers who provide clear, personalised guidance will be instrumental in helping clients secure their financial futures in this evolving regulatory landscape.
Reach out to us today to arrange a meeting to discuss your financial planning