Facing a pension lifetime allowance charge
With the increasing threat of the lifetime allowance on pension savings, we look at the strategies available if your total pension savings exceed the lifetime allowance.
Understanding the impact of the pension lifetime allowance
In March, the Budget confirmed that the pension lifetime allowance, the cap on total pension savings, is frozen until April 2026. Oliver Elwiss gives an insight on strategies to help retirement planning with the lifetime allowance.
Is inflation coming over the hill?
Inflation has been at very low levels in recent times, but Adam Cato explains why the prospect of an increase in inflation needs to be reflected in financial planning.
State Pension increases for 2021/22
In advance of the Budget, the State Pension increases have been confirmed. John Daniels explains how the increases are calculated and highlights the need for retirement planning to provide the income you need in retirement.
Income drawdown – the need for financial advice
A recent review by the FCA has highlighted some concerns amongst investors who choose to use drawdown without financial advice. Leon Hunt reflects on these findings and how our advice service and reviews can help you to stay on track.
Scottish Budget Highlights 2021/22
Following the Scottish Budget announcement on Thursday 28 January, Martin Banerjee and our technical team highlight the key points that may impact our Scottish clients.
Looking ahead to the retirement you want
With the State Pension Age now increased to age 66 and more increases planned, Claire Houstin shares how we help our clients to plan for their retirement.
Put a spring in your finances for 2021
A new year means we are fast approaching the end of another tax year. Jamie Tough identifies some of the allowances and financial planning opportunities available before the end of this tax year.
Turning retirement hopes into reality
Robust financial planning for retirement helps many of our clients. Here’s why having a retirement plan is so important for everyone.
Dividends – The road to recovery
With the global impact on investment markets due to the pandemic, many UK funds have also suffered due to lower or even cancelled dividend payments, but reflecting on 2020 we can look ahead with some optimism.
What is the Spending Review?
The government’s Spending Review, announced on Wednesday 25 November by the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, provides a stark snapshot of the impact of the coronavirus on current public finances, as well as further details of planned expenditure on public services like the NHS, education, transport and the police.
Put your cash to work
Having emergency cash funds is one of the foundations for good financial planning. Simon Sharp encourages a review of cash savings, to make sure that they are working as hard as they can for you in times of low returns.
No Budget – But explore the financial planning opportunities
The Treasury has announced that the Budget will be postponed until the Spring as the government focus on tackling the coronavirus pandemic. Graeme Wolfe reviews the financial planning opportunities available for the remainder of this tax year.
A happy and secure retirement
As the State Pension Age is now 66, Tom Bradshaw considers some of the support available and additional benefits which can help to boost income in retirement.
Is Capital Gains Tax part of your financial planning?
With growing strains on income, Tim Neilson looks at how investment gains can be used to increase income without being subject to tax by using your CGT allowance.
Are you using your ISA allowance?
With the attractive tax allowances for ISAs, Michael Ainsworth looks at recent information about ISAs and encourages investors to review their existing ISA investments.
Dividends – Feeling the pinch
The pandemic has seen regular dividend payments from many businesses either cancelled or cut.
Barry Crawford looks at the impact on using investment funds for income and how a review of income strategy may help.
Trusts or Funds – Exploring investment options
The financial options available to investors are widespread. Keith Harrison guides you through the main differences between investment trust and investment funds.
A problem shared is a problem halved
Financial planning as a family can be difficult to start. Martin Banerjee looks at some of the possible benefits of open family discussions for family wealth and wellbeing.
Repairing your pension pot
Recent market downturns have had an impact on retirement planning. We can help clients to review their plans, whether they are in retirement, approaching retirement or starting to save.
The value of Trusts
Trusts are a key part of financial planning for preserving wealth and providing for chosen beneficiaries. We provide an overview of Trusts and some options and considerations to discuss with your adviser.
The financial cost of coronavirus
Many people’s finances have been hit by the pandemic, but the government are providing some support.
Although there is support available, the pandemic highlights the importance of having the required level of protection in place for you and your family.
How to stay active
As we adapt to the easing of lockdown measures, many of us are still limiting our day to day activity. Here are some valuable tips on keeping active and ensuring that we take breaks to maintain our wellbeing.
Saving for children
Children born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011 became entitled to a government payment. After government payments to Child Trust Funds (CTF) stopped in January 2011, the Junior ISA (JISA) was launched in November 2011. The annual subscription limit, which also applies to existing CTFs, was more than doubled to £9,000 for 2020/21.
Keeping within pension contribution limits
The annual allowance sets your tax efficient limit for pension contributions. For the highest earners, the annual allowance could be further reduced. If you have been affected previously by the tapered annual allowance, you may now be able to increase your pension contributions following the Budget changes.
The need for a Will
Without a Will, intestacy rules will determine how your estate is distributed. Having a Will can help you provide for beneficiaries and it is also important to regularly review your Will.
