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.