UK braces for inflationary pressures, supply chain challenges, and rising costs of living
Geopolitical events are unfolding rapidly. At the time of writing, in mid-March, the course of the current conflict in Iran remained deeply uncertain. The situation appeared to be intensifying amid reports of further threats to Gulf energy infrastructure, production cuts and damage to desalination plants.
Looking to pass your assets on to the next generation?
Asking the right questions that align with your specific financial goals
Planning for the future of your wealth is a significant responsibility, especially when you want to protect your family and ensure your hard-earned assets are passed on smoothly. A trust, in its many forms, is often considered a highly effective solution for individuals and families seeking to safeguard their estate. It provides a sound framework for planning ahead and is a crucial part of a strategy for transferring wealth to the next generation.
Secure income and protect your wealth
Balance dividends and bonds for steady growth and stability
For many investors, securing a steady stream of income from their portfolios is a common goal, whether to supplement their salary or to fund a comfortable retirement. The challenge is finding the right balance between generating cash now and protecting the future purchasing power of their wealth.
Plan today, protect tomorrow
Secure your legacy so your loved ones can thrive for generations to come
Wealth succession planning should be at the heart of your financial strategy. Discussing money matters with loved ones can feel awkward, but attitudes are shifting as more people recognise the value of open communication. Leaving your legacy to chance can cause unnecessary stress and confusion for those you leave behind.
Protecting your pension from rising prices
How to safeguard your future against rising costs
When you’re working, an increase in your weekly shop or energy bill is frustrating but manageable, typically offset by salary increases over time. In retirement, with income fixed at pensions or savings, rising prices can threaten your financial security.
Navigating the dividend tax rises in 2026
How to safeguard your investment income from higher tax rates
From 6 April 2026, the government increased dividend tax rates by 2 percentage points. The ordinary rate rose to 10.75%, and the upper rate to 35.75%, while the additional rate remains at 39.35%. However, you don’t pay tax on dividend income within your personal allowance (£12,570 for 2026/27) or your annual dividend allowance of £500.
Making the most of the new tax year
Give your investments a head start and future-proof your finances
The new tax year brings a fresh £20,000 Individual Savings Account (ISA) allowance for each individual, giving couples the potential to invest up to £40,000 between them, offering a valuable opportunity to shield your investments from capital gains and dividend taxes. With recent cuts to these tax allowances and increases to tax rates, the protection ISAs offer is more generous than ever.
Pensions and Inheritance Tax: Big changes coming in 2027
Understanding how removing the pensions exemption
could affect your legacy
For decades, UK savers have relied on pensions not only for retirement income but also as a highly tax-efficient way to pass on wealth. Under current rules, pension pots generally fall outside your estate for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes. However, a significant shift is on the horizon. From 6 April 2027, the government will remove this long-standing exemption, bringing unspent pension wealth within the scope of IHT.
Taking charge of your retirement
Empowering your future with greater pension freedom
Planning for retirement is a crucial step in securing your financial stability for the years ahead. For those seeking greater involvement in how their pension savings are invested, a Self‑Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) can offer a flexible and innovative option.
Protect your life insurance payout from Inheritance Tax
An increasing number of estates are falling within the tax net every year
An increasing number of estates are falling within the Inheritance Tax net each year, largely due to rising property prices and frozen tax thresholds. The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will collect £8.7 billion in Inheritance Tax for the 2025/26 tax year[1].