New year, new opportunities
Our top tips for financial planning in 2020, highlighting the recent updates to pensions.
Tax
Why are some people cashing in final salary pension schemes?
In recent years final salary pension schemes have been phased out by employers because people are living for longer and the uncrystallised liabilities are wreaking havoc with corporate balance sheets. Robert Blumberger explains why this is happening and sounds a cautionary note for those attracted to the idea of transferring.
Have you had a letter from HMRC?
New rules mean that 95% of taxpayers should no longer need to pay tax on their savings income. But those who now earn more in interest than the new Personal Savings Allowance may have had a letter from HMRC. Find out more about the recent changes here.
How will the 2018 Budget affect me?
While we wait to understand how Brexit will affect us, there are a number of changes coming this year, many recently announced in the 2018 Autumn Budget. We’ve created this article about what these changes are and how they might affect you.
Five financial planning tips for 2019
Many of us look to January for a fresh start – to make changes or new resolutions, but why wait? Find out our top 5 tips for this year to make sure you’re on track to your financial goals.
How can you save Inheritance Tax (IHT) on your home?
Structuring your estate correctly can lead to big savings if you understand the complexities of inheritance tax Currently all individuals in the UK have a nil rate band of £325,000 each. This means that on death, if the value of your estate (all your cash, assets, investments and personal chattels) is less than £325,000 (or [...]
Encashing bonds
If your bond is ready for encashment, remind yourself of the rules before you act.
Why directors have unique financial planning requirements
Are you a Company Director? Did you know you could have more options than employees when it comes to financial planning – because you can utilise your business to create a remuneration strategy?
What is a VCT (Venture Capital Trust)?
Venture Capital Trusts were once considered ‘niche’ investments, but recent events have put them on the radar of a much greater number of UK investors, explains Stuart Lewis of Octopus Investments.
Managing the new Money Purchase Annual Allowance limit
As new pension drawdown options grow in popularity, earlier this year the Government implemented a change to the limit of how much you can pay into your Money Purchase Pension Scheme, reducing it from £10,000 to £4,000.