A couple meeting with a financial planner.

How “lifestyle financial planning” could help you reach your goals

Effectively managing your finances to get the most out of your assets often means going beyond paying into a pension regularly or selecting a fund to invest through. That’s why lifestyle financial planning could help you better align your finances with the life you want to lead now and in the future. Financial advice alone […]

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A grandfather playing with his granddaughter.

Inheritance Tax: 5 shrewd strategies for reducing a potential bill

If you take a proactive approach to managing your wealth, you could reduce how much Inheritance Tax (IHT) your estate may be liable for when you pass away. Last month, you read about what IHT is and when estates become liable to pay it. Now, read on to discover some of the shrewd strategies you […]

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A person putting a ballot paper into a box.

Investment market update: July 2024

In July, the markets were affected by general elections taking place in the UK and France, and the ongoing presidential campaign in the US. Read on to find out what else affected investment markets in July 2024. Uncertainty and numerous other factors may affect the value of your investment portfolio. However, for most investors, long-term […]

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An older couple resting after a hike.

4 pragmatic ways your pension could create long-term security for you and your partner

Deciding how to sustainably access your pension is often a big decision. If you’re planning with a partner, you might have an added layer of complexity – how can you make sure they’d be financially secure if you pass away first? It may be a question that’s difficult to consider. Yet, if your finances are […]

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A mother and son building a tower from wooden blocks.

3 fundamental questions to answer if you’re investing for children

Building a nest egg for your child or grandchild could give them a head start when they reach adulthood. It might allow them to pursue further education, get on the property ladder, or even enjoy a gap year. While saving is one option you might want to consider, investing for children could yield higher returns. […]

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Grandparents playing with their grandchildren.

Two-thirds of UK adults don’t have a will. Here’s how it could affect your legacy

Failing to set out your wishes in a will could mean your assets aren’t passed on to the loved ones you’d like to benefit from your estate. As a result, this could have a significant effect on your legacy. A will is one of the main ways to ensure your assets are passed on to […]

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A couple reviewing paperwork together.

Why taking your pension as a lump sum could leave you with a huge tax bill

Taking a lump sum out of your pension could provide you with more financial freedom. Yet, it could also land you with a large and unexpected tax bill. Read on to find out what you need to know about tax and withdrawing lump sums from your pension. Your pension withdrawals may be liable for Income […]

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Parent and child holding hands.

Inheritance Tax: The basics you need to know about the “death tax”

Often dubbed “death tax” or “Britain’s most-hated tax” in the media, Inheritance Tax (IHT) may seem complex, and you might be unsure if it’s something you should consider as part of your estate plan. Over the next few months, you can read about the essentials you need to know, how to reduce a potential tax […]

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A man putting a ballot in an election box.

Investment market update: June 2024

2024 is a historic election year – elections will take place in 50 countries. More than 2 billion voters will head to the polls in countries including the UK, US, France, and South Africa throughout the year. Political uncertainty can affect investment markets and there was evidence of this in June. During market volatility, remember […]

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Higher-rate taxpayers: Beware of the 60% tax trap

The tapering of the Personal Allowance means some higher-rate taxpayers effectively pay an Income Tax rate of 60%, sometimes without realising. Fortunately, if you’re affected, there could be ways to reduce your tax bill. A report in the Telegraph suggests 1.35 million workers were affected by the 60% tax trap in 2023/24. Collectively, they paid […]

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