The UK State Pension can be a useful top up to your retirement income. But if you’re living in some overseas countries, you might find your pension payments are frozen at lower rates, meaning you’re losing out on increasing amounts. George Howard, our Chartered Financial Planner in Dubai, takes a…
The rise of English wine over the past 30 years, is a remarkable story. Award-winning drinks expert Henry Jeffreys shares insights on England’s newfound prominence in the wine world and discusses his latest book, ‘Vines in a Cold Climate,’ which explores the pioneers behind this revolution. What first piqued your…
Whether you’re interested in setting clear financial goals, saving to buy a property or planning an enjoyable retirement, a positive side-effect of getting a solid plan in place is the impact it makes on your financial wellbeing. Strong financial wellbeing comes when you’ve built a good relationship with your money and have…
Rising property prices and higher interest rates have left younger generations struggling to get on the UK property ladder. The situation has prompted families to get more involved with parents and grandparents using their own property wealth to help younger generations become home buyers. Jack Lear, our UK Financial Planning…
Creating an investment plan can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. Yet a robust approach can maximise your opportunities, build your confidence and help you to achieve financial freedom. Charlie Buxton, our Head of Investment Management, shares the key steps to cover when it comes to investment…
The current tax year ends on 5 April 2024 with the 2024/25 tax year kicking off a day later. With the end of the tax year approaching, it’s a good idea to begin to plan what you need to do to ensure your taxes are in good shape. Peter Webb,…
Inheritance Tax is one of the most punishing elements in the UK tax system, and many families are keen to do everything they can to reduce or eliminate it. One of the options available is to use a family heirloom to offset an Inheritance Tax bill. Steve Wright, our Estates…
Protecting your financial position when you’re unmarried may be slightly more complicated. But with some careful checks you and your partner can take steps to ensure you’re not financially disadvantaged. Ed Read Cutting, our Director in Belgium, looks at the key areas to consider. More couples today are co-habiting or…
This year’s Spring’s Budget included significant changes concerning the way tax will be calculated for non-UK domiciled individuals (non-doms). Claire Spinks, our Head of Tax Technical and Development, takes a look at what’s been proposed and the effects for non-doms and those planning to reside in the UK. Non-doms have…
With UK tax allowances falling it can be useful to look at how you can structure your investments to ensure they are as tax-efficient as possible. There are a number of options to consider, including ISAs, pensions and bonds, alongside VCTs and EIS. But which should you choose? Claire Spinks,…
More women than ever are following their own careers and enjoying significant earning potential. So, when it comes to managing money, are things different for women who are high earners? George Howard, Chartered Financial Planner, looks at some of the key factors for women when it comes to financial planning…
University is still an important rite of passage for many young people, and a pre-requisite for many career paths. But the cost of tuition fees and living expenses means that funding your child’s university education can result in a substantial financial outlay, with added complexity if your family are expats.…
Many of us believe that once our Will is drafted and witnessed it can’t be changed. But a simple tool – called a Deed of Variation – can sometimes be used to make changes that can help reduce Inheritance Tax for your beneficiaries. Steve Wright, our Estates Director, looks at…
Choosing to enjoy a special meal at a top restaurant is always a cause for celebration. But there’s a growing awareness of the impact that dining out and enjoying far-flung produce can have on the world around us. Caroline Underhill, our Global Marketing Director and Head of CSR, looks at…
The UK tax system is a highly complicated system – full of allowances and exemptions, some more unusual than others. When it comes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) there are thankfully a range of tools which can be used to help reduce this hefty tax. Peter Webb, our Head of Tax…
Financial planning is likely to look different at different stages of your life. So, what matters most when you reach your 50s? Ed Read Cutting, our Director in Belgium, takes a look at some of the key areas to consider. As you approach your 50s, retirement planning takes centre stage.…
Financial wellbeing is an important consideration when it comes to managing your money. Ensuring that you’re at ease with your financial position and feel like you have everything under control is a key step. George Howard, one of our Chartered Financial Planners based in Dubai, shares her insights into how…
Financial literacy is skill which many parents and grandparents are keen to nurture in their children and grandchildren. With social media now a key route for young people to access information – including researching money and finance – it’s helpful to look at the role it can play. Stuart McCulloch,…
Pensions are likely to form the foundation of your retirement planning – helping ensure financial freedom through your later years. But what happens to your pension pot when you die. Jack Lear, UK Financial Planning Manager, looks at what to be aware of. Most of us carefully save into pensions…
Good Estate planning will ensure that the assets you’ve built over your lifetime pass easily and tax-efficiently to your chosen beneficiaries. Yet there are a number of areas which frequently catch families out. Steve Wright, our Estates Director, takes a look at 10 of the most common mistakes when it…
The purpose of investing is to increase the value of your assets over time. Unnecessary tax can chip away at your gains and hinder your progress. With tax allowances falling it can be useful to look at how you can structure your investments to ensure they are as tax-efficient as…
Becoming part of a couple is an exciting time. But along with the anticipation of a shared life it’s important to consider some of the practicalities – including finance. George Howard, our Chartered Financial Planner, looks at some of the important money conversations to tackle with your partner. Talking about…
Main Residence Relief is a valuable Capital Gains Tax allowance which saved taxpayers around £26.7 billion in 2021. But there are some pinch points which it makes sense to be aware of – so you don’t get caught out. Peter Webb, our Head of Tax Advisory, looks at how to…
It’s normal to consider completing a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) as you age, however these important documents are essential no matter how old – or young – you are. Steve Wright, our Estates Director, explores why it’s so important to not only complete LPAs but also register them. Considering…
At the halfway point of the year, some of the key themes which have influenced global markets through the early months of 2023 have continued to dominate. Charlie Buxton, our Head of Investment Management, spoke to Ian Hooper, Chief Investment Officer at Progeny, to explore some of the recent developments.…
Talking about money can feel uncomfortable and be fraught with challenges. In this new series, Trust Executive Shannon Brightman, explores some of the tough conversations about finance that come up at different stages of life and offer some thoughts about how you can approach some of those challenging discussions. It’s…
Retirement is a time when most of us can aim for a more relaxed pace of life and enjoy some long-held plans and dreams. But it’s been pretty impossible to escape the effect of higher inflation in the last 12 months, and its impact will ripple on for some time…
Recent figures reveal that record funding has been raised through the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS). But what is EIS and should you build it into your own investment portfolio? Peter Webb, our Head of Tax Advisory, takes a look from a tax perspective. The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) was introduced…
If you spend time in Scotland, it’s useful to check whether you’re there enough to become a Scottish tax resident. And if you’re already a Scottish tax resident you might also need to be aware of the implications on your wealth. Peter Webb, our Head of Tax Advisory, takes a…