We are all familiar with the need to write a will, ensuring that our executors have clear instructions on how to deal with our assets and giving them the tools to apply for probate and manage the legal requirements. For…
The start of the next increase to state pension age (SPA) is still nearly five years away, at which point it will be phased up to 67 by April 2028. In the meantime, the Government has confirmed a rise in…
If you hold funds designed to provide income from UK shares, you probably do not need reminding that 2020 was a grim year on the dividend front. Indeed, by the final quarter of the year, the IA’s worst sector in…
The tax year ends on 5 April 2021 so now is the time to consider what actions you can take before the end of the tax year to maximise your financial planning. ISAs ISA allowances are £20,000 per individual, thus…
Rishi Sunak has had a good crisis, at least so far. Since March he has been pumping money into the economy at an unprecedented rate. For example, claims under the CJRS had reached over £27.4bn by the start of…
It’s a thorny subject – for years we have been hearing that working from home is the way forward and for many of us who are self-employed, it’s already a reality. Now though, due to the “virus that shall…
The tax year 2019-20 ends on 5 April 2020. If you would like to take advantage of any year-end tax planning opportunities, you have just a few weeks left to act. Making the most of your tax allowances for…
Before a person’s estate can be distributed under the terms of their Will, a grant of probate must be obtained from the courts. In turn, the courts will not act until IHT documentation has been completed and any tax due…
How much has your income increased over the last year? The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows average weekly earnings rising at an annual rate of 3.6%, about 2% above the rate of inflation. Nevertheless,…
Digital legacy – a three step plan We spend most of our lives managing our assets and providing security for our families and our old age. Usually this means considering the unexpected and being well organised so that, if/when…