People often think of their financial plan as a way to grow their wealth and provide financial security. You might consider areas like your pension or financial protection to be core parts of your financial plan. Yet, while they’re important, your happiness is essential too. Financial planning is about helping you reach your financial goals, but it goes further than that. It’s about making your money work in a way that aligns with your lifestyle aspirations and understanding how it could improve your wellbeing. After all, you might want the money in your pension to grow, but your money will often be linked to other aspirations you may have. For example, you might want investments to perform well so you... Read More

Figures suggest more families are gifting to avoid Inheritance Tax (IHT). While passing on assets to loved ones may seem like a clear solution, it isn’t always so simple. More estates are becoming liable for IHT as thresholds for paying the tax are frozen. The Office for Budget Responsibility predicts HMRC will collect £8.4 billion from IHT receipts in 2027/28, compared to £7 billion in 2022/23. The portion of your estate that exceeds IHT thresholds could be taxed at a standard rate of 40%. So, it’s not surprising that families are looking for ways to mitigate a potential bill. According to a Telegraph report, the number of people who have gifted assets that would become exempt from IHT if they... Read More

Globally, signs suggest the pace of inflation is slowing. However, businesses in some sectors are struggling and weighing on economies. Read on to discover some of the factors that affected investment markets in August 2023. According to a Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) from JP Morgan, reports indicated that manufacturing in Asia, Europe and the US is contracting. New orders declined for the 13th consecutive month, which could have medium-term consequences for investment markets. When reviewing your investments, remember to take a long-term view. Volatility is part of investing and, usually, sticking to your long-term strategy makes sense, rather than reacting to short-term movements. If you have any questions about your investments or the current climate, please contact us. UK The... Read More

After an appeal, wild camping is allowed again at Dartmoor National Park. It could be a great way to get off the beaten track and back to nature. Read on to find out more about wild camping. Wild camping simply means setting up your tent or caravan in the wilderness outside of a designated campsite. It’s a great option if you’re planning a multi-day hike or simply want to get away from crowds to enjoy nature in peace. After a ruling in a case brought by a landowner, wild camping in Dartmoor National Park was briefly banned. However, wild camping is once again an option in the beautiful valleys and moorlands of the Devonshire park. In fact, it’s the only... Read More

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) could provide you with protection when you’re most vulnerable by giving someone you trust the ability to make decisions on your behalf. Yet, a survey in the Independent, found that less than half of married couples have an LPA. If it’s something you don’t have in place, here are seven reasons to make it a priority. 1. The unexpected happens No one wants to think about losing the mental capacity to make decisions themselves. Yet, it’s something that many people experience during their life. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, someone in the UK develops dementia every three minutes. It may not be something you can change, but you can be in control of how... Read More