End of tax year IHT recap – gen up on gifting allowances

Recent HMRC data shows that IHT receipts rose to £4.3bn during the period from April to September 2024, a £400m increase on the same period the previous year.  With 27% of 18 to 34-year olds (1.1 million people) holding out for an inheritance before going ahead with major life events and 12% of UK adults …

The changing face of retirement – as the traditional ‘hard-stop’ is consigned to history

Catalysed by the 2011 abolition of the Default Retirement Age, a combination of economic and socio-demographic trends are changing people’s outlook to retirement; and this, in turn, is heightening the need to adopt a more fluid approach to retirement planning.  Carry on working   Research1 suggests the traditional ‘hard stop’ retirement is increasingly being consigned to …

Could ‘right-sizing’ help the housing market?

With the UK housing market facing an array of problems, experts have suggested almost as many solutions. One concept that could help resolve the current shortcomings is ‘right-sizing.’  ‘Right-sizing’ refers to the process of moving to a more suitable property for your requirements, generally one with fewer bedrooms. Closely related to downsizing, some analysts think …

Why financial procrastination can harm your health (and your finances)

Financial procrastination – delaying financial tasks – can negatively impact both your finances and health.  Signs of financial procrastination include fear of mistakes, lack of confidence, and unclear financial goals.  Combat procrastination by setting clear financial goals, seeking expert advice, and taking proactive action.  We all know that putting things off is all too easy. …

Family tensions over money talks – time to break the taboo

Many wealthy individuals hesitate to discuss financial planning due to fears of family disagreements, with 10% avoiding the topic altogether and 27% finding it uncomfortable1.  However, this reluctance to have a discussion could lead to future misunderstandings, as family members may have unrealistic expectations about their inheritance. Only 12% of wealthy individuals said they regularly …

Don’t invest under the ‘finfluence’

People are increasingly seeking financial guidance on social media. While financial influencers – or ‘finfluencers’ – can be useful in raising awareness around financial matters, there is also a darker side to the growth of unregulated advisers.  Social media age  In the UK, more than one in four people use some combination of social media, …

In the news – Home Finance

Significant gains for homeowners over 20 years  Analysis reveals1 that UK homeowners who purchased their properties in the last 20 years have seen an average increase of £80,000 in value. In comparison, those who sold within the last year made an average gain of £65,000. Homes in high-value areas and commuter towns, including the Cotswolds …