Think carefully before embarking on the “great giveaway”
Oct 2024
This month’s budget is hotly anticipated and there have been no secrets surrounding some of the tax raids that are potentially on the horizon. But, as speculation continues, be sure to think carefully if you’re planning to pass on cash or property.
Private Client
Q&A: Is £200,000 enough to retire on?
Aug 2024
I had a health scare last year and while I'm fit and well now, it got me thinking about the future and I want to spend more of my time doing the things I enjoy with the people I love.
I've worked all my life and paid into a pension that is now worth around £200,000. Even though I have paid off my mortgage, I'm worried this isn't enough to live on if I retire. Is there a "magic number" we should all be aiming for, or will we all be working forever?
I've worked all my life and paid into a pension that is now worth around £200,000. Even though I have paid off my mortgage, I'm worried this isn't enough to live on if I retire. Is there a "magic number" we should all be aiming for, or will we all be working forever?
Private Client
The text message that prevented a family from inheriting £3 million
Jul 2024
The High Court has ruled that a text message from an individual outlining his wishes for his £3m fortune just hours before his death is legitimate.
Private Client
“I don’t need a Lasting Power of Attorney because…”
May 2024
Starting a sentence with these words fill me with dread. It amazes me that there are so many common misconceptions surrounding later life planning, we’d rather avoid it altogether than prepare correctly for it.
Here are some of the reasons why people have told me they don’t think they need a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) over the past few months – and an explanation as to why you still do need one!
Private Client
All change! Non-domiciled tax rules- a budget update
Mar 2024
As foreseen before Wednesday’s budget, the Chancellor announced sweeping changes to the way non-UK domiciliaries are to be taxed from 6 April 2025.
Private Client
Don’t leave a “Purple Haze” around your will
Feb 2024
We might have more in common with the rockstar electric guitar legend Jimi Hendrix than we might think. I am not talking about growing an impressive head of hair or going for a reverberating solo – unless you’re lucky enough to have both of those abilities – rather Jimi Hendrix was one of millions who died without a will.
Private Client
How can I start "that" conversation?
Feb 2024
My parents aren't getting any younger, yet they refuse to talk about their plans for later life. How can I get them to open up?
When my grandparents died, I was about 15 at the time, but I remember it being chaotic. My parents had an awful time accessing documents, calling round the family and dividing up the assets. It caused them to have a burst of "we won't be like this when we die" and as a teenager I ignored them and probably went back to playing my Gameboy.
