THE OPTIMAL TIME TO INVEST IS SHAPED BY YOUR PERSONAL GOALS AND CIRCUMSTANCES.
Investingyourmoneycanfeellikenavigatingunchartedwaters,especially when you’re unsure about market trends. A common sentiment among new investors is, ‘I think I’ll wait until the market drops.’ While this approach seems sensible – capitalising on low stock prices and selling high – it is far from foolproof. Even the most skilled fund managers in history have struggled to predict market movements consistently.
Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning is essential for managing your estate effectively and ensuring the wellbeing ofyour loved ones. Changes highlighted in last year’s Autumn Budget Statement 2024 have further emphasised this concern, with significant amendments to Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR) from April 2026. Moreover, pensions previously exempted from IHT will now be subject to a 40% charge from April 2027.
DECIDING WHEN TO RETIRE AND BEING FINANCIALLY READY TO SUSTAIN THAT DREAM ARE TWO VERY DIFFERENT THINGS
Formanyofus,retirementismorethanjusttheendoflongworkdays–it’sthestartofan exciting new chapter.It’s a time to finally concentrate on what truly brings us joy,whether that’stravelling,spending quality time with loved ones,pursuing hobbies or simply relishing the freedom toset our own pace.Perhaps you’ve even imagined the day you’ll step away from work and move into this new phase of life.You might already have a specific age in mind,eagerly counting down the years.
The financial world is evolving, and one of the most remarkable changes anticipated in the coming decades is the intergenerational transfer of wealth. By 2047, it is estimated that £5.5 trillion will be passed down in inheritances across the UK[1]. Despite the scale of this wealth transfer, many families are unprepared to manage these transitions efficiently. Without a solid financial plan, the hard-earned fortunes of one generation may fail to benefit the next or, worse, may be significantly diminished.
Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning is essential for preserving wealth for future generations. It encompasses more than just limiting tax liabilities; it’s about determining how you want your legacy to be managed while tackling critical questions regarding your estate. If you reside in Norfolk, Suffolk, or Essex, now is the ideal time to take proactive steps to safeguard your family’s financial future, especially in light of the announcements related to IHT in the Autumn Budget Statement 2024.
UNDERSTANDING HOW SIPPS CAN HELP YOU MAXIMISE YOUR RETIREMENT INVESTMENTS
When planning for retirement,utilising a pension is one ofthe most effective ways to secureyour financial future.The generous tax reliefoffered on pension contributions makes options likeSIPPs (Self-Invested Personal Pensions) particularly advantageous.Understanding how they work,if appropriate, can help you maximise your retirement investments.