Inheritance Tax Raid Rumours: When “Warm Hands” and “Cold Hands” Make No Difference

The government is once again rumoured to be eyeing the assets of those who have worked hard all their lives—this time by tightening inheritance tax (IHT) rules. According to reports in the Times today, Treasury officials are exploring measures that could make it harder for people to pass on wealth to their children without a … Continue reading Inheritance Tax Raid Rumours: When “Warm Hands” and “Cold Hands” Make No Difference

Facing Mortality: A Legacy of Empowerment, Not Chaos

At the Academy of Life Planning, we believe that true wealth extends far beyond money—it’s the sum of your financial stability, emotional wellbeing, intellectual growth, and spiritual fulfilment. Yet, one vital area remains chronically under-addressed, even among the most prepared: end-of-life planning. Greg Barnsdale’s powerful call to action in his bestselling Do Not Ignore Your … Continue reading Facing Mortality: A Legacy of Empowerment, Not Chaos

How to Avoid the Inheritance Tax Grab: Why You Need a Holistic Financial Planner

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is becoming a growing concern for many families, as HMRC’s latest figures reveal a relentless increase in tax receipts. With the government taking in a record-breaking £639m in IHT in January alone—a 15% jump from last year—more estates are being dragged into the tax net. If you’re looking for ways to protect … Continue reading How to Avoid the Inheritance Tax Grab: Why You Need a Holistic Financial Planner

Safeguarding Your Family Farm: Navigating Upcoming Inheritance Tax Changes

In the recent Autumn Budget, the UK government announced significant changes to inheritance tax (IHT) affecting farmers. Starting April 2026, the first £1 million of combined business and agricultural assets will remain exempt from IHT. However, assets exceeding this threshold will be subject to a 20% tax rate, a shift from the previous full exemption … Continue reading Safeguarding Your Family Farm: Navigating Upcoming Inheritance Tax Changes

Factoring Inheritance into Your Lifetime Cashflow Plan: The Risks and Alternatives

Many of us dream of reaching significant milestones, whether it's buying a home, starting a business, or planning that long-awaited adventure. In recent years, some have come to rely on the idea of an inheritance to help fund these major life events. But while it can be tempting to factor in an expected windfall into … Continue reading Factoring Inheritance into Your Lifetime Cashflow Plan: The Risks and Alternatives

The Future of Financial Advice: Empowerment Over Delegation

The financial advice market is undergoing a profound transformation. Traditionally dominated by a "delegator mentality," where financial planners managed assets on behalf of their clients, this model was particularly suited to the Baby Boomer generation. However, as we move further into the Information Age, younger generations—Gen X, Y, and Z—are seeking a different approach. They … Continue reading The Future of Financial Advice: Empowerment Over Delegation

The Shifting Landscape of Financial Planning: Multi-Generational Retirement and Wealth Management

As demographic shifts reshape the composition of families, the challenges facing financial advisers are becoming increasingly complex. In the UK, the phenomenon of multi-retiree families is on the rise, with projections suggesting that by 2044, as many as 1.4 million families will have more than one generation retired. This demographic shift poses significant challenges for … Continue reading The Shifting Landscape of Financial Planning: Multi-Generational Retirement and Wealth Management

Understanding the Impact of Transparency in Financial Services: A Key Conversation

In the Potentialisation's latest Youtube video feature, we dive deep into the crucial topic of transparency in the financial services industry with Steve Conley, founder of the Academy of Life Planning. This enlightening discussion not only sheds light on the current state of financial advising but also offers a glimpse into potential solutions that prioritise … Continue reading Understanding the Impact of Transparency in Financial Services: A Key Conversation

Reassessing Consumer Financial Guidance Amidst a Cost of Living Crisis

In recent surveys, notably by Handelsbanken Wealth and Asset Management, it has emerged that a significant portion of the UK adult population harbours deep concerns about their financial future. The data indicates that 46% of UK adults fear a declining standard of living over the next 12 months, with this apprehension most acute among those … Continue reading Reassessing Consumer Financial Guidance Amidst a Cost of Living Crisis

Navigating New Beginnings: Financial Guidance for “Grey Divorce”

By The Financial Life Coach, Academy of Life Planning As societal norms evolve, so too do the patterns of marriage and divorce. The phenomenon of "grey divorce"—divorces among older adults—continues to rise, creating both opportunities and challenges for those embarking on new chapters later in life. At The Financial Life Coach, part of the Academy … Continue reading Navigating New Beginnings: Financial Guidance for “Grey Divorce”