How to Protect Your Pension from Inheritance Tax, by Steve Conley The rules around pensions and inheritance tax are changing, and it’s important to be prepared. From April 2027, pensions will no longer be exempt from inheritance tax (IHT), meaning that without careful planning, a significant portion of your hard-earned savings could end up with … Continue reading How to Protect Your Pension from Inheritance Tax
Tag: personal-finance
Breaking Free from the Product Sales Trap in Financial Services
The financial services industry has long been fixated on one thing—selling products. Providers, advisers, regulators, the financial press, and even emerging AI agents all seem to be caught in the same endless cycle: product, product, product. No matter how much they talk about helping people, it always comes back to selling something. Providers can’t just … Continue reading Breaking Free from the Product Sales Trap in Financial Services
The Power of Taking Control: Why Self-Directed Investing Beats Wealth Management Firms
Imagine working hard your entire life, diligently saving for retirement, only to realise that a significant portion of your investment returns is quietly being absorbed by wealth management fees. It’s a reality for many investors who entrust their financial future to traditional wealth managers, often without fully understanding the long-term impact of fees on their … Continue reading The Power of Taking Control: Why Self-Directed Investing Beats Wealth Management Firms
How Do I Invest for My Retirement? SIPP, ISA, or GIA?
The landscape of retirement planning has shifted dramatically over the years. Since Pension Freedom was introduced in 2015, many financial advisers have encouraged clients to use pensions both as an income source and an inheritance planning tool. However, with the recent changes announced in the 2024 Autumn Budget, retirement planning strategies require a serious rethink. … Continue reading How Do I Invest for My Retirement? SIPP, ISA, or GIA?
Why Retirement Planners Must Consider Human Capital Alongside Financial Capital
Retirement is no longer the full stop it once was. Increasingly, retirees are returning to work—not just for financial reasons, but also for social fulfilment and purpose. New research from Standard Life reveals that one in seven retirees has ‘unretired’ or is considering doing so. This trend highlights the crucial role that financial planners must … Continue reading Why Retirement Planners Must Consider Human Capital Alongside Financial Capital
The Truth About Financial Psychology: Are You Investing in Your True Self?
In the world of financial advice, there’s a fundamental flaw—one that’s been hidden behind tick-box compliance and industry-approved psychometric tests. The issue? Most financial advice isn’t based on what’s truly in your best interest. Instead, it reflects a version of you that has been shaped by years of parental conditioning, cultural beliefs, and psychological misconceptions—your … Continue reading The Truth About Financial Psychology: Are You Investing in Your True Self?
Financial Coaching vs. Financial Planning: Which Path Will You Take?
When it comes to financial well-being, there are two distinct but equally important approaches: financial coaching and financial planning. Both serve different needs, focus on different aspects of life, and require different mindsets from professionals who choose to offer them. Financial Coaching: Building Stability and Security Financial coaching is about helping people meet their basic … Continue reading Financial Coaching vs. Financial Planning: Which Path Will You Take?
Discover Your Favourite Future with the Academy’s GAME Plan
At the Academy of Life Planning, we believe that everyone deserves to live a life filled with purpose, security, and significance. That’s why we’ve developed the GAME Plan—a simple, empowering framework to help you chart a values-led, purpose-driven path to a brighter future. Let’s break it down together. G is for Goals Everything starts with … Continue reading Discover Your Favourite Future with the Academy’s GAME Plan
The Hidden Tax Raid on Pensions: What You Need to Know
Recent changes to inheritance tax (IHT) rules on unused pension funds have created a quiet storm, but the impact could be catastrophic for many pensioners. From 2027, unused defined contribution (DC) pension funds inherited after the age of 75 will no longer be exempt from IHT. This has profound implications for retirees and their families, … Continue reading The Hidden Tax Raid on Pensions: What You Need to Know
The Pros and Cons of Taking Money from Your Pension Pot
Taking money from your pension pot at the age of 55 might seem like a tempting prospect. After all, it’s your hard-earned savings, and the freedom to access it early can feel empowering. But before making any decisions, it’s important to understand the potential benefits and risks involved. Let’s explore the pros and cons to … Continue reading The Pros and Cons of Taking Money from Your Pension Pot
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