Did you know that from 6 April 2027, most pensions will be included in your estate when calculating Inheritance Tax?

The shake-up is expected to lead to an additional 10,500 estates becoming liable for the tax in 2027/28, and around 38,500 estates will pay more tax due to the reforms¹.

As, under existing rules, pensions offer a way to pass on wealth tax-efficiently, the change could have implications for both your estate and retirement plan.

To help you understand if the reforms could affect you and navigate the potential changes, we’ve put together a useful guide that outlines what you need to know, from Inheritance Tax thresholds to how you might manage your estate’s liability.

Download your copy here: Your guide to the new Inheritance Tax and pension rules from 2027: What’s changing, how it could affect you, and what to do now

If you have any questions about what the reforms mean for you, please get in touch.

Please note: The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate Inheritance Tax planning.

¹HMRC: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/inheritance-tax-unused-pension-funds-and-death-benefits/inheritance-tax-unused-pension-funds-and-death-benefits

Investing in buy-to-let property can provide a steady rental income, helping supplement your retirement fund or form part of the legacy you leave for loved ones.

Statistics published by the government (29 August 2025) confirm that there were around 2.86 million private landlords in the UK in 2023/24.

Since then, the property landscape has changed, with the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and increased regulatory responsibilities for landlords.

However, buy-to-let remains a viable option for many. In this guide, you’ll find the pros and cons you’ll need to consider and some important questions to ask yourself.

Download your copy here: The pros and cons of investing in buy-to-let

If you have any questions about whether investing in a buy-to-let property might be right for you, please get in touch.

Please note: This guide is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing (June 2026) and is subject to change in the future.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate buy-to-let (pure) and commercial mortgages. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other loans secured on it.

Millions of well-intentioned people in the UK are helping their loved ones manage their online financial accounts, but could risk having these accounts frozen because they don’t have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place.

Lloyds’s 2024 Consumer Digital Index (3 November 2025) suggests 1 in 5 adults – the equivalent of 11 million people – are helping others handle financial accounts online. Among the most common tasks were making payments, checking balance information and statements, and paying in cheques.

Logging into a family member’s bank account to pay essential bills might seem harmless, but it could be risky if an LPA isn’t in place. Indeed, assets may be frozen, and it could lead to disputes in the future.

The Lloyds report indicates that only 21% of people supporting loved ones with their digital finances have a formal agreement, such as an LPA.

A Lasting Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf

An LPA gives someone you trust the ability to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. There are two types of LPA:

1. Health and welfare, which covers decisions around areas like daily routine, medical care, moving into a care home, and life-sustaining treatment. This LPA can only be used if you’re unable to make your decisions.
2. Property and financial affairs, which allows an attorney to take actions such as managing a bank account, paying bills, collecting benefits or a pension, or selling property. This LPA may be used as soon as it’s registered if permission is granted.

It’s important to note that no one has an automatic right to make decisions on your behalf, including your spouse or civil partner.

If someone could benefit from your support now or in the future, encouraging them to create an LPA could be important. It may allow you to make essential decisions on their behalf or manage their affairs when they’re in a vulnerable position.

It’s important that an LPA is created as soon as possible, as the paperwork cannot be signed once the person has lost mental capacity. While you or your loved one may believe there is plenty of time to ensure everything is in place, unexpected accidents or illnesses could occur. So, you may want to make it a priority.

Without a Lasting Power of Attorney, you’d need to go through the Court of Protection

If a loved one has not created an LPA and loses mental capacity, you’d need to apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as a deputy. Often, this process is slower and more costly than using an LPA.

As a result, it could leave your loved one in a position where they cannot make decisions themselves, and no one can do so on their behalf. This could lead to important medical decisions being delayed or financial affairs not being addressed, which might have long-term consequences.

What’s more, there’s no guarantee that the court would appoint the deputy that the individual would have chosen for themselves.

Considering your own Lasting Power of Attorney

As you help a loved one set up an LPA, it may be a good time to review your own arrangements.

You can make an LPA online or using paper forms, which must then be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. In most cases, you’ll need to pay a £92 application fee to register each LPA.

Think carefully about who you’d like to make decisions on your behalf, and who would be comfortable with the responsibility. You may choose more than one attorney and state whether they must make decisions together or if they can do so independently.

Scheduling time to talk to your attorneys could be useful, providing you with a chance to be clear about your wishes. Your attorney might need to make decisions about the type of treatment you receive if you’re ill or whether to sell your property if you move into care, and they may benefit from guidance from you.

While it might feel morbid to consider losing mental capacity, it could ensure your loved ones are able to support you when you need it most.

Get in touch

If you have questions about your estate plan or that of a loved one, including a Lasting Power of Attorney, we could help. Please contact us to arrange a meeting with one of our team.

Please note: This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate Power of Attorney.

In life, the finest wisdom often comes from the most unexpected places.

So, you may be surprised to learn that Jane Austen – one of the most revered romance authors of all time and a paragon of women’s literature – has anything to teach you about the modern world of finance.

Born in Hampshire in 1775, one of eight children, nobody expected the unassuming Jane to become a novelist – or that her works would endure for centuries, let alone that her face would end up on the £10 note.

But like Austen’s wonderful works of fiction, some financial concepts stand the test of time, remaining relevant no matter how trends change and markets move.

Read this guide to discover what you could learn from Mansfield Park, Pride and Prejudice, and other novels from the celebrated author.

Download your copy here: 5 enduring money lessons you can discover in Jane Austen’s novels

If you have any questions about the topics covered in this guide or your financial plan, please get in touch.

Please note: This guide is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

With so many headlines about tourists taking over popular holiday spots and governments introducing restrictions, such as tourist taxes and bans on new hotels or souvenir shops, you might find it harder than ever to decide where to travel next.

Luckily, Europe is filled with amazing places you can visit to get the authentic experience of that country without fighting your way through crowds of tourists.

Read on to discover our top 10 hidden European gems for the perfect spring break.

1. Naxos, Greece

If you’ve always wanted to visit Santorini but don’t want your holiday interrupted by tourists queueing for the perfect picture, you might want to head to Naxos instead.

This beautiful island boasts ancient ruins and traditional white-washed buildings that draw people to Santorini without the huge crowds. Discover the island’s fascinating history by visiting the Temple of Apollo, or relax on the long stretches of sandy beaches.

2. Berat, Albania

Berat is often referred to as the “City of a Thousand Windows” because of the incredible stack of Ottoman houses on the side of Berat Hill.

Visit the Bogovë Nature Park and Lake Komani to experience the gorgeous natural landscape and secluded waterfall, or climb to the top of Berat Hill to explore the incredible 13th-century castle.

3. Valencia, Spain

This stunning port city sits on the same coastline as Barcelona, so you can enjoy the gorgeous beaches and incredible architecture without battling your way through a crowd.

Explore the rich history of Valencia through an interactive museum, explore one of the many walking trails through the beautiful landscape, or soak up the sun on the beach.

What’s more, research concluded that Valencia is the most affordable city in Europe for a pint of beer!

4. Kotor, Montenegro

If you were considering visiting Croatia, you might want to pop next door to Montenegro instead.

With the same picturesque Mediterranean coastline and sunny weather, Montenegro has the same rugged mountains and enchanting medieval villages while being less crowded than more popular destinations like Dubrovnik.

Visit the Venetian fortifications in Kotor for a taste of history or take a dip in the stunning Bay of Kotor if you’d prefer to relax.

5. Graz, Austria

If you’re looking for a sustainable city break, Graz is the place to go. Although it’s Austria’s second biggest city, it’s often overlooked.

Surrounded by the Styrian countryside, the city takes fresh produce, vegetarian dishes, and creative recipes to a new level that will deliver the best of Austrian cuisine.

6. Wroclaw, Poland

With the Czech Republic introducing increasing restrictions on tourists in Prague after they started taking over entire zones of the city, you can avoid the hordes and get a similar experience by visiting Wroclaw instead.

Explore the dazzling Gothic architecture and the picturesque Oder River in the daytime, and visit Speakeasy-type bars and fine-dining restaurants to make the most of the city’s electrifying nightlife.

7. Porto Santo, Portugal

Madeira is currently enjoying its moment in the spotlight, but a smaller island only a three-hour ferry ride away remains one of the best European beach escapes.

Porto Santo is more beach than island, with a nine-kilometre stretch of sand backed by rolling hills and lush greenery. Relax in the sun, or venture out into the wilderness along the island’s many hiking routes.

8. Ghent, Belgium

If you’re looking for the same fascinating architecture and local culture as Amsterdam without having to pay extra for tourist tax, why not head to Ghent in Belgium instead?

Filled with quirky bars and an amazing pedestrianised city centre for you to explore, Ghent boasts a medieval castle and Michelin-starred restaurants, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

9. The Frosinone Valley, Italy

Halfway between Rome and Naples, the Frosinone Valley is often no more than a stop for travellers. However, it hides the incredible Abbey of Montecassino and the Valle di Comino, where some of Europe’s deadliest battles have taken place.

But if you’d prefer to search for postcard-perfect views, Frosinone is also the place for you. Sip award-winning cabernet in the vineyards or head to San Donato Val di Comino for incredible mountain views.

10. León, Spain

There are so many popular cities in Spain. However, León is another that escapes most people’s notice.

Home to one of Gaudi’s designs, the architecture is the city’s main attraction. Casa Botines, one of his only works outside Catalonia, makes it the perfect place to visit if you want to experience history without the hustle and bustle of Barcelona or Madrid.

Using allowances and exemptions could reduce your overall tax bill and help you get more out of your money. On 5 April 2025, the current tax year will end, and many tax-efficient allowances and exemptions will reset. So, here are five that you may want to consider using before the 2025/26 tax year starts.

1. ISA allowance

ISAs provide a popular way to tax-efficiently save and invest. Indeed, the latest government figures show in 2022/23, 12.4 million ISAs were subscribed to with around £71.6 billion being collectively added to accounts.

For the 2024/25 tax year, you can add up to £20,000 to ISAs. If you hold money in a Cash ISA, the interest you receive wouldn’t be liable for Income Tax. Similarly, if you invest through a Stocks and Shares ISA, any returns generated aren’t liable for Capital Gains Tax (CGT).

If you don’t use your ISA allowance before the tax year ends, you’ll lose it. So, it could be worthwhile reviewing your saving and investing goals now.

Before you place money into an ISA, it’s often a good idea to consider your goal. For short-term goals, a Cash ISA might be suitable for your needs. On the other hand, if you’re putting money away for a goal that’s more than five years away, you may want to consider if you could benefit from investing.

In addition, if you’re aged between 18 and 39, you could open a Lifetime ISA (LISA). In the 2024/25 tax year, you can add up to £4,000 to a LISA and receive a 25% government bonus. The £4,000 LISA allowance counts towards your overall £20,000 ISA allowance.

However, if you withdraw money from a LISA before the age of 60 for a purpose other than buying your first home, you’d pay a 25% penalty. As a result, a LISA is often most suitable for those saving to get on the property ladder.

2. Dividend Allowance

If you’re a business owner or hold shares in some companies, you might receive dividends.

You don’t pay tax on dividends that fall within your Personal Allowance, which is £12,570 in 2024/25. In addition, you can receive up to £500 in dividends before Dividend Tax is due under your Dividend Allowance. So, dividends could offer a valuable way to boost your income without increasing your tax liability.

You cannot carry forward unused Dividend Allowance.

Even if your dividends could exceed the allowance, the tax rate you pay could be lower than receiving a comparable amount that was liable for Income Tax. The rate of Dividend Tax you pay depends on your Income Tax band. In 2024/25, the rates are:

• Basic rate: 8.75%
• Higher rate: 33.75%
• Additional rate: 39.35%

So, making dividends part of your financial plan could reduce your overall tax bill even if you’re liable for Dividend Tax.

3. Capital Gains Tax Annual Exempt Amount

Chancellor Rachel Reeves made several changes to CGT in the Autumn Budget, including increasing the main rates. Consequently, you could find your tax liability is higher than expected when you make a profit when you dispose of some assets.

Indeed, the Office for Budget Responsibility estimates CGT could raise £15.2 billion in 2024/25, which may then increase to £23.5 billion in 2028/29.

From 30 October 2024, the standard rates of CGT are:

• 24% if you’re a higher- or additional-rate taxpayer
• 18% if you’re a basic-rate taxpayer and the gains fall within the basic-rate Income Tax band.

Importantly, the Annual Exempt Amount means you can make profits of up to £3,000 in 2024/25 before CGT is due. So, if you plan to dispose of assets, timing the decision to make use of this exemption could be valuable.

You cannot carry forward the Annual Exempt Amount into the new tax year if you don’t use it.

4. Pension Annual Allowance

Pensions provide a tax-efficient way to save for your retirement as contributions benefit from tax relief and the interest or investment returns generated are tax-free.

In 2024/25, the Pension Annual Allowance is £60,000 – this is the amount you can tax-efficiently add to your pension in a single tax year, so you might also need to consider employer contributions and those made by other third parties. However, you can only claim tax relief on up to 100% of your annual earnings, or £2,880 if you’re a non-taxpayer.

There are two reasons why your Annual Allowance may be lower.

• If your adjusted income is more than £260,000 and your threshold income is more than £200,000, the allowance will taper. For every £2 your income exceeds the adjusted income threshold, your Annual Allowance will fall by £1. The tapering stops at £360,000, so everyone retains an allowance of £10,000.
• If you’ve already flexibly accessed your pension, the Money Purchase Annual Allowance may affect you. This reduces the amount you can tax-efficiently add to your pension to £10,000.

You can carry your Annual Allowance forward for up to three tax years. So, you have until 5 April 2025 to use any unused allowance from 2021/22.

5. Inheritance Tax annual exemption

Government figures suggest Inheritance Tax (IHT) bills are on the rise. Indeed, IHT tax receipts between April 2024 and October 2024 were £5 billion – around £500 million higher than the same period last year.

If your estate could be liable for IHT when you die, passing on wealth during your lifetime could be a valuable way to reduce a potential bill.

However, not all gifts are considered immediately outside of your estate for IHT purposes. Some may be included in your estate for up to seven years, which are known as “potentially exempt transfers”.

So, using allowances and exemptions that enable you to pass gifts to your loved ones without worrying about IHT might be an important part of your estate plan.

In 2024/25, the annual exemption means you can pass on £3,000 without worrying about IHT. You can carry forward your annual gifting exemption from the previous tax year, so you could gift up to £6,000 in a single tax year and have it fall immediately outside your estate.

There are often other allowances or ways you could reduce your estate’s potential IHT bill. Please contact us to talk about steps you may take. 

Get in touch to discuss your end-of-year tax plan

If you’d like to talk about which allowances and exemptions you may want to use to reduce your tax bill in 2024/25, please get in touch. We’ll work with you to help you understand which steps could be right for your circumstances and aspirations.

Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice, which should be based on your individual circumstances. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

Please do not act based on anything you might read in this article. All contents are based on our understanding of HMRC legislation, which is subject to change.

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028). The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances. Thresholds, percentage rates, and tax legislation may change in subsequent Finance Acts. 

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate tax planning, Inheritance Tax planning, or estate planning.