We tend to think of Wills as a simple list of ‘who gets what’ when we’re gone. But the truth is, a well-planned Will is one of the most powerful financial tools you’ll ever have.
NEWS
Trusts
THE FINANCIAL GIFT THAT WILL KEEP ON GIVING
Fancy slipping a little monetary something into a loved one’s stocking this holiday season? Stop right there! However well-intentioned the gesture, there are plenty of factors you should consider beforehand to make sure you’re giving in a tax-efficient way that will help you as well as them.
IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR…WHEN THE FESTIVITIES ARE OVER HOW ABOUT A FAMILY GET-TOGETHER TO TALK ABOUT THE FAMILY FINANCES!
Getting everyone in your circle of loved ones on board and informed is the key to successful Inheritance Tax planning.
IS THERE A TRUST THAT YOU HAVEN’T REGISTERED?
It feels a little late in the day and somewhat locking the door after the horse has bolted as Trusts that are caught by the new rules should have registered in the UK last September.
LATEST NEWS
NAVIGATING THE FOG OF WAR
The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most critical oil chokepoint. Roughly one-fifth of global oil supply transits here each day. Commercial traffic has been severely disrupted since late February. Iran maintains a stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz – the narrow waterway through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil transits during peacetime. As long as that remains the status quo, analysts expect oil and stock markets to experience continued heightened volatility.
MIDDLE EAST ESCALATION: EARLY MARKET IMPACT & PORTFOLIO IMPLICATIONS
Following the weekend escalation involving US – Israeli strikes on Iran and Iran’s subsequent response, markets have – so far – reacted in a relatively orderly way. The immediate transmission mechanism is energy, because the Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas flows.
GETTING MY HEAD AROUND AI: WHY MARKETS ARE EXCITED — AND NERVOUS
Artificial Intelligence has moved from novelty to necessity in what feels like months. Markets have reacted accordingly. Some technology shares have surged on the promise of AI, while others have fallen sharply on fears that AI could undermine existing business models. Like many investors, I’ve been trying to get my head around what is actually happening — and why the stakes suddenly feel so high.
UK TAX: THE PAIN DEFERRED – WHY THE REAL IMPACT COMES LATER
Financial markets were primed for sharp, immediate tax rises. Commentators warned of fiscal tightening. Yet when the Chancellor delivered the measures, the initial reaction was muted. Markets barely moved. The plaster came off—and it didn’t hurt.