As one year comes to an end and we start all over again with 2019, many people want to begin the new year with their affairs in order.
Many of those who come to see us want to discuss similar topics, which is why we always recommend that new clients come to our free public information seminars where many of these questions are addressed.
Below are four topics which seem to be the most popular:
- Retirement – when and how?
Pensions are complex, which means many people are not comfortable understanding what they have and what their options are, or even asking their providers. Pensions really are a minefield and encompass many of the more complex parts of Financial Planning, including Income, Taxation, Legislative Changes, Allowances and scheme-specific rules – all areas best left to a professional to investigate and sift through the jargon on your behalf. So, if you feel confused, rest assured you are not the only one.
- How can I pay less tax?
With HMRC cracking down on Tax Evasion, many individuals feel less sure about what they can and cannot do, and asking a Financial Adviser is a great way to define what is a perfectly legitimate and acceptable way to decrease your Tax Bill. Using your available Tax Allowances is the first step – and 95% of those surveyed weren’t doing this! There are many other ways to maximise income and reduce your Tax Bill but they are likely to be more specific to your situation.
- How can I pay less Inheritance Tax?
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is one of the main concerns for individuals, likely because they have paid tax throughout their lifetime and don’t want to see 40% of what they have left evaporate to the tax man on their death. Or they may just be lovely people who want their family to get as much of their wealth as possible. Rising house prices over recent years have seen more estates become subject to IHT, and almost all of you reading this will have estates large enough to be subject to this tax. There are many ways to mitigate IHT including, but not limited to, getting married, making lifetime gifts and trust arrangements.
- Brexit …
The uncertainty of Brexit means it is a topic in most people’s minds, as uncertainty is not good news for the investment markets. Whilst I wish we could see into the future to plan for exactly what will happen, nobody knows how things will turn out. In these types of situation it is key to be prepared and to focus on protecting your wealth for the time being rather than taking more risk to pursue growth. A balanced and diverse portfolio is a must.
Solutions to all of these topics feature heavily in our conversations with new and existing Clients, which is not surprising as many of you have similar estate setups and the desire to protect these and the wealth within them as much as possible.
Redwood Financial is one of the Souths leading Pensions, Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning providers and we are dedicated to helping families to grow, protect and enjoy their wealth. With our unrivalled knowledge of pension and financial wealth planning, we can advise on any situation. Join us at one of our Free Public Information Seminars: Book online Book Me A Place!, Call us on 01489877 547 or Email info@redwoodfinancial.co.uk to book a FREE Initial Meeting with us to review your financial planning needs.
