After more than three decades of providing expert financial advice, Andrew Hannay has retired. A retirement celebration was held at our Melville Street, Edinburgh office with colleagues, clients, family and friends. Throughout his career, Andrew has guided countless individuals and businesses through their financial planning, often building lifelong relationships with clients who have become friends…
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If you have gaps in your National Insurance (NI) record, time is running out to boost your State Pension. The UK government is offering a unique opportunity to fill in these gaps by purchasing additional NI contributions for past years—an option that will no longer be available after 6 April 2025. Why This Matters Your…
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Many of us eagerly await the day we can step away from work for good, envisioning a time filled with freedom and the opportunity to focus on what truly brings us joy. The dream of retirement offers a deeply personal vision – whether that’s adventure, relaxation or simply a slower pace of life. However, while…
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Are you considering delaying your next investment until the market drops? It’s a common notion, particularly among new or even experienced investors. The strategy of ‘timing the market’ – buying stocks when their value is low and selling them when high – may sound like the perfect plan. But even the most successful fund managers…
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We all dream of a comfortable retirement, free from financial worries and full of opportunities to enjoy life. However, achieving this vision requires careful planning and preparation. While life’s uncertainties, such as health challenges, might be beyond your control, there are concrete steps you can take to strengthen your financial resilience and prepare for the…
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Like your car, your finances require consistent care and attention to keep running smoothly. Just as a regular service ensures your vehicle performs at its best and avoids costly breakdowns, a yearly financial check-up is vital to ensuring your money works as effectively as possible. The beginning of 2025 offers an ideal opportunity to take…
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In the current economic climate, the prospect of receiving an inheritance plays a crucial role in shaping major life decisions for many UK adults. More than one in five (22%) UK adults[1] who have received or expect to receive an inheritance[2] have delayed or are planning to delay a major life event because of the…
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In a significant shift announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, inherited pensions will become subject to Inheritance Tax (IHT) from April 2027. This marks a departure from previous rules where pensions were excluded from IHT calculations. Currently, pensions are usually passed on tax-free if you die under the age of 75 – or taxed at the…
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In case you missed it, Head of Financial Planning Chris Forde and Financial Planner Phil Annand held a webinar yesterday covering some of the key issues of the Autumn Budget 2024. What We Covered: Capital Gains Tax: Updates that may impact asset sales and tax-efficient planning Pensions and Allowances: Important revisions affecting retirement strategies Inheritance…
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What does the Autumn Budget Statement 2024 mean for your money? Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered Labour’s first Budget since 2010 on 30 October, after the party’s return to power in July’s general election. She announced tax rises worth £40bn, commenting that these would rebuild public services and stabilise the public finances. Economy Office for Budget…
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