Starting a family is one of life’s most fulfilling experiences, but it’s also among the most costly. From baby essentials and daily expenses to long-term aims like university savings, the cost of raising a child in the UK continues to rise each year. According to the Child Poverty Action Group, the basic cost of raising…
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You could be forgiven for thinking that the run up to Rachel Reeves’ second Budget got underway in early summer. It was in June that the government climbed down on the winter fuel payment, while July saw cuts to disability benefits abandoned. Together those U-turns created a fiscal hole of around £6 billion by 2029/30….
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We have decided to participate in Cash for Kids Tayside’s Mission Christmas Appeal again this year. There are too many children in the area living in poverty, who deserve a gift on Christmas Day! So, Mission Christmas is an annual campaign to gather Christmas presents for children in Tayside. We are a registered ‘drop off’…
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Death and money are two of life’s unavoidable realities, yet they remain subjects many of us hesitate to discuss. This reluctance often extends to inheritance, a topic filled with discomfort for many families. The consequence of this silence is significant, as an increasing number of estates are affected by Inheritance Tax (IHT), and disputes over…
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In the previous 2024 Autumn Budget, the Chancellor announced that the Inheritance Tax (IHT) thresholds, which are the amount you can pass on when you die before IHT is due, will remain unchanged until 2030. However, from 6 April 2027, pensions will no longer be exempt from IHT, which will alter how estates are valued…
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As someone who proudly represents Thorntons Wealth and also founded Trilogy CC, I’m delighted to share that Thorntons Wealth will be one of our official sponsors for the 2025/26 season. This partnership marks an exciting step forward, not just for me personally, but for the growing community of riders who make Trilogy CC such a…
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Global events continue to make headlines and spark debate among investors. From intense political exchanges in the US to displays of European unity overcoming post-Brexit tensions, and the latest tariffs introduced by the US, there is no shortage of geopolitical drama. Furthermore, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the escalating Israel-Palestine tensions have further increased global…
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Last week Emily Loudon chaired the Careers in Finance Panel at University of Edinburgh Business School, held in partnership with The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (The CISI). The event brought together professionals from a range of roles across the finance sector to share experiences and practical advice. The key messages that came out…
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Pensions are a crucial component of financial planning, particularly for individuals seeking to secure a comfortable retirement. For some, increasing pension contributions can be a strategic move to make up for missed savings or to maximise tax-efficient benefits. However, understanding the rules around contributions requires careful consideration to avoid potential pitfalls. Large contributions can assist…
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A UK trust is a legal arrangement in which one party holds and manages assets on behalf of another party, in accordance with the terms set by the trust’s creator. They often serve as a safeguard for wealth, ensuring that assets are passed on to the next generation according to specific wishes. Trusts are essential…
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