JMS Financial Services

Planning your inheritance to transfer wealth to the next generation

Passing wealth to the next generation is a goal for many. Recent research shows that nearly half of us (47%) intend to leave a financial legacy, with a significant number planning to transfer assets directly to their children[1]. However, navigating the complexities of Inheritance Tax (IHT) can be daunting, leaving many uncertain about how to pass on their wealth in the most tax-efficient manner.

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Frozen thresholds and new caps reshape the financial landscape for savers and investors

Last year’s Autumn Budget outlined several fiscal changes that will significantly influence personal and family wealth planning in the coming years. Understanding these reforms is the first step towards protecting your financial future and keeping your strategy effective in a changing economic environment.

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Making sound financial decisions this decade is crucial to securing a comfortable future.

For those in their 50s and beyond, investing can seem particularly intimidating. As retirement approaches, the timeframe for growing your money narrows, and priorities shift towards protecting capital. However, this does not mean investment opportunities are limited. Making sound financial decisions this decade is crucial to ensuring a comfortable future.

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Navigating this requires careful planning to ensure you maximise your earnings

Recent figures from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) reveal a startling trend: an increasing number of pensioners are caught in a punitive 60% tax trap[1]. In the 2024/25 tax year, 77,000 individuals aged 66 and over had earnings between £100,000 and £125,140, subject to this alarmingly high effective tax rate. This figure has more than doubled in just three years, demonstrating the significant impact of frozen tax thresholds on older, higher-earning workers.

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Impacts on living costs, mortgage, holiday funds, savings and investments

To understand the current economic climate, it is essential to assess the strength of the pound. You might have seen headlines about sterling falling against other currencies, particularly the US dollar. But what does this mean in real terms and how does it affect your personal finances?

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Time for a financial refresh for the New Year

A new year often provides a perfect chance to review personal goals and update old habits. This year, consider expanding that review to include your personal finances. For many, managing their finances can seem daunting. However, as with many challenges, the worry is often worse than the task itself, and the most challenging part is simply taking that first step.

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The inevitable shift in the approach to intergenerational wealth transfer

Pension savers intending to pass on their retirement funds to loved ones received unwelcome news following announcements in the 2024 Budget. The Chancellor revealed that pensions will soon be subject to Inheritance Tax (IHT), marking a significant change from previous rules that usually protected pension funds from tax upon death.

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Reducing your estate’s Inheritance Tax liability for your loved ones

Considering the later years of your life is an essential part of financial planning, especially when it involves how your assets will be distributed after you pass away. Many people think about gifting their dependents or family members an early inheritance. However, this requires careful planning and a solid understanding of Inheritance Tax rules to ensure your wealth is transferred in a reasonable and efficient manner.

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How to grow your savings beyond cash accounts

Recent research shows a significant change in savings attitudes, with over half of UK Cash Individual Savings Account (ISA) holders willing to explore the investment market. For the 2025/26 tax year, this offers a notable chance for savers to grow their wealth beyond the returns from traditional cash accounts.

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Why waiting for the ‘perfect’ moment in the market might cause you to miss valuable opportunities

Deciding when to start investing can feel daunting. Many believe they must be an expert or have a large sum of money saved in advance. The truth is, the right moment to invest is often sooner than you realise. Waiting for the ‘perfect’ market timing might cause you to miss valuable opportunities for your money to grow.

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