The use of pensions in the UK has long been a cornerstone of estate planning. However, with significant changes on the horizon, understanding the implications of how pensions are treated is more critical than ever. For individuals and families, missed opportunities or uninformed decisions could
In December’s Scotman Money Q&A, Chartered Financial Planner Andrew Sutherland explains why the notion that inheritance tax (IHT) only affects the ultra-rich no longer holds true. Even many married couples may pass on as much as £1 million before incurring IHT – a figure that
The 2025 Autumn Budget, announced on 26th November 2025, introduced a range of updates that may influence taxes, savings, and longer-term financial planning. Key points include the continuation of current income tax and national insurance thresholds until 2031, gradual increases in dividends, savings, and property
With the Autumn Budget closing in, we are starting to see several rumours and different speculations in mainstream news, all with a slight variation of what may be proposed by the Labour Government this month. As with everything you may be hearing and seeing, it
When financial rumours circulate, particularly in the lead-up to a Budget, it can be helpful to remain measured and focus on verified information. Paul Gillen, Chartered Financial Planner at Acumen Financial Planning, notes that speculation about potential changes – such as ISA limits or income
At Acumen Financial Planning, we recognise that discussions around pensions – such as potential changes to tax relief or tax-free lump sums – can raise questions. In The Scotman’s Your Money Q&A, Chartered Financial Planner Andrew Sutherland outlines how we encourage decisions about pensions to
Choosing the right retirement income isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Some retirees seek guaranteed income, while others value flexibility to adapt their spending over time. Before 2015, annuities were the main option, offering lifetime payments and sometimes inflation protection. Since pension freedoms, flexible drawdown has given
