sm130 - Flipbook - Page 2
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2026
Contents
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Inside this issue
As Chancellor John Healey prepares to deliver
his first Autumn Budget, speculation is mounting
over where the government could raise additional
revenue. With the main rates of Income Tax, National
Insurance and VAT ruled out, attention could be
turning to Capital Gains Tax, property, wealth,
pensions and frozen tax thresholds. On page 08,
03
08
Inheritance Tax gift rule many
families may be overlooking
Autumn Budget 2026 tax watch
72% of UK adults unaware gifts from
shifting to other revenue generators
have worked towards, but without careful planning,
surplus income are IHT-exempt
your savings may not stretch as far as you expect. On
04
10
we explain what might change, the potential impact
on your finances and why reviewing your financial
position ahead of the Budget could help you prepare
rather than react.
Retirement should be a time to enjoy the life you
page 04, we explore five essential questions to help
you assess your retirement goals, income needs,
With the main taxes ruled out, attention is
Why investment diversification
matters in an uncertain world
professional advice can help you build a more secure
Five questions to ask
yourself before retirement
financial future.
Are you doing enough today to give yourself
energy shocks can quickly affect markets
the freedom and choices you want tomorrow?
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pension savings and potential risks, and explain why
Many families may be missing out on a valuable
Inheritance Tax (IHT) exemption that immediately
exempts qualifying regular gifts from surplus
income. Turn to page 03 to discover how the ‘normal
05
Geopolitical tensions, trade disputes and
What I wish I’d known
before I retired
you must meet and why careful record-keeping is
Protecting your loved
ones with a Will
essential, particularly as IHT rules are set to change
Providing greater control over your assets
of living is worse than before retirement
from April 2027.
and protection for those who matter
12
expenditure out of income’ rules work, the conditions
Pension scams are becoming increasingly
sophisticated, putting years of retirement savings
at risk. On page 06, we highlight the warning signs
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unrealistic returns and high-pressure tactics, and
Safeguarding
your retirement wealth
explain how to check whether an adviser or firm is
From cold calls to fake investments,
authorised. Taking time to verify an opportunity could
recognise the warning signs of
help protect your pension from fraud.
pension scams
to watch out for, including unsolicited approaches,
Nearly a third of retirees say their standard
Understanding
pension drawdown
Taking control of your pension income
means considering the tax consequences
A complete list of the articles featured in this issue
appears opposite. t
Helping you plan
with confidence
Life rarely follows a straight path. We can help
you adapt your financial plans, pursue your
ambitions and protect your family's future. To
discuss your financial needs, please contact us.
We look forward to hearing from you.
02
Information is based on our current understanding of taxation legislation
and regulations. Any levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation are
subject to change.
The value of investments may go down as well as up, and you may get
back less than you invested.
The content of the articles featured in this publication is for your general information and use only and is not intended
to address your particular requirements. Articles should not be relied upon in their entirety and shall not be deemed
to be, or constitute, advice. Although every effort has been made to provide accurate and timely information, there
can be no guarantee that it is accurate as of the date it is received or will remain accurate in the future. No individual
or company should act upon such information without receiving appropriate professional advice after a thorough
examination of their particular situation. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss arising from acts or omissions
taken in respect of any articles. Thresholds, percentage rates and tax legislation may change in subsequent Finance
Acts. Levels, bases, and reliefs from taxation are subject to change, and their value depends on the investor’s
individual circumstances. The value of your investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less
than you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. The Financial Conduct Authority
does not regulate tax advice, Inheritance Tax planning, trusts, estate planning, Will writing or Cashflow Modelling.
