Not sure how financial advisers get paid? This guide explains the difference between fees and commissions, why transparency matters, and how to choose an adviser who truly puts your interests first.
TV personality Anne Robinson recently made headlines for legally avoiding Inheritance Tax (IHT) by gifting her £50 million estate to her family. But how did she do it? This article explores the UK’s inheritance tax rules, the seven-year gifting rule, and the potential risks of estate planning strategies.
Receiving an inheritance can be a bittersweet event, often arriving due to the loss of someone dear. However, this influx of assets also presents a unique opportunity to improve your financial stability and future. Here’s a straightforward guide on how to responsibly and effectively invest an inheritance.
For many, spring means opening windows, sweeping out the dust, and rotating our wardrobes. It’s an age-old tradition that is mirrored around the world, including Jewish customs at Passover and those for the Iranian holiday of Nowruz (i.e. the Persian New Year), which coincides with the first day of spring. It’s also the perfect time to spring-clean your finances. You may be surprised by what’s hiding in your accounts, financial documents, and tax returns. Here are 5 tips to help…
It can be all too easy to forget about pensions linked to old jobs, especially when you’ve switched companies, careers, or even countries a few times. But your CV, which lists all your past jobs, can be a super helpful tool in tracking down any pensions you might have left behind. Here’s a simple guide on how to use it to find those lost pensions and make sure you’re not missing out on any money.
Structured notes are complex financial products that often attract expat investors with their promise of higher returns and protection against downside risks. However, like any investment, their performance can sometimes fall short of expectations. If you find yourself wondering, “Why is my structured note performing so poorly?”, here are some potential reasons and factors to consider.
When it comes to expat investing, the array of options available can be both exciting and overwhelming. Among the plethora of investment vehicles, structured notes have gained considerable attention. But what exactly are structured notes, and more importantly, should you consider investing in them? Let’s dive in.
Are you nearing retirement and wondering how to make the most of your pension savings? If so, then understanding the flexi-access drawdown rules is essential.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through everything you need to know about unlocking your retirement funds through flexi-access drawdown. We will explore the advantages and disadvantages of flexi-access drawdown, discuss the eligibility criteria, and explain how to set it up. I will also provide insights on investment strategies and tax implications to help…
If you’re leaving Switzerland and returning to the UK, you may be wondering, Can I transfer my Swiss pension to the UK? Understanding Swiss pension transfer rules is crucial to ensure you maximise your benefits. This guide explains your options when leaving Switzerland and how to handle your pension efficiently.
Navigating pension options can feel like a maze. Whether you’re eyeing retirement or simply planning ahead, understanding how to efficiently access your pension tax-free cash is crucial. Here’s a straightforward guide on why you might not want to withdraw your pension commencement lump sum all at once and how doing it in phases could benefit you and your family.
Are you a Brit living in, or moving to Sweden? Are you unsure of how to navigate the complexities of managing your pensions across borders? Whether you’re entangled in the web of the UK’s State and private pensions or exploring the multifaceted Swedish pension landscape, understanding the nuances of each system is crucial. In this guide, I will explore the options, obstacles, and opportunities that await you.
If you’re an expatriate and wondering how to keep your UK bank account active while living abroad, you’re not alone. Many British expats face this challenge, whether it’s for managing finances, receiving pensions, or maintaining easy access to UK funds.
Gifting an asset directly to a loved one or indirectly via a trust can be a really effective way of mitigating Inheritance Tax (IHT). However, care needs to be taken to make sure that HMRC doesn’t put the kibosh on your well-laid plans. If they view your action as a “gift with reservation of benefit” then the asset in question will still be viewed as part of your estate for IHT.
Do you have assets in more than one country? Do you know how your Will will be treated in different jurisdictions? From forced heirship in Europe to the role of executors in Asia, here’s what you need to know.
I have been living outside the UK for 23 years. I rarely get homesick. But last weekend it hit me hard. While I’m not packing my bags just yet, I realise that many expats eventually do. Thinking of returning to the UK? Prepare yourself to face a unique set of financial challenges and opportunities. It is always best to start planning as early as possible. Here are 10 financial action points to get you started.
Picture this: you’ve spent a lifetime building memories, accumulating assets, and nurturing relationships. Then, in a blink of an eye, you’re gone. Your life’s work, potentially left to the winds of chance. That’s the harsh reality for those who pass away without a will.
Imagine packing your bags, bidding goodbye to the dreary weather, then suddenly finding yourself slapped with an unforeseen £186m tax bill. This isn’t a fictional horror story – it’s the shocking reality British magnate Alan Sugar faced when he tried to dodge the UK tax net by relocating Down Under.
Are you an expat living in the UAE and wondering how succession laws may affect you, your family, and your assets? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step understanding of UAE succession law. Navigating the intricacies of inheritance can be daunting, especially in a foreign country with its unique legal framework. However, with our expert insights, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence needed to ensure your assets are protected and distributed according to your wishes.
There has been much chatter in the press recently regarding the abolition of Inheritance Tax (IHT). However, for the time being, and for the foreseeable future I expect, it remains a thing and should be planned for accordingly. One effective way to do this is via gifting. If you make a gift during your lifetime, it becomes exempt from IHT after seven years. However, many people are unsure how to report these lifetime gifts to the taxman (HMRC).
If you are going to be living or working outside of the UK for a period of less than 5 years, you need to be sure that you don’t fall foul of HMRC’s Temporary Non-Residence Rules.
