One of the challenges with writing these is not so much finding something to write about, it’s that there is so much I could write about! I know what excites.
Read moreMoney Musings 31/10/2023
Letters are powerful things, aren’t they? The strength of the written word. Something that can be held and treasured over time. There are rules and regulations over how we store communications both to and from you, for good reason. I was away from the office last week (the joys of half term) and spent some time sorting things out around the house. I wouldn’t normally put something so personal in a communication such as this one, but something happened that really got me thinking and I hope to inspire some of you.
I found a letter. It was one Dad had written to my son on the day he was born. Those of you who knew him well will know Dad was a great writer of letters. When I was young, Dad and I used to have long deep and meaningful chats whilst we walked the dogs, and he would impart his sage wisdom to guide my growth. Which I would, of course, dutifully ignore and charge ahead in my own stubborn path and grumble like hell when I had to admit he was right later down the line. Dad had taken to taking my son out for lads nights so he could chat to my boy and do the same. One of the many great sadness’s of losing him was my son’s loss of these lovely, bonding moments.
And there it was, on beautiful note paper, for my boy to read whenever he needs that guiding hand and keep for the rest of his life. It was a find that emotionally floored both of us in the best way, and I’m so grateful. So, my mission to you all, should you choose to accept it, is to write the letter. It’s a priceless gift.
Of course, most of the gifts we want to leave our family are gifts of financial security. A big part of our job is to help you leave those gifts as tax efficiently as possible. Pensions are great for this, can be set up for your Grandchildren even (which can be useful if you have an IHT issue too). Your own pension, with your expression of wish completed, will pass outside of your estate for inheritance tax purposes.
But pension rules don’t stay stagnant. As with all things Estate Planning, changes in rules and regulation can occasionally mean that Wills and Trusts that were brilliant when you signed them, might not be the right option for you any more because of a change of the rules. If you have a pension trust set up, it might be worth checking with our team here that it still gives you the benefits it once did. If it doesn’t, that’s very easily resolved but it’s worth looking at now. With this musing I’m attaching my fee list that covers the most common work that I do on the Wills and Trust side. If you’d like a (free) conversation to review your current Estate Planning, simply give the office a call and book one in.
Finally, and I know it is a bit early to be mentioning Christmas, but the Straight Talk office will be closed on the afternoon of the 8th December for our staff lunch and we will be closing for the Christmas break from lunchtime on the 22nd December until Tuesday 2nd January.
So, to the markets
Not all of its bleak out there. Sometimes we hear good things in the press. Ok, not often. But sometimes. For example, news came in the press recently that the.
Read moreREMINDER: Last call for pre-registration for the Webinar Thursday 30th November 10am Pre-registration link is here: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4415548/1FE19490B28856477CC82CC544A090D0 N.B. The webinar will be recorded, so if you cannot attend but.
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