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March 7, 2025
Smart Money March/April – Maximising the end of the UK tax year 2024/25
Welcome to our March/April edition of Smart Money. Here’s a brief summary of what’s included in this edition:
On page 03, we explore why wealth transfer planning involves much more than just arranging for Inheritance Tax. This process requires your employees to ask essential questions about their legacy, their beneficiaries, and their long-term financial goals.
On page 04, we consider the financial implications of divorce for couples over 50. Ending a marriage later in life can be a complex and emotionally challenging process, especially for those in this age group. Wealth, primarily derived from property, often takes centre stage in these discussions, as it usually represents the most significant financial asset that couples own.
On page 06, we examine how Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs) could help your employees maximise their retirement investments. When planning for retirement, utilising a pension is one of the most effective ways to help your employees secure their financial future.
On page 09, we look at how your employees could approach financial discussions with their older family members. Discussing finances is not always easy but these conversations could be essential for alleviating stress and to help ensure everyone’s long-term wellbeing. Whether it involves managing unexpected expenses, such as medical bills, or addressing insufficient savings, financial challenges can weigh heavily on ageing relatives.
If relevant, please feel free to share with your employees.
Secondsight is a trading name of Foster Denovo Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until age 55 (57 from April 2028 unless the plan has a protected pension age).
The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available.
Your pension income could also be affected by the interest rates at the time you take your benefits.
The Financial Conduct Authority doesn’t regulate trust planning and most forms of inheritance tax (IHT) planning.
The financial conduct authority does not regulate tax and trust advice and will writing.
Some IHT planning solutions put your money at risk, and you may get back less than you invested. IHT thresholds depend on individual circumstances and the law. tax and IHT rules may change in the future.
The tax treatment is dependent on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in future.
HR teams urged to back National Pension Tracing Day
Campaign marks five years of helping people find lost pensions
Campaign for employers to help employees find ‘lost’ pension pots worth £31.1 billion, according to the latest survey by the Pensions Policy Institute.
Average pot value is £9,470, £13,620 for 55 to 74-year-olds.
Employee benefits consultancy Secondsight urges employers to help staff track down overlooked pensions ahead of National Pension Tracing Day on the last Sunday in October.
As National Pension Tracing Day marks five years, HR and reward teams are being urged to help their employees to unearth mislaid pension pots which could contain buried treasure.
The campaign wants everyone to use the extra hour when the clocks go back on the last Sunday in October to focus on their pensions.
Employee benefits consultancy Secondsight is encouraging employers to use their free toolkit on the
Resources
12 practical reasons to write a will
Considering what happens after death will not be easy for your employees. It can feel unsettling to picture life carrying on without them, which is why many people delay writing a will, telling themselves they’ll “sort it later.” But the reality is that none of us know when that time will come.
Having a will in place means your employee's estate will be dealt with according to their wishes. It will also spare their loved ones from having to deal with working out how to manage their affairs while they’re still navigating their grief. It can cover important issues such as:
Appointing a guardian for any children or dependants
Deciding how to leave their property
Taking steps to protect unmarried partners or stepchildren
Mitigating the amount of Inheritance Tax (IHT) applied to their estate
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is another important consideration in later-life planning. While we all hope to maintain good physical and mental health, life can change unexpectedly. An LPA means that trusted individuals will be making decisions about key areas of your employees’ lives, such as their healthcare and finances.
In this guide, employees can learn how creating a will and establishing a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) can help provide peace of mind for them and their loved ones regarding the future.
Resources
Smart Money September/October 2025
Welcome to our September/October edition of Smart Money. Here’s a brief summary of what’s included in this edition:
On page 03, we look at how the growing awareness of intergenerational wealth transfer, alongside recent changes to Inheritance Tax rules, is prompting more people to reassess their estates and seek professional advice. A substantial proportion of people plan to pass on their wealth to future generations; however, many are unaware of how to do this in a tax-efficient way.
On page 04, we examine the key aspects and potential benefits of Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs), which offer tax-efficient retirement savings with government top-ups, wide investment choice, and flexible contribution methods. SIPPs can suit both hands-on and managed approaches, making them versatile for different investor needs, but professional advice is often essential for maximising benefits and avoiding pitfalls.
On page 06, we explore how grandparents could support their grandchildren more effectively through tax-efficient savings and investment options such as Junior ISAs, Junior SIPPs and Lifetime ISAs.With thoughtful planning, grandparents can help create meaningful financial security and leave a lasting legacy.
On page 10, we highlight the importance of financial protection to help your employees safeguard their families' lifestyles if income is disrupted by illness, injury, or death. We also explore the value of inheritance planning through trusts to reduce tax burdens and protect assets. By combining these measures, families could help achieve peace of mind and long-term financial resilience.
Resources
The value of financial planning
Financial planning goes beyond just managing money; it’s about helping people create a clearer path to the life they desire, providing them with confidence that their finances are helping to support their goals every step of the way.
When your employees first think about financial planning, it’s natural for them to focus on the numbers. They might be interested in reducing their tax bill, maximising their investments, or ensuring they are on track for retirement.
While financial planning can certainly help in these areas, it goes far beyond that. It is about helping your employees feel more confident about the future, make better informed choices, and enjoy the lifestyle they want today and in the future.
When your employees first approach a financial professional, it’s often because they need support with a specific question or concern, such as:
Can they afford to invest more of their wealth?
How much do they need to save to enjoy their lifestyle in retirement?
What can they do to reduce Inheritance Tax for their loved ones after they're gone?
While a financial planner can help them answer questions like those above, the process of financial planning is even more all-encompassing.
This guide explores how financial planning could deliver lasting benefits. It could help your employees strengthen their financial position, keep them focused on their goals, encourage them to reflect on what truly matters to them, and guide them in taking steps to achieve those goals.
Resources
HR teams urged to back National Pension Tracing Day
Campaign marks five years of helping people find lost pensions
Campaign for employers to help employees find ‘lost’ pension pots worth £31.1 billion, according to the latest survey by the Pensions Policy Institute.
Average pot value is £9,470, £13,620 for 55 to 74-year-olds.
Employee benefits consultancy Secondsight urges employers to help staff track down overlooked pensions ahead of National Pension Tracing Day on the last Sunday in October.
As National Pension Tracing Day marks five years, HR and reward teams are being urged to help their employees to unearth mislaid pension pots which could contain buried treasure.
The campaign wants everyone to use the extra hour when the clocks go back on the last Sunday in October to focus on their pensions.
Employee benefits consultancy Secondsight is encouraging employers to use their free toolkit on the
Resources
12 practical reasons to write a will
Considering what happens after death will not be easy for your employees. It can feel unsettling to picture life carrying on without them, which is why many people delay writing a will, telling themselves they’ll “sort it later.” But the reality is that none of us know when that time will come.
Having a will in place means your employee's estate will be dealt with according to their wishes. It will also spare their loved ones from having to deal with working out how to manage their affairs while they’re still navigating their grief. It can cover important issues such as:
Appointing a guardian for any children or dependants
Deciding how to leave their property
Taking steps to protect unmarried partners or stepchildren
Mitigating the amount of Inheritance Tax (IHT) applied to their estate
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is another important consideration in later-life planning. While we all hope to maintain good physical and mental health, life can change unexpectedly. An LPA means that trusted individuals will be making decisions about key areas of your employees’ lives, such as their healthcare and finances.
In this guide, employees can learn how creating a will and establishing a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) can help provide peace of mind for them and their loved ones regarding the future.
Resources
Smart Money September/October 2025
Welcome to our September/October edition of Smart Money. Here’s a brief summary of what’s included in this edition:
On page 03, we look at how the growing awareness of intergenerational wealth transfer, alongside recent changes to Inheritance Tax rules, is prompting more people to reassess their estates and seek professional advice. A substantial proportion of people plan to pass on their wealth to future generations; however, many are unaware of how to do this in a tax-efficient way.
On page 04, we examine the key aspects and potential benefits of Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs), which offer tax-efficient retirement savings with government top-ups, wide investment choice, and flexible contribution methods. SIPPs can suit both hands-on and managed approaches, making them versatile for different investor needs, but professional advice is often essential for maximising benefits and avoiding pitfalls.
On page 06, we explore how grandparents could support their grandchildren more effectively through tax-efficient savings and investment options such as Junior ISAs, Junior SIPPs and Lifetime ISAs.With thoughtful planning, grandparents can help create meaningful financial security and leave a lasting legacy.
On page 10, we highlight the importance of financial protection to help your employees safeguard their families' lifestyles if income is disrupted by illness, injury, or death. We also explore the value of inheritance planning through trusts to reduce tax burdens and protect assets. By combining these measures, families could help achieve peace of mind and long-term financial resilience.
Resources
The value of financial planning
Financial planning goes beyond just managing money; it’s about helping people create a clearer path to the life they desire, providing them with confidence that their finances are helping to support their goals every step of the way.
When your employees first think about financial planning, it’s natural for them to focus on the numbers. They might be interested in reducing their tax bill, maximising their investments, or ensuring they are on track for retirement.
While financial planning can certainly help in these areas, it goes far beyond that. It is about helping your employees feel more confident about the future, make better informed choices, and enjoy the lifestyle they want today and in the future.
When your employees first approach a financial professional, it’s often because they need support with a specific question or concern, such as:
Can they afford to invest more of their wealth?
How much do they need to save to enjoy their lifestyle in retirement?
What can they do to reduce Inheritance Tax for their loved ones after they're gone?
While a financial planner can help them answer questions like those above, the process of financial planning is even more all-encompassing.
This guide explores how financial planning could deliver lasting benefits. It could help your employees strengthen their financial position, keep them focused on their goals, encourage them to reflect on what truly matters to them, and guide them in taking steps to achieve those goals.
Resources
