March 7, 2025

Smart Money March/April – Maximising the end of the UK tax year 2024/25

Smart Money March/April – Maximising the end of the UK tax year 2024/25

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.

Paula Brazier becomes an IIC ambassador customer champion

We're delighted to announce that Paula Brazier, Head of Client Experience at Secondsight, has successfully completed the
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Paula Brazier becomes an IIC ambassador customer champion News

Financial resilience and mental health: What employers can do

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Employee benefits guide: what are employee benefits and why do they matter?

Employee benefits have become an increasingly important part of the world of work. For employers, they can play a role in attracting and retaining people, supporting employee wellbeing and creating a positive workplace culture. For employees, the right benefits can provide valuable support alongside their salary. From pensions and private medical insurance to flexible working, wellbeing support and company perks, there are many different types of employee benefits to consider. What are employee benefits? Employee benefits are the additional rewards, support and services an employee receives from their employer alongside their salary. They can include benefits that are required by law, as well as additional workplace benefits that an employer chooses to offer. Some employee benefits are provided to everyone, while others may be available depending on factors such as role, seniority or length of service. Employee benefits can take many forms, including financial, health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits. The right combination can form part of a wider employee benefits package designed to support people at different stages of their working lives. Why are employee benefits important? Salary remains a fundamentally important part of an employment package, but is not the only factor people consider when choosing where to work. A well-designed benefits package can provide support in areas that matter to employees both inside and outside of work. This could include helping people save for retirement, access healthcare, manage their finances or balance work with their personal lives. There are also benefits to working for an organisation that takes a thoughtful approach to employee benefits. For employers, a strong benefits offering can help to demonstrate they value their people and understand the different priorities employees may have. So the advantages of employee benefits can extend beyond individual perks, contributing to employee engagement, wellbeing, recruitment and retention, as well as the overall employment experience. What are the different types of employee benefits? The right mix of benefits will depend on the needs of the workforce, the organisation and its objectives. The best-known types are: Pension scheme Workplace pensions are one of the most established, if not the original employee benefit. Employers are required to meet certain workplace pension obligations but some organisations choose to offer benefits above and beyond the minimum requirements. This could include enhanced employer contributions – the company pays more in to a pension - or
Read more
Employee benefits guide: what are employee benefits and why do they matter? Blog

Supporting staff through life events, a new HR imperative 

Read more
Supporting staff through life events, a new HR imperative  Blog

Paula Brazier becomes an IIC ambassador customer champion

We're delighted to announce that Paula Brazier, Head of Client Experience at Secondsight, has successfully completed the
Read more
Paula Brazier becomes an IIC ambassador customer champion News

Financial resilience and mental health: What employers can do

Read more
Financial resilience and mental health: What employers can do Blog

Employee benefits guide: what are employee benefits and why do they matter?

Employee benefits have become an increasingly important part of the world of work. For employers, they can play a role in attracting and retaining people, supporting employee wellbeing and creating a positive workplace culture. For employees, the right benefits can provide valuable support alongside their salary. From pensions and private medical insurance to flexible working, wellbeing support and company perks, there are many different types of employee benefits to consider. What are employee benefits? Employee benefits are the additional rewards, support and services an employee receives from their employer alongside their salary. They can include benefits that are required by law, as well as additional workplace benefits that an employer chooses to offer. Some employee benefits are provided to everyone, while others may be available depending on factors such as role, seniority or length of service. Employee benefits can take many forms, including financial, health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits. The right combination can form part of a wider employee benefits package designed to support people at different stages of their working lives. Why are employee benefits important? Salary remains a fundamentally important part of an employment package, but is not the only factor people consider when choosing where to work. A well-designed benefits package can provide support in areas that matter to employees both inside and outside of work. This could include helping people save for retirement, access healthcare, manage their finances or balance work with their personal lives. There are also benefits to working for an organisation that takes a thoughtful approach to employee benefits. For employers, a strong benefits offering can help to demonstrate they value their people and understand the different priorities employees may have. So the advantages of employee benefits can extend beyond individual perks, contributing to employee engagement, wellbeing, recruitment and retention, as well as the overall employment experience. What are the different types of employee benefits? The right mix of benefits will depend on the needs of the workforce, the organisation and its objectives. The best-known types are: Pension scheme Workplace pensions are one of the most established, if not the original employee benefit. Employers are required to meet certain workplace pension obligations but some organisations choose to offer benefits above and beyond the minimum requirements. This could include enhanced employer contributions – the company pays more in to a pension - or
Read more
Employee benefits guide: what are employee benefits and why do they matter? Blog

Supporting staff through life events, a new HR imperative 

Read more
Supporting staff through life events, a new HR imperative  Blog