The Harold Stephens Community Fund continues to support local Bristol organisations tackling loneliness and strengthening community connections. Recent grants have helped groups including Trinity Lunch Club, Age UK Bristol’s FAB – Friends Ageing Better and Footprints Older People’s Group, alongside the successful Holiday at Home event in Westbury-on-Trym.
Read MoreWith major changes to inheritance tax (IHT) incoming from April 2027, many people are beginning to realise that their pensions which currently fall outside the estate, will push them over IHT thresholds.
While everyone’s situation is different, there are several planning options worth considering well ahead of the 2027 deadline – and now is the time to start thinking about this.
Read MoreInheritance tax (IHT) and pensions are often misunderstood, and with upcoming rule changes, including pensions being included in estates from 6th April 2027, it’s more important than ever to get the facts straight. Misconceptions can lead to planning errors, unexpected tax bills, or missed opportunities to protect your wealth.
Here are the top 10 misunderstandings explained:
Read MoreWith significant changes coming into effect in April 2027 following Labour’s first Budget - most notably the inclusion of many pensions in the value of estates for Inheritance Tax (IHT) - now is a good time to understand what your estate is worth and how the current allowances work.
Read MoreFor many years, pensions have played a unique role in later life financial planning. Not only have they provided retirement income, but they have also sat largely outside the inheritance tax (IHT) net, making them an effective way of passing wealth to the next generation.
From April 2027, this will no longer be the case.
Read on for a jargon-free explanation of the new legislation and what it might mean for you.
Read MoreFrom April 2027, a major change is coming which means many pensions will be included when the value of your estate is assessed for inheritance tax (IHT). This could make a significant difference for families across North-West Bristol, where many properties are valued well above the national average.
Read MoreAs we look ahead to 2026, the global investment landscape is set to be shaped by a powerful mix of higher government spending and continued central bank rate cutting, which should support financial markets. After a period of uncertainty driven by shifting political priorities in developed economies, the outlook for the year ahead currently appears slightly more benign.
Read on for our investment outlook for 2026.
Read More2025 has been a very good year for those investing in our main recommended portfolios and overall, we’ve seen some very strong returns (albeit it hasn’t always been plain sailing!).
Read on for our outlook on recommended portfolios in 2026.
Read MoreAt extremely short notice, Rachel Reeves recently delivered what the Treasury described as a ‘Scene Setter speech’. With the Budget just three weeks away, the speech was expected to be a numbers-free pitch-rolling exercise ahead of unmentioned large tax increases. In that regard it did not disappoint.
Read MoreThe Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has returned to a favourite topic, the impact of threshold freezes. Good timing (or co-incidence?). On the day (Friday 14 November) that the Financial Times reported the Chancellor has “ditched plan to increase income tax rates in the Budget”, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) issued a comment piece examining the consequences of extending the income tax threshold freeze to 2029/30.
Read MoreThe influential Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has issued a pragmatic summary of the Chancellor’s tax increase options ahead of November’s budget together with recommendations. The key findings as they may relate to retirees and those in later life are as follows.
Read MoreThe October 2024 Budget announced new rules which will, from 6 April 2026, mean that only the first £1million invested in our independently recommended inheirtance tax (IHT) Free Investment Plans will qualify for 100% IHT relief. With the excess over £1million being eligible for relief at 50% only. Here, we consider how these new rules relate specifically to lifetime gifting.
Read MoreAs the November Autumn Budget approaches, the Chancellor faces a potential £50 billion fiscal black hole, driven by slower economic growth, lower tax revenues, and higher welfare spending. This fiscal “trilemma” forces tough choices between meeting fiscal rules, honouring spending commitments, and avoiding extra tax burdens on working people. We have broken down what these challenges mean for your finances, helping you understand the potential impact on taxation, pensions, and later life planning so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Read MoreOne of the most important pre-Budget assumptions that will determine tax policy at the next budget will be that of economic growth. Any further downturn in economic growth forecasts will see any remaining fiscal headroom quickly disappear – resulting in inevitable tax rises. But what options does the chancellor have?
Read MoreA flurry of rumours has surfaced about potentially radical changes to the taxation of Lifetime Gifts for Inheritance Tax purposes. As the Government looks at ways to increase tax revenue at the next Budget to fill the deepening financial ‘black hole’ that is emerging.
Read MoreA flurry of rumours have recently surfaced about potentially radical changes to the taxation of property. How likely are these changes and how far would they go in helping the Chancellor meet her ‘non-negotiable’ Fiscal Rules (to bring the nation’s current account into surplus by 2023)?
Read MoreWhen a community understands dementia, it becomes a kinder, more connected place for everyone. Small changes - a bit more patience, clearer communication, a welcoming environment - can make an enormous difference to the lives of people living with dementia and those who care for them.
We’ve seen first-hand how awareness and empathy can transform everyday interactions. Whether it’s helping clients plan for later life, supporting a family navigating care decisions, or simply taking the time to listen, we believe that understanding dementia helps us offer advice that’s not only practical, but genuinely compassionate.
Read MoreOver the summer, HMRC confirmed through draft legislation that, from 6 April 2027, unused pension funds will be included in an individual’s estate for inheritance tax (IHT) purposes. Alongside this, important reforms to Business Relief (BR) have also been confirmed to take effect from 6 April 2026.
Read MoreThe influential ‘think tank’ The Resolution Foundation has outlined, in its latest report, measures for the Chancellor Rachel Reeves to consider as she looks to dig herself out of the £20bn-£50bn black hole in November’s Budget. Given Resolution’s closeness to Government, it’s likely that at least some of the proposals will make their way into the Budget in two months’ time.
Read MoreFreezing income tax bands and allowances is shaping up to be one of the largest UK tax changes in years, affecting millions of people by 2028/29. More individuals will pay income tax, and higher earners could move into elevated tax bands, potentially raising nearly £49bn by 2029/30. At Harold Stephens, we understand how these shifts can impact your finances and retirement planning. Our advice helps you navigate tax changes with confidence, protect your wealth, and make informed decisions for later life.
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