On Tuesday 20th May, we were thrilled to sponsor and attend the BRACE Dementia Research 1987 Foundation event as part of Dementia Action Week. Long-term supporters and people that have pledged a gift to BRACE in their Will were invited to enjoy a ferry ride around Bristol with cream tea, followed by an update from the BRACE team on the progress the charity are making and the opportunity to have a look around the SS Great Britain.
Read MoreOn Saturday 17th May, we were so pleased to attend Let’s Talk Dementia as a sponsor of the brilliant one-stop dementia information event organised by Alive Activities, BRACE Dementia Research and Bristol Dementia Action Alliance (BDAA).
The event, held just before Dementia Action Week, took over the Watershed in Bristol and we were impressed by just how much information and support was available to those living with dementia and their carers on the day
Read MoreFor those with philanthropic intentions, leaving charitable legacies are very appealing given how tax efficient such a gift can be. This is especially the case after the recent Budget introduced some significant changes to inheritance tax (IHT).
These changes are likely to substantially increase the number of estates subject to IHT in the coming years. Leaving charitable gifts in the Will could be the ideal tax efficient solution.
Read MoreEach year, Dementia Action Week brings communities together to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage action that improves the lives of people affected by dementia. In 2025, this vital awareness week runs from 19th to 25th May, and the theme is all about diagnosis and educating audiences on the most common symptoms of dementia.
Find out more about what’s going on and how you can get involved.
Read MoreAre You Worried About Your Pension or ISA Investments?
In times of market uncertainty such as these, diversification is essential for investors. You should avoid panicked decisions. As we’ve seen previously, Trump has shown a willingness to change his mind at short notice, which could prompt a positive reaction from riskier assets such as shares.
Despite current challenges, rising bond prices, lower oil prices, and a weaker dollar could pave the way for a rebound in the equity market once US trade policies stabilise.
If you’re feeling unsure, we’re here to help.
Read MoreLast week’s Spring Statement, which contained a range of announcements, the net result of which conveniently brought her fiscal headroom back precisely to the £9.9bn figure she had in October’s budget. At the time of that Budget, the OBR projected that her fiscal targets would be met with that exact margin of £9.9bn.
Read on to find out what the Spring Statement had in store.
Read MoreAccording to HMRC’s latest statistics inheritance tax (IHT) receipts for April 2024 to February 2025 were just under £7.6 billion, which is more than £0.8 billion higher than the same period last year, of just over £6.8 billion. And, for February 2025, receipts were £612 million, which is considerably higher than the receipts for February 2024 of £564 million.
This can mostly be attributed to rises in asset values, and the freezing of the IHT tax-free thresholds.
Read MoreWe have previously discussed the worrying statistics around how few people in the UK actually have an up to date and valid Will – the figure is around 29%.
However perhaps an even more worrying statistic, especially in this day and age, is that of those people with a Will, 93% have not included any provision for their digital assets. In fact, only a quarter knew what would happen to their digital assets when they passed away.
Read MoreThe Inheritance Tax Nil Rate Band (NRB) for 2024-2025 remains £325,000, unchanged since 2010 and frozen until at least 2030. Rising asset values mean more estates will face Inheritance Tax (IHT). While the NRB itself can’t increase, married couples can transfer unused allowances, and the £175,000 Residential Nil Rate Band (RNRB) may apply if a main home passes to direct descendants.
Read on to find out more about the Nil Rate Band.
Selecting a care home is a major decision, requiring time and planning. It typically takes around five weeks to find a home and another two weeks to move in, with popular homes often having waiting lists.
Here we summarise the types of care home, key considerations and options for care funding.
High Court claims for Will disputes in England and Wales have surged by over 20% in the past year, with many more cases being settled before reaching court. These disputes can result in costly legal fees, lengthy delays, and emotional turmoil for families.
Key factors driving the rise include the increasing number of blended families and the growing value of estates, particularly from property and investments. Common causes of disputes involve executor inaction, lack of understanding of duties, outdated Wills, probate delays, and conflicts over property and inheritance expectations.
Careful estate planning, selecting the right executors, and seeking independent professional advice can help prevent disputes and ensure a smooth administration of the estate.
Read MoreWith life expectancy rising, financial planning must account for longer retirement years. Women aged 65 in 2023 can expect to live another 22.5 years, while men can expect nearly 20 years—and those in affluent areas may live even longer.
To sustain a longer retirement, options include saving more tax-efficiently, delaying drawdown, or working longer. However, a longer life may reduce the inheritance left for family. Here we review some of the options available to you.
Read MoreWith 30% of over-65s and over 50% of over-80s needing help with daily tasks, planning for care costs is essential. Care fees vary widely, with residential care averaging £49,348 per year and nursing care at £65,884 per year.
If your assets exceed £23,250, you'll need to self-fund your care, but options like downsizing, equity release, and care annuities could help. Financial planning strategies - such as investing post-mortgage savings - can also provide for future care needs.
Here we outline some of the options available.
Read MoreThis is the estimated implication of including unused pension pots in a deceased member’s estate due to the changes announced in the Autumn Budget. Many will be forced to rethink their estate planning and pension strategies, and we urge anyone concerned by the changes to seek out independent financial advice.
Read on for some of the key takeaways.
Read MoreThe value of pension annuity contracts rose by 34% in 2024, reaching a ten-year high of £7bn, with annuity purchases up 24% from 2023. Despite the State Pension Age remaining at 66, the most common age for buying an annuity was 65.
With 69% of buyers switching providers, and increasing demand for joint life, enhanced, and escalating annuities, making the right choice is crucial. While drawdown remains the most popular option, a phased annuity approach could offer both certainty and flexibility in retirement.
Read MoreHarold Stephens is delighted to announce the latest recipients of our Community Fund, supporting two fantastic initiatives that will make a real difference in the lives of older adults in North-West Bristol.
This funding round has provided grants to Flamingo Chicks for their inclusive Flamingo Dance programme and Alive Activities for their Carers Support Sessions. These projects address isolation and loneliness among older people, creating opportunities for connection, activity, and community involvement.
Read MoreWelcome to our 2025 global outlook. As we face another year of geopolitical, technological, and fiscal transformation, the ancient saying that ‘change is the only constant’ rings truer than ever.
In this year’s global outlook below, we look back at the last 12 months as well as consider the changing landscape facing investors in 2025.
Read MoreWe believe face-to-face financial advice is more valuable than ever in an increasingly online world. Complex, life-changing decisions - such as retirement planning, estate planning, and care options - require personal trust, deep conversations, and emotional understanding. Our high-street office provides a distraction-free space where we can read emotions, build rapport, and tailor advice to individual needs. Unlike online meetings, in-person advice ensures privacy, focus, and a stronger connection. When it comes to investments, we emphasise long-term strategy over impulsive decisions, helping clients avoid common pitfalls. Local, independent financial advice offers clarity, confidence, and a truly personal approach.
Read MoreUnder the current inheritance tax (IHT) regime, our independently recommended IHT-Free Investment Plans provide 100% relief from IHT after 2 years of holding by investing in wide and diversified portfolios of qualifying funds and assets.
But, what impact will Labour’s budget have on these qualifying assets?
Read MoreInheritance tax receipts were up again for the period April to December 2024 and for the last twelve months.
According to HMRC’s latest statistics inheritance tax (IHT) receipts for April 2024 to December 2024 were just over £6.3 billion, which is more than £0.6 billion higher than the same period last year, of just over £5.7 billion. And, for December 2024, receipts were £620 million, which is considerably higher than the receipts for December 2023 of £547 million.
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