Should You Buy an Annuity? Pros and Cons for Retirement Planning
In recent years, annuities have been making a comeback. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), annuity sales rose sharply in 2023, reflecting renewed demand from retirees seeking certainty in an uncertain economic climate. But does that mean an annuity is the right choice for your retirement? With flexible options such as drawdown and […]
Protecting Your Legacy: Inheritance Tax and Estate Planning with Blacktower
You’ve worked hard for your wealth. You’ve made sacrifices, built businesses, invested wisely, and accumulated assets that represent a lifetime of achievement. But have you considered how much of that wealth might reach your loved ones when the time comes? Without careful planning, a large portion of your estate could be lost to Inheritance Tax […]
Living Longer, Planning Smarter: How to Make Your Pension Last
Across the UK and Europe, life expectancy has been steadily rising. Medical advances, healthier lifestyles, and better living conditions mean that many of us can now expect to live well into our 80s and 90s — and increasing numbers are going beyond. While a long and healthy retirement is something to celebrate, it also presents […]
How Much Do I Need to Retire Comfortably?
By the time we reach our mid-50s, many of us start to think seriously about life beyond work. With the minimum pension access age set to rise to 57 from April 2028, questions about how much money we need to retire comfortably are more relevant than ever. Inflation, interest rate fluctuations, and changing lifestyles mean […]
Why Waiting on Proposed Wealth Tax Changes Isn’t a Good Idea
For high-net-worth individuals and international families, wealth planning is rarely straightforward. The tax landscape is constantly shifting, with governments introducing new rules, closing loopholes, and reforming existing structures to generate more revenue. At present, discussions around new or expanded wealth taxes are gaining momentum across multiple jurisdictions. Whether it’s inheritance tax reforms in the UK, […]
Generational Wealth Tax: What Families Need to Know
For many families, the concept of “generational wealth” is central to their financial planning. It’s about more than simply accumulating assets during a lifetime — it’s about ensuring those assets provide security, opportunity, and legacy for children, grandchildren, and future generations. But as governments worldwide continue to reform tax systems in response to economic pressures, […]
Why Financial Advice Matters More Than Ever: Navigating Consumer Duty and Your Financial Future
Financial planning has never been simple. From pensions and investments to estate planning and tax management, the choices you make can have long-lasting consequences for your lifestyle and your family’s future. Add to this a constantly shifting regulatory landscape, and it’s no surprise that many people feel overwhelmed. One of the most significant recent changes […]
Your Pension and Inheritance Tax: What You Need to Know Now
For many people, their pension is the single biggest financial asset they will ever build. It represents decades of hard work, careful saving, and a cornerstone of financial independence in retirement. Increasingly, pensions are also viewed as a way to provide for the next generation, often forming a key part of estate and legacy planning. […]