The Blincoe Blog
Bed & ISA, Bed & Pension - Why Now is the Perfect Time
The recent outbreak of trade tensions has sent global markets into a tailspin. Amidst this volatility lies opportunity, a new tax year offers fresh ISA and pension allowances—an ideal time to make strategic moves that enhance your tax efficiency.
Scary Markets: Navigating the Storm
Global financial markets have suffered a bruising few weeks. At the time of writing, the US benchmark S&P 500 index has fallen 8% year-to-date and stands 12% below its all-time high achieved just seven weeks ago(!!).
Nil-Rate Band Trusts: A No-Brainer?
Inheritance tax (IHT) continues to affect more families each year. IHT receipts rose by 7% last year and current forecasts suggest a further 5%+ increase this year. To make matters worse, major changes to pension legislation are looming.
Investment Bonds: Quiet Winners in a Tightening Tax Landscape
These products were once overlooked – often dismissed as expensive and inflexible. But they’ve come a long way. Today, they offer a range of tax planning benefits and can sit neatly alongside pensions, ISAs and general investment accounts (GIAs) as part of a well-structured financial plan.
The Annuity Renaissance
According to a recent FT article, “annuity sales soared to their highest level in a decade in 2024, as high rates and economic uncertainty drove people towards the products and their guaranteed income streams”.
Volatility: Guess Who’s Back?
It’s been a volatile few weeks on the stock market, driven by concerns over a potential trade war and signs of a slowdown in the US economy.
Sequence of Returns Risk
Sequence risk refers to the order in which investment returns occur. It is one of the most underappreciated risks and is particularly relevant for new retirees who have shifted from a saving / wealth creation phase to spending their investments.
Tax Year-End Checklist
Investment gains have increased from 10% to 18% for basic-rate taxpayers and from 20% to 24% for higher-rate taxpayers. Now is the time to make the most of available allowances, reliefs, and exemptions.
Gifting Out of Surplus Income
Regularly gifting from surplus income is a powerful way to pass on wealth completely free from IHT, without the usual 7-year rule
Factor-Based Investing: The Sweet Spot Between Active and Passive
Investing is typically framed as a choice between two approaches: active or passive. But what if there was a middle ground that could potentially offer the best of both worlds?
Global Equities: An American Takeover
Since 2011, the US market has grown by over 20%, now making up two-thirds of global equities.
Avoiding the £100,000 Childcare Trap
Many parents face a costly tax trap when their income exceeds £100,000, causing them to lose valuable childcare benefits.
Risk-Based Guardrails
A more flexible approach to retirement spending, one that takes into account investment performance and adjusts spending threshold accordingly.
Retirement Spending: When FOMO Meets FORO
Retirement Spending: Balancing the Fear of Running Out with the Fear of Missing Out
2024: When Tech Ruled the World (again)
Nine charts tell the story of an extraordinary year in financial markets and some insights for the period ahead.
Public Sector Pensions: A Golden Ticket to Retirement
Exploring the benefits of Public Sector Pensions, and scope to increase entitlement through Additional Pension purchase.
Redefining Risk: Volatility is your Friend not Foe
Successful investing isn’t about avoiding risk entirely. It’s about understanding the different types of risk, accepting them, and managing them wisely to achieve your financial goals.
Chasing Shadows
Is doubling down on US equities, at the expense of global diversification, a good strategy? We think not.
Business Relief
Is doubling down on US equities, at the expense of global diversification, a good strategy? We think not.
