Meet the Team: A Conversation with Robert Wilkinson

At Fogwill & Jones, we believe that great financial advice starts with great people. Our team of dedicated experts isn’t just here to offer guidance – they’re passionate about helping clients secure their financial futures with clarity and confidence.

To give you a closer look at the people behind the advice, we sat down with Robert, our Independent Financial Adviser, to learn more about his journey into wealth management, the lessons he’s picked up along the way, and the financial wisdom he wishes more people knew. Of course, we also got to know a bit more about him on a personal level – like his favourite book, his dream dinner guest, and, perhaps most importantly, his go-to biscuit!

What’s your favourite biscuit?

I love a Bourbon biscuit!

If you weren’t a financial advisor, what career would you have pursued?

In a previous life, I was a deputy manager at a chain restaurant, so might still have been in that sector.

What’s your favourite book?

My favourite book is The Silmarillion by Tolkien.

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

Probably Churchill, he had such a fascinating life and lived and worked at the forefront of tremendous changes in British society

What inspired you to become a financial advisor?

I was dating a girl who worked as an insurance underwriter, and had a very nice 9 -5 lifestyle, while I was working all the hours god sent in the restaurant for not very much money and I decided I would try something similar (the relationship never worked out)

How long have you been in the wealth management industry?

I have been working in financial service 10 years, I spent about 8 years with Skipton Building Society and worked my way up from the counter and advised for them for 3 years, then I spent nearly 2 years working for Tenet before they went bust, and have been at F&J since July last year.

What’s your favourite part of helping clients with their finances?

I enjoy helping people to fully understand their investments, I find often clients have not been fully educated about their holdings, or do not really understand how and why things work the way they do, and I always get a thrill when a client says they feel much more informed about what we have been discussing.

What’s one piece of financial advice you wish more people knew?

One piece of advice I wish more people knew was how important it is to consider true long-term planning, people by their nature tend to live for today, or focus on very short-term results and struggle to step back and consider the big picture.

What are the biggest mistakes people make when managing their wealth?

Similar to the above, the biggest mistake people tend to make when managing their wealth is getting hung up on short-term results such as a dip in performance and then pull money out or de-risk the holdings at an inopportune time, and are then further disappointed when the holdings struggle to recover afterwards.

What’s your top tip for someone looking to build long-term financial security?

My top tip for someone looking to build long-term financial security is to regularly review pension pots, and take advantage of employer matching on contributions – if it is available at a higher than default level you should strongly consider doing it.

Final Thoughts

At Fogwill & Jones, we know that financial planning is about more than just numbers – it’s about trust, understanding, and building a secure future. Robert’s passion for helping clients navigate their financial journeys shines through in everything he does, whether it’s simplifying complex wealth management strategies or ensuring clients feel confident about their investments.

Getting to know the people behind the advice is just as important as the advice itself, and we hope this conversation has given you a glimpse into the expertise, experience, and personality that make Robert such a valuable part of our team.

If you’re looking for tailored financial advice or simply want to have a chat about your long-term plans, Robert and the rest of our team at Fogwill & Jones are always here to help. Feel free to reach out – we’d love to hear from you!

Preparing for Retirement: The Importance of Planning for the Next 10 Years

Retirement is a pivotal milestone in life, yet it’s often surrounded by uncertainty. How much should you save? Will your investments last? Are you prepared for changing financial landscapes? These are critical questions, especially as you approach the final decade before retirement. Proactive planning now can make the difference between financial security and unexpected shortfalls later.

At Fogwill & Jones, we help individuals and families build tailored retirement strategies, ensuring they are ready for life’s next chapter. With the right preparation, the next 10 years can be the foundation of a comfortable, worry-free retirement.

Why the Next 10 Years Matter

Time to Build and Adjust:

While retirement may seem like it’s fast approaching, a decade provides ample opportunity to solidify your plans, optimise investments, and address gaps. By taking action now, you can set yourself up for a secure future.

Changing Economic Realities:

Inflation, interest rates, and market trends can all impact retirement savings. A plan you felt confident in five years ago may no longer provide the security you need. Regular reviews and adjustments are crucial during this time.

Health and Lifestyle Considerations:

Your retirement isn’t just about finances – it’s about how you want to live. Will you travel, downsize, or take on part-time work? Clear goals help ensure your financial strategy aligns with your desired lifestyle.

Steps to Prepare for Retirement

  1. Evaluate Your Current Savings

Take stock of your existing retirement accounts, investments, and other assets. Are you on track to meet your goals? Tools like retirement calculators or a financial advisor can help clarify your position.

  1. Maximise Contributions

In the years leading up to retirement, tax-advantaged accounts like pensions or ISAs can be your best friends. Take advantage of catch-up contributions and maximise your annual allowances to boost your savings.

  1. Review Your Investment Strategy

As retirement nears, it’s essential to balance growth and security in your portfolio. Younger investors may lean towards equities, but the focus should shift towards stability as you approach retirement.

  1. Plan for Healthcare

Healthcare costs are one of the largest expenses in retirement. Understanding your coverage and setting aside funds will ensure you’re prepared for unforeseen circumstances.

  1. Test Your Plan

Simulate your retirement budget by living on your anticipated income for a few months. This practice can reveal gaps or areas for improvement, giving you time to adjust before retirement becomes a reality.

How We Can Help

At Fogwill & Jones, we specialise in guiding clients through retirement planning, providing expert advice tailored to your individual needs. Here’s how we can assist:

Personalised Retirement Planning: We work with you to create a detailed roadmap, addressing everything from income sources to lifestyle aspirations.

Investment Optimisation: Our advisors ensure your portfolio is diversified and aligned with your evolving risk tolerance and goals.

Tax Efficiency: We identify strategies to minimise tax liabilities, allowing you to maximise your retirement income.

Adapting to Life Changes: Whether you’re considering early retirement or need to reassess your timeline, we help you stay flexible.

Comprehensive Reviews: Regular check-ins ensure your plan remains resilient amidst changing markets and personal circumstances.

Case Study: Preparing John and Sarah for a Comfortable Retirement

John and Sarah, both in their mid-50s, came to us feeling uncertain about their retirement plans. Their goals included downsizing their home, funding travel, and ensuring they had enough for healthcare.

After assessing their situation, we implemented key changes:

Increased Contributions: By maximising their pension contributions, we boosted their retirement savings.

Portfolio Adjustments: Their investments were rebalanced to include lower-risk assets while maintaining potential for moderate growth.

Tax Optimisation: We utilised tax-efficient vehicles to shield their savings from unnecessary liabilities.

Now, John and Sarah feel confident in their ability to retire comfortably, with a clear plan to enjoy their golden years.

Don’t Leave Retirement to Chance

Retirement planning is about more than numbers – it’s about preparing for the life you want. At Fogwill & Jones, we’re here to help you navigate every step of the journey.

Contact us today on 01142 588899 or email info@fogwilljones.co.uk to schedule a consultation. Together, we can build a strategy that ensures your retirement is as rewarding as you’ve always envisioned.

AI and Robo-Advice in Investing: Convenience or Compromise?

The rise of AI and robo-advice has dramatically changed the world of investing. These technologies offer convenience, speed, and accessibility, making them an appealing choice for investors looking to build wealth with minimal effort. But while AI-driven tools can be a valuable part of the investment process, they may not always provide the depth, nuance, and personalised guidance that a human advisor can offer.

At Fogwill & Jones, we embrace the benefits of technological advancements while recognising the irreplaceable value of personal relationships. Here, we explore the strengths and limitations of AI and robo-advice, and why expert human advisors remain essential in building and managing wealth effectively.

The Appeal of AI and Robo-Advisors

AI and robo-advisors have gained popularity for several reasons, particularly among tech-savvy and cost-conscious investors. Here’s what they bring to the table:

  1. Accessibility: Robo-advisors offer entry-level investment options with low minimum balances, making investing more accessible for beginners.
  2. Automation: From portfolio rebalancing to tax-loss harvesting, robo-advisors automate tasks that would traditionally require time and expertise.
  3. Cost-Effectiveness: With lower fees than traditional advisory services, robo-advisors are attractive for those seeking affordable investment solutions.
  4. 24/7 Availability: AI tools operate without time constraints, offering round-the-clock support for account management and queries.

For investors with straightforward goals, these advantages can be appealing. However, when it comes to more complex financial needs, AI has its limitations.

The Limitations of AI in Wealth Management

While AI and robo-advisors are advancing rapidly, there are critical aspects of wealth management where they fall short.

  1. Understanding the Bigger Picture: AI excels at analysing data but struggles to comprehend the unique complexities of human lives. Your financial goals, values, and long-term aspirations require a nuanced understanding that only a human advisor can provide.
  2. Adapting to Life Changes: Major life events, such as career transitions, inheritance, or planning for a child’s education, require adjustments to your financial strategy. AI tools may lack the intuition to address these changes effectively or proactively.
  3. Emotional Support: Investing isn’t purely rational. During market downturns, human advisors offer reassurance, helping clients avoid knee-jerk reactions and maintain long-term strategies. Robo-advisors, on the other hand, provide data but no empathy.
  4. Customisation Beyond Algorithms: Robo-advisors follow predefined algorithms, which can lead to cookie-cutter solutions. Human advisors are able to craft tailored strategies that account for intricate tax situations, estate planning, and intergenerational wealth transfer.
  5. Trust and Relationships: Wealth management isn’t just about returns, it’s about trust. A human advisor builds a relationship with you over time, providing personalised advice that evolves with your life.

Why Human Expertise Matters

We recognise the benefits of technology and incorporate AI tools to enhance our services at Fogwill & Jones. However, we firmly believe that human expertise is irreplaceable when it comes to achieving your financial goals. Here’s why:

  1. Bespoke Financial Strategies: We take the time to understand your individual circumstances, crafting strategies that align with your lifestyle, goals, and values.
  2. Proactive Advice: Our advisors monitor your portfolio and adapt it to evolving market conditions, tax laws, and personal circumstances, ensuring your plan remains relevant and effective.
  3. Holistic Approach: Beyond investments, we consider your entire financial landscape, from retirement planning to legacy building, ensuring your wealth works for every aspect of your life.
  4. Human Insight: Navigating uncertainties requires intuition and experience. Our advisors bring decades of expertise to guide you through challenges and opportunities.
  5. Long-Term Relationships: We are partners in your financial journey, providing ongoing support and advice that evolves as your life and goals change.

Case Study: Balancing AI Tools with Human Expertise

James, a tech entrepreneur in his 30s, initially used a robo-advisor to manage his investments. While the platform offered simplicity, James soon realised its limitations as his finances became more complex. After selling his company, he needed advice on tax efficiency, estate planning, and diversifying his portfolio.

We worked with James to:

  • Streamline His Portfolio: Combining AI tools for data analysis with our human insight, we built a strategy that balanced growth and stability.
  • Optimise His Tax:  Our advisors identified ways to reduce James’ tax liabilities through bespoke solutions unavailable in standard robo-advisor algorithms.
  • Plan Long-Term: We created a holistic plan to align his investments with his long-term goals, including philanthropy and family wealth preservation.

By combining AI-powered insights with personalised advice, James now enjoys the benefits of both worlds – efficiency and expertise.

The Best of Both Worlds

AI and robo-advisors are powerful tools, but they are just that – tools. When it comes to wealth management, nothing replaces the personalised guidance, emotional intelligence, and strategic insight of a trusted human advisor. At Fogwill & Jones, we leverage technology to enhance our services, but we never compromise on the human touch.

Ready to experience the difference personalised advice can make? Contact us today on 01142 588899 or email info@fogwilljones.co.uk to find out how we can help you achieve your financial goals with confidence and care.

 

Case Study: Investing for the Future

Planning for financial stability in later life is a crucial step, especially after significant life events like receiving an inheritance or taking early retirement. This case study highlights how a client sought financial advice to align their investments with their values while ensuring long-term growth and stability. Robert Wilkinson, one of Fogwill & Jones’ expert advisors, provided tailored financial guidance, helping the clients transition into a more secure financial future with a focus on ethical investments.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

USS scheme for one of us resulting in early retirement pension and lump sum, in addition to recent inheritance and the need to make good financial planning for later life.

How has Robert Wilkinson helped you?

Rob has taken over from our previous financial advisor in Fogwill and Jones, and he has just conducted our annual review. He understood our concerns, particularly our motivation to use our money in positive ethical investments, and gave us a good explanation of where things stand with our investments and was thorough in assessing the level of risk we feel comfortable with, I appreciated his personable and frank approach and feel we are in safe hands. Thanks Rob!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes in the sense that our investments are beginning to show signs of recovery after the shock of COVID.

What could they have done better?

Nothing – we will have a follow up meeting in a couple of months.’

Conclusion

This case study demonstrates the importance of personalised financial advice when managing significant financial changes and aligning investments with personal values. Through a comprehensive and empathetic approach, Robert has helped the clients navigate their current financial circumstances while positioning them for long-term success. By prioritising ethical investments and tailored risk strategies, Fogwill & Jones has provided the client with a solid foundation for a sustainable and value-driven financial future.

Pension Planning for Under 30s: Why Starting Early Matters More Than You Think

When you’re in your 20s, planning for retirement can seem like a distant and irrelevant concept. Between student loans, rent, and saving for immediate goals like travel or buying your first home, it’s easy to put pensions on the back burner. But the reality is that the earlier you start pension planning, the better positioned you’ll be for long-term financial security.

At Fogwill & Jones, we work with clients of all ages to help them prepare for their future. For those under 30, taking steps now can dramatically improve the quality of your retirement years, thanks to the power of compounding growth and strategic saving. As independent financial planners, we offer tailored advice to make pension planning simple, efficient, and rewarding.

Why Start Early?

One of the most compelling reasons to begin pension planning in your 20s is compound interest – the concept of earning interest not only on your savings but also on the already accumulated interest. The earlier you begin contributing to your pension, the more time your money has to grow.

Example:

Sarah starts saving £200 a month into her pension at age 25.

Tom delays saving until he’s 35 but contributes £300 a month to make-up for lost time.

By retirement age (67), Sarah could have a pension pot worth around £340,000, assuming 5% annual growth.

Despite contributing more each month, Tom’s pension pot could be worth only £270,000.

The key takeaway? Starting early, even with small contributions, can have a significant impact on your overall pension savings.

The Benefits of Pension Planning in Your 20s

Employer Contributions: If you’re employed, it’s likely your workplace offers a pension scheme. Under auto-enrolment rules, employers must contribute to your pension alongside your own savings. It’s essentially free money towards your retirement, so don’t miss out!

Tax Relief on Contributions: The government provides tax relief on pension contributions, making your savings even more efficient. For every £80 you put into your pension, the government adds £20 (basic rate relief), which instantly boosts your contributions.

Long-Term Financial Freedom: Planning for retirement early allows you to control your future financial independence. Starting early means you’ll need to save less overall each month to reach your target, giving you flexibility as life evolves.

Access to Expert Financial Planning: By working with independent advisors like Fogwill & Jones, you’ll receive a clear, actionable plan tailored to your lifestyle, goals, and circumstances. From understanding your pension scheme to exploring investment opportunities, we ensure your strategy is both effective and flexible.

How Fogwill & Jones Can Help

At Fogwill & Jones, we specialise in helping clients secure their financial future. For those under 30, our approach focuses on clear, actionable steps:

Maximise Employer Contributions: We review your workplace pension options to ensure you’re making the most of any employer contributions available to you.

Optimise Your Savings: Our advisors can help you identify how much to save each month to meet your retirement goals without sacrificing your current lifestyle.

Invest Wisely for Long-Term Growth: With decades ahead, your pension savings have time to ride out market fluctuations. We help you allocate your pension investments to maximise growth while managing risk.

Plan for Changing Circumstances: Your career and life goals will change over time. We ensure your pension strategy evolves with you, whether you change jobs, become self-employed, or take a career break.

Case Study: Helping Tom Build His Pension Early

Tom, a 28-year-old marketing executive, came to Fogwill & Jones unsure about his pension contributions. After a review, we discovered he wasn’t taking full advantage of his workplace scheme, and his contributions were below the recommended level for his age.

Our solution:

  • We increased Tom’s contributions to match his employer’s offering, which effectively doubled his monthly savings.
  • We invested his pension pot in a growth-focused portfolio designed for long-term returns.
  • We set a realistic savings target to help Tom achieve a comfortable retirement without affecting his current financial priorities.

By acting now, Tom boosted his pension savings trajectory and is on track to achieve financial independence by retirement age.

Don’t Delay Your Future

Pension planning might not seem urgent when you’re under 30, but the decisions you make today will shape your financial future. Starting early gives you more flexibility, better returns, and less stress down the line.

At Fogwill & Jones, we help clients take control of their pensions and plan for the future they want. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to review your savings strategy, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

For personalised pension advice, contact us on 01142 588899 or visit our website. Secure your future now, and let us help you achieve your retirement goals with confidence.

How Robust Is Your Investment Plan? The Importance of Regular Reviews

Investing is a crucial step towards building long-term financial security, but simply creating an investment plan and leaving it untouched can be risky. Financial markets, personal circumstances, and economic environments are constantly evolving, and your investment strategy needs to keep pace. Regular reviews of your investment plan ensure it remains aligned with your goals, risk tolerance, and changing life circumstances.

At Fogwill & Jones, we help our clients regularly review and optimise their investment strategies, ensuring they remain on track to achieve their financial objectives while adapting to changes in the market and in their personal lives.

Why Regular Investment Reviews Matter

Your Goals Can Change: As life progresses, your financial goals may evolve. Whether you’re saving for a home, planning for your children’s education, or preparing for retirement, your investment plan needs to reflect your current priorities. Regular reviews ensure your strategy adapts to your goals and life stage.

Market Conditions Fluctuate: Financial markets are dynamic, with periods of growth and volatility. A portfolio that was well-diversified and performed well last year may not be as effective in the current market environment. Regular reviews allow you to rebalance your portfolio, ensuring it remains resilient and aligned with your risk tolerance.

Risk Tolerance May Shift: Your attitude towards risk is likely to change over time. For example, as you approach retirement, you may prefer more stable, lower-risk investments. Conversely, younger investors might lean towards higher-growth opportunities. Regular reviews ensure your portfolio reflects your current risk appetite and investment timeline.

Taking Advantage of Opportunities: Markets present new opportunities all the time, whether in emerging sectors, tax-efficient vehicles, or strategic investments. Regular reviews enable you to identify and capitalise on these opportunities while adjusting your portfolio to avoid unnecessary risks.

Tax Efficiency: Tax regulations change, and ensuring your investments remain tax-efficient is crucial. Regular reviews can help identify opportunities to minimise your tax liabilities, such as using ISAs, pensions, or other tax-efficient investment vehicles.

How Fogwill & Jones Can Help

At Fogwill & Jones, we offer expert guidance and regular investment reviews to help our clients stay on track. Here’s how we can assist:

Comprehensive Portfolio Reviews: We conduct thorough reviews of your existing investments to assess performance, diversification, and risk exposure. Our advisors ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your goals and market conditions.

Rebalancing Your Portfolio: Over time, investments can drift from their original allocations due to market movements. We help you rebalance your portfolio to maintain the desired mix of assets, ensuring optimal performance and risk management.

Adapting to Life Changes: Whether you’re changing careers, starting a family, or preparing for retirement, our advisors ensure your investment plan evolves with your circumstances.

Maximising Tax Efficiency: We review your investments to identify tax-saving opportunities, such as maximising your ISA and pension allowances or utilising Capital Gains Tax exemptions.

Identifying New Opportunities: The financial landscape is constantly evolving, and we keep you informed about new opportunities to enhance your portfolio’s growth potential.

Case Study: Keeping Emma’s Investments on Track

Emma, a 40-year-old professional, originally invested in a growth-focused portfolio a decade ago to build wealth for her future. However, during a recent review with Fogwill & Jones, we identified several areas for improvement:

Rebalancing: Emma’s portfolio had become overly weighted in high-risk assets due to market gains. We rebalanced her investments to include a more diversified mix of equities and bonds.

Tax Efficiency: We moved part of her portfolio into ISAs to protect future growth from tax liabilities.

Aligning Goals: Emma’s focus had shifted towards saving for her children’s education. We adjusted her strategy to include specific investments targeting her new priorities.

By conducting a regular review, Emma’s investments are now aligned with her current goals and risk profile, positioning her for long-term success.

Don’t Leave Your Investments to Chance

An investment plan is not something you can set and forget. Regular reviews are essential to ensure your portfolio remains robust, efficient, and aligned with your goals. At Fogwill & Jones, our experienced advisors provide proactive, personalised guidance to help you optimise your investments and achieve financial security.

For a comprehensive investment review, contact us on 01142 588899 or visit our website. Let us help you keep your investment strategy strong, adaptive, and ready for the future.

Case Study: Bridging Income Gaps and Planning for a Sustainable Future

Navigating life after taking voluntary severance and facing health challenges can be daunting, especially when it impacts financial stability. This case study highlights how a client sought professional financial advice after transitioning to a part-time business venture that didn’t fully cover their income needs. Robert Wilkinson, one of Fogwill & Jones’ expert advisors, provided tailored financial guidance, helping the client manage their investments and plan for a sustainable financial future. 

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser? 

‘I took voluntary severance from work, partly on health grounds. I set up a small private business to provide some ongoing income as I was some years from full retirement age. Owing to health conditions, I am only able to work part-time, and this doesn’t provide enough income. Robert’s colleague with whom I previously worked helped me set up some investments and later to access a small occupational pension and linked AVCs. Robert has recently taken over my affairs from his colleague.’ 

How has Robert Wilkinson helped you? 

‘Robert has performed the annual review of my investments, in the context of my current, broader financial circumstances. We have met and discussed this and, considering his advice, have planned investments for the coming year. I raised some questions and concerns about the narrow margin and occasional shortfall between my earnings and outgoings, and needing to use savings to bridge the gap. In particular, I am concerned how sustainable this position might be over the remaining years until my next modest occupational pension pot becomes available. Robert has prepared a cashflow report, which we will meet to consider together. Robert has also checked in with me about the benefits of setting up Lasting Powers of Attorney – something I have intended to do but needed a reminder to action!’ 

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for? 

‘I have only been working with Rob for a very short time so it’s too early to track outcomes from financial investments. But I’m very pleased with Robert’s work for me so far. I have found him very friendly, approachable, open and down to earth – easy to work with. He has been prompt and responsive in following issues up from meetings and discussions. It feels like he very quickly formed a useful ‘360 degree’ sense of where I am, where I want to be, and things that might be useful to consider. I have found this very reassuring.’ 

Conclusion 

This case study underscores the value of personalised financial advice during transitional life stages. Through proactive and empathetic engagement, we helped the client navigate immediate financial challenges and prepare for future needs. As the relationship progresses, the client looks forward to achieving sustainable financial outcomes, thanks to our comprehensive and client-focused approach.

New Inheritance Tax Rules on Pensions: What You Need to Know for 2027

Planning for retirement isn’t just about ensuring a steady income when you stop working – it’s also about making sure your wealth is preserved for your loved ones. A recent change announced in the UK Budget will have a significant impact on how pension savings are taxed after death. From 6 April 2027, any unused pension funds and death benefits left in your pension pot will be subject to Inheritance Tax (IHT).

At Fogwill & Jones, we believe that understanding and preparing for these changes is essential for protecting your wealth. We offer personalised retirement planning to help you navigate complex tax rules and maximise the value of your pension savings for yourself and your family.

What is Changing?

Under current rules, unused pension funds can be passed on to beneficiaries free from IHT. This has made pensions a tax-efficient way to transfer wealth. However, from April 2027, any remaining funds in your pension at the time of death will be included in your estate for IHT purposes.

If your total estate, including your pension, exceeds the inheritance tax (IHT) threshold, you may be subject to taxation. The standard threshold is £325,000 (or £650,000 for married couples or civil partners). On any amount above this threshold, a 40% tax rate applies. However, you can also benefit from the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB), which provides an additional £175,000 allowance on top of the £325,000.

Example:

David, 70, has a pension pot worth £600,000 and other assets worth £400,000. Today, his pension is exempt from IHT, and his estate of £1 million is largely protected. After April 2027, on the assumption that his asset worth £400,000 is his main residence, David would need to pay IHT on the remaining £600,000. This could result in an IHT bill of £200,000.

How Fogwill & Jones Can Help

At Fogwill & Jones, we specialise in helping individuals organise their retirement and estate plans to reduce unnecessary tax burdens. Here’s how we can assist:

Tailored Drawdown Strategies:

We can help you create a drawdown strategy that allows you to gradually withdraw from your pension in a tax-efficient manner, reducing the amount left unused and therefore subject to IHT.

Exploring Tax-Efficient Alternatives:

We can advise you on tax-efficient savings and investments, such as ISAs or family trusts, that fall outside the scope of IHT.

Estate Planning and Trusts:

We provide guidance on setting up trusts or using life insurance policies to cover potential IHT liabilities, ensuring your beneficiaries receive as much of your estate as possible.

Case Study: Securing Sarah’s Retirement and Legacy

Sarah, 65, recently retired with a pension pot of £800,000. She wanted to leave most of her pension to her children but was concerned about the new IHT rules.

With Fogwill & Jones’ guidance:

Sarah opted to withdraw funds gradually from her pension, investing part of it into a family trust. She also updated her will and took out a life insurance policy written in trust to cover any future IHT liabilities.

As a result, Sarah reduced her taxable estate and ensured that her children would receive more of her hard-earned savings.

Get Advice

The 2027 changes to pension tax rules make it more important than ever to have a clear retirement and estate plan. At Fogwill & Jones, we offer expert advice tailored to your unique financial situation, helping you minimise taxes and secure your family’s future.

To learn more about how we can help you navigate these changes, contact us today at 01142 588899 or visit our website.

Changes to Capital Gains Tax: Maximising Your Savings and Investments

The financial landscape is always evolving, and one of the key changes announced in the Autumn Budget affects Capital Gains Tax (CGT). From 30th October 2024, there will be an increase in the main rates of Capital Gains Tax. Ensuring your savings and investments are held in the right places is now more critical than ever.

At Fogwill & Jones, we work closely with clients to optimise their investment portfolios, helping to minimise tax liabilities and maximise returns. One of the simplest ways to achieve this is by utilising tax-efficient investment vehicles such as Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs), which are not subject to CGT.

What’s Changing?

CGT has increased from 10% to 18% at the lower rate, and 20% to 24% at the higher rate. This change came into force immediately, meaning anyone who had sold assets with gains on the morning of the Budget (30 October 2024), will fall into the new rates.

This change could affect anyone with investments in shares, property (excluding primary residences), or other assets outside of tax-advantaged accounts. For higher-value investments, even modest gains could now lead to a tax liability.

Example:

James, an investor, sells shares and makes a £10,000 gain in 2023. Under the rules for 2023-24, £6,000 is exempt, and he only pays CGT on £4,000 – which would be a bill of £800 if he is a higher-rate taxpayer. From April 2024, his exemption falls to £3,000, meaning he will be taxed on £7,000 of his gain instead. If James is a higher-rate taxpayer and the gain was realised after 30th October 2024. he could face a CGT bill of £1,680 (24% on gains above the threshold).

How Fogwill & Jones Can Help

With the reduction in the CGT allowance, it’s vital to review where your investments are held. Fogwill & Jones can help you:

Maximise Your ISA Allowance:

ISAs are a powerful tool for shielding your investments from CGT. You can invest up to £20,000 per year in an ISA, and all capital gains, dividends, and interest within the ISA are tax-free.

Strategic Asset Allocation:                                               

We can help you diversify your investments across various tax-efficient accounts, including pensions, which offer tax advantages while you save for retirement.

Plan Your Gains:                                                                           

Timing is key when it comes to realising gains. We assist clients in spreading gains over multiple tax years, ensuring they make full use of the annual exemption and avoid unnecessary tax liabilities.

Explore Trusts and Other Structures:

For those with larger estates or complex investment needs, we can advise on setting up trusts or other structures to protect your wealth from excessive taxation.

Case Study: Helping Emma Reduce Her Tax Bill

Emma, a long-term investor, holds a mix of shares and a rental property. With the CGT changes looming, she consulted Fogwill & Jones to review her investment strategy.

Our solution:

We helped Emma transfer part of her portfolio into ISAs, protecting future gains from CGT. We advised her to stagger the sale of some shares across multiple tax years to spread out the tax liability and also set up a trust for her rental property to manage the tax implications effectively.

As a result, Emma reduced her exposure to CGT and positioned her portfolio for long-term growth without unnecessary tax burdens.

Get Advice

The reduction in the CGT allowance highlights the importance of proactive financial planning. Whether you’re an experienced investor or just starting to build your portfolio, Fogwill & Jones can help you protect your gains and grow your wealth in a tax-efficient manner.

For personalised advice, contact us at 01142 588899. Let us help you make the most of your investments​.

Are you struggling to understand the Governments planned Social Care changes and Care Cap?

If you said yes to that question, you are not alone. The majority of people, including other advisers that specialise in this area also      find the new social care changes and care cap difficult to understand. This article breaks down the basics behind the proposed changes.

Who currently pays for Care?

The value of your assets determine what you have to pay.

At present if you have assets in excess of £23,250 you are classed as being a self-funder and will pay for your own care, whether its in your own home or in a care home.

If your assets are between £14,250 and £23,250 you will be required to make a contribution towards your care from your income and/or capital until your assets fall under £14,250. The council will top up the rest.

Should you assets fall under £14,250 you no longer pay fees from your capital, but you must continue paying from income included in the means test. The council pay the remaining cost of your care.

So what is changing?

In October 2023 the government intends to bring a new ‘Care Cap’ into play whereby once you have paid £86,000 towards care fees you will no longer pay for your care fees. However, it’s not quite as simple as it seems.

Each person that requires care will need to be assessed as to whether they meet the ‘eligible needs’ for care. Once the person needing care has been assessed as having ‘eligible needs’ the clock will start ticking until their contributions towards the cost of meeting their eligible needs hits the £86,000 cap.

So what are the ‘eligible needs’ that need to be met?

Unfortunately, this has not yet been disclosed by the Government. Therefore there is no indication which sort care costs will count towards the £86,000 cap.

If your needs are ‘not eligible’ these costs will not count towards the cap.

Daily Living Costs are the charges for living in a care home, things such as the accommodation and food. This cost has been set at £200 per week as standard nationwide for anyone in a care home. These costs will not count towards the care cap. Neither will any contributions made by the NHS.

The government have also confirmed that ‘top up payments will not count (where the person or a third party chooses to make additional payments for a preferred choice of accommodation or care arrangements).

So there seem to be a lot of costs that don’t go towards the cap, but what does?

Each local authority will have their own personal budget. For Yorkshire and the Humber, the average fee for a local authority paid care home is £533 per week. Based on £533 average amount, the following would go towards the care cap:

£200 per week – Daily Living Costs, doesn’t count towards the cap
£333 per week – Does count towards the cap

So what if my care is more than £533 per week?

On average in Yorkshire and the Humber a self-funder will pay £722 per week for care*. However, many clients in care homes pay much higher fees than this per week.

The difference between the Local Authority Care Cost and the fee actually paid will not count towards the cap. This is deemed to be a ‘top up’ where the person or a third party chooses to make additional payments for a preferred choice of accommodation or care arrangements.

This means if you pay £722 per week for care, only £333 per week will count towards the care cap and a staggering £389 per week will not. Based on the £722 per week example, the following would count towards the care cap:

£200 per week – Daily Living Costs, does not count towards the cap
£189 per week – Top Up, does not count towards the cap
£333 per week – Does count towards the cap

On that basis it will take almost 4.9 years before you reach the proposed £86,000 care cap, based on £333 per week. During this time, you could have paid an additional £183,965.60 towards your care (£722 per week x 4.9 years). After reaching the care cap, you will still be liable to pay the amounts that don’t go towards the care cap (i.e. £389 per week).

How can we help?

The planned Government changes to the Social Care Act are complicated. Our adviser Sophie Smith is a specialist in this area and an Accredited Member of the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA).

Sophie is able to offer personalised advice and information. She is able to discuss your funding options when it comes to paying care fees, give you advice and help you budget properly.

*Source: Laing and Buisson Care Homes for Older People Report, 31st edition

If you would like to discuss investment strategies or any other financial planning matter, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0114 2588899 or email info@fogwilljones.co.uk. Our Independent Financial Advisers are qualified to provide advice in the areas of retirement planning, tax planning, savings, inheritance tax, investments and protection.

Please remember that the value of investments may fall as well as rise in value.