When planning for the future, we often focus on building wealth, achieving financial goals, and creating opportunities for the next generation. But there’s another side to good financial planning that is just as important: protection.

Protection policies – including life insurance, income protection, and critical illness cover – provide a financial safety net when life takes an unexpected turn. They ensure that you and your loved ones are supported, no matter what happens. At Fogwill & Jones, we believe that real financial confidence comes not just from the plans you make, but from the security you build around them.

Life Insurance: Looking After Loved Ones

Life insurance offers peace of mind that your family will be financially supported if the worst should happen. It can help cover everyday living costs, outstanding debts, and even future expenses such as university fees. This type of cover can be particularly important for those with dependents, mortgages, or other long-term financial responsibilities.

There are various types of life insurance policies, including term assurance and whole-of-life cover. Term assurance provides cover for a set period and pays out if you pass away during the term. Whole-of-life policies, as the name suggests, provide lifelong cover and typically come with a higher premium but guarantee a payout regardless of when death occurs. Choosing the right policy depends on your financial goals, family circumstances, and the level of cover needed.

Income Protection: Supporting You When You Can’t Work

Your ability to earn an income is one of your most valuable assets. Income protection insurance provides a regular income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. This type of policy can be especially important for those who are self-employed or whose employers do not offer extended sick pay.

Income protection typically covers a percentage of your income, often up to 60-70%, and continues to pay out until you are able to return to work or reach retirement age, depending on the terms of your policy. It’s a critical safety net that allows you to maintain your lifestyle and meet financial commitments while you recover.

It’s important to understand the deferral period (the time between stopping work and when payments begin), and whether the policy is reviewable or guaranteed, as these factors can affect both the cost and suitability of the cover.

Critical Illness Cover: Financial Help During Health Challenges

A serious illness can be life-altering, both emotionally and financially. Critical illness cover provides a lump sum payment if you’re diagnosed with a specified condition such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke. This money can be used however you need – whether that’s paying for private treatment, making adaptations to your home, or simply covering household bills while you focus on your health.

Each policy outlines which conditions are covered and under what circumstances a claim can be made. Some policies also cover children or offer partial payouts for less severe conditions. Having this type of cover in place means you won’t need to dip into savings or take on debt at a time when financial stability is more important than ever.

The Role of Protection in Holistic Financial Planning

Protection is often overlooked in favour of more visible aspects of financial planning, such as investing or saving for retirement. However, without a solid safety net, the plans you work hard to build could be vulnerable to disruption. Think of protection as the foundation upon which all other financial goals rest.

Having the right insurance in place means your financial future remains on track, even if life doesn’t go according to plan. It also brings peace of mind, allowing you to focus on the present without the burden of ‘what if’ scenarios weighing on your mind.

A Foundation for Resilience

Having the right protection in place isn’t about expecting the worst – it’s about being prepared. These policies form the foundation of a resilient financial plan. They give you the confidence to move forward with your goals, knowing that you’ve taken sensible, proactive steps to protect what matters most.

At Fogwill & Jones, we help our clients identify the protection that best fits their circumstances and long-term plans. We take the time to understand your unique situation, explain your options clearly, and help you find policies that align with your values and financial objectives.

If you’re unsure about the right cover for you, we’re here to help you make informed, thoughtful decisions.

With the first half of the year behind us, now is an ideal time to take a step back and assess your financial position. A mid-year financial health check allows you to measure progress against your goals, review your investment performance, and make any necessary adjustments to your tax planning strategy. In an ever-changing economic and geopolitical environment, such timely reviews are not just advisable – they are essential.

Conducting a comprehensive financial review mid-year can help identify potential shortfalls and opportunities, keeping you on track for a more secure and prosperous 2025. This approach not only supports long-term wealth building but also ensures you are making informed financial decisions that reflect current market conditions.

Reviewing Your Financial Goals

Start by revisiting the goals you set at the beginning of the year. Are you saving enough towards your retirement, your children’s education, or a future home? Have your priorities changed due to personal or professional developments? Realigning your plan to reflect your current aspirations helps ensure that your financial strategy remains relevant and effective.

Clarity around your goals is the foundation of any successful financial plan. Use this mid-year checkpoint to ensure that your short-, medium-, and long-term objectives remain realistic and aligned with your income, lifestyle, and timeframes.

Assessing Investment Performance

Markets have faced considerable volatility in recent months, influenced by factors such as ongoing trade tensions, shifting central bank policies, and broader geopolitical uncertainties. Reviewing your investment performance mid-year gives you the opportunity to evaluate whether your portfolio remains aligned with your risk tolerance and long-term objectives.

This is also a chance to check whether your asset allocation is still appropriate. Diversification remains a cornerstone of sound investing, particularly in uncertain times. Rebalancing your portfolio, if necessary, helps maintain a healthy balance between risk and return.

Reviewing your investment strategy regularly can also reveal if any holdings have consistently underperformed or if there are new opportunities that better align with your goals. If you work with a financial adviser, this is the perfect moment to revisit your investment review together.

Revisiting Tax Planning Strategies

Tax planning is not a once-a-year activity. Mid-year is a sensible point to consider whether you are making full use of available allowances and reliefs, including:

• ISA contributions
• Pension contributions
• Capital Gains Tax allowances
• Gift allowances for Inheritance Tax planning

Strategic use of these reliefs can significantly enhance your financial efficiency. With potential tax reforms on the horizon, it is prudent to take advantage of current rules while they remain in place.

If you are a business owner or have more complex financial arrangements, there may be additional planning opportunities around dividend strategies, corporation tax changes, and salary versus drawdown decisions. These should all be reviewed in the context of your broader financial picture.

Adapting to Change

The financial landscape continues to evolve. Inflation pressures, global trade disruptions, and potential changes to tax legislation all highlight the importance of flexibility in your financial plan. Rather than reacting to headlines, a structured mid-year review enables you to respond thoughtfully and with purpose.

Regular check-ins help ensure you are not only protecting your assets but also positioning yourself to take advantage of change. Whether it’s reallocating investments, increasing savings, or reassessing risk levels, timely action based on reliable insights can strengthen your financial resilience.

Why a Mid-Year Financial Review Matters

A mid-year financial health check is more than a routine task – it’s a proactive step toward financial well-being. By reflecting on your goals, performance, and plans mid-year, you give yourself time to make meaningful adjustments before year-end. This can reduce financial stress, improve outcomes, and bring greater clarity to your financial journey.

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just beginning your wealth-building journey, a structured review offers invaluable perspective. It ensures that you’re on the right path and gives you confidence to make informed decisions, no matter what the markets or the world throw your way.

How Fogwill & Jones Can Support You

At Fogwill & Jones our advisers can help you carry out a financial health check and work with you to make sure your plans are on track to meet your objectives.

Let us help you take stock of where you are and make informed decisions to keep you on course for your 2025 goals. Contact us today to arrange your mid-year financial review and ensure your plans remain on the path to success.

From April 2026, significant changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) reliefs on business and agricultural assets will take effect. For individuals and families whose wealth includes trading businesses, farmland, or other qualifying assets, these changes may lead to larger tax liabilities on their estates – unless careful planning is undertaken now.

Currently, under Business Relief and Agricultural Relief rules, qualifying assets can receive up to 100% relief from IHT. This has enabled many families to pass on substantial value without triggering a tax charge. However, the government has confirmed that from April 2026, this full relief will only apply to the first £1 million of eligible assets. Any value above this threshold will receive only 50% relief. This shift could have a material impact on the estates of those with valuable land holdings or business shares.

What This Means in Practice

For example, if an estate includes £2 million of qualifying agricultural land, under current rules the full amount may be exempt from IHT. From April 2026, only £1 million would be fully exempt, while the remaining £1 million would be taxed at 20% (after 50% relief), resulting in a potential IHT bill of £200,000 on just that portion of the estate.

Such figures underline the importance of reviewing your estate planning strategy now, well before the changes come into force.

Strategies to Consider Now

There are a number of forward-looking strategies that can help mitigate the potential impact of these upcoming rules:

1. Lifetime Gifting

Transferring assets during your lifetime can be an effective way to reduce the value of your estate. Provided you survive for seven years after making the gift, it may fall entirely outside your estate for IHT purposes. This approach can be especially useful for business owners or landowners who are confident in their succession plans.

2. Trust Planning

Trusts remain a versatile tool for wealth preservation and transfer. They allow you to maintain a degree of control over how assets are used, while potentially reducing the taxable value of your estate. Trusts can be complex and must be structured carefully to align with your goals and the evolving tax environment.

3. Pensions and ISAs

ISAs are subject to IHT on death and from 2027, pensions will also be subject to IHT. This makes pensions a valuable component of estate planning. In some cases, it may be beneficial to preserve pension savings while drawing on other, more taxable assets. Structuring your investments tax-efficiently can have long-term benefits for your beneficiaries.

4. Asset Reorganisation

Where appropriate, it may be worth considering whether business or agricultural assets can be restructured to maximise the reliefs available. This could involve changing the ownership structure or redistributing assets among family members.

Timing Is Critical

April 2026 may feel distant, but in estate planning terms, it is relatively soon. Some strategies, like gifting or trust creation, can take time to implement and benefit from. Acting now gives you the best chance to make the most of the current reliefs before they are scaled back. Early planning also ensures you are not making decisions under time pressure, allowing for a more thoughtful and tailored approach.

Why Choose Fogwill & Jones

At Fogwill & Jones, we understand that every client’s situation is unique. Our advisers have deep experience in helping clients navigate complex tax rules, often in coordination with legal and accountancy professionals. Whether you’re managing a family farm, a private company, or a diverse portfolio, we will work with you to develop a strategy that reflects your values and objectives.

We believe in empowering our clients through clarity and foresight. Our inheritance tax planning service is designed to give you peace of mind – ensuring your wealth is protected, your loved ones are provided for, and your legacy endures.

If your estate includes business or agricultural assets, we strongly recommend starting the conversation today. Contact us to arrange a consultation and begin planning with confidence.

 

If you’re approaching retirement, now’s the time to make the most of the tax opportunities available to you. By taking proactive steps to optimise your savings, reduce your tax bill, and boost your retirement pot, you can make sure that the next chapter of your life is financially secure. The good news is that there are key actions you can take to enhance your retirement prospects – without waiting until you’re drawing from your pension.

At Fogwill & Jones, we help people like you make the best possible decisions to grow your wealth and minimise tax liabilities. Here’s how you can make early moves to get the most from your pension, ISAs, and tax strategies this tax year.

The Importance of Planning Ahead for Retirement

When you’re approaching retirement, you want your money to be working as hard as you’ve worked for it. Every decision you make in these final years before retirement can have a significant impact on the size of your retirement pot and the amount of tax you pay. It’s important to act now to take advantage of available allowances and avoid missing out on opportunities that can help you secure your financial future.

Key Strategies to Boost Your Retirement Savings

Maximise Your Pension Contributions

If you’re not already contributing the maximum allowable amount into your pension, now’s the time to review and boost your contributions. For the 2025/26 tax year, you can contribute up to £60,000 to your pension (or 100% of your earnings if lower) and benefit from tax relief on those contributions. By contributing more now, you’ll reduce your taxable income for the year, meaning you’ll pay less tax while boosting your pension savings.

This is particularly important if you’ve had years of lower contributions, or if you’ve recently experienced a pay rise or other windfall. With pension contributions, the more you put in, the more tax relief you can claim. The best part? The money you invest grows tax-free.

Consider Pension Carry Forward

If you haven’t fully used your annual pension allowance in the past three years, you could be eligible to “carry forward” unused allowances and top up your pension even further. This could be a great opportunity to accelerate your pension savings before you retire. Carry forward is a useful strategy to consider, especially if your income has fluctuated or if you’re in the final years of your career.

Maximise Your ISA Contributions

ISAs remain a powerful tax-efficient tool for retirement savings. For the 2025/26 tax year, you can contribute up to £20,000 across your ISAs, including cash ISAs, stocks and shares ISAs, and innovative finance ISAs. While you don’t get tax relief on contributions like with pensions, the key benefit of ISAs is that any growth or income earned within the account is free from tax.

If you’ve not maximised your ISA contributions yet, doing so now can give your retirement pot an immediate boost, while providing flexibility in how and when you access your savings during retirement.

Take Advantage of Tax-Loss Harvesting

If you’ve seen any investments in your portfolio underperform this year, tax-loss harvesting could be a way to reduce your tax bill. By selling off investments that have lost value, you can offset any gains you’ve made elsewhere in your portfolio, thereby reducing your capital gains tax liability. This strategy is particularly useful if you’re nearing retirement and want to ensure your investment portfolio is as tax-efficient as possible.

Review Your Investment Strategy

It’s also important to ensure your investments are well-positioned for retirement. As you approach retirement, your investment strategy should shift toward more secure, income-generating assets, such as bonds or dividend-paying stocks. If you’ve been following an aggressive growth strategy, now may be the time to review your asset allocation and adjust for a smoother transition into retirement.

Having a portfolio that aligns with your retirement timeline can help you preserve wealth and avoid taking on unnecessary risk in the final stretch before retirement.

Why You Need Expert Guidance

While the steps mentioned above may seem straightforward, it’s important to remember that personal finance is highly individual. Everyone’s situation is different, and the right strategy for you will depend on your unique circumstances including income, investment goals, and retirement timeline. This is where expert financial advice comes in.

At Fogwill & Jones, we work with you to develop a customised plan that maximises your savings, minimises your tax exposure, and gives you peace of mind as you head into retirement. Whether it’s advising on pension contributions, helping you use carry forward rules, or optimising your ISA strategy, our goal is to ensure that you’re taking full advantage of the current tax rules to achieve the best retirement outcome possible.

Take Action Now to Secure Your Future

The 2025/26 tax year is a crucial time to get your retirement savings in order, but the clock is ticking. Book a consultation with us today to review your current retirement plans, forecast your savings, and implement tax-efficient strategies that will help you make the most of the opportunities available to you.

Don’t wait until retirement is just around the corner to start planning. Taking action now can make all the difference to the size of your pension pot and your financial security in retirement.

Call us today on 01142 588899 or email info@fogwilljones.co.uk to schedule your consultation. Let’s make the most of this tax year and ensure your retirement is everything you’ve worked for.

As we enter the 2025/26 tax year, now is the perfect time to hit the reset button on your family’s financial planning. With new tax updates and allowances in play, it’s essential to start the year strong by reviewing key areas of your family finances. By taking the right steps early on, you can ensure that your financial strategy is optimised to take advantage of available tax breaks, reduce the impact of inflation, and work toward your long-term goals.

At Fogwill & Jones, we’re here to help guide you through the process, offering expert advice to ensure your family’s finances are on track. Here’s your 2025/26 tax year checklist to get you started:

2025/26 Tax Year Checklist:

1. Check Your Tax Allowances and Make the Most of Them

The start of the new tax year is the ideal time to review your available tax allowances. These can help reduce your taxable income, saving you money in the long run. Key allowances to check:

• Personal Allowance: Ensure that you’re maximising your personal tax-free allowance (£12,570 for most taxpayers). If your income is close to this threshold, consider ways to reduce your taxable income, such as contributing more to pensions or using other allowances.

• Marriage Allowance: If you’re married or in a civil partnership, and one of you earns below the personal allowance, you may be eligible for the marriage allowance. This can allow you to transfer a portion of your unused allowance to your partner, lowering your overall tax bill.

• Capital Gains Tax Allowance: If you’re selling investments or assets, make sure you’re aware of your annual Capital Gains Tax allowance. It’s a good idea to review your investments to ensure you’re not overlooking tax-efficient options like ISAs or pension contributions.

2. ISA Opportunities: Maximise Your Contributions

ISAs continue to be one of the best ways to grow your wealth in a tax-efficient manner. For the 2025/26 tax year, you can contribute up to £20,000 across your ISAs, including Cash ISAs, Stocks and Shares ISAs, and Innovative Finance ISAs.

For families, it’s worth considering:

• Junior ISAs: If you’re saving for your children’s future, now’s a great time to make use of Junior ISAs. The annual contribution limit for Junior ISAs is £9,000. This is an excellent way to give your children a head start in life while taking advantage of tax-free growth.•

• Stocks and Shares ISAs: If you have a longer investment horizon and are comfortable with some market risk, consider using your ISA allowance for stocks and shares. The growth from these investments is free from tax, making them an effective tool for growing your wealth over time.

3. Take Advantage of Tax-Free Childcare

If you have children under the age of 12 (or 17 for children with disabilities), the Tax-Free Childcare scheme can save your family money. For every £8 you pay into your childcare account, the government will add £2, up to a maximum of £2,000 per child per year.

If you’re not already enrolled in the scheme, now’s the time to apply. If you’re already using it, make sure that your account is updated and you’re fully utilising the allowance. With rising childcare costs, this can make a significant difference to your family budget.

4. Review Your Family Budget Against Inflation

The cost of living continues to rise, and inflation remains a key consideration for families. It’s important to review your family budget and make adjustments where necessary to ensure you’re staying on track. This includes:

• Revisiting Spending Habits: With rising prices, some expenses may have increased without you noticing. Take time to reassess your household spending and identify areas where you can cut back or be more efficient.

• Energy and Utility Costs: Rising energy prices are still a concern for many households. Review your energy plans and see if there are more cost-effective options available. Additionally, check if your home qualifies for any green energy incentives or rebates.

• Food and Essentials: Inflation has hit grocery bills hard. Plan ahead by shopping smart and considering options like bulk buying or meal planning to reduce costs.

5. Goal Setting and Planning for the Future

The new tax year is also a great time to revisit your family’s financial goals and make sure you’re on track. Whether it’s saving for a holiday, your children’s education, or buying a new home, setting clear goals will help you stay focused and motivated. Consider the following:

• Short-Term Goals: These might include saving for a large purchase, building an emergency fund, or paying down high-interest debt.

• Medium-Term Goals: These could involve funding your children’s education or saving for a significant home renovation project.

• Long-Term Goals: Retirement planning, investing in your pension, and providing for your family’s future.

Use these goals to guide your family’s financial decisions throughout the year and make sure that you’re prioritising what matters most to you.

6. Review Your Insurance Coverage

As your family grows and changes, it’s important to ensure that your insurance coverage reflects your current situation. This includes life insurance, health insurance, and income protection. Reviewing these policies annually ensures that you’re fully protected and that your beneficiaries are properly accounted for.

Why Expert Guidance Makes All the Difference

While the above checklist gives you a solid starting point, navigating family finances can be complex. Tax laws, allowances, and financial strategies are always evolving, and it’s important to get personalised advice that aligns with your personal financial situation.

At Fogwill & Jones, we offer expert financial planning services to help you optimise your family’s finances for the year ahead. From tax-efficient savings strategies to smart budgeting and goal-setting, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to Get Started?

The new tax year is a great time to take charge of your family’s financial future. Don’t wait to start making these important changes. Book a consultation with us today to ensure your family’s finances are working as hard as you do.

Call us at 01142 588899 or email info@fogwilljones.co.uk to schedule a review and get expert advice on how to make the most of the 2025/26 tax year.

Let’s optimise your family’s finances together.

When we think about pensions, we often picture something distant – funds locked away until retirement. But what if your pension could offer financial advantages today, not just decades down the line?

A Personal Pension is more than just a retirement fund. It’s a flexible, tax-efficient investment vehicle that can support your financial goals before you even consider retiring. The sooner you start thinking about your pension, the more opportunities arise – not just for your future self but for your current financial well-being.

At Fogwill and Jones, we help individuals like you make the most of their pension savings today while planning for a secure tomorrow.

What is a Personal Pension?

A Personal Pension is a type of pension that gives you greater control over how your retirement savings are invested. Unlike standard workplace pensions, a Personal Pension allows you to choose from a broad range of investments, including stocks, bonds, funds, and even commercial property.

The key advantage? Flexibility – you can adapt your investments to suit your financial strategy.

How Can a Personal Pension Benefit You Now?

1. Tax Relief – An Immediate Boost to Your Savings

One of the biggest benefits of contributing to a Personal Pension is the generous tax relief offered by the government. Every time you add money to your pension, HMRC boosts your contributions:

• Basic rate taxpayers: For every £80 you contribute, the government adds £20 (effectively a 25% boost).

• Higher rate taxpayers: You can claim back an additional 20% through your tax return.

• Additional rate taxpayers: You can claim back up to 25% more, making your pension an incredibly tax-efficient way to save.

This means that by using a Personal Pension strategically, you can reduce your tax bill while increasing your long-term savings.

2. A Personal Pension Can Support Your Investment Strategy

With a Personal Pension, you’re not tied to a limited set of investment options. Instead, you can:

• Diversify your portfolio across different sectors and geographical regions.

• Invest in high-growth assets with long-term potential.

• Adjust your investment strategy as your career and financial goals evolve.

For working accumulators, this level of control means your pension isn’t just a passive savings pot – it’s an active part of your wealth-building strategy.

3. Early Access – A Flexible Retirement Approach

While your Personal Pension is primarily for retirement, you don’t have to wait until your 60s to benefit from it. From age 55 (rising to 57 in 2028), you can start withdrawing from your pension – tax-free on the first 25%.

This flexibility opens up opportunities such as:

• Paying off your mortgage or clearing debts.

• Reducing your working hours and transitioning into semi-retirement.

• Investing in other wealth-building opportunities.

Thinking ahead means you won’t be forced to work longer than necessary – you’ll have the option to access your pension on your own terms.

4. Pensions as a Family Wealth Tool

Unlike many other investments, a Personal Pension can be passed down tax-efficiently. This means that instead of being hit with hefty inheritance tax bills, your pension could become a valuable financial asset for your family.

With the right planning, your pension can:

• Support your loved ones in the future.

• Be used as an estate planning tool.*

• Ensure your wealth is preserved across generations.

 

The Sooner You Start, the More Options You Have

Many people don’t realise just how powerful a pension can be before retirement. By thinking strategically and acting early, you can:

• Reduce your tax bill

• Grow your investments on your own terms

• Ensure financial flexibility for future life changes

• Retire when you want – not when you have to

How We Can Help

At Fogwill and Jones, we specialise in helping professionals and business owners maximise their pensions as part of a wider financial strategy. We offer:

• Personalised investment guidance.

• Tax-efficient pension planning tailored to your income.

• A long-term strategy that balances today’s needs with tomorrow’s goals.

Your pension isn’t just for retirement – it’s a financial tool you can use today. Let’s make it work for you, call us on 01142 588899 or email info@fogwilljones.co.uk to book a consultation and learn more about how we can help you to start planning smarter.

*Disclaimer: From April 2027, under the new inheritance tax rules, pensions will form part of a person’s estate upon death and will be subject to inheritance tax.

For those approaching retirement, ensuring your investments are working as hard as you’ve worked is crucial. The right investment strategy isn’t just about choosing the biggest brands or the most popular sectors – it’s about understanding where and how your money is being invested. This is where geographical and sector-specific research becomes invaluable.

At Fogwill and Jones, we specialise in helping you make informed investment decisions that align with your long-term financial goals. By leveraging in-depth research into different regions and industries, we ensure your portfolio is positioned for sustainable growth and stability.

Why Research Matters in Investment Decisions

Markets don’t move in unison. Different regions and sectors perform differently depending on economic cycles, policy changes, and global events. Without a well-researched approach, investors may expose themselves to unnecessary risks or miss out on lucrative opportunities.

Key Benefits of Geographical and Sector-Specific Research

1. Diversification for Risk Management Investing across various regions and industries reduces the risk associated with market downturns. For instance, if one sector underperforms, another may outperform, balancing overall returns.
2. Capitalising on Growth Opportunities Emerging markets or booming sectors can offer higher returns than more mature markets. By understanding where growth is likely to occur, investors can benefit from early positioning.
3. Mitigating Economic and Political Risks Global markets are influenced by factors such as interest rates, inflation, and government policies. Thorough research ensures that your investments aren’t overly exposed to unstable regions or volatile industries.
4. Adapting to Market Trends The investment landscape is constantly evolving. From advancements in technology to shifts in consumer demand, sector-specific research helps investors stay ahead of market trends and adjust their portfolios accordingly.

Example:

Imagine an investor focusing solely on UK-based companies in the retail sector. If economic downturns or policy changes negatively impact consumer spending, their entire portfolio could suffer. However, by diversifying into sectors like healthcare or technology, and spreading investments across stable international markets, they could balance potential losses.

Why You Need an Expert

Conducting this level of research requires time, expertise, and access to the right data. At Fogwill and Jones, we take a meticulous approach to investment research, ensuring your portfolio is optimised for both growth and security. We analyse global trends, assess economic conditions, and identify the strongest sectors to help you make informed decisions.

Plan for a Secure Retirement

As you approach retirement, securing your wealth and ensuring long-term financial stability is paramount. Don’t leave your investments to chance – work with experts who can provide the insights and strategies needed to maximise your returns.

Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can help tailor your investment strategy to your specific goals. Call us on 01142 588899 or email info@fogwilljones.co.uk to book a consultation.

Secure your future with confidence – let’s make your investments work smarter for you.

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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.

 

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.